Category: European Union

MIL-OSI: Planisware – Monthly information relating to the total number of shares and voting rights making-up the share capital – April 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Monthly information relating to the total number of shares and voting rights making-up the share capital

Information mensuelle relative au nombre total d’actions et de droits de vote composant le capital social

Article L. 233-8 II of the French Commercial code and article 223-16
of the AMF General Regulation

Article L. 233-8-II du Code de commerce et article 223-16 du Règlement général de l’AMF

Name and address of the Company: Planisware SA
Dénomination sociale de l’émetteur : 200 avenue de Paris
92320 Châtillon
France
(ISIN code : FR001400PFU4)

Date	Total number of shares Nombre total d’actions composant le capital	Number of theorical voting rights Nombre de droits de vote théoriques	Number of effective voting rights* Nombre de droits de vote effectifs*
30/04/2025	70,024,000	70,024,000	70,016,295

*Treasury shares excluded / Actions auto-détenues exclues

Attachment

20250430 – Planisware – total number of shares and voting rights

The MIL Network –

May 6, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Warrants of further detention obtained in terrorism investigation

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A Counter Terrorism Policing investigation, led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, is continuing following the arrest of five Iranian nationals on suspicion of terrorism offences.

The men, were arrested on Saturday, 3 May, as part of a national pre-planned operation are as follows:

[A] a 29-year-old man was arrested in the Swindon area

[B] a 46-year-old man was arrested in west London

[C] a 29-year-old man was arrested in the Stockport area

[D] a 40-year-old man was arrested in the Rochdale area

[E] a 24-year-old man was arrested in the Manchester area

All five men, who are all Iranian nationals, were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act (TACT), 2006. Four of the men [A-D] were detained under TACT.

Warrants of further detention have today (Monday, 5 May) been secured for those four men, meaning they can be detained and questioned until Saturday, 10 May.

The fifth man [E] was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). He has now been released on bail, with conditions, to a date in May.

As part of the investigation, officers are also carrying out searches at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon areas.

Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Our officers and staff are progressing what is a significant and highly complex investigation, and we still have searches and activity underway at multiple addresses across the country.

“We are working incredibly hard, with public safety at the forefront of our ongoing efforts.

“We believe that a specific premises was the target of this suspected plot and Counter Terrorism Policing officers remain in close contact with the affected premises.

“At this time, we will not be providing further information about the suspected target for reasons of operational security and public safety.

“I would like to ask people to support my officers in this and not to speculate or share information that has not been confirmed by Counter Terrorism Policing. We have clear and critical reasons not to provide more detail at this time.

“The investigation is still in its early stages and we are exploring various lines of enquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter.

“As always, I would ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.

“We are working closely with local officers in the areas where we made arrests on Saturday and I’d like to thank police colleagues around the country for their ongoing support.”

Operational activity is currently being supported by Greater Manchester Police and Wiltshire Police, as well as colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing across the country.

As always, we would ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then to report it to police – either by calling police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321 or via www.gov.uk/ACT

In an emergency, always dial 999.

MIL Security OSI –

May 6, 2025

MIL-OSI: RUBIS: Q1 2025 trading update – Continued strong operating performance of Rubis’ diversified business model

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Paris, 5 May 2025, 5:45pm

Energy Distribution
- Retail & Marketing – Solid volume growth at +4%, gross margin at €218m (+4%)
  - Strong momentum of the retail business both in Africa and in the Caribbean region
  - Bitumen activity performing well in Togo and South Africa – Nigeria volume growth resumes
- Support & Services – Revenue up 2% at €266m
  - Lower bitumen trading margins as a result of higher in-house activity
Renewable Electricity Production
- Secured portfolio up 22% vs March 2024 at 1.1 GWp
No direct impact of trade tariffs on the business
2025 Guidance reaffirmed

SALES BREAKDOWN BY SEGMENT AND BY REGION

(in €m)	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024
Energy Distribution	1,687	1,652	+2%
Retail & Marketing	1,420	1,392	+2%
Europe	215	209	+3%
Caribbean	584	590	-1%
Africa	621	593	+5%
Support & Services	266	260	+2%
Renewable Electricity Production	11	8	+28%
TOTAL	1,697	1,660	+2%

On 5 May 2025, Clarisse Gobin-Swiecznik, Managing Partner, commented on the Q1 2025 activity: “Our position as distributor of energy and mobility solutions, leader in a diversity of regions, has once again proved successful. Q1 demonstrates Rubis’ resilience and ability to deliver strong performance in a challenging global environment. Our Energy Distribution businesses achieved robust growth across all regions while Photosol delivered according to plan. Looking ahead, we remain confident in our 2025 guidance, supported by the strength and growth potential of our diverse businesses”

HIGHLIGHTS

No direct impact of trade tariffs on the business

None of Rubis’ businesses is directly concerned by the trade tariffs turmoil ongoing. The Group does not operate in the US, nor in China.

New geographical development: Acquisition of Soida in Angola

In March 2025, Rubis Énergie acquired 60% of the share capital of Soida (Sociedade Industrial de Derivados Asfálticos), adding to its existing share of 35% acquired at the end of 2022 and leading to a final stake in the Company of 95%. Soida distributes bitumen in Angola with a market share well over 50% and extending further bitumen geographical footprint.

Publication of first Sustainability Statement (CSRD) including strategy and updated climate ambitions for 2030

Rubis’ first Sustainability Statement (CSRD format) was published on 28 April covering among others: Climate change – Update on decarbonisation targets and financial implications. Beyond regulatory requirements, the Sustainability Statement provides a solid foundation for shaping the Group’s Think Tomorrow 2026–2030 Roadmap, which will integrate business-specific priorities and be co-constructed with the operating entities.

Q1 2025 COMMERCIAL PERFORMANCE

1. ENERGY DISTRIBUTION – RETAIL & MARKETING

In Q1 2025, volume continued to increase across the board. Margins also saw an upward trend, with some variability.

Volume sold and gross margin by product in Q1 2025

	Volume (in ‘000 m³)			Gross margin (in €m)
(in ‘000 m³)	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024
LPG	346	343	1%	83	84	-0%
Fuel	1,071	1,048	2%	113	103	10%
Bitumen	135	100	35%	21	23	-6%
TOTAL	1,552	1,491	4%	218	209	4%

Volume sold and gross margin by region in Q1 2025

	Volume (in ‘000 m³)			Gross margin (in €m)
	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024
Europe	255	245	4%	65	62	4%
Caribbean	584	573	2%	85	80	7%
Africa	712	674	6%	68	67	1%
TOTAL	1,552	1,491	4%	218	209	4%

LPG volume was slightly up. The main drivers for growth over the quarter were bulk in France, where sales teams were particularly dynamic and won several new contracts. Autogas in France also saw a strong performance, as a result of several contracts won with service stations in 2024. Market share in France continued to increase, benefiting from a high level of customer engagement. These strong dynamics were partially offset by lower volume in Morocco where the market faced a product shortage after difficult weather conditions kept the supply vessels from unloading the product. Gross margin remained stable.

As regards fuel:
- in the retail business (representing 49% of fuel volume and 52% of fuel gross margin in Q1 2025) volume grew by 4% vs Q1 2024. Gross margin increased by 14%, driven by:
  - increasing volume in East Africa, with Zambia, Uganda and Rwanda showing significant growth rates thanks to rebranded service stations,
  - Madagascar also saw significant volume and margin growth year over year, thanks to a well-maintained network and improved logistics, enabling the Company to increase its market share,
  - activity continued to be very dynamic in the Caribbean, with Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana still performing well. The situation in Haiti remains unchanged with half of the service stations closed at the end of March 2025;
- the Commercial and Industrial business (C&I, representing 28% of fuel volume and 24% of fuel gross margin in Q1 2025) increased by 2% in volume and decreased by 1% in gross margin over the period, led by Kenya, Zambia, Guyana, Suriname and Barbados;
- the aviation segment (representing 20% of fuel volume and 19% of fuel gross margin in Q1 2025) saw increased margins in Q1 2025 at +6% despite a slight volume decline of 2%. This performance was mainly driven by the Eastern Caribbean region, where some airlines decreased their frequencies, and the pricing environment was favourable.
Bitumen volume was up 35% yoy, mainly driven by Nigeria where Rubis’ supply situation was particularly strong. Togo and South Africa also saw strong volume increase, with improving margins. Gross margin showed a 6% decrease yoy and is the result of a different product mix in Nigeria.

2. ENERGY DISTRIBUTION – SUPPORT & SERVICES

The Support & Services activity recorded €266m of revenue (+2% yoy) in Q1 2025.

Volume excluding crude deliveries was up 5% and margins were down 4% vs Q1 2024.

In the Caribbean, trading activity was dynamic with +5% in volume.

In Africa, bitumen shipping activity was at a level comparable to that of Q1 2024 (volume +1%) with more numerous but shorter routes.

SARA refinery and logistics operations present specific business models with stable earnings profile.

3. RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION – PHOTOSOL

Operational data	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024
Assets in operation (MWp)	535	450	+19%
Electricity production (GWh)	102	81	+26%
Sales (in €m)	11	8	+28%

Over Q1 2025, Photosol commissionned 12MWp, leading its assets in operation to grow by 19% yoy at 535 MWp. The secured portfolio increased by 22% to 1.1 GWp with 53 MWp new projects secured over Q1 2025. The pipeline reached 5.7 GWp (+21% yoy). Revenue for Q1 2025 stood at €11m, up 28% vs Q1 2024, benefitting from portfolio expansion and a higher load factor.

In April 2025, Alix Lajoie became President and Thomas Aubagnac became CEO of Photosol, as planned. Both were previously Deputy CEOs since 2023. The two founders, David Guinard and Robin Ucelli, remain shareholders and Board members of Photosol.

OUTLOOK – FY 2025 GUIDANCE REAFFIRMED

The working assumptions used to establish the 2025 guidance remain unchanged.

Group EBITDA is expected at €710m to €760m in 2025 (assuming IAS 29 – hyperinflation impact unchanged versus 2024).

Reminder: Photosol 2027 ambitions:

Secured portfolio⁽¹⁾ above 2.5 GWp
Consolidated EBITDA⁽²⁾: €50-55m, of which c.10% EBITDA contribution from farm-down initiatives
- Power EBITDA⁽³⁾: €80-85m
- Secured EBITDA⁽⁴⁾: €150-200m

NON-FINANCIAL RATING

MSCI: AA (reiterated in Dec-24)
Sustainalytics: 29.2 (from 30.7 previously)
ISS ESG: C (from C- previously)
CDP: B (reiterated in Feb-25)

Webcast for investors and analysts
Date: 5 May 2024, 6:00pm
Link to register: https://channel.royalcast.com/rubisen/#!/rubisen/20250505_1
Participants from Rubis:

Marc Jacquot, CFO
Clémence Mignot-Dupeyrot, Head of IR

Upcoming events
Shareholders’ Meeting: 12 June 2025
Q2 & H1 2025 results: 9 September 2025
Q3 & 9M 2025 trading update: 4 November 2025
Q4 & FY 2025 results: 12 March 2026

(1) Includes ready-to-build, under construction and in operation capacities.
(2) EBITDA reported in Rubis Group consolidated financial statements.
(3) Aggregated EBITDA from operating PV through electricity sales.
(4) Illustrative EBITDA coming from secured portfolio.

Press Contact

Analyst Contact

RUBIS – Communication department

RUBIS – Clémence Mignot-Dupeyrot, Head of IR

Tel: +33 (0)1 44 17 95 95

presse@rubis.fr

Tel: +33 (0)1 45 01 87 44

investors@rubis.fr

Attachment

RUBIS: Q1 2025 trading update – Continued strong operating performance of Rubis’ diversified business model

The MIL Network –

May 6, 2025

MIL-OSI: ASM share buyback update April 30 – May 2, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Almere, The Netherlands
May 5, 2025, 5:45 p.m. CET

ASM International N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: ASM) reports the following transactions, conducted under ASM’s current share buyback program.

Date Repurchased shares Average price Repurchased value

April 30, 2025 4,177 € 423.50 € 1,768,960

May 2, 2025 3,754 € 442.03 € 1,659,386

Total 7,931 € 432.27 € 3,428,346

These repurchases were made as part of the €150 million share buyback program which started on April 30, 2025. Of the total program, 2.3% has been repurchased. For further details including individual transaction information please visit: www.asm.com/investors/dividends-share-buybacks.

About ASM International
ASM International N.V., headquartered in Almere, the Netherlands, and its subsidiaries design and manufacture equipment and process solutions to produce semiconductor devices for wafer processing, and have facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. ASM International’s common stock trades on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol: ASM). For more information, visit ASM’s website at www.asm.com. This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

Contact

Investor and media relations

Victor Bareño
T: +31 88 100 8500
E: investor.relations@asm.com

Investor relations

Valentina Fantigrossi
T: +31 88 100 8502
E: investor.relations@asm.com

The MIL Network –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: ICC leadership joins B20 South Africa task forces
Source: International Chamber of Commerce

Headline: ICC leadership joins B20 South Africa task forces

Bolstering ICC’s engagement as an official B20 Network Partner, ICC representatives will lend expertise and leadership to co-chair the following B20 task forces:

Co-Chair, Finance and Infrastructure
John W.H. Denton AO, ICC Secretary General,

Industrial Transformation and Innovation
Shinta Kamdani, ICC Executive Board Vice-Chair, and Marjorie Yang, ICC Executive Board Member

Digital Transformation
Karan Bilimoria, Chair, ICC United Kingdom

The B20 is the official platform for the international business community to support the work of the G20 process. Since 2010, when the B20 was established, ICC has played a consistent and leading role in shaping the process, providing policy leadership and expertise, amplifying outcomes and supporting continuity, most recently as an official B20 Network Partner.

This year’s G20 Presidency is held by South Africa, marking the first time it has been led by an African nation. The B20 is hosted by Business Unity South Africa (BUSA).

The B20 Secretariat has convened the following eight task forces:
- Employment & Education
- Trade & Investment
- Energy Mix & Just Transition
- Digital Transformation
- Integrity & Compliance
- Finance & Infrastructure
- Sustainable Food Systems & Agriculture
- Industrial Transformation & Innovation.
Each of the eight task forces is chaired by a business leader from Africa and will produce a series of policy recommendations in line with the B20’s theme of Inclusive Growth and Prosperity through Global Cooperation.

Highlighting the unique agency of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and how ICC is working to support its success, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO, who participated in the B20 South Africa launch in Cape Town in February 2025, said:

“The G20 process in South Africa represents a unique opportunity to revitalise multilateralism in the current context. At ICC we are honoured to be B20 Network Partners once again, supporting all eight of the Task Forces this year. We look forward to working closely with the Secretariat to ensure the private sector is positioned as a true partner to these important discussions, leveraging our global network and policy insights.”

In addition to task force co-leadership roles, ICC B20 support includes the participation of 19 members of the ICC leadership across the eight task forces, policy support from the ICC Global Policy department, and network support from the ICC Agri-Food Initiative.
MIL OSI Global Banks –
May 6, 2025

MIL-OSI: Coface : Coface records a good start to the year with net income of €62.1m, for an RoATE of 12.7%

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Coface records a good start to the year with net income of €62.1m, for an RoATE of 12.7%

Paris, 5 May 2025 – 17.35

Turnover: €473m, up 2.0% at constant FX and perimeter
- Trade credit insurance revenue up 1.2%; client activity also increased by 1.2%
- Client retention back up at near-record (95.0%); pricing remained negative (-1.3%) in line with historical trends
- Business information growing again double-digit (+14.7% at constant FX, +18.4% at current FX). Debt collection up +14.8%; factoring was down slightly by -0.7%
Net loss ratio at 39.1%, up by 3.3 ppts; net combined ratio at 68.7%, up by 5.6 ppts and stable compared to Q4-24
- Gross loss ratio at 38.7%, up by 5.5 ppts with higher opening year reserving and reserve releases stable at a high level year on year
- Net cost ratio increased 2.2 ppts to 29.5%, reflecting continued investments partially offset by better product mix
Net income (group share) at €62.1m, down by -9.2% compared to Q1-24
Annualised RoATE¹at 12.7%

Unless otherwise indicated, change comparisons refer to the results as at 31 March 2024

Xavier Durand, Coface’s Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“With a net income of €62.1m and an RoATE of 12.7%, Coface posted another quarter of solid results in a highly volatile environment. Shifting US policy on international trade is creating a high level of uncertainty, although its potential consequences are not yet visible. In this complicated environment for corporates, Coface remains very close to its clients and is maintaining a highly preventative stance in its risk portfolio which is well diversified across regions and sectors.
In the medium term, depending on their actual implementation and level, the announced tariffs may have a negative impact on global trade volumes. We may also see prices increase in the United States and an adverse impact on certain industrial sectors and regions, likely leading to higher numbers of business failures.
Thanks to its leading infrastructure, the quality of its information and its teams of internationally recognised experts, Coface is well positioned to support its clients in managing their risks.
Against this backdrop, our strategy to invest in better understanding short-term risks and in the strengthening of our range of services (Business Information, Debt Collection) is more relevant than ever and resolutely pursued.”

Key figures at 31 March 2025

The Board of Directors of COFACE SA examined the summary consolidated financial statements for the first three months (non-audited) during its meeting on 5 May 2025. The Audit Committee at its meeting on 2 May 2025 also previously reviewed them.

Income statement items in €m	Q1-24	Q1-25	Variation	% ex. FX*
Insurance revenue	378.6	382.9	+1.1%	+1.2%
Other revenue	85.0	90.3	+6.2%	+5.5%
REVENUE	463.7	473.2	+2.1%	+2.0%
UNDERWRITING INCOME/LOSS AFTER REINSURANCE	100.3	85.4	(14.9)%	(15.4)%
Investment income, net of management expenses, excluding finance costs	17.9	10.4	(42.0)%	(44.2)%
Insurance Finance Expenses	(11.4)	(4.1)	(63.6)%	(61.6)%
CURRENT OPERATING INCOME	106.8	91.6	(14.2)%	(15.3)%
Other operating income / expenses	(0.1)	(0.4)	+438.8%	+439.8%
OPERATING INCOME	106.8	91.2	(14.5)%	(15.6)%
NET INCOME (GROUP SHARE)	68.4	62.1	(9.2)%	(10.5)%

Key ratios	Q1-24	Q1-25	Variation
Loss ratio net of reinsurance	35.8%	39.1%	3.4	ppts
Cost ratio net of reinsurance	27.3%	29.5%	2.2	ppts
COMBINED RATIO NET OF REINSURANCE	63.1%	68.7%	5.6	ppts

Balance sheet items in €m	2024	Q1-25	Variation
Total equity (group share)	2,193.6	2,234.0	+1.8%

* Also excludes scope impact

1. Turnover

Coface recorded consolidated turnover of €473.2m, up +2.0% at constant FX and perimeter compared to Q1-24. As reported (at current FX and perimeter), turnover rose +2.1%.

Revenues from insurance activities (including Bonding and Single Risk) increased by +1.2% at constant FX and perimeter. Client retention returned to a level close to its record high at 95.0% in a still competitive market. New business totalled €37m, stable compared with Q1-24. This was driven by an increase in demand and growth investments, particularly in the mid-market segment.

Growth in client activity was positive at 1.2%, marking a further improvement compared to the already positive previous quarter. However, this level reflects the economic environment that prevailed before the tariff announcements by the United States. The price effect remained negative at -1.3% in Q1-25, in line with last year and long-term trends.

Turnover from non-insurance activities was up +7.5% compared to Q1-24. However, not all business lines enjoyed the same momentum. Factoring turnover fell by -0.7%, with Germany and Poland recording identical performance. Business Information turnover continued to grow, rising +14.8% (and +18.4% on a reported basis). Fee and commission income (debt collection commissions) increased +14.8% due to the increase in claims to be collected. Commissions were up +4.0%, exceeding growth in premium income.

Total revenue – in €m (by country of invoicing)	Q1-24	Q1-25	Variation	% ex. FX²
Northern Europe	97.8	97.0	(0.8)%	(0.8)%
Western Europe	91.7	96.0	+4.7%	+1.9%
Central & Eastern Europe	45.1	42.3	(6.3)%	(6.9)%
Mediterranean & Africa	138.9	143.4	+3.2%	+5.1%
North America	42.6	43.5	+2.0%	+1.5%
Latin America	18.6	20.4	+9.7%	+16.0%
Asia-Pacific	28.9	30.7	+6.2%	+2.7%
Total Group	463.7	473.2	+2.1%	+2.0%

In Northern Europe, turnover was down by -0.8% at constant and current FX. The region continues to suffer from the weakness of the German economy. This slight decline was partially offset by growth in non-insurance activities. Factoring turnover was down -0.7% but services were up +17.8%.

In Western Europe, turnover increased +1.9% at constant FX (+4.7% at current FX). The loss of several significant contracts was more than offset by growth in service activities.

In Central and Eastern Europe, turnover fell -6.9% at constant FX (-6.3% at current FX) due to client activity, which continued to drag down credit insurance, and a significant contract that is now included in another region.

In the Mediterranean and Africa region, which is driven by Italy and Spain, turnover rose +5.1% at constant FX and +3.2% at current FX on the back of robust sales in credit insurance and services and a generally stronger economic environment.

In North America, turnover rose by +1.5% at constant FX and +2.0% on a reported basis. The region benefited from a slight improvement in client activity and higher retention.

In Latin America, turnover increased +16.0% at constant FX and +9.7% at current FX. The region is benefiting from continued high inflation, which is benefiting client activity.

In Asia-Pacific, turnover increased +2.7% at constant FX and +6.2% at current FX. The region is benefiting from high retention and a slight increase in client activity.

2. Result

Combined ratio

The combined ratio net of reinsurance stood at 68.7% for Q1-25, an increase of 5.6 ppts year on year but flat compared to the previous quarter.

(i) Loss ratio

The gross loss ratio stood at 38.7%, up 5.5 ppts compared to the previous year. This increase reflects the normalisation of the loss experience offset by high but stable reserve releases compared to the previous year. The number of mid-sized claims was below long-term trends but is increasing.

The Group’s provisioning policy remained unchanged. The amount of provisions related to the underwriting year, although discounted, remained in line with the historical average. Strict management of past claims enabled the Group to record 43.6 ppts of recoveries.

The net loss ratio increased to 39.1%, up 3.3 ppts compared to Q1-24, with reinsurance absorbing part of the deterioration in the gross loss ratio.

(ii) Cost ratio

Coface is pursuing a strict cost management policy while maintaining its investments, in line with the Power the Core strategic plan. In Q1-25, costs rose by +5.7% at constant FX and perimeter, and +5.9% at current FX.

The cost ratio net of reinsurance was 29.5% in Q1-25, up 2.2 ppts year on year. This increase was mainly due to cost inflation (+1.4 ppt) and continued investment (+2.9 ppts). In contrast, the improved product mix (Business Information, Debt Collection and fee and commission income) had a positive effect of 2.6 ppts. The change in reinsurance commissions explains most of the remainder.

Financial result

Net financial income was €10.4m in the first quarter. This amount includes an FX effect of -€12.4m, mostly due to the application of IAS 29 (Hyperinflation) mainly in Turkey for €4.5m.

The portfolio’s current yield (i.e. excluding capital gains, depreciation and FX) was €24.9m. The accounting yield³, excluding capital gains and fair value effect, was 0.7% in Q1-25. The yield on new investments was 3.8%.

Insurance Finance Expenses (IFE) stood at €4.1m for the first quarter. Outside of FX gains, the amount is very similar to that of previous quarters.

Operating income and net income

Operating income amounted to €91.2m in Q1-25, down 14.5%.

The effective tax rate was 23% for the quarter (vs. 27% in Q1-24).

In total, net income (group share) was €62.1m, down 9.2% compared to the first quarter of 2024.

3. Shareholders’ equity

At 31 March 2025, Group shareholders’ equity stood at €2,234.0m, up €40.4m or +1.8% (€2,193.6m at 31 December 2024).

This increase is mainly due to positive net income of €62.1m and an FX effect.

The annualised return on average tangible equity (RoATE) was 12.7% at 31 March 2025, down from the previous year, in line with the decline in net income.

4. Outlook

Uncertainty about international economic policy is reaching a rarely seen levels. The United States announced the implementation of massive tariffs which vary depending on industrial sector and the imports’ country of origin. Implementation has been delayed in most cases to allow time for negotiations.

Estimates of the long-term impact will have to wait until the tariffs actually implemented are more stable. In the short term, this uncertainty is delaying investment decisions and detracting from economic growth.

This unprecedented complex environment validates the strategy and positioning adopted by Coface, which draws on its internationally recognised experts and industry leading data to support its clients as effectively as possible as the situation evolves. In the short term, Coface has stepped up communication with its clients and maintained its prevention actions at a high level, while continuing to invest in line with the Power the Core strategic plan. The workforce dedicated to services (Business Information and Debt Collection) currently stands at nearly 700 people.

Conference call for financial analysts

Coface’s Q1-2025 results will be discussed with financial analysts during the conference call on Monday 5 May at 18:00 (Paris time). Dial one of the following numbers:

The presentation will be available (in English only) at the following address:
http://www.coface.com/Investors/financial-results-and-reports

Appendices

Quarterly results

Income statement items in €m Quarterly figures	Q1-24	Q2-24	Q3-24	Q4-24	Q1-25	%	% ex. FX*
Insurance revenue	378.6	375.6	375.9	382.7	382.9	+1.1%	+1.2%
Other revenue	85.0	83.4	78.0	85.5	90.3	+6.2%	+5.5%
REVENUE	463.7	459.1	453.8	468.3	473.2	+2.1%	+2.0%
UNDERWRITING INCOME (LOSS) AFTER REINSURANCE	100.3	94.7	88.8	84.9	85.4	(14.9)%	(15.4)%
Investment income, net of management expenses, excluding finance costs	17.9	22.8	19.0	31.9	10.4	(42.0)%	(44.2)%
Insurance Finance Expenses	(11.4)	(6.7)	(7.3)	(17.1)	(4.1)	(63.6)%	(61.6)%
CURRENT OPERATING INCOME	106.8	110.9	100.5	99.7	91.6	(14.2)%	(15.3)%
Other operating income / expenses	(0.1)	(0.5)	(2.6)	(5.5)	(0.4)	438.8%	439.8%
OPERATING INCOME	106.8	110.4	97.9	94.2	91.2	(14.5)%	(15.6)%
NET INCOME (GROUP SHARE)	68.4	73.8	65.4	53.4	62.1	(9.2)%	(10.5)%
Income tax rate	27.2%	26.8%	25.5%	36.2%	23.0%	(4.2) ppt

Cumulated results

Income statement items in €m Cumulated figures	Q1-24	H1-24	9M-24	2024	Q1-25	%	% ex. FX*
Insurance revenue	378.6	754.3	1,130.2	1,512.9	382.9	+1.1%	+1.2%
Other revenue	85.0	168.5	246.4	331.9	90.3	+6.2%	+5.5%
REVENUE	463.7	922.7	1,376.6	1,844.8	473.2	+2.1%	+2.0%
UNDERWRITING INCOME (LOSS) AFTER REINSURANCE	100.3	195.0	283.8	368.7	85.4	(14.9)%	(15.4)%
Investment income, net of management expenses, excluding finance costs	17.9	40.8	59.8	91.7	10.4	(42.0)%	(44.2)%
Insurance Finance Expenses	(11.4)	(18.1)	(25.4)	(42.5)	(4.1)	(63.6)%	(61.6)%
CURRENT OPERATING INCOME	106.8	217.7	318.2	417.9	91.6	(14.2)%	(15.3)%
Other operating income / expenses	(0.1)	(0.5)	(3.1)	(8.6)	(0.4)	438.8%	439.8%
OPERATING INCOME	106.8	217.2	315.1	409.2	91.2	(14.5)%	(15.6)%
NET INCOME (GROUP SHARE)	68.4	142.3	207.7	261.1	62.1	(9.2)%	(10.5)%
Income tax rate	27.2%	27.0%	26.5%	28.7%	23.0%	(4.2) ppt

* Also excludes scope impact

CONTACTS

ANALYSTS / INVESTORS
Thomas JACQUET: +33 1 49 02 12 58 – thomas.jacquet@coface.com
Rina ANDRIAMIADANTSOA: +33 1 49 02 15 85 – rina.andriamiadantsoa@coface.com

MEDIA RELATIONS
Saphia GAOUAOUI: +33 1 49 02 14 91 – saphia.gaouaoui@coface.com
Adrien BILLET: +33 1 49 02 23 63 – adrien.billet@coface.com

FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2025
(subject to change)

Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting: 14 May 2025
H1-2025 results: 31 July 2025 (after market close)
9M-2025 results: 3 November 2025 (after market close)

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
This press release, as well as COFACE SA’s integral regulatory information, can be found on the Group’s website: http://www.coface.com/Investors

For regulated information on Alternative Performance Measures (APM), please refer to our Interim Financial Report for H1-2024 and our 2024 Universal Registration Document (see part 3.7 “Key financial performance indicators”).

Regulated documents posted by COFACE SA have been secured and authenticated with the blockchain technology by Wiztrust.
You can check the authenticity on the website www.wiztrust.com.

COFACE: FOR TRADE
As a global leading player in trade credit risk management for more than 75 years, Coface helps companies grow and navigate in an uncertain and volatile environment.
Whatever their size, location or sector, Coface provides 100,000 clients across some 200 markets with a full range of solutions: Trade Credit Insurance, Business Information, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Surety Bonds, Factoring.
Every day, Coface leverages its unique expertise and cutting-edge technology to make trade happen, in both domestic and export markets.
In 2024, Coface employed ~5,236 people and registered a turnover of €1.84 billion.

www.coface.com

COFACE SA is quoted in Compartment A of Euronext Paris
Code ISIN: FR0010667147 / Ticker: COFA

DISCLAIMER – Certain declarations featured in this press release may contain forecasts that notably relate to future events, trends, projects or targets. By nature, these forecasts include identified or unidentified risks and uncertainties, and may be affected by many factors likely to give rise to a significant discrepancy between the real results and those stated in these declarations. Please refer to chapter 5 “Main risk factors and their management within the Group” of the Coface Group’s 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with AMF on 5 April 2024 under the number D.25-0227 in order to obtain a description of certain major factors, risks and uncertainties likely to influence the Coface Group’s businesses. The Coface Group disclaims any intention or obligation to publish an update of these forecasts, or provide new information on future events or any other circumstance.

1 Return on average tangible equity
2 Also excludes scope impact
3 Book yield calculated on the average of the investment portfolio excluding non-consolidated subsidiaries.

Attachment

2025 05 05 PR results Q1-2025 COFACE

The MIL Network –

May 6, 2025

MIL-OSI: Virtune announces change of Index Provider
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Stockholm, 5 May 2025 – Virtune announces that as of May 12, 2025, the index provider for Virtune’s existing index ETPs will change to MarketVector Indexes^TM (“MarketVector”). In addition, reference prices from MarketVector will be used for Virtune’s other ETPs.

Notice of changed service provider within Virtune’s ETP program
Virtune announces a change of index administrator, index calculation agent, and reference price provider to MarketVector for all of Virtune’s ETPs, which will be reflected in the updated final terms, available as of May 12, 2025.

Please note that this change does not affect investors or the trading of Virtune’s ETPs and no action is required from investors.

Change:
New index administrator, index calculation agent and reference price provider: MarketVector Indexes GmbH
Address: Voltastrasse 1, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Index change as of May 12, 2025, with MarketVector as new index administrator and index calculation agent:

Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP SEK (ISIN: SE0020052207): Change to Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index produced by MarketVector

Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP EUR (ISIN: SE0020052215): Change to Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index produced by MarketVector

Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP (ISIN: SE0023260716): Change to Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index produced by MarketVector

The methodology for the above indexes and their respective components will remain essentially unchanged from the previous indexes and therefore have no impact on investors in these ETPs. Virtune will remain the index sponsor for the above indexes.

Change of reference prices as of May 12, 2025, with MarketVector as new reference price provider:

The following ETPs will use reference prices from MarketVector to calculate the daily Net Asset Value. This change has no impact on investors in these ETPs:

● Virtune Bitcoin ETP (ISIN: SE0020845709)
● Virtune Staked Ethereum ETP (ISIN: SE0020541639)
● Virtune Staked Solana (ISIN: SE0021309754)
● Virtune Staked Polkadot ETP (ISIN: SE0021148129)
● Virtune XRP ETP (ISIN: SE0021486156)
● Virtune Avalanche ETP (ISIN: SE0022050092)
● Virtune Chainlink ETP (ISIN: SE0021149259)
● Virtune Arbitrum ETP (ISIN: SE0021310133)
● Virtune Staked Polygon ETP (ISIN: SE0021630217)
● Virtune Staked Cardano ETP (ISIN: SE0021630449)
● Virtune Litecoin ETP (ISIN: SE0023951082)

Press contact
Christopher Kock, VD Virtune AB (Publ)
Christopher@virtune.com
+46 70 073 45 64

About Virtune
Virtune with its headquarters in Stockholm is a regulated Swedish digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange traded products on regulated European exchanges. With regulatory compliance, strategic collaborations with industry leaders and our proficient team, we empower investors on a global level to access innovative and sophisticated investment products that are aligned with the evolving landscape of the global crypto market.

About MarketVector
MarketVector Indexes^TM (“MarketVector”) is a regulated benchmark administrator in Europe, registered in Germany and approved by the Federal Financial Supervisory
Authority (BaFin). MarketVector maintains indexes under the names MarketVectorTM, MVIS®️ and BlueStar®️. With a mission to drive innovation in indexing globally, MarketVector is especially known for its broad range of thematic indexes, long-standing expertise in real asset-linked equity indexes, and its pioneering family of digital asset indexes. MarketVector proudly partners with more than 25 issuers of exchange-traded products (ETPs) and index fund managers across global markets, with approximately USD 50 billion in assets under management.

Crypto investments are associated with high risk. Virtune does not provide investment advice. Investments are made at your own risk. Securities may increase or decrease in value, and there is no guarantee that you will recover your invested capital. Please read the prospectus, KID, terms at www.virtune.com.

Attachment
- Swedish-fsa-doc-eng-05-05-2025.pdf
The MIL Network –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Grenada
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

World news story

Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Grenada

UK Statement on Grenada, delivered at Grenada’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Thank you Madame Vice-President,

The UK welcomes efforts by the government of Grenada to end violence experienced by women and girls through programmes like the UN-funded Spotlight Initiative which between 2020 and 2023 bolstered legislation and policy frameworks, strengthened institutions, improved access to services, and built capacity of civil society. We urge the government to improve implementation, challenge social norms built around hegemonic masculinity, and strengthen programmes within state-owned facilities such as the Cedars Home for Women so that participants can thrive independently upon completion.

Although civil society organisations representing a cross-section of groups and human rights interests remain active in Grenada, some believe government engagement is inconsistent. We therefore urge the government to create more inclusive platforms for human rights dialogue and aid the creation of laws and policies that protect and promote the rights of all Grenadians regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

We recommend that Grenada:

Repeals legal discriminatory provisions against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, particularly those in the Sexual Offences Act and Criminal Code.

Ratifies and implements the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (OP-CRPD)

Ratifies the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (OP-CEDAW)

Thank you.

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Published 5 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Best Crypto Casinos 2025: JACKBIT Crowned as the Top Bitcoin Casino with Fast Payout & No KYC Policy
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MIAMI, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — We tried several crypto casinos, but many of them didn’t meet expectations. The bonuses were small, the game selection was limited, and the experience wasn’t very enjoyable. Then we came across JACKBIT, which was recommended by local casino players, and it made a real difference. Signing up was simple, the welcome bonus was generous, and crypto payouts were processed quickly. The platform offers a wide variety of games, and everything runs smoothly. JACKBIT truly stands out as one of the best options available.

✅JOIN THE CRYPTO CASINO REVOLUTION! PLAY AT JACKBIT!

JACKBIT’s Overall Features: Why It Stands Out

JACKBIT’s combination of innovative features and player-focused design makes it a standout among the best crypto casinos. Here’s a detailed look at why it excels:
- No-KYC Policy: JACKBIT’s commitment to privacy is unmatched, allowing players to sign up and play without submitting personal identification. This anonymity is a major draw for those who value discretion, making it the go-to choice for privacy-conscious gamblers.
- Extensive Game Selection: With over 7,000 games, JACKBIT surpasses most competitors in variety. From slots and table games to live dealers and a robust sportsbook, the platform caters to every type of player. Its partnerships with 85 top providers ensure high-quality gameplay across all categories.
- Innovative Bonuses: JACKBIT’s 30% Rakeback and 100 free spins welcome offer, combined with unique promotions like social media bonuses and Pragmatic Drops & Wins, provide more value than standard deposit matches. The VIP program further enhances rewards for loyal players.
- Payment Versatility: Supporting 17+ cryptocurrencies and fiat options like Apple Pay and Google Pay, JACKBIT offers unmatched flexibility. Instant, fee-free crypto payouts set it apart from competitors with slower withdrawal processes.
- Comprehensive Sportsbook: Unlike many crypto casinos that focus solely on casino games, JACKBIT’s sportsbook offers 82,000+ live monthly events and 4,500+ betting types, catering to sports betting enthusiasts.
- Global Accessibility: Multilingual support and a mobile-optimized platform make JACKBIT inclusive for players worldwide, regardless of their location or device.
- Community Engagement: Through social media bonuses, tournaments, and a vibrant player community, JACKBIT fosters a sense of belonging, setting it apart from less interactive platforms.
These features collectively position JACKBIT as a leader among the best crypto casinos, delivering a comprehensive, player-centric experience that’s hard to beat. Its ability to balance privacy, variety, and innovation ensures it remains a top choice for both new and seasoned players

JACKBIT: Redefining Excellence in Crypto Gambling

Since its debut in 2022, JACKBIT has emerged as a new crypto casino that sets the standard for what players expect from a top-tier platform. Its no-KYC policy, extensive game selection, and innovative bonuses make it a favorite among crypto gamblers globally.

A Massive Game Library

JACKBIT’s game catalog is a cornerstone of its appeal, boasting over 7,000 titles from 85 industry-leading providers, including NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and Betsoft. This diversity ensures there’s something for every type of player:
- Slots: With over 5,000 options, JACKBIT offers everything from classic fruit machines to modern video slots with cinematic graphics. Popular titles like Gold Party, Chilli Heat, and Wolf Gold deliver high volatility and massive payout potential. The inclusion of 180+ Megaways slots and progressive jackpots adds excitement for thrill-seekers.
- Table Games: Strategic players can enjoy variants of blackjack (Power Blackjack, Infinite Blackjack), roulette (European, Lightning Roulette), poker (Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Stud), baccarat, and craps. These games cater to both casual players and high rollers.
- Live Dealer Games: Powered by Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play, JACKBIT’s live casino brings the thrill of a physical casino to your screen. Options include live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game shows like Dream Catcher and Crazy Time, all with high-definition streaming and professional dealers.
- Sportsbook: JACKBIT’s sportsbook is a standout, offering bets on 140+ sports, including football, basketball, tennis, cricket, and eSports like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike. With 82,000+ live monthly events and 4,500+ betting types, it’s a haven for sports enthusiasts.
- Specialty Games: For casual play, JACKBIT provides bingo (Shamrock Bingo), scratch cards, and mini-games like Aviator and Plinko, known for their simplicity and high RTPs.
- Virtual Sports: Simulated events like virtual football, horse racing, and greyhound racing offer 24/7 betting with realistic graphics and quick results.
This extensive library ensures JACKBIT ranks among the best crypto casinos for variety and quality, catering to all gaming preferences. The platform’s partnerships with top providers guarantee a premium experience, with regular updates introducing new titles to keep the catalog fresh. For instance, seasonal slots or themed live dealer tables often align with major events, adding a dynamic element to the gaming experience.

What Defines the Best Crypto Casinos?

To rank among the best crypto casinos, a platform must excel in several critical areas that ensure a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding experience for players:
- Game Variety and Quality: A diverse library with slots, table games, live dealer options, and sports betting, all powered by top-tier providers, is essential.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Generous welcome offers, free spins, cashback, and loyalty programs add significant value to the gaming experience.
- Payment Flexibility: Support for multiple cryptocurrencies and fiat methods, with fast, secure, and low-fee transactions, is a must.
- Security and Fairness: Robust encryption, provably fair games, and a valid gambling license build trust and transparency.
- User Experience: Intuitive design, mobile compatibility, and responsive customer support enhance accessibility.
- Privacy: No-KYC policies cater to players who prioritize anonymity, making registration quick and discreet.
JACKBIT embodies these qualities, positioning itself as a leader among the best crypto casinos in 2025.

Flexible and Fast Payment Options at JACKBIT Casino

JACKBIT’s payment system is designed for speed and convenience, supporting a wide range of methods:
- Cryptocurrencies: Over 17 digital currencies are accepted, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), and Dogecoin (DOGE). Crypto transactions are instant, fee-free, and secure, aligning with JACKBIT’s privacy-first approach.
- Fiat Methods: Players can deposit using Visa, MasterCard, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and bank transfers. While deposits are instant, fiat withdrawals may take 1-5 days, with crypto withdrawals being the faster option.
Minimum deposits range from $10-$20 (or crypto equivalent), making JACKBIT accessible to all budgets. High withdrawal limits ($10,000 weekly) cater to high rollers, reinforcing its status as one of the best crypto casinos. The platform’s use of blockchain technology ensures transparency, with transaction records verifiable on public ledgers, adding an extra layer of trust for players.

Bonuses and Promotions

JACKBIT welcomes new players with a 30% Rakeback bonus and 100 free spins on their first deposit, setting the tone for a rewarding experience. Ongoing promotions keep players engaged:
- Weekly Giveaways: $10,000 in cash prizes every week.
- Free Spins: 10,000 spins distributed regularly.
- VIP Program: A tiered loyalty system offering up to 30% Rakeback, personalized bonuses, higher withdrawal limits, and dedicated account managers.
- Social Media Bonuses: Exclusive offers for followers on platforms like Twitter and Telegram.
- Pragmatic Drops & Wins: A €2,000,000 prize pool for Pragmatic Play games.
- Tournaments: Regular slot and table game competitions with cash prizes.
- NBA Playoffs Cashback: Special offers for sports bettors.
- 3+1 FreeBet: A unique sports betting promotion.
These promotions provide exceptional value, making JACKBIT a top contender among the best crypto casinos. The VIP program, in particular, is designed to reward consistent play, with higher tiers unlocking exclusive perks like faster withdrawals and tailored promotions. This focus on player retention ensures that both casual and high-stakes players feel valued.

✅CLAIM YOUR 30% RAKEBACK BONUS AND 100 FREE SPINS

Security and Licensing

JACKBIT operates under a Curacao Gaming License, a common choice for crypto casinos due to its global reach and flexibility. While less stringent than Malta or UKGC licenses, it ensures regular audits for fairness. The platform uses SSL encryption to protect player data and blockchain technology for transparent transactions. Responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, self-exclusion, and reality checks, promote safe play, solidifying JACKBIT’s reputation as a trustworthy choice among the best crypto casinos.

The Curacao license, while reputable, is sometimes viewed as less rigorous, but JACKBIT compensates with robust security measures. Regular third-party audits of its Random Number Generators (RNGs) ensure fair outcomes, and the platform’s provably fair games allow players to verify results independently. This commitment to transparency is a key reason JACKBIT is considered one of the best crypto casinos.

Exceptional User Experience

JACKBIT’s sleek, dark-themed website is intuitive and easy to navigate, with a responsive design that works seamlessly on desktops, tablets, and smartphones. No dedicated app is needed, as the mobile-optimized site supports all features, from slots to live betting. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat in multiple languages (English, German, French, Spanish), with email support for complex queries. This player-centric approach makes JACKBIT a leader among the best crypto casinos.

The mobile experience is particularly noteworthy, with fast load times and smooth gameplay even on older devices. Players can access their accounts, make deposits, and claim bonuses on the go, ensuring flexibility and convenience. The multilingual support further enhances accessibility, catering to a global audience and reinforcing JACKBIT’s position as a top-tier platform.

Player Testimonials

Feedback from players on platforms like Trustpilot highlights JACKBIT’s strengths:
- “The no-KYC signup was a game-changer. I was playing in minutes!” – Alex, UK
- “The sportsbook is incredible, with so many live events to bet on.” – Maria, Canada
- “I’ve won big on their slots, and the cashback helps when luck isn’t on my side.” – Raj, India
- “Customer support is super responsive, even at 2 AM.” – Liam, Australia
While some players note the Curacao license as a drawback, the overwhelmingly positive feedback underscores JACKBIT’s place among the best crypto casinos. Negative reviews are minimal and often related to individual experiences, with the platform’s support team addressing concerns promptly.

How to Join JACKBIT Crypto Casino
- Starting your journey at JACKBIT is quick and hassle-free:
- Visit JACKBIT and click “Register” in the top-right corner.
- Enter your email, create a password, and choose a currency (no ID required).
- Make your first deposit using crypto or fiat methods.
- Claim the 30% Rakeback and 100 free spins welcome bonus.
- Dive into the 7,000+ games or sportsbook.
The process takes under five minutes, making JACKBIT one of the most accessible platforms among the best crypto casinos. Ensure you meet your jurisdiction’s legal gambling age (typically 18 or 19) before signing up. The no-KYC policy eliminates the need for document uploads, allowing players to focus on gaming rather than bureaucracy.

✅START WINNING! JOIN JACKBIT FOR TOP CASINO ACTION NOW!

Why No-KYC Casinos Like JACKBIT Are Revolutionizing Online Gambling in 2025

No-KYC casinos like JACKBIT offer distinct advantages:
- Anonymity: Play without sharing personal details, protecting your privacy.
- Speed: Instant registration and withdrawals, bypassing lengthy verification.
- Global Access: Available in regions with restrictive gambling laws.
- Ease of Use: Simplified signup for a hassle-free start.
However, players should choose licensed platforms like JACKBIT to ensure safety and fairness, reinforcing its status as one of the best crypto casinos. The no-KYC approach is particularly appealing in an era where data privacy concerns are paramount, allowing players to enjoy gambling without worrying about their personal information being compromised.

The Evolution of Crypto Casinos in 2025

The crypto casino industry is poised for significant growth in 2025, driven by several trends:
- Wider Crypto Adoption: As cryptocurrencies gain mainstream acceptance, more players are using them for gambling due to their speed and security.
- Blockchain Advancements: Decentralized platforms and smart contracts enhance transparency and automate processes like payouts.
- Regulatory Clarity: Evolving regulations are creating clearer frameworks, balancing player protection with innovation.
- Global Expansion: Crypto casinos can serve players in restricted regions, expanding their market reach.
- Technological Innovation: VR, AR, and enhanced mobile experiences are transforming gameplay, offering immersive environments.
JACKBIT is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, continuously updating its platform to remain a leader among the best crypto casinos. For example, its integration of blockchain for transaction transparency aligns with the industry’s move toward decentralized systems, while its mobile optimization caters to the growing demand for on-the-go gaming.

The Impact of Blockchain on Crypto Casinos

Blockchain technology is a game-changer for the best crypto casinos, offering benefits beyond simple transactions. By recording every bet, win, and payout on a public ledger, blockchain ensures that players can verify the fairness of games independently. JACKBIT leverages this technology to offer provably fair games, where players can check the randomness of outcomes using cryptographic algorithms. This transparency builds trust, especially for skeptical players who may have encountered less reputable platforms in the past.

Additionally, blockchain enables smart contracts, which automate processes like bonus distribution and payouts. For instance, JACKBIT could use smart contracts to instantly credit Rakeback bonuses based on player activity, reducing manual intervention and errors. As blockchain technology evolves, we can expect best crypto casinos like JACKBIT to introduce even more innovative features, such as tokenized rewards or decentralized jackpots.

The Rise of Decentralized Gambling Platforms

Decentralized gambling platforms are an emerging trend in 2025, taking the concept of crypto casinos to the next level. Unlike traditional platforms, decentralized casinos operate on blockchain networks, eliminating the need for a central authority. This ensures greater transparency, as all transactions and game outcomes are recorded on the blockchain. While JACKBIT currently operates as a centralized platform, its use of blockchain for transactions and provably fair games positions it as a forward-thinking player in this space.

Decentralized platforms also offer enhanced privacy, as they often require minimal personal information. JACKBIT’s no-KYC policy aligns with this ethos, making it a natural fit for players interested in decentralized gambling. As the industry evolves, we may see JACKBIT explore fully decentralized models, further cementing its place among the best crypto casinos.

The Role of Cryptocurrencies in Global Accessibility

One of the most significant advantages of crypto casinos is their ability to serve players in regions where traditional online gambling is restricted. Cryptocurrencies bypass traditional banking systems, allowing players from countries with strict regulations to participate. JACKBIT’s support for 17+ cryptocurrencies makes it accessible to a global audience, from North America to Asia and beyond.

This global reach is particularly important in 2025, as more players seek alternatives to fiat-based casinos. By offering instant, fee-free crypto transactions, JACKBIT ensures that players can deposit and withdraw funds without delays or currency conversion fees. This accessibility is a key reason why JACKBIT is considered one of the best crypto casinos for international players.

Additional Features That Set JACKBIT Apart

JACKBIT offers unique features that enhance its appeal:
- Tournaments: Regular slot and table game competitions with cash prizes and free spins add a competitive edge.
- Demo Mode: Players can try games for free, perfect for testing strategies without risk.
- Multi-Language Support: Games and support in English, German, French, Spanish, and more cater to a global audience.
- Progressive Jackpots: Slots like Mega Moolah offer life-changing payouts.
- Community Engagement: Social media bonuses and tournaments foster a vibrant player community.
These features make JACKBIT a dynamic and engaging platform, solidifying its place among the best crypto casinos. The demo mode, in particular, is a boon for new players, allowing them to familiarize themselves with games before wagering real money. Meanwhile, tournaments create a sense of camaraderie, with leaderboards showcasing top performers and encouraging friendly competition.

Community and Social Engagement

JACKBIT’s commitment to community engagement sets it apart from many competitors. Through active social media presence on platforms like Twitter and Telegram, the casino offers exclusive bonuses and keeps players informed about new games and promotions. These social media bonuses, such as free spins or deposit matches, reward players for engaging with the brand, creating a sense of loyalty.

The platform also hosts regular tournaments that bring players together, whether they’re competing for cash prizes in slot races or climbing the leaderboard in live dealer challenges. Player reviews on sites like AskGamblers highlight the excitement of these events, with many praising JACKBIT’s ability to foster a vibrant community. This focus on engagement is a hallmark of the best crypto casinos, as it enhances the overall player experience.

The Importance of Mobile Gaming

In 2025, mobile gaming is a critical component of the online casino experience, with more players accessing platforms via smartphones and tablets. JACKBIT’s mobile-optimized platform is a standout, offering seamless gameplay without the need for a dedicated app. Whether you’re spinning slots on a commute or placing live bets during a match, the mobile site delivers fast load times and intuitive navigation.

The mobile platform supports all features, including deposits, withdrawals, and bonus claims, ensuring that players have full access to JACKBIT’s offerings on the go. This commitment to mobile excellence is a key reason why JACKBIT is ranked among the best crypto casinos, as it caters to the modern player’s need for flexibility and convenience.

Responsible Gambling at JACKBIT

JACKBIT prioritizes player well-being with robust responsible gambling tools:
- Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps to control spending.
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently suspend your account.
- Reality Checks: Periodic reminders of playtime and spending.
- Support Resources: Links to organizations like GamCare and Gambling Therapy.
These measures ensure JACKBIT remains a safe and enjoyable platform, aligning with the standards of the best crypto casinos. The platform’s proactive approach to responsible gambling reflects its commitment to player welfare, ensuring that gaming remains a fun and controlled activity.

Why JACKBIT Excels in Sports Betting

JACKBIT’s sportsbook is a major draw, offering:
- Extensive Coverage: 140+ sports, including niche options like table tennis and eSports.
- Live Betting: 82,000+ monthly events with real-time odds and streaming for select matches.
- Betting Variety: 4,500+ options, from moneylines to prop bets.
- Competitive Odds: Regularly updated to maximize value.
This comprehensive sportsbook makes JACKBIT a top choice for sports enthusiasts among the best crypto casinos. The live betting feature, in particular, adds excitement, allowing players to place wagers as events unfold. The availability of streaming for select matches enhances the experience, making JACKBIT a one-stop shop for sports betting.

The Growing Popularity of eSports Betting

eSports betting is a rapidly growing segment of the online gambling industry, and JACKBIT is at the forefront of this trend. With betting options for popular titles like Dota 2, Counter-Strike, and League of Legends, the platform caters to a younger demographic of gamers-turned-bettors. The sportsbook’s eSports section includes live events, pre-match betting, and competitive odds, making it a favorite among fans.

The rise of eSports betting reflects the broader shift toward digital entertainment, with millions of viewers tuning into tournaments worldwide. JACKBIT’s inclusion of eSports in its sportsbook demonstrates its adaptability, ensuring it remains a leader among the best crypto casinos in 2025.

The Role of Software Providers

JACKBIT’s partnerships with top providers ensure high-quality gameplay:
- NetEnt: Known for visually stunning slots like Starburst.
- Microgaming: Offers iconic titles like Mega Moolah.
- Evolution Gaming: Powers the live casino with professional dealers.
- Pragmatic Play: Delivers engaging slots and Drops & Wins promotions.
- Betsoft: Provides 3D slots with cinematic appeal.
These collaborations guarantee a premium gaming experience, reinforcing JACKBIT’s status as one of the best crypto casinos. The diversity of providers ensures a wide range of game styles, from high-volatility slots to low-stakes table games, catering to all player preferences.

The Impact of Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games have become a staple of the best crypto casinos, offering an authentic casino experience from the comfort of home. JACKBIT’s live casino, powered by Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play, features a variety of tables with different betting limits, ensuring accessibility for both casual players and high rollers. The real-time interaction with dealers and other players adds a social element, making live games a highlight of the platform.

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d1b781cf-797f-41a8-b047-adf4bc057049

The MIL Network –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study of how adolescents with and without mental health conditions use social media

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

May 5, 2025

A study published in Nature Human Behaviour looks at social media use in adolescents with and without mental health conditions.

Prof Chris Ferguson, Professor of Psychology, Stetson University, said:

“Overall, I find this to be a basic, but overall well-done study by a reputable research group. There are some limits to this study, which the authors themselves acknowledge. The data is self-report, and that has been shown to sometimes relate to false positive correlations in some studies. I found the evidence overall to be rather inconsistent and hard to interpret as making any kind of solid conclusion one way or another. Most of the effect sizes are very, very small so that even if they are unlikely to be statistical noise, they are probably still too small to base any firm conclusions or policy on. Overall, I’d say there may be very tiny differences in some behaviours, between kids with or without mental health symptoms and their social media use. But, overall, these are pretty gossamer and much less critical than most of the public has tended to think.”

‘Social media use in adolescents with and without mental health conditions’ by Luisa Fassi et al. was published in Nature Human Behaviour at 16:00 UK time on Monday 5^th May.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02134-4

Declared interests

Prof Chris Ferguson: No declarations

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New City Art Centre exhibition explores Scottish art in the wake of war

Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945 – 2000
17 May 2025 – 12 October 2025
Free Admission

Opening this summer, the City Art Centre presents Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945 – 2000, a compelling new exhibition that charts the story of Scottish art in the tumultuous years following the Second World War. Featuring over 60 works—paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and photographs—the exhibition draws exclusively from the City Art Centre’s acclaimed collection of Scottish art.

The exhibition brings together work from some of the most significant artists of the period, including Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, John Bellany, Elizabeth Blackadder, John Byrne, Calum Colvin, Victoria Crowe, Alan Davie, Pat Douthwaite, Joan Eardley, Ian Hamilton Finlay, William Gillies, Morris Grassie, Peter Howson, William Johnstone, Bet Low, Will Maclean, Alexander Moffat, James Munro, Eduardo Paolozzi, Tom Pow, Barbara Rae, Anne Redpath, Jon Schueler, and Maud Sulter.

The post-war era was a period of seismic shifts – political and social, scientific and cultural. Emerging from the events of the Second World War, communities lived with the legacies of conflict while looking ahead to the future. Contemporary artists responded to these rapidly changing times, addressing both traditional and modern themes in their work as they pushed the boundaries of creativity. By the end of the century, the artistic landscape was entirely transformed.

Timed to complement the forthcoming exhibition John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, Out of Chaos offers broader context to Bellany’s career by surveying the major movements and developments in post-war Scottish art. Visitors will explore a wide range of approaches, from figurative and landscape art to abstraction, pop art, and the rise of new media.

Among the highlights are a wind-swept Catterline landscape by Joan Eardley, a bronze cast of the haunting sculpture Horse’s Head by Eduardo Paolozzi, a large-scale environmental triptych by Elizabeth Ogilvie, and the avant-garde Fallen Angels, a rare surviving painting by Tom Pow.

The exhibition also introduces several recent acquisitions, such as Alan Robb’s striking Surrealist-inspired oil painting Cool House, James Munro’s sleek 1980s sculpture Pick Up Trio, and Morris Grassie’s preparatory sketches for The Sou’Westers, Arbroath. Notably, a drawing by Milein Cosman capturing the first-ever Edinburgh International Festival in 1947 will be on display for the first time at the City Art Centre.

Curator Dr Helen Scott said:

Between 1945 and 2000 far-reaching changes took place across politics, society, culture and science, and contemporary artists were compelled to react to these developments – from the tensions of the Cold War to the rise of mass consumerism and popular culture. Artists working through these years analysed and questioned everything, repeatedly challenging conventions and reshaping the artistic landscape. Looking back now, the pace of change was incredible.

I’m really looking forward to sharing this exhibition with our visitors – both those who lived through this dynamic period and younger generations as well. There is a wide array of artistic forms and styles on display here, so really there’s something for everyone.

Council Leader Jane Meagher, City of Edinburgh Council said:

Out of Chaos offers a powerful reflection on how Scottish artists responded to a rapidly changing world. These works capture the resilience, imagination, and innovation that shaped the nation’s cultural identity in the post-war era.

The City Art Centre continues to champion our cultural heritage, and Out of Chaos is a powerful reminder of how art helps us understand and navigate times of change.

The exhibition opens on Saturday 17 May 2025, and continues until 12 October 2025. Admission is free.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s statement on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands

Source: Government of Canada regional news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Keynote address by President Pierre Tremblay at the 2025 Canadian Nuclear Association conference

Source: Government of Canada News

April 17, 2025

– Check against delivery –

Introduction

Good morning, everyone. 

Thank you, Jill, for that kind introduction. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nuclear in Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New nuclear

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

Now, what do I mean by this?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The CNSC at its core

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

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

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

Collaboration and regulatory efficiency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CNSC readiness

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

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

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

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

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

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

The path to positive results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

Thank you.

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Heelstone Renewable Energy, a Qualitas Energy company, acquires renewable development portfolio from Valor Infrastructure Partners (“VIP”) and appoints new CEO
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- The transaction includes the acquisition of VIP’s portfolio of greenfield solar and onshore wind projects located in the Southwest and Western regions of the United States
- Mike Weich, former CEO of VIP, will assume the role of CEO at Heelstone Renewable Energy (“Heelstone”)
- This acquisition represents another milestone in Heelstone’s strategic expansion into a fully integrated renewable energy independent power producer (IPP)
DURHAM, N.C., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heelstone Renewable Energy (“Heelstone”), a premier U.S. utility-scale renewable energy platform, has acquired the wind and solar development assets and the team of Valor Infrastructure Partners (“VIP”), a renewable energy company based in Palm Beach, Florida. This transaction marks Heelstone’s first acquisition since its purchase in May 2024 by Qualitas Energy, a leading global investment and management platform with a dual focus on both funding and developing renewable energy, energy transition, and sustainable infrastructure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please visit qualitasenergy.com for further information.

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

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

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

The MIL Network –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How industrial diversity affects local employment growth in France

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

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

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

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Related vs. unrelated diversity

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

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

Impacts on employment

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

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

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

Employment and the 2008 financial crisis

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

Drivers of local employment growth in France from 2004 to 2015

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

Urban-rural dynamics

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

Policy implications

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

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

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

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

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

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Ambassador Gerard McGurk assumes duties as new Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo

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

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

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

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

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: The new version of the Articles of Association of Artea bankas AB was registered
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

Attachment
- Artea bankas_Articles of Association_05052025_EN
The MIL Network –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence mark 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands

Source: Government of Canada News

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

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

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

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

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

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

Associated Links:

The Liberation of the Netherlands – Veterans Affairs Canada

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

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Canadian delegation travelling to Toronto to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe Day

Source: Government of Canada News

Remembering those who fought for peace and freedom.

5 May 2025 – Toronto, ON – Veterans Affairs Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Notable efforts to address electoral integrity but certain aspects of Romania’s presidential campaign left without sufficient oversight: international observers

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

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

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

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Press conference: European Parliament reports on Kosovo and on Serbia

Source: European Parliament 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can also follow the press conference online via webstreaming.

Background

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

Information for the media – Use Interactio to ask questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Oxylabs Releases 2024 Impact Report with Focus on Ethical Data Practices

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Oxylabs

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

Media Contacts

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

The MIL Network –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) Egypt and the United Kingdom (UK) strengthen collaboration to support Palestinian patients in Egypt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIL OSI Africa –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Surfshark becomes the first company to launch privacy-oriented public DNS service
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Surfshark, a cybersecurity company, has taken a step further to benefit the privacy community by launching a public DNS (Domain Name System). Unlike the default DNS servers provided by ISPs (Internet Service Providers), which often track and record user activity, Surfshark’s new public DNS server ensures privacy by not logging browsing history, data transfers, or any other internet behavior. Surfshark DNS was created for privacy-conscious individuals and organizations, helping them to take the first step towards privacy and security by using this tool.

“This initiative reflects our dedication to the privacy community and addresses the increasing demand for trustworthy, privacy-first DNS solutions. By offering a free, privacy-oriented DNS service, we are not only seeking Surfshark’s commitment to make the internet a safer place for everyone but also encouraging individuals, organisations, as well as NGOs to take their first steps towards enhancing online privacy. Our DNS service is designed with both stable connectivity and privacy in mind, offering a robust network that doesn’t store or track personal data, giving users a private, seamless browsing experience,” says Karolis Kaciulis, Leading System Engineer at Surfshark.

Many people rely on the default DNS provided by their ISP or other big companies, often overlooking the potential to enhance their browsing experience. A public DNS service hosted by a trustworthy entity would have a positive impact on privacy online and may even improve overall network performance. However, it’s important to note that UDP and TCP DNS queries are still sent over the internet in plaintext, making them susceptible to interception. To counter this, Surfshark’s DNS server supports secure DNS protocols such as DoT, DoH, and DoQ to keep browsing activity private.

What is a DNS server

DNS server works as a translator of domain names like bbc.com or thenewyorktimes.com, into IP (Internet Protocol) addresses that computers can understand. K. Kaciulis explained that it acts as the phonebook of the internet, ensuring users can access websites using easy-to-remember names instead of numerical IP addresses.

“When a person types a domain name like ‘google.com’ into their web browser, a DNS request is created and sent out to find the corresponding IP address for the requested site. Then the internet browser uses this IP address to connect to the origin and load the website. DNS servers, which are dedicated machines that handle and respond to DNS requests, make this seamless process possible,” says K. Kaciulis.

How does a DNS work

When a request is made to access any website on the browser, the DNS resolution process is initiated. During this step, the domain name entered into a browser is converted to the corresponding IP address required to locate the desired web resource. The initial DNS query is sent to a resolver, which first contacts a root server to get information about the correct top-level domain (TLD), such as .com or .org. This TLD data then helps direct the request to the server responsible for the specific domain.

Finally, it reaches the authoritative name server, which holds the exact IP address for the website. This address is then sent back so the site can be loaded.

Benefits of using Surfshark public DNS

ISPs may collect and log users’ DNS queries for user identification. They can also monitor DNS traffic, both passively and actively, and are capable of blocking specific hostnames when necessary. Additionally, user data can be used for targeted advertising or sold to third parties. Surfshark DNS server is different, it operates under a strict no-logs policy, which means no collection, storage, or sharing of browsing activity.

Using a Surfshark DNS may lead to a positive improvement in overall network performance. Unlike default ISP DNS servers, which can become overloaded. Since the Surfshark public DNS infrastructure is spread out, it has a better understanding of geolocation, which can provide users with closer servers. As a result, it may reduce delays, connection drops, and improve overall browsing reliability.

According to K. Kaciulis, privacy is essential for this type of service. Surfshark is committed to protecting user privacy and does not process any information related to users’ online behavior. As a result, the company passed an independent no-log audit in 2023 for its VPN service and is planning to have another one conducted on its public DNS server.

ABOUT SURFSHARK

Surfshark is a cybersecurity company offering products including an audited VPN, certified antivirus, data leak warning system, private search engine, and tool for generating an online identity. Recognized as a leading VPN by CNET and TechRadar, Surfshark has also been featured on the FT1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies ranking. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Surfshark has offices in Lithuania and Poland. For information on Surfshark’s operations and highlights, read our Annual Wrap-up. For more research projects, visit our Research Hub.

Attachment
- Surfshark_DNS
The MIL Network –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Philly’s forgotten history as a hub of anarchism with a thriving radical Yiddish press

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Geoffrey Baym, Professor of Media Studies and Production, Temple University

The first edition of Bread and Freedom came out on Nov. 11, 1906. From the collection of the National Library of Israel, courtesy of Broyt un Frayheyt (Bread and Freedom)

On a late summer day in 1906, a small group of newly arrived Jewish immigrants in Philadelphia took a streetcar across town to Fairmount Park. Several miles from the cramped row houses and oppressive sweatshops of the immigrant quarter of South Philly, the neighborhood now known as Queen Village, they enjoyed a sunny picnic.

They weren’t there to make small talk, though.

Instead, they wanted to write “revolutionary articles” that would spark the “struggle against all that degrades and oppresses humanity,” as one of the leaders of the group, Joseph Cohen, later wrote in his 1945 memoir.

More specifically, the picnicgoers wanted to start a newspaper. It would be titled Broyt un Frayheyt – Yiddish for Bread and Freedom – the anarchist reminder that to live the good life, one needs both.

I’m a professor of media and politics at Temple University in Philadelphia. For the past year I’ve been tracking the life and times of my great-grandfather Max, a radical Yiddish journalist in the early years of the 20th century.

To my surprise, I found he had lived here in Philadelphia, and his story is part of a largely forgotten moment in U.S. history: when Philly was an epicenter of the national anarchist movement, heartily supported by the city’s burgeoning Jewish immigrant community.

Beyond the Russian pale

By 1906, thousands of people like Max had made their way to Philadelphia from the Russian “pale” – the only part of the Russian Empire where they could legally reside. They fled economic isolation and state-sanctioned persecution in search of a more stable life.

South Philly was better than where they had come from, but immigrant life then, as now, was by no means easy. They had escaped a legal regime of oppression and the perpetual threat of antisemitic mob violence. But in turn they found a world of dark alleys and dead ends. Their labor was exploited, their living conditions meager.

For some, the American promise of freedom and prosperity seemed to ring hollow.

They did, however, find one freedom they had not experienced before. They were able to speak, write and publish their ideas no matter how outlandish or against the grain.

And they could do so in Yiddish, the vernacular of daily life but a language of exile – one that in the old world had often been outlawed in print.

The Yiddish press in the United States was experiencing extraordinary growth at the time. In New York, Philadelphia and other cities, newspapers quickly emerged – and often disappeared – month over month.

Jewish anarchists in America

Max moved to Philadelphia in 1906 to work with another immigrant named Joseph Cohen. Cohen had arrived in Philadelphia three years earlier. He earned a scant living making cigars, but his real work was advocating anarchism.

At the dawn of the 20th century, anarchism was not the nihilistic chaos the term may bring to mind today. It was a heartfelt dream of a free and egalitarian society.

The anarchists believed that man-made hierarchies – political, economic and religious – were illegitimate and limited the full expression of humanity. They rejected the authority of the state. That particularly appealed to many Jewish immigrants, for whom laws in the old country had long served as vehicles of oppression.

Cohen had studied this philosophy of local autonomy and communal life with the Philadelphia activist Voltairine de Cleyre.

History may remember Emma Goldman, a Lithuanian-born New Yorker and perhaps the leading voice of American anarchism from that era. But de Cleyre was the heart and soul of Philadelphia’s anarchist scene.

Goldman once described de Cleyre as a “poet-rebel,” a “liberty-loving artist” and “the greatest woman anarchist of America.”

Voltairine de Cleyre in Philadelphia circa 1901.
Wikimedia Commons

A tireless critic of the inequities of the industrial age, de Cleyre had taught herself Yiddish to better serve as “the apostle of anarchism” in the Jewish ghetto.

While de Cleyre could often be found speaking in front of city hall, Max, Cohen and their colleagues were more likely to gather at the corner of Fifth and South streets, the hub of Philadelphia’s Yiddish press and its culture of rambunctious street debate.

By 1906, Cohen had co-founded the anarchist Radical Library in the upstairs rooms at 229 Pine St. This provided the Philadelphia anarchists a meeting space and reading room.

But “the Jewish newspaper men, the radicals and the tireless talkers,” as the Philadelphia historian Harry Boonin wrote, still congregated in the ramshackle cafes lining the 600 block of South Fifth, where they would argue over anarchism and atheism deep into the night.

Competition with NYC comrades

Cohen’s goal was to publish a nationally influential anarchist paper that would give voice to the “comrades from Philadelphia.”

That meant direct competition with the New York Yiddish press and the influential weekly newspaper Freie Arbeiter Stimme, or The Free Voice of Labor. Edited by Saul Yanovksy on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, FAS was the center of the Jewish anarchist movement and of the Yiddish intelligentsia more broadly.

“To be able to say ‘I have written for Yanovsky,’” wrote the sociologist Robert Park in 1922, “is a literary passport for a Yiddish writer.”

Freie Arbeiter Stimme (The Free Voice of Labor) was the intellectual center of the Jewish anarchist movement at the turn of the 20th century.
From the collection of the National Library of Israel, courtesy of Freie Arbeiter Stimme (The Free Voice of Labor)

Although the FAS masthead said the paper was located in New York and Philadelphia, Yanovksy controlled the operation from New York, much to Cohen’s dismay.

The Philadelphia anarchists were also routinely disappointed in Yanovsky’s politics. He was too moderate for their tastes. Yanovsky favored organizing labor and voting in elections, while the Bread and Freedom group, according to Cohen, wanted to cultivate “the militancy and fighting spirit which our young comrades brought with them from cold Russia.” They advocated for more aggressive measures to counter “the submissive indifference of the bourgeoisie and the slavish patience of the workers.”

Cohen had partnered with Yanovsky earlier in 1906 to publish a daily anarchist newspaper. He maintained a small office in the back of Finkler’s cigar store at Fifth and Bainbridge streets. But the paper was printed in New York and delivered back to Philadelphia each morning by courier train.

Cohen wrote in his memoir that he suspected Yanovsky intentionally sabotaged the effort by insisting that he personally write the daily editorial, but then turning in his copy too late for the paper to make the train. After two months the partnership, and the paper, fell apart.

For Cohen, the lesson was that to be the genuine voice of the anarchist movement, he had to print the paper locally in Philadelphia.

A digest of anarchist argument

Editions of the Bread and Freedom anarchist weekly list the Radical Library at 229 Pine St. as its headquarters.
From the collection of the National Library of Israel, courtesy of Bread and Freedom

Bread and Freedom published its first issue on Nov. 11, 1906. The date was symbolic. It was the anniversary of the execution of the “Chicago martyrs” – the four men wrongly sentenced to death for the 1886 bombing at a labor rally at Chicago’s Haymarket Square. The Haymarket affair galvanized the anarchist movement among immigrants, even as it accelerated the wider fear of foreign-born radicalism.

Over the next three months, the newspaper offered a weekly digest of anarchist arguments. It translated into Yiddish Voltairine de Cleyre’s critique of capitalism and what she called its “moral bankruptcy” – its hunger for wealth, power and material possessions. It attacked what de Cleyre called the “dominant idea” of the times – “the shameless, merciless” exploitation of the worker, “only to produce heaps and heaps of things – things ugly, things harmful, things useless, and at the best largely unnecessary.”

In the strongest of terms – “bombastic,” in the words of one local historian – the paper echoed de Cleyre’s call for the “restless, active, rebel souls” of immigrant Philadelphia to rise up to oppose the “great and lamentable error” of industrial capitalism.

Almost as soon as it began, however, Bread and Freedom ran out of money. Its rhetoric was exciting but ineffective. The paper offered no real solutions beyond an impossible demand to dismantle the capitalist state.

Although two members of the group were briefly detained by the police in Baltimore for selling a radical newspaper, their fiery propaganda lit no revolutionary spark.

Instead, it disappeared quietly, folding in January 1907.

Shifting tactics

Even then, a different kind of immigrant was arriving in the U.S. from Russia. Their radical politics were coupled with organizational acumen.

Many of the older anarchists would join forces with these newcomers, and the effort morphed into something more pragmatic. They helped build the foundations of the 20th-century labor movement, which successfully fought for once-radical ideals such as the eight-hour workday and paid sick leave.

Cohen moved to New York and took over as editor of FAS in 1923. That was a tense period for the Jewish left, following the Russian revolution of 1917 and the Communist rise to power. In response, the U.S. government suppressed domestic radicalism, arresting and at times deporting foreign-born leftists, and anarchism fell out of favor.

A few years earlier, though, the streets of South Philly had been home to a vibrant space of free speech and boundless political imagination. It would not last long, but it is a moment I believe is worth remembering.

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

– ref. Philly’s forgotten history as a hub of anarchism with a thriving radical Yiddish press – https://theconversation.com/phillys-forgotten-history-as-a-hub-of-anarchism-with-a-thriving-radical-yiddish-press-252869

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Seeing Is Believing: UConn’s Materials Library Helps Student Researchers Weigh Options

Source: US State of Connecticut

If there’s one thing Christopher Sancomb freely admits, it’s that he likes things like foamed aluminum, pieces of copper, chunks of iron, and sticks of ebony.

“I’ve always been a materials person,” says Sancomb, an assistant professor of industrial design in the Department of Art and Art History. “It’s always been a big part of my work.”

For 15 years before coming to UConn in 2019, Sancomb designed museum exhibitions for children, a job that required him to carefully consider each material he planned to use: Would it do what he wanted it to do? Is it environmentally friendly? How hard is it to obtain? Can it be ethically sourced?

“That began my collection and fostered a deeper interest into all the things that go along with the stuff we use in the world,” he says.

Industrial designers and engineers – really, anyone who builds something from scratch – must think about things like this when working on projects, he says, and until now UConn students studying for these professions had no place to learn about the infinite number of materials available in the world.

Sancomb has changed that.

Christopher Sancomb, assistant professor of industrial design at UConn, arranges some of the items in the Materials Library within the Fine Arts Complex on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

UConn’s Materials Library, of which he is founder, has been a project five years in the making, stalled by the pandemic but now finishing its first year as a resource for students and faculty.

In the rear of the Art Design Center – that’s Room 108 in the Art Building – the library houses a collection of raw, manufactured, and reclaimed materials from all over the world that go into the built environment around us, he explains.

“We want to use this as a hands-on learning space, so you can see the thing, touch the thing, measure it, mark it, uncover where it comes from, learn more about it as a way to understand what we use in the world, what we put into the world as designers,” he says.

It’s a place where people can feel the weight of a brick of mycelium, the gentleness of a tuft of alpaca wool, the grooves of a crocodile pattern on a piece of bioleather, and the sturdiness of recycled plastic turned into a 1.5-inch-thick felt-like board.

It’s a place to refine ideas, develop new ones, and spark creativity.

“Let’s say you came in and were thinking of using an existing plastic that had certain qualities – maybe it needs a high breaking strength and high UV sensitivity. Maybe it needs to be washed and sanitized. Traditional plastics from the petrochemical world might work, but the library would show you there are alternative biomaterials that are just as well-suited and they’re less toxic,” he says.

Assessing Alternatives Through Hands-on Research

Samantha Wilkins ’25 (ENG) freely admits that she loves everything about airplanes, from the ailerons to the yaw string. There’s just something about them, she says.

As one of five interns at the Materials Library this academic year – each with their own research project in addition to helping Sancomb establish the library – she’s been thinking about sustainable aviation.

What alternative textiles can be used as seat covers and cushions? What plant-based products can form the cabin’s airframe?

“We have a bunch of different materials in here that I didn’t even know existed,” she says of the library.

Take hemp, for example.

“I was doing a lot of research and found an aircraft designer who made a completely sustainable, flyable aircraft out of hemp because it comes in all different forms. He made the entire fuselage structure out of it. This is just the textile version,” Wilkins, a multidisciplinary engineering major who’s concentrating in industrial design, says as she holds a fabric hemp sample in her hand.

“I’ve been researching a lot about hemp, jute, flax, things like that and the different forms they can take,” she says. “It really intrigues me that you can have so many different forms from one single material and it can serve so many different uses. I love that.”

Pamela Mackingue ’26 (SFA) says that after working as an intern this year, hemp also has become one of her new favorite things.

A pile of wool sits on a table as Christopher Sancomb, assistant professor of industrial design at UConn, arranges some of the items in the Materials Library within the Fine Arts Complex on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

The double major in digital media and design and art with a concentration in industrial design says she’s focused her research on the fashion industry and finding materials that are more sustainable than many other products used today.

She’s growing her own leather – out of kombucha – fermenting black tea to create a biofilm that can be dried out to resemble the texture of animal leather, conditioned to restore some of its natural oils, and dyed any color in the rainbow. What she freely admits is that it’s not her own novel idea – it’s a process she came across while researching sustainable leather alternatives.

“As a designer, you have to think about the product you’re using, why you’re using it, what’s the purpose of it, how does it help your design,” she says. “It’s important information to know and getting that hands-on experience in the Materials Library is equally important.”

In addition to their research projects, Sancomb says the interns are helping him with the day-to-day work of the library – that is, cataloging each item and deciding what information is important for someone to know, then putting that information into a database, which eventually will go online.

Nonetheless, Wilkins says, “You can look at a database or inventory, but you don’t really know what you’re looking for until you get in here. The hands-on element is super important. A database can help you grasp the basics, then you can come in here to narrow down the possibilities and interact with the material you settled on.”

Personal Belongings, Donated Items, Purchased and Procured Objects

Sancomb opens the lid of an old cardboard box labeled “Constantine’s Rare Collection of the World’s Fine Woods” and carefully lifts out rectangle samples of cabinet wood veneer. They’re about 50 years old, he says, and were a donation from a friend.

Each of the 50 samples no doubt has a story, he says. Some of the wood might have been over forested and no longer is available. Some might have been the root of a humanitarian conflict. Some might be lost to forest fires and labor disputes.

“I find it really interesting the stories that can be told just from this collection and what might be in here that’s just gone,” he says.

With hundreds of items in the library, Sancomb says the collection includes some of his personal belongings like a chunk of marble with machined, cut, and polished faces brought back after a research trip to Italy, along with donated items like a bag of wool from UConn’s farm.

Other items have been purchased or procured without a cost other than a written request. No hazardous materials are part of the collection, and nothing is of significant monetary value – important things, Sancomb says, to keep the library freely open for all.

“My students are required at different times to think about the library and work with it, but we want students from other disciplines to know they can come here and access the materials,” he says.

UConn Bound in April drew dozens of prospective students and their families, and a steady stream of people came through during an open house the month prior, everyone wanting to see the library, which surprisingly isn’t something all schools have.

A variety of items sit in the Materials Library within the Fine Arts Complex on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

The Rhode Island School of Design has a materials library, and so does the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the University of Texas at Austin, but not every school with an industrial design program boasts such a research space, Sancomb says.

Over the next decade, he says he hopes UConn’s library can outgrow its current home and move into a larger, more permanent location, maybe joining with another library on campus to bring its catalog to the UConn community.

Its hundreds of items could become thousands, with Connecticut industries and Connecticut products figuring prominently, he envisions. A larger budget would allow for more acquisitions, although donations likely will always be accepted.

“We recently got a large donation of wood and veneer,” Sancomb says, “so we’re working to catalog that collection and make it available to students through an application process. This way, if someone got an IDEA grant and needed to build some furniture, for instance, they might come to us with a proposal, and we would help supply them.”

Sancomb reaches across a table and hands off a small block of what looks like compressed soda can flip-tops.

Imagine that someone dipped a straw into a vat of molten aluminum and blew bubbles, he says. This is the solidified result, light airy panels of foamed aluminum that are sturdy enough for some structural applications, like for insulation or exterior cladding.

“They’re sound-dampening. They have a high fire retardancy because they’re made of metal, and they’re recyclable,” Sancomb says. “It’s a visually stunning material because you look at it and ask, ‘Is this what I think it is?’ And it is.”

Donations of raw, manufactured, and reclaimed items can be made to the Materials Library by emailing Sancomb at christopher.sancomb@uconn.edu. Check out @uconnindustrialdesign on Instagram for its Material Monday campaign, featuring materials that might not be in the library but have interesting backstories.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: World Press Freedom Day (3 May 2025)

Source: Republic of France in English
The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

On World Press Freedom Day, France reaffirms its commitment to the freedom to inform and be informed, which is essential to all democratic societies, and condemns the violence committed against journalists and media professionals, information manipulation campaigns, and restrictions on freedom of the press in many countries across the globe.

France reiterates its commitment to freedom of the press and expression and the protection of journalists and media professionals everywhere in the world. It pays tribute to those who are risking their life on a daily basis to convey free, plural and reliable information that is critical to democracy, as well as to those who have lost their lives doing their job. It is with this in mind that the second annual Anna Politkovskaya-Arman Soldin Prize was awarded in November 2024.

This year marked the tenth anniversary of UNSC Resolution 2222 on the protection of journalists in armed conflicts, adopted in May 2015 at the instigation of France and Lithuania. This resolution recalls that journalists must be protected, including in the most dangerous contexts, and attacks on their safety are unacceptable. France condemns the increase in the number of journalists killed or wounded on the job. Journalists are protected by international humanitarian law as are all civilians. France will champion a resolution on the protection of journalists at the Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva from 16 June to 11 July 2025.

France is pursuing its efforts to rally support from the international community for a global space of free, democratic and trustworthy information through the Information and Democracy Partnership, which brings together 55 States. France is contributing to media pluralism and economic sustainability of independent media via Canal France International (CFI) and its contribution to the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM). France supports the Journalism Trust Initiative, an international norm developed by Reporters Without Borders to promote reliable information sources and journalism that complies with an ethical framework.

At a time when artificial intelligence is upending the media ecosystem, new risks are emerging including uncontrolled automation of information, manipulation of algorithms, amplification of unauthentic content, and large-scale manipulation of information. France is working to build inclusive and lasting international governance of artificial intelligence, having it serve the general interest and uphold human rights. It supported the adoption of the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law in 2024 at the Council of Europe. This is also the reason for the Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet adopted on 11 February 2025 at the AI Action Summit. Amid the era of artificial intelligence and in light of Resolution 2222, France reaffirms that informing is not a crime, but a common good to be protected.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: BigCommerce Taps Technology Industry Veteran with Strong Record of Innovation as Chief Product Officer

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

AUSTIN, Texas, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC), a leading provider of open, composable commerce solutions for B2C and B2B brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors, today announced that Vipul Shah has joined the company as its new Chief Product Officer, bringing over two decades of experience building innovative products and business models at PayPal, Google, J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo.

At BigCommerce, Shah leads product management, product design and product strategy groups across all three of the company’s products – BigCommerce, Feedonomics and Makeswift.

“Vipul brings an unmatched record of innovation across a range of industries. That experience will be crucial to helping us unite BigCommerce, Feedonomics, and Makeswift under one holistic product strategy,” said Travis Hess, CEO at BigCommerce. “Beyond that proven technical expertise, he is also a great culture fit for BigCommerce and shares our vision for the company moving forward.”

Prior to BigCommerce, Shah was president and chief operating officer of venture capital-backed NEXT Trucking, where he helped digitize shipping container movement and modernize broken supply chain processes exposed during the pandemic.

Passionate about technology and its potential to help people, Shah began his career designing aircraft engines and later worked with biotech and pharmaceutical companies to improve drug development processes. Influenced by the economic disparity he observed growing up in India, Greece and the United States, Shah then tackled the world of banking and fintech with the goal of driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Over 20 years at PayPal, Google, J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo, Shah has built innovative products and business models to help consumers and businesses worldwide capitalize on the burgeoning digital economy.

“My personal experiences have always shaped my professional work, and I’m excited to bring my perspective to BigCommerce and the broader ecommerce industry,” Shah said. “As AI ushers in a new era of ecommerce, BigCommerce, Feedonomics and Makeswift have a tremendous opportunity to deliver powerful innovation, engaging customer experiences and meaningful growth for our global community of merchants and partners.”

Learn more about BigCommerce’s leadership team here: https://www.bigcommerce.com/company/leaders/

About BigCommerce
BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) is a leading open SaaS and composable ecommerce platform that empowers brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors of all sizes to build, innovate and grow their businesses online. BigCommerce provides its customers sophisticated professional-grade functionality, customization and performance with simplicity and ease-of-use. Tens of thousands of B2C and B2B companies across 150 countries and numerous industries rely on BigCommerce, including Coldwater Creek, Harvey Nichols, King Arthur Baking Co., MKM Building Supplies, United Aqua Group and Uplift Desk. For more information, please visit www.bigcommerce.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

BigCommerce® is a registered trademark of BigCommerce Pty. Ltd. Third-party trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact:
Brad Hem
pr@bigcommerce.com

The MIL Network –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: SHARC Energy Announces Board of Director Changes

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SHARC International Systems Inc. (CSE: SHRC) (FSE: IWIA) (OTCQB: INTWF) (“SHARC Energy” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that Fred Andriano has been named Chairman of the Board of Directors (“BOD”) and Executive Officer. Mr. Andriano replaces SHARC Energy’s founder Lynn Mueller as Executive Chairman. Mr. Mueller will remain on the Board as Vice Chairman and Executive Officer of the Company.

Mr. Andriano has extensive experience and expertise in finance, accounting, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions. He has been in the heating and cooling energy sector for 20 years. He formally was the Vice President of Finance and Administration – NIBE North America for NIBE Industrier AB. Prior to that he was Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary for WaterFurnace International, Inc. Furthermore, he spent 6 years as Chief Financial Officer of a regional M&A firm.

“I am very appreciative for the opportunity to help guide the Company’s Board and management team as we strategize for expansion and growth. The Company has tremendous products, applications and dedicated team members and it’s time we leveraged their strengths while we continue to build awareness of the opportunities SHARC Energy’s products present to the heat transfer sector,” stated Mr. Andriano.

Mr. Mueller added, “The additions of Michael as CEO and Fred as Executive Chair marks a significant day in the evolution of SHARC Energy’s maturity,” says Mr. Mueller. “These moves validate SHARC Energy as an emerging player in the industry with superior Wastewater Energy Transfer products and proven executives with successful track records in the thermal energy, heat transfer and hydronic space to augment the team.”

The appointment will strategically accelerate the Company’s growth and improve its ability to expand its markets, products and geographical reach. The Company anticipates future strategic moves enabling SHARC Energy to grow revenue and improve profitability.

The Company also has the bittersweet task of announcing the BOD has accepted the retirement and resignation of Eleanor Chiu. Mrs. Chiu has been a director for just shy of six years, consistently adding valued insight, business acumen and astute counsel to both management and the Board. She leaves SHARC Energy as a strong believer and long-term shareholder, holding 5% of the Company.

“I am pleased to be leaving the BOD in good hands with addition of Fred as Chairman. In the short time that I have known Fred, he brings a strong understanding of the corporate governance policies and procedures needed for a public company to grow and mature. With the additions of Michael and Fred to augment Lynn and Hanspaul, I remain confident in the opportunity SHARC Energy and Wastewater Energy Transfer present,” says Mrs. Chiu.

“Eleanor has been an important member of the Board and she will be dearly missed. I have leaned on her for nearly six years. She will always be remembered as one of the instrumental members that built the foundation the Company will grow on for years to come. Thank you Eleanor,” stated Mr. Mueller.

Mr.Andriano will take over Mrs. Chiu role as Chairman of the Audit Committee going forward.

About SHARC Energy
SHARC International Systems Inc. is a world leader in energy recovery from the wastewater we send down the drain every day. SHARC Energy’s systems recycle thermal energy from wastewater, generating one of the most energy-efficient and economical systems for heating, cooling & hot water production for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings along with thermal energy networks, commonly referred to as “District Energy”.

SHARC Energy is publicly traded in Canada (CSE: SHRC), the United States (OTCQB: INTWF) and Germany (Frankfurt: IWIA) and you can find out more on our SEDAR profile.

Learn more about SHARC Energy: Website | Investor Page | LinkedIn | YouTube | PIRANHA | SHARC

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Fred Andriano
Chairman of the Board

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified using words such as “anticipate”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “intend”, “should”, and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. SHARC Energy’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information because of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. SHARC Energy believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company’s expectations as of the date hereof and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.

The MIL Network –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Council homes handed over in Rattray

Source: Scotland – City of Perth

The Rattray project is part of Perth & Kinross Council’s ongoing multi-million-pound new build housing programme, which has seen over 500 new Council homes built for tenants since 2012.

The properties include a mix of three-bedroom semi-detached homes, terraced two and three-bed homes and semi-detached bungalows providing high-quality accommodation for the new tenants.

Built to the highest standard by the Council’s construction partner The Springfield Group, the homes have include energy efficiency measures such as solar panels, efficient heating systems and quality insulation to make sure tenants’ bills are kept as low as possible and the development’s carbon footprint is minimised.

The 20 houses cost almost £3.6m to build. The Council invested £2.54m, with the Scottish Government contributing the rest.

Housing and Social Wellbeing Convener, Councillor Tom McEwan, visited the development today and said: “This is the third handover of brand-new Council homes we have seen so far in 2025, and it’s fantastic to see these properties in Rattray completed. The properties will provide much-needed affordable accommodation for a wide range of different tenants in an area of high-demand for housing.

“We have bought these homes ‘off-the-shelf’ from the developer. Working with housing developers and buying new properties is just one of the many ways we provide new homes for affordable social rent for our tenants.

“Our own ambitious house building programme has delivered additional new homes for affordable social rent in towns and settlements right across the region, including Methven, Scone, Abernethy, Alyth, Inchture, Stanley, Blairgowrie, Meigle, Auchterarder, Balbeggie, Rattray and in many sites in Perth. This programme continues, and we are always looking for sites where more affordable Council housing can be built.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 5, 2025

Date	Repurchased shares	Average price	Repurchased value
April 30, 2025	4,177	€ 423.50	€ 1,768,960
May 2, 2025	3,754	€ 442.03	€ 1,659,386
Total	7,931	€ 432.27	€ 3,428,346

Category: European Union

Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Grenada

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May 5, 2025

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