Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: Romanian Interior Minister Appointed Acting Prime Minister

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Xinhua | 06. 05. 2025

    Keywords: duties of the prime minister, affairs of romania, minister, ministers, temporarily, urgently, resignation of marcel ciolacu, countries, I will, announced

    BUCHAREST, May 6 (Xinhua) — Romanian Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu has been appointed acting prime minister following the resignation of Marcel Ciolacu, the country’s presidential office announced on Tuesday. -0-

    Source: Xinhua

    Breaking News: Romanian Interior Minister Appointed Acting Prime Minister Breaking News: Romanian Interior Minister Appointed Acting Prime Minister

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Correction: Director/PDMR Shareholding

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Volta Finance Limited (VTA/VTAS)

    Notification of transactions by directors, persons discharging managerial
    responsibilities and persons closely associated with them

    NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES

    *****
    Guernsey, 2 May 2025

    Pursuant to the announcements made on 5 April 2019 and 26 June 2020 relating to changes to the payment of directors fees, Volta Finance Limited (the “Company” or “Volta”) has purchased 3,307 ordinary shares of no par value in the Company (“Ordinary Shares”) at an average price of €6.18 per share.

    Each director receives 30% of their Director’s fees for any year in the form of shares, which they are required to retain for a period of no less than one year from their respective date of issue.

    The shares will be issued to the Directors, who for the purposes of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 on Market Abuse (“MAR“) are “persons discharging managerial responsibilities” (a “PDMR“).

    • Dagmar Kershaw, Chairman and a PDMR for the purposes of MAR, acquired 1,018 additional Ordinary Shares in the Company. Following the settlement of this transaction, Ms Kershaw will have an interest in 34,903 Ordinary Shares, representing 0.09% of the issued shares of the Company;
    • Stephen Le Page, Director and a PDMR for the purposes of MAR, acquired 712 additional Ordinary Shares in the Company. Following the settlement of this transaction, Mr Le Page will have an interest in 52,707 Ordinary Shares, representing 0.14% of the issued shares of the Company;
    • Yedau Ogoundele, Director and a PDMR for the purposes of MAR acquired 712 additional Ordinary Shares in the Company. Following the settlement of this transaction, Mrs Ogoundele will have an interest in 9,007 Ordinary Shares, representing 0.02% of the issued shares of the Company; and
    • Joanne Peacegood, Director and a PDMR for the purposes of MAR acquired 865 additional Ordinary Shares in the Company. Following the settlement of this transaction, Mrs Peacegood will have an interest in 6,110 Ordinary Shares, representing 0.01% of the issued shares of the Company;

    The notifications below, made in accordance with the requirements of MAR, provide further detail in relation to the above transactions:

    1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated
    a)   Dagmar Kershaw
    CHAIRMAN & DIRECTOR  
    b) Stephen Le Page
    DIRECTOR
      c) Yedau Ogoundele
    DIRECTOR
    d) Joanne Peacegood
    DIRECTOR
    1. Reason for the notification
    a. Position/status Director
    b. Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification
    1. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
    a. Name Volta Finance Limited
    b. LEI 2138004N6QDNAZ2V3W80
    1. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
    a. Description of financial instrument, type of instrument Ordinary Shares
    b. Identification code GG00B1GHHH78
    c. Nature of the transaction Purchase and allocation of Ordinary Shares relation to the part-payment of Directors’ fees for the quarter ended 30 April 2025.
    d. Price(s) €6.18 per share
    e. Volume(s) Total: 3,307
    f. Date of transaction 2 May 2025
    g. Place of transaction On-market – London
    1. Aggregate Purchase Information
    a)
    Dagmar Kershaw
    Chairman and Director
    b)
    Stephen Le Page
    Director
      c)
    Yedau Ogoundele
    Director
    d)
    Joanne Peacegood
    Director
    Aggr. Volume:
    1,018

    Price:
    €6.18 per share

    Aggr. Volume:
    712

    Price:
    €6.18per share

      Aggr. Volume:
    712

    Price:
    €6.18 per share

    Aggr. Volume:
    865

    Price:
    €6.18 per share

    CONTACTS

    For the Investment Manager
    AXA Investment Managers Paris
    François Touati
    francois.touati@axa-im.com
    +33 (0) 1 44 45 80 22

    Olivier Pons
    Olivier.pons@axa-im.com
    +33 (0) 1 44 45 87 30

    Company Secretary and Administrator
    BNP Paribas S.A, Guernsey Branch
    guernsey.bp2s.volta.cosec@bnpparibas.com 
    +44 (0) 1481 750 853

    Corporate Broker
    Cavendish Securities plc
    Andrew Worne
    Daniel Balabanoff
    +44 (0) 20 7397 8900

    *****
    ABOUT VOLTA FINANCE LIMITED

    Volta Finance Limited is incorporated in Guernsey under the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended) and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market for listed securities. Volta’s home member state for the purposes of the EU Transparency Directive is the Netherlands. As such, Volta is subject to regulation and supervision by the AFM, being the regulator for financial markets in the Netherlands.

    Volta’s Investment objectives are to preserve its capital across the credit cycle and to provide a stable stream of income to its Shareholders through dividends that it expects to distribute on a quarterly basis. The Company currently seeks to achieve its investment objectives by pursuing exposure predominantly to CLO’s and similar asset classes. A more diversified investment strategy across structured finance assets may be pursued opportunistically. The Company has appointed AXA Investment Managers Paris an investment management company with a division specialised in structured credit, for the investment management of all its assets.

    *****

    ABOUT AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS
    AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) is a multi-expert asset management company within the AXA Group, a global leader in financial protection and wealth management. AXA IM is one of the largest European-based asset managers with 2,800 professionals and €859 billion in assets under management as of the end of June 2024.  

    *****

    This press release is published by AXA Investment Managers Paris (“AXA IM”), in its capacity as alternative investment fund manager (within the meaning of Directive 2011/61/EU, the “AIFM Directive”) of Volta Finance Limited (the “Volta Finance”) whose portfolio is managed by AXA IM.

    This press release is for information only and does not constitute an invitation or inducement to acquire shares in Volta Finance. Its circulation may be prohibited in certain jurisdictions and no recipient may circulate copies of this document in breach of such limitations or restrictions. This document is not an offer for sale of the securities referred to herein in the United States or to persons who are “U.S. persons” for purposes of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or otherwise in circumstances where such offer would be restricted by applicable law. Such securities may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration from the Securities Act. Volta Finance does not intend to register any portion of the offer of such securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of such securities in the United States.

    *****

    This communication is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). The securities referred to herein are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

    *****
    This press release contains statements that are, or may deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, “anticipated”, “expects”, “intends”, “is/are expected”, “may”, “will” or “should”. They include the statements regarding the level of the dividend, the current market context and its impact on the long-term return of Volta Finance’s investments. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Volta Finance’s actual results, portfolio composition and performance may differ materially from the impression created by the forward-looking statements. AXA IM does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements.

    Any target information is based on certain assumptions as to future events which may not prove to be realised. Due to the uncertainty surrounding these future events, the targets are not intended to be and should not be regarded as profits or earnings or any other type of forecasts. There can be no assurance that any of these targets will be achieved. In addition, no assurance can be given that the investment objective will be achieved.

    The figures provided that relate to past months or years and past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance or construed as a reliable indicator as to future performance. Throughout this review, the citation of specific trades or strategies is intended to illustrate some of the investment methodologies and philosophies of Volta Finance, as implemented by AXA IM. The historical success or AXA IM’s belief in the future success, of any of these trades or strategies is not indicative of, and has no bearing on, future results.

    The valuation of financial assets can vary significantly from the prices that the AXA IM could obtain if it sought to liquidate the positions on behalf of the Volta Finance due to market conditions and general economic environment. Such valuations do not constitute a fairness or similar opinion and should not be regarded as such.

    Editor: AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS PARIS, a company incorporated under the laws of France, having its registered office located at Tour Majunga, 6, Place de la Pyramide – 92800 Puteaux. AXA IMP is authorized by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers under registration number GP92008 as an alternative investment fund manager within the meaning of the AIFM Directive.

    *****

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Labour to cut school buses for over 8,000 pupils in South Lanarkshire

    Source: Scottish National Party

    The SNP candidate in the Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse by-election has voiced her to opposition to plans by Labour-run South Lanarkshire Council to only provide free transport to students who live more than 3 miles from their catchment secondary school, rather than the current 2 mile limit.

    The Interim Executive Director of Education Resources has confirmed these plans, starting from August this year, are a £2 million cut “based on a 35% to 40% reduction in the number of eligible pupils.”

    According to 2024 school census data, there were 20,616 secondary pupils in South Lanarkshire in that year. Therefore, this would amount to cutting bus services for as many as 8,246 school children. For pupils from St John Ogilvie High School, for example, 98% will no longer qualify for school bus transport under Labour’s plans – leaving just two eligible pupils.

    The SNP strongly opposes these cuts, with late local MSP Christina McKelvie working tirelessly to improve local transport, saving the crucial X1 bus route.

    Already 91,526 concessionary fare passes have been issued to over-60s and disabled people in South Lanarkshire, and 48,041 passes have been issued to young people under 22.

    Under this SNP Scottish Government, free bus travel for disabled people, over 60s and other qualifying groups remains in safe hands.

    The SNP’s Katy Loudon has vowed to continue “delivering for this community” if elected as the next MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse on 5th June, saying a vote for her will send a message to Labour that parents are not wanting these Labour cuts.

    Councillor Loudon, a former teacher, said she is appalled to see Labour inflict such sweeping cuts on children and families across this community.

    She added, “Keir Starmer’s first decision in office was to cut vital support for pensioners; and this spring his Labour government cut £5 billion of support to disabled people.

    “Now, in South Lanarkshire, Labour are doing the same, cutting vital services to thousands of families and letting down local children.”

    She described these decisions as “Tory decisions, made by Labour; a party that has lost its way.”

    The SNP on South Lanarkshire council has opposed this decision at every turn, whilst the SNP Scottish Government has been delivering free bus travel for tens of thousands of people across South Lanarkshire.

    Councillor Loudon concluded saying, “The SNP always wants what’s best for Scotland, while Labour are balancing the books on the backs of pensioners, people with disabilities and children, I will always put the people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse first.”.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Horsebridge Hill roadworks 6 May 2025 Horsebridge Hill roadworks

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    The Isle of Wight Council is working with the developers of the Horsebridge Hill site to issue regular updates on the works impacting the A3020, Cowes Road.

    Dates: 12 May – 4 July, traffic heading towards Cowes will be diverted via Forest Road, Whitehouse Road, Rolls Hill and Pallance Road.

    The timing and importance of the works: While there is never a ‘good time’ for roadworks, these works are being carried out now to expedite the delivery of much-needed social housing on the Island. Due to the number of parties involved and various contracts in place, the plan was signed off recently and all parties involved apologise for the short notice.

    Scale and duration: Teams will be undertaking junction improvement works and installing utilities to the site.

    To ensure that there is minimal impacted to the road network long term, the developer is required to put in a right-hand turn (from Newport to Cowes). This will involve widening the road and putting in a third lane. Given the nature of the works on the highway, a traffic management plan was a requirement on the developer.

    Reason for the diversion:

    Traffic will continue to operate as usual, in both directions, north of the road works at Horsebridge Hill. The one-way diversion will be affect those travelling from the south side of the roadworks (those travelling north from Newport towards Cowes).

    A one-way system for around the roadwork site has been chosen for two main reasons.

    1. Due to the volume of traffic, traffic lights will cause more disruption. They will only let a few cars through at a time and if the exit is not clear the other lane of traffic will not be able to move through freely when their lights are on green.

    2. Shutting one carriage way allows more workers and plant machinery to be on site and working on various jobs at once and it will be safer for the work crews too.

    Exemptions: During the roadworks, local buses will have priority and will be able to pass through the roadworks in both directions. A crew member will be onsite to ensure that buses get through, helping commuters and children getting to school, especially during exams, get to their destinations on time. We encourage as many people as possible to switch their car for the bus during the roadworks.

    Emergency Services will also be able to use the road network in both directions during this time.

    Arrangements during the IW Festival: We can confirm that the road will be open as normal during the Isle of Wight Festival.

    Further updates from the site developers will be available through these newsletters as well as being posted on our social media pages.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Multinational forces set to launch KAMANDAG 9 in the Philippines

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines — Service members from the United States, Philippines, Japan, Republic of Korea and United Kingdom will kick off Exercise KAMANDAG 9 on May 26, 2025, training across the Philippines to enhance multinational military readiness, interoperability, and regional defense capabilities.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Guest Speaker: George Papaconstantinou, Former Minister of Finance in Greece

    Source: Universities – Science Po in English

    On 29 April, we were honoured to welcome George Papaconstantinou, former Minister of Finance in Greece, Director of the Florence School of Transnational Governance at the European University Institute, and Jean Pisani-Ferry, Professor of Economics at Sciences Po. This event was titled “New World New Rules: Global Cooperation in a World of Geopolitical Rivalries” and organised by the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) with the Centre for International Studies (CERI). Arancha González, Dean of PSIA, chaired the event.

    The need for collective action has never been greater, it’s one of today’s most pressing global policy challenges.

    In a sense, the demand for global governance rules has never been as big as it is today. On the supply side, there has never before, in the last 30, 40 years, been so little appetite for rules. States are really not willing to give up their ability to set their own rules and subject themselves to general rules that we would all abide by. And perhaps the most emblematic case of all is not China, it’s America.

    George Papaconstantinou

    Our guest speakers examined governance practices across several key policy areas – climate, health, trade and competition, banking and finance, taxation, migration and the digital economy. They considered what works and what doesn’t, outlined a new agenda for global governance, and discussed the role of Europe in this new environment.

    > Watch the full event now:

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stepping up in a changing global environment

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Good evening.

    Thank you to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs for organising this event, and for your efforts to foster New Zealand’s understanding of international affairs. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak here today. 

    As keen observers and practitioners of international relations, you will all be aware of the degree to which the global environment has changed, even in the past two years.  

    We in New Zealand have enjoyed for a long time the benefits of a strategic environment in which we could focus heavily on growing our economy, seeking trading relationships and pursuing our interests safe in the knowledge that the stable post-war, liberal, international rules-based order provided the guardrails.  

    We believe in that order, and we will act to preserve it. But it is not enough on its own. We rely on our ally, our friends and our partners to help make us more secure, and they rely on us for support. Few countries can go it alone, and we are no exception.  

    We are no longer in a world – and I would argue that maybe we never were – where prosperity and security are mutually exclusive. There is no economic security without national security.  

    As Minister of Defence, I am keenly aware that our Defence Force needs to be acknowledged for its core functions. It plays a vital in contributing to national defence and resilience, and helping deliver whole-of government security objectives.  

    But we have a Defence Force with military capabilities for a reason. We choose to hold at readiness a credible force of highly trained and capable men and women who are prepared and ready to act with force if needed, to defend our country. 

    Unfortunately 35 years of underinvestment has allowed this capability to deteriorate.  

    Defence Capability Plan 

    I was therefore very proud to last month launch with the Prime Minister, the Chief of Defence Force and the Secretary of Defence our new Defence Capability Plan – or, given the military’s fondness for acronyms, the DCP. 

    This plan sets out $12 billion of planned commitments over the next four years, including $9 billion of new spending, with a path to reaching 2 percent of GDP in the next eight years. 

    The release of the DCP represents the culmination of several years of focused work by the Defence agencies to ensure our defence policy settings and our defence capability investments best support New Zealand’s interests in a changed and changing world through to 2040. 

    As you can imagine, the content of the DCP was the subject of some intense discussions with my Cabinet colleagues. We know the critical importance of getting this right, of having a plan that is both appropriately ambitious and achievable, and firmly focused on what is in New Zealand’s best interests. 

    I am proud of the DCP, and I welcome the very positive reactions to it, both domestically and internationally. 

    New Zealanders understand that our world has changed, and the highly skilled and professional personnel of the New Zealand Defence Force need to be ready to do what the New Zealand Government and people ask of it, often at short notice. 

    Defence is not something that can be mothballed until you need it. Because when the chips are down, you need a force that is ready and equipped to do whatever is asked of it – and it needs to be able about to do it immediately.  

    That means it must be empowered and equipped appropriately. 

    I have been particularly pleased with the broad support the DCP has received from across Parliament. National security is one area of public policy that benefits strongly from a bipartisan approach, and I welcome the support for a more capable Defence Force. 

    I have been able to discuss the DCP with a number of my international counterparts, and I can tell you it has been received very positively by New Zealand’s security partners. Our partners have welcomed our updated approach and our intention to invest more in New Zealand’s defence capabilities. 

    The first step to turning the DCP into action was taken on Sunday, when I announced the Government is putting aside $2 billion plus to replace the Defence Force’s ageing maritime helicopters. Alongside that, we are investing $957 million over four years in Defence Force activities, personnel and estate in Budget 25. I will have more to say on Budget Day on additional defence investment. 

    The increase in defence investment has generated quite a range of questions about elements of New Zealand’s defence policy, both long-standing and newly introduced, that could usefully be explained in greater detail. And that is what I would like to do this evening. 

    I will talk in particular to our assessment of New Zealand’s strategic environment, our alliance with Australia, our approach to deterrence, the importance of combat capability, and opportunities for innovation. 

    New Zealand’s strategic environment 

    The first line in the first chapter of the DCP sets the scene well for the policy settings that follow: “New Zealand is facing its most challenging and dangerous strategic environment for decades.” 

    Security challenges that we are familiar with remain with us. At home and in our immediate region these include ongoing risks of natural disasters and maritime security challenges of all kinds. And some of these are becoming worse – for example, we are seeing increasing use of the Pacific as a transhipment route for illegal drugs. 

    And for our Pacific partners in particular, climate change and its wide-ranging security impacts continue to represent the primary security concern.  

    Increasingly, however, the defining character of our strategic environment is strategic competition. 

    Globally, in the wider Indo-Pacific and in our immediate region, we are seeing some states increasingly acting in ways that undermine existing international rules and norms, and seeking to reshape both regional orders and the global order as a whole.  

    Recent events in our immediate region – including the PRC Task Group operating in the Tasman Sea and last year’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missile test – have demonstrated that New Zealand’s geographic location no longer shelters us from threats to the extent that it once did. Our region is of increasing strategic significance, and global challenges and tensions are having direct impacts on our security. 

    And the wider Indo Pacific contains a number of potential security flashpoints – be that cross-Strait tensions, the Korean Peninsula or competing claims in the South China Sea. 

    Perhaps the most acute – and still shocking – example of the deteriorating strategic environment is Russia’s ongoing illegal war against Ukraine. 

    New Zealand remains fully committed to supporting Ukraine’s self-defence and national resilience. The Prime Minister announced last month during his trip to the United Kingdom and Türkiye that New Zealand is extending its military assistance in support of Ukraine’s self-defence through to December 2026. 

    New Zealand welcomes efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, and is following the negotiations on a potential ceasefire very closely. 

    Overview of DCP policy settings 

    As a government, we need to ensure we are employing our full range of tools of statecraft to best effect in service of New Zealand’s national interests.  

    We are a small island nation that relies on trade for its economic growth and – as I have previously said, we cannot have economic security without national security. 

    A compromised supply chain can lead to disruptions, financial losses, reputational damage and compromised products or services. And our supply chains rely on the security of maritime, air, land, space and cyber domains.  

    As Defence Minister, I need to ensure the Defence Force has the right capabilities, is using those capabilities to support peace and security, and is prepared for scenarios in which competition tips into confrontation and conflict. 

    That is why the DCP has three new defence policy objectives. These aren’t a radical shift in our policy, but they provide a sharper focus.  

    The first is to protect and promote New Zealand’s security, and that of our immediate region. New Zealand’s security is indivisible from the strategic situation our region is facing. 

    Defence plays a key part in ensuring the security, stability, and resilience of our immediate region by deterring actions contrary to the security of New Zealand and our regional partners and helping sustain wider regional conditions favourable to New Zealand’s security interests. An important part of this is delivering our defence and security constitutional responsibilities to the Realm.  

    Second is enhancing our alliance and other key security partnerships, which I’ll expand on shortly.  

    And third is to contribute to achieving our global interests, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Defence will continue its pattern of operations in support of maritime security and the existing liberal international rules-based order, and we will work closely with our international security partners to promote collective security approaches in accordance with international law, in particular the United National Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), including freedom of navigation and oversight. 

    But Defence’s activities are truly global as well, as demonstrated by NZDF’s ongoing support to Ukraine and operations in the Middle East. Just last month, the Royal New Zealand Navy deployed the frigate HMNZS Te Kaha to conduct anti-smuggling operations in the Indian Ocean as part of the New Zealand-led Combined Task Force 150. The taskforce has already had very real impact, disrupting the trade of $600 million worth of illegal drugs so far. 

    Taken together, these three new objectives set the direction for Defence, as part of an all-of-Government approach, to promote and protect our national interests.  

    Our Alliance and security partnerships 

    But I want to expand specifically on our security partnerships. New Zealand has always valued the importance of collective security and supporting international mechanisms that enable collective action and support sovereign equality of states. 

    This is reflected in the policy settings in the DCP. We have always worked with others that share our values and our interests to shape the world as we would wish it to be, and to prepare together should the worst happen.  

    Indeed, since becoming the Minister of Defence, I have taken every opportunity to meet with my international defence counterparts, to demonstrate that New Zealand is internationally engaged and willing to step up to respond to new opportunities and emerging threats.  

    But within that, we will always maintain our independent foreign policy, making our own decisions about what is in New Zealand’s interests – just as other countries do.  

    It is worth saying more about our relationship with our closest friend and only ally Australia. For this Government, it was essential that the DCP reinforce the importance we place on our alliance with Australia, and the importance in our evolving strategic environment to speak directly about these issues.  

    I’ve been in touch with my Australian defence counterpart Richard Marles, who is also their Deputy Prime Minister, to offer my congratulations following the weekend’s election. Minister Marles and I both look forward to continuing to work together on a range of issues, including our shared security. 

    We have specifically referenced the ANZUS Treaty in the DCP, as it continues to underpin the strategic relationship between New Zealand and Australia and formalises the commitments that we have to each other as allies.   

    It has done so since 1951, and the DCP does not represent any change in its interpretation. And as the Prime Minister stated, our nuclear free policy has not, and will not, change. 

    We are working to create an increasingly integrated Anzac force, which means we will be better prepared, exercised and equipped to combine our Defence Forces to defend our shared interests. To enhance our interoperability, we have committed to removing tactical, technical and procedural information-sharing barriers where they restrict our ability to operate as an integrated force.  

    Of course, this Government is also committed to maintaining and investing in a range of other security partnerships, including with our Pacific partners and our Five Eyes partners. As the Prime Minister has indicated, we are also focused on strengthening our relationships across Asia.  

    Recently, we have signed a number of agreements with partner countries. These include the India-New Zealand Defence Cooperation Arrangement, which is a milestone bilateral arrangement facilitating closer defence relations – including the establishment of regular bilateral defence engagements and opening new areas for collaboration such as deploying and training together.  

    I was in the Philippines last week to sign a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, which sets out the legal conditions for military cooperation between our countries. 

    And as part of the NATO Indo-Pacific 4 grouping, we’re working with NATO and Indo-Pacific partners to uphold the international rules-based order and democratic values that are fundamental to our security and prosperity.  

    Deterrence and combat capability 

    We’ve also observed commentary on the much more explicit inclusion of, and focus on, deterrence in the DCP. 

    Deterrence is a normal part of how states operate and what defence forces do. At its core it is about influencing behaviour, or denying opportunities, by making other actors aware of the risks and consequences of undertaking those unwanted activities. Deterrence can be delivered through various tools. But having a credible and capable military force is a key way states deter activities and behaviours they don’t want.  

    As the DCP itself points out, deterrence is underpinned by having the necessary tools to act. In that respect the DCP recognises the increasing importance of building greater lethality into the force to be able to achieve deterrent effects.  

    It’s also important here to be clear on what the purpose of a military is. And I referred earlier to the core functions of a Defence Force.  

    Of course, modern militaries carry out a range of functions. But with the challenging world we now face, we need to reinforce the primary purpose of the military. There is no opting out from today’s strategic realities.  

    That is why the DCP signals increased strike capabilities which will increase our ability to use force if needed to protect our interests. This will be achieved through the procurement of new missile systems, which will provide an ability to respond to hostile vessels at a greater range.  

    Options for this include arming existing air and maritime platforms with missiles, such as the P-8A Poseidon fleet and the Anzac frigates, or options such as land-based strike. 

    Opportunities for innovation 

    I’m very aware of the importance of innovation and new technologies in defence.  

    Experience in Ukraine shows that conventional systems are still needed, but we’ve also seen the use of new technologies in new ways. Tanks and drones in the same battlefield are a reality.  

    New technologies and innovations will help the NZDF with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities. In the short and medium term, Defence will focus on uncrewed technology, including long-range uncrewed aerial vehicles to provide more persistent maritime surveillance. The DCP also describes uncrewed surface and subsurface vessels to help monitor and protect our Exclusive Economic Zone, and support our Pacific partners.  

    There will also be a focus on strengthened cyber and information capabilities to protect the NZDF’s networks and systems, and provide defensive cyber, electronic and information warfare effects. 

    A two-yearly review cycle of this DCP will provide greater flexibility by adopting technologies earlier in their lifecycle, and by incorporating new but proven technologies. Defence is also exploring joint procurement opportunities with Australia, where it makes sense to do so. 

    A technology accelerator as part of the DCP will enable New Zealand’s high technology sector to quickly develop advanced platforms and systems specifically focused on New Zealand defence problems, and the ability to deliver these rapidly. It would help transition technology from the prototype phase to ‘service ready’ capabilities that could be readily acquired by the NZDF, albeit at limited scale.  

    We have an opportunity to partner in a better way with industry, and particularly New Zealand industry. How we intend to do this will be set out in a Defence Industry Strategy that will support implementation of the DCP. 

    One area we see innovation and scope to adapt is in the space industry. As you may know, I am also the Minister for Space.  

    I believe that here we have an opportunity to harness the incredible innovation across the New Zealand space industry to make contributions across all applications of space.  

    The world’s reliance on space technologies means that irresponsible behaviour in space has global impacts, and New Zealand has no protection from those effects.  

    Guaranteeing access to satellite communications and other systems that rely on space is critical to a range of new and existing technologies and systems used by the NZDF.  

    Part of supporting that access is ensuring we take broader action to support New Zealand’s interest in the safe, secure and responsible use of space. We are developing a new regulatory regime to ensure that operators of ground-based space infrastructure register their operations to deter foreign interference in New Zealand’s space infrastructure.  

    With partners and allies, New Zealand’s Defence agencies and our innovative space industry can contribute to international efforts to preserve and protect freedom of access to space and all the space-based services we need to prosper.   

     Closing remarks 

    I believe this DCP represents change. It is a change to a more deliberate defence policy and is a significant change in the level of investment in our defence.  

    It is a message to New Zealanders that we are prepared to invest in their security. It is a message to our partners and ally that we will contribute what we need to. And it is a message to the NZDF that we believe in them and what they do.  

    Change can be hard, and deciding to invest this amount of funding was difficult. We did not, and won’t ever, take that decision lightly.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: GP SURGERY REFURBS TO ENABLE OVER 8 MILLION MORE APPOINTMENTS

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    GP SURGERY REFURBS TO ENABLE OVER 8 MILLION MORE APPOINTMENTS

    Patients to access over 8.3 million new appointments this year, helping deliver the government’s Plan for Change

    Patients will benefit from over 8.3 million more appointments each year as over a thousand doctor’s surgeries receive a bricks and mortar upgrade to modernise practices.

    Backed by the government’s major cash injection of over £102 million, over 1000 GP surgeries will receive vital funding to create additional space to see more patients, boost productivity and improve patient care, following years of neglect.

    Right now, many GP surgeries could be seeing more patients, but don’t have enough room or the right facilities to accommodate them. From creating new consultation and treatment rooms to making better use of existing space, these quick fixes will help patients across the country be seen faster.

    This represents the biggest investment in GP facilities in five years and is only possible because of the difficult choices made by the government to invest £26 billion into the NHS. And it is another measure helping the government shift care out of hospital and into the community, as part of its Plan for Change.

    Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:

    It will be a long road, but this government is putting in the work to fix our NHS and make it fit for the future.

    These are simple fixes for our GP surgeries but for too long they were left to ruin, allowing waiting lists to build and stopping doctors treating more patients.

    It is only because of the necessary decisions we took in the Budget that we are able to invest in GP surgeries, start tackling the 8am scramble and deliver better services for patients. The extra investment and reform this government is making, as part of its Plan for Change, will transform our NHS so it can once again be there for you when you need it.

    In Norwich, Prospect Medical Practice – serving nearly 7,000 patients in some of the city’s most deprived areas – will create new clinical rooms to deliver more patient consultations.

    In the Black Country, vacant office spaces in Harden Health Centre will be converted into clinical consulting rooms, allowing more patient access to primary care.

    Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, said:

    We know more needs to be done to improve patient access to general practice and this investment in over one thousand primary care premises will help do this.

    Bringing GP premises up to a similar condition across England is important to improve patient experience of NHS services, while making primary care a better working environment as we seek to retain and recruit more staff.

    It will also help to create additional space and extend the capacity of current premises as we improve access further and bring care closer to the communities where people live as part of the 10 Year Health Plan.

    Lord Darzi’s independent report found outdated, inefficient buildings create barriers to delivering high-quality patient care and reduce staff productivity. Today’s boost will tackle this, to make services fit for the future.

    Lord Ara Darzi said:

    My review found that the primary care estate is simply not fit for purpose, with many GP surgeries housed in inflexible, outdated buildings that cannot enable safe, high-quality care. Today’s investment marks a crucial turning point in addressing this long-standing issue, helping create the modern, purpose-built primary care facilities that patients and staff deserve.

    This is the first national capital fund for primary care estates since 2020 and part of a comprehensive package of GP support, alongside recruiting 1,500 additional GPs and reducing bureaucracy.

    Projects will be delivered during the 2025-26 financial year, with the first upgrades expected to begin in summer 2025.

    Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association said:

    Today’s investment in improving GP surgeries is a much-needed step towards better access to care closer to home.

    Our reporting shows nearly one-third of patients struggle to book GP appointments, and we have long highlighted what matters in healthcare facilities: truly accessible spaces where everyone receives care with dignity. The potential for 8.3 million additional appointments from these refurbishments will make a real difference to communities waiting for care.

    Crucially, it delivers on what patients themselves have called for: modern, accessible spaces that support high-quality care. We look forward to seeing these upgrades rolled out, with a continued focus on ensuring patients everywhere get timely support in settings that support their dignity. This investment represents a meaningful step toward realising what patients have long been asking for. 

    Ruth Rankine, primary care director at the NHS Confederation, said:

    GPs and their teams welcome this vital capital funding to modernise premises to deliver high quality care, closer to home, and fit for the 21st century.

    Primary care is the front door of the health service and has been managing increasing demand, yet a historic lack of capital funding in estates has been one of the biggest barriers to improving productivity and creating buildings suitable for modern health care – with a fifth of GP estates pre-dating the NHS and half more than 30 years old.

    If we are serious about shifting care from hospital to community, from sickness to prevention, and from analogue to digital, then sustained investment in primary and community estates, equipment and technology is vital.

    Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: 

    Our last survey of members found that two in five GPs considered their premises unfit for purpose. This not only makes for a poor experience for both patients and practice staff, but it restricts the care and services a practice can provide. Nearly 90% of respondents to our survey said their practice didn’t have enough consulting rooms, and three quarters didn’t have enough space to take on additional GP trainees.

    Today’s announcement is an encouraging interim measure that shows the Government is listening and acknowledges that inadequate GP infrastructure needs to be addressed. We now need to see this followed up by further long-term investment.

    These upgrades complement the Government’s wider NHS reforms, recognising that investment alone isn’t enough and fundamental reform is essential to fix our broken healthcare system.

    The Government is cutting pointless red tape through the new GP contract, expanding the NHS App to put patients in control of their healthcare, introducing the Advice and Guidance scheme to reduce unnecessary referrals, and enabling community pharmacists to prescribe for routine conditions with a new investment package.

    Together, these changes free up clinicians’ time and bring care closer to home.

    This is just the beginning of the transformation of primary care. Through our 10 Year Health Plan more care will be shifted out of hospitals and into communities where patients can access it more easily.

    This government is going further and faster than ever to turn around the NHS, making it fit for the future. Over 3.1 million elective appointments have already been delivered since July 2024, six months ahead of schedule.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NDA celebrates 20-year partnership with Site Stakeholder Groups

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    NDA celebrates 20-year partnership with Site Stakeholder Groups

    The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is celebrating its unique 20-year relationship with nuclear communities.

    NDA Group CEO David Peattie speaking at the NDA Stakeholder Summit 2024

    The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is celebrating its unique 20-year relationship with nuclear communities with a series of special local events and a blueprint for refreshing the relationship, fit for the future.

    Site Stakeholder Groups (SSGs) were created at NDA sites in response to the Energy Act 2004, giving communities a platform to scrutinise the organisation’s work and ensure two-way dialogue between local residents and the nuclear industry.

    The NDA is responsible for decommissioning the UK’s earliest nuclear sites safely, securely and sustainably, leaving a positive legacy for future generations. So, engaging with the communities around its sites about how it carries out this nationally important mission is crucial to its licence to operate.

    Led by elected community volunteers independent of the NDA, the SSGs have played a vital role in shaping NDA strategy and have provided a valuable sounding board on a wide range of issues.

    NDA Group Chief Executive, David Peattie, paid tribute to the work of the SSGs and the spirit of community volunteerism over the past 20 years, saying:

    Our nuclear communities are the foundation on which much of our work in cleaning up the UK’s nuclear legacy is built. The commitment in time and effort of our SSG chairs and vice-chairs has been considerable in representing the viewpoints of their communities.

    We’re marking our 20th anniversary of this unique relationship and I would like to use this opportunity to pay tribute to the work of our community representatives and look forward to continuing dialogue and increasing understanding of our mission.

    To mark the 20th anniversary, the NDA is inviting members from all 14 SSGs around the UK to meetings showcasing the progress made over the last two decades and looking ahead to the future of its nuclear sites.

     There is also work ongoing in partnership with the communities to review and update best practice guidelines for how the groups operate and engage with the NDA, in line with modern communication requirements.

    John McNamara, NDA Director of Communities and Stakeholder Engagement, has been involved with SSGs since their inception. He said:

    Our Site Stakeholder Groups are revered internationally as best practice when it comes to independent scrutiny by communities of the nuclear industry. They have often been cited by organisations such as the IAEA, the US Energy Department and industry colleagues in many countries including Canada, France, and Japan as a blueprint for how communities should interact and hold the nuclear industry to account.

    I’ve worked with these volunteers for many years, and I’m constantly reminded of the terrific job they do. Their commitment benefits the NDA every bit as much as it does the local residents they serve.

    Cllr Aled Morris Jones, Chair of the National SSG Forum which represents the views of NDA nuclear communities, said:

    The SSGs are a crucial supporting pillar of effective local stakeholder engagement which gives the NDA its social licence to operate.

    Our role as an informed ‘critical friend’ ensures the NDA understands the key issues and perspectives within our communities and that our voices are heard as we scrutinise and comment on their work plans and how they go about their business.

    We’ve demonstrated our value during the past 20 years, and we remain committed to continuing to serve our communities as decommissioning continues over the coming decades.

    The NDA’s 20th Anniversary roadshow will visit all NDA sites, from Dungeness on the Kent coast and up to Dounreay on the north coast of Scotland – and all points in-between.

    The review of the SSGs was carried out with wide-ranging input from communities and other stakeholders including the nuclear regulators and local authorities. Recommendations set to be implemented include:

    • Updated NDA guidance for SSGs to provide more support for community volunteers
    • More regular meetings between SSG chairs and the NDA to provide more industry context and consider best practice suggestions
    • Standardisation of documents and websites
    • Assistance to allow SSGs to communicate more widely in their communities
    • Using technology to facilitate more virtual online and hybrid meetings, using evenings too to make it easier for more people to attend
    • Formulating an outreach plan to attract more diversity to SSG meetings

    If you would like to read the updated Guidance or are interested in attending an SSG meeting, please visit the SSG website: Site Stakeholder Groups – Home.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Colin Allars reappointed as Chair of the Independent Restraint Review Panel

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Colin Allars reappointed as Chair of the Independent Restraint Review Panel

    The Secretary of State for Justice, Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP, has announced the reappointment of Colin Allars as the Chair to the Independent Restraint Review Panel.

    The Secretary of State for Justice, Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP, has announced the reappointment of Colin Allars as the Chair to the Independent Restraint Review Panel (IRRP) for a second term of 3 years. His reappointment will run from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028.

    Mr Allars’ original appointment tenure commenced from 1 January 2023 for a 3-year term to run until 31 December 2025.

    The Independent Restraint Review Panel (IRRP) was set up in response to Charlie Taylor’s review of pain-inducing techniques in the youth estate in 2016. The IRRP reviews incidents at youth custody sites when serious injuries or warning signs have been identified, or where a pain inducing technique has been deployed. In addition to the mechanics of restraint, the IRRP can make observations about behaviour management and staff behaviour and leadership. Although the IRRP is not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, this reappointment has been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Collin Allars Biography

    Colin Allars has been Chair of the Independent Restraint Review Panel since 2021. Mr Allars is also the Non-Executive Chair of the Government Facilities Services (GFSL), appointed in 2018. An engineering graduate, Colin has worked in both private and public sectors in a wide range of delivery focused roles. He retired, from full time employment, in May 2021 having served as Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Justice Board; NDPB responsible for oversight of and advice on the youth justice system.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of 4 members to the Advisory Committee on Conscientious Objectors

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Appointment of 4 members to the Advisory Committee on Conscientious Objectors

    The Secretary of State has announced the appointments of Dr Hannah Bows, Suzanne McCarthy, Sean Harvey and Asrar Ul-Haq as members of the Advisory Committee on Conscientious Objectors.

    The Secretary of State has announced the appointments of Dr Hannah Bows, Sean Harvey, Suzanne McCarthy and Asrar Ul-Haq as members of the Advisory Committee on Conscientious Objectors for ten years from 1 July 2025.

    Biographies

    Dr Hannah Bows

    Dr Bows is currently Professor in Criminal Law at Durham University. She is also the deputy director of the Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse, where she leads and teaches on the criminal law module and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate students.

    Dr Bows has declared no political activity.

    Suzanne McCarthy

    Mrs McCarthy has significant public sector experience in the areas of governance, regulation, standards, fitness to practice and audit and risk management. She is currently the Chair of the Fire Standards Board, the Valuation Tribunal Service, the National Guardian Office’s Accountability and Liaison Board and the Standards Committee of the Fundraising Regulator.

    Mrs McCarthy has declared no political activity.

    Sean Harvey

    Mr Harvey has a range of earlier career experiences, including ten years as a primary school teacher. He now sits as a lay panel member at the Health and Care Professions Council, as a member of the Conduct Committee at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a panel chair at Social Care Wales. He is a magistrate who also sits in the Crown Court on appeals.

    Mr Harvey has declared no political activity.

    Asrar Ul-Haq

    Mr Ul-Haq is a retired Police Officer with over 30 years of experience in a variety of policing roles on a local and national level. He is a registered Subject Matter Expert with the National Crime Agency. He is also an independent lead consultant, supporting organisations to improve service delivery, develop leadership and professionalism. Mr Ul-Haq is a member of the Greater Manchester Advisory Committee to the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice and an Independent Member of the Parole Board.

    Mr Ul-Haq had declared no political activity.

    The Advisory Committee on Conscientious Objectors (ACCO) makes recommendations on conscientious objection claims from Armed Forces personnel where an application to retire or resign a commission or for discharge on the grounds of conscience have not been accepted by service authorities. ACCO is a non-statutory Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Ministry of Defence.

    It was established in 1970, but its history can be traced back to the tribunals set up by the National Service (Armed Forces) Act 1939. The 1970 arrangements included an agreement that the Lord Chancellor appoints to the public appointee roles on the Committee to ensure that ACCO maintains its independence from the MOD.

    It is for this reason that MOJ manages the campaign. As public appointments, the roles are subject to the provisions of the Governance Code on Public Appointments (the Code).

    Owned by the Cabinet Office, the Code sets out the principles governing such recruitment and the role of Ministers. Roles covered by the Code are also subject to regulation by the independent Commissioner for Public Appointments (CPA).

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New WWI mural unveiled at Hilsea Station depicting life in the trenches

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    It’s part of a series of improvements to the station’s safety, appearance, and accessibility made by Portsmouth City Council, enabled with a £50,000 grant from South Western Railway’s (SWR) Customer and Communities Improvement Fund.

    The painting of the mural was coordinated by ThinkingBigger Ltd. It will serve as a wayfinder to the nearby WWI Remembrance Centre, based in Bastion 6 in Hilsea Lines, who also contributed to its design. The Councillors who represent the Hilsea area also helped to steer the project.

    ThinkingBigger Ltd is a Portsmouth-based publishing company and educational service provider. The piece brings together the incredible artwork of two of the publishing house’s authors: Spike Zephaniah Stephenson, the artist whose design was chosen, and local historian Professor Sue Harper, who penned the letter incorporated into the mural.

    Its launch was marked on Thursday, 1 May, by a ‘yarn bomb’ of crocheted poppies, made by volunteers from across the city and beyond, supported by Seeded Southsea. Volunteers from the Remembrance Centre have supported the mural design. They decorated the new bollards that have been installed to help keep the space clear of vehicles for pedestrians.

    The poppy, a symbol of remembrance and hope since the First World War, now represents all those who have lost their lives in active service to the present day. A second remembrance mural is under construction on the west side of the underpass, which the council hopes to develop in collaboration with local schools.

    The £50,000 grant will be used to make significant improvements in the area between Hilsea Station, the WWI Remembrance Centre, and the start of Hilsea Lines, including improved wayfinding, lighting, and additional CCTV in the vicinity of Hilsea Station and its entrances and exits. These enhancements are to help visitors feel safer and better navigate to key locations such as the footpath to Foxes’ Forest and Hilsea Lines, which are next to the WWI Memorial Centre.

    So far, the additional CCTV and lighting have been installed, as well as bollards to improve pedestrian access.

    Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Steve Pitt, said:

    “We are very grateful to South Western Railway for their generous grant. These improvements will not only enhance safety and accessibility in the Hilsea area but also strengthen our community’s connection to its rich history. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, it is particularly poignant to see these efforts come to fruition, as we all collectively honour the sacrifice of our Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.”

    This project is part of a broader collaboration with SWR to join up their ‘Safe Spaces’ initiative within the train network and the Council’s ‘Safer Streets’ work. The improvements around Hilsea Station are a testament to the ongoing commitment to creating safer, more welcoming environments for all.

    South Western Railway’s Customer and Commercial Director, Peter Williams, said:

    “Grants from our Customer and Communities Improvement Fund are awarded to projects that deliver clear community benefit or address an area of social need across our network. We’ve been very pleased to support Portsmouth City Council’s important scheme to make the area around Hilsea Station safer and more accessible for local residents.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Winners Announced at Taiwan’s Largest AI Competition: The Best AI Awards – 1,253 Teams from 37 Countries Compete for Top Honors in AI Innovation

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    To promote AI innovation and foster emerging talent, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) hosted the inaugural Best AI Awards Finals and Awards Ceremony on May 3 at the Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1. The competition attracted 1,253 elite teams from 36 countries. From the 233 finalists, 93 awards were presented, including eight Gold Prizes awarded to leading companies and academic teams from HiTRUST Incorporated, eYs3D Microelectronics, Data Yoo Application CO., Jmem Technology, National Central University, National Taiwan University, as well as standout international entries from the UK and the Philippines.

    Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Ho Chin-Tsang highlighted that the competition served as a platform to bring together talent cultivation, real-world application, and industry demand. This year’s entries, he noted, exemplify how AI innovation can be combined with creativity to meet real-world needs. Looking ahead, the Ministry will continue to align policy direction and resource investment with industry needs to bring more AI innovations to market and create meaningful local impact.

    Kuo Chao-Chung, Director General of the Department of Industrial Technology, noted that in addition to enthusiastic participation from domestic companies and universities, the inaugural competition also attracted 353 international entrants from 36 countries, including India, the Philippines, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This strong turnout highlights the Awards’ growing significance as not just a Taiwanese initiative, but a global platform for AI innovation and exchange. Beyond the competition itself, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is working with academic and research institutions to support enterprises in design, product development, and prototyping. It is also partnering with agencies such as the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration and the Industrial Development Administration to help accelerate AI-driven transformation across industries.

    Chiou Chyou-Huey, Director General of the Industrial Development Administration and a key advocate behind the competition, described the Best AI Awards as Taiwan’s largest and most prestigious AI contest. The Award offers some of the highest prizes and maintains a highly competitive selection process with a winning rate of just 7.4%. He expressed hopes that through further efforts, AI can be integrated across all sectors to drive widespread industrial innovation.

    This year’s entries spanned a diverse range of industries, including ICT (18.4%), manufacturing (16.2%), healthcare (15.9%), wholesale and retail (10.2%), education (8.6%), and finance (7.8%). More than 100 startups, SMEs, and publicly listed companies took part, accelerating the adoption of AI across Taiwan’s industrial landscape.

    Looking ahead, the Ministry of Economic Affairs plans to make the Best AI Awards an annual flagship event for advancing AI development, talent cultivation, and innovation. The finals will be held each May alongside COMPUTEX, with over 20 domestic and international investors and buyers invited to participate in matchmaking sessions. Through this series of initiatives, the Ministry aims to foster new AI applications, accelerate workforce development, and help realize Taiwan’s vision of becoming a global AI Island.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Greater attention to boreal forests needed, says UN Study

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Representing 27% of all forests worldwide, boreal forests are the planet’s terrestrial “second lung” after tropical forests. Encircling the North Pole, they span North America, Europe, and Asia, playing a vital role in global carbon sequestration and storage, biodiversity, and supporting societies and economies. 

    Despite their importance, boreal forests do not receive the same visibility and attention among policymakers and the public as their tropical forest counterparts. A new study published by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), presented today at the United Nations Forum on Forests in New York, highlights the urgent need to increase the understanding of this global “treasure trove” and to safeguard its important contributions.  

    The comprehensive study on boreal forests and accompanying series of national overviews (for Canada, Finland, Norway, Russian Federation, Sweden, USA) finds that despite the importance of the boreal biome, there are significant gaps in knowledge about its forests, their role in sustainable development, and their future. This can be attributed to fragmented research, based on national, site-specific conditions, and the lack of a harmonized and agreed definition and monitoring framework across the boreal region. 

    Call for Action 

    The study highlights the need to place greater focus on boreal forests in global discussions on sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, sustainability indicators and climate change adaptation and mitigation.  

    A commonly agreed definition of boreal forests would help to delineate the area they occupy as a precondition for a consistent monitoring of the boreal forest biome. This could be achieved through the development of a set of dedicated criteria and indicators for monitoring long-term effects of forest management activities, natural and human-caused landscape disturbance, as well as climate change, including fires and insect infestations. 

    Such assessment instruments, resulting from the joint efforts of countries with boreal forests, would generate evidence on the state of the biome for improved policymaking for the sustainable management of boreal forests and help raise their overall profile.  

    The UNECE Committee on Forests and the Forest Industry offers a platform and tools to facilitate the exchange of information and cooperation in this regard. 

    Key Facts

    • Carbon storage: These forests contain about 32% of global terrestrial carbon stocks, with boreal soils holding vast amounts of carbon, significantly impacting atmospheric carbon levels. 

    • Economic importance: They contribute substantially to sustainable livelihoods, including to rural, remote and Indigenous communities, and economic growth, providing 37% of the world’s stock of growing timber. Activities such as berry or mushroom picking, hunting, and recreation/tourism also make important contributions. 

    • Rising threats: Boreal forests face increasing threats from climate change, including wildfires, pest outbreaks, and thawing permafrost. 

    Boreal forests are characterized by short, moist, and moderately warm summers and long, cold, and dry winters. Their flora consists mostly of cold-tolerant evergreen conifer trees, such as spruce, larch, pine and fir, with some broadleaf species such as birch, poplar and alder. The world’s boreal regions are among the least densely populated on earth. 

    Boreal forests contain approximately 48% of global primary forests and are vital for the conservation of biodiversity and climate regulation. They play an important role in global carbon sequestration and storage, and therefore, are key to climate change mitigation. In addition to providing significant ecosystem services, for example, the protection of freshwater resources, boreal forests play a substantial role in contributing to the sustainable economic development of countries in the boreal zone, and provide a sustainable supply of wood and energy to world markets. 

    Boreal forests, like other forest biomes, are important to global goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8, 12, 13 and 15, the six Global Forest Goals and the Targets of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2030. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Central Library invites people to join VE Day commemorations

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Staff will wear red, white and blue and there will be a display of Second World War related books and artefacts, plus a green screen for street party fun photographs – there may even be spontaneous wartime singing!  

    The coffee morning runs from 10.30am to 1pm and all proceeds will be donated to Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Families Association.

    The Library Service has also commissioned a special VE Day poem from Primary Poet Champion Florence Ehigie and her friend Zago Chinedu:

    Victory in Europe, a day to celebrate,
    Where people gather on eighth of May.
    All the wars are fully gone,
    Because the soldiers faced it headstrong.

    After fighting Nazi Germany,
    We now live with peace eternally.
    War has ended, no more fights,
    Peace is here, shining bright,
    When Europe won the fight.

    Peace and harmony all the way,
    This is truly a beautiful day.
    Praise those who won for us,
    For they will be glorious.

    We will remember this honoured day,
    Where people will always shout ‘Hooray!’
    This is a glorious day for,
    Those who don’t have to fight anymore.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Libraries to launch new ‘relaxed’ reading groups

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    They are designed to encourage people to share their joy of reading with others – with participants invited to read what they want, discuss the books with others and generally relax in their local library.

    They will be launched next week with sessions taking place at Wednesfield Library, Well Lane, on Monday 12 May from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, the Bob Jones Community Hub, Bromley Street, on Tuesday 13 May from 6pm to 7pm and Low Hill Library, Showell Circus, on Friday 16 May from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

    Organiser Charlotte Woodcock, Senior Library & Information Assistant, said: “I was inspired by the idea of Silent Book Clubs where people meet, chat for a bit and read.

    “Some of our libraries already have established, more formal groups with a set book each month but for some people this can either be a little intimidating or they aren’t keen on the types of books being read.

    “The ‘relaxed’ aspect allows each group to be tailored to the people who come along, whether they want to read and discuss the same book or simply share a joy of reading.”

    Councillor Bhupinder Ghakal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: “We want to encourage more reading across our libraries and these relaxed reading groups will be open to anyone who has an interest in books, and a love of reading.

    “The relaxed nature of the groups means that there isn’t a limit on genre, whether fiction or non fiction, page length – you could even discuss newspaper or magazine articles or blogs. The great thing about reading is it can be accessible to anyone and everyone.”

    To find out more about the new groups, which will meet on a regular basis, please email charlotte.woodcock2@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

    It’s free to join Wolverhampton’s libraries – to find out more, please visit Libraries, call 01902 552025 or follow the library service on social media at Facebook and X.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SNP urged to back Green action on property-hoarding tax avoiders

    Source: Scottish Greens

    Homes are too important to be treated as toys for millionaires.

    The Scottish Government has been urged to back Green plans to crack down on property-hoarding tax avoiders which are due to be voted on today in Parliament.

    The proposals, which will be presented by Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer, would end the tax break currently enjoyed by two types of companies infamous for buying up and hoarding property – Open-ended Investment Companies and Residential Property Holding Companies.

    Mr Greer’s amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill would see both company types lose their exemption from paying Land and Buildings Transaction Tax when buying property.

    Greer will also propose an additional charge for overseas buyers to crack down on property speculators based in tax havens buying up homes and properties across Scotland.

    These efforts come after a report earlier this year found that the UK had become the world’s top destination for overseas property investment firms.

    Mr Greer said:

    “Everyone agrees that Scotland is in a housing emergency, but the Government still allows these companies to buy up properties without paying the tax that anyone else would when buying a home.

    “This is one of the many factors which make it so hard for young people to get their first home in particular. They would need to pay tax, but the companies they could be bidding against do not, so can make a higher offer.

    “These companies are financial leeches only interested in making a profit, even if it means buying up properties and leaving them empty for months or even years at a time.

    “Scotland can be a society where everyone has a warm, safe and affordable place to call home, but that won’t happen for as long as so much of the market is tilted in favour of tax avoiders and the ultra-wealthy.

    “People have had enough of the international super rich and dodgy businesses treating Scottish homes like cash cows. My proposals would force them to either pay their fair share, or make way and free up more homes for people and families who really need them.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Programme for Government must have people and planet at its core

    Source: Scottish Greens

    Scotland needs bold change.

    The First Minister’s Programme for Government must take bold action for people and planet, says Scottish Green Co-Leader Patrick Harvie.

    Speaking ahead of the First Minister publishing his programme, Mr Harvie said:

    “John Swinney needs to be ambitious and ensure that Scotland is taking meaningful action to cut child poverty and tackle the climate emergency. That means putting people and planet at the core of his plans.

    “The Greens have championed radical change in Scotland, now the SNP must match our ambition to create a positive future for everyone across the country.

    “Scottish Greens secured the expansion of free school meals for pupils across Scotland, but we need action to ensure that all children receive them. We also secured a £2 bus fare cap that will start with a pilot but which we want to see rolled out across Scotland to make public transport more affordable and save people money.

    “It is deeply disappointing that the SNP have dropped plans to ban so-called ‘conversion therapy’ and have dropped the long-planned and promised Misogyny Bill. LGBTQ+ people across Scotland will want reassurances that the government is still on their side, but that can’t come from ripping-up promises and commitments.

    “With wildfires having torn apart our iconic countryside, we need to be bold for our climate, but the Scottish Government has taken too many backward steps, from junking its target to reduce car numbers to hiking the cost of train and bus tickets.

    “Scottish communities are finding themselves on the frontline of the crisis. We need to get serious, and that means ensuring robust measures to promote public transport while introducing a credible plan to make homes cheaper and greener to heat.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS urges co-operation in Milan

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    During day two of the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Milan, Italy, yesterday, Financial Secretary Paul Chan pointed out that it is important for member countries to enhance collaboration.

     

    Speaking at the ADB annual meeting’s Business Session, Mr Chan emphasised the need for member countries to strengthen co-operation amidst significant disruptions caused by unilateralism and protectionism to the global economy and trade order.

     

    He expressed hope that the ADB would continue to be guided by its core principles, supporting projects with actual needs and promoting more inclusive regional development.

     

    Mr Chan stated that Hong Kong, China supports the reform agenda of the ADB following the Mid-term Review of its “2030 Strategy”, which focuses on addressing climate change, developing the private sector, advancing regional co-operation and digital transformation.

     

    He highlighted that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong maintains its status as a free port, implements free trade policies and ensures the free flow of capital, goods, people and information.

     

    Mr Chan reiterated Hong Kong’s steadfast support for a rules-based multilateral trading system. As an international financial centre, Hong Kong is willing to share experiences in innovative financing arrangements with ADB members, including infrastructure loan securitisation and catastrophe bonds, to support high-quality infrastructure and green projects.

     

    Moreover, he said that Hong Kong is open to sharing solutions in the digital economy and innovative technologies with other ADB members to contribute to more inclusive regional economic development.

     

    Mr Chan also met Governor of the Bank of Italy Fabio Panetta to share Hong Kong’s latest economic and financial developments. They exchanged views on the international economic landscape.

     

    Additionally, the Financial Secretary attended yesterday’s opening ceremony of the annual meeting, lunch and dinner for governors, during which he discussed regional development issues, common challenges and strategies in response with other governors.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: ZA Miner Announces Trump Coin as a New Payment Method and Mining Option for Users

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZA Miner integrates Trump Coin as a payment method and mining asset, diversifying the platform’s offerings.

    Mining the future: ZA Miner introduces Trump Coin for collectors and blockchain enthusiasts.

    MIDDLESEX, United Kingdom, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZA Miner, a leading digital asset trading platform, is excited to announce the addition of Trump Coin as both a payment method and a mining asset on its platform. This new development comes as part of ZA Miner’s ongoing efforts to diversify its services and keep pace with the growing trend of cryptocurrency in the market.

    With the integration of Trump Coin, users can now leverage the token for mining activities, as well as utilize it for various payment methods. This expansion gives ZA Miner users a new, politically themed digital asset with both cultural and financial relevance. Trump Coin, based on the Ethereum blockchain, provides a secure and transparent platform for users who are interested in politically inspired digital assets.

    “We’ve introduced Trump Coin to offer our users more options and flexibility in the evolving crypto landscape,” said a spokesperson from ZA Miner. “The token now serves as a versatile asset—allowing users to make payments, mine, and participate in the growing crypto market trend. We are pleased to add Trump Coin as part of our diversified range of digital assets.”

    In addition to the payment and mining options, ZA Miner is also introducing a range of different mining packages and payment methods, aimed at meeting the needs of a wide range of users. With Trump Coin now available for both payment and mining, users can explore new opportunities for earning and trading in the cryptocurrency space.

    Moreover, ZA Miner is actively tracking the exchange rate trends of Trump Coin, giving users access to valuable insights on how to maximize their potential earnings by trading or holding the coin. The platform’s users will also have access to tools to monitor the performance of Trump Coin and its mining potential.

    As part of its continued innovation, ZA Miner is also exploring the release of additional digital assets, including limited edition NFTs tied to Trump Coin ownership, to further enhance the appeal for collectors and crypto enthusiasts.

    Trump Coin can now be used for payments, mining, and trading on ZA Miner’s platform. For more information or to start using Trump Coin, visit www.zaminer.com.

    Disclaimer: Trump Coin is a digital asset created by ZA Miner. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization, or any related entities. The use of “Trump” in the name is purely thematic and does not imply any connection to the former President or his organizations.

    Media Contact:
    SHEIKH, Anisah Fatema
    ZA FUNDINGS LTD
    info@zaminer.com
    https://www.zaminer.com/

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d45904af-0067-4073-bf5d-45ed94cb3b27

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ZA Miner Launches Trump Coin, a Politically Inspired Ethereum-Based Token

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The new digital asset aims to capture cultural interest while offering functionality on the blockchain, along with diverse mining packages and payment options.

    Inside the ZA Miner operation: Powering a new generation of digital assets like Trump Coin.

    MIDDLESEX, United Kingdom, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZA Miner, a global platform for digital asset trading and innovation, today announces the launch of Trump Coin, a newly introduced cryptocurrency inspired by the cultural and political presence of the 45th President of the United States. Built on the Ethereum blockchain, Trump Coin merges the appeal of political memorabilia with the reliability of blockchain technology.

    Now available for trading on www.zaminer.com, Trump Coin is designed for users who are drawn to tokens with thematic relevance and real blockchain utility. The asset is being positioned as both a collector’s item and a functional token in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.

    “We’ve seen a growing interest in tokens that represent cultural themes,” said a spokesperson from ZA Miner. “With Trump Coin, we’re offering our users a politically themed digital asset that also maintains transactional utility and scarcity.”

    As part of its commitment to diversifying the crypto ecosystem, ZA Miner has expanded payment options to include Trump Coin. This allows users to make payments for mining and trading activities using this new asset. Furthermore, ZA Miner offers a variety of cryptocurrency mining packages, allowing users to select packages that best fit their investment and mining preferences.

    The token features limited availability and is backed by the security, transparency, and efficiency of Ethereum’s infrastructure. In the coming months, ZA Miner also plans to launch a series of Trump Coin-related NFTs, giving collectors additional ways to engage with the asset.

    In addition to its role as a digital asset, Trump Coin’s exchange rate trend is being closely monitored, offering potential financial opportunities for those looking to profit from its value movement within the broader cryptocurrency market.

    Trump Coin is not just an investment opportunity—it also represents ZA Miner’s broader mission to offer unique digital assets that mirror public interest trends while remaining grounded in proven blockchain frameworks. Early adoption of Trump Coin has shown promising signs, with positive engagement from crypto forums and community discussions.

    To learn more or to trade Trump Coin, visit www.zaminer.com.

    Disclaimer: Trump Coin is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization, or any related entities.

    Media Contact:
    SHEIKH, Anisah Fatema
    ZA FUNDINGS LTD
    info@zaminer.com
    https://www.zaminer.com/

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e6942b0f-72bc-435b-9ab9-09d0841816fe

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Announcement concerning large shareholders under the Danish Capital Markets Act

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nasdaq Copenhagen
    Euronext Dublin
    London Stock Exchange        
    Other stakeholders

    Date    6 May 2025

    Announcement concerning large shareholders under the Danish Capital Markets Act

    In accordance with the Danish Capital Markets Act art. 31, it is hereby announced that Ringkjøbing Landbobank A/S, CVR no. 37536814, Torvet 1, 6950 Ringkøbing, Denmark, has, effective from 2 May 2025, reduced its ownership interest to below 5% of the share capital in Ringkjøbing Landbobank A/S in connection with the final implementation of the capital reduction, cf. company announcement if the 5 May 2025 “Implementation of capital reduction”.

    As of 5 May 2025, the bank held 334,100 of its own shares, corresponding to 1.32 % of the share capital in the bank.

    Kind regards

    Ringkjøbing Landbobank

    John Fisker
    CEO

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues SEK 500 million notes under its MTN programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Municipality Finance Plc
    Stock exchange release
    6 May 2025 at 10:00 am (EEST)

    Municipality Finance issues SEK 500 million notes under its MTN programme

    Municipality Finance Plc issues SEK 500 million notes on 7 May 2025. The maturity date of the notes is 28 December 2027. The notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to 3-month Stibor plus 13 bps per annum.

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

    MuniFin has applied for the notes to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 7 May 2025.

    Danske Bank A/S act as the Dealer for the issue of the notes.

    MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

    Further information:

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

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

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

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

    Read more: www.munifin.fi

    Important Information

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

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia supplies private wireless to Maersk’s fleet for real-time cargo tracking

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia supplies private wireless to Maersk’s fleet for real-time cargo tracking

    • Nokia to support Maersk’s next-generation IoT connectivity platform with new mobile network to enhance operational efficiency.
    • Nokia supplied its private wireless network solution including Shikra small cell equipment and MantaRay NM for network management.

    6 May 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced that it has signed a contract with Danish global integrated logistics leader, Maersk, to equip 450 vessels in its fleet with Nokia’s industry-leading private wireless network solutions. This important deployment is part of Maersk’s IoT connectivity platform, OneWireless, which offers numerous benefits to its customers, including real-time cargo tracking, enhanced supply chain visibility, and improved operational efficiency.

    The evolving environment of logistics and maritime operations is uniquely complex and highly mobile, requiring resilient and flexible technology for real-time asset tracking and positioning. By transitioning to Nokia’s private wireless technology, Maersk will overcome the challenges of its current infrastructure onboard both its own and chartered vessels and gain access to increased scalability and future-proof connectivity.

    The new unified mobile network powered by Nokia’s radio portfolio is designed to support numerous IoT devices and secure interoperability between private and public networks, ensuring Maersk customers’ cargo is reliably monitored at sea, port, or land. This is especially important for tracking parameters such as temperature and humidity for fruit and other perishables.

    “With our next-generation connectivity platform, we will be able to offer our customers notable benefits, including real-time cargo tracking, enhanced supply chain visibility, and improved operational efficiency. This platform is designed to support thousands of IoT devices, ensuring optimal performance for reefer tracking and fleet IoT,” says Kjeld Dittmann, Head of Vessel & Cargo Connectivity at Maersk.

    “Nokia’s technology leadership in private wireless goes far beyond just connectivity, as demonstrated by this major new contract with Maersk. Our Radio Access portfolio and MantaRay network management solution will deliver reliable, real-time, and future-ready mobile networks that will optimize Maersk’s marine operations. We look forward to working collaboratively with them on this important project,” said Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia.

    The solution leverages Nokia’s small cells portfolio, including Nokia Shikra Remote Radio Heads (RRH) and compact baseband, along with custom-designed antennas. Each vessel has a small core connected to the radio, utilizing satellite communication for backhaul. Additionally, Nokia’s intelligent network management system, MantaRay NM, located in Maersk’s operations center, provides a consolidated network view for optimal monitoring and management.

    The deployment is underway and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.

    Multimedia, technical information, and related news
    Product Page: Shikra remote radio heads
    Product Page: MantaRay NM
    Web Page: Private networks

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Climate envoy visits Singapore to drive regional climate action

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    World news story

    Climate envoy visits Singapore to drive regional climate action

    The visit by UK Special Representative for Climate, Rachel Kyte, will strengthen UK-Singapore partnership and drive regional climate action and investment.

    The UK’s Special Representative for Climate, Rachel Kyte, is in Singapore on 6-7 May to strengthen UK-Singapore partnership on climate and clean investment and support greater climate ambition across Southeast Asia.

    As part of the two-day visit, Ms Kyte will speak at Ecosperity Week and the GenZero Climate Summit, where she will share lessons from the UK’s decarbonisation journey, engage on opportunities to catalyse investment and technical assistance in green growth across Southeast Asia, and together with partners drive development of carbon markets.

    The visit underscores the UK’s renewed commitment to international climate leadership. While here, Ms Kyte will hold meetings with Climate Ambassador Ravi Menon, as well as representatives from GenZero, Temasek, and Singapore’s Energy Market Authority to deepen collaboration on areas such as energy connectivity and carbon markets under the UK-Singapore Green Economy Framework (UKSGEF).

    Rachel Kyte, the UK’s Special Representative for Climate, said:

    Increasingly vulnerable to climate impacts, Singapore has become one of the most important hubs for financing clean growth and climate action. From carbon markets to clean tech to building resilience Singapore, like London, is leading the way. Deepening collaboration and, together, encouraging others to join with us in our ambitions for greener growth benefits everyone in our two countries and in the wider region.

    I hope that the UK-Singapore partnership can help drive demand for high integrity carbon markets that will support stronger financial flows into nature and support companies to move faster with their transition plans and managing their emissions.

    British High Commissioner to Singapore, Nikesh (Nik) Mehta, said:

    The UK and Singapore share not just a commitment to addressing climate change, but a recognition that environmental protection and economic ambition go hand in hand. Singapore is a vital strategic partner in our climate diplomacy across Southeast Asia.

    Through our UK-Singapore Green Economy Framework, we are pioneering approaches that will spur the green transition across the region, unlocking significant investment and genuine climate benefits.

    I’m confident that we will further cement our collaboration and identify exciting new areas for joint action on sustainable finance, carbon markets, and clean energy – areas where our combined expertise can make a real difference to the region’s green transition.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: International Petroleum Corporation Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial and Operational Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — William Lundin, IPC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, comments: “We are pleased to announce another strong quarter of operational and financial performance for Q1 2025. IPC achieved an average net daily production during the quarter of 44,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd). Our results during the quarter were in line with the 2025 guidance announced at our Capital Markets Day in February as we continue to execute according to plan across our operations in Canada, Malaysia and France. Notably, the transformational Blackrod Phase 1 development project in Canada has progressed substantially during the quarter and forecast first oil is maintained with the original project sanction guidance for late 2026. We also continued with purchases of IPC common shares under the normal course issuer bid, having completed approximately 60% of the current 2024/2025 program between December 2024 to March 2025.”

    Q1 2025 Business Highlights

    • Average net production of approximately 44,400 boepd for the first quarter of 2025, within the guidance range for the period (52% heavy crude oil, 15% light and medium crude oil and 33% natural gas).(1)
    • Continued progressing Phase 1 development activity as well as future phase resource maturation works at the Blackrod asset.
    • At Onion Lake Thermal, all four planned production infill wells and the final Pad L well pair have been successfully drilled.
    • 3.9 million IPC common shares purchased and cancelled during Q1 2025 and continuing with target to complete the full 2024/2025 NCIB this year.

    Q1 2025 Financial Highlights

    • Operating costs per boe of USD 17.3 for Q1 2025, in line with guidance.(3)
    • Operating cash flow (OCF) generation of MUSD 75 for Q1 2025, in line with guidance.(3)
    • Capital and decommissioning expenditures of MUSD 99 for Q1 2025, in line with guidance.
    • Free cash flow (FCF) generation for Q1 2025 amounted to MUSD -43 (MUSD 37 pre-Blackrod capital expenditure).(3)
    • Gross cash of MUSD 140 and net debt of MUSD 314 as at March 31, 2025.(3)
    • Net result of MUSD 16 for Q1 2025.

    Reserves and Resources

    • Total 2P reserves as at December 31, 2024 of 493 MMboe, with a reserve life index (RLI) of 31 years.(1)(2)
    • Contingent resources (best estimate, unrisked) as at December 31, 2024 of 1,107 MMboe.(1)(2)
    • 2P reserves net asset value (NAV) as at December 31, 2024 of MUSD 3,083 (10% discount rate).(1)(2)

    2025 Annual Guidance

    • Full year 2025 average net production guidance range forecast maintained at 43,000 to 45,000 boepd.(1)
    • Full year 2025 operating costs guidance range forecast maintained at USD 18 to 19 per boe.(3)
    • Full year 2025 OCF revised guidance estimated at between MUSD 240 and 270 (assuming Brent USD 60 to 75 per barrel for the remainder of 2025) from previous guidance of between MUSD 210 and 280 (assuming Brent USD 65 to 85 per barrel).(3)(4)
    • Full year 2025 capital and decommissioning expenditures guidance forecast maintained at MUSD 320.
    • Full year 2025 FCF revised guidance estimated at between MUSD -135 and -110 (assuming Brent USD 60 to 75 per barrel for the remainder of 2025) from previous guidance of between MUSD -150 and -80 (assuming Brent USD 65 to 85 per barrel), after taking into account MUSD 230 of forecast full year 2025 capital expenditures relating to the Blackrod asset.(3)(4)
      Three months ended March 31
    USD Thousands 2025 2024
    Revenue 178,492   206,419  
    Gross profit 44,149   55,184  
    Net result 16,231   33,719  
    Operating cash flow(3) 74,790   89,301  
    Free cash flow(3) (43,172)   (43,311)  
    EBITDA(3) 70,946   87,020  
    Net cash/(debt)(3) (314,255)   (60,572)  
             

    During the first quarter of 2025, oil prices were relatively stable, with Brent prices averaging just below USD 76 per barrel. Following the quarter, commodity prices pulled back with spot Brent rates falling to USD 60 per barrel in April 2025. The physical crude market remained tight throughout the first quarter, prompting OPEC and the OPEC+ group to increase supply ahead of expectations. The timing of the supply increases coincided with the United States proposing harsh tariffs to countries deemed in a trade surplus of US goods. These two events have impacted future crude supply and demand outlooks, in turn weighing on spot and future oil benchmark prices. Despite the poor market sentiment, global inventories remain below the 5-year average, high geopolitical tensions persist, non-OPEC 2025 oil production (namely, in the US) is unlikely to grow at current prices, and US Federal Reserve Bank rate cuts are likely to occur in the near future. IPC prudently supplemented downside protection measures at the beginning of the first quarter of 2025 through financial swap hedging arrangements which in total represent nearly 40% of our forecast 2025 oil production at around USD 76 and USD 71 per barrel for Dated Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI), respectively, for the remainder of 2025.

    In Canada, WTI to Western Canadian Select (WCS) crude price differentials during the first quarter of 2025 averaged just under USD 13 per barrel, with spot differentials decreasing to around USD 9 per barrel in April 2025. The Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) petroleum producers have greatly benefited from the TMX pipeline expansion with differentials tightening to levels not seen since 2020. There are currently no tariffs on Canadian crude exports to the United States, which remain covered by the US Mexico Canada free trade agreement. IPC has hedged the WTI/WCS differential for approximately 50% of our forecast 2025 Canadian oil production at USD 14 per barrel for 2025.

    Natural gas markets in Canada for the first quarter of 2025 remained weak, given the softer than average winter weather conditions and high natural gas storage levels. The average AECO gas price was CAD 2.1 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2025. The forward strip implies improved pricing for Canadian gas benchmark prices, driven by the pending startup of the West Coast LNG Canada project later this year. Approximately 50% of our net long exposure is hedged at CAD 2.4 per Mcf to end October 2025, dropping to around 15% for November and December at CAD 2.6 per mcf.

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights and Full Year 2025 Guidance

    During the first quarter of 2025, our portfolio delivered average net production of 44,400 boepd, in line with guidance. Operational performance from our producing assets was strong to start the year as high facility and well uptimes were achieved. Drilling activity commenced in the first quarter of 2025 at Onion Lake Thermal, which aims to sustain production levels at the asset for 2025. In Malaysia, drilling and well maintenance works are planned to start in the second quarter of 2025, in line with plan. We maintain the full year 2025 average net production guidance range of 43,000 to 45,000 boepd.(1)

    Our operating costs per boe for the first quarter of 2025 was USD 17.3, in line with guidance. Full year 2025 operating expenditure guidance of USD 18.0 to 19.0 per boe remains unchanged.(3)

    Operating cash flow (OCF) generation for the first quarter of 2025 was MUSD 75. Full year 2025 OCF guidance is tightened to MUSD 240 to 270 (assuming Brent USD 60 to 75 per barrel for the remainder of 2025).(3)(4)

    Capital and decommissioning expenditure for the first quarter of 2025 was MUSD 99 in line with guidance. Full year 2025 capital and decommissioning expenditure of MUSD 320 is maintained.

    Free cash flow (FCF) generation was MUSD -43 (MUSD 37 pre-Blackrod capital expenditure) during the first quarter of 2025. Full year 2025 FCF guidance is tightened to MUSD -135 to -110 (assuming Brent USD 60 to 75 per barrel for the remainder of 2025) after taking into account MUSD 320 of forecast full year 2025 capital expenditures (including MUSD 230 relating to the Blackrod asset).(3)(4)

    As at March 31, 2025, IPC’s net debt position was MUSD 314, from a net debt position of MUSD 209 as at December 31, 2024, mainly driven by the funding of forecast capital expenditures and the continuing share repurchase program (NCIB). Gross cash on the balance sheet as at March 31, 2025 amounts to MUSD 140 and IPC has access to an undrawn Canadian credit facility of greater than 130 MUSD. The access to liquidity supports IPC to follow through on its key strategic objectives of enhancing stakeholder value through organic growth, stakeholder returns, and pursuing value adding M&A.(3)

    Blackrod

    During the first quarter of 2025, IPC continued to advance the Phase 1 development of the Blackrod asset. Growth capital expenditure to first oil is maintained at MUSD 850. First oil of the Phase 1 development is estimated to be in late 2026, with forecast net production of 30,000 boepd by 2028. IPC forecasts capital expenditure in 2025 at the Blackrod asset of MUSD 230, of which MUSD 77 was invested in the Phase 1 development project during Q1 2025. Since the transformational organic growth project was sanctioned in early 2023, MUSD 669, or approximately 80% of the total multi-year project capital budget, has been incurred.(1)

    Project activities for the multi-year Blackrod Phase 1 development have progressed according to plan. Engineering, procurement and fabrication is substantially complete with greater than 90% of all facility modules delivered to site. Equipment installation, piping inter-connects, electrical and instrumentation are the key areas of focus for construction at the Central Processing Facility (CPF) and well pad facilities.

    Resource maturation drilling for future phase expansion considerations took place during Q1 2025. Commercial operational readiness planning has ramped up in line with our progressive turnover strategy to ensure a seamless transition from build to start-up. IPC intends to fund the remaining Blackrod capital expenditure with forecast cash flow generated by its operations, cash on hand and drawing under the existing Canadian credit facility if needed.(3)

    Stakeholder Returns: Normal Course Issuer Bid

    In Q4 2024, IPC announced the renewal of the NCIB, with the ability to repurchase up to approximately 7.5 million common shares over the period of December 5, 2024 to December 4, 2025. Under the 2024/2025 NCIB, IPC repurchased and cancelled approximately 0.8 million common shares in December 2024, 3.7 million common shares during Q1 2025, and a further 0.2 million common shares purchased under other exemptions in Canada. The average price of common shares purchased under the 2024/2025 NCIB during Q1 2025 was SEK 146 / CAD 20 per share.

    As at March 31, 2025, IPC had a total of 115,176,514 common shares issued and outstanding and IPC held no common shares in treasury. As at April 30, 2025, IPC had a total of 114,248,119 common shares issued and outstanding and IPC held no common shares in treasury.

    Notwithstanding the final major capital investment year at Blackrod in 2025, IPC had purchased and cancelled 73% of the maximum 7.5 million common shares allowed under the 2024/2025 NCIB by the end of April 2025 and intends to purchase and cancel the remaining 2.0 million common shares under that program in 2025. This would result in the cancellation of 6.2% of common shares outstanding as at the beginning of December 2024. IPC continues to believe that reducing the number of shares outstanding in combination with investing in long-life production growth at the Blackrod project will prove to be a winning formula for our stakeholders.

    Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Performance

    During the first quarter of 2025, IPC recorded no material safety or environmental incidents.

    As previously announced, IPC targets a reduction of our net GHG emissions intensity by the end of 2025 to 50% of IPC’s 2019 baseline and IPC remains on track to achieve this reduction. IPC has also made a commitment to maintain 2025 levels of 20 kg CO2/boe through to the end of 2028.(5)

    Notes:

      (1) See “Supplemental Information regarding Product Types” in “Reserves and Resources Advisory” below. See also the annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024 (AIF) available on IPC’s website at www.international-petroleum.com and under IPC’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
      (2) See “Reserves and Resources Advisory“ below. Further information with respect to IPC’s reserves, contingent resources and estimates of future net revenue, including assumptions relating to the calculation of net present value (NPV), are described in the AIF. NAV is calculated as NPV less net debt of USD 209 million as at December 31, 2024.
      (3) Non-IFRS measures, see “Non-IFRS Measures” below and in the MD&A.
      (4) OCF and FCF forecasts at Brent USD 60 and 70 per barrel assume Brent to WTI differential of USD 3 and 5 per barrel, respectively, and WTI to WCS differential of USD 10 and 15 per barrel, respectively, for the remainder of 2025. OCF and FCF forecasts assume gas price on average of CAD 2.25 per Mcf for the remainder of 2025.
      (5) Emissions intensity is the ratio between oil and gas production and the associated carbon emissions, and net emissions intensity reflects gross emissions less operational emission reductions and carbon offsets.
         

    International Petroleum Corp. (IPC) is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with a high quality portfolio of assets located in Canada, Malaysia and France, providing a solid foundation for organic and inorganic growth. IPC is a member of the Lundin Group of Companies. IPC is incorporated in Canada and IPC’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange under the symbol “IPCO”.

    For further information, please contact:

    Rebecca Gordon
    SVP Corporate Planning and Investor Relations
    rebecca.gordon@international-petroleum.com
    Tel: +41 22 595 10 50
    Or Robert Eriksson
    Media Manager
    reriksson@rive6.ch
    Tel: +46 701 11 26 15
         

    This information is information that International Petroleum Corporation is required to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the contact persons set out above, at 07:30 CEST on May 6, 2025. The Corporation’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements (Financial Statements) and management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three months ended March 31, 2025 have been filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and are also available on the Corporation’s website (www.international-petroleum.com).

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains statements and information which constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable securities legislation). Such statements and information (together, “forward-looking statements”) relate to future events, including the Corporation’s future performance, business prospects or opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, unless otherwise indicated. IPC does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

    All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, forecasts, guidance, budgets, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “forecast”, “predict”, “potential”, “targeting”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe”, “budget” and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be “forward-looking statements”.

    Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:

    • 2025 production ranges (including total daily average production), production composition, cash flows, operating costs and capital and decommissioning expenditure estimates;
    • Estimates of future production, cash flows, operating costs and capital expenditures that are based on IPC’s current business plans and assumptions regarding the business environment, which are subject to change;
    • IPC’s financial and operational flexibility to navigate the Corporation through periods of volatile commodity prices;
    • The ability to fully fund future expenditures from cash flows and current borrowing capacity;
    • IPC’s intention and ability to continue to implement its strategies to build long-term shareholder value;
    • The ability of IPC’s portfolio of assets to provide a solid foundation for organic and inorganic growth;
    • The continued facility uptime and reservoir performance in IPC’s areas of operation;
    • Development of the Blackrod project in Canada, including estimates of resource volumes, future production, timing, regulatory approvals, third party commercial arrangements, breakeven oil prices and net present values;
    • Current and future production performance, operations and development potential of the Onion Lake Thermal, Suffield, Brooks, Ferguson and Mooney operations, including the timing and success of future oil and gas drilling and optimization programs;
    • The potential improvement in the Canadian oil egress situation and IPC’s ability to benefit from any such improvements;
    • The ability to maintain current and forecast production in France and Malaysia;
    • The intention and ability of IPC to acquire further Common Shares under the NCIB, including the timing of any such purchases;
    • The return of value to IPC’s shareholders as a result of the NCIB;
    • IPC’s ability to implement its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity and climate strategies and to achieve its net GHG emissions intensity reduction targets;
    • IPC’s ability to implement projects to reduce net emissions intensity, including potential carbon capture and storage;
    • Estimates of reserves and contingent resources;
    • The ability to generate free cash flows and use that cash to repay debt;
    • IPC’s continued access to its existing credit facilities, including current financial headroom, on terms acceptable to the Corporation;
    • IPC’s ability to identify and complete future acquisitions;
    • Expectations regarding the oil and gas industry in Canada, Malaysia and France, including assumptions regarding future royalty rates, regulatory approvals, legislative changes, tariffs, and ongoing projects and their expected completion; and
    • Future drilling and other exploration and development activities.

    Statements relating to “reserves” and “contingent resources” are also deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves and resources described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated and that the reserves and resources can be profitably produced in the future. Ultimate recovery of reserves or resources is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

    The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by IPC, including expectations and assumptions concerning: the potential impact of tariffs implemented in 2025 by the U.S. and Canadian governments and that other than the tariffs that have been implemented, neither the U.S. nor Canada (i) increases the rate or scope of such tariffs, or imposes new tariffs, on the import of goods from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas, and/or (ii) imposes any other form of tax, restriction or prohibition on the import or export of products from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas; prevailing commodity prices and currency exchange rates; applicable royalty rates and tax laws; interest rates; future well production rates and reserve and contingent resource volumes; operating costs; our ability to maintain our existing credit ratings; our ability to achieve our performance targets; the timing of receipt of regulatory approvals; the performance of existing wells; the success obtained in drilling new wells; anticipated timing and results of capital expenditures; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the timing, location and extent of future drilling operations; the successful completion of acquisitions and dispositions and that we will be able to implement our standards, controls, procedures and policies in respect of any acquisitions and realize the expected synergies on the anticipated timeline or at all; the benefits of acquisitions; the state of the economy and the exploration and production business in the jurisdictions in which IPC operates and globally; the availability and cost of financing, labour and services; our intention to complete share repurchases under our normal course issuer bid program, including the funding of such share repurchases, existing and future market conditions, including with respect to the price of our common shares, and compliance with respect to applicable limitations under securities laws and regulations and stock exchange policies; and the ability to market crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids successfully.

    Although IPC believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because IPC can give no assurances that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks.

    These include, but are not limited to: general global economic, market and business conditions; the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to reserves, resources, production, revenues, costs and expenses; health, safety and environmental risks; commodity price fluctuations; interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations; marketing and transportation; loss of markets; environmental and climate-related risks; competition; innovation and cybersecurity risks related to our systems, including our costs of addressing or mitigating such risks; the ability to attract, engage and retain skilled employees; incorrect assessment of the value of acquisitions; failure to complete or realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or dispositions; the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure to obtain required regulatory and other approvals; geopolitical conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia and the conflict in the Middle East, and their potential impact on, among other things, global market conditions; political or economic developments, including, without limitation, the risk that (i) one or both of the U.S. and Canadian governments increases the rate or scope of tariffs implemented in 2025, or imposes new tariffs on the import of goods from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas, (ii) the U.S. and/or Canada imposes any other form of tax, restriction or prohibition on the import or export of products from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas, and (iii) the tariffs imposed by the U.S. on other countries and responses thereto could have a material adverse effect on the Canadian, U.S. and global economies, and by extension the Canadian oil and natural gas industry and the Corporation; and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws, royalties, environmental and abandonment regulations. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

    Additional information on these and other factors that could affect IPC, or its operations or financial results, are included in the MD&A (See “Risk Factors”, “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” and “Reserves and Resources Advisory”), the Corporation’s Annual Information Form (AIF) for the year ended December 31, 2024, (See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information”, “Reserves and Resources Advisory” and “Risk Factors”) and other reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including previous financial reports, management’s discussion and analysis and material change reports, which may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca) or IPC’s website (www.international-petroleum.com).

    Management of IPC approved the production, operating costs, operating cash flow, capital and decommissioning expenditures and free cash flow guidance and estimates contained herein as of the date of this press release. The purpose of these guidance and estimates is to assist readers in understanding IPC’s expected and targeted financial results, and this information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

    Estimated production and FCF generation are based on IPC’s current business plans over the periods of 2025 to 2029 and 2030 to 2034, less net debt of USD 209 million as at December 31, 2024, with assumptions based on the reports of IPC’s independent reserves evaluators, and including certain corporate adjustments relating to estimated general and administration costs and hedging, and excluding shareholder distributions and financing costs. Assumptions include average net production of approximately 57 Mboepd over the period of 2025 to 2029, average net production of approximately 63 Mboepd over the period of 2030 to 2034, average Brent oil prices of USD 75 to 95 per bbl escalating by 2% per year, and average Brent to Western Canadian Select differentials and average gas prices as estimated by IPC’s independent reserves evaluator and as further described in the AIF. IPC’s current business plans and assumptions, and the business environment, are subject to change. Actual results may differ materially from forward-looking estimates and forecasts.

    Non-IFRS Measures
    References are made in this press release to “operating cash flow” (OCF), “free cash flow” (FCF), “Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization” (EBITDA), “operating costs” and “net debt”/”net cash”, which are not generally accepted accounting measures under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other public companies. Non-IFRS measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS.

    The definition of each non-IFRS measure is presented in IPC’s MD&A (See “Non-IFRS Measures” therein).

    Operating cash flow
    The following table sets out how operating cash flow is calculated from figures shown in the Financial Statements:

      Three months ended March 31
    USD Thousands 2025   2024  
    Revenue 178,492   206,419  
    Production costs and net sales of diluent to third party 1 (103,188)   (115,745)  
    Current tax (514)   (1,373)  
    Operating cash flow 74,790   89,301  

    1Includes net sales of diluent to third party amounting to USD 191 thousand for the first quarter of 2025.

    Free cash flow
    The following table sets out how free cash flow is calculated from figures shown in the Financial Statements:

      Three months ended March 31
    USD Thousands 2025   2024  
    Operating cash flow – see above 74,790   89,301  
    Capital expenditures (98,886)   (125,256)  
    Abandonment and farm-in expenditures1 (321)   (122)  
    General, administration and depreciation expenses before depreciation2 (4,358)   (3,653)  
    Cash financial items3 (14,397)   (3,581)  
    Free cash flow (43,172)   (43,311)  

    1 See note 16 to the Financial Statements
    2 Depreciation is not specifically disclosed in the Financial Statements
    3 See notes 4 and 5 to the Financial Statements

    EBITDA
    The following table sets out the reconciliation from net result from the consolidated statement of operations to EBITDA:

      Three months ended March 31
    USD Thousands 2025   2024  
    Net result 16,231   33,719  
    Net financial items 18,855   9,770  
    Income tax 4,679   7,746  
    Depletion and decommissioning costs 29,016   33,153  
    Depreciation of other tangible fixed assets 1,917   2,262  
    Exploration and business development costs 31   75  
    Sale of assets 1 (94)    
    Depreciation included in general, administration and depreciation expenses 2 311   295  
    EBITDA 70,946   87,020  

    1 Sale of assets is included under “Other income/(expense)” but not specifically disclosed in the Financial Statements
    2 Item is not shown in the Financial Statements

    Operating costs
    The following table sets out how operating costs is calculated:

      Three months ended March 31
    USD Thousands 2025   2024  
    Production costs 103,379   115,745  
    Cost of blending (37,726)   (45,206)  
    Change in inventory position 3,500   5,277  
    Operating costs 69,153   75,816  
             

    Net cash/(debt)
    The following table sets out how net cash / (debt) is calculated from figures shown in the Financial Statements:

    USD Thousands March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
    Bank loans (4,449)   (5,121)  
    Bonds1 (450,000)   (450,000)  
    Cash and cash equivalents 140,194   246,593  
    Net cash/(debt) (314,255)   (208,528)  

    1 The bond amount represents the redeemable value at maturity (February 2027).

    Reserves and Resources Advisory
    This press release contains references to estimates of gross and net reserves and resources attributed to the Corporation’s oil and gas assets. For additional information with respect to such reserves and resources, refer to “Reserves and Resources Advisory” in the MD&A. Light, medium and heavy crude oil reserves/resources disclosed in this press release include solution gas and other by-products. Also see “Supplemental Information regarding Product Types” below.

    Reserve estimates, contingent resource estimates and estimates of future net revenue in respect of IPC’s oil and gas assets in Canada are effective as of December 31, 2024, and are included in the reports prepared by Sproule Associates Limited (Sproule), an independent qualified reserves evaluator, in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (NI 51-101) and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (the COGE Handbook) and using Sproule’s December 31, 2024 price forecasts.

    Reserve estimates, contingent resource estimates and estimates of future net revenue in respect of IPC’s oil and gas assets in France and Malaysia are effective as of December 31, 2024, and are included in the report prepared by ERC Equipoise Ltd. (ERCE), an independent qualified reserves auditor, in accordance with NI 51-101 and the COGE Handbook, and using Sproule’s December 31, 2024 price forecasts.

    The price forecasts used in the Sproule and ERCE reports are available on the website of Sproule (sproule.com) and are contained in the AIF. These price forecasts are as at December 31, 2024 and may not be reflective of current and future forecast commodity prices.

    The reserve life index (RLI) is calculated by dividing the 2P reserves of 493 MMboe as at December 31, 2024 by the mid-point of the 2025 CMD production guidance of 43,000 to 45,000 boepd.

    IPC uses the industry-accepted standard conversion of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil (6 Mcf = 1 bbl). A BOE conversion ratio of 6:1 is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. As the value ratio between natural gas and crude oil based on the current prices of natural gas and crude oil is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a 6:1 conversion basis may be misleading as an indication of value.

    Supplemental Information regarding Product Types

    The following table is intended to provide supplemental information about the product type composition of IPC’s net average daily production figures provided in this press release:

             
      Heavy Crude Oil
    (Mbopd)
    Light and Medium Crude
    Oil (Mbopd)
    Conventional Natural Gas
    (per day)
    Total
    (Mboepd)
    Three months ended        
    March 31, 2025 23.2 6.5 88.2 MMcf
    (14.7 Mboe)
    44.4
    March 31, 2024 24.9 7.9 96.0 MMcf
    (16.0 Mboe)
    48.8
    Year ended        
    December 31, 2024 23.9 7.7 95.1 MMcf
    (15.8 Mboe)
    47.4
             

    This press release also makes reference to IPC’s forecast total average daily production of 43,000 to 45,000 boepd for 2025. IPC estimates that approximately 52% of that production will be comprised of heavy oil, approximately 15% will be comprised of light and medium crude oil and approximately 33% will be comprised of conventional natural gas.

    Currency
    All dollar amounts in this press release are expressed in United States dollars, except where otherwise noted. References herein to USD mean United States dollars and to MUSD mean millions of United States dollars. References herein to CAD mean Canadian dollars.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Viridien secures sale of Sercel Marlin Offshore Logistics solution to ONGC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, France – May 6, 2025

    Viridien has announced a sale of its state-of-the art Sercel Marlin™ Offshore Logistics management solution to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to enhance operational efficiency and safety across its Western offshore E&P operations in India. The sale includes a five-year contract to provide ONGC with dedicated on-premises Sercel software and support services.

    The Sercel Marlin Offshore Logistics solution will digitize and streamline ONGC’s complex offshore E&P logistics, increasing situational awareness through real-time vessel tracking and boosting efficiency in operational planning while also managing helicopter transit. Seamless integration with ONGC’s market-leading ERP systems will also ensure efficient data exchange and decision-making. Additionally, Marlin’s advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms will future-proof ONGC’s operations by further enhancing operational efficiency and planning. All of this will support ONGC’s vision to deliver business excellence and achieve their carbon neutrality objectives.

    Jérôme Denigot, EVP, Sensing & Monitoring, Viridien, said: “We are proud to support ONGC’s digitalization strategy with our Sercel Marlin Offshore Logistics solution. Tailored for both cloud-based and on-premises deployment, it offers unparalleled flexibility to accommodate a client’s diverse infrastructure needs. This award widens our footprint in India’s offshore energy sector and opens up future growth opportunities for our Sercel software solutions in the region. This latest collaboration strengthens our position as a leading provider of operations and logistics software for the energy industry and beyond.”

    About Viridien:

    Viridien (www.viridiengroup.com) is an advanced technology, digital and Earth data company that pushes the boundaries of science for a more prosperous and sustainable future. With our ingenuity, drive and deep curiosity we discover new insights, innovations, and solutions that efficiently and responsibly resolve complex natural resource, digital, energy transition and infrastructure challenges. Viridien employs around 3,400 people worldwide and is listed as VIRI on the Euronext Paris SA (ISIN: FR001400PVN6).

    Contacts

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Report for the three months ended 31 March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Highlights

    • Power generation amounted to 251 GWh for the first quarter 2025, being at the lower end of the outlook range, mainly as a result of weather impact and production curtailments related to the provision of ancillary services, for which the Company receives compensation.
    • Reached the ready-to-permit milestone and launched a sales process for a 98 MW solar project in Germany.
    • Reached the ready-to-permit milestone on a second solar and battery project in the UK, bringing the total volume of ready-to-permit projects to 2.5 GW, with the sales process awaiting the conclusion of the ongoing grid connections reform.

    Consolidated financials

    • Cash flows from operating activities amounted to MEUR 0.6.

    Proportionate financials

    • Achieved electricity price amounted to EUR 40 per MWh, which resulted in a proportionate EBITDA of MEUR 0.4.
    • Proportionate net debt of MEUR 68.6, with significant liquidity headroom available through the MEUR 170 revolving credit facility.

    Financial Summary

    Orrön Energy owns renewables assets directly and through joint ventures and associated companies and is presenting proportionate financials in addition to the consolidated financial reporting under IFRS to show the net ownership and related results of these assets. The purpose of the proportionate reporting is to give an enhanced insight into the Company’s operational and financial results.

    Financial performance   Q1
    MEUR   2025 2024
    Revenue   9.3 12.3
    EBITDA   – 0.9 3.1
    Operating profit (EBIT)   – 5.2 – 1.0
    Net result   – 4.0 – 2.6
    Earnings per share – EUR   – 0.01 – 0.01
    Earnings per share diluted – EUR   – 0.01 – 0.01
    Alternative performance measures      
    Proportionate financials1      
    Power generation (GWh)   251 274
    Average price achieved per MWh – EUR   40 49
    Operating expenses per MWh – EUR   20 15
    Revenue   10.1 13.5
    EBITDA   0.4 5.1
    Operating profit (EBIT)   – 4.9
    1 Proportionate financials represent Orrön Energy’s proportionate ownership (net) of assets and related financial results, including joint ventures.
    For more details see section Key Financial Data in the Q1 Report 2025.

    Comment from Daniel Fitzgerald, CEO of Orrön Energy
    “Our greenfield platform is now well established after two years of investment, recruitment and project delivery. We have launched our first sales process in Germany for a 98 MW agri-PV project, and have around 2.5 GW of solar and battery projects in the UK at the ready-to-permit stage awaiting a final resolution from the ongoing grid connections reform. Over the course of 2025 and 2026, we expect to start monetising the first of these projects and I look forward to seeing the results of the hard work and dedication of the teams creating these opportunities. Our UK projects are amongst some of the largest solar projects in the country to date, and will make a significant contribution to the UK government’s ambition to reach net zero through renewable investment and decarbonisation of the power systems. The UK grid connections reform is still underway, and we expect to receive feedback during the fall of 2025, after which we expect to resume our sales process. It is unfortunate that the reform was launched mid-way through our sales process, and although we will see a delay, the value and interest from investors remains strong, as does the UK government’s support for projects such as ours. We expect to share more details on the outcome of the ongoing reform and our progress later this year.

    Our proportionate power generation in the first quarter amounted to 251 GWh, which was at the lower end of our outlook range, primarily due to weather conditions and curtailments linked to the ancillary services provided at our MLK windfarm. We are actively working to qualify additional sites for ancillary services, where we receive compensation when activated. This, alongside voluntary curtailments during periods of low electricity pricing, forms part of a broader set of measures we introduced last year to optimise our revenues and mitigate the ongoing volatility in power markets. Nordic electricity markets remain challenging with low prices and high volatility, and we are seeing that impact not only in our business, but across the sector with very few new renewable energy projects sanctioned.

    Financially resilient
    We remain in a strong financial position, with MEUR 100 of liquidity headroom, and have the ability to manage the pace of our investments as markets evolve. Proportionate revenues and other income for the quarter amounted to MEUR 10.2, and proportionate EBITDA was MEUR 0.4, reflecting the impact of electricity prices during the quarter. Project sales from our greenfield portfolio are expected to commence during the course of this year which should lead to a positive impact on our financial results and EBITDA. Our cost base will further reduce following the conclusion of the Sudan trial in the second quarter of 2026, strengthening our financial position going forward. Electricity prices are set to remain volatile, and future revenues from power sales will remain subject to the underlying Nordic electricity prices, which have been at sustained low levels for the last quarters. I expect to see this improve in the medium term given the lack of new power generation being built, especially in Sweden.

    Looking ahead
    The Company is continuing to deliver in line with our strategy to build a portfolio of producing assets and a pipeline of large-scale greenfield projects. We are making good progress on all fronts with optimisation and consolidation in our producing asset base and continued maturation in our project pipeline. We are supported by a highly skilled and committed team in the Nordics, and a dynamic development team driving our greenfield growth in the UK, Germany and France.

    The long-term outlook for renewable energy remains robust, underpinned by strong policy support, increasing electrification, and growing demand for low-carbon solutions across Europe. As we are investing in onshore technologies with the lowest breakeven price, I am confident that our portfolio is well positioned to deliver long-term value in this space and provide a much-needed new supply of low-cost energy to society. European electricity prices, especially in Germany and the UK, remain at elevated levels, well above the breakeven cost for new renewable projects to be sanctioned, which stands our greenfield portfolio in good shape for delivering long-term returns.

    I would like to once again thank our shareholders for your continued support, and look forward to further updates during 2025.”

    Webcast
    Listen to Daniel Fitzgerald, CEO and Espen Hennie, CFO commenting on the report and presenting the latest developments in Orrön Energy and its future growth strategy at a webcast today at 14.00 CEST. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

    Follow the presentation live on the below webcast link:
    https://orron-energy.events.inderes.com/q1-report-2025

    For further information, please contact:

    Robert Eriksson
    Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations
    Tel: +46 701 11 26 15
    robert.eriksson@orron.com

    Jenny Sandström
    Communications Lead
    Tel: +41 79 431 63 68
    jenny.sandstrom@orron.com

    Orrön Energy is an independent, publicly listed (Nasdaq Stockholm: “ORRON”) renewable energy company within the Lundin Group of Companies. Orrön Energy’s core portfolio consists of high quality, cash flow generating assets in the Nordics, coupled with greenfield growth opportunities in the Nordics, the UK, Germany, and France. With financial capacity to fund further growth and acquisitions, and backed by a major shareholder, management and Board with a proven track record of investing into, leading and growing highly successful businesses, Orrön Energy is in a unique position to create shareholder value through the energy transition.

    Forward-looking statements
    Statements in this press release relating to any future status or circumstances, including statements regarding future performance, growth and other trend projections, are forward-looking statements. These statements may generally, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek”, “will”, “would” or similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that could occur in the future. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements due to several factors, many of which are outside the company’s control. Any forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date on which the statements are made and the company has no obligation (and undertakes no obligation) to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Inbank unaudited financial results for Q1 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    In Q1 2025 Inbank earned a consolidated net profit of 4.5 million euros, increasing 14% year-on-year. The return on equity (ROE) in Q1 stood at 12.3%. 

    • In Q1 2025, Inbank’s total net income reached 20.7 million euros, reflecting an 18% increase compared to the same period last year, driven by consistently improving margins and portfolio growth across both CEE and the Baltics regions. Total operating expenses amounted to 11.1 million euros, which is an 11% increase year-on-year. As a result, Inbank’s cost-income ratio improved to 53.5% for the quarter. 
    • Inbank’s originated volume (OV) for the first quarter reached 166 million euros, which is 6% more than a year ago. 
    • Green financing in Poland grew strongly by 67% compared to a year ago and reached 33 million euros during the quarter. Merchant solutions remained the largest segment with 59.3 million euros in originated volume, but declined 7% compared to a year ago due to a strategic exit from lower-margin partners in Poland. Car financing recorded a 4% decrease year-on-year to 40.2 million euros, impacted by the newly introduced car tax in Estonia, which also contributed to a 2% decrease year-on-year in rental volumes to 11.6 million euros. Direct lending continued on a growth path, increasing 9% to 21.8 million euros. 
    • The loan and rental portfolio reached 1.18 billion euros increasing 11% year-on-year, while the deposit portfolio grew by 15% to 1.27 billion euros. As of the end of Q1, Inbank’s total assets stood at 1.5 billion euros growing 13% year-on-year. 
    • Inbank’s impairments on loans and receivables remained within the company’s target range, accounting for 1.54% of the average loan and rental portfolio. 
    • By the end of Q1, the number of active customer contracts reached 941,000 and 5,600 active partners, following the company’s strategic decision to exit lower-margin merchants.

    Priit Põldoja, Chief Executive Officer, comments on the results:

    “With a few challenging years behind us, Inbank is seeing steady improvement across its financial indicators. Key metrics such as return on equity, total income margin and cost-income ratio have shown consistent progress compared to the last three years and this positive trend is expected to continue. To improve profitability, we have found a better balance between the pace of growth and margin expansion. As of the end of Q1, Inbank’s total assets have surpassed 1.5 billion euros, and equity has exceeded 150 million euros. Remarkably, it was just nine quarters ago that we crossed the 1 billion euros and 100 million euro thresholds, respectively.

    Looking ahead, our improving financial performance and stronger capital base enable us to focus more intently on delivering value to our partners and end-customers. Inbank’s key competitive advantage lies in our broad partner network accompanied by the fastest, most convenient and automated loan origination and credit underwriting capabilities. Going forward we continue to focus on building on our strengths to grow our market position and profitability.”    

    Key financial indicators as of 31.03.2025 

    Total assets EUR 1.52 billion 
    Loan and rental portfolio EUR 1.18 billion
    Customer deposits EUR 1.13 billion
    Total equity EUR 152 million
    Net profit EUR 4.5 million
    Return on equity 12.3%

    Consolidated income statement (in thousands of euros)

      Q1 2025 Q1 2024 3 months 2025 3 months 2024
    Interest income calculated using effective interest method 31,273 28,768 31,273 28,768
    Interest expense -13,313 -13,612 -13,313 -13,612
    Net interest income 17,960 15,156 17,960 15,156
             
    Fee and commission income 7 111 7 111
    Fee and commission expenses -1,232 -1,186 -1,232 -1,186
    Net fee and commission income/expenses -1,225 -1,075 -1,225 -1,075
             
    Rental income 9,149 7,149 9,149 7,149
    Sale of assets previously rented to customers 3,961 4,583 3,961 4,583
    Other operating income 11 339 11 339
    Depreciation of rental assets -4,262 -3,331 -4,262 -3,331
    Other operating expenses -1,683 -1,458 -1,683 -1,458
    Cost of assets sold previously rented to customers -3,643 -4,350 -3,643 -4,350
    Net rental income/expenses 3,533 2,932 3,533 2,932
             
    Net gains/losses from financial assets measured at fair value 444 890 444 890
    Foreign exchange rate gain/losses 19 -339 19 -339
    Net gain/losses from financial items 463 551 463 551
             
    Total net income 20,731 17,564 20,731 17,564
             
    Personnel expenses -5,610 -4,771 -5,610 -4,771
    Marketing expenses -853 -633 -853 -633
    Administrative expenses -2,962 -2,838 -2,962 -2,838
    Depreciation, amortization -1,663 -1,756 -1,663 -1,756
    Total operating expenses -11,088 -9,998 -11,088 -9,998
             
    Share of profit from associates        
    Impairment losses on loans and receivables -4,470 -3,199 -4,470 -3,199
    Profit before income tax 5,173 4,367 5,173 4,367
             
    Income tax expense -642 -403 -642 -403
    Profit for the period 4,531 3,964 4,531 3,964
             
    Other comprehensive income that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss        
    Currency translation differences -107 20 -107 20
    Total comprehensive income for the period 4,424 3,984 4,424 3,984


    Consolidated statement of financial position (in thousands of euros)

      31.03.2025 31.12.2024
    Assets    
    Cash and cash equivalents 218,356 153,191
    Mandatory reserves at central banks 26,042 25,156
    Investments in debt securities 47,063 46,724
    Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss 103 27
    Loans and receivables 1,059,208 1,041,542
    Other financial assets 5,309 4,569
    Tangible fixed assets 100,263 98,069
    Right of use assets 19,775 20,551
    Intangible assets 32,022 31,560
    Other assets 9,532 9,718
    Deferred tax assets 4,973 4,707
    Total assets 1,522,646 1,435,814
         
    Liabilities    
    Customer deposits 1,267,247 1,171,359
    Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss 120 503
    Other financial liabilities 56,531 59,135
    Current tax liability 320 62
    Deferred tax liability 660 533
    Other liabilities 4,798 4,620
    Subordinated debt securities 40,896 52,046
    Total liabilities 1,370,572 1,288,258
         
    Equity    
    Share capital 1,152 1,152
    Share premium 54,849 54,849
    Statutory reserve 109 109
    Other reserves 1,316 1,329
    Retained earnings 94,648 90,117
    Total equity 152,074 147,556
         
    Total liabilities and equity 1,522,646 1,435,814

    Inbank is a financial technology company with an EU banking license that connects merchants, consumers and financial institutions on its next generation embedded finance platform. Partnering with more than 5,600 merchants, Inbank has 941,000+ active contracts and collects deposits across 7 markets in Europe. Inbank bonds are listed on the Nasdaq Tallinn Stock Exchange.

    Additional information:
    Styv Solovjov
    AS Inbank
    Head of Investor Relations
    +372 5645 9738
    styv.solovjov@inbank.ee

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  • MIL-OSI: KH Group Plc’s Business Review January–March 2025: Moderate growth and improving profitability

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KH Group Plc
    Stock Exchange Release 6 May 2025 at 8:00 am EEST

    KH Group Plc’s Business Review January–March 2025: Moderate growth and improving profitability

    This is the summary of the Business Review for January–March 2025. The full Half-Year Report is attached to this release and is also available on the company’s website at www.khgroup.com.

    KH Group, January–March 2025 IFRS

    • Net sales amounted to EUR 41.8 (40.4) million. HTJ and Indoor have been retrospectively classified as discontinued operations.
    • Comparable operating profit was EUR 0.2 (-0.1) million.
    • Operating profit was EUR -0.1 (-0.5) million.
    • Net profit for the period from continuing operations was EUR -0.4 (-1.7) million.
    • Earnings per share (undiluted and diluted) from continuing operations were EUR -0.01 (-0.03).
    • Equity per share at the end of the review period was EUR 0.85 (1.30).
    • Return on equity for rolling 12 months was -43.4% (-19.2%).
    • The Group’s cash and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 4.5 million at the end of the review period.
    • Gearing at the end of the review period was 291.3% (225.3%).
    • Gearing excluding lease liabilities was 187.9% (141.6%).

    CEO Ville Nikulainen:

    The Group’s net sales and operating profit from continuing operations increased moderately year-on-year during the January–March review period. KH-Koneet’s net sales and operating profit increased in both Finland and Sweden in spite of the weakened market situation. Sales of heavy crawler excavators in Finland, in particular, grew significantly year-on-year. Nordic Rescue Group’s net sales declined, but operating profit for the first quarter was on a par with the comparison period. The financial situation of the wellbeing services counties became clearer after the turn of the year and, as a result, the order book for Nordic Rescue Group’s operations in Finland strengthened during the review period. In Sweden, the demand for rescue vehicles has remained at a good level.

    In Indoor Group, the general uncertainty in the market continued to have a negative impact on net sales and operating profit. The extensive operating model reform programme to improve Indoor Group’s profitability targets an annual improvement in operating profit of at least EUR 10 million by the end of 2026. A significant part of the targeted profitability improvement is estimated to be realised already during 2025. The change negotiations concluded in December 2024 will generate annual savings in wage costs of approximately EUR 6–7 million, which will improve the company’s result significantly already during the second quarter.

    As a strategic measure, KH Group announced in March 2024 that it had initiated a sale process for Indoor Group. KH Group has engaged a financial advisor to explore various options for its Indoor Group shareholding. No final decision has been made on the sale of Indoor Group holdings and there is no certainty as to the timing, terms or completion of any such transaction. KH Group aims to complete the process during 2025. Another strategic step was completed in March 2025 as KH Group acquired the remaining KH-Koneet Group Oy minority shares in accordance with the shareholder agreement and KH-Koneet is now a fully-owned subsidiary of KH Group. The purchase price of the shares was EUR 2.0 million.

    In 2025, the business areas will focus on securing net sales and operating profit as well as improving the efficiency of working capital. KH Group’s change in strategy is being advanced according to plan.”

    Events after the review period

    The Board of Directors of KH Group Plc decided to establish a performance-based share scheme for key employees of KH-Koneet. The plan replaces the performance-based matching share plan announced on 31 May 2024. The purpose of the new scheme is to align the goals of shareholders and key employees in order to increase the company’s shareholder value in the long term, guide the key employees to achieve the company’s strategic objectives, engage their commitment to the company and offer them a competitive incentive scheme based on the earning and accrual of KH Group shares. The performance-based share scheme has one (1) performance period of two (2) years, corresponding to the financial periods 2025–2026. The scheme provides key employees with the opportunity to earn KH Group shares based on performance

    Financial objectives and future outlook

    KH Group’s objective is to become an industrial group built around the KH-Koneet business and to divest other business areas in line with the Group’s strategy. At the same time, active developments will continue regarding other business areas. Exit planning and the assessment of exit opportunities for the other business areas will also continue.

    During the next few years, the aim is to invest in the growth of the core business and pay dividends after significant exits within the limits established by the balance sheet structure and financing agreements.

    The guidance with the current Group structure of continuing operations for 2025 is as follows: the company estimates that both the net sales (EUR 194.0 million) and the comparable operating profit (EUR 7.2 million) will remain approximately at the same level year-on-year.

    KH GROUP PLC

    Ville Nikulainen
    CEO

    FURTHER INFORMATION:
    CEO Ville Nikulainen, tel. +358 400 459 343

    DISTRIBUTION:
    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Major media
    www.khgroup.com

    KH Group Plc is a Nordic conglomerate operating in the business areas of KH-Koneet, Nordic Rescue Group and Indoor Group. We are a leading supplier of construction and earth-moving equipment, rescue vehicle manufacturer as well as furniture and interior decoration retailer. The objective of our strategy is to create an industrial group around the business of KH-Koneet. KH Group’s share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

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