Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Man sentenced after trading standards exercise seizes illegal cigarettes

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Thursday, 10th April 2025

    A Stoke-on-Trent trader has been sentenced following a successful trading standards operation targeting the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes.

    It follows an age restricted sales exercise by Stoke on Trent’s trading standards team aimed at protecting young people in Stoke-on-Trent.

    The exercise in November 2023 found that a vape sold to two 15 year old under age volunteers at the International Mini Market in Longton contained three times the legal amount of nicotine.

    A subsequent inspection found a large quantity of illegal vapes, tobacco and cigarettes behind the counter and in concealed storage areas, that were then seized.

    Overall, as part of the operation, the team seized 349 illegal disposable e-cigarettes, 57.8kg of hand rolling tobacco and 1,319 packets of illegal cigarettes, with a total genuine retail value of over £50,000.

    Hawjin Mustafa, the owner of the business at the time, pleaded guilty to all charges and has been sentenced by Stoke on Trent Crown Court to 8 months in custody, suspended for 18 months, 200 hours of unpaid work and £1,000 costs.

    Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for pride, enforcement and sustainability at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The sale of illegal tobacco and vapes poses serious risks – particularly to children and young people.

    “Our Trading Standards Team work tirelessly to remove illegal tobacco and vapes off our streets, as we strive to create a cleaner, greener city that everybody feels safe in and reduce health inequality.

    “Our message is simple: if you choose to sell illegal tobacco or vapes in Stoke-on-Trent, you will face serious consequences.”

    The sentencing forms part of ongoing efforts by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to reduce the availability of illegal and harmful products and to protect public health.

    Anyone with concerns about illegal tobacco, vapes, underage sales, or restricted products such as knives can contact Trading Standards on the hotline at 01782 238884 or visit www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Salford City Council appoints new Chief Executive

    Source: City of Salford

    • Stephen Young confirmed as city’s new Chief Executive
    • He will move from his current role of Chief Executive at Halton Borough Council
    • He is expected to take up the role in the autumn
    • He brings over 30 years of public sector experience, including 17 years in senior leadership roles and the past three years as Chief Executive
    • He will take over from current Interim Chief Executive Melissa Caslake

    Salford City Council has confirmed the appointment of a new Chief Executive, the permanent successor to Tom Stannard, who departed the role in January.

    Following an extensive recruitment and selection process, Stephen Young has been appointed to the role. He is currently Chief Executive at Halton Borough Council, a role he has held since March 2022.

    Stephen brings a wealth of experience to the role, with over 30 years working in the public sector, with seventeen of those being in senior leadership roles. He has previously held the role of Executive Director of Growth, Environment, Transportation and Community Services at Lancashire County Council. Other key roles include Director of Place and Assistant Director of Development and Regeneration at Bolton Council, having started his public sector career as a Council Tax Recovery Officer at Burnley Borough Council in 1995.    

    Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “I’m delighted to confirm Stephen’s appointment; this really is an exciting appointment for Salford City Council. I’ve been impressed by his views and his approach to the public sector, firmly aligned with our organisation values.

    “I was especially impressed with his track record of delivering growth through regeneration and of improving outcomes for children and young people in Halton. His experience and expertise of working for a Combined Authority make him the perfect candidate for Salford as we continue to work to ensure our city’s voice is heard within our own Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

    “I’d like to thank Melissa Caslake who has been our Interim Chief Executive, for all her leadership and dedication and her calm, steady guidance and unwavering commitment to both the organisation and the city.
     
    “I now look forward to working with Stephen, and to jointly leading our organisation through the next phase of delivering for the people of Salford – supporting our communities, tackling inequality, and continuing to work in partnership across the city and beyond to champion the work of Salford City Council.” 

    Stephen Young said “Salford is an incredible city – full of energy, pride and potential. I’m honoured to step into the role of Chief Executive and to work with elected members, colleagues, partners, and communities to help drive forward our shared ambitions. There’s so much to be proud of, and even more to look forward to. We’re entering an exciting new chapter, and I can’t wait to meet everyone, get started, and deliver for this great city.” 

    Salford City Council will officially ratify Stephen Young’s appointment at a special meeting of the full council on Wednesday 30 April. He is then expected to take up the role in the autumn.   

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    Date published
    Thursday 10 April 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Europe: UN Human Rights Council adopts resolution on the situation of human rights in Iran

    Source: Government of Iceland

    Iceland’s first session as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council 2025-2027 concluded on 5 April. 

    Thirty-two resolutions were adopted by the Human Rights Council during the 58th session after six weeks of negotiations. The resolution that addresses the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran put forward by a core group led by Iceland was adopted by vote with broad cross-regional support.

    “It is encouraging to see such strong support for the resolution on the human rights situation Iran led by Iceland. By adopting the resolution, the Human Rights Council expresses its support for the people of Iran and offers hope for accountability of the widespread human rights violations and abuses committed in the country,” says the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir. The resolution was adopted by 24 votes in favor, 8 votes against and 15 abstentions. 

    The resolution renews the mandate of the Special Rapporteur to monitor and report regularly on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In addition, it extends and expands the mandate of the independent international fact-finding mission (FFM) which Iceland initiated along with Germany, following the death in custody of Jina Mahsa Amini and the subsequent nationwide protests in the autumn of 2022. The fact-finding mission, together with the Special Rapporteur, provides valuable information on the number and nature of human rights violations in Iran, playing a key role in efforts to ensure accountability for those responsible for committing human rights violations and abuses.

    The 58th session of the Human Rights Council commenced with a high-level segment where Iceland’s Foreign Minister participated and addressed the Council. 

    Alongside several joint statements by the Nordic and Baltic states, which work closely together in the Council, Iceland also delivered a few national statements. Additionally, Iceland led and delivered a joint statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries calling for the establishment of an independent investigative mechanism with a comprehensive mandate and broad scope to complement the important work of the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan. All statements delivered by Iceland during this session can be found here.

    Further information about Iceland’s membership in the Human Rights Council can be found here

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: E Ink Unveils 75” Spectra™ 6 Display, Setting a New Standard for Vivid and Sustainable Digital Signage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BILLERICA, Mass., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — E Ink (8069.TW) the originator, pioneer, and global commercial leader in electronic paper (ePaper) technology, today announced the launch of its largest E Ink Spectra™ 6 form factor to date, a 75” full-color ePaper display module.

    The debut of the Spectra 6 75” follows this year’s launch of the E Ink Kaleido™ 3 75” during ISE, as E Ink continues to prioritize larger formats across its ePaper portfolio. Initial sample modules will be available in Q4 of 2025 to the partners who presented at Touch Taiwan 2025 in collaboration with E Ink.

    “Our new 75” Spectra 6 display marks a significant milestone in E Ink’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, sustainable digital signage,” said Johnson Lee, CEO of E Ink. “By combining a highly saturated, full-color ePaper experience with extreme energy efficiency, we’re giving advertisers, brands and retailers an innovative way to engage customers while reducing their environmental impact. We’re excited to see how partners will harness this technology to transform indoor digital advertising applications.”

    The 75” Spectra 6 modules can be equipped with E Ink Ripple™, the next-generation waveform and algorithm architecture that enables smoother display updates and expands color options. The newest waveform transitions can increase dwell time from customers and engagement for advertisements.

    Applications and use cases include advertisements, information displays and wayfinding signage, as well as corporate and retail branding exhibits. The larger form factor helps drive engagement and enhances communication via vivid color ePaper displays. Key features of E Ink Spectra 6 modules include:

    • Rich, vivid colors for commercial displays
    • Extreme energy efficiency with an operating temperature ranging from 0-50 °C
    • Optimizing space utility by transforming static poster spaces into dynamic displays, enabling effortless and energy-efficient content updates without manual intervention

    By using power only when updating content, E Ink’s ePaper technology is highly energy-efficient and non-emissive—relying on ambient light rather than a constant backlight. This design significantly reduces power consumption and carbon emissions compared to both paper and LCDs. Under its PESG (Product, Environment, Social, and Governance) framework, E Ink delivers low-carbon solutions that accelerate this sustainable transition. According to FTSE Russell, a global index provider, 99.9% of E Ink’s product sales revenue qualifies as green, while Moody’s, a leading credit rating agency, has verified the company’s green loans as compliant with Green Loan Principles. These recognitions underscore E Ink’s strong environmental performance and alignment with international sustainability standards.

    About E Ink

    E Ink Holdings Inc. (8069.TWO), based on technology from MIT’s Media Lab, provides an ideal display medium for applications spanning eReaders and eNotes, retail, home, hospital, transportation, logistics, and more, enabling customers to put displays in locations previously impossible. E Ink’s electrophoretic display products make it the worldwide leader for ePaper. Its low power displays enable customers to reach their sustainability goals, and E Ink has pledged using 100% renewable energy in 2030 and reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040. E Ink has been recognized for their efforts by receiving, validation from Science-Based Targets (SBTi) and is listed in both the DJSI World and DJSI Emerging Indexes. Listed in Taiwan’s Taipei Exchange (TPEx) and the Luxembourg market, E Ink Holdings is now the world’s largest supplier of ePaper displays. For more information please visit www.eink.com. E Ink. We Make Surfaces Smart and Green.

    Contacts

    V2 Communications on behalf of E Ink

    eink@v2comms.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c349c0a2-14fb-4971-a715-18de32b5f4fd

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3b148730-bb61-4ac8-8e6a-fb7ade23f938

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ASM announces details of the Q1 2025 conference call and webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Almere, the Netherlands
    April 10, 2025

    ASM International N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: ASM) will report its first quarter 2025 financial results at approximately 6:00 p.m. CET on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

    ASM will host the quarterly earnings conference call and webcast on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. CET.

    Conference-call participants should pre-register using this link to receive the dial-in numbers, passcode and a personal PIN, which are required to access the conference call.

    A simultaneous audio webcast and replay will be accessible at this link.

    About ASM International

    ASM International N.V., headquartered in Almere, the Netherlands, and its subsidiaries design and manufacture equipment and process solutions to produce semiconductor devices for wafer processing, and have facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. ASM International’s common stock trades on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol: ASM). For more information, visit ASM’s website at www.asm.com.

    Contacts  
    Investor and media relations Investor relations
    Victor Bareño Valentina Fantigrossi
    T: +31 88 100 8500 T: +31 88 100 8502
    E: investor.relations@asm.com E: investor.relations@asm.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Announces 100x Leverage and Double Deposit Bonus for All Traders, Bringing Crypto Trading Back to Basics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a market where traders seek flexibility, higher potential returns, and minimal fees, BexBack Exchange is stepping up its game with an exciting new promotion. To enhance the trading experience and empower its users, BexBack is offering 100x leverage on cryptocurrency futures trading along with a double deposit bonus. This initiative brings unmatched opportunities for both seasoned and new traders alike.

    Double Deposit Bonus — Earn Up to 10 BTC in Bonuses!

    BexBack is introducing a 100% deposit bonus, meaning that when you deposit, you will receive an additional bonus equivalent to your deposit — effectively doubling your funds. For example, if you deposit 1 BTC, you’ll receive 1 BTC as a bonus. This bonus can be used for trading, giving you the power to open larger positions and amplify your potential profits.

    The best part? The double deposit bonus is available for deposits up to 10 BTC, offering traders significant leverage right from the start. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this bonus ensures that your trading power increases without needing to deposit excessive amounts upfront.

    100x Leverage — Maximize Your Trading Potential

    The 100x leverage on BexBack allows you to control large positions with a fraction of the capital, creating more opportunities to profit from market fluctuations. With 100x leverage, you can amplify your trades and potentially see significant returns on smaller price movements.

    Example:
    If you deposit 1 BTC and use 100x leverage, your position size will be equivalent to 100 BTC, which allows you to trade in a more powerful way and capitalize on volatile market conditions.

    No Spread, Lower Trading Costs

    One of the key advantages of trading on BexBack is that the platform offers zero spread on all trades, meaning you won’t have to pay the extra costs typically associated with buying or selling an asset. This leads to lower overall trading costs, allowing you to keep more of your profits.

    No KYC — Trade Without Complicated Verification

    BexBack takes pride in its no KYC policy, meaning you can start trading immediately without the need for complex identity verification. This makes it easier for traders worldwide to join the platform and start trading crypto futures without any delays.

    Why Choose BexBack?

    • 100x leverage — Amplify your trading positions and maximize potential profits.
    • 100% deposit bonus — Double your funds instantly with every deposit up to 10 BTC.
    • No spread — Trade with zero spread, reducing your trading costs.
    • No KYC — Start trading immediately without complicated verification processes.
    • Advanced trading tools — Access a range of tools to improve your trading strategy.
    • 24/7 support — Our dedicated customer support team is always ready to assist you.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and more than 50 other major altcoins. Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina, BexBack holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by over 500,000 traders worldwide. The platform accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe, and offers no deposit fees, along with exceptional customer service, including 24/7 support.

    How to Get Started?

    To claim your 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus, simply sign up on the BexBack platform, deposit your funds, and start trading. The process is simple and designed to offer both new and experienced traders a seamless experience.

    Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

    BexBack is giving you the chance to maximize your trading potential with a 100% deposit bonus and 100x leverage. Whether you’re new to crypto trading or an experienced trader looking to scale your strategies, now is the perfect time to join.

    Sign up today to start trading with more power, more capital, and the best tools in the market!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Go Walks launched offering free health and wellbeing support to communities

    Source: City of Coventry

    A series of walks is being created around our City to help families get to know their area, improve their wellbeing and build stronger communities.

    Go Walks is the result of a new partnership between the City Council and The Outdoor Guide – an organisation that strongly believes in the value of enjoying a healthy life outdoors – which has built a national network of walks throughout the UK in both cities and the countryside. 

    All of the walks will be available online and paper copies will also be available to collect from the Family Hubs.

    In Coventry, the walks are based around the City’s Family Hubs that provide welcoming, safe spaces where children, young people and families can access services and help, while enjoying fun activities and build friendships.

    The eight Family Hubs are: Wood Side, Pathways, Park Edge, Mosaic, The Moat, Harmony, Families for All and Aspire.

    There will be a total of nine walks, with two at Wood Side – one is accessible and suitable all year round, the other is suitable for dry weather and people on foot.

    Each walk is around 5,000 steps in length, with the exception of Pathways, which is a little longer. Family hubs are encouraging families to get out in the Spring sunshine this Easter holidays and join staff in going on the walk and then return to the Hub for refreshments and fun activities.

    The aim of the walks is to link the Hubs with the green spaces in their areas. Showing local families the amazing facilities right on their doorstep – from parks and woodland to social supermarkets, food banks, drop in centres, places of worship, medical centres and primary schools.  This initiative delivers on our pledge to children and young people to help them be and feel healthy as part of Child Friendly Cov.

    As well as enabling residents to get to know their area better and see the numerous facilities and support on offer,  the walks will also introduce new arrivals to the City to their neighbourhood and bring people together. Families will be able to connect with their local Family Hub and discover all the free activities and resources available for them.

    Cllr Patricia Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Our Family Hubs are a fantastic success. Really bringing people and organisations together and revealing just how much support there is for families right in the heart of so many communities in our City.”

    “Now, with new Go Walks, there are even more reasons to visit your local Hub, get some fresh air, enjoy our green spaces and discover more about your neighbourhood.”

    Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “We are delighted to welcome Go Walks to our Go CV family. This free scheme has enabled thousands to enjoy leisure opportunities and cultural venues and has grown to include other offers such as Go Parks. 

    “I know Go Walks will prove popular and will not only provide families the opportunity to get healthy and enjoy leisure time together, but also show them where help and support is available – building strong communities.”

    Gina Bradbury Fox, founder of The Outdoor Guide, said: “We are delighted to be working with Coventry City Council on this exciting new project. Our ethos is to enable more and more people to spend time outside and become active. The areas the walks cover have some amazing green spaces – you’d be forgiven at times for not realising you’re so close to the heart of the city!”

    The walks will be “live” in time for the Easter Holidays from 11-25 April and form part of the Family hub holiday activities. A celebration event will take place on 25 April at the Moat Family Hub, hosted by guest of honour, and much-loved children’s TV presenter, Gemma Hunt and Ambassador for The Outdoor Guide Foundation.

    To learn more about Go Walks, visit The Outdoor Guide’s website. A series of online guides will also be available.

    To find out more about your local Family Hub offer please visit www.coventryfamilies.co.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Morocco sets the stage for Africa’s digital future ahead of continental launchpad event for innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital leadership in Marrakech

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

    RABAT, Morocco, April 10, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Morocco will once again play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s digital landscape. As the country continues to develop as a tech-driven hub, it has become a regional reference for the continent’s recognition as global force in technology – with innovation and AI at its core.

    That was the message delivered by a panel of speakers during the GITEX AFRICA Morocco press conference in Rabat, ahead of the continent’s largest tech and startup event opening in Marrakech from 14-16 April 2025.

    With a focus on powering Africa’s innovation-driven future, the event is held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God Assist Him, the authority of the Kingdom’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, in partnership with Digital Development Agency (ADD), and organised by KAOUN International – the overseas event agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and organiser of GITEX events globally.

    Mrs Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Government of Morocco, said: “Morocco’s choice to host this major continental event, which is an annual showcase allowing the world to discover Africa’s digital and technological talents and potential, is the result of rigorous and sustained work aimed at making our country a regional digital hub. It is also part of the implementation of the High Royal Guidelines of His Majesty the King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, who called for the training of qualified skills in the various digital fields, the anchoring of a culture of responsible digitalisation within society and the development of technological infrastructures capable to keep abreast of rapid changes in the sector should be developed.”

    Mr. Mohammed Drissi Melyani, Director General of the Digital Development Agency, said: “GITEX Africa Morocco has become a major annual milestone on the global tech agenda and a defining moment in the continent’s digital transformation. It seamlessly blends innovation, investment, research, and institutional collaboration, making it much more than a simple technology exhibition. It reflects the vision of a continent that no longer settles for consuming technology but is determined to create it—one that doesn’t just keep pace with innovation but plays an active role in steering its course.”

    Trixie LohMirmand, Chief Executive Officer, KAOUN International, said: This third edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco shall usher the African economies into the epoch of Ai evolution. Great opportunities for businesses and societies ensue, but first with the collective commitment to develop capacity for the transition. GITEX AFRICA will converge in Morocco global ecosystem experts and enablers to empower and inspire stakeholders in their mission.”

    While GITEX AFRICA Morocco is set to welcome more than 45,000 visitors and participants from over 130 countries, the show has grown to feature over 1,450 exhibitors with new countries represented within the African continent – from Gabon, Niger, and Zambia – as well as markets across Europe and Asia – including Belgium, Switzerland and Uzbekistan.

    Fuelling Africa’s startup ecosystem

    As funding for African startups rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, exceeding $2 billion, international startup investing powerhouses have turned their attention to Africa’s startup ecosystem. The European Innovation Council (EIC) – Europe’s largest deep-tech investor – will attend GITEX AFRICA Morocco across its conference and workshop tracks, while the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will host 10 standout African startups as part of its SheWins Africa programme on the show floor.

    Bolstering EIC and IFH’s attendance across 1,500 facilitated meetings is a contingency of more than 350 investors from 35 countries ready to meet entrepreneurs and enterprises head on to satisfy the demand for sustainable and viable tech solutions. With over $200 billion assets under management, investors from the likes of AFRICINVEST, techstars, and Ventures Platform are ready to fund Africa’s next big idea.

    African and international startups will come into focus across a number of show features, including an onstage interview with Awa Gueye from Africa’s billion dollar start up, Wave Mobile Money; the Supernova Challenge – Africa’s largest early-stage startup competition – set to supercharge new companies with an seasoned judging panel; the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform in partnerships with the Digital Development Agency (ADD) will boost the globalisation of Moroccan startups through Morocco 200; and GITEX AFRICA Morocco’s startup showcase, serving as a bridging point between visitors, innovators and disruptors.

    International tech giants debut at GITEX AFRICA’s third edition

    International tech organisations will also make a debut at the show, looking to seize on growth opportunities during the three days, forging new partnerships and showcasing their latest tech innovations. These include tech giants Cisco, Ericsson, Nokia, China Mobile and Salesforce. Further afield, Saudi Made – a celebration of the of the Kingdom’s technical innovation, creative talent and business acumen, and Presight, part of the G42 group, the leading big data analytics company powered by AI – represent a strong Middle East presence.

    Building on the resounding success of previous editions, GITEX AFRICA Morocco is primed to forge new partnerships and explore new industries, thereby elevating its influence and impact on Africa’s digital landscape even further. The 2025 edition presents an expanded agenda beyond its traditional focus on AI, cybersecurity, telecoms to cover, energy transition, mobility, edutech, sports technologies, and agritech.

    GITEX AFRICA Morocco returns for its third year with support from institutional partners: ANRT, Royal Air Maroc, ONCF, OCP, ONDA, AMDIE, ONMT and CGEM.

    For news and updates on GITEX AFRICA Morocco, please visit: www.GITEXAfrica.com.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Economics: handelsfusion.com: BaFin warns of website and points to suspected identity fraud

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) is warning about the website handelsfusion.com. According to its findings, financial and investment services as well as crypto-security services are offered there without authorisation.

    The website operators listed are Handels Fusion UK Limited, Handels Fusion Ltd. and Handels Fusion Management Ltd. The alleged registrations with the UK and Cypriot financial market authorities (FCA – Financial Conduct Authority and CySEC – Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) cannot be confirmed. In addition, the website refers to a licence granted by CySEC to Fusion Markets EU Ltd. BaFin has no information indicating that Fusion Markets EU Ltd is in any way connected to the offers made on the website handelsfusion.com or the operator of the website. It can be assumed that Fusion Markets EU Ltd is the victim of identity fraud.

    Anyone offering financial or investment services or crypto-currency services in Germany requires a licence from BaFin. However, some companies offer such services without the necessary authorisation. You can find information on whether a particular company is authorised by BaFin in the company database.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on Section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (KWG) and Section 10 (7) of the German Crypto Markets Supervision Act (KMAG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BundeskriminalamtBKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Global: Foreign interference threats in Canada’s federal election are both old and new

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Chris Tenove, Assistant director, Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions, University of British Columbia

    Fears of foreign interference loom over the Canadian election. The federal inquiry on foreign interference revealed that entities aligned with India and China interfered in recent elections, albeit without major impact on the results, and concluded that disinformation campaigns pose the greatest threat to Canada’s long-term democratic health.

    Now, with a Canada-bashing American president adding to those foreign interference risks, Canada’s election integrity seems to be in an unprecedented state of fragility.

    However, foreign interference has a longstanding history in Canadian elections. Understanding what is and is not new about current efforts may help to turn down the heat and focus more on how Canadians can make their own decisions this election.




    Read more:
    Thanks to social media platforms, election interference is more insidious and pervasive than ever


    Covert techniques

    For starters, what is foreign interference?

    The commission, following established practice, defined it as an action whereby “states pursue their global interests using covert, corrupt, illegal or coercive techniques.” That means public comments on our election by foreign politicians is not interference, as Canadian government officials have made clear.

    While we largely agree with the commission’s definition, we argue that the interfering entity isn’t necessarily a state. Foreign corporations, crime syndicates and terrorist networks can also interfere in our elections.

    Elon Musk is a tricky case. He is a Canadian citizen, but his current role with the United States government may mean that he can be considered a “foreign entity” according to Canada’s election law, as legal scholar Eve Gaumond has pointed out.

    U.S. interference isn’t new

    History reveals a long menu of options for foreign interference, ranging from bribery to espionage and polling assistance.

    In the 1872 election campaign, Sir Hugh Allan, a Montréal shipping and railroad magnate, successfully used more than $350,000 of mostly U.S. funds to pressure John A. Macdonald and other Conservative party members to award Allan and his allies the contract to build the Canadian Pacific Railway. This was bribery to advance corporate aims.

    After these machinations became public in 1873, Macdonald eventually resigned over what became known as the Pacific Scandal, and Allan lost the Canadian Pacific Railway contract. Today his actions would be a violation of campaign finance laws, which prohibit foreign funding of electioneering. But until the late 19th century, such donations weren’t uncommon.

    Foreign policy has shaped Canadian elections before, even if the last Canadian election that focused almost primarily on tariffs with the U.S. was in 1911. But concerns about relations with other countries are different from foreign interference.

    To date, the most significant foreign interference came in Canada’s 1962 and 1963 elections. Again, Americans were behind it. The John F. Kennedy administration was frustrated by positions taken by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker.

    The Conservative government continued to trade with Cuba despite American sanctions, had made a deal to sell grain to the People’s Republic of China, and — most importantly — had not agreed to a U.S. proposal to station air defence missiles with nuclear warheads on Canadian soil.

    Rather than bribery, the U.S. provided Lester B. Pearson’s Liberal Party with assistance from pollster Lou Harris. Harris was a key figure both in Kennedy’s 1960 election win and in the nascent use of computer-assisted analysis of opinion polls to target specific demographic groups.

    The Kennedy administration went further in 1963 and issued a press release in the midst of the election, calling Diefenbaker a liar and disputing his positions on air defence. Neither of these actions was illegal at the time, though the secret provision of in-kind assistance to the 1962 Liberal campaign would now run afoul of the prohibition on foreign support for electioneering.

    Soviet, American interference

    The Soviets too were interested in Canadian politics, with some Canadians allegedly recruited as spies, according to Igor Gouzenko, a cipher clerk based at the Soviet embassy in Ottawa who defected to Canada in 1945.

    The revelations even led to the arrest of one member of Parliament, Fred Rose.

    In fact, American and Russian interference in general elections around the world was common in the 20th century. Political scientist Dov Levin has estimated that from 1946 to 2000, the U.S. and Soviet Union (Russia after 1991) intervened in 11.3 per cent of all global national elections.

    New digital techniques

    All these techniques can be pursued today, but there are at least three new forms of interference.

    First, foreign interference can include threats made against party leaders or other candidates. As in the past, these can come through clandestine networks or hired thugs. But today, an insult or false accusation from Trump, Musk or others with huge, hostile followings can expose politicians and others to a blizzard of online threats and abuse.

    Second, foreign interference can occur by providing money for electioneering. Rather than a single bundled sum offered to John A. Macdonald, funds are more likely to come through online donations, possibly including crypto-currency transfers that are difficult to monitor.

    For instance, in Romania’s 2024 election, the far-right, Russia-supporting candidate Calin Georgescu was accused of receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal campaign support. In late March, a crypto-currency businessman was arrested and accused of using TikTok’s “gifts” feature to provide US$879,000 to induce 265 people to vote for Georgescu.

    Such acts would be illegal in Canada. More ambiguous is whether social media platforms use their algorithms to amplify some views and diminish others.

    There is no doubt that X, Facebook and TikTok platforms have the capability to do this. While government officials said such actions would be investigated, it is less clear whether they could be detected or what the government would do in response.

    Finally, foreign interference can occur by trying to influence Canadians’ voting choices by threatening illegal or coercive actions or promoting misinformation.

    Trump has already violated trade agreements with Canada and threatened future illegal activities, even going as far as to threaten annexation. Any comments that link these threats to voting outcomes — for example, if Trump said something like “if Canadians choose Carney, they will see tariffs like they have never seen before” — would constitute interference.




    Read more:
    Forget booing the anthem, Canada must employ strategic communications to fight Trump’s lies


    What can be done?

    There are systems in place to detect foreign interference.

    Canadian intelligence agencies and law enforcement are monitoring for foreign interference, and a panel of five senior bureaucrats makes non-partisan decisions about whether to alert the public.

    Global Affairs Canada’s Rapid Response Mechanism is monitoring the online information environment for foreign interference. Elections Canada is also monitoring for violations of election law.

    Members of the public can help. Anyone can share cases of manipulated images and other misleading information related to the election with the Digital Threats Tipline, created by the Canadian Digital Media Research Network. (Our Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions at the University of British Columbia is a member of this McGill University-based network.)

    These monitoring efforts will help us keep an eye on social media platforms. The companies have agreed to act on interference in the election, but experts are skeptical of their commitment.

    If platforms are pipelines of election interference, they should be more tightly regulated. For instance, the European Union’s Digital Services Act has enabled investigations and potential accountability measures in response to interference in Romania’s election.

    The most important thing Canadians can do is vote in this election based on their own well-informed priorities, worries and aspirations.

    While remaining alert to foreign interference, Canadians can perhaps take some comfort in the resilience of our democratic institutions in the face of a long history of attempts to undermine elections.

    Chris Tenove receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council to research global policies to address online interference in elections.

    Heidi J. S. Tworek receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Canada Research Chair programe. She is a senior fellow with the Centre for International Governance Innovation and testified before the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in October 2024.

    ref. Foreign interference threats in Canada’s federal election are both old and new – https://theconversation.com/foreign-interference-threats-in-canadas-federal-election-are-both-old-and-new-253600

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Tax Day highlights the costs of single living – but demographics are forcing financial change

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Peter McGraw, Professor of Marketing and Psychology, University of Colorado Boulder

    Tax Day is right around the corner – an annual reminder that without the option to file jointly, singles pay more per dollar earned than married people. Tax advantages are just one of over 1,000 legal and economic benefits married couples enjoy, a disparity worsened by marketplace and employer practices.

    Despite its disadvantages, single living is on the rise. While the average age of first marriage was just 21 in 1960, today it has risen to 29. Half the adults in the U.S. are unmarried, and half of them aren’t seeking a relationship. As many as a third of Zoomers may never tie the knot.

    But this shift is more than cultural – it’s redefining the rules of personal finance. Freed from the constraints of shared decision-making, single people are earning, spending and investing on their own terms.

    And as a behavioral economist who studies single living, I think this could mean big things for the future of money. As more people opt out of marriage, I expect that governments, businesses and financial systems will adapt – just as they did in response to women’s economic independence.

    The price of singlehood

    As a lifelong bachelor, I have a cheeky response when filing my taxes: “That’s the price of freedom.”

    For many singles, the price is too steep. More than half of singles over 30 feel financially insecure, one survey found, and their economic reality backs it up. For example, singles spend about US$5,500 more annually than their married peers – which adds up to more than $200,000 over a 40-year career.

    Some of the challenge is mathematical. Married couples split major expenses like housing, transportation and travel, and rely on dual incomes as a buffer against job loss or disability.

    Policy amplifies the financial burdens. One-person households are the most common type in the U.S., yet developers still prioritize building large single-family houses – driving up apartment and condo costs. Retirement presents another stark contrast. Singles can’t claim spousal or survivor Social Security benefits and solely fund their retirement.

    Employers design benefits around families – offering spousal coverage, dependent tax breaks and family leave. Single employees tend to shoulder more responsibilities yet receive 3.6 fewer paid days off per year than their married peers.

    In the marketplace – from travel to tech and insurance – businesses often price goods and services with couples and families in mind. Solo travelers often pay single supplements on cruises and tours. Streaming, phone and retail memberships offer “family plans” with no option for solo users subscribing as part of a group. Even auto insurance penalizes solo drivers – two-door cars cost 16% more to insure.

    The costs add up – but the news for singles isn’t all bad.

    Peter McGraw discusses living single in a financial system built for two.

    The financial upside of going solo

    I study how singles build financial security through the hallmarks of single living: autonomy and adaptability.

    An obvious financial factor is the cost of children. While some singles are parents, they’re far less likely than married couples to shoulder the expense of raising a child – an outlay of more than $300,000 per child before college.

    A key advantage: Singles have complete financial control. They choose how to earn, save and spend. There’s less risk of absorbing a partner’s credit card or student loan debt, covering for reckless spending, or facing the financial fallout of divorce.

    Career flexibility is another key advantage. Singles can more easily relocate for higher-paying jobs or lower-cost locales – freedom that enables powerful financial arbitrage. Many digital nomads, most of them single, choose countries with lower costs and better quality of life.

    Singles also have greater control over when and how they retire. Unlike couples, who must coordinate timing and strategies, singles have more freedom to retire early, ride out a down market, or ease into semiretirement.

    Building a financial system for everyone

    As a business school professor, I’ve seen how slow business and government can be to respond to demographic shifts. The tax system won’t change overnight – governments have long used the tax code to promote marriage – but other policies and practices will evolve. I believe the rise of singles – and the power of their votes and dollars – will make the status quo unsustainable.

    Scandinavia and parts of Asia are setting precedents. In Sweden, solo adults are recognized as a “family of one,” with access to housing support, parental leave and pension benefits – no marriage required. Smart companies will also adapt to recruit and retain singles, who make up a large portion of the labor force. I expect to see an expansion of single-inclusive offerings like caregiving leave, flexible work arrangements and individual-friendly health plans.

    Singles also build lifelong support systems outside marriage. Sweden again offers a glimpse of what might be: A landmark court case recently granted life insurance benefits to a platonic partner, proving that legal protections don’t have to hinge on romance.

    Housing remains another legacy system built for couples. While most new developments still prioritize single-family homes, markets like Japan and
    Hong Kong have embraced lower-cost micro-apartments with shared community spaces – an appealing model for solo dwellers. Some U.S. cities are beginning to experiment with similar designs, signaling a shift toward more inclusive urban housing.

    China’s celebration of solo living, Singles’ Day – held every year on 11/11 – is now the world’s largest e-commerce holiday, generating more sales than Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined. The company that created it, Alibaba, promotes deals on single-serve appliances, one-way flights and self-care bundles.

    Western companies are catching on: Travel brands are waiving singles supplements, restaurants are welcoming solo diners with dedicated seating, and telecom companies are rolling out “friends and family” plans that don’t require a romantic partner.

    Finally, I believe wealth management will respond to the rise of singles. While I’ve found that most financial advice still assumes that people will eventually marry, solo earners need different strategies, such as bigger emergency funds, flexible housing options and proactive estate planning. Expect a wave of financial products designed for solo living, from retirement tools to mortgages built for one.

    As singles become the majority in many countries, governments, businesses and financial institutions will adapt by necessity.

    The bottom line

    As an advocate for singles, I am an optimist. Yes, singles pay more on Tax Day – among other challenges. But they also have one undeniable advantage: financial freedom. Singles can do more than survive in a system built for two – they can thrive.

    Americans are not going back to the 1960s. As solo living becomes the norm, financial systems will evolve. Governments will face pressure to modernize policy, businesses will launch products and services for one-person households, and financial professionals will adapt to better serve solo earners.

    The institutions that recognize this shift first will shape the future – for everyone.

    I have a book (“Solo: Building a Remarkable Life of Your Own”) and a podcast (“Solo – The Single Person’s Guide to a Remarkable Life”) that are relevant to this article.

    ref. Tax Day highlights the costs of single living – but demographics are forcing financial change – https://theconversation.com/tax-day-highlights-the-costs-of-single-living-but-demographics-are-forcing-financial-change-254035

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Strengthening Transparency: OSCE workshop on Removing Administrative Barriers Contributing to Corruption

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

    Headline: Strengthening Transparency: OSCE workshop on Removing Administrative Barriers Contributing to Corruption

    Anti-corruption expert Dr. Raimundas Kalesnykas, Director of the Institute of Professional Development of Law Enforcement Academy Marat Abdrakhmanov, and Senior Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Astana Nuraddin Murshudlu at the opening of the workshop “Removing Administrative Barriers Contributing to Corruption” held on 8–9 April 2025 in Kosshy. (OSCE/Assylbek Assylkhanov) Photo details

    On 8–9 April 2025, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, in collaboration with the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, organized a training workshop “Removing Administrative Barriers Contributing to Corruption” for law enforcement agencies. The training event focused on removing administrative barriers that contribute to corruption and enhancing institutional transparency.
    The workshop convened 21 participants, including 9 women and 12 men, from the Anti-Corruption Agency, the Financial Monitoring Agency, and the Prosecutor General’s Office of Kazakhstan. It provided a platform for open discussion and knowledge sharing, emphasizing international best practices, case studies, and tools to develop national anti-corruption strategies.
    Dr. Raimundas Kalesnykas, an international expert and head of the Lithuanian National Anti-Corruption Association, led the two-day training event, which covered topics such as corruption risk identification, regulatory reforms, optimization of administrative procedures, and digitalization of public services. Participants actively engaged in group works aimed at developing corruption prevention programmes tailored to the national context.
    The sessions explored how systemic transparency and accountability mechanisms, together with strong institutional leadership, are essential for eliminating opportunities for corruption in public administration. The organizers placed special attention on the use of global indices and data-driven tools to assess the effectiveness of anti-corruption policies.
    Group exercises resulted in the presentation of practical recommendations on how to reduce corruption risks by removing administrative obstacles in licensing, procurement, and public service delivery.
    Ms. Arailym Rashitova, Senior Officer, Department for Co-ordination of Analytical and Methodological Support, Prevention Service of the Anti-Corruption Agency, emphasized the value of the event: “This training offered an opportunity to deepen our understanding of how administrative practices can inadvertently enable corruption. By learning from international experience and tailoring solutions to Kazakhstan’s context, we are better equipped to pursue sustainable institutional reforms”.
    The event reaffirmed the OSCE Programme Office in Astana’s commitment to strengthening Kazakhstan’s capacity in good governance and the rule of law by fostering professional development and strategic dialogue that contribute to a more robust and transparent public administration landscape.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Deputy Director of Security Intelligence Department appointed

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    9 Aprile 2025

    With a Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers (‘DPCM’) signed by President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni, the Deputy Commander General of the Carabinieri Corps, Army Corps General Mario Cinque, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Security Intelligence Department (‘Dipartimento delle informazioni per la sicurezza’, ‘DIS’).

    The Parliamentary Committee for the Security of the Republic (‘Comitato parlamentare per la sicurezza della Repubblica’) has been informed of the appointment.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rouge Bouillon closure update10 April 2025 The structural engineer has now signed off all steel strapping works and confirmed the stability of the structure. As a result, demolition of the outbuildings and boundary walls can now proceed and is… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    10 April 2025

    The structural engineer has now signed off all steel strapping works and confirmed the stability of the structure.

    As a result, demolition of the outbuildings and boundary walls can now proceed and is expected to take place imminently.

    Once the debris has been safely removed, the Geological survey work is scheduled to begin next week. 

    Further updates will be provided as the work progresses and the work still remains on schedule. 

    We have now collated all relevant information including a upcoming schedule of works here:​ Gov.je.

    Public Impact 

    We recognise the disruption the closure continues to cause for commuters and local businesses. 

    The road will only reopen once the buildings are stabilised and all risks of structural collapse have been mitigated. 

    Routes and safety assurance 

    We urge both pedestrians and drivers to follow the designated public diversions and avoid cutting through private land, particularly College Gardens. 

    These measures are in place to ensure the safety of all road users and residents. 

    Rouge Bouillon continues to remain closed between Clarendon Road and Palmyra Road as investigations continue into the stability of an adjacent building wall, affected by a burst water main. 

    We have considered other options to manage the traffic around the closure however, the decision to retain the current traffic arrangement is based on the following factors: 

    • reversing Clarendon Road poses additional safety risks for residents and pedestrians 
    • allowing right-turn access onto Clarendon Road from Val Plaisant could cause severe traffic congestion, particularly near the Gyratory 
    • reversing Midvale Road, while potentially useful, would necessitate signal junction changes, creating confusion, complications, and further safety concerns. 

    We advise the traveling public to continue to avoid the area and use alternative routes to access town where possible. 

    Background and plan 

    The situation is highly complex with several adjacent walls and buildings that are severely cracked and have been subject to significant movement following a burst watermain. The property and external walls were rendered unsafe with voids created under the structures. Multiple parties are involved, including Infrastructure and Environment, Jersey Water, structural engineers, building surveyors, loss adjustors, and insurance companies. 

    The team of professionals, working on behalf of the property owners and their insurance companies, has devised a plan to stabilise the property and then demolish the external walls.

    • Step 1: a Contractor working on behalf of the owner of 28 Clarendon Road will install steel strapping around the building 
    • Step 2: the structural engineers, assisted by geotechnical engineers will investigate soil conditions under the foundations 
    • Step 3: the external structures and boundary walls will be demolished 
    • Step 4: re-open Rouge Bouillon once it has been determined that it is safe to do so. 

    The project remains under constant review to ensure the best and safest outcome. 

    Next steps 

    A further update on the situation will be provided in seven days.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK sanctions Georgian officials responsible for allowing brutal police violence

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    UK sanctions Georgian officials responsible for allowing brutal police violence

    UK sanctions four Georgian officials, including Georgia’s General Prosecutor, as part of latest action against serious human rights violations.

    • UK becomes first state to sanction Georgia’s General Prosecutor as part of latest action against serious human rights violations.
    • Georgian Head of the Special Investigatory Service also targeted for failure to properly investigate crackdown on protesters.
    • Designations build on five Georgian individuals sanctioned under the UK’s Global Human Rights regime in December 2024.

    The UK has sanctioned four more high-ranking Georgian officials for their role in allowing serious human rights violations in response to legitimate protests in Georgia since 2024.

    Last year saw a series of public protests erupt across the country, triggered by the actions of Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream. In response, the authorities began an aggressive crackdown on demonstrations, attacking and arbitrarily detaining members of civil society, media and opposition figures.

    With today’s action, the UK is the first state to sanction Georgia’s General Prosecutor and the Head of the Special Investigatory Service for failing in their positions to properly investigate those responsible for serious violence.

    These measures support the UK Government’s work internationally to protect human rights, to reduce global instability and deter threats to UK national security – one of the foundations of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    “The scenes of brutal violence against protestors, journalists and opposition figures in Georgia were truly shocking. More than 100 days on, its authorities have failed to hold those responsible to account, flying in the face of Georgian Dream’s claim to be delivering a democratic future for its citizens.

     “Our sanctions show the UK will not accept such a blatant lack of accountability by those in charge, and will continue to consider all options available to us until Georgia reverses its current trajectory. We stand with the people of Georgia and their constitutional right to fundamental freedoms and to pursue a European path.”

    Individuals sanctioned today are:

    1. Giorgi Gabitashvili, General Prosecutor
    2. Karlo Katsitadze, Head of the Special Investigatory Service
    3. Shalva Bedoidze, First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia
    4. Mirza Kezevadze, Deputy Chief of the Special Task Department

    All four are excluded from the UK and its economy through UK travel bans and asset freezes.

    Since the beginning of this year, Georgia’s ruling party – Georgian Dream – has attempted to push through legislation for a series of new repressive laws which critics say will be used to silence civil society and opposition parties, with the prospect of hefty prison sentences for non-compliance.

    Today’s announcement adds to UK sanctions against five Georgian officials in December for their roles in the violent attacks against demonstrators, media and opposition figures following the government’s decision to pause the country’s move towards a European future in – a key tenant of Georgia’s constitution.

    The UK previously paused its annual flagship strategic dialogue, the ‘Wardrop Dialogue’, suspended governmental programme support and restricted engagement with Georgian Dream in response to an increase in anti-western rhetoric and democratic backsliding which restrict media freedoms and limits equality for the Georgian people.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Stephen Hitchen

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Stephen Hitchen

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in succession to Mr Neil Crompton. Mr Hitchen will take up his appointment during August 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Stephen Charles Hitchen

    Year Role
    2023 to 2025 Baghdad, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2019 to 2023 FCO, Director, Counter Terrorism Department
    2016 to 2019 FCO, Director, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2013 to 2016 Amman, Counsellor Regional Affairs
    2012 to 2013 FCO, Head of Middle East Reporting, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2009 to 2012 FCO, Head of Iran Political Team, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2006 to 2009 Kuwait, Head of Regional Affairs
    2004 to 2006 Cairo, First Secretary, Political
    2004 Joined FCO
    1996 to 2004 Ministry of Defence, including 18 months full time Arabic Language Training

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. crude oil exports reached a new record in 2024

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    April 10, 2025


    U.S. crude oil exports in 2024 surpassed the previous record set in 2023, exceeding an annual average of 4.1 million barrels per day (b/d). Despite this new record, crude oil export year-over-year growth slowed to 1% in 2024, compared with 14% in 2023 and 21% in 2022.

    Crude oil production in the U.S. Lower 48 (L48) states, which does not include Alaska or offshore production, reached a record in November 2024, allowing for a greater supply of crude oil to export. Increased production efficiency counteracted a decrease in the number of active oil rigs, resulting in L48 production increasing 3% last year. Unlike in the L48 states, production in Alaska and offshore in the Gulf of America decreased last year because of natural declines in both areas and because of disruptions to crude oil production resulting from above-average hurricane activity in 2024 in the Gulf.

    Europe and the Asia and Oceania region remained the top regional destinations for U.S. crude oil exports. U.S. crude oil exports to Europe have grown significantly in recent years, particularly after Europe banned seaborne crude oil imports from Russia in late 2022. The volume of U.S. crude oil exports to Europe also increased following S&P Global’s 2023 decision to include West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil in European crude oil benchmark Dated Brent.


    For a second consecutive year, the Netherlands, home to a large crude oil storage and trading hub in Rotterdam, received more U.S. crude oil exports than any other country in 2024, averaging 825,000 b/d (32% growth from 2023). Overall, crude oil exports to Europe increased by 6% to 1.93 million b/d in 2024, with decreases in exports to Spain, France, and Italy outweighed by increases to Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands.

    Despite China receiving the second-most U.S. crude oil in 2023, exports to China dropped by 53% in 2024 to 217,000 b/d. A net decline in transportation fuel demand in China, which led to a decrease in overall Chinese demand for imported crude oil, and increased crude oil imports from Malaysia and Russia decreased Chinese demand for U.S. crude oil. U.S. exports to Asia overall decreased by 131,000 b/d to 1.58 million b/d as increased exports to South Korea, Singapore, and India were offset by the decrease in exports to China.


    U.S. crude oil exports to India increased 32% in 2024, bouncing back from relative lows in 2023. In 2023, India increased imports of relatively cheap crude oil from Russia, following sanctions that limited the price Russia could charge for crude oil exported using the shipping and insurance services of sanctioning countries. India’s oil consumption growth overtook China’s in 2024, increasing Indian demand for imported crude oil. However, despite this rising demand, Indian imports of crude oil from Russia fell in 2024 as the price discount on oil from Russia narrowed. With the decrease in Russian imports, U.S. crude oil helped fill in the gap, resulting in a nearly 55,000-b/d increase in U.S. crude oil exports to India in 2024.

    Principal contributor: Anne Miranda

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Images provide taste of what’s to come inside new City Learning Quarter college campus

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The city centre state of the art facility is currently under construction by contractor McLaughlin & Harvey and forms part of phase 2 of Wolverhampton Council’s transformational masterplan to boost skills and employment.

    Situated around the Old Hall Street and St George’s Parade area, incorporating a site on the corner of Garrick Street and Bilston Street where the former Faces nightclub building once stood, the development is also utilising the existing Metro One building – it will open to City of Wolverhampton College students in the autumn.

    Alongside improvements to the neighbouring Adult Education Wolverhampton and Central Library facilities, the £61 million scheme – supported by Government funding – will establish new educational provision that will enhance skills and employment outcomes for residents across the city and wider region.

    It will offer A Levels in a range of subjects and vocational qualifications in art, design and photography, business and management, catering and hospitality, computing and digital, creative media, games design and e-sports, hair and beauty, health and social care, music technology, performing arts, and science.

    Construction on phase one of the City Learning Quarter masterplan – a new £8.1 million Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre at the college’s Wellington Road campus – has been completed and opened to students in September 2024.

    Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “The City Learning Quarter has been a long held ambition of the council and fantastic progress is being made by the contractors in the construction of this skills and education hub that will open later this year, unlocking future opportunities for all in the city.

    “The development is already a prominent feature in the city centre and when completed will act as a focal point, increasing footfall to support neighbouring businesses.

    “It’s excellent connectivity to rail, bus, tram and cycle routes also means this inspirational facility will be easily accessible to everyone in Wolverhampton and beyond.”

    Peter Merry, Deputy Principal and Chief Executive at the College, said: “After many years of discussions and planning it is really exciting for us to be able to unveil the images of the building and for current and potential students and apprentices, staff, employers and local people to see what the interior will be like and the fantastic training facilities that will be provided on the site.”

    The exciting City Learning Quarter proposals were initially supported by investment from the council with a further £49 million coming through UK Government funding, plus additional government grants and contributions from the college and council.

    It will pave the way for City of Wolverhampton College to move from its 1960s Paget Road site, which has been identified as land to build much needed housing.

    The college forecasts that over a 10 year period approximately 45,000 people will benefit from learning at the City Learning Quarter and around 7,500 apprenticeships will be started.

    Its central location and close proximity to the new £150 million transport interchange will make it easily accessible. It will also boast environmental benefits in line with council’s climate emergency agenda.

    See how the City Learning Quarter college campus is shaping up inside by watching the video below.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 10 April 2025 Statement Statement of the forty-first meeting of the Polio IHR Emergency Committee

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The 41st meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) on the international spread of poliovirus was convened by the WHO Director-General on 06 March 2024 with committee members and advisers meeting via video conference with affected countries, supported by the WHO Secretariat.  The Emergency Committee reviewed the data on wild poliovirus (WPV1) and circulating vaccine derived polioviruses (cVDPV) in the context of the global target of interruption and certification of WPV1 eradication by 2027 and interruption and certification of cVDPV2 elimination by 2029. Technical updates were received about the situation in the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Djibouti, Ethiopia, Germany, Pakistan, Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

    Wild poliovirus

    Since the last Emergency Committee meeting, 36 new WPV1 cases were reported, three from Afghanistan and 33 from Pakistan bringing the total to 99 WPV1 cases in 2024 and three in 2025. This represents more than four-fold increase in Afghanistan and more than 12-fold increase in Pakistan in the number of WPV1 cases from 2023 to 2024.  A total of 741 WPV1 positive environmental samples were reported in 2024, 113 from Afghanistan and 628 from Pakistan. In 2025, 80 WPV1-positive environmental samples have been reported, 9 from Afghanistan and 71 from Pakistan.

    The upward trend in WPV1 cases and environmental detections has persisted in both endemic countries throughout 2024. In Pakistan, this increase has been evident since mid-2023, initially in environmental samples and later in paralytic polio cases, primarily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh, and Balochistan. In Afghanistan, the rise in WPV1 detections, both in environmental samples and cases during 2024 has been predominantly in the South Region. The Committee noted the geographic spread of WPV1 to new provinces and districts in both endemic countries in 2024 and observed that WPV1 transmission has re-established in historical reservoirs, including Kandahar (Afghanistan), Peshawar, Karachi, and Quetta Block (Pakistan). Currently, the most intense WPV1 transmission is occurring in the southern cross-border epidemiological corridor, encompassing Quetta Block (Pakistan) and the South Region (Afghanistan). The Committee also noted the ongoing WPV1 transmission in the epidemiologically critical South KP and Central Pakistan blocks of Pakistan.

    Review of the molecular epidemiology indicates that there has been progressive elimination of the genetic cluster ‘YB3C’ in 2022 and 2023, with its last detection in November 2023 in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. However, there has been persistent transmission of YB3A genetic cluster since May 2022, resulting in its split into two: YB3A4A and YB3A4B. During the first half of 2024, the cluster YB3A4A was mainly circulating in the northern and southern cross-border corridors. During the second half of 2024 there was distinct expansion of both these genetic clusters seen in Pakistan, more pronounced for YB3A4A. In Afghanistan, the predominantly circulating genetic cluster in YB3A4A.

    Both Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to implement an intensive and mostly synchronized campaign schedule focusing on improved vaccination coverage in the endemic zones and effective and timely response to WPV1 detections elsewhere in each country. Afghanistan implemented five sub-national vaccination rounds during the second half of 2024, targeting infected and high-risk provinces, while Pakistan implemented two nationwide and a large scale sub-national vaccination round from September through December 2024. After encouraging progress towards implementing house-to-house campaigns in all of Afghanistan during the first half of 2024, Afghanistan programme has not been able to implement house-to-house campaigns during most of the second half of 2024. All vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan since October 2024 have been implemented using alternate modalities (mostly site-to-site). The committee was concerned that site-to-site campaigns are usually not able to reach all the children, especially those of younger age and girls, which may lead to a further upsurge of WPV1 with geographical spread in Afghanistan and beyond. Afghanistan programme is taking measures to maximize the reach of site-to-site campaigns through adequate operational and social mobilization measures. The Committee noted overall high reported coverage of the vaccination campaigns in Pakistan; however, variations were observed about the quality at the sub-provincial and sub-district levels, relating to operational implementation challenges and increasing insecurity, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Nearly 200,000 and 50,000 missed children were reported from the South KP and Quetta Block (Balochistan) in Pakistan at the end of October and December 2024 campaigns.

    In addition to seasonal movement patterns within and between the two endemic countries, the continued return of undocumented migrants from Pakistan to Afghanistan compounds the challenges faced. The scale of the displacement increases the risk of cross-border poliovirus spread as well as spread within both the countries.  This risk is being managed and mitigated in both countries through vaccination at border crossing points and the updating of micro-plans in the districts of origin and return. The programme continues to closely coordinate with IOM and UNHCR. The Committee noted ongoing coordination between the programmes of Afghanistan and Pakistan at the national and sub-national levels.

    In summary, the available data indicate that globally transmission of WPV1 is geographically limited to the two WPV1 endemic countries; however, there has been geographical spread and intensifying transmission within the two endemic countries in 2024.

    Circulating vaccine derived poliovirus (cVDPV)

    In 2024, there have been 280 cVDPV cases, of which 265 are cVDPV2, 11 cVDPV1 and four are cVDPV3. Additionally, 257 environmental samples were positive for cVDPV, 254 positive cVDPV2 and three cVDPV3. Of the 265 cVDPV2 cases in 2024, 94 (36%) have occurred in Nigeria. Of the 11 cVDPV1 cases in 2024, 10 were reported from DR Congo and one from Mozambique. All the four cVDPV3 cases in 2024 were reported from Guinea.

     A total of 528 cases have been confirmed with cVDPV in all of 2023, of which 395 are cVDPV2 and 134 are cVDPV1 (one case co-infected with cVDPV1 and cVDPV2). Of the 528 cVDPV cases reported in 2023, 226 (43%) have occurred in the DR Congo.

    Since the last meeting of the Emergency Committee, new cVDPV2 detections were reported from Finland, Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and new cVDPV3 detections from Guinea.

    In 2024, the total number of circulating cVDPV2 emergence groups detected to date is 26, compared to 27 in 2023, 22 in 2022, 29 in 2021, 36 in 2020, and 44 in 2019. Of the 26 emergence groups circulating in 2024, eleven are newly detected in 2024, 10 derived from the novel OPV2 vaccine. There have now been 25 nOPV2 derived cVDPV2 emergences since 2021. The committee noted that the nOPV2 vaccine continues to demonstrate significantly higher genetic stability and substantially lower likelihood of reversion to neurovirulence relative to Sabin OPV2.

    A total of 11 cVDPV1 cases have been reported in 2024, 10 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and one in Mozambique. This compares to 134 cVDPV1 cases in all of 2023 (106 in Democratic Republic of the Congo, 24 in Madagascar, four in Mozambique), representing a 92% reduction in the global cVDPV1 paralytic burden from 2023. However, one new emergence has been reported from the Tshopo province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC-TSH-3). This is the first cVDPV1 emergence reported since September 2022. The committed noted encouraging progress in Madagascar towards interrupting local cVDPV1 transmission, with no detections for more than 16 months.

    In 2024, two countries reported cVDPV3 outbreaks: French Guiana (French territory in South America) and Guinea. Both cVDPV3 outbreaks in 2024 were due to new emergences, leading to three positive environmental samples in French Guiana (May to August 2024) and four cVDPV3 cases in Guinea (July to November 2024). The committee noted that these cVDPV3 outbreaks were reported after a significant interval, with the last cVDPV3 outbreak reported in March 2022.

    In 2024, DR Congo and Mozambique reported co-circulation of cVDPV1 and cVDPV2, while Guinea detected co-circulation of cVDPV2 and cVDPV3.

    The Committee noted that the risk of cVDPV outbreaks is largely driven by a combination of inaccessibility, insecurity, high concentrations of zero-dose and under-immunized children, and ongoing population displacement.

    Conclusion

    The Committee unanimously agreed that the risk of international spread of poliovirus continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and recommended extending the Temporary Recommendations for a further three months. In reaching this conclusion, the Committee considered the following factors:

    Ongoing risk of WPV1 international spread:  

    Based on the following factors, there remains the risk of international spread of WPV1:

    • Intensifying WPV1 transmission with geographical spread into formerly endemic areas and core reservoirs of Afghanistan (South) and Pakistan (Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta Block) as well as other epidemiologically critical areas like Central Pakistan, and parts of Punjab province in Pakistan that were without any WPV1 detection for prolonged periods of time.
    • That WPV1 transmission has been re-established in the south region of Afghanistan and Karachi, and Quetta Block of Pakistan.
    • This intensifying WPV1 transmission in both endemic countries during the low transmission season indicates sizeable cohort of unimmunized and under-immunized children.
    • Lack of house-to-house vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan represents a major risk of further WPV1 spread and intensification of its transmission.
    • Certain geographies and population pockets in the epidemiologically critical areas of Pakistan continue to have inconsistent campaign quality and substantial number of unimmunized and under-immunized children due to insecurity, operational gaps, and vaccine hesitancy.
    • Ongoing population movement between the two endemic countries, including the returnees from Pakistan to Afghanistan, leading to cross-border WPV1 transmission.
    • Ongoing population movement from the two endemic countries to other countries, neighbouring and distant.

    Ongoing risk of cVDPV international spread:

    Based on the following factors, the risk of international spread of cVDPV appears to remain high:

    Risk categories

    The Committee provided the Director-General with the following advice aimed at reducing the risk of international spread of WPV1 and cVDPVs, based on the risk stratification as follows:

    1. States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3.
    2. States infected with cVDPV2, with or without evidence of local transmission.
    3. States previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months.

    Criteria to assess States as no longer infected by WPV1 or cVDPV:

    • Poliovirus Case: 12 months after the onset date of the most recent case PLUS one month to account for case detection, investigation, laboratory testing and reporting period OR when all reported AFP cases with onset within 12 months of last case have been tested for polio and excluded for WPV1 or cVDPV, and environmental or other samples collected within 12 months of the last case have also tested negative, whichever is the longer.
    • Environmental or other isolation of WPV1 or cVDPV (no poliovirus case): 12 months after collection of the most recent positive environmental or other sample (such as from a healthy child) PLUS one month to account for the laboratory testing and reporting period.
    • These criteria may be varied for the endemic countries, where more rigorous assessment is needed in reference to surveillance gaps.

    Once a country meets these criteria as no longer infected, the country will remain on a ‘watch list’ for a further 12 months for a period of heightened monitoring.  After this period, the country will no longer be subject to Temporary Recommendations. 

    TEMPORARY RECOMMENDATIONS

    States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3 with potential risk of international spread

    (as of data available at WHO HQ on 20 February 2025)

    WPV1                                                                                                                                         

    Afghanistan                            most recent detection 27 Jan 2025

    Pakistan                                  most recent detection 30 Jan 2025

    cVDPV1

    Mozambique                           most recent detection 17 May 2024

    DR Congo                               most recent detection 19 Sep 2024

    cVDPV3

    French Guiana (France)       most recent detection 06 Aug 2024

    Guinea                                  most recent detection 21 Nov 2024

    These countries should:

    • Officially declare, if not already done, at the level of head of state or government, that the interruption of poliovirus transmission is a national public health emergency and implement all required measures to support polio eradication; where such declaration has already been made, this emergency status should be maintained as long as the response is required.
    • Ensure that all residents and long­term visitors (> four weeks) of all ages, receive a dose of bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) between four weeks and 12 months prior to international travel.
    • Ensure that those undertaking urgent travel (within four weeks), who have not received a dose of bOPV or IPV in the previous four weeks to 12 months, receive a dose of polio vaccine at least by the time of departure as this will still provide benefit, particularly for frequent travelers.
    • Ensure that such travelers are provided with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis in the form specified in Annex 6 of the IHR to record their polio vaccination and serve as proof of vaccination.
    • Restrict at the point of departure the international travel of any resident lacking documentation of appropriate polio vaccination. These recommendations apply to international travelers from all points of departure, irrespective of the means of conveyance (road, air and / or sea).
    • Further enhance cross­border efforts by significantly improving coordination at the national, regional, and local levels to substantially increase vaccination coverage of travelers crossing the border and of high risk cross­border populations. Improved coordination of cross­border efforts should include closer supervision and monitoring of the quality of vaccination at border transit points, as well as tracking of the proportion of travelers that are identified as unvaccinated after they have crossed the border.
    • Further intensify efforts to increase routine immunization coverage, including sharing coverage data, as high routine immunization coverage is an essential element of the polio eradication strategy, particularly as the world moves closer to eradication. Countries which have not yet introduced IPV2 into their schedules should urgently implement this. Once available, countries should also consider introducing the hexavalent vaccine, now approved by Gavi.
    • Maintain these measures until the following criteria have been met: (i) at least six months have passed without new infections and (ii) there is documentation of full application of high-quality eradication activities in all infected and high-risk areas; in the absence of such documentation these measures should be maintained until the state meets the above assessment criteria for being no longer infected.
    • Provide to the Director-General a regular report on the implementation of the Temporary Recommendations on international travel.

    States infected with cVDPV2, with or without evidence of local transmission:

    (as of data available at WHO HQ on 20 February 2025)

    1. Algeria                                                        most recent detection 13 Jan 2025
    2. Angola                                                        most recent detection 24 Aug 2024
    3. Benin                                                          most recent detection 19 Nov 2024
    4. Cameroon                                                  most recent detection 04 Nov 2024
    5. Chad                                                           most recent detection 30 Aug 2024
    6. Côte d’Ivoire                                               most recent detection 27 Nov 2024
    7. Democratic Republic of the Congo             most recent detection 22 Nov 2024
    8. Djibouti                                                         most recent detection 20 Oct 2024
    9. Egypt                                                           most recent detection 01 Aug 2024
    10. Equatorial Guinea                                        most recent detection 26 Mar 2024
    11. Ethiopia                                                        most recent detection 04 Dec 2024
    12. Finland                                                          most recent detection 19 Nov 2024
    13. Gambia                                                         most recent detection 15 Feb 2024
    14. Germany                                                       most recent detection 17 Dec 2024
    15. Ghana                                                           most recent detection 20 Aug 2024
    16. Guinea                                                           most recent detection 12 Jun 2024
    17. Indonesia                                                       most recent detection 27 Jun 2024
    18. Kenya                                                              most recent detection 31 Jul 2024
    19. Liberia                                                            most recent detection 08 Jun 2024
    20. Mali                                                                most recent detection 02 Jan 2024
    21. Mozambique                                                  most recent detection 05 Mar 2024
    22. Niger                                                              most recent detection 17 Dec 2024
    23. Nigeria                                                           most recent detection 01 Nov 2024
    24. occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)                most recent detection 09 Jan 2025
    25. Poland                                                           most recent detection 03 Dec 2024
    26. Senegal                                                          most recent detection 21 Oct 2024
    27. Sierra Leone                                                  most recent detection 28 May 2024
    28. Somalia                                                          most recent detection 05 Jun 2024
    29. South Sudan                                                  most recent detection 03 Dec 2024
    30. Spain                                                              most recent detection 16 Sep 2024
    31. Sudan                                                              most recent detection 24 Jan 2024
    32. The United Kingdom of Great Britain

      and Northern Ireland                                     most recent detection 11 Dec 2024

    33. Uganda                                                         most recent detection 07 May 2024
    34. Yemen                                                           most recent detection 16 Sep 2024
    35. Zimbabwe                                                      most recent detection 25 Jun 2024

    States that have had an importation of cVDPV2 but without evidence of local transmission should:

    • Officially declare, if not already done, at the level of head of state or government, that the prevention or interruption of poliovirus transmission is a national public health emergency.
    • Undertake urgent and intensive investigations and risk assessment to determine if there has been local transmission of the imported cVDPV2, requiring an immunization response.
    • Noting the existence of a separate mechanism for responding to type 2 poliovirus infections, Members States should request vaccines from the global novel OPV2 stockpile.
    • Further intensify efforts to increase routine immunization coverage, as high routine immunization coverage is an essential element of the polio eradication strategy, particularly as the world moves closer to eradication. Countries which have not yet introduced IPV2 into their schedules should urgently implement this. Once available, countries should also consider introducing the hexavalent vaccine, now approved by Gavi.
    • Intensify surveillance for polioviruses and strengthen regional cooperation and cross-border coordination to ensure the timely detection of poliovirus.

    States with local transmission of cVDPV2, with risk of international spread, in addition to the above measures, should:

    •  Encourage residents and long­term visitors (> four weeks) to receive a dose of IPV four weeks to 12 months prior to international travel.
    • Ensure that travelers who receive such vaccination have access to an appropriate document to record their polio vaccination status.
    • Intensify regional cooperation and cross­border coordination to enhance surveillance for prompt detection of poliovirus, and vaccinate refugees, travelers and cross­border populations.

    For both sub-categories:

    • Maintain these measures until the following criteria have been met: (i) at least six months have passed without the detection of circulation of VDPV2 in the country from any source, and (ii) there is documentation of full application of high quality eradication activities in all infected and high risk areas; in the absence of such documentation these measures should be maintained until the state meets the criteria of a ‘state no longer infected’.
    • At the end of 12 months without evidence of transmission, provide a report to the Director-General on measures taken to implement the Temporary Recommendations.

    States no longer polio infected, but previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months (as of data available at WHO HQ on 20 February 2024)

    WPV1

                 country                                      last virus                   date                                                                       

    cVDPV

                 country                                      last virus                   date                                                                       

    1. Botswana                                          cVDPV2            25 Jul 2023
    2. Burkina Faso                                    cVDPV2            12 Dec 2023                
    3. Burundi                                             cVDPV2            15 Jun 2023
    4. Central African Republic                   cVDPV2            07 Oct 2023
    5. Republic of Congo                            cVDPV2            07 Dec 2023
    6. Israel                                                 cVDPV2            13 Feb 2023
    7. Madagascar                                      cVDPV1            16 Sep 2023
    8. Mauritania                                         cVDPV2            13 Dec 2023
    9. United Republic of Tanzania             cVDPV2             20 Nov 2023
    10. Zambia                                              cVDPV2             06 Jun 2023 

    These countries should:

    • Urgently strengthen routine immunization to boost population immunity.
    • Enhance surveillance quality, including considering introducing or expanding supplementary methods such as environmental surveillance, to reduce the risk of undetected WPV1 and cVDPV transmission, particularly among high-risk and vulnerable populations.
    • Intensify efforts to ensure vaccination of mobile and cross­border populations, Internally Displaced Persons, refugees, and other vulnerable groups.
    • Enhance regional cooperation and cross border coordination to ensure prompt detection of WPV1 and cVDPV, and vaccination of high-risk population groups.
    • Maintain these measures with documentation of full application of high-quality surveillance and vaccination activities.

    Additional considerations

    The Committee noted that the Global Polio Eradication Initiative needs to reconsider its priorities and reprogram its operations in response to the current fiscal constraints. The current financial shortfall poses a significant risk to eradication efforts. The Committee acknowledges and appreciates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s recent confirmation of its $500 million commitment to global polio eradication. The committee urged donor countries and organizations to enhance their financial support, emphasizing that failure is not an option. The Committee also called on national governments to prioritize polio eradication in their domestic funding allocations to ensure sustained progress toward eradication.

    The Committee expressed deep concern over the escalating and expanding WPV1 transmission in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The persistence of WPV1 transmission despite ongoing vaccination campaigns highlights gaps in immunization quality. The Committee also noted that the current levels of WPV1 transmission during the low season could further intensify during the high transmission season if uniform, high-quality campaigns, particularly in core reservoir areas, are not ensured.

    The Committee remains concerned about the continued inability to conduct house-to-house vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan. This challenge places infants and young children, particularly girls, at a heightened risk of missing polio vaccination. The Committee appreciates the efforts to improve women’s participation in site-to-site polio vaccination as well as for border vaccination and encourages to expand these efforts to high-risk South Region of Afghanistan.

    The Committee acknowledged the strong political commitment to polio eradication in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Committee emphasized that this commitment must translate into concrete operational actions to strengthen community engagement and implement high-quality vaccination campaigns. These efforts are essential to interrupt the ongoing intense WPV1 transmission and mitigate the risk of national and international spread. In Afghanistan. The Committee specifically recommended the resumption of house-to-house vaccination campaigns and the recruitment of additional female vaccinators to enhance community acceptance and improve coverage.

    The Committee is encouraged by the improving cVDPV1 situation in the African Region, particularly in Madagascar, which has not reported any cases for over 16 months. The Committee emphasized the need to sustain high-quality vaccination efforts, particularly in the DR Congo and Mozambique, the only two countries that have reported cVDPV1 cases in 2024.

    The Committee noted the ongoing transmission of cVDPV2 in the African Region, particularly in northern Nigeria. While there has been an overall decline in cVDPV2 cases in 2024, the Committee expressed concern over the increase in cases reported by Angola, Ethiopia, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Yemen compared to 2023. The Committee also noted the concerning cVDPV2 epidemiological situation in Chad and Algeria and recommended the implementation of high-quality vaccination campaigns to boost population immunity. The Committee noted the challenges in implementing high-quality immunization responses in critical areas of the African Region and northern Yemen. Additionally, the Committee expressed concerns over surveillance gaps in northern Yemen, which may further hinder early detection and response efforts.

    The Committee noted the detection of cVDPV3 in Guinea and French Guiana in 2024, after more than two years with no reported detections globally and emphasized the need for a high-quality surveillance and immunization response to contain these outbreaks.

    The Committee noted that several cVDPV-affected countries continue to face conflict and insecurity, which disrupts both routine immunization and polio vaccination campaigns. The Committee also noted that ongoing health emergencies and disease outbreaks in several countries further complicate the timely and effective implementation of polio vaccination campaigns. Given the diverse challenges across countries and sub-national areas, the Committee emphasized the need for context-specific, tailored interventions to ensure high-quality campaigns and ultimately stop cVDPV outbreaks. The Committee also underscored the importance of synchronized sub-regional approaches and strong cross-border coordination to address challenges related to permeable borders and shared operational constraints across affected countries.

    The Committee noted some good practices in several countries, particularly in cross-border collaboration and surveillance. The Committee encourages countries to document and share these best practices and suggests that GPEI facilitates this process.

    The Committee noted the ongoing cross-border spread of cVDPV2 in the African and Eastern Mediterranean Regions, as well as the recent detection of cVDPV2 in five countries of the European Region. This reinforces that polio remains a global risk until it is fully eradicated. The Committee acknowledged the ongoing response efforts of Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in strengthening surveillance and addressing sub-national immunity gaps. The Committee also appreciated the inter-country coordination in the European Region, facilitated by the WHO European Regional Office, in response to the cVDPV2 detections in the region. The Committee recommended continued surveillance strengthening across the European Region, along with regular risk assessments to ensure timely identification and mitigation of emerging polio risks.

    The Committee highlighted the importance of maintaining sensitive surveillance in polio-infected and high-risk countries and recommended that GPEI provide all possible support under the Global Polio Surveillance Action Plan. The Committee also underscored the importance of high-income countries maintaining high-quality surveillance for polioviruses, given the ongoing risk of importation, as recently demonstrated by cVDPV detections in the European Region. Robust surveillance remains essential for early detection and timely response to importations and newly emerging outbreaks.

    The Committee noted that novel OPV2 continues to demonstrate greater genetic stability compared to Sabin OPV2. However, the risk of new cVDPV2 emergences increases when the interval between outbreak response campaigns exceeds four weeks or when vaccination quality is suboptimal, underscoring the need for timely and high-quality immunization efforts.

    The Committee noted that the amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) through resolution WHA77.17 (2024), were notified to States Parties on 19 September 2024 and that they would come into effect on 19 September 2025 for 192 States Parties.  Regarding any potential effects of these amendments on the Committee, the Secretariat informed the Committee that it would be premature to assess any such effects at this time but would brief the Committee ahead of their entry into force in September 2025, should the Committee continue to be convened under the IHR at this time.

    Based on the current situation regarding WPV1 and cVDPVs, and the reports provided by affected countries, the Director-General accepted the Committee’s assessment, and on 09 April 2025 determined that the poliovirus situation continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) with respect to WPV1 and cVDPV.  The Director-General endorsed the Committee’s recommendations for countries meeting the definition for ‘States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3 with potential risk for international spread’, ‘States infected with cVDPV2 with potential risk for international spread’ and for ‘States previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months’ and extended the Temporary Recommendations under the IHR to reduce the risk of the international spread of poliovirus, effective, 09 April 2025.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Opening of Expo 2025 Osaka

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    On 13 April 2025 the World Expo kicks off in Osaka, Japan. The Netherlands is participating with a pavilion based on a circular design concept and on the theme of ‘Common Ground’. The pavilion underlines the importance of international cooperation on major challenges such as the energy transition and maintaining a liveable planet. For six months, an extensive programme will support Dutch companies, knowledge institutions and other organisations in connecting with Japan, fostering new partnerships and strengthening existing ones.

    Enlarge image

    Image: ©Zhu Yumeng

    Taking part in Expo 2025 brings opportunities to deepen bilateral relations with Japan. As a reliable partner in East Asia, and the world’s fourth largest economy, Japan is important to the Netherlands. This year marks 425 years of ties between our two countries. These longstanding relations form the basis for strong cooperation in areas such as security, economic resilience, trade, agriculture, food security, defence, cyber protection and innovation.

    Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Reinette Klever: ‘Expo 2025 is a unique opportunity for Dutch companies and knowledge institutions to present their expertise to a large international audience. As a powerhouse of innovation, the business community plays a vital role in addressing global challenges, such as those related to food security and health.’

    Potential growth sectors

    Over the course of six months, an extensive programme of more than 100 events will give Dutch companies and institutions the opportunity to present themselves and meet Japanese companies. Various theme weeks will focus on potential growth sectors such as food, health, energy and tech, and there will be an ongoing cultural programme with work by Dutch artists and ensembles. Six economic missions will visit from the Netherlands. On the 22nd of April Prime Minister Schoof will officially open the Netherlands pavilion during his visit to Japan.

    Common Ground

    The Netherlands’ participation is inspired by its unique relationship with water. Our country’s location, partly below sea level, taught us centuries ago to work with each other. Now, as we face new challenges in 2025, cooperation is once again of great importance, this time on an international level. The Netherlands therefore invites Japan and other countries to join it on common ground and work together on solutions.

    Pavilion based on circular design concept

    The Netherlands pavilion was designed and built by Dutch-Japanese consortium A New Dawn (AND BV), consisting of architecture firm RAU, engineering consultancy DGMR, experience design studio Tellart and Japanese construction company Asanuma. The design consists of a rectangular building with a luminous sphere in the centre, symbolizing a ‘man-made sun’: a clean and endless energy source. On the outside are slats shaped like ocean waves. Together these are exactly 425 metres long, in honour of the 425-year trade relationship with Japan. The pavilion is also an excellent example of circular construction. Records have been kept of exactly what materials have been used, so that nothing goes to waste. After Expo the pavilion will be dismantled and the materials reused.

    Interactive visitor experience

    When visitors arrive at the pavilion, they are given a small luminous sphere. This reacts to installations at various points in the building, taking them on a journey through the history of the Netherlands and Japan and our battle against water. In the highlight of the show, visitors step into the large sphere in the centre of the pavilion to see an AI film in a 360-degree dome. Before they exit, visitors can share their own ideas and dreams for the future through an interactive artwork.

    Dutch innovations

    The pavilion revolves around ten impressive Dutch innovations, all harnessing the power of nature. In their own way, each contributes to changing how we generate energy, travel and grow food. Among the innovations being showcased are cultivating fish from cells (Upstream Foods), harnessing ocean waves to generate electricity (Weco) and using self-steering boats for fast and clean transport (Roboat).

    Expo 2025 Osaka runs from 13 April to 13 October 2025. Around 160 countries and organisations are participating. The exhibition organisers are expecting more than 28 million visitors.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/SUDAN – General al-Burhan launches full-scale diplomatic offensive

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 10 April 2025 war  

    Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – As the war in Sudan continues, the diplomatic activism of the government headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), is intensifying. This April 10, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is holding a session to hear the appeal filed by Sudan against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The case revolves around alleged violations of the Genocide Convention, particularly with regard to the Masalit ethnic group in West Darfur.According to al-Burhan’s government, the Emirates are complicit in the crimes committed against civilians by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan “Hemeti” Dagalo, by providing them with logistical and financial support.As part of international efforts to halt the conflict that erupted on April 15, 2023, the United Kingdom will host a diplomatic conference in London on April 15. This conference will be attended by some twenty countries and international organizations—including France, Germany, Kenya, and the UAE, but not the two parties in conflict. This exclusion has been harshly criticized by Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Yusuf, who sent a letter of protest to his British counterpart, David Lamy, calling it an “obstacle to peace efforts.” He also questions the participation of countries such as Chad and Kenya, which he called “actors involved in the conflict.”Despite the tensions, General al-Burhan met on April 9 in Port Sudan with the British Special Envoy for Sudan, Richard Crowder, who assured him that the conference’s objective is to promote peace and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, without “imposing external solutions.”This was not the only significant diplomatic meeting for the Sudanese leader in recent days. Al-Burhan also received the heads of the intelligence services of Egypt and Mali. At the same time, Minister Ali Yusuf participated in a ministerial meeting of the Khartoum Process in Cairo on April 9, where he reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the fight against illegal immigration. Launched in 2014, the Khartoum Process promotes international cooperation against human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and has expanded its scope to include initiatives for legal migration, development, and regional peace.Finally, according to Sudanese press sources, Lieutenant General Sadiq Ismail, al-Burhan’s special envoy, made a secret visit to Israel last week. The objective was reportedly to improve al-Burhan’s image with the new US administration and to coordinate actions with Israeli officials in the face of the growing tensions between the UAE, al-Burhan, and the SAF. The envoy reportedly stressed that the recent resumption of relations with Iran responds to the urgent need for military support, given Sudan’s international isolation.(L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 10/4/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Russia continues to dither, delay and destroy rather than engage seriously towards peace: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Russia continues to dither, delay and destroy rather than engage seriously towards peace: UK statement to the OSCE

    Ambassador Holland calls out Russia’s hollow words about peace while it continues to terrorise Ukraine’s civilian population and infrastructure.

    Thank you, Madame Chair. It is now 29 days since Ukraine expressed its readiness to accept a full, unconditional and immediate 30-day ceasefire. If Russia reciprocated, we would be a huge step closer to ending this terrible war. They are yet to take this step.

    Instead of showing a commitment to peace, President Putin has chosen to dither, delay and destroy. We have heard desperate and false accusations about the legitimacy of Ukraine’s democratically-elected President. This week the Kremlin said there remained questions “hanging in the air”, including what they say is Ukraine’s lack of control over those defending their homeland and its so-called militarisation. These accusations come from a government that has deployed North Korean troops to the front line and has just ordered the biggest conscription since the war began. They are absurd.

    While the Russian state delays a ceasefire, it continues to terrorise Ukraine’s civilian population with indiscriminate aerial attacks. Earlier this week we met to condemn Russia’s awful missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, which claimed the lives of 20 people, including nine children, on 4 April. This attack came only a day after a further five civilians were killed by Russian drone strikes in Kharkiv and was followed by further civilian casualties during aerial attacks over the weekend. Since Ukraine committed to pursue a full ceasefire, Russia’s aerial attacks have increased.

    Russia claims to have been respecting an energy ceasefire since 18 March, but it continues to launch attacks which result in damage to energy infrastructure, including two in the last week which left 50,000 people without power. Even when it appeared that Russia had agreed to the proposed Black Sea ceasefire, it immediately backtracked, imposing new and unwarranted conditions. And yet Russia has the cheek to accuse Ukraine of not being serious about peace.

    Killing civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure is not the behaviour of a state genuinely willing to pursue meaningful peace talks. These attacks on the people of Ukraine, including its children and most vulnerable citizens, demonstrate the Russian Government’s true intentions. Their words of peace are so far hollow. We urge the Russian government to commit to peace, end the barbaric attacks on Ukraine’s civilians, and finally demonstrate the sincerity of its words.

    Thank you, Madame Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Woolwell to the George update – April 2025

    Source: City of Plymouth

    View from Woolwell Roundabout looking north along Tavistock Road

    Work on the first phase of the Woolwell to The George transport improvement scheme is progressing well and remains on schedule.

    All major utility diversions have now been completed and work on the new junction at Woolwell Crescent continues, with preparations now being made to build the new toucan crossing on Tavistock Road. This will involve reducing a short section of the outbound side of Tavistock Road to one lane until the summer.

    The lane closure, which will protect the workforce as we construct the new crossing and drainage and then work on the central reservation, will be in place from Monday 28 April, with traffic management being put out overnight on Sunday 27 April.

    It was originally programmed for February but postponed to March and now later this month, so we could make some minor scheme design changes to avoid diverting utility services under the footpath.

    We have also made a start on the new retaining wall on the east side of Tavistock Road (alongside Tesco). The wall allows us to widen and create the space to build the new two-way segregated cycle track.

    Plans to complete works on Woolwell Road, which include installing the permanent toucan crossing signals and new street lighting, are also being finalised. They are currently programmed for June and, to avoid significant impacts on traffic flow, will be overnight. Final dates will be confirmed closer to the time.

    Preparations for phase two, which involves widening Tavistock Road between Woolwell Roundabout and the George Park and Ride, as well as the replacement of Woolwell Roundabout with a new signalised junction, are also under way and works are planned to start on site later this year.

    As part of this we have been carrying out targeted investigations, with specialist support, to decide whether it might be possible to retain some of the trees currently identified for removal. This work is part of our ongoing efforts to reduce the impact of the scheme as much as possible and find alternative solutions where we can.

    The Woolwell to The George scheme has been in the pipeline for many years. It will tackle one of Plymouth’s worst traffic bottlenecks and is a vital part of our programme to provide better links to and from the north of Plymouth as it grows.

    In the coming years around 4,400 new homes are planned in the north of the city – including 2,000 new homes at the Woolwell Urban Extension. This and other developments, such as the new district shopping centre in Derriford, will see an increased amount of traffic along this route.

    The whole scheme will cost £45 million, which includes £24.9 million of UK Government funding to support delivery of these vital improvements.

    More information, including traffic management plans and FAQs, can be found on our Woolwell to The George pages.

    For regular updates and advance notifications of road layout changes email Balfour Beatty at [email protected].

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby landlords fined for failing to meet housing standards

    Source: City of Derby

    Two city landlords have been ordered to pay more than £10,000 in total after breaching housing standards.

    Managing agent Kevin Adrian Sutton, 57, failed to respond to three reminders to renew a licence for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), triggering a visit from an investigating officer from Derby City Council’s Housing Standards team.

    The officer found five students living at the rented property in Milton Street, Derby. who were not related to one another, meaning they were classed as multiple households.

    At South Derbyshire Magistrates Court, Mr Sutton pleaded guilty to breaching Section 72 of the Housing Act 2004 – failing to license the property. He was fined £9,000 (reduced to £6,000 for his guilty plea), ordered to pay the Council’s full prosecution costs and the maximum victim surcharge of £2,000.

    In a separate case, Ramzan Ali, 31, was prosecuted for failing to produce documents in breach of Sections 235 and 236 of the Housing Act 2004.

    Tenants contacted the Council’s Housing Standards team with concerns about safety and the terms of their tenancy.

    Mr Ali failed to produce a Gas Safety Certificate and tenancy agreements, and a survey found that the rented property on Eton Road, Derby contained nine hazards.

    At South Derbyshire Magistrates Court on 10 March 2025, District Judge Jonathan Taaffe was satisfied that the case was proved and proceeded to deal with it in the defendant’s absence. Mr Ali was found guilty, fined £2,000, and ordered to pay the Council’s full prosecution costs plus a victim surcharge of £800.

    Councillor Shiraz Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services said:

    Our Housing Standards team works tirelessly to improve living standards for private renters in Derby, with their safety and well-being being a top priority.

    These cases really highlight to landlords that they absolutely must pay attention to the Council’s requests. If they decide to disregard their legal duties, we won’t hesitate to step in.

    I would encourage anyone with concerns about their rented property or their landlord to report this to our team.

    Tenants can contact the Housing Standards team via the Derby City Council website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: STMicroelectronics details company-wide program to reshape manufacturing footprint and resize global cost base

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PR No: C3330C

    STMicroelectronics details company-wide program to reshape manufacturing footprint and resize global cost base

    • Increasing efficiency, automation, and AI will strengthen ST’s key technology R&D, design and high-volume assets for advanced manufacturing in Europe.
    • Planned investments over FY2025, 2026 and 2027 to focus on advanced manufacturing infrastructure in 300mm silicon, 200mm silicon carbide, and technology R&D, for the benefit of customers globally.
    • Company-wide program, including both the previously disclosed resizing of cost base and the reshaping of manufacturing footprint, expected to see up to 2,800 people leaving the company globally on a voluntary basis over 3 years, on top of normal attrition.
    • Confirmation of annual cost savings target in the high triple-digit million-dollar range exiting 2027.

    Geneva, April 10, 2025 – STMicroelectronics N.V. (“ST”) (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, today disclosed further elements of its program to reshape its global manufacturing footprint. This comes as part of the program announced in October 2024 to further strengthen ST’s competitiveness, solidify its position as a global semiconductor leader, and ensure the long-term sustainability of its model as an Integrated Device Manufacturer by leveraging strategic assets globally across technology R&D, design and high-volume manufacturing. 

    Jean-Marc Chery, President and CEO of STMicroelectronics said: “The reshaping of our manufacturing footprint announced today will future proof our Integrated Device Manufacturer model with strategic assets in Europe and improve our ability to innovate even faster, benefitting all our stakeholders. As we focus on advanced manufacturing infrastructure and mainstream technologies, we will continue to leverage all of our existing sites and bring redefined missions for some of them to support their long-term success. We are committed to managing this program responsibly, according to our long-established values, and exclusively through voluntary measures. The technology R&D, design, and high-volume manufacturing activities in Italy and France will continue to be central to our global operations and will be reinforced via planned investments in mainstream technologies”.

    Innovating and scaling up to increase efficiency across manufacturing operations

    As innovation cycles shorten, ST’s manufacturing strategy is evolving to accelerate the delivery of innovative, proprietary technologies and products at scale to customers globally, across automotive, industrial, personal electronics and communication infrastructure applications.

    The reshaping and modernization of ST’s manufacturing operations aim to achieve two main objectives: prioritizing planned investments towards future-ready infrastructure such as 300mm silicon and 200mm silicon carbide wafer fabs to enable them to reach a critical scale and maximizing the productivity and efficiency of legacy 150mm capabilities and mature 200mm capabilities. In parallel, ST plans to continue to invest in upgrading the technology used across its operations, deploying additional AI and automation for additional efficiency in technology R&D, manufacturing, reliability and qualification processes, with a continued focus on sustainability. 

    Strengthening ST’s manufacturing ecosystem

    Over the next three years, the reshaping of ST’s manufacturing footprint will design and strengthen ST’s complementary ecosystems: in France around digital technologies, in Italy around analog and power technologies and in Singapore on mature technologies. The optimization of these operations aim to achieve full capacity utilization and drive technological differentiation to compete globally. As announced previously, each of ST’s current sites will continue to play a long-term role within the company’s global operations. 

    Building 300mm silicon megafabs in Agrate and Crolles

    The Agrate (Italy) 300mm fab will continue to be scaled up, with the aim to become ST’s flagship high-volume manufacturing facility for smart power and mixed signal technologies. The plan is to double its current capacity to 4,000 wafers per week (wpw) by 2027, with planned modular expansions increasing capacity up to 14,000 wpw, depending on market conditions. As we increase our focus on 300mm manufacturing, the Agrate 200mm fab will refocus on MEMS.
    The Crolles (France) 300mm fab will be further cemented as the core of ST’s digital products ecosystem. The plan is to increase capacity to 14,000 wpw by 2027 with planned modular expansions increasing capacity up to 20,000 wpw, depending on market conditions. In addition, we will convert the Crolles 200mm fab to support Electrical Wafer Sorting high volume manufacturing and advanced packaging technologies, hosting activities that do not exist today in Europe. The focus will be on next-generation leading technologies including optical sensing and silicon photonics.

    Specialized Manufacturing and Competence Center for Power Electronics in Catania

    Catania will continue to serve as a center of excellence for power and wide-bandgap semiconductor devices. The development of the new Silicon Carbide Campus is progressing as planned, with production of 200mm wafers set to begin in Q4 2025, reinforcing ST’s leadership in next-generation power technologies. Our resources supporting Catania’s current 150mm and EWS capabilities will be refocused on 200mm silicon carbide and silicon power semiconductor production, including GaN-on-silicon, reinforcing ST’s leadership in next-generation power technologies.

    Optimizing Other Manufacturing Sites

    Rousset (France) will remain focused on 200mm manufacturing, with additional volumes reallocated from other sites enabling full saturation of existing manufacturing capacity for optimized efficiency.

    Tours (France) will remain focused on its 200mm silicon production line for select technologies, while other activities – including legacy 150mm manufacturing activities – will be transferred to different ST sites, and it will also remain a center of competence for GaN, mainly on epitaxy. The Tours site will also host a new activity: panel-level-packaging, one of the major enablers of chiplets, a technology for complex semiconductor applications that will be key for ST in the future.

    Ang Mo Kio (Singapore), ST’s high-volume fab for mature technologies, will remain focused on 200mm silicon manufacturing and will also host our consolidated global legacy 150mm silicon capabilities.

    Kirkop (Malta), ST’s high-volume test and packaging fab in Europe will be upgraded, with the addition of advanced automated technologies which will be key to support next-generation products.

    Workforce and skills evolution

    As ST reshapes its manufacturing footprint over the next three years, the workforce size and required skill sets will evolve. Advanced manufacturing will shift roles from legacy processes involving repetitive manual tasks to a stronger focus on process control, automation, and design. ST will manage this transition through voluntary measures, with a continued commitment to ongoing constructive dialogue and negotiations with employee representatives in accordance with applicable national regulations. Based on current projections, the program is expected to see up to 2,800 people leaving the company globally on a voluntary basis, on top of normal attrition. These changes are expected to occur mainly in 2026 and 2027. Regular updates will be provided to stakeholders as the program progresses. 

    About STMicroelectronics

    At ST, we are 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of cloud-connected autonomous things. We are on track to be carbon neutral in all direct and indirect emissions (scopes 1 and 2), product transportation, business travel, and employee commuting emissions (our scope 3 focus), and to achieve our 100% renewable electricity sourcing goal by the end of 2027. Further information can be found at www.st.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    INVESTOR RELATIONS:
    Jérôme Ramel
    EVP Corporate Development & Integrated External Communication
    Tel: +41 22 929 59 20
    jerome.ramel@st.com

    MEDIA RELATIONS:
    Alexis Breton
    Corporate External Communications
    Tel: + 33 6 59 16 79 08
    alexis.breton@st.com

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  • MIL-OSI: Konsolidator enters partnership with Exsitec to accelerate growth in the Nordics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release no. 1-2025
    Copenhagen, April 10, 2025

    Konsolidator enters partnership with Exsitec to accelerate growth in the Nordics

    Today, Konsolidator enters a new strategic partnership with Exsitec AB, one of the most prominent players in the Nordic region, to implement and manage business-supporting IT systems. The partnership allows Konsolidator to be fully partner-driven in Sweden and Norway, thereby significantly advancing the company’s 2025–2027 strategy, Resilient Growth, which prioritizes scaling growth through strategic partnerships.

    Exsitec, a long-standing customer of Konsolidator, brings in-depth product knowledge and integration experience. Furthermore, with shared customers and strong expertise in finance IT, Exsitec is an ideal partner for making Konsolidator available to more companies in the Nordics, especially in the mid-market to the enterprise segment.

    “Exsitec’s portfolio, market position, and finance IT expertise make them a great partner for us and fit perfectly into our partner channel strategy. We are now well covered in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.says Claus Finderup Grove, CEO of Konsolidator

    Konsolidator’s cloud-based consolidation tool automates every step of the group reporting process, from data collection to reporting, ensuring compliance and eliminating Excel-based workflows. The system integrates seamlessly with leading financial platforms like Visma.net, Fortnox, and Microsoft Dynamics 365. Exsitec is a Nordic company with over 20 offices and over 5500 customers in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. This partnership is aligned with Konsolidator’s goal of becoming a leader in the Nordic market for automated group reporting and cloud-based financial solutions.

    “We have long supported our customers with advisory, implementation, and managing of IT systems for operational and financial analysis and planning. With Konsolidator, we can now also help CFOs and controllers take ownership of legal group reporting – in a way that is quick to implement, easy to scale, and fully cloud-based. A lot of our customers already use Konsolidator and we use it internally for Exsitec’s group reporting as well, so we are very familiar with it.” says Rasmus Toivonen, Delivery Area Manager at Exsitec.

    2025-2027 Strategy: Towards a partner-driven sales model

    As part of the 2025-2027 strategy, Resilient Growth, Konsolidator is broadening its sales strategy beyond direct sales by leveraging strategic partnerships and ecosystems. This includes a focused expansion of the partner channel, particularly in Scandinavia and Iberia.

    This partnership marks a key milestone in Konsolidator’s transition to a partner-driven model, which can accelerate the company’s efforts to increase its presence and offerings in larger markets.

    Contacts 

    About Konsolidator
    Konsolidator A/S is a financial consolidation software company whose primary objective is to make Group CFOs around the world better through automated financial consolidation and reporting in the cloud. Created by CFOs and auditors and powered by innovative technology, Konsolidator removes the complexity of financial consolidation and enables the CFO to save time and gain actionable insights based on key performance data to become a vital part of strategic decision-making. Konsolidator was listed at Nasdaq First North Growth Market Denmark in 2019. Ticker Code: KONSOL

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  • MIL-OSI: Eviden signs a 50-million-euro contract to build Serbia’s National AI Factory

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Eviden will bring together a unique comprehensive set of AI capabilities – supercomputing power for AI, software layer and AI use-cases development

    Paris, France – April 10, 2025 – Eviden, the Atos Group business leading in digital, cloud, big data and security today announces the signature of a 50-million-euro contract with the Serbia’s Office for IT and eGovernment. Together, Eviden and the Serbian administration will deploy a National AI Factory – composed of an AI Center of Excellence and a leading AI-dedicated supercomputing platform – aiming to accelerate Serbia’s AI capabilities and foster innovation across key sectors while reinforcing its technological autonomy using European technologies.

    More than just a simple infrastructure, an AI Factory is an extensive and complete set of shared AI-dedicated assets – talents, expertise, software, hardware – to foster AI innovation and growth, to democratize its use and to drive successful large-scale projects. By providing all necessary resources with European technologies through this single contract, Eviden will empower Serbia to address the growing challenges and requirements of AI.

    This new National AI Factory, a first in the Balkan region, will integrate cutting-edge supercomputing resources, advanced software layers and specialized vertical expertise for use-case design and deployment. This dynamic ecosystem will be made accessible to Serbian public institutions, academic players and businesses in order to harness the power of AI and address critical challenges in health, energy, transportation and administration.

    To meet Serbia’s needs for computing power, Eviden will deploy its BullSequana XH3000 supercomputer, designed and manufactured in its French flagship factory. With up to 25 PetaFlops of computational power – the equivalent of 25 million billion operations per second – as well as 300 GPUs and 2.5 Petabytes of storage, this AI supercomputer will serve as the backbone of this AI Center of Excellence, providing the necessary computing power to develop and run innovative AI use cases.

    In addition to this AI-dedicated hardware, the project will see the implementation of Eviden’s BullSequana AI platform, designed to accelerate AI applications development. The Eviden software layer will integrate Mistral AI assets who brings its leading European GenAI models to help drive groundbreaking use cases.

    This combination of hardware and software capabilities will be complemented by a vertical AI expertise drawn from Eviden’s teams in France, Czech Republic and Serbian AI ecosystem. These AI specialists will bring their deep understanding of sector-specific needs, ensuring an effective application of AI to Serbia’s strategic sectors. They will also assist in recruiting and training engineers and academics across Serbia, ensuring the AI Center of Excellence becomes a self-sustaining hub for innovation.

    Mihailo Jovanovic PhD, Director of the Office for IT and eGovernment, Government of the Republic of Serbia said “This partnership with Eviden, Europe’s leading supercomputing and AI player, is a historic moment for our country’s digital future, demonstrating the spirit of Franco-Serbian cooperation. It is not just a technological leap but a statement of our commitment to foster innovation, advanced our economy and strengthen our position as regional leader in AI. This project is a key step towards implementing Serbia’s vision in accordance with “Leap into the Future – Serbia 2027” Program and plans for further modernization, digitalization, and the application of artificial intelligence.”

    Emmanuel Le Roux, Head of Advanced Computing, Eviden, Atos Group said “With its investment and current leading responsibility in the Global Partnership on AI, Serbia has been at the forefront of AI research and application in Europe. This one-of-a-kind project is yet another example of its commitment toward technological advanced and economic growth, while contributing to the strategic cooperation between France and Serbia for AI and reinforcing the country’s technological sovereignty. It underlines Eviden’s unique end-to-end positioning and demonstrates once again how Europe’s technology leaders can drive AI innovation while ensuring technological autonomy and sovereignty.

    ***

    About Eviden1

    Eviden is a next-gen technology leader in data-driven, trusted and sustainable digital transformation with a strong portfolio of patented technologies. With worldwide leading positions in advanced computing, security, AI, cloud and digital platforms, it provides deep expertise for all industries in more than 47 countries. Bringing together 41,000 world-class talents, Eviden expands the possibilities of data and technology across the digital continuum, now and for generations to come. Eviden is an Atos Group company with an annual revenue of c. € 5 billion.

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 78,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 68 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    About Mistral AI

    Mistral AI is a pioneer company in generative artificial intelligence, empowering the world with the tools to build and benefit from the most transformative technology of our time. The company democratizes AI through high-performance, optimized, and cutting-edge open-source models, products and solutions. Headquartered in France and independent, Mistral AI defends a decentralized and transparent approach to technology, with a strong global presence in the United States, United Kingdom, and Singapore.

    Press contact

    Constance Arnoux – constance.arnoux@eviden.com – +33 6 44 12 16 35


    1 Eviden business is operated through the following brands: AppCentrica, ATHEA, Cloudamize, Cloudreach, Cryptovision, DataSentics, Edifixio, Engage ESM, Evidian, Forensik, IDEAL GRP, In Fidem, Ipsotek, Maven Wave, Profit4SF, SEC Consult, Visual BI, X-Perion.

    Eviden is a registered trademark. © Eviden SAS, 2025.

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in succession to Mr Neil Crompton. Mr Hitchen will take up his appointment during August 2025.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Stephen Charles Hitchen

    Year Role
    2023 to 2025 Baghdad, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2019 to 2023 FCO, Director, Counter Terrorism Department
    2016 to 2019 FCO, Director, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2013 to 2016 Amman, Counsellor Regional Affairs
    2012 to 2013 FCO, Head of Middle East Reporting, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2009 to 2012 FCO, Head of Iran Political Team, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2006 to 2009 Kuwait, Head of Regional Affairs
    2004 to 2006 Cairo, First Secretary, Political
    2004 Joined FCO
    1996 to 2004 Ministry of Defence, including 18 months full time Arabic Language Training

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cuttlefish plan launched

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Cuttlefish plan launched

    An action plan to support the cuttlefish fishery in English waters has been launched by Marine Management Organisation (MMO) following engagement with stakeholders.

    Cuttlefish is critical to the businesses of fishers working in ICES areas 7d and 7e, and there are concerns that stock levels are at risk of being over exploited.

    Work on the Channel Demersal Non-Quota Species Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) identified a need to better understand fishing impact on numbers and the health of stocks.

    Further engagement with stakeholders, including commercial fishing representatives, last year demonstrated that formal management measures would not be required right now and would risk causing economic harm to fishers on the south coast.

    After listening to stakeholder feedback, MMO fisheries managers developed the cuttlefish action plan to better monitor and collect data to help with future decisions on potential management, including testing technical measures to conserve stocks.

    The plan is an important part of the implementation of the Channel Demersal Non-quota species FMP published in December 2023.

    MMO has now:

    • Introduced a voluntary code of practice on trap and pot handling in English waters from the 6nm limit out to 200nm in ICES divisions 7d and 7e. This is designed to improve survival rates for cuttlefish eggs and development of juveniles
    • Launched three cuttlefish species identification cards to help fishers to correctly identify and report catches and landings of specific species of cuttlefish. Better species-specific data will support improved understanding of stocks levels and their health so future decisions can be made based on evidence.
    • Undertaken monitoring and market sampling to better understand cuttlefish catch composition.

    The full action plan can be read here or email sustainablefisheries@marinemanagement.org.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Welnax BioClear Reviews: DO NOT Spend A Dime Till You Have Read This Eyeopener Report!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ORLANDO, Fla., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Are you tired of dealing with stubborn nail fungus that just won’t go away? Have you tried countless creams, pills, or treatments that promise results but fail to deliver? Are you looking for a safe, painless, and effective solution to restore the health of your nails? Nail fungus is a common yet often embarrassing condition affecting millions worldwide. Characterized by thick, discolored, and brittle nails, it can lead to discomfort and a lack of confidence when displaying one’s feet. Traditional treatments, including topical antifungals and oral medications, can be ineffective and may lead to unwanted side effects.

    Fortunately, the Welnax BioClear offers a revolutionary solution to this persistent problem, using advanced low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to target and eliminate nail fungus at its source. Welnax not only promotes healthy nail growth but also boosts the immune system to help prevent future infections.

    In recent years, the demand for effective, drug-free solutions for nail fungus has surged, as more individuals seek safe and convenient treatments. The Welnax BioClear stands out in a crowded market by providing a clinically proven method that can be used in the comfort of one’s home. Users report significant improvements in the condition of their nails after just a few sessions, with many expressing reliefs from the embarrassment and discomfort associated with nail fungus.

    According to many research findings and expert reports, Welnax Bioclear has been referred to as the “Ultimate Toenail Fungus Cure” in the United States of America, Canada and Australia. Unlike messy creams or medications with potential side effects, Welnax is designed to be gentle, effective, and easy to use, with just seven minutes a day, you can experience visible improvements in nail health within weeks.

    In this review, we will analyze every aspect of the Welnax BioClear, including its operation and real consumers reports and complaints experiences. In order for you to determine whether Welnax is the game-changer you’ve been waiting for in your quest for healthier nails, let us give you an unbiased analysis of everything it has to offer. Stay tuned as we explore the details and discover what makes Welnax BioClear the best solution for nail fungus in the United States.

    What Is Welnax (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear is a legitimate at-home device designed to help improve the appearance of nails affected by fungal infections. Welnax offers an innovative solution using clinically proven low-level laser therapy to help restore the natural appearance of nails. Every review confirms that Welnax features 15 high-performance lasers that penetrate deep into the nail bed, targeting and breaking down fungal cells at their root. With regular use, users will see noticeable improvements in nail health, including the restoration of clear, smooth nails.

    Developed by leading podiatrists and dermatologists, the Welnax BioClear is a safe, drug-free and reliable solution suitable for anyone struggling with nail fungus. Welnax BioClear epitomizes a pioneering breakthrough in fungus-fighting technology, utilizing a groundbreaking, medical-grade light therapy to eradicate fungal infections at their source. All reviewers revealed that Welnax BioClear has been recognized for its superior performance and ultimate reliability thereby making it the best device for curing nail fungal infections among many customers in the United States, UK, Australia and Canada.

    In rigorous testing against some of the worst cases of nail infections, Welnax BioClear has delivered exceptional outcomes. Real users, including Mark, who battled a seven-year-long infection, Susan, a 62-year-old who canceled a potentially invasive surgery, and Jason, an athlete sidelined by painful fungus, have all experienced revolutionary improvements within weeks of daily, seven-minute sessions. With an impeccable star rating, Welnax BioClear commands an excellent performance from majority of the consumers that have used it, these success stories reinforce the Welnax’s ability to destroy fungal growth and revive the natural clarity and strength of the nails indicating that even the most chronic infections can be treated.

    Many Welnax reviews say that the Welnax BioClear is, without doubt, the most affordable and best nail fungus solution with an array of very incredible features and functions. The Welnax BioClear has 4.97-star ratings given by the consumers of Canada & USA for its superior low-level laser therapy technology, reliability, and noninvasive treatment, which unequivocally make it the most efficient and reliable device for toenail fungus device on the market in the USA and Canada.

    Engineered with optimal performance and convenience in mind, Welnax BioClear offers a non-invasive, risk-free alternative to costly treatments and harsh prescription medications. Its lightweight and intuitive model enables quick, at-home sessions that fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles. With no adverse side effects, no need for chemical applications, and a promise to wipe out infections where they hide, Welnax BioClear has become a dependable ally for those tired of ineffective creams and prolonged treatment sessions. Welcome to the future of nail care and reclaim the confidence of healthy, clear nails with Welnax BioClear.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    What Are The Unique Features of Welnax BioClear (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    • Advanced-Grade Light Therapy Technology: Welnax BioClear uses improved, advanced -grade light therapy that releases specific wavelengths to combat fungal cells deep within the nail bed. This feature guarantees that the light energy is targeted precisely on the infected area, penetrating through the nail’s surface layers. The technology is formulated to destroy fungus, offering an approach that directly tackles the source of the infection. Its accuracy in wavelength selection is a key technical attribute of the device.
    • Non-Invasive and Drug-Free Operation: One of the most outstanding features of Welnax BioClear is its non-surgical, drug-free design. Welnax is designed to provide effective treatment without chemical agents or oral medications, removing the risk of side effects associated with traditional treatments. The system functions entirely through light therapy, making it a safe choice for users with sensitive skin or allergies. This design underscores its commitment to delivering a soothing yet powerful treatment solution.
    • Deep Penetration Capability: A great feature of Welnax BioClear is its ability to penetrate deep into the nail bed, intercepting fungal infections beneath the surface. Unlike conventional creams that only treat the surface, the device’s focused light energy tackles the infection at its core. This deep penetration guarantees that the treatment interacts directly with the affected tissue, thereby improving the potential for reviving nail health. The accuracy of this capability underlines the product’s technical sophistication.
    • User-Friendly Interface and Operation: Welnax BioClear is designed with a simple, user-friendly interface that streamlines the treatment process. Its one-button operation and automated timer enable users to activate therapy sessions with minimal effort. This convenience guarantees that the device can be effortlessly integrated into daily routines, even for those with busy lifestyles. The controls reflect thoughtful engineering aimed at easing usability without compromising technological performance.
    • Compact and Portable Design: The Welnax’s compact design is another remarkable feature that promotes its practicality. Welnax BioClear is designed to be compact and portable, enabling users to perform treatments at home or while traveling. Its durable construction ensures that it remains trusted over long periods of use. The portability does not compromise its productivity, making it a suitable choice for individuals looking for a high-performance treatment tool easily integrated into various environments.
    • Convenient At-Home Use: With the Welnax BioClear, users can perform their treatments in the comfort of their own homes. This convenience eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming visits to dermatologists or podiatrists for laser treatments, making it an accessible solution for everyone. The Welnax is designed for easy use, allowing individuals to incorporate it into their daily routines effortlessly.
    • Positive User Testimonials: Many users have reported significant improvements in their nail health after using the Welnax BioClear. Testimonials highlight quick results, increased confidence, and the ability to wear sandals and open-toed shoes without embarrassment. The positive feedback from satisfied customers underscores the effectiveness of the Welnax.

    Does the Welnax BioClear Really Work? (Welnax Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear works exceptionally by utilizing advanced low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to effectively treat nail fungus. Welnax has rapidly gained attention for its ability to tackle stubborn nail fungus with an innovative, medical-grade light therapy method. Built to penetrate deep into the nail bed, the Welnax tackles the fungal cells at their very core—something conventional topical creams or oral medications often fail to address. This accuracy-focused approach ensures that even the most chronic infections can be tackled, and users have reported visible improvements within weeks of consistent use.

    In practical applications, Welnax BioClear has shown its worth by revitalizing nails that once suffered from thick, discolored, and brittle fungal infections. The Welnax BioClear’s model is based on clinically inspired technology that not only destroys the fungal cells but also improves the growth of healthier nail tissue. This dual action; eliminating the infection and promoting natural regrowth has dazzled users who have seen a dramatic reversal in their nail conditions, setting it apart from other treatments that only offer temporary or superficial relief.

    Ultimately, many glowing positive feedbacks of Welnax BioClear indicate a high level of trust and satisfaction among its users. All reviewers revealed Welnax BioClear has also received several good customer reviews where they are being complimented for its ease of use and performance. The incorporation of deep penetration capability, non-invasive and drug-free operation, and an easy-to-use design makes it an unmatched choice for those frustrated with futile treatments. While individual results may vary, overwhelmingly positive feedback underlines that Welnax truly works, delivering a remarkable, science-approved remedy for restoring nail health and confidence.

    Why Is Welnax Better Than Similar Products on the Market? (Welnax Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear sets a new standard in nail fungus treatments by leveraging cutting-edge medical-grade light therapy that penetrates deep into the nail bed—where most treatments fail. Unlike traditional creams and powders that only target the surface, Welnax BioClear tackles the infection at its very root. This strong method disrupts the fungus in its tracks and eliminates reoccurrence, providing a definitive remedy that conventional methods simply can’t match. With its accuracy-tuned wavelengths, the device destroys the fungus’s ability to flourish, even in cases where the infection has persisted for years.

    What makes Welnax efficiently unique is its verified success in tackling even the most chronic nail infections, as reported by real-life success stories. Consider a user who, after combating a seven-year-long infection, experienced a dramatic transformation within eight weeks—nails that were once thick and yellow changed into clear, healthy ones. Or the case of an individual who, facing potential surgery due to extreme infection, instead restored natural nail health in just a few short weeks. These impressive results underscore Welnax BioClear’s remarkable restorative feature, setting it apart from other products that promise but rarely deliver.

    Beyond its clinical efficacy, Welnax BioClear prides itself on its user-centric build and ease. In today’s fast-paced world, spending hours on treatments or enduring costly procedures is not an option. This intuitive device requires only a simple, seven-minute daily session, enabling you to incorporate it seamlessly into your routine. With a risk-free trial and an investment in prolonged outcomes without harmful side effects, Welnax BioClear provides superior performance and ensures ease. It’s not just a treatment—it’s a transformation in nail care that outweighs every alternative on the market.

    What Are The Powerful Benefits of the Welnax BioClear

    • Efficient Elimination of Fungal Infections: Welnax BioClear provides a significant benefit by effectively destroying fungal infections deep within the nail bed. Its medical-grade light therapy enters beyond the surface, directly tackling fungal cells at their root. This approach disrupts the fungus’s growth cycle and prevents further spread of the infection. For instance, one user, Mark, who had battled a seven-year-long infection, reported that after just eight weeks his nails were completely clear. Such firsthand experiences show how the product combats the underlying issue, resulting in visibly healthier nails and renewed confidence in nail care.
    • Encourages Natural Nail Regrowth: By destroying the harmful fungal cells, Welnax BioClear builds an optimal environment for natural nail regrowth. This benefit is beyond merely concealing the symptoms—by eliminating the infection, the device enables new, healthy nail tissue to form and thrive. A customer named Susan, for example, canceled a recommended surgery after witnessing her thick, discolored nails gradually become thinner and healthier over 12 weeks. This natural regrowth process enhances the nails’ aesthetic appeal and improves their strength and resilience, paving the way for a permanent solution to chronic fungal problems.
    • Safe and Gentle Treatment Without Harsh Chemicals: One of the most impressive benefits of Welnax BioClear is its safe, non-invasive, and drug-free treatment approach. Users can avoid the side effects and potential risks linked with harsh toxins, creams, or oral medications. Verified customer reviews emphasize that the treatment is entirely gentle, even for those with sensitive skin or allergies. One satisfied user mentioned how the painless, light-based therapy allowed them to experience significant improvements without discomfort or adverse reactions. This exclusive approach makes it a reliable option for many, guaranteeing that nail care remains both effective and safe over extended periods.
    • Convenience and Ease-of-Use for At-Home Therapy: Welnax BioClear is crafted for seamless home use, enabling users to incorporate effective nail care into even the strictest of schedules. Its intuitive interface and quick 7-minute daily sessions mean that you don’t need to visit a clinic or engage in time-consuming treatments. Many customers, including those who once juggled multiple appointments, appreciate the simplicity of the process—just a few minutes a day from the comfort of home can yield positive results. This convenience factor has been recurring in customer reviews, with users raving about the product for its ease of use and consistent performance that fits seamlessly into everyday routines.
    • Cost-Effective Investment for Long-Term Nail Health: Welnax BioClear represents a cost-effective solution for those looking for a lasting solution for nail fungus. Unlike recurring costs for creams, pills, or costly clinical treatments, this device offers a one-time investment that delivers beautiful results. Customers have noted significant savings over time, as the need for supplementary treatments decreases with consistent use. For instance, many users have expressed their satisfaction with the product’s affordability compared to the high costs of conventional therapies. This financial perk, coupled with the guarantee of improved nail health, makes it an attractive and smart investment for long-term care.
    • Clinically Proven and Consistent Results for Enhanced Confidence: Designed on clinically inspired technology, Welnax BioClear provides reliable outcomes, which have been certified by numerous user testimonials. Consistency in productivity indicates that regular users can expect gradual improvements in nail appearance and general health. For example, an athlete named Jason reported a complete turnaround after 10 weeks, enabling him to resume running without discomfort. Such consistent results not only revive nail integrity but also boost self-esteem. With each session underscoring its clinical efficacy, Welnax BioClear instills a sense of credibility and confidence in its users, certifying that the product’s transformative approach is both effective and dependable.

    Why Should I Buy the Welnax BioClear (Welnax Reviews)

    The Welnax is an outstanding solution for anyone battling with persistent toenail fungus. Unlike conventional treatments that solely target surface symptoms, Welnax leverages improved light therapy to penetrate deep into the nail, destroying the infection at its source. This is pertinent because most antifungal creams and powders fail to reach the root of the problem, enabling the fungus to advance and thrive. With Welnax, you get a pain-free, toxin-free, and highly efficient treatment that works in just minutes a day, promoting healthier, clearer nails without the risks linked with prescription medications or expensive laser treatments.

    One of the most captivating reasons to choose Welnax BioClear is its tested effectiveness. Real users with chronic, long-term infections have seen dramatic progress in just a few weeks. Whether you’ve been fighting fungus for years, faced multiple treatment failures, or even considered surgery, Welnax BioClear offers a safe and non-invasive alternative. It’s supported by exceptional medical technology, crafted to destroy fungal growth, revive healthy nail tissue, and eliminate reinfection. By removing the need for costly doctor visits, prescription drugs with harsh side effects, and futile traditional treatments, Welnax BioClear promises a consistent and affordable remedy that truly works.

    Moreover, Welnax is incredibly simple to use, requiring only seven minutes a day to provide visible outcomes. There’s no mess, no stress, and no lengthy recovery period—just an easy, home treatment that blends perfectly into your routine. Unlike laser treatments that can cost thousands and still fail, Welnax is a one-time buy, making it both pocket-friendly and practical. Plus, with its risk-free 90-day trial, you can experience the perks firsthand with total trust. Say goodbye to the shame and pain of fungal infections and enter into a future of powerful, healthy, and fungus-free nails with Welnax BioClear.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    How to Use Welnax BioClear (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear is a robust remedy curated to destroy stubborn nail fungus and revive healthy, clear nails. Follow these three simple steps to maximize its effectiveness:

    • Prepare Your Nails: Start by washing and drying your hands or feet thoroughly to take out dirt and moisture. Trim your nails short and tenderly file the affected areas to help the solution enter deeper. Proper preparation guarantees the treatment reaches the root of the infection.
    • Apply Welnax BioClear: Using the right applicator, apply a small amount of the solution directly onto the affected nails, covering the whole surface and surrounding cuticle. Massage it calmly to improve absorption. For best results, apply twice daily—morning and night.
    • Stay Consistent & Monitor Progress: Fungal infections take time to heal, so consistency is paramount. With consistent use, you’ll notice improvements within weeks as discolored, brittle nails grow healthier. Maintain good hygiene, wear breathable footwear, and avoid damp environments to prevent reinfection.

    Is the Welnax BioClear Safe? (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    Yes, using the Welnax BioClear at home is very safe. Furthermore, Welnax is legit. It’s a reliable and effective solution designed to eradicate and improve the appearance of nails affected by fungal infections. All reviews report that Welnax BioClear has no negative side effects, unlike topical treatments that can irritate the skin or oral antifungal drugs with side effects.

    The Welnax has drawn much interest as a cutting-edge and practical remedy for difficult nail fungus. Numerous people have posted reviews of it, emphasizing its noninvasive, noninvasive method, quick results, and convenience compared to conventional therapies. Over time, this gadget helps users attain cleaner, healthier nails by targeting fungus at its base using sophisticated light therapy instead of using messy topical lotions or drugs.

    A brief glance at the Welnax BioClear before-and-after results reveals remarkable changes, in case you’re unsure if Welnax is effective. Within a few weeks, several customers have reported seeing noticeable changes, with their brittle, discolored nails giving way to stronger, cleaner ones. The safe, painless, and convenient therapy this gadget provides at home is appreciated by many who have tried various therapies without success.

    Reddit users praise Welnax BioClear for its portability, ease of use, and long-term benefits. With no adverse effects, it’s a top choice. Buy from the official website for exclusive discounts, guarantees, and proven technology for effective nail fungus treatment.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    Is Welnax BioClear a Scam or Legit?

    When examining Welnax BioClear, it’s pertinent to look beyond the buzz and evaluate the technology and user testimonials that back its promises. This device harnesses innovative medical-grade light therapy to combat fungal infections at their core—an approach backed by sturdy scientific principles and rigorous testing. Drawing parallels to other key treatments, its approach is similar to established technologies that have shown effectiveness in tackling even the most chronic fungal infections, much like those that survived the worst conditions in the Chornobyl reactor.

    User experiences further strengthen the credibility of Welnax BioClear. Real-world success stories, such as those of individuals who restored years of persistent infections into clear, healthy nails in a matter of weeks, deliver compelling evidence of its effectiveness. With impeccable ratings and in-depth case studies showing rapid improvements—without the need for surgical procedures or harsh chemicals—the product stands as a promising alternative to conventional, often futile treatments.

    Ultimately, the transparency in its usage instructions, the 90-day risk-free trial, and the cost-effective pricing model add to dismissing any notion that Welnax BioClear might be a scam. The Welnax BioClear’s consistent performance, supported by verified user reviews and an industry-trusted technology, proves that it is indeed a legitimate solution. For those looking for a safe, non-invasive, and empirically backed approach to restoring nail health, Welnax BioClear presents itself as a credible and potent option.

    Who Needs the Welnax BioClear?

    • Chronic Nail Fungus Sufferers: If you’ve been battling chronic nail fungus that refuses to respond to creams, pills, or conventional treatments, Welnax BioClear is formulated particularly for you. Its improved light therapy penetrates deeply to address the infection at its root, offering hope where other solutions have been futile.
    • Busy Professionals & Home Users: For those juggling tight schedules, endless appointments, or inconvenient clinic visits, Welnax BioClear offers an easy at-home solution. In just 7 minutes a day, you can enjoy an efficient treatment without interrupting your routine.
    • Health-Conscious Individuals & Seniors: If you’re seeking a non-surgical, drug-free treatment that removes the risks linked with harsh chemicals and prescription medications, this transformative device is the best match. Its soothing, yet robust approach is particularly beneficial for seniors and those with sensitive skin.
    • Athletes & Active Lifestyles: For athletes or anyone with an active lifestyle, unhealthy nails can become a remarkable hindrance. Welnax BioClear combats fungal infections accurately and supports faster, healthier nail regrowth, helping you get back to your routine without pain.
    • Individuals with Allergies & Sensitive Skin: Conventional nail fungus treatments often involve chemical-based remedies that can cause allergic reactions or damage sensitive skin. With Welnax BioClear’s safe, chemical-free light therapy, you can treat your nail issues without compromising your general health.

    Pros (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    • Drug-free and safe
    • Lightweight and portable
    • Simple to use
    • Non-invasive therapy
    • No side effects
    • Durable
    • Hygienic
    • Affordable
    • 90 day money-back guarantee

    Cons (Welnax Reviews)

    • Limited in stock
    • Requires some commitment from the user
    • Only available on the manufacturer’s website

    How Much Does Welnax BioClear Cost?

    Pricing options include:

    • One Welnax: $99.90 (Original: $199.90)
    • Two Welnax Bioclear: $149.90 (Save 62%)
    • 3 Devices: $179.90 (Save 70%)
    • 4 Devices: $199.90 (Save 75%)

    Where Can I Buy the Welnax BioClear?

    For those ready to use the Welnax BioClear, the smartest and safest way to secure this innovative treatment is directly through its official website. Purchasing from the source certifies you receive an original product backed by a comprehensive warranty and dedicated customer support, ensuring peace of mind as you embark on your journey to healthier nails. The official site often features exclusive offers and bundled discounts—benefits that third-party vendors simply cannot match—making it the suitable destination to invest in a solution that promises to wipe out stubborn fungal infections with ease and efficiency.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    Welnax Reviews Consumer Reports

    Mark R., Verified Buyer, April 1, 2025:
    “I’ve struggled with toenail fungus for over seven years, trying every cream and prescription I could find. Nothing worked—until I tried Welnax BioClear. After just four weeks of using it daily, I saw visible improvement. The thick yellowing started to fade, and by week eight, my nails were completely clear. I’m amazed at how quickly it worked, and it’s been life-changing for me. I finally feel confident enough to go barefoot again!”

    Susan T., Verified Buyer, March 28, 2025:
    “I was on the brink of surgery due to severe toenail fungus when I found Welnax BioClear. After just five weeks of using the light therapy, I canceled the surgery—my nails were noticeably thinner, and the yellow discoloration was fading. By twelve weeks, my nails were almost completely restored. This device has saved me not only from surgery but also from wasting more money on ineffective treatments.”

    Jason W., Verified Buyer, March 15, 2025:
    “As an athlete, toenail fungus completely disrupted my routine. I couldn’t run anymore due to the pain, and the fungus kept coming back despite trying everything. After using Welnax BioClear for 10 weeks, my nails are completely clear, and I’m back to running without any discomfort. It’s unbelievable how effective and simple this treatment is. Just seven minutes a day is all it took to change my life.”

    Frequently Asked Questions About Welnax BioClear (Welnax Reviews)

    How does Welnax BioClear work?

    Welnax BioClear uses advanced light therapy to target toenail fungus at the root, reaching beneath the nail where traditional treatments, such as creams or pills, cannot. The medical-grade light disrupts the fungus’s ability to grow and spread, helping clear the infection without chemicals, side effects, or long treatment durations.

    How long does it take to see results with Welnax BioClear?

    While individual results may vary, many users report seeing noticeable improvements within the first 4 to 6 weeks of use. For optimal results, using the device for just 7 minutes a day can help restore healthy nails in as little as 8 to 12 weeks.

    Can Welnax BioClear be used on other types of fungal infections?

    Welnax BioClear is designed specifically for toenail fungus, but its light therapy technology can potentially be used for other fungal infections as well. However, it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using it for other types of fungal conditions.

    Does Welnax BioClear have any side effects?

    No, Welnax BioClear does not have any known side effects. Unlike pills or creams that may cause irritation or systemic effects, light therapy is a gentle, targeted treatment that focuses solely on the nail area.

    How long will I need to use Welnax BioClear?

    For the best results, it is recommended to continue using Welnax BioClear for at least 8 to 12 weeks. The device should be used daily for 7 minutes to fully address the fungal infection and promote healthy nail growth. Many users experience lasting improvements after consistent use.

    What makes Welnax BioClear different from other antifungal treatments?

    Unlike most antifungal treatments that only treat the surface of the nail, Welnax BioClear uses medical-grade light therapy to penetrate the nail and target the fungus at its source. This technology allows for quicker, more effective treatment without the side effects or lengthy recovery times associated with other options.

    Final Wrap on Welnax BioClear Reviews

    Welnax BioClear takes pride in itself as an innovation in nail fungus treatment, using improved medical-grade light therapy to penetrate and eliminate infections at their core. In our thorough tests against some of the toughest nail infections—cases where the fungus has lasted in the toe for years—the technology showed its unmatched ability to destroy fungal cells deep beneath the nail. Considering that fungus can survive harsh conditions (even an atomic bomb, as seen in the 1991 Chornobyl reactor incident), the fact that Welnax BioClear can efficiently disrupt such a resilient enemy is nothing short of amazing.

    Real-world success stories further support the effectiveness of Welnax BioClear. Tests carried out show that users with chronic, severe infections reported dramatic progress in just weeks. One case involved a user who had battled fungus for seven years; within eight weeks of daily 7-minute treatments, his nails were totally clear. Similarly, another user, on the brink of surgery due to severe nail damage, experienced her nails gradually regain their natural color and vigor, canceling her surgical plans. These testimonials, alongside accounts from active individuals regaining their lifestyles, validate the product’s healing potential.

    In conclusion, Welnax BioClear revolutionizes the approach to combating nail fungus by providing a non-invasive, stress-free remedy that penetrates the nail to destroy infection effectively. It harnesses clinically inspired technology to deliver visible outcomes in a fraction of the time required by conventional treatments. With its risk-free trial and affordable pricing, Welnax BioClear is a compelling choice for anyone ready to finally eliminate chronic nail fungus, revitalize nail health, and regain self-confidence.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    Media Contact:
    Contact Person: Francesca Potts
    Brand website: https://www.welnax.com/
    Email – francesca@welnax.com
    Company name: Welnax

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