Category: European Union

MIL-OSI: NNIT A/S: NNIT adjusts 2025 outlook and publishes Q1 figures

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

The first quarter financial performance was expected to be moderate, but the increased macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty has impacted NNIT to a larger extent than expected. Based on the realized results and the continued uncertainty, NNIT adjusts the 2025 financial outlook.

Given the current uncertainty, organic revenue growth is expected to be 0% to 5% (previously 7% to 10%), which is due to postponement of projects and the sales pipeline materializing at a slower pace than planned as customers are hesitating to engage in new contracts, especially within Life Science. Expectations for the Group operating profit margin excluding special items are maintained at 7% to 9% as NNIT is significantly reducing its cost base by adjusting capacity and lowering general spending across regions and on corporate level. Special items are expected to be up to last year’s level of DKK 69m (previously expected to be below the 2024 level) mainly driven by further restructuring costs.

NNIT generated Q1 2025 Group revenue of DKK 464m (Q1 2024: DKK 463m). The organic growth was negative by 0.8% (Q1 2024: 8.0%) due to Region Europe and Region US. Group operating profit excl. special items was DKK 18m (Q1 2024: 24m), equal to a margin of 3.9% (Q1 2024: 5.2%). Profit and margin were mainly impacted by Region Europe and a decrease in Region Denmark driven by overcapacity following the postponement of a large contract, which has been signed in Q2, and the loss of a large public tender. Special items for the Group amounted to DKK 25m (Q1 2024: income DKK 11.3m) primarily driven by restructuring costs.

Financial figures, DKK million	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	FY 2024
GROUP
Revenue	464	463	1,851
Group operating profit excl. special items	18	24	117
Group operating profit margin excl. special items	3.9%	5.2%	6.3%
Special items	25	-11	69

REGION EUROPE
Revenue	119	126	512
Regional operating profit	12	14	67
Regional operating profit margin	10.0%	11.2%	13.0%

REGION US
Revenue	87	93	346
Regional operating profit	26	18	73
Regional operating profit margin	30.4%	19.0%	21.2%

REGION ASIA
Revenue	37	32	149
Regional operating profit	3	-2	8
Regional operating profit margin	7.6%	-5.3%	5.2%

REGION DENMARK
Revenue	221	212	844
Regional operating profit	33	48	151
Regional operating profit margin	15.1%	22.6%	17.9%

Despite the adjustment of expectations for organic growth, NNIT maintains expectations for the Group operating profit margin excl. special items to reach 7% to 9%. NNIT has executed several cost reducing initiatives, which include capacity adjustments across the group, to minimize the impact on profitability.

NNIT will publish the Q1 2025 trading statement on May 5, 2025, one day earlier than planned.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Relations
Carsten Ringius
EVP & CFO
Tel: +45 3077 8888
carr@nnit.com

Media Relations
Thomas Stensbøl
Press & Communications Manager
Tel: +45 3077 8800
tmts@nnit.com

ABOUT NNIT

NNIT is a leading provider of IT solutions to life sciences internationally, and to the public and private sectors in Denmark.

We focus on high complexity industries and thrive in environments where regulatory demands and complexity are high.

We advise on and build sustainable digital solutions that work for the patients, citizens, employees, end users or customers.

We strive to build unmatched excellence in the industries we serve, and we use our domain expertise to represent a business first approach – strongly supported by a selection of partner technologies, but always driven by business needs rather than technology.

NNIT consists of group company NNIT A/S and the subsidiary SCALES. Together, these companies employ more than 1,700 people in Europe, Asia and USA.

Attachment

NNIT_Company announcement__NNIT adjusts FY25 outlook

The MIL Network –

May 5, 2025

MIL-OSI: NNIT A/S: Business performance impacted by market undercetainty expected to continue. Mitigating actions taken to protect profitability

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Q1 2025 key highlights

Financial performance for the first quarter was expected to be moderate, but macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty increased, which impacted NNIT. The uncertainty has influenced customer behavior, especially in the three regions focusing on IT Life Science solutions, where several projects have been postponed, most predominantly in Region Europe. Group revenue amounted to DKK 464.1m, entailing flat revenue growth compared with last year.
Despite improving utilization and capacity adjustments made across regions during the quarter as well as tight cost focus across business areas, the group operating profit excl. special items declined to DKK 18.0m in Q1 2025 compared with DKK 23.9m in the same quarter last year. The decline was due to the lower profit generation in Region Europe and Region Denmark, partly offset by improved profitability performance in Region US and Region Asia. Group operating profit margin excl. special items was 3.9% in Q1 2025 compared with 5.2% in the same quarter last year.
Region Denmark growth around 4% where selected solution areas focusing on the Public sector in Denmark, is showing growth upwards at 8%. SCALES also contributed to the growth in region Denmark solidifying its position as a leader within D365 solutions.
Special items amounted to DKK 25.3m in Q1 2025 covering restructuring costs of DKK 20m impacting all regions, earn-out payments of DKK 3m, and IT systems and integration costs amounting to around DKK 2m.
The financial outlook for 2025 was adjusted on May 5, 2025 cf. company announcement 04/2025 as the current macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape has deteriorated materially since the full-year outlook communicated in February. NNIT expects to be further affected by current uncertainty why the organic growth range was adjusted to 0% to 5% (previously 7% to 10%). Group operating profit margin excl. special items was maintained at 7% to 9% due to significant cost reducing initiatives with most already having been executed. As a result of lower revenue generation caused mainly by external factors, NNIT expects to incur additional restructuring costs as special items. Special items are expected to be at up to last year’s level of DKK 69m (previously expected to be significantly below the 2024 level).

The first quarter was more severely affected by uncertainty than expected at the beginning of the year. Hesitance among several customers of NNIT has resulted in less revenue and sales as projects are being postponed. In general, NNIT has taken action to adjust capacity to fit the current demand with several reductions completed in 2024 and leaving NNIT in a stronger position going into 2025. However, it has been necessary to take further actions to mitigate the business impact from lower revenue generation with a reduction of around 100 employees in Q1 2025. Furthermore, NNIT has carried out several cost-reducing initiatives such as putting new employments on hold and limiting all discretionary spending to a minimum with full impact from the second quarter.

Given the current macroeconomic environment and geopolitical unrest, NNIT continues to expect that its customers will be affected, which is reflected in the adjusted full-year financial outlook.

Pär Fors, CEO of NNIT, comments: “The business environment of NNIT has deteriorated in the first quarter of the year as especially our Life Science customers are being negatively impacted by the macroeconomic unrest. Customers are hesitant to engage in new contracts before things are stabilizing, and we are navigating this environment to continue our strategic journey at NNIT. However, the impact from the uncertainty is more severe than initially expected, why the full-year outlook has been adjusted.”

Financial overview – Selected key figures

NNIT A/S, DKK million	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	FY 2024
Revenue	464.1	463.4	1,851
Revenue growth, %	0.2%	12.2%	23.4%
Revenue growth, organic %	-0.8%	8.0%	10.8%
Group operating profit excl. special items	18.0	23.9	117
Group operating profit margin excl. special items, %	3.9%	5.2%	6.3%
Special items	.25.3	11.3	-69
Group operating profit incl. special items	-7.3	35.2	48
Group operating profit margin incl. special items, %	-1.6%	7.6%	2.6%

Free cash flow	-73	-166	-40

Conference call

May 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM CEST: Webcast link

Dial in information:
DK: +45 78 76 84 90
SE: +46 31-311 50 03
UK: +44 20 3769 6819
US: +1 646 787 0157
Participant Access code: 472855

For more information, please contact:

Investor Relations
Carsten Ringius
EVP & CFO
Tel: +45 3077 8888
carr@nnit.com

Media Relations
Thomas Stensbøl
Press & Communications Manager
Tel: +45 3077 8800
tmts@nnit.com

ABOUT NNIT

NNIT is a leading provider of IT solutions to life sciences internationally, and to the public and private sectors in Denmark.

We focus on high complexity industries and thrive in environments where regulatory demands and complexity are high.

We advise on and build sustainable digital solutions that work for the patients, citizens, employees, end users or customers.

We strive to build unmatched excellence in the industries we serve, and we use our domain expertise to represent a business first approach – strongly supported by a selection of partner technologies but always driven by business needs rather than technology.

NNIT consists of group company NNIT A/S and the subsidiary SCALES. Together, these companies employ more than 1,700 people in Europe, Asia and the USA.

Attachments

The MIL Network –

May 5, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Sweden
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

World news story

Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Sweden

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

The United Kingdom welcomes Sweden’s long-standing commitment to promoting and protecting human rights. The creation of the Swedish Institute for Human Rights is an important and positive development. We commend Sweden’s steadfast contribution to human rights internationally.

We recommend that Sweden:

Ensures the institutional independence and provision of sustainable resourcing for the Swedish Institute for Human Rights, so that it delivers on its mandate to promote and protect human rights in Sweden.

Works with The Truth Commission for the Sami People to ensure its forthcoming proposals to redress and promote reconciliation are considered in good faith and fairly implemented.

Continues to combat gender-based violence and oppression, including through implementation of the government action plan.

The UK thanks the delegation for their participation in this review meeting.

Thank you.

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Updates to this page

Published 5 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 5, 2025

MIL-OSI: CORRECTION: Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Interim Report 1.1.-31.3.2025: High costs and declining market interest rates weighed on the result, work to strengthen OmaSp continues

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

OMA SAVINGS BANK PLC, STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 5 MAY 2025 AT 13.00 A.M. EET, INTERIM REPORT Q1

CORRECTION: Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Interim Report 1.1.-31.3.2025: High costs and declining market interest rates weighed on the result, work to strengthen OmaSp continues

This release corrects the January-March interim report published today at 9.45 a.m. EET. The CEO’s review contained an incorrect figure regarding the total investments in the Noste project. The corrected sentence reads: Total investments in the Noste project reached EUR 11.6 million over its duration.

Below the corrected stock exchange release and the interim report January-March 2025 attached.

Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Interim Report 1.1.-31.3.2025: High costs and declining market interest rates weighed on the result, work to strengthen OmaSp continues

This release is a summary of Oma Savings Bank’s (OmaSp) January-March 2025 Interim Report, which can be read from the pdf file attached to this stock exchange release and on the Company’s web pages www.omasp.fi

CEO Karri Alameri: High costs and declining market interest rates weighed on the result, work to strengthen OmaSp continues

”I had the honour of starting as the CEO of Oma Savings Bank at the end of March. In recent weeks, I have engaged with the bank’s personnel, customers, and stakeholders across Finland. These discussions have underscored OmaSp’s strong customer relationships, employee commitment, as well as comprehensive range of services, and personalised service model. These elements provide a solid foundation for OmaSp’s next phase. It is clear that we must continue refining our policies and evolving our ways of working. Trust in the Company is rebuilt through actions.

The comparable profit before taxes for the first quarter was EUR 4.6 million and the comparable cost/income ratio of 54.4%. Profit and profitability were burdened by increased operating and personnel expenses, as well as lower net interest income due to declining market interest rates.

The increase in costs is primarily attributed to the implementation of the risk management action plan (the “Noste”) initiated in summer 2024. The final investments in the project were made as planned in the first quarter, and new operating models are being integrated into daily operations. Total investments in the Noste project reached EUR 11.6 million over its duration. What is more, we continue to act on the findings of the supervisory assessment.

Net interest income decreased by 18.3% compared to the comparison period, totalling EUR 46.9 million. The decline is due to fallen market interest rates. The volumes transferred from Handelsbanken have contributed to the development of net interest income as market interest rates have declined.

Fee and commission income and expenses (net) remained nearly at the level of the comparison period, amounting to EUR 14.7 million.

The mortgage loan portfolio increased by 3.0%, the corporate loan portfolio by 0.4%, and the deposit base by 2.7% from the level of the previous year.

Impairment losses on financial assets totalled EUR -22.3 million in January–March. Approximately one-third was related to the update of the calculation model for expected credit losses (ECL), another third to increased allowances in the portfolio, which is being wound down in a controlled manner, and the remaining third to other impairment losses on the loan portfolio due to the general uncertain economic situation.

Additionally, a provision of EUR 3.0 million was made for the first quarter to prepare for potential sanctions from the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA) due to deficiencies identified in the final inspection report on the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. The FIN-FSA’s audit covered the period prior to December 2023. Measures to rectify the deficiencies were initiated while the audit was underway last year.

Customer and employee satisfaction at an excellent level

Following the Handelsbanken acquisition, we gained 10,000 new customers last autumn, and the integration has progressed smoothly. We have 48 branches covering all key growth and regional centres in Finland. In January–March, approximately 800 new customer relationships were established organically per month. OmaSp has a strong customer base of over 200,000. We are committed to offering services to households and SMEs across our network.

Our customer and employee surveys indicated that satisfaction has remained at the excellent level of previous years. I want to extend my gratitude to our personnel for their exemplary work. Committed and motivated personnel are crucial to OmaSp’s future success.

OmaSp’s financial position is stable, with a good solvency and liquidity position. The total capital (TC) ratio further strengthened to 17.7% at the end of March. The accumulated equity exceeds EUR 583 million.

I look to the future with confidence. We will continue to develop our operations, invest in our core business, and strengthen the customer experience for both existing and new customers. Our strategy aims for profitable growth.”

January–March 2025

In January–March, net interest income decreased by 18.3% compared with the same period last year. Net interest income totalled EUR 46.9 (57.4) million.
Mortgage portfolio increased by 3.0% during the previous 12 months. Corporate loan portfolio increased by 0.4% during the previous 12 months.
Deposit base increased by 2.7% over the past 12 months.
From January to March, fee and commission income and expenses (net) decreased mainly due to lower lending commissions compared to the comparison period, 2.6%.
From January to March, total operating income decreased by 18.9% compared to the comparison period. In the first quarter, comparable total operating income decreased by 19.8% and was EUR 59.5 (74.3) million.
From January to March, total operating expenses grew in total by 31.9%. The growth is mainly explained by the costs of the Company’s ongoing extensive risk management development projects, the authority processes and the promotion of a controlled winding down plan related to the non-compliance with the guidelines. In addition, the number of personnel increased compared to the comparison period due to business arrangements, the opening of new branches and the strengthening of the risk management processes. Other operating expenses were in total EUR 22.2 (16.4) million, of which the development costs of the risk management action plan and investigation costs amounted to EUR 5.3 million.
Comparable total operating expenses grew by 27.9% in the first quarter and were EUR 32.2 (25.2) million. Of this amount the risk management action plan (the ”Noste”) amounted to EUR 3.3 million. The measures implemented in the first quarter completed the action plan initiated in the summer of 2024.
For January-March, the impairment losses on financial assets were in total EUR -22.3 (-23.1) million. During the reporting period, the Company updated the calculation model for expected credit losses (ECL) as part of a larger operational programme and development of risk control. The total impact of the updated model increased the ECL by approximately EUR 8.5 million. In addition, the amount of impairment losses was impacted by an increase in allowances in the controlled winding down of the portfolio, which had an impact of approximately EUR 5.7 million. In other credit portfolio, impairment losses amounted to approximately EUR 8.1 million, and the development was particularly affected by the overall economic uncertainty.
For January-March, profit before taxes was EUR 3.1 (24.7) million and comparable profit before taxes was EUR 4.6 (25.6) million.
In the first quarter, cost/income ratio was 57.4 (35.2)% and comparable cost/income ratio was 54.4 (34.1)%.
In the first quarter, comparable return on equity (ROE) was 2.5 (15.5)%.
Total capital (TC) ratio was 17.7 (15.6)%.

The Group’s key figures (1,000 euros)	1.3.2025	1.3.2024	Δ %	1.12.2024
Net interest income	46,88	57,369	-18 %	213,097
Fee and commission income and expenses, net	12,439	12,766	-3 %	50,745
Total operating income	60,074	74,08	-19 %	270,068
Total operating expenses	-34,24	-25,958	32 %	-111,004
Impairment losses on financial assets, net	-22,322	-23,112	-3 %	-83,379
Profit before taxes	3,111	24,668	-87 %	74,589
Cost/income ratio, %	57.4%	35.2%	63 %	41.3%
Balance sheet total	7,517,814	7,531,291	0 %	7,709,090
Equity	583,026	527,426	11 %	576,143
Return on assets (ROA) %	0.1%	1.0%	-88 %	0.8%
Return on equity (ROE) %	1.7%	14.9%	-89 %	10.7%
Earnings per share (EPS), EUR	0.07	0.60	-88 %	1.80
Total capital (TC) ratio %	17.7%	16.9%	5 %	15.6%
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio %	16.5%	15.4%	8 %	14.4%

Comparable profit before taxes	4,617	25,626	-82 %	86,656
Comparable cost/income ratio, %	54.4%	34.1%	60 %	37.8%
Comparable return on equity (ROE) %	2.5%	15.5%	-84 %	12.4%

Outlook for the financial year 2025 adjusted

OmaSp updated its expected credit loss (ECL) calculation model in the first quarter and made a provision to prepare for possible sanctions following the final inspection report from the FIN-FSA on anti-money laundering and terrorist financing. These had a total one-off impact of approximately EUR -11 million on the results. Overall economic uncertainly has further increased. Therefore, OmaSp maintains its earnings guidance on the Group’s comparable profit before taxes to be EUR 65–80 million for the financial year 2025, with a clarification that the figure is expected to be below the mid-point of the range.

Business outlook and earnings guidance are as follows:

The outlook for the Company’s business for the financial year 2025 is affected by the decline in market interest rates and the continued high level of costs due to IT investments and system improvements required by risk management and quality processes. In addition, the Company continues to invest in customer experience on different channels. The uncertainty of the operating environment and economic situation affects the development of balance sheet items and comparable profit for the financial year 2025.

Oma Savings Bank Plc provides earnings guidance on comparable profit before taxes for 2025. Earnings guidance is based on the forecast for the entire year, which takes into account the current market and business situation. Forecasts are based on the management’s insight into the Group’s business development.

We estimate the Group’s comparable profit before taxes to be EUR 65–80 million for the financial year 2025, with a clarification that the figure is expected to be below the mid-point of the range (comparable profit before taxes was EUR 86.7 million in the financial year 2024).

Oma Savings Bank Plc

Additional information:
Karri Alameri, CEO, tel. +358 45 656 5250, karri.alameri@omasp.fi

DISTRIBUTION:
Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
Major media
www.omasp.fi

OmaSp is a solvent and profitable Finnish bank. About 500 professionals provide nationwide services through OmaSp’s 48 branch offices and digital service channels to over 200,000 private and corporate customers. OmaSp focuses primarily on retail banking operations and provides its clients with a broad range of banking services both through its own balance sheet as well as by acting as an intermediary for its partners’ products. The intermediated products include credit, investment and loan insurance products. OmaSp is also engaged in mortgage banking operations.

OmaSp core idea is to provide personal service and to be local and close to its customers, both in digital and traditional channels. OmaSp strives to offer premium level customer experience through personal service and easy accessibility. In addition, the development of the operations and services is customer-oriented. The personnel is committed and OmaSp seeks to support their career development with versatile tasks and continuous development. A substantial part of the personnel also own shares in OmaSp.

Attachment

Oma Savings Bank Plc Interim Report 1.1.-31.3.2025

The MIL Network –

May 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Video: “Choose Europe for Science” Event at the Sorbonne in Paris

Source: European Commission (video statements)

On Monday, May 5, 2025, President Emmanuel Macron has launched the “Choose Europe for Science” initiative from the amphitheatre of the Sorbonne university. The the aim of the conference is to encourage public and private researchers and entrepreneurs to choose Europe and France as their home.

Commission President von der Leyen is among the high-ranking attendees and will give a speech.

Like, comment, and share to support informed discussions on European affairs.

Watch now & stay informed!

More information can be found on the EC Press Corner
Follow us on:
-X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
-Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission

Visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zimXNLPU0r4

MIL OSI Video –

May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Press conference following Council of Ministers meeting no. 126

Source: Government of Italy (English)

Vai al Contenuto Raggiungi il piè di pagina

30 Aprile 2025

Council of Ministers meeting no. 126 was held at Palazzo Chigi today.
Following the meeting, Minister for Civil Protection and Marine Policies Nello Musumeci, Minister of Education and Merit Giuseppe Valditara and Minister of Labour and Social Policies Marina Elvira Calderone held a press conference to illustrate the measures approved.

[Press conference]

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DUP Sea Border Spin Exposed: Deputy First Minister Admits “Hugely Politically Embarrassing” Truth

Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

Statement by TUV Leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister:

“This morning’s Belfast Telegraph article lays bare the desperate spin the DUP has deployed to conceal the reality of the Irish Sea border. The panic of Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly when her own department advertised for a ‘Divergence Co-ordinator’ confirms what TUV has said all along: the border remains and Stormont is helping to implement it.

“The role was designed to manage and implement divergence between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, something which would not be necessary if the Irish Sea border were truly gone.

“Yet the deputy First Minister’s reaction focused not on the substance of the divergence, but on the optics. Her concern wasn’t that Northern Ireland is being separated from Great Britain — it was that people will notice.

“What we see here is a party obsessed with damage control, not damage repair. It shows a DUP more concerned with hiding the truth than confronting the constitutional implications of the Protocol they are now helping to administer.

“Their return to Stormont was built on the claim that the Sea Border had been removed. New barriers, like the parcel border, continue to emerge.

“It is time the DUP stopped insulting the intelligence of the unionist electorate. You cannot ‘safeguard the Union’ by implementing its dismantling.

“If the DUP were serious about opposing the Protocol, they wouldn’t be sitting in a Protocol-implementing Executive. Not only are they doing that but, as this article shows, the deputy First Minister is using her position in government to try to conceal the truth.

“Emma Little-Pengelly called this episode ‘hugely politically embarrassing’. And so it is.

“If the DUP return to power wasn’t built on lies, it wouldn’t be so embarrassing to tell the truth.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Weaponisation of migration by Russia and implications for EU security and border policy – E-001633/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001633/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christine Anderson (ESN)

Multiple credible sources confirm that foreign state actors, among them the Russian Federation and Belarus, have deliberately weaponised illegal migration as part of their hybrid warfare strategy, targeting EU Member States such as Finland, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, as well as Norway. These operations reportedly involve the facilitation of third-country migrants through Russian territory using official visas, coercive tactics by Belarusian border authorities, and involvement by Russian intelligence and trafficking networks[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].

Given the evidence of this threat, can the Commission respond to the following:

1.Does the Commission recognise Russia’s (and Belarus’s) deliberate facilitation of irregular migration as a component of state-directed hybrid warfare? If so, what assessments or designations has it made in cooperation with relevant EU agencies (e.g. Frontex or the European External Action Service)?

2.What specific legal instruments or coordinated EU measures are currently in place or under consideration to address the use of migration as a geopolitical weapon, including in terms of border control, visa policy and sanctions?

3.How is the Commission supporting frontline Member States in returning migrants that have been taking part in hybrid attacks on EU external borders, and how many of them have been returned thus far?

Submitted: 23.4.2025

[1] https://www.csis.org/analysis/russias-shadow-war-against-west.

[2] https://www.heritage.org/global-politics/commentary/russias-weaponization-migrants-hasnt-gone-away.

[3] https://etias.com/articles/eu-border-measures-target-migrant-weaponization-by-russia,-belarus.

[4] https://ukandeu.ac.uk/border-and-migration-politics-and-the-kremlins-hybrid-war/.

[5] https://www.hoover.org/research/weaponization-migration-powerful-instrument-russias-hybrid-toolbox.

[6] https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/nov/16/russias-weaponization-of-migrants-hasnt-gone-away/.

[7] https://mwi.westpoint.edu/weaponized-migration-in-eastern-europes-frozen-north-do-not-overlook-russian-hybrid-warfare/.
Last updated: 5 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Easter SOS for Greek sheep and goat farming – E-001630/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001630/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Galato Alexandraki (ECR)

Greek sheep and goat farming is facing serious difficulties, especially during the Easter period, as demand reaches 750 000 lambs and kids, while domestic production this year does not extend beyond 450 000. This gap is covered by imports, mainly from EU countries where producer prices are lower (e.g. EUR 4.4/kg in Romania, EUR 8/kg in Greece). With retail prices at EUR 14-16/kg, producers ultimately make a loss instead of a profit. Also, during the same period, increased export activity is observed to countries such as Italy, France and Germany (350 000 in 2024).

At the same time, instances of ‘Greekification’ are being reported, where imported lambs and kids are misleadingly presented as Greek. In addition, cases of peste des petits ruminants have recently re-emerged in Romania and the Commission has decided to ban the movement of sheep and goats from there to other Member States.

In view of the above:

1.What checks are the competent European and national authorities required to carry out to ensure compliance with the legislation on the labelling and traceability of imported lambs and kids, and how does the Commission ensure that these checks are carried out?

2.How does the Commission intend to provide practical support for domestic sheep and goat farming, in order to ensure the viability of producers and Greek market sufficiency?

Submitted: 23.4.2025
Last updated: 5 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU funds paid to Hungary since December 2022 – E-001620/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001620/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Daniel Freund (Verts/ALE)

Since December 2022, the Commission has frozen a significant part of EU funds to Hungary because of systemic corruption, rule of law deficiencies and fundamental rights violations in that country. Further to its answer to written question E-002481/2023[1], can the Commission provide an updated overview of the amount of EU funds that has been paid to Hungary from 1 January 2023 to the present date? Please also indicate again from which budget lines the transfers were made.

Submitted: 23.4.2025

[1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2023-002481-ASW_EN.html
Last updated: 5 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Violation of media freedom and pluralism in Tusk’s ‘militant democracy’ and EU values – E-001622/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001622/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Mariusz Kamiński (ECR)

‘Media freedom and pluralism are a vital part of democracy and of the fundamental rights of EU citizens. True democracy is not possible without a free media scrutinising those in power. The media is a key pillar in the checks and balances that underpin democratic rule. That’s why the descent into authoritarian rule often starts with independent media being targeted. Over the last few decades, a number of states across the globe have taken this path, using coercion and often violence to persecute media outlets and individual journalists’[1] – quoted from the European Council website. This quote perfectly reflects the situation in Poland under the government of Donald Tusk.

In light of the above:

1.Does the Commission’s silence regarding the unlawful, forceful takeover of public service media using secret service methods, such as switching off the television signal[2], and the systemic destruction of opposition media through attempts to withdraw concessions[3], pressure advertisers[4], refuse admission to press conferences (including during life-threatening emergencies, such as flooding[5]) and the use of aggression and violence against journalists[6] not constitute an authorisation to destroy democracy in a Member State?

2.Does the Commission consider that the system described by Donald Tusk as ‘militant democracy’, which includes the drastic examples of the destruction of media freedom and pluralism described above, to be in line with the values of the Union which the Commission is so eager to invoke?

3.Is the Commission aware that Civic Platform is violating the law, including electoral rules, by discriminating against candidates and using public television and its resources to organise electoral agitation, as happened on 11 April in Końskie[7]?

Submitted: 23.4.2025

[1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/media-freedom-eu/

[2] https://www.pap.pl/aktualnosci/wylaczono-nadawanie-kanalu-tvp-info-oraz-portalu-tvp-info-muller-nielegalne

[3] https://sdp.pl/zamach-na-wolnosc-slowa-cmwp-sdp-w-obronie-koncesji-naziemnej-dla-telewizji-republika-i-w-polsce24/

[4] https://www.press.pl/tresc/80495,prawicowi-dziennikarze-protestuja-przeciw-zastraszaniu-reklamodawcow-telewizji-republika_-podpisal-sie-tez-tomasz-sakiewicz

[5] https://www.press.pl/tresc/83971,prokuratura-wszczela-dochodzenie-ws_-niewpuszczania-dziennikarzy-republiki-na-konferencje-premiera https://biznesalert.pl/krrit-zlozyla-zawiadomienie-do-prokuratury-chodzi-o-informowanie-mediow-podczas-powodzi/

[6] https://sdp.pl/sdp-zlozy-do-prokuratury-ws-poturbowania-dziennikarza-tv-republika-podczas-wiecu-wyborczego-rafala-trzaskowskiego/

[7] https://wpolityce.pl/media/726640-szef-krrit-pisze-do-pkw-ws-udzialu-tvp-w-debacie-w-konskich
Last updated: 5 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Congo’s Gas Ambitions to Take Spotlight at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 with High-Level Monetization Panel

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

PARIS, France, May 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

The Republic of Congo and its gas agenda will be at the forefront of the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum in Paris, which will feature a dedicated session on Monetizing Congo’s Gas Opportunities. The strategic discussion comes as Congo works to scale up gas production, build critical infrastructure and accelerate monetization efforts to meet domestic demand and strengthen its position as a regional energy exporter.

The session will be moderated by Géraud Moussarie, Managing Partner at Sustainable Partnerships, and will bring together leading voices in the sector. Featured panelists include senior representatives from Congo’s national oil company, Société nationale des pétroles du Congo (SNPC); Rus Jiri, Sales and Development Director Africa at Neuman & Esser; and Oumar Semega, CEO of Imperatus Energy.

IAE 2025 (apo-opa.co/43ffoPN) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Congo’s gas sector has made significant strides in recent years, with new frameworks and ambitious infrastructure projects underway. The Congo LNG project, led by Eni, aims to position the Republic of Congo as a key LNG exporter, with a total liquefaction capacity of up to 3 million tons per year through two floating LNG units – the first of which delivered its maiden cargo in February 2024.

Equally critical is the monetization and domestic utilization of refined gas products. The Banga Kayo onshore project, led by Wing Wah, is set to play a central role by transforming previously flared gas into dry gas, LNG, LPG and polypropylene for use in the local market. Meanwhile, a new Gas Code, expected in 2025, along with the recently adopted Gas Master Plan, are laying the groundwork for sustainable sector growth by establishing clear incentives for investors, streamlining regulatory processes and promoting the development of gas infrastructure and local value chains.

Across Africa, monetizing natural gas is increasingly seen as both an economic necessity and a catalyst for development – supporting energy access, powering industrial growth and enabling a shift toward cleaner energy sources. To date, key challenges include limited processing and transport infrastructure, constrained financing and fragmented regional markets, which continue to slow progress. Overcoming these hurdles requires coordinated policies, targeted infrastructure investment and cross-border partnerships. IAE 2025 provides a vital platform for public and private sector leaders to address these issues, promote investment and unlock the full potential of Africa’s gas value chain.

MIL OSI Africa –

May 5, 2025

MIL-OSI: Sydbank share buyback programme: transactions in week 18

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Company Announcement No 18/2025

Peberlyk 4
6200 Aabenraa
Denmark

Tel +45 74 37 37 37
Fax +45 74 37 35 36

Sydbank A/S
CVR No DK 12626509, Aabenraa
sydbank.dk

5 May 2025

Dear Sirs

Sydbank share buyback programme: transactions in week 18
On 26 February 2025 Sydbank announced a share buyback programme of DKK 1,350m. The share buyback programme commenced on 3 March 2025 and will be completed by 31 January 2026.

The purpose of the share buyback programme is to reduce the share capital of Sydbank and the programme is executed in compliance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016, collectively referred to as the Safe Harbour rules.

The following transactions have been made under the share buyback programme:

	Number of shares	VWAP	Gross value (DKK)
Accumulated, most recent Announcement	627,000		260,162,910.00
28 April 2025 29 April 2025 30 April 2025 01 May 2025 02 May 2025	14,000 15,000 15,000 13,000 12,000	412.31 414.63 417.09 421.22 428.72	5,772,340.00 6,219,450.00 6,256,350.00 5,475,860.00 5,144,640.00
Total over week 18	69,000		28,868,640.00
Total accumulated during the share buyback programme	696,000		289,031,550.00

All transactions were made under ISIN DK 0010311471 and effected by Danske Bank A/S on behalf of Sydbank A/S.

Further information about the transactions, cf Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on market abuse and Commission delegated regulation, is available in the attachment.

Following the above transactions, Sydbank holds a total of 4,080,435 own shares, equal to 7.47% of the Bank’s share capital.

Yours sincerely

Mark Luscombe        Jørn Adam Møller
CEO        Deputy Group Chief Executive

Attachment

SM 18 UK incl. enc

The MIL Network –

May 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Mission, Pope Francis’ “main road”

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

By Stefania Falasca*We publish extensive excerpts from the chapter dedicated to the mission in Stefania Falasca’s book “Papa Francesco. La Via maestra” (Pope Francis, the Main Road. Edizioni San Paolo, 2025). The volume recounts the essential path followed by the Magisterium of Pope Francis during his pontificate (2013-2025).Rome (Fides Agency) – The renewed missionary spirit called for by the Second Vatican Council takes place in a basic way: firstly through encounter, then through words, because proclaiming the Gospel is bearing witness to God’s merciful love.This could not be but the first of the main roads of the Council that Pope Francis wanted to revisit in his teaching. It’s the main road that leads to the center of his message, but also to the very heart of passing on the faith today. A path that—from the first exhortation Evangelii gaudium, through the papal catechesis of the general audiences dedicated to rediscovering the “passion for evangelization” at the sources of “apostolic zeal”—is always there to begin again, to indicate what is vitally important, what moves and constitutes the very identity of the Church. It is the Way: the mission, “the oxygen of Christian life.”The proclamation of the Gospel “is not optional or marginal,” but “a vital dimension, since the Church was born apostolic and missionary.”“Mission, therefore, Pope Francis repeats, “is oxygen for Christian life, and without it becomes sick and withers and becomes ugly, ugly.” And Francis has always reiterated the essential things for the Church, which is born missionary and is called to be a witness to the proclamation of Christ’s salvation:“Our proclamation begins today, where we live. And it does not begin by trying to convince others, certainly not by convincing them, but by witnessing every day to the beauty of the Love that looked upon us and lifted us up. And it will be this beauty, communing this beauty, that will convince people, not us, but the Lord himself. We are those who proclaim the Lord; we do not proclaim ourselves, nor do we proclaim a political party or an ideology.”This statement says it all. It explains what the mission is, where it comes from, how it works, and the way it continues today.During his papacy, Pope Francis has given a lot of attention to this vital part of the Church’s apostolic work, drawing mainly from the Bible and suggesting at every opportunity that mission is not the exclusive domain of specialized professionals or selected ecclesial subjects, since its dynamics draw from the very heart of the Mystery of Salvation and its paths concern the faith of the Church in the historical events of the world.There are three key points that are continually reiterated in his teaching regarding mission.First: “Without Him we can do nothing,” as Francis states in the reference text on mission, on what it means to proclaim the Gospel in the world today. He repeated this several times on May 11, 2023, when he received the members of the Conference of Italian Missionary Institutes:“The mission is first and foremost a mystery of Grace. The mission is not our work, but God’s; we do not do it alone, but moved by the Spirit and docile to his action.”Thus, Pope Francis once again pointed out to the entire Church what the living source of every apostolic work is, as well as its dynamic. For the Successor of the Apostles, the experience of the Apostles is in fact a paradigm that is valid for all time:“Just think of how things happen freely in the of the Apostles, without coercion… no stratagems are needed to become proclaimers of the Gospel. Baptism is enough. The mission, the Church reaching out, is not a program to be carried out by an effort of will. It is Christ who brings the Church out of herself. The mission is His work.”(…).As he described in a key speech on mission addressed to the Pontifical Mission Societies:“Salvation is the encounter with Jesus, who loves us and forgives us, sending us the Spirit who comforts and defends us. Salvation is not the consequence of our missionary initiatives, nor even of our discourse on the Incarnation of the Word. Salvation for each of us can only come through the gaze of the encounter with Him who calls us. For this reason, the mystery of predilection begins and can only begin in an outburst of joy and gratitude.”Second: “You cannot evangelize without witness.” Proclaiming the Gospel “is more than a simple transmission of doctrine and morals.” Proclaiming the Gospel “is first and foremost bearing witness to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.” For this reason, witness to Christ is “the first means of evangelization” and “an essential condition for its effectiveness.” In his catechesis, Pope Francis cited extensively the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi, the magisterial text of Paul VI, which he described as the “Magna Carta of evangelization in the contemporary world […] always relevant, as if it had been written yesterday.”Points and highlights from the papal catechesis emphasized how, in the present time, the words of Paul VI in Evangelii Nuntiandi seem increasingly prophetic when he recognized that “contemporary men listen more willingly to witnesses than to teachers,” or “if they listen to teachers, they do so because they are witnesses.” Witness, continued the Bishop of Rome, also includes the “professed faith” and is manifested above all in the change that Christ himself works in his witnesses, in those who, precisely in this change, bear witness to him. It is faith “that transforms us, that transforms our relationships, the criteria and values that determine our choices.” For this reason, the Bishop of Rome pointed out, witness is not manifested as a “performance” exhibited by witnesses, but rather represents the reflection of a “journey of holiness” that draws from the sacramental source of Baptism, which is also a “gift of God” and “requires to be accepted and made fruitful for ourselves and for others.”Third: this is the key point he often emphasized in this context: “The mission of the Church is not proselytism.” The mission “is not a business or a corporate project, nor is it a humanitarian organization. The community of Jesus’ disciples,” said Pope Francis, “is missionary, not proselytizing,” because “being missionary, being apostolic, evangelizing is not the same as proselytizing. It is the Holy Spirit who is the author, not a human effort to conquer.”At the beginning of the catechetical cycle on evangelization, he therefore quoted once again the expression used by Pope Benedict XVI on May 13, 2007, in Aparecida, in his homily at the opening Mass of the Fifth General Conference of the Latin American Bishops:“The Church does not proselytize. Rather, it grows through attraction. One does not follow Christ, much less become his herald and that of his Gospel, because of a decision made around a table or because of an overly active self-motivation, but because of an attraction based on love. This attraction is found in the dynamics of every authentic apostolic work, in every authentic missionary act.”It is not, therefore, the result of efforts and cosmetic operations to make the image of the Church more “appealing” or to gain approval through marketing strategies. The appeal referred to by Pope Francis is a prerogative of the living. It is what Christ himself, the Risen One, can exercise today on the hearts of his apostles, his missionaries, and even those who do not seek him. And for this reason, throughout his preaching, he has made clear the deception of proselytism that distinguishes authentic missionaries from recruiters of followers who want to do without Christ.For Pope Francis, “proselytism is everywhere there is the idea of growing the Church without the attraction of Christ and the work of the Spirit, focusing everything on some kind of discourse.” So, first of all, proselytism cuts Christ himself and the Holy Spirit out of the mission, even when it claims to speak and act in the name of Christ. “Proselytism is always violent—because it cannot tolerate the freedom and gratuitousness with which faith can be transmitted by grace, from person to person.” For this reason, Pope Francis reminds us, proselytism is not only a thing of the past, but can also be found today in parishes, communities, movements, and religious congregations. Attraction, on the other hand, is something else entirely. It is the opposite of proselytism: “It is a witness that leads us to Jesus.” In short, what Pope Francis points to as perpetually successful is precisely this ever-living dynamic of mission, which is to “let yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit: let Him be the one who urges you to proclaim Christ. Through witness, through daily martyrdom. And if necessary, even with words.” (Fides Agency 4/5/2025).*Writer, columnist for Avvenire, Vice President of the Vatican Foundation John Paul I
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MIL OSI Europe News –

May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free bike security marking for everyone in Portsmouth
Source: City of Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Council is working with Hampshire Constabulary to help residents protect their bicycles from theft by registering them with Bike Register, making it easier for the police to recover stolen bikes.

Registering a bike with Bike Register is quick and simple to do and increases the chances of owners being reunited with their bike in the event of it being stolen. A unique reference number is created to go alongside the cycle’s frame number, then applied to the bike frame, and details are held on a secure online database which all UK police forces have access to.

Residents can attend free drop-in events throughout the year to get their bikes marked. There is no need to pre-book, and security marking is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Following feedback from previous rounds, the council are offering events at weekends and in evenings at various locations:
- Saturday 31 May, 11am – 1pm, Arundel Street, City Centre
- Saturday 28 June, 11am – 1pm, Gunwharf Quays (outside Tesco Express)
- Thursday 10 July, 5pm – 7.00pm, Paulsgrove, Allaway Avenue (Outside Rowlands Pharmacy)
- Thursday 24 July, 5pm – 7.00pm, Cosham High Street
In a further effort to enhance bike security, the council is providing bike marking kits to six independent businesses: Portsmouth Cycle Exchange, GC Bikes, CycleWorld, Pompey Cycle Hub, Cycle Trace and Cycles@Milton. If people purchase a new or used bike from any of these businesses, or take their cycle in for a service, these businesses will offer security marking for free. The frame number and stickers will be registered, providing an added layer of security for bike owners.

In 2022 and 2023, over 500 bikes were marked in Portsmouth, resulting in the recovery and return of several bicycles to their rightful owners. This initiative has proven to be an effective measure in combating bike theft in the city and aims to encourage more people to feel safe and secure in choosing to travel by bike instead of private vehicles.

Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said:

“Getting people to have their bike registered and marked for free really works. It gives cyclists peace of mind and helps the police tackle the problem of bike theft, creating a better, safer cycling environment for everyone.”

More information about cycle security in Portsmouth can be found at https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/parking-roads-and-travel/travel/cycling-around-portsmouth/cycle-security/
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ambitious Fleet Decarbonisation Strategy approved by Councillors

Source: Scotland – City of Perth

The Climate Change and Sustainability Committee considered the local authority’s Fleet Decarbonisation Strategy.

The Council has already slashed carbon emissions by switching 18 of its refuse vehicles to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil rather than diesel – delivering an estimated annual reduction in CO2 emissions of 500 tonnes.

Now the Council is looking to build on this success by using new technologies to further reduce the emissions from its vehicles.

The Fleet Decarbonisation Strategy states a mixed model of decarbonisation will be required, with HVO and diesel used until advances in technology increase the range of electric vehicles,or enable hydrogen to be used as a viable and affordable fuel source.

Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs) based at outlying depots in Blairgowrie, Crieff, Kinross, and Pitlochry will transition to using HVO fuel by June 2025, potentially saving 725 tonnes of CO2 per annum.

The report also sets out the need to invest in additional charging points to support the transformation of the council’s fleet of small vehicles – cars and vans under 3.5 tonnes – to electric vehicles.

Councillor Richard Watters, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, said: “The Scottish Government has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the next five years and reaching net zero by 2045.

“Cars, vans and lorries all produce greenhouse gases, so it is vital we take steps to reduce these emissions.

“There is already fantastic work underway in Perth and Kinross with many of our bin lorries now running on HVO instead of diesel. Although this is a more expensive fuel, it is already significant reducing our CO2 emissions.

“Expanding this scheme, and remaining alert to other new technologies will help us meet our net zero targets and reduce pollution in Perth and Kinross. This is not something that will happen overnight, but it is crucial we set out a roadmap on how we reach that destination.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens unveil plan to end rip-off rents

Source: Scottish Greens

05 May 2025 Housing

Housing is for living in, not for grotesque profiteering.

More in Housing

Scotland needs robust rent controls that will save renters money, say the Scottish Greens who have published plans to end rip-off rents with their proposals in the upcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill.

Independent analysis from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre shows that renters in a two bedroom flat would have saved at least £1000 per year if the model proposed by the Greens had been in place since 2019. It shows that someone renting a two-bedroom property in Lothian would now be at least £272 a month better off.

Amendments lodged by the Scottish Greens would mean that rent will increase no more than the cost-of-living or increases in wages. And for those areas where rents are already too high, Councils could put in place lower increases, freezes or rent reductions.

Along with proposals to end winter evictions, allowing tenants to withhold rent for poor quality properties, and to force absentee landlords to sell derelict properties for housing, Greens are working to ensure that everyone has a warm, safe and affordable home.

Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman said:

“Nobody should be put in a position where the lion’s share of their income is being spent on paying rent, leaving them with very little left to pay for food, heating and electricity bills, or to simply enjoy their lives.

“All parties agree that we are in a housing emergency, but we need to start acting like it. The proposals we have published will ensure a robust system of rent controls that will support tenants and end rip off rents.

“Our proposals would give stability to households and families on the frontline of the crisis, and make sure rents are fairer across the board going forward.

“By tying rents to average earnings, we are establishing an important principle that rents should not rise faster than renters’ ability to pay.

“Homes are for living in, not for grotesque profiteering. The Housing Bill was introduced by the Scottish Greens. It gives us the opportunity to transform the broken housing market and protect renters all across our country.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: To safeguard human rights we must protect civic space and the right to peaceful assembly, OSCE leaders say

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

Headline: To safeguard human rights we must protect civic space and the right to peaceful assembly, OSCE leaders say

Youth protesting (Shutterstock/Eugenio Marongiu)

VIENNA, 5 May 2025 – A vibrant civic space in which everyone contributes to public and political life is increasingly challenged by growing threats to freedom of peaceful assembly and severe challenges faced by human rights defenders through discreditation, criminalization, and direct attacks, OSCE leaders said as a two-day conference began today.
Almost 300 participants from across the OSCE region registered for the meeting in Vienna, which brings together representatives of OSCE states, international organizations, civil society and human rights defenders to discuss current trends and challenges as well as good practices and lessons learnt in ensuring respect for the freedom of peaceful assembly and the protection of human rights defenders.
“Human rights defenders speak out for those who are most vulnerable, under attack, or unable to speak for themselves. They do this despite the risks to their lives and personal safety,” said Ambassador Vesa Häkkinen, Finland’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE and Chair of the Permanent Council. “In this tense security environment, independent and steadfast work for democracy and human rights is especially needed, and it is important that the OSCE provides space for civil society to speak up and be heard.”
While the work of human rights defenders and full enjoyment of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly are widely recognized as essential in a democratic society, practice shows that civic space is shrinking in numerous countries across the OSCE region. Human rights defenders face serious challenges to their work and their personal safety, both those working in their home countries and those in exile. At the same time, restrictions to freedom of peaceful assembly are increasing, and authorities fail to recognize or safeguard this fundamental right.
“Ensuring respect for every individual’s right to freedom of peaceful assembly is a commitment made by all OSCE countries,” said ODIHR Director Maria Telalian. “And yet the growing restrictions on peaceful protests are a visible trend across the region, while civil society and human rights defenders face numerous and increasing obstacles in carrying out their important work.”
For too many human rights defenders, intimidation and sometimes physical violence are an everyday occurrence. The number of so‑called “foreign agent” laws, both in force and in the making, has surged in the OSCE region, adding to the discreditation and stigmatization of human rights defenders, and putting them at further risk. Human rights defenders are increasingly finding themselves and their activities criminalized and censored and their rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association unlawfully restricted, massively impacting their ability to work.
Key topics of the discussions will therefore be to explore effective ways of safeguarding civic space for the future, how to strengthen respect for the rights of peaceful protestors, independent monitors of assemblies, and human rights defenders, as well as how to better respond to the challenges they face in their work and how to strengthen support and protection of human rights defenders in practice.
Freedom of peaceful assembly is a cornerstone of democratic societies and a fundamental human freedom, which OSCE participating States have committed to guarantee without discrimination. The right to defend human rights is also firmly anchored in the commitments made by all OSCE states to uphold democratic principles, including the right of every individual to seek assistance and assist others in defending human rights, and the need to protect human rights defenders and their important work.
Supplementary Human Dimension Meetings are a platform for the OSCE’s participating States and OSCE institutions, as well as international organizations and civil society, to exchange views and good practices in order to find common solutions for the challenges facing societies across the OSCE region. Today’s discussion is the second SHDM of 2025, following a first meeting to discuss the role of media in conflict and humanitarian crises against the background of international humanitarian and human rights law. There is one more SHDM planned for this year.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Artea – new name of Šiaulių Bankas

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

On May 5, 2025, Artea Bank will officially begin operations. This marks a historic and strategic transformation, as Šiaulių Bankas adopts a new name after more than 30 years of serving the Lithuanian market. The bank has also introduced new equity ticker on the Nasdaq Baltic Exchange: ROE1L.

“We are turning a new page in our history, inspired by the trust shown to us by businesses, consumers and investors. Our ambition is to become the best bank in Lithuania and the first choice for the residents and corporations. The new name is a strategic decision that will strengthen our ability to achieve this goal.

This decision has been maturing for some time, and we feel that now is the best time to proceed, as we have grown into a universal bank specializing in the Lithuanian market and we intend to continue develop our business in this direction,” says Vytautas Sinius, Chief Executive Officer of Artea Bank.

From now on, the bank will unite all of the group companies – asset management, life insurance, consumer credit, and multi-apartment modernization funds – under one brand Artea. The new website address is www.artea.lt.

The name Artea deliberately combines elements that convey the bank’s vision and commitment to being closer to its customers through a modern form and national identity.

Artea emphasizes accessible, flexible and modern banking services for corporate and private customers.

The rebranding is part of the bank’s updated strategy for 2024–2029. The bank announced the name change publicly in early March, 2025 prior to the general meeting of shareholders and on March 31 the general meeting of shareholders unanimously approved the decision to change the name to Artea Bank. On May 5, 2025 the bank’s articles of association with the new name were registered in the Register of Legal Entities of Lithuania, and Šiaulių Bankas officially became Artea Bank.

Artea remains the largest independently owned bank in Lithuania. The bank’s main shareholders – Lithuanian business leaders Invalda INVL, Tesonet Global, Willgrow, and the international European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) – remain unchanged.

If you would like to receive Artea Bankas news for investors directly to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter.

Additional information:
Tomas Varenbergas
Head of Investment Management Division
tomas.varenbergas@artea.lt , +370 610 44447

The MIL Network –

May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues a GBP 50 million tap under its MTN programme

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

On 6 May 2025 Municipality Finance Plc issues a new tranche in an amount of GBP 50 million to an existing benchmark issued on 7 March 2024. With the new tranche, the aggregate nominal amount of the benchmark is GBP 550 million. The maturity date of the benchmark is 2 October 2028. The benchmark bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.375 % per annum.

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

MuniFin has applied for the new tranche to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 6 May 2025. The existing notes in the series are admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.

UBS Europe SE acts as the Dealer for the issue of the new tranche.

MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

Further information:

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

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

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

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

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

Important Information

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

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

The MIL Network –

May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Finding ‘Your Voice, Your Strength’ this Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week
Source: City of Wolverhampton

Around 1 in 5 women experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or within the early postnatal years.

The national campaign, organised by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, aims to raise awareness and change attitudes towards mental health problems in the perinatal period, and support people to access the information they need to help their mental health during this time.

The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Your Voice, Your Strength’.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Being pregnant and becoming a new parent is a life changing event. It is normal for new parents to feel a variety of emotions during this time.

“If you’re feeling low and it’s starting to affect your everyday life, there are a range of things you can do that may help, so please don’t suffer in silence. Talk to your family and friends and share your concerns – they may be able to help you find more support. Across the city, there is a range of mental health and emotional wellbeing support services available for expectant and new parents.

“Speak to your midwife, health visitor or attend your local Family Hub if you have any concerns. They can provide you with lots of advice and information about local groups and specialist services that can support you and your wellbeing.”

The Family Hubs Parent and Infant Wellbeing Team offer a range of weekly activities to help parents with their wellbeing and build positive bonds with their infants, including Baby Massage, Baby & Me wellbeing group, coffee mornings and 121 befriending. To find out more, email FHParent.InfantWBTeam@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

Anyone with concerns about their mental health and wellbeing should contact:
- Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s 24-hour helpline on 0800 008 6516 or text 07860 025281, or
- Health Visiting Single Point of Access (SPoA) Hub on 01902 441057
- Your local Family Hub Family Hubs | City Of Wolverhampton Council.
The Healthy Child Wolves app is also packed with tips, guidance and signposting to support families, including advice on looking after your emotional health and wellbeing. The app is available to download for free from the App Store.

For more information on good mental health during pregnancy, visit the NHS website at Mental health in pregnancy and Your mental health.

To find out more about please visit Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 5, 2025

MIL-OSI: Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Interim Report 1.1.-31.3.2025: High costs and declining market interest rates weighed on the result, work to strengthen OmaSp continues

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

OMA SAVINGS BANK PLC, STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 5 MAY 2025 AT 9.45 A.M. EET, INTERIM REPORT Q1

Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Interim Report 1.1.-31.3.2025: High costs and declining market interest rates weighed on the result, work to strengthen OmaSp continues

CEO Karri Alameri: High costs and declining market interest rates weighed on the result, work to strengthen OmaSp continues

The increase in costs is primarily attributed to the implementation of the risk management action plan (the “Noste”) initiated in summer 2024. The final investments in the project were made as planned in the first quarter, and new operating models are being integrated into daily operations. Total investments in the Noste project reached EUR 9.1 million over its duration. What is more, we continue to act on the findings of the supervisory assessment.

Fee and commission income and expenses (net) remained nearly at the level of the comparison period, amounting to EUR 14.7 million.

The mortgage loan portfolio increased by 3.0%, the corporate loan portfolio by 0.4%, and the deposit base by 2.7% from the level of the previous year.

Customer and employee satisfaction at an excellent level

January–March 2025

In January–March, net interest income decreased by 18.3% compared with the same period last year. Net interest income totalled EUR 46.9 (57.4) million.
Mortgage portfolio increased by 3.0% during the previous 12 months. Corporate loan portfolio increased by 0.4% during the previous 12 months.
Deposit base increased by 2.7% over the past 12 months.
From January to March, fee and commission income and expenses (net) decreased mainly due to lower lending commissions compared to the comparison period, 2.6%.
From January to March, total operating income decreased by 18.9% compared to the comparison period. In the first quarter, comparable total operating income decreased by 19.8% and was EUR 59.5 (74.3) million.
From January to March, total operating expenses grew in total by 31.9%. The growth is mainly explained by the costs of the Company’s ongoing extensive risk management development projects, the authority processes and the promotion of a controlled winding down plan related to the non-compliance with the guidelines. In addition, the number of personnel increased compared to the comparison period due to business arrangements, the opening of new branches and the strengthening of the risk management processes. Other operating expenses were in total EUR 22.2 (16.4) million, of which the development costs of the risk management action plan and investigation costs amounted to EUR 5.3 million.
Comparable total operating expenses grew by 27.9% in the first quarter and were EUR 32.2 (25.2) million. Of this amount the risk management action plan (the ”Noste”) amounted to EUR 3.3 million. The measures implemented in the first quarter completed the action plan initiated in the summer of 2024.
For January-March, the impairment losses on financial assets were in total EUR -22.3 (-23.1) million. During the reporting period, the Company updated the calculation model for expected credit losses (ECL) as part of a larger operational programme and development of risk control. The total impact of the updated model increased the ECL by approximately EUR 8.5 million. In addition, the amount of impairment losses was impacted by an increase in allowances in the controlled winding down of the portfolio, which had an impact of approximately EUR 5.7 million. In other credit portfolio, impairment losses amounted to approximately EUR 8.1 million, and the development was particularly affected by the overall economic uncertainty.
For January-March, profit before taxes was EUR 3.1 (24.7) million and comparable profit before taxes was EUR 4.6 (25.6) million.
In the first quarter, cost/income ratio was 57.4 (35.2)% and comparable cost/income ratio was 54.4 (34.1)%.
In the first quarter, comparable return on equity (ROE) was 2.5 (15.5)%.
Total capital (TC) ratio was 17.7 (15.6)%.

The Group’s key figures (1,000 euros)	1–3/2025	1–3/2024	Δ %	1–12/2024
Net interest income	46,880	57,369	-18 %	213,097
Fee and commission income and expenses, net	12,439	12,766	-3 %	50,745
Total operating income	60,074	74,080	-19 %	270,068
Total operating expenses	-34,240	-25,958	32 %	-111,004
Impairment losses and financial assets, net	-22,322	-23,112	-3%	-83,379
Profit before taxes	3,111	24,668	-87%	74,589
Cost/income ratio, %	57.4%	35.2%	63%	41.3%
Balance sheet total	7,517,814	7,531,291	0%	7,709,090
Equity	583 026	527 426	11%	576,143
Return on assets, ROA %	0.1 %	1.0 %	-88 %	0.8%
Return on equity, ROE %	1.7 %	14.9 %	-89%	10.7%
Earnings per share (EPS), EUR	0.07	0.60	-88%	1.80
Total capital (TC), %	17.7%	16.9%	5%	15.6%
Common equity Tier 1 (CET1), capital ratio %	16.5%	15.4%	8%	14.4%
Comparable profit before taxes	4,617	25,626	-82%	86,656
Comparable cost/incme ratio, %	54.4%	34.1%	60%	37.8%
Comparable return on equity, ROE %	2.5%	15.5%	-84%	12.4%

Outlook for the financial year 2025 adjusted

Business outlook and earnings guidance are as follows:

Oma Savings Bank Plc

Additional information:
Karri Alameri, CEO, tel. +358 45 656 5250, karri.alameri@omasp.fi

DISTRIBUTION:
Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
Major media
www.omasp.fi

Attachment

Oma Savings Bank Plc Interim Report 1.1.-31.3.2025

The MIL Network –

May 5, 2025

MIL-OSI: Karolinska Development’s portfolio company Umecrine Cognition receives grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – May 5, 2025. Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) today announces that its portfolio company Umecrine Cognition has been awarded a research grant by The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) amounting to USD 420,000. The grant will finance preclinical studies to evaluate the potential treatment effect of golexanolone in Parkinson’s disease.

Umecrine Cognition is developing a new class of drugs to alleviate cognitive symptoms. The company’s drug candidate golexanolone has demonstrated a positive impact on non-motor symptoms, such as sleep disorders and cognitive impairments, in preclinical models of Parkinson’s disease. The grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation will support further preclinical studies to confirm golexanolone’s treatment effect on Parkinson’s-related sleep dysfunction and cognitive impairments, as well as evaluate the drug candidate’s effect on disease progression in several disease models.

The grant is awarded to the collaboration between Umecrine Cognition and the principal investigator, Professor Gilberto Fisone Head of the Laboratory of Molecular and Circuit Neuropharmacology, and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience, at Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease most noticeably characterized by deteriorating motor functions. However, non-motor symptoms, such as sleep disorders and cognitive impairments, emerge before the onset of physical symptoms and have, historically, been overlooked due to a lack of scientific and clinical insights. While current treatments target motor dysfunction, there are no approved pharmaceutical therapies for non-motor symptoms.

“The Michael J. Fox Foundation is the world’s largest non-profit funder of Parkinson’s research, and the grant represents a significant acknowledgment and validation of golexanolone’s potential in treating this progressive and life-restricting disease. The funding enables further research on golexanolone as a novel treatment option for non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease, an area with high medical need,” says Johan Dighed, General Counsel and Deputy CEO, Karolinska Development.

Karolinska Development’s ownership in Umecrine Cognition amounts to 73%.

For further information, please contact:

Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com

Johan Dighed, General Counsel and Deputy CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 70 207 48 26, e-mail: johan.dighed@karolinskadevelopment.com

TO THE EDITORS

About Karolinska Development AB

Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The company focuses on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region that are developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams. The company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products that are designed to make a difference to patient’s lives while providing an attractive return on investment to shareholders.

Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.

Karolinska Development has a portfolio of eleven companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.

The company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and with access to a strong global network.

For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com.

Attachment
- KD Umecrine Cognition MJFF eng
The MIL Network –
May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Syrian asylum applications drop significantly, reflecting broader decreasing trend in the EU+

Source: European Asylum Support Office

In February 2025, Syrians lodged one of the smallest numbers of monthly applications in over a decade. As a result, having been the main recipient country for Syrian asylum-seekers, Germany was no longer the main destination for asylum seekers in the EU+. France and Spain each received more applications than Germany. In France, Haitians and Ukrainians together represented one fifth of all applicants, while Venezuelans dominated the asylum landscape in Spain.

The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has just published the first monthly dataset for 2025, on asylum applications in the EU+. In February, EU+ countries received around 69 000 asylum applications, following a decreasing trend that has been ongoing since October 2024. The fall of the regime of Bashar al-Assad to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria has led to a significant change in the asylum landscape in the EU+. In February, Syrians lodged the fewest applications in over a decade (5 000), with their number decreasing by 70 %, compared to October 2024.

With Syrians, historically, having almost always been the nationality with the most applicants for international protection in the EU+, this change is notable for many reasons, among them the fact that Germany was not the main receiving EU+ country in February 2025. The sharp decrease in Syrian applications has also impacted several of the EUAA’s first instance asylum indicators.

The latest asylum figures show how important stability in other regions is for Europe. This is strongly reflected in the declining trend in asylum applications from Syrian nationals in the EU in the first quarter. With the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and the new returns regulation, we are bringing our European House in order. Together with Member States, we need to step up our cooperation with partner countries to address migration well beyond our borders.

Magnus Brunner European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration

These figures show a changing asylum landscape in Europe, with several months of fewer applicants seeking protection, and also shifts in their profiles, nationalities and destination countries. At the same time, both the EU Institutions and the Agency are working on making Europe’s asylum systems more streamlined and effective, ensuring that protection is provided in a timely manner to those in genuine need.

Nina Gregori Executive Director

Changing trends in citizenships and key receiving EU+ countries

For more than a decade, Germany (12 780) has almost always been the largest recipient of asylum applications in the EU+. However, in February 2025, that was no longer the case, and the country received 40% fewer applications compared to February 2024. France (13 081) and Spain (12 976) both received more applications than Germany, with figures that were relatively stable in the past 12 months. Italy (11 405) also received a significant number of applications, despite a declining trend. Taken together, applications in these four receiving countries represented almost three quarters of all applications lodged in the EU+.

In February 2025, Venezuelans (8 500) were the largest applicant group. Though Venezuelans have long been among the 5 biggest applicant groups in the EU+, mostly applying in Spain due to a well-established diaspora, the recent increase in applications since October 2024 may be linked to the ongoing economic and political crisis in the country, as well as increasingly restrictive asylum policies in the United States of America.

Recognition rate at the lowest level since COVID-19

Over the past two years, the EU+ recognition rate, which reflects the percentage of asylum applicants that receive decisions granting either refugee status or subsidiary protection, has fluctuated around 40% at first instance. In January and February 2025, the monthly EU+ recognition rate fell to 25 %, the lowest level since the first months of COVID-19 in 2020.

A significant contributor to this change was the number of asylum decisions issued to Syrians in January and February 2025, which dropped to around 1 600 in both months. In addition, the EU+ recognition rate for Syrians stood at just 14 %, down from around 90 % in previous months. The reasons for these significant changes are two-fold. Firstly, many EU+ countries have temporarily paused the processing of Syrian asylum claims, pending greater clarity on the security and political situation in Syria. Secondly, many Syrians have begun to withdraw their asylum applications. In some EU+ countries, a withdrawn application results in a negative decision, thus reducing the overall EU+ recognition rate.

More generally, the Agency’s data show that there were around 964 000 asylum applications pending at first instance at the end of February 2025. Together with Syrians (113 000), Venezuelans (100 000) and Colombians (89 000) were awaiting the most first instance decisions. In February, some 52 % of applications were lodged by citizenships for whom the EU+ recognition rates stood at 20 % or less, in 2024. Citizenships in this group included Bangladeshis (4 %), Columbians (5 %), Egyptians (4 %), and Moroccans (4 %).

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 5, 2025

MIL-OSI: Aktsiaselts Infortar interim report for Q1 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Aktsiaselts Infortar interim report for Q1 2025

Infortar will arrange a webinar for investors today 5 May 2025.Please join the webinar via the following links:

Estonia’s largest investment holding company, Infortar, increased its turnover by 20% in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year, reaching €447 million. The group’s total assets nearly doubled to €2.6 billion, while investments tripled to €22 million. In recent years, Infortar has nearly doubled the size of its real estate portfolio and is actively expanding across multiple sectors.

Since August 1st of last year, the results of Tallink, a group company, have been consolidated into Infortar’s financial statements. Due to the highly seasonal nature of the maritime transport business, Tallink’s first-quarter loss of €33 million was reflected in Infortar’s own results. An additional impact came from a €1.7 million income tax expense, resulting in a total net loss of €14.6 million for Infortar in the first quarter, of which €4.5 million was attributable to Infortar’s shareholders. The energy business was affected by an exceptionally warm winter and lower consumption, but remained profitable overall. The real estate segment, meanwhile, showed significant year-on-year growth in volumes.

“The economy stands on three pillars – agriculture, industry, and services. In recent years, Infortar has expanded its presence across all three to achieve its goals and diversify risk. Moreover, we have grown into a market leader in each,” said Ain Hanschmidt, Chairman of the Management Board of Infortar.

“The performance of Tallink had the biggest impact on Infortar’s first-quarter profitability. In addition to typical seasonality, passenger numbers in the first quarter reflected the state of the core markets’ economies and low consumer confidence. Still, it is important to note that the most challenging period of the year is now behind Tallink, and the outlook is more optimistic,” Hanschmidt added.

“The energy business was affected by an exceptionally mild winter, lower consumption, and a gas surplus. Nevertheless, the segment remained profitable, primarily due to well-placed investments in gas distribution networks in Latvia and Poland. In real estate, we continued rapid growth – over the past year, we have expanded our portfolio by nearly 50%, becoming one of the largest property owners in the Baltics,” said Hanschmidt.

“Despite a turbulent environment, Infortar continues to grow as one of the largest investment companies on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, actively seeking new investment opportunities. Our balance sheet strength is the key indicator of resilience – Infortar’s financial position and liquidity remain solid, free liquidity is €153 million enabling us to generate cash and invest. We can also confirm our continued commitment to the stated dividend policy. Diversification across sectors and countries has created a strong platform that provides confidence even in volatile times,” Hanschmidt concluded.

Major Event

Maritime transport

Tallink´s first quarter of 2025 was impacted by low consumer and business confidence levels, the economic challenges in the Group’s core markets and global geopolitical tensions. As at the end of the quarter, the Group operated 14 vessels including 2 shuttle vessels, 6 passenger vessels, 2 vessels that were chartered out and 4 vessels that were in lay-up.

During the quarter Tallink´s total investments amounted to EUR 13.3 million majority of which were made to upgrading the cruise ferries Baltic Princess and Silja Serenade. The planned maintenance works totalling 68 days in the first quarter of 2025 affected the passenger and cargo levels in Finland-Sweden routes.

Energy

In the first quarter, natural gas consumption in the Finnish-Baltic region totalled 15,0 TWh, decreasing by 19% compared with the previous year (16,5 TWh). Energy sales were negatively impacted by higher-than-average temperatures, which reduced the demand for natural gas.

In the first quarter of 2025, Elenger Grupp sold a total of 4.6 TWh of energy (compared to 6,1 TWh in Q1 2024). Sales in Estonia accounted for 17% of the energy sales in Q1 2025. The company´s market share decreased in Q1 2025 to 20,0% in the Finland-Baltic gas market.

Real estate

At the end of last year, the Rimi logistics center in Saue municipality received its usage permit; this summer, the new bridge in Pärnu will be completed, and next year, DEPO will open its second store in Estonia, located in Lasnamäe.

Key financial figures

Key figures	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	12 months 2024
Sales revenue. m€	447.357	372.584	1 371.775
Gross profit. m€	26.068	50.004	128.628
EBITDA. m€	27.661	74.004	145.275
EBITDA margin (%)	6.2%	19.9%	10.6%
Net profit. EBIT. m€	-0.655	67.624	77.024
Total profit(-loss). m€	-14.561	62.062	193.670
Net profit (-loss) holders of the Parent m€	-4.479	62.167	191.253
EPS (euros)*	-0.2	3.1	9.6
Total equity m€	1 181.002	820.210	1 166.222
Total liabilities m€	1 105.305	852.690	1 223.287
Net debt m€	952.397	195.799	1 055.708
Investment loans to EBITDA (ratio)**	3.3x	1.5x	3.0x

^Notes:^*^{For the earnings per share (EPS) calculation, the number of shares as of 31.03.35 has been used for comparability. Formula: profit/loss attributable to Infortar shareholders divided by the number of shares, excluding own shares issued under the stock option program. Example calculation based on the end of Q1 2024: (191 x 1,000,000) / (20,443,629 – 722,610).}^**^{Investment loans / EBITDA, annualized. For comparability,}^actual^{EBITDA of Tallink Grupp for the relevant period has been used, based on Tallink Grupp quarterly report}^.

Revenue

In the first quarter of the 2025 financial year, the Group’s consolidated revenue increased by EUR 74.7 million to EUR 447.4 million (Q1 2024 consolidated revenue: EUR 372.6 million). A significant impact came from the consolidation of Tallink Grupp’s results into Infortar’s consolidated financial statements as of 1 August 2024.

EBITDA and Segment Reporting
In the first quarter of the 2025 financial year, the EBITDA of the maritime transport segment amounted to EUR -3.8 million (Q1 2024: EUR 34.5 million).
The energy segment’s EBITDA was EUR 31.8 million (Q1 2024: EUR 73.9 million).
In the real estate segment, profitability is assessed based on the EBITDA of individual real estate entities.

Based on separate real-estate companies results, the real estate segment’s EBITDA was EUR 3.4 million in Q1 2025 (Q1 2024: EUR 3.8 million).

Net Profit (Loss)
The consolidated net loss for the first quarter of the 2025 financial year was EUR -14.6 million, including a loss attributable to Infortar’s owners of EUR -4.5million (Q1 2024 net profit: EUR 62.1 million, including EUR 62.2 million attributable to Infortar’s owners).

Investments
In the spring of 2024, Infortar entered the agricultural sector by acquiring one of Estonia’s largest dairy farms in Halinga and began construction of a biomethane plant next to the farm to produce local green gas. Today, on 5 May, Infortar announced an additional investment plan in Estonia Farmid OÜ.
In the first quarter of 2025, the total amount of investments made by the Infortar Group was approximately EUR 22 million.

Financing
As of the first quarter of the 2025 financial year, the Group’s total loan and lease liabilities amounted to EUR 1 105.3million (compared to EUR 1 223.3 million at the end of the 2024 financial year). Infortar’s net debt stood at EUR 952.397 million. The net debt to EBITDA ratio was 3.4.

Dividends

According to the dividend policy, the objective is to pay dividends of at least 1 euro per share per financial year. Dividend payments are made semi-annually. Infortar Group’s management proposes to pay a dividend of 3 euros per share for the 2024 financial year results. According to the proposal, the first payout is planned to be made no later than July, and the second payout in December 2025.

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss

(in thousands of EUR)	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	12 months 2024
Revenue	447 357	372 584	1 371 775
Cost of goods (goods and services) sold	-421 173	-322 573	-1 243 034
Write-down of receivables	-116	-7	-113
Gross profit	26 068	50 004	128 628
Marketing expenses	-10 976	-415	-21 086
General administrative expenses	-20 965	-7 238	-50 438
Profit (loss) from derivatives	0		26 672
Profit (loss) from biological assets	-33	0	-139
Profit (loss) from the change in the fair value of the investment property	0	156	-949
Profit (loss) from the change in the fair value of the investment property	3 939	24 659	-8 691
Other operating revenue	1 956	600	4 682
Other operating expenses	-644	-142	-1 655
Operating profit	-655	67 624	77 024

(in thousands of EUR)	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	12 months 2024
Profit (loss) from investments accounted for by equity method	955	2 000	22 974
Financial income and expenses:
Other financial investments	-333	0	13 342
Interest expense	-12 896	-6 745	-38 274
Interest income	842	1 244	4 979
Profit (loss) from changes in exchange rates	-315	-2	100
Other financial income and expenses	-451	4	93 659
Total financial income and expenses	-13 153	-5 499	73 806
Profit before tax	-12 853	64 125	173 804
Corporate income tax	-1 708	-2 063	19 866
Profit for the financial year	-14 561	62 062	193 670
including:
Profit attributable to the owners of the parent company	-4 479	62 167	191 253
Profit attributable to non-controlling interest	-10 082	-105	2 417

Other comprehensive income	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	12 months 2024
tems that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Revaluation of post-employment benefit obligations			-141
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to the income statement:
Revaluation of risk hedging instruments			-45 792
Exchange rate differences attributable to foreign subsidiaries			53
Total of other comprehensive income			-45 880
Total income, including:			147 790
including:
Comprehensive profit attributable to the owners of the parent company			145 514
Comprehensive profit attributable to non-controlling interest			2 417
Ordinary earnings per share (in euros per share)	-0,22	14,62	9
Diluted earnings per share (in euros per share)	-0,21	14,15	14,15

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

(in thousands of EUR)	31.03.25	31.12.24
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	152 908	167 579
Short term financial investments	0	0
Derivative financial assets	16 968	8 333
Settled derivative receivables	2 448	676
Other prepayments and receivables	153 040	155 351
Prepayments for taxes	3 650	3 831
Trade and other receivables	51 379	38 517
Prepayments for inventories	1 953	2 498
Inventories	124 636	215 914
Biological assets	941	941
Total current assets	507 923	593 640

Non-current assets	31.03.25	31.12.24
Investments to associates	17 559	16 603
Long-term derivative instruments	340	3 214
Other long term obligations	34 685	35 163
Property, plant and equipment at fair value	1 309 599	1 315 167
Investment property	68 175	67 931
Property, plant and equipment	598 280	594 291
Intangible assets	38 008	38 874
Right-of-use assets	46 043	47 598
Biological assets	2 720	2 753
Total non-current assets	2 115 409	2 121 594
TOTAL ASSETS	2 623 332	2 715 234

(in thousands of EUR)	31.03.25	31.12.24
Current liabilities
Loan liabilities	396 801	497 162
Rental liabilities	8 755	9 020
Payables to suppliers	104 664	87 941
Tax obligations	48 861	49 354
Buyers’ advances	40 946	31 126
Settled derivatives	9 706	8 728
Other current liabilities	68 409	63 431
Short term derivatives	8 285	27 704
Total current liabilities	686 427	774 466

Non-current liabilities	31.03.25	31.12.24
Long-term provisions	8 455	9 946
Deferred taxes	3 039	2 816
Other long-term liabilities	43 412	43 209
Long-term derivatives	1 248	1 471
Loan-liabilities	661 602	676 670
Rental liabilities	38 147	40 435
Total non-current liabilities	755 903	774 547
TOTAL LIABILITIES	1 442 330	1 549 013

(in thousands of EUR)	31.03.25	31.12.24
Equity
Share capital	2 117	2 117
Own shares	-72	-72
Share premium	32 484	32 484
Reserve capital	212	212
Option reserve	7 431	6 223
Hedging reserve*	3 510	-21 674
Unrealised currency translation differences	2 854	45
Employment benefit reserve	-44	-185
Retained earnings	885 688	890 167
Net profit of the financial year
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Parent	934 180	909 317
Minority interests	246 822	256 904
Total equity	1 181 002	1 166 221

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	2 623 332	2 715 234

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Cash flows from operating activities
(in thousands of EUR)	3 months 2024	12 months 2024
Profit for the financial year	-14 561	193 670
Adjustments:
Depreciation, amortisation, and impairment of non-current assets	28 316	68 251
Change in the fair value of the investment property	0	0
Equity profits/losses	-956	-22 974
Change in the value of derivatives	-79	-1 483
Other financial income/expenses	2 300	-112 030
Calculated interest expenses	12 896	38 274
Profit/loss from non-current assets sold	-116	-955
Income from grants recognised as revenue	-385	-643
Corporate income tax expense	1 708	-19 866
Income tax paid	-1 485	-10 551
Change in receivables and prepayments related to operating activities	-12 184	52 023
Change in inventories	91 823	-12 831
Change in payables and prepayments relating to operating activities	29 780	-81 275
Change in biological assets	33	-322
Total cash flows from operating activities	137 090	89 288

Cash flows from investing activities	3 months 2024	12 months 2024
Purchases of subsidiaries	-333	-111 684
Proceeds from the sale of other financial investments	0	0
Received dividends	0	20 862
Given loans	607	1 918
Interest gain	755	4 953
Purchases Investment property	-244	-10 352
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-23 305	-27 835
Proceeds from sale of property	139	1 561
Total cash flows used in investing activities	-22 381	-120 577

Cash flows used in financing activities	3 months 2024	12 months 2024
Gain from goverment grants	394	225
Changes in overdraft	-43 343	12 863
Proceeds from borrowings	94 276	358 731
Repayments of borrowings	-166 362	-151 790
Repayment of finance lease liabilities	-3 591	-11 300
Interest paid	-10 754	-39 153
Dividends paid	0	-60 997
Gain from share emission	0	3 174
Total cash flows used in financing activities	-129 380	111 753
	0	0
TOTAL NET CASH FLOW	-14 671	80 464
Cash at the beginning of the year	167 579	87 115
Cash at the end of the period	152 908	167 579
Net (decrease)/increase in cash	-14 671	80 464

Infortar operates in seven countries, the company’s main fields of activity are maritime transport, energy and real estate. Infortar owns a 68.47% stake in Tallink Grupp, a 100% stake in Elenger Grupp and a versatile and modern real estate portfolio of approx. 141,000 m2. In addition to the three main areas of activity, Infortar also operates in construction and mineral resources, agriculture, printing, and other areas. A total of 110 companies belong to the Infortar group: 101 subsidiaries, 4 affiliated companies and 5 subsidiaries of affiliated companies. Excluding affiliates, Infortar employs 6,296 people.

Additional information:

Kadri Laanvee
Investor Relations Manager
Phone: +372 5156662
e-mail: kadri.laanvee@infortar.ee
www.infortar.ee/en/investor

Attachments

The MIL Network –

May 5, 2025

MIL-OSI: Dawn Health Secures EURm 11.5 to Scale Platform & Product Suite for Next-Gen Pharma Digital Health Solutions
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press release

Dawn Health Secures EURm 11.5 to Scale Platform & Product Suite for Next-Gen Pharma Digital Health Solutions

Copenhagen, Denmark – 5th of May, 2025

Dawn Health – a global leader in digital health, co-founded by Trifork and held as a minority investment in Trifork Labs – today announced that the company has secured a funding round of EURm 11.5 from its existing investors: Chr. Augustinus Fabrikker, the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO), and Trifork Labs. The investment is aimed at supporting the company’s strategy to deliver its platform and product suite to global pharma companies through a SaaS model, while continuing to invest in further offerings within the Dawn Product Suite.

Since 2021, Dawn Health has been dedicated to developing a best-in-class platform designed specifically to accommodate the needs and use cases of the pharmaceutical industry. The Dawn Platform and Product Suite have already been widely adopted by five global industry leaders, including Merck and Novartis. The Dawn Platform is currently used in areas such as oncology, multiple sclerosis, and rare pediatric conditions like growth disorders. It helps patients manage their treatment, report symptoms, and stay in close contact with their healthcare team.

The Dawn Platform and Product Suite empower pharma companies, patients, and healthcare professionals to improve outcomes and patient care by leveraging advanced capabilities in AI, data, evidence generation, clinical integrations, personalization, and connected health. By improving both data collection and analytics, these capabilities ultimately benefit patients and pharma companies alike, positioning the Dawn Platform as the foundation for therapy companions, disease management programs, and real-world evidence (RWE) solutions that enable the next generation of digital health.

“Our ambition is to be the global leader in digital health, powering pharma’s next-generation products – and ultimately improving the lives of patients worldwide,” said Alexander Mandix Hansen, CEO of Dawn Health. “This funding allows us to bring our proven platform to more markets and deepen our impact.”

This next phase reinforces Dawn Health’s position as a trusted partner to pharma companies, delivering valuable, scalable, regulatory-grade digital health products that evolve with the needs of modern medicine.

“Since the major investment in December 2021, Dawn Health has grown its revenue significantly and expanded its footprint in global pharma. With more than 100 employees, unique solutions, and a strong regulatory infrastructure, we are prepared to further accelerate our growth,” said Lars Marcher, Chairman of Dawn Health.

About Dawn Health
Dawn Health is a global leader in digital health, specializing in the development of Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), Digital Therapeutics (DTx), and connected health solutions. Accelerating the launch of digital solutions to market, the Dawn Health product suite drives innovation to change the lives of people with chronic conditions. Through close partnerships with the life sciences industry, Dawn Health creates digital health products that transform patient care through an empathetic and human-centric approach. Learn more at dawnhealth.com.

Contact: Christopher Kold, Marketing Manager, cko@dawnhealth.com, +45 41 58 60 88

About Trifork Group
Trifork is a pioneering global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative solutions. With 1,229 professionals across 73 business units in 16 countries, Trifork delivers expertise in inspiring, building, and running advanced software solutions across diverse sectors, including public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. Trifork Labs, the Group’s R&D hub, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic and high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is a publicly listed company on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.

Contact: Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director, frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 7317

Attachment
- PR_Labs_Dawn Health
The MIL Network –
May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Enlight Research revises target price for INVL Technology’s shares
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Enlight Research updated its valuation of INVL Technology, a company that invests in IT businesses, following the publication of operating results for 2024.

The target price for INVL Technology’s shares was raised to EUR 4.12 from EUR 4.01 per share.

Before publication of the Enlight Research update report, INVL Technology’s share price on the Nasdaq Vilnius stock exchange was EUR 3.4.

INVL Technology owns and manages the cybersecurity company NRD Cyber Security, the GovTech company NRD Companies, and the Baltic IT company Novian.

The company that invests in IT businesses reported that its equity and net asset value were EUR 51.43 million at the end of December 2024, which is 18.2% more than a year earlier. The value per share of its equity and NAV was EUR 4.2896 and grew 19%. INVL Technology had an audited net profit of EUR 8.09 million in 2024, 56.6% more than in 2023.

In mid-March last year, the company signed an agreement with the Zurich branch of M&A intermediation service provider Corum Group’s Luxembourg-based unit Corum Group International, to advise and serve as M&A intermediary on the sale of the company’s portfolio of businesses.

INVL Technology, which is managed by INVL Asset Management, the leading alternative asset manager in the Baltics, is a closed-end investment company which must exit its investments no later than mid-July 2026 and distribute the money to shareholders.

Enlight Research provides private and institutional investors with equity research. The company’s reports are available to all investors free of charge. The Enlight Research report is commissioned by INVL Technology and does not constitute investment research. The report was prepared for informational purposes and cannot be considered an offer to buy or sell shares. The responsibility for such a decision lies with the investor.

The person authorized to provide additional information:
INVL Technology Managing Partner
Kazimieras Tonkūnas
E-mail k.tonkunas@invltechnology.lt

Attachment
- Enlight research_INVL Technology_2024.pdf
The MIL Network –
May 5, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: 5 huge climate opportunities await the next parliament – and it has the numbers to deliver
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Skarbek, Climateworks CEO, Monash University

Australians have returned an expanded Labor Party to government alongside a suite of climate-progressive independents. Meanwhile, the Coalition – which promoted nuclear energy and a slower renewables transition – suffered a historic defeat.

Labor also looks set to have increased numbers in the Senate, where the Greens are likely to hold the balance of power.

These numbers mean support for progressive climate and energy policy in Australia’s 48th parliament is shaping as stronger than the last. So what does this mean as Australia seeks to position itself as a leader in the global net zero economy?

In its first term in government, Labor laid the groundwork for stronger climate action, including legislating an emissions-reduction target and putting crucial policies and organisations in place. The next parliament will be well-placed to build on these foundations. Here, we explain where key opportunities lie.

1. National emissions target for 2035

By September this year, all signatories to the global Paris Agreement must set emissions reduction targets out to 2035.

Labor is waiting on advice from the Climate Change Authority before setting its target. The authority’s initial advice last year suggested a target between 65% and 75%, based on 2005 levels.

Some countries have already set their targets. The United Kingdom, for example, will aim for a reduction of at least 81% by 2035, based on 1990 levels.

2. A firm plan for net-zero

Australia has committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Getting there will require innovation and investment across the economy. In the last term of government, Labor began
developing net-zero plans for each economic sector. They comprise energy, transport, industry, resources, the built environment, and agriculture and land.

The plans are due to be finalised this year. They will act as a tangible map for Australia to meet both net zero and the 2035 emissions-reduction target, and are keenly awaited by state governments, industry and investors.

This policy area presents the broadest opportunity for the crossbench to exert influence for greater ambition, scale and pace. Neither the 2035 target nor the sector plans need to go through parliament – however they could feature in broader parliamentary negotiations.

Separately, the Safeguard Mechanism will be reviewed in 2027, during this parliament. The policy aims to reduce emissions reductions from Australia’s biggest greenhouse-gas polluters. It is key to reaching net zero in Australia’s industrial sector, and an important moment to ensure the policy reduces emissions at the rate needed.

3. Bidding to host COP31

Australia is bidding to host next year’s United Nations global climate talks, or COP, in partnership with Pacific Island nations. The bid was opposed by the Coalition.

A decision on the COP host is expected in June. If Australia succeeds, the federal government will seek to use the high-profile global gathering to showcase its climate credentials – and there will be high expectations from Pacific co-hosts. So all policy between now and then really matters.

4. An energy system to make Australia thrive

Energy produces about 70% of Australia’s emissions. Tackling this means reducing emissions from electricity through renewable generation. Elsewhere in the economy, it means switching from gas, petrol and diesel to clean electricity.

The government’s plan to reach 82% renewable energy by 2030 remains crucial. Australia’s electricity system is expected to reach around 50% renewable energy this year. But there is more work to do.

A review of the National Electricity Market is due this year. It is expected to recommend ways to promote greater investment in renewable generation and storage. This includes what policy might follow the Capacity Investment Scheme, a measure to boost renewables investment which will be rolled out by 2027.

Faster action on the renewable shift can also be achieved through the Australian Energy Market Operator’s next Integrated System Plan – the nation’s roadmap for guiding energy infrastructure and investment.

Labor also has scope to improve energy efficiency, and better match energy demand and supply – especially at times of peak energy use. The government’s commitments to subsidise home batteries, and expand the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, will help achieve this. The crossbench, including the Greens, is likely to seek greater investments to reduce household energy use and costs.

Beyond this, Australia’s electricity grid needs to be double the size of what’s currently planned, to power the entire economy with clean energy.

5. Leverage clean energy export advantages

Australia generates about a quarter of its GDP from exports – many of them emissions-intensive such as fossil fuels, minerals and agricultural products.

In his election victory speech, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Australia to seize the moment at a time of global economic disruption. Key to this will be building on the Future Made in Australia agenda and ensuring Australia makes the most of its competitive advantages as the world transitions to net-zero.

This will include:
- leveraging a strong reputation as a reliable trade partner
- capitalising on our world-leading solar and wind energy resources to produce low-emissions goods for export
- developing the industry around critical minerals and rare earths needed in low-emissions technologies
- helping metals and minerals sectors achieve net-zero emissions pathways.
This will be central to trade negotiations in the years to come. Realising Australia’s green exports aspiration requires action abroad as well as at home.

A game-changing decade

This decade is crucial to Australia’s future economy, and to the success of Australia’s long-term transition to net zero emissions. Our work has shown Australia can slash emissions while the economy grows.

The question now is how quickly the re-elected government – indeed, the next parliament – can realise Australia’s ambition as a renewable energy superpower.

The next three years will provide vital opportunities and they must be seized – for the sake of our energy bills, our economic prosperity and Australia’s reputation on the world stage.

Anna Skarbek is on the board of the Net Zero Economy Authority, SEC Victoria, the Centre for New Energy Technologies, the Green Building Council of Australia, and the Asia-Pacific Advisory Board of the Glasgow Financial Alliance on Net Zero. She is CEO of Climateworks Centre which receives funding from philanthropy and project-specific financial support from a range of private and public entities including federal, state and local government and private sector organisations and international and local non-profit organisations. Climateworks Centre works within Monash University’s Sustainable Development Institute.

Climateworks Centre is a part of Monash University. It receives funding from a range of external sources including philanthropy, governments and businesses. Businesses such as mining companies and industry associations have previously co-funded Climateworks’ research on industrial decarbonisation, and may benefit from policies mentioned in this article.

– ref. 5 huge climate opportunities await the next parliament – and it has the numbers to deliver – https://theconversation.com/5-huge-climate-opportunities-await-the-next-parliament-and-it-has-the-numbers-to-deliver-255772
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Rep. Jim Costa Honors Central Valley Heroes

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to pay tribute to the lives and service of two Central Valley heroes – Marine Lance Corporal Marcelino M. Gamino and U.S. Army veteran Guadalupe Castillo.
In a heartfelt address, Costa honored Lance Corporal Marcelino M. Gamino, a proud son of Fresno sadly passed away while serving his country. At just 28 years old, Gamino served as a combat engineer with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. His bravery and dedication are a testament to the values of service and sacrifice that define the San Joaquin Valley.

REMARKS as delivered:

Mr. Speaker… I rise today to honor the life of Lance Corporal Marcelino M. Gamino, a proud Marine of Fresno, California, who gave his life in service to our nation. He answered the call to serve in May 2022, quickly rising to the rank of Lance Corporal by August 2024.
At just 28 years old, Marcelino served with distinction as a combat engineer in the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. His commitment took him across the world, deploying to Darwin, Australia, as part of the Marine Rotational Force.
His service was marked by distinction, earning him the National Defense Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. We mourn his tragic loss, and our hearts are with his family and fellow Marines. His courage and service will never be forgotten. Semper Fi!

Costa also recognized Guadalupe Castillo, who answered the call to serve his country at just 18 years old. A U.S. Army World War II veteran, he fought in some of the most pivotal battles in history, including the Battle of the Bulge, D-Day at Omaha Beach, and the Liberation of France. At 100 years old, Mr. Castillo left behind a remarkable legacy of courage, service, and devotion to his community and country. Castilllo sadly passed away on Easter Sunday.

REMARKS as delivered:

Mr. Speaker… I rise to honor the incredible life of Guadalupe Castillo, a true American hero of Fresno, California.
At just 18, he entered the U.S. Army and faced some of history’s fiercest battles: the Battle of the Bulge, D-Day at Omaha Beach, and the Liberation of France from tyranny. His courage and sacrifice helped shape the course of history. But his service didn’t end on the battlefield.
After his service, he devoted 20 years to helping fellow veterans through the VA, inspiring his son Manuel to follow in his footsteps. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Castillo shortly before he passed away on Easter Sunday.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS attends ADB meeting in Milan

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan attended the Constituency Meeting at the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Milan, Italy yesterday.

Discussions in the Constituency Meeting focused on co-operation between member countries, ways to navigate current economic risks and uncertainties in the region, optimal use of resources to better assist low- and middle-income countries, and provision of technical assistance and support for capacity building in such countries.

Mr Chan stated that the Hong Kong Administrative Region Government welcomes the ADB’s strengthening of support for developing countries in areas such as addressing climate change, boosting the private sector, promoting regional co-operation, and facilitating digital transformation. In addition, he said it supports enhancing technical assistance to improve the effectiveness of development projects.

The finance chief stressed that, as an international financial centre, Hong Kong will continue to share its expertise with other members in areas such as establishing capital markets, promoting green transitions and the development of green finance, and infrastructure financing.

Mr Chan also met Rachel Thompson, the Director representing the Hong Kong, China constituency on the ADB Board of Directors, to discuss how Hong Kong can better assist the ADB in the issuance of insurance-linked securities, including catastrophe bonds.

In the evening, Mr Chan attended a reception organised by the meeting’s host country, Italy.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 5, 2025

Category: European Union

Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Sweden

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More in Housing

Changing trends in citizenships and key receiving EU+ countries

Recognition rate at the lowest level since COVID-19

1. National emissions target for 2035

2. A firm plan for net-zero

3. Bidding to host COP31

4. An energy system to make Australia thrive

5. Leverage clean energy export advantages

A game-changing decade