Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester City Council News 23 Apr 2025 St George’s Day Parade returns to Manchester

    Source: City of Manchester

    The St George’s Day Parade, a beloved fixture in Manchester’s event calendar for over 19 years, returns this year with its vibrant celebration of England’s rich heritage and community spirit (27 April).  

    Originating from a grassroots organisation, this true community event has grown to become a popular, family-friendly celebration that showcases the diverse and eclectic idea of what it means to be English.  

    The parade aims to celebrate the nation’s spirit and the country’s achievements, particularly those that embody fairness, community, equality, and hard work.  

    This year’s parade will be held on April 27, starting from Varley Street at 12 noon. To note, although the Manchester Marathon is being held the same day, the two events are not expected to impact each other.  

    The parade will commence at Varley Street, turning left onto Oldham Road (southbound only), and will travel towards the city, crossing over Great Ancoats Street to Oldham Street.  

    It will then turn left on Piccadilly, left on Newton Street, left on Dale Street, right on Lever Street, left on Great Ancoats, right on Oldham (northbound only), right on Butler Street, left on Bradford Road, and finally left back to Varley Street. 

    The parade will feature performers on decorated floats. As in previous years, a cavalcade of up to 300 mopeds will join the parade for part of the route, along with a regal Queen Victoria in a royal carriage, a blue dragon towering at 7ft and an array of community groups across Manchester.  

    The parade is expected to take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the route. 

    The event is managed by the St George’s Day Committee with support from Manchester City Council and other partner agencies. 

    Councillor Pat Karney, City Centre Spokesperson, said: “I’m thrilled to see the return of the St George’s Day Parade in our incredible city which serves as a reminder and reflection of our proud heritage. This is a day for families, friends and neighbours to come together to celebrate the true meaning of community.  

    “The parade will be a colourful display of Manchester and our nation’s history, a reminder of our achievements and a proud celebration of our shared, diverse nation. I look forward to seeing thousands of Mancunians come together and I hope to see you there.” 

    Thelma McGrail, Chair of the St George’s Day organising committee, said:  “Manchester’s St George’s Day Parade, celebrating England’s Patron Saint, has been an annual event for the last 19 years, this being the 20th. The parade itself is abundant in diversity, growing each year, uniting all communities. The event receives a huge amount of support before and on the day of the parade with hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators.”

    Proposed road closure timings 

    • Depart Varley Street at 12.00 – Arrive Varley Street 14.15 
    • Varley St from Ridgeway St to Oldham Rd 09.00 – 16.00 
    • Oldham Rd from Varley St to Grt Ancoats 12.00 – 14.30
    • GrtAncoats St from Oldham Rd to Newton St 12.30 – 12.45 
    • (Hold Traffic) • Oldham St from Grt Ancoats to Piccadilly 12.30 – 14.00
    • Piccadilly from Oldham St to Newton St 12.30 – 14.00
    • Newton St from Piccadilly to Grt Ancoats 12.30 – 14.00
    • Dale St from Oldham Rd to Newton St 12.30 – 14.00
    • Lever St from Dale to Great Ancoats Street 12.30 – 14.00
    • Great Ancoats St from Lever St to Oldham Rd 13.30 – 13.45
    • (Hold Traffic) • Oldham Rd from Grt Ancoats St to Butler St 12.30 – 14.00
    • Butler St from Oldham St to Bradford Rd 12.30 – 14.30
    • Bradford Rd from Butler St to Varley St 12.30 – 14.30

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New family hubs launched in Leeds to boost support for those in need of early help

    Source: City of Leeds

    A series of new ‘family hubs’ have been launched across Leeds to bring together a wide range of services for people to access help more easily.

    Leeds City Council has launched seven new hubs to host key support organisations under one roof, aiming to simplify the process for families to reach out for early help on a range of issues. 

    The family hubs build on the success of the council’s community hubs and will be based within these at the following locations:

    • South Leeds: Dewsbury Road and Rothwell
    • West Leeds: Armley and Horsforth
    • East Leeds: Deacon House, Compton Centre, Chapeltown Children’s Centre linked to Reginald Centre.

    The new revamp allows the hubs to provide a single point of contact for families with children from birth up to the age of 18, to access guidance and advice on matters such as mental health, domestic abuse and substance use, one-to-one interventions and parenting groups

    They also provide support up to the age of 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

    The new system will allow professionals to link up and work together more effectively in helping to overcome any difficulties families may be facing.

    Each hub will have a hub manager, social workers, senior family help practitioners and family help workers who can deliver one-to-one support along with signposting to other services.

    As well as creating a more streamlined service for both families and professionals, the innovative transformation has also enabled efficiency savings within the authority of £750k.

    It also adds to the successful cluster arrangements – where partner organisations work together with schools to support vulnerable families – as well as the existing early help hubs, to further bolster support provided across the city.

    The family hubs were recently launched with an event in Leeds Civic Hall, where 200 people from across the sector gathered to celebrate the significant milestone in family support provision.

    Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “This is an exciting development across the partnership to provide a more joined-up approach for children and families in need of extra help.

    “Leeds has a continuous commitment to delivering early help provision, recognising the need to support families early in the life of the problem.

    “These new highly efficient hubs will improve the quality of practice and experience of children and families and enable people to have the right conversations with the right services at the right time.

    “Each hub has tailored support offers designed to meet the needs of that area and strengthens our ambition to support families, empower individuals and foster connections to create a brighter future for every family in Leeds.”  

    Anyone can contact the family hub network – both members of the public and professionals –  via a phone number and an email address, to be directed to the appropriate contacts.

    For more information visit https://www.leeds.gov.uk/children-and-families or phone 0113 5350185 or email family.hubs@leeds.gov.uk.

    ENDS

    For media enquiries please contact:

    Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

    Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

    Tel: 0113 378 6007

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Decisions of Sampo plc’s Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sampo plc, stock exchange release, 23 April 2025 at 4:05 pm EEST


    Decisions of Sampo plc’s Annual General Meeting

    The Annual General Meeting of Sampo plc, held today on 23 April 2025, approved all the proposals made to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) by the Board of Directors and its Committees, including distribution of dividend of EUR 0.34 per share for 2024.

    The AGM adopted the financial accounts for 2024 and discharged the members of the Board of Directors and CEO from liability for the financial year ending 31 December 2024. The AGM authorised the Board of Directors to decide on share repurchases.

    Including proxy representatives, there were altogether 1,746,933,448 shares (64.91 per cent of all shares) and 1,750,933,448 votes (64.96 per cent of all votes) in the company represented at the AGM.

    Dividend payment

    The AGM decided to distribute a dividend of EUR 0.34 per share for 2024. The dividend will be paid to the shareholders registered in the company’s shareholders register maintained by Euroclear Finland Oy or VP Securities A/S in Denmark, and to the holders of the Swedish depository receipts (SDRs) registered in the securities depository and settlement register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB, as at the record date of 25 April 2025.

    The dividend will be paid to the shareholders and holders of the share entitlements on 6 May 2025 and to the SDR holders on 8 May 2025.

    Election and remuneration of the Board members

    The number of Board members was decreased by one to eight members. Christian Clausen, Steve Langan, Risto Murto, Antti Mäkinen, Markus Rauramo, Astrid Stange and Annica Witschard were re-elected for a term continuing until the close of the next Annual General Meeting. Sara Mella was elected as a new member to the Board. Of the previous members, Georg Ehrnrooth and Jannica Fagerholm were not available for re-election.

    At its organisational meeting, the Board elected Antti Mäkinen as Chair and Risto Murto as Vice Chair.

    All Board members have been determined to be independent of the Company and its major shareholders under the rules of the Finnish Corporate Governance Code 2025. The CVs of the Board members are available at www.sampo.com/board.

    The AGM decided on the following annual fees to the members of the Board of Directors until the close of the next AGM:

    • EUR 243,000 for the Chair of the Board (prev. EUR 235,000);
    • EUR 140,000 for the Vice Chair of the Board (prev. EUR 135,000);
    • EUR 108,000 for each member of the Board (prev. EUR 104,000);
    • EUR 30,000 for the Chair of the Audit Committee as an additional annual fee (prev. EUR 29,000); and
    • EUR 6,800 for each member of the Audit Committee as an additional annual fee (prev. EUR 6,600).

    A Board member must acquire Sampo plc A shares at the price paid in public trading with 50 per cent of his/her annual fee after the deduction of taxes, payments and potential statutory social and pension costs. Notwithstanding this, a Board member is not required to purchase any additional Sampo plc A shares if the Board member owns such amount of said shares that their value is equivalent to twice the respective Board member’s gross annual fee. The Company will pay any possible transfer tax related to the acquisition of the shares.

    Election and remuneration of the auditor and of the Sustainability Reporting Assurer Provider

    The Authorised Public Accountant Firm and Authorised Sustainability Audit Firm Deloitte Ltd was re-elected as the Company’s auditor and Sustainability Reporting Assurance Provider for the financial year 2025. APA ASA Jukka Vattulainen will continue as the auditor with principal responsibility and the principal authorised sustainability auditor. Company’s Auditor and the Sustainability Reporting Assurance Provider will be paid compensation against invoices approved by the Company.

    Remuneration Report for Governing Bodies

    Sampo’s Remuneration Report for Governing Bodies was adopted through an advisory resolution.

    Authorisation on share repurchases

    The AGM authorised the Board to resolve to repurchase, on one or several occasions, a maximum of 250,000,000 Sampo plc A shares. The maximum number of shares represents approximately 9.29 per cent of all outstanding A shares of the company. The repurchased shares will be cancelled.

    The authorisation will be valid until the close of the next AGM, however, no longer than 18 months from the AGM’s decision.

    AGM materials

    The proposals approved by the AGM are available in their entirety at Sampo’s website at www.sampo.com/agm. The Remuneration Report for Governing Bodies is available at www.sampo.com/year2024.

    The minutes of the Annual General Meeting will be available for viewing at www.sampo.com/agm and at Sampo plc’s head office at Fabianinkatu 27, Helsinki, Finland, by the end of 7 May 2025.

    SAMPO PLC

    For further information, please contact:

    Sami Taipalus
    Head of Investor Relations
    tel. +358 10 516 0030

    Maria Silander
    Communications Manager, Media Relations
    tel. +358 10 516 0031

    Distribution:
    Nasdaq Helsinki
    Nasdaq Stockholm
    Nasdaq Copenhagen
    London Stock Exchange
    FIN-FSA
    The principal media
    www.sampo.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Law Library Publishes New Report, “Minimum Wages for Seafarers on Foreign-Registered Vessels”

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    The staff of the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress has recently completed a comparative report examining the laws of countries around the globe to identify those that have adopted specific requirements regarding foreign seafarers’ wages. Out of 84 jurisdictions surveyed, only four, Australia, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, passed legislation affecting foreign seafarers’ wages, with Norway having pending legislation.

    According to the report, Minimum Wages for Seafarers on Foreign-Registered Vessels, the implementation of wage requirements in the countries identified was conditioned upon certain geographical requirements and/or the existence of a nexus between the government and the vessel’s operating service in terms of the number of landings in the country’s ports or between the seafarer and the country.

    The report contains individual country surveys of the scope of application and the type of required wages in the countries where wage requirements for seafarers on foreign-registered vessels exist. In addition, the report contains information on recommended international law standards and a table summarizing the findings and providing citations to laws and pending legislation.

    We invite you to review the information provided in our report, here.

    The report is an addition to the Law Library’s Legal Reports (Publications of the Law Library of Congress) collection, which includes over 4,000 historical and contemporary legal reports covering a variety of jurisdictions, researched and written by foreign law specialists with expertise in each area. To receive alerts when new reports are published, you can subscribe to email updates and the RSS feed for Law Library Reports (click the “subscribe” button on the Law Library’s website). The Law Library also regularly publishes articles related to wages and hours in the Global Legal Monitor.


    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: XCHG Limited Files 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMBURG, Germany, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XCHG Limited (“XCharge” or the “Company”), (NASDAQ: XCH), a global leader in integrated EV charging solutions, today announced that it filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 23, 2025. The annual report, which contains the Company’s audited consolidated statements, can be accessed on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov and on XCharge’s investor relations website at https://investors.xcharge.com/.

    The Company will provide a hard copy of its annual report, free of charge, to its shareholders and ADS holders upon request. Requests should be directed to ir@xcharge.com or Investor Relations Department at XCHG Limited, XCharge Europe GmbH, Heselstücken 18, 22453 Hamburg, Germany.

    About XCharge

    XCharge (NASDAQ: XCH), founded in 2015, is a global leader in integrated EV charging solutions. The company offers comprehensive EV charging solutions, which primarily include DC fast chargers and advanced battery-integrated DC fast chargers as well as their accompanying services. Through the combination of XCharge’s proprietary charging technology, energy storage system technology and accompanying services, the Company enhances EV charging efficiency and unlocks the value of energy storage and management. Committed to providing innovative and efficient EV charging solutions, XCharge is actively working toward establishing a global green future that is critical to long-term growth and development.

    For more information, please visit: https://investors.xcharge.com/

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    XCharge
    IR Department
    Email: ir@xcharge.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Brandi Piacente
    Tel: +1-212-481-2050
    Jenny Cai
    Tel: +86 (10) 6508-0677
    Email: XCharge@tpg-ir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Volta Finance Limited – Net Asset Value(s) as at 31 March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Volta Finance Limited (VTA / VTAS)
    March 2025 monthly report

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

    Guernsey, April 23rd, 2025

    AXA IM has published the Volta Finance Limited (the “Company” or “Volta Finance” or “Volta”) monthly report for March 2025. The full report is attached to this release and will be available on Volta’s website shortly (www.voltafinance.com).

    Performance and Portfolio Activity

    Dear Investors,

    Volta Finance’s net performance for the month of March was negative -2.9%, taking the Aug 2024-to-date performance at +9.7%. Both our investments in CLO Debt and CLO Equity were impacted by the broader volatility and risk repricing across global markets. In line with its dividend policy, Volta declared a 15.5c quarterly dividend through the month.

    CLO markets exhibited classic cyclical patterns characterized by spread tightening in January followed by some widening towards the end of the Quarter. However, market movements in March extended beyond typical seasonal dynamics as geopolitical tensions and uncertainties surrounding President Trump’s trade policies had a significant impact. The announcement of tariffs targeting Canada, Mexico and increased levies on China in February shook Equity markets across the globe and triggered a general repricing of risk. March saw additional tariff threats hinting towards a total revamp of US trade agreements in the making. Major Equity indices sold off, with pressures on technology, automotive and consumer discretionary sectors notably. These announcements overshadowed positive news on the inflation front (cooling PCE), while the Fed maintained its key rate on March 19. Lower GDP growth projections were on everybody’s mind, while markets were left in limbo ahead of the tariff announcements of the US administration due to take place on April 2nd.

    It was no surprise to see Credit markets repricing in March as well: the European High Yield index (Xover) closed around 40bps wider at 328bps. In the loan market, Euro Loans dropped c. 1pt to about 97.80px (Morningstar European Leveraged Loan Index) while US Loans felt by 85cts down to 96.30px. The primary CLO market remained active as many transactions were executed, although levels moved wider across the capital structure, notably BBs towards +600bps (from +475bps context). In terms of performance, BBs had a total return of -1.5%, US High Yield returned -1.07% and Euro High Yield were down by -1%.

    Looking at Volta Finance’s cashflow, the portfolio generated c. €28m equivalent of interests and coupons over the last six months, representing c.21% of February’s NAV on an annualized basis. Over the month, Volta’s CLO Equity tranches returned -4.3%** while CLO Debt tranches returned -0.5% performance**, cash representing c. 10% of the NAV.

    Volta is around 21% exposed to USD, the March currency moves having a meaningful impact on the overall funds’ performance (-0.94%).

    As of end of March 2025, Volta’s NAV was €269.6m, i.e. €7.37 per share.

    *It should be noted that approximately 0.29% of Volta’s GAV comprises investments for which the relevant NAVs as at the month-end date are normally available only after Volta’s NAV has already been published. Volta’s policy is to publish its NAV on as timely a basis as possible to provide shareholders with Volta’s appropriately up-to-date NAV information. Consequently, such investments are valued using the most recently available NAV for each fund or quoted price for such subordinated notes. The most recently available fund NAV or quoted price was 0.18% as at 28 February 2025, 0.11% as at 30 September 2024.

    ** “performances” of asset classes are calculated as the Dietz-performance of the assets in each bucket, taking into account the Mark-to-Market of the assets at period ends, payments received from the assets over the period, and ignoring changes in cross-currency rates. Nevertheless, some residual currency effects could impact the aggregate value of the portfolio when aggregating each bucket.

    CONTACTS

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

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

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

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

    *****
    ABOUT VOLTA FINANCE LIMITED

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

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

    *****

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

    *****

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

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

    *****

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

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

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

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

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

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

    *****

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to Dutch House of Representatives passing four Taiwan-friendly motions

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to Dutch House of Representatives passing four Taiwan-friendly motions

    • Date:2025-04-16
    • Data Source:Department of European Affairs

    April 16, 2025  

    The House of Representatives of the Netherlands on April 15 adopted four Taiwan-friendly motions, urging the Dutch government to oppose China’s escalation of tensions, strengthen trade relations with Taiwan, send a high-level official delegation to Taiwan, and support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the World Health Organization. The motions were proposed by House members from different parties, including Representative Jan Paternotte of Democrats 66, who is also cochair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China for the Netherlands. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomes and appreciates the high level of consensus that Dutch parliamentarians have shown in their support for Taiwan.

    The Dutch House of Representatives simultaneously passed four motions calling on the Dutch government to take a number of concrete actions to support Taiwan. It encouraged the government to oppose China’s launch of large-scale military exercises around Taiwan; attach great importance to cross-strait peace and send another warship through the Taiwan Strait; assist Taiwan in responding to the United States’ tariff policy and enhance economic and trade exchanges with Taiwan; promote high-level official visits between Taiwan and the Netherlands; and explicitly voice support for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly and other events. These motions concern Taiwan’s core interests and are therefore of great significance.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung recognizes that Taiwan and the Netherlands have forged an increasingly close relationship, that support for Taiwan in the Dutch parliament has grown steadily year after year, and that the Netherlands is an important partner in the promotion of President Lai Ching-te’s Five Trusted Industry Sectors. Taiwan looks forward to engaging in further cooperation with the Netherlands in such critical domains as strengthening resilience of the semiconductor supply chain, security control and information security, and next-generation communications.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI: Credit Agricole Sa: ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF CRÉDIT AGRICOLE S.A. OF 14 May 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Montrouge, 23 April 2025

    ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
    OF CRÉDIT AGRICOLE S.A. OF 14 May 2025

    Publication of the Notice of Meeting – Opening of the vote –
    Procedures for making the preparatory documents available

    Crédit Agricole S.A. informs its shareholders that its Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 14 May 2025 at 9.30 am in Paris (75005), France, at Maison de la Mutualité, 24 rue Saint-Victor.

    A Notice of Meeting, including in particular the agenda and the draft resolutions, was published in the French bulletin of mandatory legal announcements (Bulletin des Annonces Légales Obligatoires) No. 35 of 21 March 2025.

    All of the matters relating to this General Meeting are made available to shareholders in accordance with the regulations and legislation in force.

    In particular:

    • the information and documents referred to specifically in Article R. 22-10-23 of the French Commercial Code (Code de Commerce), as well as the Notice of Meeting for the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting, are available on the Crédit Agricole S.A. website at:

    https://www.credit-agricole.com/en/finance/individual-shareholders/annual-general-meeting

    • by means of the Notice of Meeting, all shareholders may:
      • familiarise themselves with the documents referred to in Article R. 225-83 of the French Commercial Code (Code de Commerce) at the Company registered office; and
      • up until 10 May 2025 inclusive, request that the Company sends them these documents, it being specified that in order for holders of bearer shares to exercise this right, they must provide a certificate of shareholding for the bearer share accounts held by the authorised intermediary.

    Online voting is open between 23 April 2025 12.00 pm (midday, Paris time) until 13 May 2025 3.00 pm (Paris time). The paper forms must be received by Uptevia no later than 11 May 2025.

    The General Meeting will be broadcast live online via the section relating to the General Meeting:
    https://www.credit-agricole.com/en/finance/individual-shareholders/annual-general-meeting.
    Crédit Agricole S.A. press contacts
    Alexandre Barat : +33 1 57 72 45 73 – alexandre.barat@credit-agricole-sa.fr
    Olivier Tassain : +33 1 43 23 25 41 – olivier.tassain@credit-agricole-sa.fr

    All our press releases can be found at: https://www.credit-agricole.com/en

    Customer Relations contacts – individual shareholders
    Freephone: 0,800,000,777
    credit-agricole-sa@relations-actionnaires.com

    Customer Relations contacts – registered shareholders
    + 33 1 57 78 34 31
    ct-contactcasa@uptevia.com

    Customer Relations contacts – institutional investors
    + 33 1 43 23 04 31
    investor.relations@credit-agricole-sa.fr

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens challenge “con artist” Farage to climate TV debate

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Responding to Nigel Farage’s comments on Radio 4’s Today Programme where he refused to accept that carbon emissions are leading to climate change, Green Party Co-Leader, Adrian Ramsay MP, hit back saying: 

    “Nigel Farage is a performer, a con artist. He will say or do anything. He will happily dance to a populist tune regardless of its impact. Let’s not forget he’s bankrolled by fossil fuel interests, climate deniers, and major polluters—taking in £2.3 million since the 2019 election.

    This morning’s performance suggested he hasn’t got the slightest grasp of even the most basic climate science. But I think it’s worse than that. He understands all too well human-made climate change, but he is willing to pretend he doesn’t and stand in the way of climate action for his party’s populist agenda.

    If he really does believe what he says, let’s see if his ridiculous rhetoric stands up to actual scrutiny – let’s see if he is prepared to take part in an hour-long TV debate about climate change and the challenge of reaching net zero?”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Allister tabled motions on Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman and Omagh Bomb Inquiry

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    TUV leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister tabled the following motions in the Commons yesterday:

    Supreme Court ruling on legal definition of a woman

    That this House welcomes the Supreme Court judgement of 15 April 2025 that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex; and calls on all Government departments, arms length bodies and all operating in the public sphere to ensure their language, definitions, guidance and approach fully accords with the findings of this ruling.

    Omagh Bomb Inquiry

    That this House notes that the Omagh Bomb Inquiry will examine only alleged failings in respect of agencies in the United Kingdom; regrets that there is no parallel inquiry established by the Dublin Government to investigate failings within that state, having regard to the fact the bomb was constructed in the Republic of Ireland and conveyed to Omagh by terrorists from within that state; and further notes with disapproval that the Memorandum of Understanding between the Chairman of the Omagh Bomb Inquiry and the Government of the Republic of Ireland does not ensure compellability of personnel from the Republic nor assure transparency in the handling of any evidence if produced from the Republic.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on sad passing of Ian Hall

    Source: City of Preston

    23 April 2025

    We are saddened to announce the death of Ian Hall, Honorary Freeman and Alderman of the City who died on Monday 21 April at the age of 98.

    Ian was first elected as a Preston councillor in 1964 and stood down in 2007 after a remarkable 43 years’ service.

    During his long service as councillor, he was twice Mayor of Preston in 1974-5 and 1994-5 and Leader of the Council from 2000 to 2003. He had served in a similar position twice before as Chair of Policy and Resources Committee from 1973-76 and 1980-82.

    He served as a Justice of the Peace from 1969, and Ian had an outstanding record in public service devoting so much of his time to the city and people of Preston.

    Mayor of Preston, Councillor Phil Crowe pays tribute to Honorary Freeman and Alderman, and former Councillor and Mayor, Ian Hall:

    “Ian was a most dedicated and well-respected public servant for Preston. He served on so many committees and bodies and was always striving to improve the lives of his fellow Prestonians.

    “He was heavily involved in the organisation of the Preston Guild of 1992 and the redevelopment work around Preston Docks. He oversaw the transfer of the then Preston Borough Transport Department to Preston Bus, an employee-owned company. His contribution to Preston and its residents cannot be underestimated.

    “I send my condolences, along with those of everyone at Preston City Council, to Ian’s family and friends at this sad time. May he Rest in Peace.”

    More information

    • Ian Hall was first elected to Preston County Borough Council in 1964.
    • He was made an Honorary Freeman of the City May 1992.
    • He was made an Honorary Alderman of the City in 2007 after retiring as a Councillor after 43 years service.
    • We will update with funeral information as this becomes available.

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Gazelle helicopter to touch down for Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day 23 April 2025 Gazelle helicopter to touch down for Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Hold onto your hats, folks!

    One of the biggest attractions, both in size and attendance, is making a triumphant return to the Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day.

    Yes, you guessed it — the 679 Squadron, 6 Army Air Corps, is back with their dazzling Gazelle helicopter.

    Event organiser, Ian Dore, said: “The Gazelle presence was a ‘hoofing’ hit last year, and I’m thrilled to say it’s returning.

    “It raised eyebrows on the ferry coming over and was packed throughout the day. It’s not often you get the chance to sit in a genuine army helicopter that has seen active service, so it’s a real treat.

    “For the youngsters, it’s a great bit of kit to play around in, plus of course, it’s selfie central!”

    The Gazelle, known for its agility, first saw action in the Falklands War and later in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and the first Gulf War.

    Four Gazelles were also part of the Army Air Corps helicopter display team, which in 2001 included the very first British female military display pilot, Sgt Julie Wiles.

    For TV buffs, a Gazelle, similar to this one, featured in the film and television series ‘Blue Thunder’. The helicopter will be stationed on the eastern side of Ryde Superbowl, accompanied by the Army Air Corps Team from 679 Squadron.

    Ian added: “This really is a hands-on attraction and is fully intact. The cyclic, collective, pedals, console, knobs, radios, buttons, dials — they’re all there to get hands-on with.

    “For those of a certain generation, and if ‘Blue Thunder’ wasn’t your cup of tea, you can also hop in and pretend to be Stringfellow Hawke, flying around the Solent in ‘Airwolf’.

    “For youngsters who see flying or air operations as a career, this is as good as it gets on the ground, and we are chuffed to have them back.”

    Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day takes place on Sunday, 29 June at Ryde.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

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

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

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

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

    #PalaceOfWestminster #UKParliament

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

    MIL OSI Video

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

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New funding to support Windrush compensation scheme applications

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

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

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

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

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

    Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

    • raising awareness among non-Caribbean communities and correcting misinformation 

    • gathering insights on why eligible individuals aren’t applying 

    • helping potential claimants connect with support services 

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

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

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

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

    Source: City of Oxford

    Published: Wednesday, 23 April 2025

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

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

    Comments 

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

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

    Source: US State of Connecticut

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    How did UConn prepare you for success?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News

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

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

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

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

    Documents

    Details

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

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

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

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 April 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

    Unaudited Financial Information

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

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

    Consolidated First Quarter Operating Results Overview

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Consolidated Balance Sheet & Asset Quality Overview

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

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

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

    Asset Quality

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

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

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

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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

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

    Forward-looking statements

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The MIL Network

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.

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

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

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

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

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    About ONWARD Medical

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

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

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

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

    Media Contacts:

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

    For ONWARD Media Inquiries:  
    media@onwd.com 

    For ONWARD Investor Inquiries: 
    investors@onwd.com

    The MIL Network

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

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

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

    Source: European Central Bank

    23 April 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Economics

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

    Source: European Central Bank

    23 April 2025

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

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

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

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

    Chart 1

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

    2023-25

    Revisions to previous data release

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

    (percentage points)

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

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

    What do the four different indicators show?

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

    Table 1

    ECB wage tracker summary

    (percentages)

    ECB wage tracker

    Coverage

    Headline indicator

    Excluding one-off payments

    With unsmoothed one-off payments

    Share of employees

    2013-2023

    2.0

    1.9

    2.0

    49.1

    2024

    4.8

    4.2

    4.9

    48.8

    2025

    3.1

    3.8

    2.8

    46.5

    2024 Q1

    4.1

    3.8

    5.2

    49.0

    2024 Q2

    4.4

    3.9

    3.4

    49.0

    2024 Q3

    5.2

    4.5

    6.8

    48.7

    2024 Q4

    5.3

    4.7

    4.3

    48.3

    Jan 2025

    4.9

    4.3

    3.0

    49.4

    Feb 2025

    5.0

    4.7

    3.2

    49.5

    Mar 2025

    4.0

    4.3

    1.4

    49.5

    Apr 2025

    4.1

    4.4

    4.2

    49.3

    May 2025

    3.8

    4.1

    3.9

    49.2

    Jun 2025

    3.8

    4.0

    3.8

    46.9

    2025 Q3

    2.1

    3.4

    1.9

    45.1

    2025 Q4

    1.6

    3.0

    2.9

    42.9

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

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

    Table 2

    Employee coverage by country

    (share of employees in each country, percentages)

    Germany

    Greece

    Spain

    France

    Italy

    Netherlands

    Austria

    Euro area

    2013-2023

    42.0

    10.0

    61.0

    51.7

    48.7

    64.2

    56.7

    49.1

    2024 Q1

    43.7

    16.0

    56.8

    48.3

    48.2

    62.7

    78.6

    49.0

    2024 Q2

    44.1

    15.9

    56.1

    48.2

    48.1

    62.4

    77.8

    49.0

    2024 Q3

    44.3

    15.8

    54.5

    48.1

    47.9

    62.1

    77.8

    48.7

    2024 Q4

    43.8

    15.7

    53.4

    48.2

    47.8

    61.9

    77.8

    48.3

    2025 Q1

    44.0

    19.5

    53.1

    52.9

    47.8

    61.3

    75.9

    49.4

    2025 Q2

    45.0

    16.3

    52.0

    52.4

    43.4

    60.2

    72.2

    48.5

    2025 Q3

    43.8

    8.7

    49.4

    48.3

    35.8

    57.6

    70.2

    45.1

    2025 Q4

    42.1

    8.3

    49.0

    43.4

    35.6

    53.3

    65.3

    42.9

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

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

    Notes:

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

    MIL OSI Economics

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

    Source: City of Preston

    23 April 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    • Market Street
    • Earl Street
    • Friargate
    • Ribblesdale Place

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

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

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

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

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

    23 April 2025

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

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 4.22.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 22, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News

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

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

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

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

    Submitted: 25.3.2025

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

    MIL OSI Europe News

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

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

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

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

    Submitted: 16.4.2025

    Last updated: 23 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Greece: The EIB Advisory supports Growthfund in strengthening climate resilience of Greek ports

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB Advisory assists Growthfund in assessing climate risks for key ports in Greece.
    • EIB provides targeted advisory services as part of its commitment to sustainable infrastructure investments.
    • Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessments (CRVAs) will help ports protect against potential climate-change related hazards.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide advisory support to Growthfund, Greece’s National Investment Fund, to help strengthen the climate resilience of key Greek ports. This initiative will focus on conducting Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessments (CRVAs) for the ports of Volos, Alexandroupoli, and Patras, supporting their adaptation to climate change challenges.

    Under the agreement, EIB Advisory will assist the corresponding port authorities in identifying and addressing physical climate risks which could impact port infrastructure and operations, such as coastal flooding, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events.  These assessments will help define specific adaptation measures to enhance long-term sustainability and economic resilience.

    “Ports are critical for Greece’s economy and connectivity, but they face increasing risks due to climate change,” said EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris. “By working with Growthfund, we aim to provide structured assessments and strategic solutions to protect vital port infrastructure and ensure its long-term viability.”

    Panagiotis Stampoulidis, Deputy CEO of Growthfund, referred to the cooperation between Growthfund and the EIB as the second substantial partnership between the two institutions, which further strengthens their contribution to the development of public infrastructure by making services more competitive and sustainable. “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and ports — as critical infrastructure for the Greek economy, society, and the country’s connectivity — are at the forefront of this challenge. Our collaboration with the Advisory Services of the European Investment Bank is fully aligned with Growthfund’s strategic planning to strengthen key public infrastructure.

    Through targeted Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessments (CRVAs), we aim to ensure that the ports of Volos, Alexandroupolis, and Patras are better protected against extreme weather events and the broader effects of the climate crisis.

    Growthfund, leveraging its international network, technical expertise, and alignment with European best practices, actively contributes to the creation of a more sustainable and resilient development model for the country.”

     A key step in climate-proofing infrastructure

    The advisory support will be structured around three key tasks:

    • Baseline assessment: analysing climate data and historical extreme weather events affecting the selected ports.
    • Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA): identifying climate risks, assessing their impact, and proposing adaptation measures.
    • Financial impact assessment: estimating how climate risks could affect operational costs, revenues, and investment needs.

    The project aligns with EU climate policies and best practices, including the European Commission’s Technical Guidance on Climate Proofing Infrastructure and PIANC’s guidelines for climate adaptation in ports and waterways.

    The EIB’s commitment to sustainable development

    The agreement reinforces the EIB’s role as the EU Climate Bank, supporting investments that build resilience and promote sustainable infrastructure. Through its advisory services, the EIB helps public and private stakeholders overcome investment barriers, ensuring that climate-proofing measures are both effective and financially viable.

    Background information

    EIB  

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world. 

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.   

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.   

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers.Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average. 

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Lufthansa Group simplifies online bookings in cooperation with Visa

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    From October 2025, Lufthansa Group will introduce the online payment option ‘Click to Pay’ on the booking portals of its airlines Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines in cooperation with Visa.

    Click to Pay’ enables customers to complete online bookings by entering their e-mail address. There is no need to enter debit and credit card details. Instead, consumers can register their debit or credit card once on payment network websites such as Visa and at card-issuing banks and then use ‘Click to Pay’. Consumers are recognized via their e-mail address on the booking platforms of Lufthansa Group Airlines or in other online stores. This also works as a guest and for first-time purchases. When paying, customers select card payment and send the order. If authorization is required, this is done via the bank (e.g. confirmation in the banking app). 

    In future, ‘Click to Pay’ will be available to all Lufthansa Group Airlines guests, regardless of their individual card provider. As Europe’s leading airline group, the Lufthansa Group is thus one of the very first airlines to use “Click to Pay”.

    “We are constantly improving services for our customers and want to offer them an innovative all-round service at every stage of their journey,” says Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group. “Our partnership with Visa is the next important step in fulfilling this ambition. Today, our guests can already plan and book all aspects of a flight more independently, easily and quickly than ever before. ‘Click to Pay’ is a great additional offer that further optimizes the travel experience with our airlines when purchasing a flight ticket.”

    “We are delighted to be able to support the Lufthansa Group with the introduction of ‘Click to Pay’. For customers of Europe’s leading airline group, completing a purchase will be as easy as contactless payment,” says Albrecht Kiel, Head of Central Europe at Visa. “Click to Pay makes online card payments faster and more secure than ever before.”

     

    More security with Click to Pay

    The use of ‘Click to Pay’ also increases security when paying online. No card numbers are processed, only digital placeholders. These so-called tokens reduce the risk of becoming the target of fraudulent activities. This is because tokens are worthless if they fall into the wrong hands. Fraud with ‘Click to Pay’ is up to 80 percent lower compared to manual card entry without tokens.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains – Joint Committee on Human Rights

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    The Joint Committee on Human Rights continues its inquiry into forced labour in UK supply chains on Wednesday 23 April when it takes evidence from Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons and senior officials in Border Force and the National Crime Agency.

    The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner is responsible for encouraging best practice among the agencies and organisations tasked with tackling modern slavery and human trafficking. The National Crime Agency was established to lead the UK’s fight against serious, organised and complex crime and provide a new focus on economic crime, while Border Force secures the UK’s border by carrying out customs controls of goods entering the UK.

    The session will focus on the UK’s legislative and regulatory framework for dealing with the risks of forced labour in supply chains. It will examine the practical measures taken by law enforcement to uncover wrong-doing in supply chains and prevent goods made using forced labour from entering the UK. It will also investigate how agencies collaborate and ask if the UK’s response would be improved by the establishment of a dedicated agency.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjEau-Oeapw

    MIL OSI Video