NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chair of the NATO Military Committee visits Albania

    Source: NATO

    On Wednesday 9th April, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee (CMC), Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, visited Albania and met with the highest political and military leadership. Admiral Cavo Dragone’s visit followed the 16th anniversary of the country joining the Alliance. He also delivered a lecture to the Defence Security College in Tirana.

    CMC met with the Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, where the discussions focused on Albania’s valuable contribution to Alliance’s shared security. CMC took the opportunity to praise Albania for “its steadfast contribution to NATO’s multinational forces in Latvia and Bulgaria, to NATO’s KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, and to NATO’s mission in Iraq.” CMC highlighted that Albania has continuously expanded its role within the Alliance, increased its contributions, and trained officers and NCOs capable of operating in multinational environments.

    Afterwards, Admiral Cavo Dragone met with Minister of Defence Pirro Vengu. CMC welcomed Albania’s efforts to invest more in defence and its continued support for Ukraine, including pledges of humanitarian and military aid.

    During his visit, the CMC met with President Bajram Begaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama. The conversations revolved around Albania’s commitment to invest more in defence, its engagement to promoting stability and cooperation across the Western Balkans; a region of strategic importance to NATO. Preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague were also discussed.

    Speaking at the Defence Security College in Tirana, Admiral Cavo Dragone also thanked Albania for its politico-military role in NATO: “The Alliance needs leaders capable of taking difficult, but bold decisions in challenging times” and “Albania is no stranger to this kind of leadership.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Correction: Information Relating to the Total Number of Voting Rights and Shares Forming the Share Capital

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bernin, on April 9, 2025

    INFORMATION RELATING TO THE TOTAL NUMBER
    OF VOTING RIGHTS AND SHARES
    FORMING THE SHARE CAPITAL

    (Article L. 233-8 II of the French Commercial Code 
    and article 223-16 of the General Regulation of the French financial markets authority (AMF))

    This declaration cancels and replaces the previous one dated April 4, 2025

    Corporate name and address of the company: SOITEC
    Parc Technologique des Fontaines – Chemin des Franques
    38190 Bernin (FRANCE)

    Statement date Total number of shares forming the share capital Total number of voting rights
    03/31/2025 35,726,462(1) Number of theoretical (gross) voting rights (2): 45,641,575
    Number of exercisable (net) voting rights (3): 45,567,342
    1. 35,726,462 ordinary shares of €2.00 par value each, listed on the Euronext Paris regulated market under ISIN code FR0013227113 and the mnemonic “SOI”.
    1. The total number of theoretical voting rights (or “gross” voting rights) is used as the basis for calculating the crossing of shareholding thresholds. In accordance with article 223-11 of the General Regulation of the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers – AMF), this number is calculated on the basis of all shares to which single or double voting rights are attached, including shares without voting rights (for example, treasury shares, liquidity contract, etc.).
    1. The total number of exercisable voting rights (or “net” voting rights) is calculated after taking into account the number of shares entitled to double voting rights, and after deduction of the shares without voting rights (for example, treasury shares, liquidity contract, etc.).

    #  #  #

    About Soitec

    Soitec (Euronext – Tech Leaders), a world leader in innovative semiconductor materials, has been developing cutting-edge products delivering both technological performance and energy efficiency for over 30 years. From its global headquarters in France, Soitec is expanding internationally with its unique solutions, and generated sales of 1 billion Euros in fiscal year 2023-2024. Soitec occupies a key position in the semiconductor value chain, serving three main strategic markets: Mobile Communications, Automotive and Industrial, and Edge and Cloud AI. The company relies on the talent and diversity of its 2,300 employees, representing 50 different nationalities, working at its sites in Europe, the United States and Asia. Soitec has registered over 4,000 patents.
    Soitec, SmartSiC™ and Smart Cut™ are registered trademarks of Soitec.

    For more information visit our Website and follow us on LinkedIn and X 

    #  #  #

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: We cannot achieve sustainable development by leaving young people out of conversations: UK National Statement at the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    We cannot achieve sustainable development by leaving young people out of conversations: UK National Statement at the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development

    Statement by the UK Youth Delegate, at CPD 58.

    Thank you Chair, Excellencies.  

    The United Kingdom remains committed to the Sustainable Development Goals and to working towards a world where every pregnancy is safe, where every child lives a healthy life, and where all people are empowered to make decisions about their bodies and their futures.  

    I celebrate that we are here today. 

    And I am proud to be here as a young woman from the UK, as part of the many youth delegates working alongside with their governments to create solutions and push for change. 

    I am encouraged by the participation of the young people here because we are making our voices and our needs heard. 

    We cannot achieve sustainable development by leaving young people out of conversations and decision-making that directly impacts us.  

    Today, I want to talk directly to you about the key issues young people are met with around the world. 

    Sadly, on every continent, including in Europe, groups that are hell-bent on rolling back rights and denying women and adolescents’ choices are sowing the seeds of division.   

    Women and girls are being met with barriers that keep them out of school, trapped in poverty cycles and in harmful relationships.  

    Adolescence is a critical time for young people’s health and development. 

    However, instead of getting the support they need, they are particularly at risk with girls being exposed to harmful practices, including child marriage and female genital mutilation. 

    Adolescent mothers and their children bear increased risk of poor health outcomes but often face additional barriers to accessing quality support and services.  

    Restrictive laws and policies, parental or partner control, limited knowledge, distance and cost, all stop adolescents from getting the care they need to grow and develop in good health.     

    I’d like to also recognise the women and girls that are being left behind in humanitarian crises, dying unnecessarily in pregnancy, left unprotected and at a high risk of violence, and suffering the indignity of being unable to manage their period.   

    But what I’d like to say is that it does not have to be this way. 

    By strengthening health systems and improving the provision of quality and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights, including access to safe abortion and comprehensive sexuality education even in times of crisis, girls will have greater opportunities to access and thrive in their education. 

    Both boys and girls should learn about their rights, respectful relationships, safe sex, and how to stop violence before it begins. 

    Young people can take control over their bodies and their futures and make informed choices in all aspects of their lives.   

    Girls around the globe are already leading the way as changemakers, advocates and leaders. 

    The evidence is clear that when women, girls and other marginalised groups are empowered, they lift up whole families, communities and economies. 

    As recently said by the UN Secretary-General, when all girls can rise, we all thrive.   

    It is vital that we all work together, including with men and boys, to break the stigma and attitudes that hold women and girls back. 

    Each and every one of us here has our own powerful part to play, and together, we can really make a difference.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Trust-Building ‘Fundamental to Fostering Stable, Prosperous Future for All Communities in Kosovo’, Special Representative Tells Security Council

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Several Members Debate Future of UN Mission, Urge European Union Maintain Objective, Neutral Position between Pristina, Belgrade

    The Security Council met today to consider the role of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, with some members advocating for its restructuring or gradual drawdown, while others emphasized its ongoing relevance in supporting regional stability and facilitating dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

    “Trust-building remains fundamental to fostering a stable and prosperous future for all communities in Kosovo,” said Caroline Ziadeh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), as she introduced the Secretary-General’s latest report on the Mission (document S/2025/200) covering developments from 16 September 2024 to 15 March 2025.

    UNMIK was established in 1999 through Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) to provide an interim civilian administration, following a brutal conflict in the Western Balkans and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) military intervention.  It now primarily focuses on political monitoring, facilitating intercommunal dialogue and regularly reporting to the Council, particularly on issues affecting peace and stability.

    “Despite the continued challenges which reflect a sense of lack of confidence in institutions and concerns over intercommunal relations, UNMIK stands steadfast in its commitment to bridging divides,” the Special Representative said, detailing the Mission’s initiatives to promote interethnic dialogue and countering divisive narratives to “address the trust deficit”, including the Barabar Centre, which hosted more than 100 events.

    She welcomed the peaceful holding of a recent election in Kosovo, expressing hope for the timely formation of the next Government.  However, she went on to voice concern about the closures of Serbia-run institutions there, and the consequences they are having on economic and social rights, especially for persons in vulnerable situations.  “UNMIK will continue to closely monitor their impacts,” she said, reiterating her call to refrain from unilateral actions and urge outstanding issues to be discussed constructively and in good faith within the European Union-facilitated dialogue.

    She also voiced alarm over the destruction of religious symbols, most recently an attack on the Serbian Orthodox Church, as well as violence and security incidents in northern Kosovo.

    Serbia, Kosovo Trade Accusations

    Marko Đjurić, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, underscored the need to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of internationally recognized States, including his own.  “I believe that today — whether we want to admit it or not — we are all aware of the consequences of the precedent set in 2008 by the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo,” he said, noting that — since 2008, “we have seen an increasing number of situations questioning statuses of various regions, provinces, territories of sovereign countries, members of this Organization”.  He added: “In fact, in the aftermath of the Kosovo precedent, this very Security Council has been overwhelmed with dealing with the consequences thereof.”

    He then turned to Pristina’s actions to “systematically dismantle institutions of Serbs throughout Kosovo and Metohija”; to hold elections in which conditions for Serb participation “were anything but free or fair”; and to initiate a “widespread campaign of persecution against prominent Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija for their participation in protests in late 2022”.  He underscored:  “What [Albin] Kurti is doing to the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija is not an act of care for citizens — it is targeted, deliberate and systematic ethnic revanchism.” He added that, while Serbia will always support dialogue, “we must not forget that the ‘di’ in ‘dialogue’ stands for participation of two sides”.  Against these backdrops, “UNMIK’s role is not only relevant, it is indispensable”, he stressed.

    Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz of Kosovo then recalled the NATO intervention on 24 March 1999 “to stop a genocide in Europe”.  Now, 26 years later, she said that “the republic of Kosova is a true example of how international intervention against genocide, with sustained international support, has enabled the flourishing of a full European and Western democracy”. However, she said that “Serbia has not changed very much — it continues trying to destabilize our democracy”.  It does this not only through rhetoric, but concrete, violent actions.  On that, she spotlighted an armed incursion in 2023 led by Milan Radoičić — “a man publicly known to be linked to Serbia’s political leadership”.

    This, she stressed, was an “act of open aggression against a neighbouring country, carried out by a military group with military training, equipment and logistics from Serbia”.  She also pointed to the November 2024 use of “military-grade explosives” against the Ibër-Lepenc canal.  “The objective was unmistakable, designed to terrorize our population, disrupt daily life and cause widespread harm,” she stressed.  Calling on Serbia to fully cooperate with international investigations and hand over Mr. Radoičić, she also called on UNMIK to “finally address the reality on the ground:  Serbia’s current regime continues to undermine peace — not only in Kosova, but throughout the region”.  She added that — given the current state of Kosova’s development — “UNMIK no longer serves a purpose that justifies its continued presence”.

    European Union’s Role

    “The future of the Western Balkans is in our European Union,” said the bloc’s representative, speaking in his capacity as observer, welcoming that Belgrade and Pristina reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue facilitated by the Union and the process of normalizing their relations — essential conditions for the parties to join the European Union.  He urged both sides not to risk losing this opportunity.

    However, the Russian Federation’s delegate questioned the European Union’s role as an “honest broker”.  Brussels ignores the tragedy of anti-Serb ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and encourages Pristina to continue oppressing the Serbian population. “The [European Union] mediation has completely failed,” he said, also warning against continued deliveries of military products to Kosovo from NATO countries in violation of resolution 1244 (1999).  “Given the lack of progress in the settlement, the international community’s attention to Kosovo should not wane,” he said, rejecting any attempt to reduce the frequency or changing the format, of Council meetings on Kosovo.  He also opposed reducing UNMIK’s budget and personnel.

    China’s delegate also called on the European Union to maintain an objective, neutral position, underscoring the need for the United Nations and the Security Council to maintain their attention on the Kosovo issue and respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Serbia.  Greece’s delegate supported the continuation of UNMIK’s mandate “as necessary”, arguing that its coordination with the NATO-led peacekeeping force and the European Union rule of law mission in Kosovo is vital for achieving long-lasting peace and stability in the region.  Similarly, Panama’s representative said that UNMIK and the European missions on the ground remain crucial for progress towards peacebuilding in the region.

    The representative of France, Council President for April, spoke in his national capacity to state that the Mission’s mandate is “linked to the normalization of Serbia and Kosovo”.  He therefore expressed support for the Mission’s extension.

    Calls to Draw Down UN Kosovo Mission

    However, “the time to draw down UNMIK has arrived”, the representative of the United States said, recommending that the Mission transfer its functions to other UN agencies on the ground so the process towards ultimately terminating the Mission is deliberate and gradual, rather than sudden.  Washington, D.C., is committed to rooting out unnecessary spending in international organizations.  “UNMIK is a peacekeeping mission without peacekeepers, with 81 per cent of its budget going to staff salaries,” he pointed out.  Future meetings on UNMIK should be held in a closed format to foster a more candid and less performative discussion.  These briefings should be further reduced to annual meetings, he added.

    The United Kingdom is “a long-standing friend of Kosovo”, said its representative, expressing its support for Kosovo’s statehood, Euro-Atlantic aspirations and an inclusive and multiethnic democracy.  Welcoming Kenya’s recent recognition of Kosovo, he encouraged other States to do so if they haven’t.  With conditions on the ground that existed in 1999 now unrecognizable, “it is time for the Council to review UNMIK’s role and responsibilities to ensure it can continue to effectively support security, stability and human rights in Kosovo in a way that reflects the world of 2025”, he added.  On that, the Republic of Korea’s delegate said that a “more streamlined division of roles” between UNMIK and partners “could enhance overall effectiveness”.

    The representative of Denmark said that 10,000 Danish soldiers have served in Kosovo since 1999.  She also emphasized that Denmark was among the first countries to recognize Kosovo as an independent State, adding:  “We fully support its European path and integration in the international system.”  Concurring, the representative of Sierra Leone stated that accession to the European Union is the “most viable route” for Kosovo’s development.

    The representative of Slovenia welcomed the “peaceful, competitive and inclusive” parliamentary elections held in Kosovo in February as a “positive step forward in strengthening Kosovo’s democratic credentials”. He also highlighted the role of youth: “If for no one else, it is for Kosovo’s youth that things need to start moving forward.”  The representative of Guyana welcomed a new election law designed to promote transparency and greater representation for women, but expressed concern over “reports of harsh rhetoric — including hate speech — and attempts to politicize key institutions”.

    Caution against Unilateral Actions

    The representative of Algeria underscored:  “Maintaining peace and security in Kosovo is critical to avoid any escalation of tensions.”  It is therefore important, he stressed, to refrain from any steps that could lead to escalation — “including unilateral actions that affect the socioeconomic situation of non-majority communities”.  Pakistan’s delegate welcomed the European Union’s continued efforts to facilitate dialogue, calling on Belgrade and Pristina to “demonstrate their sincere commitment to the political process”, fulfil their obligations under relevant agreements and “refrain from unilateral actions that could escalate tensions”.

    “Lasting stability requires not only patience and sustained commitment but also the wisdom to choose diplomatic engagement over unilateral measures,” stressed Somalia’s representative.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ageas publishes its 2024 reports

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Ageas publishes its 2024 reports

    Ageas has today released its 2024 Annual Reporting, including the Report of the Board of Directors, the Ageas Consolidated Financial Statements, and the 2024 Statutory Accounts of ageas SA/NV. The reporting was prepared for the first time in accordance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the associated European Sustainability Reporting Standards.

    The reports as well as additional information on the Group’s 2024 performance, highlighting the accomplishments of Ageas’s businesses and expanding on the conclusion of its strategic plan Impact24 are available on the Ageas website: ageas.com/en/annual-report-2024

    The annual results for 2024 were published on February 27, 2025.

    Ageas is a listed international insurance Group with a heritage spanning 200 years. It offers Retail and Business customers Life and Non-Life insurance products designed to suit their specific needs, today and tomorrow. As one of Europe’s larger insurance companies, Ageas concentrates its activities in Europe and Asia, which together make up the major part of the global insurance market. It operates successful insurance businesses in Belgium, the UK, Portugal, Türkiye, China, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, and the Philippines through a combination of wholly owned subsidiaries and long term partnerships with strong financial institutions and key distributors. Ageas ranks among the market leaders in the countries in which it operates. It represents a staff force of about 50,000 people and reported annual inflows of more than EUR 18.5 billion in 2024.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SCOR successfully sponsors a new catastrophe bond, Atlas Capital DAC Series 2025-1

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release
    09 April 2025 – N° 07

    SCOR successfully sponsors a new catastrophe bond, Atlas Capital DAC Series 2025-1

    SCOR has successfully sponsored a new catastrophe bond (“cat bond”), Atlas Capital DAC Series 2025-1, which will provide the Group with multi-year risk transfer capacity of USD 240 million to protect itself against named storms in the US and the Caribbean, earthquakes in the US and Canada, and European windstorms. The risk period for Atlas Capital DAC Series 2025-1 will run from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2028. The transaction has received the approval of the Irish regulatory authorities. The cat bond offering integrates ESG-related considerations to support investors’ due diligence.

    The cat bond was priced on 3 April 2025 with an interest spread of 7.25% and was issued on 9 April 2025. Atlas Capital DAC Series 2025-1 was well received and benefited from high investor demand. GC Securities1 acted as Sole Structuring Agent and Sole Bookrunner for the deal. Willkie Farr and Walkers advised SCOR as legal counsels.

    Atlas Capital DAC Series 2025-1 is an aggregate, index-based trigger cat bond issued by Atlas Capital DAC, a multi-arrangement special purpose vehicle approved in Ireland under Solvency II. This vehicle was created in 2023 for the Series 2023-1 cat bond issuance, and it may be utilized by the Group to sponsor cat bonds covering various perils in both L&H and P&C. The benefits of this vehicle were again visible this year, as it allowed for a fast and cost-effective issuance process. In particular, the transaction was offered to investors around two months in advance of the start of the risk period, allowing SCOR to benefit from the currently favorable conditions in the cat bond market.

    The size of the Series 2025-1 issuance is in line with the Group’s cat exposures and with its retrocession strategy under the Forward 2026 strategic plan, which identifies risk partnerships – including capital market solutions like cat bonds – as one of the Group’s levers for value creation.

    François de Varenne, Group CFO and Deputy CEO of SCOR, comments: “SCOR is pleased to sponsor a new cat bond this year, securing multi-year protection against peak natural perils from the ILS market at favorable pricing conditions. SCOR has been a regular sponsor of cat bonds over the last 25 years, and we are delighted by the strong and continued investor demand, as cat bonds remain an integral part of our risk partnerships strategy under the Forward 2026 plan. We are also very pleased with the efficiency gains made by reusing Atlas Capital DAC for a third year.”

    *

    *            *

    SCOR, a leading global reinsurer

    As a leading global reinsurer, SCOR offers its clients a diversified and innovative range of reinsurance and insurance solutions and services to control and manage risk. Applying “The Art & Science of Risk”, SCOR uses its industry-recognized expertise and cutting-edge financial solutions to serve its clients and contribute to the welfare and resilience of society.

    The Group generated premiums of EUR 20.1 billion in 2024 and serves clients in more than 150 countries from its 37 offices worldwide.

    For more information, visit: www.scor.com

    		 Media Relations
    Alexandre Garcia
    media@scor.com

    Investor Relations

    Thomas Fossard
    InvestorRelations@scor.com

    Follow us on LinkedIn
     

    All content published by the SCOR group since January 1, 2024, is certified with Wiztrust. You can check the authenticity of this content at wiztrust.com.

    Forward-looking statements

    This press release may include forward-looking statements, assumptions, and information about SCOR’s financial condition, results, business, strategy, plans and objectives, including in relation to SCOR’s current or future projects.

    These statements are sometimes identified by the use of the future tense or conditional mode, or terms such as “estimate”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “have the objective”, “intend to”, “plan”, “result in”, “should”, and other similar expressions.

    It should be noted that the achievement of these objectives, forward-looking statements, assumptions and information is dependent on circumstances and facts that arise in the future.

    No guarantee can be given regarding the achievement of these forward-looking statements, assumptions and information. These forward-looking statements, assumptions and information are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements, assumptions and information (including on objectives) may be impacted by known or unknown risks, identified or unidentified uncertainties and other factors that may significantly alter the future results, performance and accomplishments planned or expected by SCOR.

    In particular, it should be noted that the full impact of the inflation and geopolitical risks including but not limited to the Russian invasion and war in Ukraine on SCOR’s business and results cannot be accurately assessed.

    Therefore, any assessments, any assumptions and, more generally, any figures presented in this press release will necessarily be estimates based on evolving analyses, and encompass a wide range of theoretical hypotheses, which are highly evolutive.

    These points of attention on forward-looking statements are all the more essential that the adoption of IFRS 17, which is a new accounting standard, results in significant accounting changes for SCOR.

    Information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect SCOR’s business is set forth in the 2024 Universal Registration Document filed on 20 March 2025, under number D.25-0124 with the French Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) posted on SCOR’s website www.scor.com.

    In addition, such forward-looking statements, assumptions and information are not “profit forecasts” within the meaning of Article 1 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/980.

    SCOR has no intention and does not undertake to complete, update, revise or change these forward-looking statements, assumptions and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Disclaimer

    This communication does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to sell or issue or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for the securities mentioned herein in any jurisdiction. The securities mentioned herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act, and may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Atlas Capital DAC and the securities mentioned are not and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

    Rule 144A offerings are offerings of securities conducted on a private placement basis for the purposes of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and that limit initial distribution and secondary sales of the securities to entities that are Qualified Institutional Buyers as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The offering of securities in a Rule 144A offering does not require registration of the issuer or the securities with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission.

    Catastrophe bond transactions provide sponsoring insurers and reinsurers protection against catastrophe risks through the release to the sponsor of a portion or the whole principal amount upon the occurrence of pre-defined events (namely triggers). Triggers can be determined in different ways: an industry loss trigger provides for payment once the losses to the industry generated by specific natural events (typically) are higher than a certain specified amount provided for in the terms of the transaction.

    1 GC Securities is a division of MMC Securities LLC, a US registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/NFA/SIPC.

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  • MIL-OSI: Coface SA: Combined Shareholders’ Meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 02.00pm

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COFACE SA: Combined Shareholders’ Meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2025
    at 02.00pm

    Paris, April 9, 2025 – 17.45

    COFACE SA’s shareholders are hereby informed that the Combined Shareholders’ Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 02.00pm at the Group’s headquarters and registered office:

    1 Place Costes et Bellonte

    92270 Bois-Colombes – France

    The notice of meeting containing the agenda and draft resolutions was published in the Bulletin des Annonces Légales Obligatoires (French Bulletin of Mandatory Legal Notices – BALO) No.42 on 7 April 2025 (announcement No. 2500820).

    Shareholders may attend the meeting regardless of the number of shares they own, under the conditions described in the notice of meeting.

    We advise the shareholders to:

    • To vote on the resolutions by post or online, using either the postal voting form or the Votaccess platform. They can also appoint the Chairman of the Shareholders’ Meeting to represent them.
    • To submit written questions by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt at: COFACE SA, for the attention of the Investors Relations department, 1 place Costes et Bellonte, 92270 Bois-Colombes, France or electronically to the following address: investors@coface.com on May 8, 2025, at the latest. To be taken into account, these questions must be accompanied by a book-entry certificate justifying the share ownership.

    All documents that must be disclosed for this Shareholders’ Meeting will be available to the shareholders, within the legal deadlines, on COFACE SA institutional website (www.coface.com) and more precisely under “Investors/General Assembly” (https://www.coface.com/investors/regulated-information/documents-relating-to-the-general-assembly)

    CONTACTS

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

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

    FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2025
    (subject to change)

    Q1-2025 results: 5 May 2025 (after market close)
    Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting: 14 May 2025
    H1-2025 results: 31 July 2025 (after market close)
    9M-2025 results: 3 November 2025 (after market close)

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

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

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

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

    www.coface.com

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

    DISCLAIMER – Certain declarations featured in this press release may contain forecasts that notably relate to future events, trends, projects or targets. By nature, these forecasts include identified or unidentified risks and uncertainties, and may be affected by many factors likely to give rise to a significant discrepancy between the real results and those stated in these declarations. Please refer to chapter 5 “Main risk factors and their management within the Group” of the Coface Group’s 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with AMF on 3 April 2025 under the number D.25-0227 in order to obtain a description of certain major factors, risks and uncertainties likely to influence the Coface Group’s businesses. The Coface Group disclaims any intention or obligation to publish an update of these forecasts, or provide new information on future events or any other circumstance.

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  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini expands strategic partnership with Google Cloud to revolutionize CX across industries with agentic AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Mollie Mellows
    Tel.: + 44 (0) 7342 709384
    E-mail: mollie.mellows@capgemini.com

    Capgemini expands strategic partnership with Google Cloud to revolutionize CX across industries with agentic AI

    Paris, April 9, 2025 – Capgemini today announced a strategic agentic AI initiative with Google Cloud to transform customer experience (CX) into a key value driver for clients. Building on its existing partnership, Capgemini will create industry-specific agentic AI solutions designed to handle customer requests across all communication channels (web, social, phone etc.) and improve employee productivity. Underpinned by Google Cloud’s AI technology, Capgemini will develop bespoke solutions designed to enhance customer services with intelligent automation and deep customer insights, enabling organizations to deliver more personalized, efficient, and effective CX to elevate brand perception, increase loyalty, and drive revenue growth. 

    A recent report by the Capgemini Research Institute found that although customer service is considered strategically important, less than half of organizations feel prepared to integrate AI and generative AI into the function.1 Recognized as the Global Industry Solution Partner of the Year 2025 by Google Cloud, Capgemini will combine its deep industry expertise and technical capabilities to develop solutions powered by Google Agentspace and Customer Engagement Suite with Google AI. This will accelerate adoption of secure, trusted agentic AI capabilities that are interoperable with a client’s existing technology infrastructure and can support a variety of industry and regulatory needs. The agentic AI solutions will be designed to significantly optimize business processes and unlock commercial value by enhancing organizations’ own search capabilities, automating complex workflows, as well as understanding and proactively anticipating customer needs.

    “Capgemini is entering the next phase of its strategic partnership with Google Cloud and this new collaboration focuses on driving revenue for our clients by elevating customer service to a strategic value driver in industries where CX is paramount,” said Fernando Alvarez, Chief Strategy and Development Officer and Group Executive Board Member at Capgemini. “The customer service function is undergoing a transformative shift as business leaders increasingly recognize its importance in unlocking commercial potential. Agentic systems can play a key role in this, and the future of customer service will require a strategic blend of human and virtual agents, enhanced by generative and agentic AI. By understanding the potential of agentic AI and the business realities of our clients, we’re expertly placed to maximize its value and deliver genuine impact.”

    “Businesses require a combination of technical expertise and advanced technology to fully realize the benefits of agentic AI within their current IT infrastructure. Through Agentspace and our new Agent2Agent interoperability protocol, our partnership with Capgemini will provide clients with AI solutions that drive long-term value across industries,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, President, Global Partner Organization, Google Cloud.

    Primarily focused on telco, retail, and financial services, the partnership is intended to expand into further industries such as life sciences and utilities, with a goal of accelerating business outcomes by enabling customer services transformation. This includes areas such as:

    • Improving productivity in telco: New solutions to optimize call routing and resolution in contact centers by leveraging conversational AI to improve intent and understanding, increase call containment and assist agents. Organizations can benefit from reduced handling time and improved first-call resolution rates, while human agents are freed-up to focus on higher value tasks. Capgemini’s research finds that around 9 in 10 organizations using gen AI are already seeing improved first contact resolution rates or expecting to see this benefit in the future.1
    • Personalizing CX in retail: AI agents to help better personalize shopping experiences by using AI to analyze customer data and provide tailored product recommendations, promotions, and support interactions across all channels (online, in-store, mobile). 
    • Enhancing security in financial services Using Google Cloud’s AI, financial services clients can improve risk assessment and fraud detection with agents that analyze customer transactions and identify suspicious patterns, improving security and regulatory compliance.

    Google Cloud’s new Agent2Agent interoperability protocol will enable AI agents to successfully communicate with one another, safely exchange information, and coordinate actions no matter which platform they are running on or built on top of. As agentic AI becomes more widely adopted, this protocol will ensure agent functionality across diverse and separate data sources and applications.

    Google Cloud recognizes Capgemini as a trusted partner for driving clients’ large-scale transformation, with the company winning three Google Cloud Partner of the Year awards in 2025. The awards celebrate Capgemini’s expertise in creating compelling solutions that make an impact for joint clients worldwide:

    • Global Industry Solutions Partner of the Year
    • Global Industry Solutions Partner of the Year for Sustainability
    • Country Partner of the Year in Denmark

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    1 “Unleashing the value of customer service: The transformative impact of Gen AI and Agentic AI”, Capgemini Research Institute, March 2025

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Solix Raises $29.5M to Revolutionize Decentralized Internet Infrastructure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MUNICH, Germany, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solix DePIN, a pioneer in decentralized physical infrastructure networks, has secured $29.5 million in funding from Eclip Foundation. This investment will accelerate the development of Solix’s groundbreaking MODEL CONTEXT PROTOCOL (MCP) technology, which enables intelligent bandwidth sharing without affecting users’ internet experience.

    Founded with the mission to transform how internet bandwidth is shared and monetized, Solix has created a platform where users can contribute their unused bandwidth and earn rewards through a simple browser extension. This approach addresses critical challenges in today’s internet landscape, including bandwidth inequality and inefficient resource allocation.

    “We designed Solix with simplicity and accessibility as core principles,” said David Rodriguez, CEO of Solix DePIN. “By removing technical barriers to entry, we’re enabling anyone with an internet connection to participate in the decentralized economy and be rewarded for sharing resources they already have.”

    The MODEL CONTEXT PROTOCOL at the heart of Solix’s technology represents a significant advancement in the DePIN space. This innovative protocol connects AI models to real-time contextual data about internet usage, allowing for dynamic, intelligent decision-making on bandwidth allocation. Unlike traditional bandwidth sharing solutions that operate on fixed rules, MCP ensures that users’ internet experience remains uncompromised.

    Our MODEL CONTEXT PROTOCOL implementation is what truly sets Solix apart in the DePIN ecosystem,” explained Emily Richardson, Chief Technology Officer at Solix. “MCP allows for sophisticated real-time analysis of bandwidth availability, creating an optimal balance between sharing resources and maintaining exceptional user experience.”

    The company’s user-friendly approach has driven impressive adoption metrics. Solix currently boasts over 100,000 active users across more than 63 countries, processing approximately 275 TB of data daily. These figures demonstrate both the robust infrastructure and growing demand for decentralized bandwidth solutions.

    Eclip Foundation, known for backing transformative Web3 technologies, recognized Solix’s potential to reshape internet resource distribution. “Solix represents exactly the kind of innovation we aim to support – solutions that combine technical excellence with practical utility and broad market potential,” said James Wilson, Managing Partner at Eclip Foundation.

    The $29.5 million investment will fund several key initiatives on Solix’s roadmap. These include enhancing the core technology, expanding global reach, and introducing advanced features such as smart bandwidth allocation and AI-powered network optimization. The company also plans to establish strategic partnerships with cloud service providers and content delivery networks to create broader use cases for its decentralized bandwidth marketplace.

    As internet bandwidth demands continue to grow exponentially with the rise of AI, streaming services, and IoT devices, Solix’s decentralized approach offers a scalable and sustainable alternative to traditional bandwidth provisioning. The platform’s ability to dynamically adjust to network demands ensures optimal performance while maximizing rewards for contributors.

    Participating in the Solix network is straightforward – users simply download and activate the Solix browser extension. Once running, the extension intelligently allocates a portion of the user’s unused bandwidth to the network, automatically earning them SLIX Points for their contribution.

    With this significant funding round, Solix is positioned to lead the next wave of innovation in decentralized infrastructure, creating a more accessible, efficient, and equitable internet experience for users worldwide.

    About Solix DePIN

    Solix DePIN is a decentralized physical infrastructure network enabling users to share and monetize their excess bandwidth. As the first DePIN project implementing MODEL CONTEXT PROTOCOL (MCP), Solix creates a more accessible, efficient, and equitable internet experience. Solix is committed to building a user-centric sharing economy for digital resources.

    Media Contact:
    Company Name: Solix DePIN
    Contact Person: Leo Bennett
    Email: business@solixdepin.net  
    Twitter: https://x.com/solix_depin
    Discord: https://discord.gg/solixdepin
    Website: https://solixdepin.net

    SOURCE: Solix DePIN

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cfefada4-59af-416a-9bbf-1083025c7ea3

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/06e89a86-bc69-45c0-a3d1-314d8316a81c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dbca1a80-0529-4b74-871d-a2d35ba8a2d0

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Changing the Eurocentric narrative about the history of science – why multiculturalism matters

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Karen K. Christensen-Dalsgaard, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, MacEwan University

    An illustration by the medieval Islamic scholar Abu Rayhan al-Biruni depicting the phases of the moon in relation to the Sun. (Wikimedia Commons)
    The medieval Islamic mathematician, astronomer and physicist Ibn al Haytham (965 – c. 1040) lived in Cairo, Egypt, during the Islamic golden Age and is considered the father of optics.
    (Wikimedia Commons), CC BY

    In the 11th century in Cairo, the foundations for modern science were laid through the detention of an innocent man.

    The mathematician Abu Ali al-Hasan Ibn al-Haytham had been tasked with regulating the flow of the Nile, but when he saw the river that had shaped 4,000 years of human civilization, the hubris of the task became all too obvious.

    To avoid the wrath of the Fatimid caliph in Egypt, Ibn al-Haytham supposedly feigned madness and was placed under house arrest, giving him time to focus on optics.

    In doing so, he developed a scientific method based on controlled, reproducible experiments and mathematics. This would not only change humanity’s understanding of optics and how our eyes actually see, but also later lay the foundations for empirical science in Europe.

    When I started teaching the history of biology, the importance of this pivotal period of scientific history was often diminished in western analysis of science history. Studying the contributions of non-western scholars has shown me what history can teach us about the value of multiculturalism.

    A video from The Smithsonian explaining Ibn al-Haytham’s experiments with light.



    Read more:
    Explainer: what Western civilisation owes to Islamic cultures

    A Eurocentric version of history

    The story typically told in the West is that science was invented in ancient Greece and then, following close to a millennium of intellectual darkness, developed in Western Europe over the past 500 years.

    Other cultures might have contributed a clever trick here or there, like inventing paper or creating our modern number system, but science as we know it was developed almost entirely by white men. As such it becomes a story of superiority, one that demands gratitude.

    The scars of this way of thinking are all over our geopolitical landscape. It shapes how many western leaders interact with other cultures, apparently entitling them to share their intellectual authority without needing to listen to others. It is a mindset that belittles other civilizations and led to centuries of colonial violence.

    This Eurocentric version of scientific history omits some of the most important events that shaped modern thinking. Science was not developed so much by individuals but by a highly complex global process that brought together ideas, lived experiences and approaches from all major civilizations.

    The Plimpton 322 clay tablet, with each row of the table relating to a Pythagorean triple, is believed to have been written in Babylonia around 1800 BCE, around 1,000 years before the Greek mathematician Pythagoras was born.
    (Wikimedia Commons)



    Read more:
    What was the first thing scientists discovered? A historian makes the case for Babylonian astronomy

    Ancient Greek scholarship, for instance, was indeed instrumental in developing science, but it was not inherently western. The Greek empire spanned much of the Mediterranean region and the Black Sea. Scholars travelled extensively, and the centres of scholarship drifted over time from Ionia in present-day Turkey, for example, to Athens to Alexandria in Egypt.

    Greek natural philosophy was influenced by the mathematical and astronomical achievements of the Babylonians and the medical traditions of the Egyptians. Later, Alexandrian scholars made great advances in human anatomy when they overcame the Greek aversion to dissections, likely because of Egyptian influences. Natural philosophy was born from the merger of these scholarly traditions.



    Read more:
    Why are algorithms called algorithms? A brief history of the Persian polymath you’ve likely never heard of

    Importance of testing ideas

    Similarly, Ibn al-Haytham was one of thousands of scholars who, during the golden age of Islam, were engaged in the immense task of translating, combining and developing the world’s knowledge into great encyclopedic texts. They admired Indian and Chinese scholarship and technology but revered the ancient Greeks.

    While the Greeks had an impressive greatness of mind, they had largely shunned the idea of experiments and believed that developing instruments was the job of slaves.

    Many Arab scholars, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of experimentally testing ideas and developed scientific and surgical instruments that allowed for significant advances.

    The opening page from Ibn Sina’s Canon of Medicine.
    (Yale University Medical Historical Library)

    Arguably, Arab scholars built the foundations for modern science by developing a method for controlled experimentation and applying it to Greek scholarship combined with knowledge and technologies from all accessible parts of the world.

    Later, Latin translations of the Arabic texts would allow science to grow in the West from the intellectual ashes of medieval Catholicism. Texts like Ibn Sina’s Qānūn fī al-ṭibb (Canon of medicine) would become standard textbooks throughout Europe for hundreds of years.

    Ibn Al-Haytham inspired scholars like Roger Bacon to work toward European implementation of the scientific method. This would ultimately lead to Europe’s scientific revolution.



    Read more:
    Avicenna: the Persian polymath who shaped modern science, medicine and philosophy

    Importance of intercultural exchange

    Great civilizations existed all over the world in the beginning of the 16th century, in Africa, the Middle East, the Americas and East Asia. Most had scholarship that was superior to the West’s in at least some respects. Arguably, the most valuable thing Europeans took from the rest of the world was knowledge.

    The first vaccine, for instance, was based on variolation techniques developed in China, India and the Islamic world. People were inoculated against smallpox by blowing powdered scabs up their noses or rubbing pus into shallow cuts.

    Europeans believed that diseases were caused by bad air (miasma) and so did not initially trust this technique. It only became widespread in Europe and North America after English aristocrat Lady Montagu saw its efficacy firsthand in Constantinople in the early 18th century and advocated that it be tested in England.

    A vaccine developed by English physician Edward Jenner 80 years later was simply the well-known variolation technique made much safer by inoculating with cowpox instead.

    The importance of intercultural exchanges should not be surprising. Scientific data and observations are ideally objective, but the questions we ask and the conclusions we draw will always be subjective, shaped by our prior knowledge, beliefs and past experiences. Different cultures can help each other see beyond their inherent biases and grow beyond the intellectual constraints of individual approaches.

    In her book, Braiding Sweetgrass, Potawatomi botanist and writer Robin Wall Kimmerer gives a beautiful example of this in the context of how Indigenous approaches can inform modern science.

    One of Canada’s greatest gifts is our diversity. Here, cultures from across the world come together, forming a multiplicity of minds that is well positioned to solve the problems of our world. However, this only has value if we can connect and learn from each other. When we advocate for a diversity of ideas in curricula, both nationally and abroad, we are promoting a future built on the knowledge of people and cultures from around the world.

    There is nothing more intimately personal than the thoughts in your head, and yet you did not conceive them. They are a continuation of knowledge and ideas that for thousands of years have travelled the globe, shaped by countless minds from all civilizations. In a time of seemingly growing division, that is a thought that ought to bring us all together.

    Karen K. Christensen-Dalsgaard does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Changing the Eurocentric narrative about the history of science – why multiculturalism matters – https://theconversation.com/changing-the-eurocentric-narrative-about-the-history-of-science-why-multiculturalism-matters-252884

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prostate cancer screening in the UK – what does the evidence say?

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Unlike other common cancers such as breast, bowel, and cervical cancers, there’s currently no nationwide screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK. While it might seem intuitive that we should introduce such a programme to identify and treat cases of the most common cancer in men, in reality it’s a lot more complex. The decision making behind the introduction of national screening programmes involves weighing up the test’s effectiveness against potential harms from false positive and negative results, as well as its cost/benefit analysis.

    Multiple trials have investigated prostate screening over the years, commonly using the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test, which found issues around the rates of both false positives, potentially causing unnecessary anxiety, investigations, and treatments, and false negatives, leading to missed cancers. However, there is still a lot of research going on to improve prostate cancer screening by, for example, combining this PSA test with MRI scans to improve accuracy, or the possibility of having a targeted screening programmes for subpopulations with higher rates of prostate cancer.

    Journalists came along to this briefing to hear experts in the field discuss the current state of the scientific evidence on prostate cancer screening and answer questions such as:

    • Why don’t we currently have a prostate cancer screening programme in the UK? What’s the scientific evidence that has led to that decision?
    • What further evidence/improvements would we need to support a prostate screening programme in the UK?
    • What prostate cancer screening is currently provided in the UK and to whom?
    • What research is going on to improve the accuracy/efficacy of the prostate screening test?
    • What does the evidence say on the possibility of introducing a targeted prostate screening programme?
    • Beyond screening what other research is going to improve diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer?

    Speakers included:

    Prof Freddie Hamdy CBE, Nuffield Professor of Surgery and Professor of Urology at the University of Oxford, and Honorary Consultant Urological Surgeon at the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals

    Prof Derek Rosario, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Honorary Professor at the University of Sheffield, and Clinical Advisor (Prostate) to the UK National Screening Committee

    Prof Richard Martin, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology & Associate Pro Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation), University of Bristol

    Prof Jenny Donovan OBE, Professor of Social Medicine, University of Bristol

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Now is the time to generate growth together with India

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Now is the time to generate growth together with India

    £400m of trade and investment wins from UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue set to boost the British economy.

    • £400m of trade and investment wins set to boost the British economy and deliver economic growth and security for working people.
    • Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces joint statement unlocking cooperation across a range of business sectors.
    • Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Minister Sitharaman bring together key business leaders from both the UK and India to drive economic growth.

    £400m of trade and investment wins are set to boost the British economy and deliver economic growth and security for working people as the government vows to back British business through uncertain global times.

    Today (Wednesday 09 April), the Chancellor took part in the 13th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD), marking a significant moment in unlocking opportunities as the two countries look to strengthen economic ties and secure a Free Trade Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty.

    Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

    In a changing world, it is imperative we go further and faster to kickstart economic growth. We have listened to British businesses, which is why we’re negotiating trade deals with countries across the world, including India, so we can support them and put more money in people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.

    Our relationship with India is longstanding and broad and I am delighted with the progress made throughout this dialogue to develop it further.

    Today’s EFD was Chancellor Reeves’ first with India. It saw the signing of a joint statement unlocking cooperation across a range of business sectors, including defence, financial services, education and development, and strengthened governmental collaboration across growth, economic resilience and international financial issues.

    The government is working to make Britain the best country in the world to do business, already bringing in more stability, offering an open trading economy and creating the right conditions for investment.

    At the London Stock Exchange today, the Chancellor and her Indian counterpart set out plans to generate growth, improve our Financial Services ties and deepen policy cooperation on the UK Industrial Strategy, tax, sustainable finance and illicit finance.

    The total commercial package from this dialogue is made up of new announcements worth £128m in export deals and investments, as well as recent deals worth £271m. This includes:

    • Paytm, India’s largest digital payment app, announced plans to invest in the UK to accelerate access to affordable digital payments and credit for small businesses.
    • Barclays Bank PLC India announced on 18 March a further capital injection of over £210M into its Indian operations, affirming its long-term commitment to India. This capital investment will grow its businesses across the Investment and Private Banking in India. 
    • HSBC Bank will expand its presence from the current 14 cities to 34 cities in India. This significant expansion will enable the bank to cover approximately 95% of India’s wealth market, reinforcing their commitment to India. 
    • Standard Chartered Bank today announced that it has shifted to larger office premises at GIFT City, reinforcing its long-term commitment to India’s premier international financial services hub.
    • Mphasis, an Indian tech business, are setting up a quantum centre of excellence in London and exploring an office in Nottingham which will support 100 jobs.
    • British International Investment Plc (BII) is committing $10m to the agritech start up, Grow Indigo, to pilot an innovative carbon credit programme to promote regenerative agricultural practices in India. 
    • WNS, a global digital-led business transformation services company founded in India with a $2.7bn market cap, will expand their London HQ presence with a new office and open a state-of-the-art AI design hub to expand the UK’s AI and digital talent pool to drive growth and create jobs.
    • Revolut announced that they are gearing up for launch in India later this year, following authorisation this week from Reserve Bank of India.
    • UK firm Wise announces plans to open a new office in Hyderabad, India as part of broader mission to transform the trillion-pound international money movement market.
    • Prudential’s announcement of launching their first fully owned global services hub in Bengaluru and third joint venture in India establishing a standalone health insurance business.
    • British International Investment invest $15m investment in vehicle dedicated to investing in India based on inclusion-focused early-stage companies.
    • The UK welcomes India paving the way to allow Indian companies to list internationally and exploring listing at the London Stock Exchange. The India-UK Financial Partnership published its report ‘Catalysing Bilateral Growth: Connecting India and the UK’s Equity Capital Markets report’. The report aims to lay the foundation for advancing capital account connectivity and strengthening confidence in both markets and will be presented following the EFD.
    • Coventry University announced today that it is set to become the first English university to be granted a licence to open a campus in India, as UK universities are being granted licences to open a campus in India’s new GIFT city. And the London School of Economics announced that Tata Trusts is continuing its enduring partnership with LSE by awarding a Corpus Grant to support scholarships for Indian students at the School.
    • Agreement for both sides to continue excellent collaboration as co-chairs of the G20’s Framework Working Group and to work closely together to promote discussion and build consensus around responses to risks to the global macroeconomic outlook. 
    • New ambitions set for joint investments in green enterprises, tech start-ups and climate adaptation building on the success of the UK-India Green Growth Equity Fund (GGEF).

    Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds and Minister Sitharaman also today hosted a business roundtable, bringing together key leaders from the financial and professional business services sectors including Tide, HSBC, Aviva, Vodafone, WNS, and Mizuho International. Attendees recognised the strength of the economic relationship between the UK and India, as well as the opportunity for closer collaboration – including through an ambitious trade deal.

    Areas for collaboration on defence were also identified, as both sides looked forward to the finalisation of the India-UK Defence Industrial Roadmap, set to strengthen ties between industrial sectors and integrate supply chains.

    Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds said: 

    I was delighted to meet with Minister Sitharaman, hear from businesses, and discuss how we can strengthen the strong economic bonds between our two nations.

    Both the UK and India are committed to delivering economic growth and giving businesses the confidence and stability they need to expand. 

    That is why we are continuing to negotiate towards an ambitious trade deal that unlocks opportunities both at home and abroad for British businesses and supports our Plan for Change.

    The UK and India have strong economic, cultural, and education links, with India being a key trading partner for the UK with over £40bn worth of UK-India trade last year alone. The UK’s long-standing programme of EFDs with India is the critical forum to deliver continuous economic gains over time.

    The EFD follows a recent visit to Delhi by Jonathan Reynolds, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, which relaunched UK-India trade negotiations.

    Keshav R. Murugesh, Group CEO, WNS said:

    The UK and India stand as natural partners, and this re-energized trade and investment relationship marks a pivotal stride in our already strong alliance. The potential before us is immense. By formalizing our collaboration in pioneering fields like AI, we will not only fuel innovation and generate high-skilled jobs in both our nations, but also solidify our joint leadership in this transformative era. This is indeed a thrilling chapter for the UK-India partnership.

    Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive, Standard Chartered said:

    In the face of global developments, it is imperative that we think creatively and act in partnership. The UK and India’s focus on strengthening financial ties and deepening cooperation between our governments, regulators, industry leaders and experts, plays an important role in driving economic progress, setting global benchmarks for stability and innovation and paving the way for greater trade and investment in both countries.

    The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alastair King, 

    We had a highly constructive discussion with Hon. Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and The Rt. Hon. Jonathan Reynolds, joined by leaders from across the financial services sector. There is a strong, shared commitment to deepen our economic partnership and drive greater prosperity—particularly in key areas such as green finance, infrastructure investment, and fintech. 

    Global trade is entering a new era, where strategic alliances and trade agreements are more crucial than ever. As we look ahead to the UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue and continue FTA negotiations, our focus remains on sustaining momentum and delivering tangible outcomes in the months to come.” 

    David Schwimmer, CEO, LSEG said:

    LSEG is honoured to host the 13th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue at the London Stock Exchange as part of our continued support for initiatives that promote collaboration and connectivity between UK and Indian financial markets. Through deepened partnership, the governments and regulators from both countries can help to build an environment which delivers real benefits to their financial markets and economies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack: Double Your Deposit, Get $50 Bonus, and Trade with 100x Leverage – No KYC Required!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin continues to trade below $85,000 and analysts predict that the crypto market will remain volatile, holding spot positions may not generate short-term profits. Recent economic shifts, including policy announcements such as President Trump’s tariff decisions, have brought some stabilization, but the volatility remains. For investors seeking to maximize returns in these uncertain times, BexBack Exchange offers a powerful solution. With 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and a $50 welcome bonus for new users, BexBack empowers traders to seize market opportunities. And with no KYC requirements, it provides a seamless and efficient way to trade.

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    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $60,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $63,000, your profit will be (63,000 – 60,000) * 100 BTC / 60,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

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    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ASRU operational newsletter, April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    ASRU operational newsletter, April 2025

    Newsletter issued by the Animals in Science Regulation Unit.

    Documents

    ASRU operational newsletter, April 2025

    HTML

    Details

    Operational newsletter which includes information on:

    • fees
    • standard condition 18 notifications
    • licensing
    • publications
    • stakeholder engagement

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Hungary’s exit from the International Criminal Court is a sign of the times

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michal Ovadek, Lecturer in European Institutions, Politics and Policy, UCL

    After deciding to flout an international arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu, Hungary has become the first European country to announce plans to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC). This comes after president Viktor Orbán hosted Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite the ICC issuing an arrest warrant for him in relation to war crimes in Gaza.

    As a member of the ICC, Hungary is supposed to turn in anyone subject to such a warrant if they enter its territory. Instead, Orbán rolled out the red carpet.

    Following the visit, a senior government official confirmed Hungary’s intention to leave the court. It will be some time before we know if it will see through on the threat because it takes at least a year to leave once a formal written notification has been sent but the signal itself is a landmark moment.

    Hungary’s open repudiation of an important part of international law is further evidence of the tectonic shifts taking place in international relations.

    Throughout most of the 1990s and early 2000s, much of western foreign policy was focused on creating institutional mechanisms aimed at preserving the liberal international consensus that emerged at the end of the cold war. The creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the ICC were two of the most concrete manifestations of this ethos.

    Both represent attempts to bring legal and judicial formality to international politics. Unlike its two ad-hoc antecedents – the international criminal tribunals for Yugoslavia and Rwanda – the ICC is a permanent court of justice. It is tasked with overseeing the criminal trials of people accused of involvement in serious crimes, such as genocide.

    Even at the height of its popularity, the idea that international relations should be subject to more rules and enforcement by courts had its fair share of sceptics and detractors, especially among countries whose interests and power could be most severely curtailed by an effective international justice system.

    The US, Russia and Israel had originally signed but did not ratify the Rome statute underpinning the ICC – and subsequently withdrew their signatures – while China and India never even signed the treaty.

    European countries generally (and EU member states specifically) were always among the most supportive of the ICC. The continent has experience with perhaps the most important experiment in international criminal justice, the Nuremberg trials of Nazi crimes. This legacy has continued to feed European support for holding those responsible for aggression and atrocities to account by means of criminal justice.

    Countries like Hungary, emerging from behind the iron curtain in the 1990s, were no exception. There was no ideological or practical reason to oppose the creation of the ICC.

    If anything, countries hoping to join the EU saw it as beneficial to endorse the court. Other than Belarus and Azerbaijan, every European country has ratified the Rome statute, and none has left – until now.

    The rise of kleptocratic authoritarianism in Hungary means its exit from the ICC should not be particularly surprising. Inside the EU, Hungary has consistently acted as a Trojan horse for the interests of authoritarian governments, most notably Russia, China and Serbia.

    Its break with the values and principles that are supposed to be at the heart of the EU project goes substantially beyond support for international institutions and justice.

    Consensus crumbles

    But the broader international environment has also become less favourable to legalisation and judicialisation. Countries that previously feigned commitment to international law have become outright pariahs. The most obvious example is of course Russia, which is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine – a crime under the Rome statute.

    More importantly, though, the US is increasingly turning its back on international rules. It is dismantling many of the international institutions it worked hard to establish.

    Although Donald Trump might be wreaking the most havoc, the US already effectively pulled the plug on the WTO’s judicial appeals system under Barack Obama. Last year Joe Biden’s administration came close to imposing sanctions on the ICC for issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli officials, including Netanyahu.

    Taken together, these developments leave the EU and a handful of other countries increasingly isolated in backing the ICC and other elements of the so-called “rules-based international order”. And while Hungary’s exit deals yet another blow, it’s not clear how deeply committed other EU member states are either.

    Germany’s chancellor Friedrich Merz promised he would find a way to make it possible for Netanyahu to visit his country despite the outstanding ICC arrest warrant.

    Hungary’s open defiance of its obligation to arrest Netanyahu has placed it in company of countries that wear their noncompliance with international law as a badge of honour. The experience of one of them is particularly educational.

    When Omar Al-Bashir, the then president of Sudan, wanted for crimes against humanity, visited South Africa in June 2015, he was allowed to attend a summit and subsequently leave the country despite court orders to arrest him. Fast forward a decade and South Africa is spearheading the international legal campaign against Israel’s atrocities in Palestine.

    Netanyahu would almost certainly be arrested in South Africa today, as well as in a host of other African and Muslim countries which had vehemently protested the arrest warrant against Al-Bashir in the past. Effective international rules and enforcement require consistent and credible support from a broad coalition of states – the ICC is increasingly short on both.

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

    – ref. Hungary’s exit from the International Criminal Court is a sign of the times – https://theconversation.com/hungarys-exit-from-the-international-criminal-court-is-a-sign-of-the-times-254129

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni meets with business associations to discuss tariffs

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    The Government received representatives from different industry sectors at Palazzo Chigi today to discuss the tariffs recently introduced by the United States. The meetings, convened and chaired by President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni, were attended, on behalf of the Government, by the Vice-Presidents of the Council of Ministers, Antonio Tajani and Matteo Salvini (via video link), Ministers Giancarlo Giorgetti, Adolfo Urso, Tommaso Foti and Francesco Lollobrigida, and Undersecretaries of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Alfredo Mantovano and Giovanbattista Fazzolari.

    The first meeting was attended by representatives from Confindustria and the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, after which representatives from Confapi, CNA, Confimi Industria, Confimprese Italia, Legacoop, Confartigianato, Conflavoro, Confcommercio, Confesercenti and Casartigiani were received, followed by the agri-food industry associations Coldiretti, Confagricoltura, Confcooperative, CIA-Agricoltori Italiani, Copagri, Assolatte, Federvini, Unione Italiana Vini, Origin Italia, Federalimentare and Filiera Italia. The Italian Trade and Investment Agency also participated in today’s meetings.

    During the discussions, President Meloni and the Ministers present outlined the proposals under consideration to support the production chains that could be the hardest hit by the imposition of tariffs. The Government and industry sector representatives agreed on the need to avert a trade war between the United States and the EU and to avoid emotional reactions which could amplify the effects of the trade measures in question. In this regard, President Meloni recalled that the challenges Italy intends to explore include removing reciprocal tariffs on existing industrial products with the ‘zero-for-zero’ approach. 

    There was a significant focus on listening to the proposals put forward by the business representatives, with the shared awareness that the challenge being faced is complex and requires the active and responsible engagement of all players involved.

    For this purpose, President Meloni proposed an agreement to the industry sectors to act together in response to the delicate economic situation and to establish working groups to identify a series of measures to support the competitiveness of Italy’s entrepreneurial fabric, to go alongside the initiatives the Government intends to pursue at European level. Today’s discussions were held following yesterday’s meeting of the working group established by President Meloni to analyse the repercussions of the situation on the Italian economy.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Viking CCS Pipeline development consent decision announced

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Viking CCS Pipeline development consent decision announced

    The Viking CCS Pipeline application has today been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

    Viking CCS Pipeline

    The project comprises a new 55 km (approx.) onshore underground pipeline from the point of receipt of dense phase CO2 at Immingham, through its transportation to facilities at Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal, and transportation from TGT through the existing LOGGS pipeline to Mean Low Water Spring (MLWS). Associated infrastructure and ancillary works are anticipated including but not exclusive to required valves, inspection, monitoring, venting and handling facilities and temporary construction compounds, storage areas and access roads will also form part of the project. 

    The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by Chrysaor Production (UK) Limited on 23 October 2023 and accepted for examination on 17 November 2023.  

    Following an examination during which the public, statutory consultees and interested parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 5 December 2024.   

    This is the 92nd energy application out of 155 applications examined to date and was again completed by the Planning Inspectorate within the statutory timescale laid down in the Planning Act 2008.   

    Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other interested parties were able to participate in this six-month examination.   

    The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State.  

    The decision, the recommendation made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendation are publicly available on the project pages of the National Infrastructure Planning website.  

    Journalists wanting further information should contact the Planning Inspectorate Press Office, on 0303 444 5004 or 0303 444 5005 or email:   

    Press.office@planninginspectorate.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Experience a taste of France in Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Flute is one of Canberra’s French-style cafes. Image: VisitCanberra

    If the 2024 Olympic Games have you wishing you were in Paris enjoying everything France has to offer, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get your French fix here in Canberra!

    From visiting a delicious French café, to pretending you’re cycling in the Tour de France, find some French inspiration right here.

    Visit a French café

    Canberra is home to many French cafes that will serve you up a French macaroon, eclair and more! Dive headfirst into sweet treats from the following venues:

    Dine at a French Restaurant

    Feeling a bit fancy? Enjoy various French meals and dishes at one of Canberra’s French-inspired restaurants. You may still be in Canberra but your taste buds will take a trip to France.

    Learn French

    Bonjour, au revoir, merci. Did you know over 30 per cent of English words come from the French language? Even if you aren’t planning a trip to France, learning a new language can challenge your mind and even enhance your memory and problem-solving skills.

    Alliance Francaise has a French course for all levels and ages. You can book for a one-on-one class, young learners or adult classes all with different levels and experiences.

    Canberra Institute of Technology also provides French language courses and will teach you speaking, listening, reading and writing. You’ll learn the basics of French as well as appropriate sociocultural knowledge and sensitivity.

    Head to a French art exhibition

    Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao is on display at the National Gallery of Australia from 29 June 2024 until 7 October 2024. Explore French Post-Impressionist Paul Gauguin’s art and controversial legacy through talks, programs, films and his collection of works, plus artwork from contemporary artists from the Pacific.

    The Alliance Francaise also has a gallery of its own. French, Francophiles and Australian artists alike are invited to display their work on the Alliance’s exhibition rooms.

    Enrol in a French cooking class

    Learn to whip up delicious French cuisine in the comfort of your own home. You can learn online or in person and wow your friends and family at your next dinner party.

    The French Cooking Academy allows you to boost your kitchen skills right at home. You’ll learn about iconic French flavours, authentic recipes and upskill your cooking.

    Make your own Tour de France

    The Tour de France is iconic in France and would be a great way to see the country, but unfortunately in Canberra you need to watch from afar. Instead, why not create your own Tour de France right here and explore Canberra by bike? There are many bike paths throughout the city with tracks available for beginners all the way to advanced cyclists.

    Catch Olympic fever at the AIS

    No Paris? No problem. Head over to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Arena for the full Olympic experience. The AIS will host two watch parties for the Olympic Games, where visitors are invited to relax on a bean bag and watch the Games on the big screens. You can also head along to the AIS Visitor Centre to watch the Channel 9 broadcast of the Games. It will be screening until 11 September.

    For more information, read the Our Canberra story.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: VelocityEHS Named a 2025 USA TODAY Top Workplaces Winner

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VelocityEHS®, the global leader in EHS & ESG software solutions, is proud to announce its recognition as a 2025 USA TODAY Top Workplaces winner. This prestigious award, based entirely on employee feedback collected through the Energage Workplace Survey, highlights VelocityEHS’s dedication to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being.

    “At VelocityEHS, our people are the driving force behind our success,” said Rachel Kaiser, SVP and Chief People Officer at VelocityEHS. “Being recognized as a USA TODAY Top Workplace affirms our commitment to fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to make a meaningful impact every day.”

    More than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey, which recognizes organizations with 150 or more employees that have established outstanding workplace cultures. Winners are selected solely based on employee feedback gathered through Energage’s employee engagement survey, which measures core statements including benefits and pay, feelings of respect and support, opportunities for growth and development, empowerment to execute, overall engagement, and more.

    “Earning a Top Workplaces award is a true mark of distinction because it comes directly from employees,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “In today’s competitive landscape, fostering a workplace where employees feel heard and valued is essential. Top Workplaces achieve this, and the benefits are immeasurable.”

    For more insights and company updates, visit the VelocityEHS press page.

    About VelocityEHS

    Relied on by over 10 million users worldwide, VelocityEHS is the global leader in true SaaS enterprise EHS & ESG technology. The VelocityEHS Accelerate® Platform sets the industry standard, delivering best-in-class software solutions for Safety, Ergonomics, Chemical Management, and Operational Risk. Additionally, VelocityEHS offers world-class applications for Contractor Safety & Permit to Work, Environmental Compliance, and ESG.

    The VelocityEHS team boasts unparalleled industry expertise, with more certified professionals in health, safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, sustainability, AI, and machine learning than any other EHS software provider. Recognized as a Leader in the Verdantix 2025 Green Quadrant Analysis, VelocityEHS continues to drive innovation and thought leadership in the EHS industry. The company’s stringent security protocols, including SOC 2 Type II attestation, ensure the highest levels of privacy and data protection.

    Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, VelocityEHS has additional locations in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Tampa, Florida; Oakville, Ontario; London, England; Perth, Australia; and Cork, Ireland. For more information, visit www.EHS.com.

    About Energage

    Making the world a better place to work—together.™ Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations transform employee feedback into actionable insights and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Backed by 18 years of culture research and insights from 27 million employees across 70,000 organizations, Energage provides the industry’s most accurate competitive benchmarking. With patented analytics and expert guidance, Energage enables companies to foster engaged workplaces and gain recognition for their commitment to culture.

    For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

    Media Contact
    Jennifer Sinkwitts
    jsinkwitts@ehs.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First Digital and STEM Bursary students graduate

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    First Digital and STEM Bursary students graduate

    100 talented young people from Lancashire complete Strategic Command’s Bursary programme, helping to develop valuable cyber capabilities for the UK.

    Claire Fry presents a student with their certificate. MOD Crown Copyright

    At a recognition ceremony, students from four Lancashire colleges graduated from the programme, each receiving a certificate acknowledging their hard work and newly acquired expertise, marking an important step in their journey toward cyber careers. 

    Kerry Harrison, Lead for the Lancashire Digital Skills Partnership, part of the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, said:

    This bursary has opened doors for 100 young Lancashire students to careers they hadn’t imagined. By working with Strategic Command, local colleges and industry, we’ve helped these talented young people gain valuable technical cyber and wider work ready skills that benefit both our regional economy and national security. Their success shows what we can achieve when government, education and business collaborating to tackle the digital skills gap.

    MOD Crown Copyright

    The celebration event featured career-focussed activities for students to explore their future options, including a jobs marketplace showcasing apprenticeships and internships, networking training and activities with the armed forces esports teams. Representatives from the National Cyber Force spoke about real-world cyber opportunities, putting the students at the centre of conversations about their potential careers. 

    Every student received a certificate detailing the activities they completed and the valuable work-ready skills they acquired through the Work Ready Lancashire project. Some students received additional recognition for their achievements. From each college, one student received the Immersive Labs Top Student Award for dedicating the most hours to their training, while two students earned Spotlight Awards for outstanding dedication throughout the programme. 

    Strategic Command’s Chief Information Officer Charlie Forte and Director Functional Integration Claire Fry personally presented these awards, taking time to listen to students’ stories, celebrate their successes and see the students’ progress firsthand. 

    Claire Fry, Director Functional Integration, said:

    Witnessing the journey of these students from day one to now has been truly inspiring and eye opening. They have grown not just their cyber and digital skills but as human beings, and this programme has enabled them to truly flourish as young adults. Collaboration between Digital Skills for Defence, Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub and industry partners has been critical in giving these students a real advantage for their potential career in a cyber and digital role in defence.

    Launched in 2024 for 16-18 year olds studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects, the bursary provides practical cyber training, mentoring and financial support to students across four Lancashire colleges. Strategic Command’s work with the Lancashire Cyber Partnership, which includes the National Cyber Force, is part of a drive to build cyber talent, with the northwest serving as an ideal venue to nurture these skills. This location serves as a launchpad for promising students to enter government departments, defence organisations and businesses working in the cyber sector. 

    The programme’s success stems from partnerships with the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, local colleges, and industry partners who provide students with hands-on experience tackling real cyber challenges. The Digital Bursary is part of Strategic Command’s wider work to build cyber talent, which includes the Cyber Direct Entry programme. By bringing together education, industry and government, Strategic Command is building the diverse and skilled workforce needed to protect the UK’s digital future.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lustrum Beck project to boost wildlife and water quality begins

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Lustrum Beck project to boost wildlife and water quality begins

    Work has started on a project at Lustrum Beck in Stockton-on-Tees which will improve 1.5km of river for fish, invertebrates and plants.

    Some of the works starting at Lustrum Beck which will bring a boost to biodiversity in the heart of Stockton

    Wildlife and water quality at Lustrum Beck in Stockton-on-Tees will be given a much-needed boost as work begins on a significant project to enhance river habitat.  

    Historically, the beck has been heavily modified – straightened, widened and deepened – resulting in the loss of vital habitats and ecosystems as well as restricting fish movement. 

    The Lustrum Beck habitat restoration project will help recover 1.5km of the beck for migrating fish, whilst also encouraging iconic species to the area such as water vole, otters and dragonflies.

    Water quality improvements in this tributary of the Tees estuary will also be supported as part of the ongoing works.  

    This ambitious project is led by the Environment Agency in partnership with the Tees Rivers Trust and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and will be complete by summer this year.  

    Lustrum Beck forms part of the £30m Tees Tidelands Programme, a ground-breaking set of projects, officially launched in 2023, which will help the River Tees estuary and tributaries adapt to climate change, restore valuable habitat for internationally important wildlife and reconnect people to their local environment.  

    The work at Lustrum Beck includes:   

    • Installing deflectors and woody material into the channel to create a variety of flow and habitat conditions that reduce sediment build-up and encourage greater biodiversity.
    • Lowering redundant embankments to connect the beck to river side ponds and grassland.
    • Excavating scrapes at areas of existing wet grassland to provide more resilient water environments. Scrapes are shallow dips designed to hold water without increasing flood risk. They provide vital habitat for wading birds and other wildlife.

    Paul Eckersley, Project Executive for the Environment Agency, said:   

    This exciting project will bring a welcome boost to biodiversity in the heart of Stockton after decades of modification. Working with our partners, we’re restoring river features and wetland to improve biodiversity and water quality.  

    This project is just one part of the much wider Tees Tidelands programme of work, bringing multiple benefits to the area through the realigning of flood defences as well as restoring river and intertidal habitat.

    Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture, said:  

    Lustrum Beck is a wonderful wildlife haven running through the middle of Stockton that is enjoyed by many people of all ages. 

    We are pleased to be working alongside our partner, the Environment Agency, on this ambitious restoration scheme to further enhance Lustrum Beck’s wildlife habitat and water quality. It aligns with the Council’s aspirations to protect and enhance the natural environment as set out in our Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Strategy.

    Ben Lamb, CEO at Tees Rivers Trust, said:

    Lustrum Beck is a fairly typical urban stream – straightened, deepened, littered and, on the surface at least – devoid of life.

    However, look a little more closely and there is plenty going on in the beck – freshwater shrimp, the occasional mayfly and other invertebrates providing a food source for minnows, stickleback and the endangered European eel, which provide food for otter, egret, heron and kingfisher – all of which can be found along the beck corridor alongside the occasional water vole. 

    However, there is a huge amount of work to be done to improve the beck and this project will create more habitat and flow diversity within the channel which will provide more opportunity for a range of species to thrive.

    The positive comments and offers of help to clean up the beck that we have received from residents around the beck have been incredible and we will be providing training and equipment to help monitor and improve the beck even more after the construction phase of the project has been completed.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Further Prosperity Funding to benefit Winchester district organisations

    Source: City of Winchester

    Winchester City Council has been awarded a further £327,000 under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and £223,500 under the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) following the UK Government’s decision to extend both funds for an extra year.

    Micheldever Village Store owner Rajeev Sangroula recently installed new solar panels on his shop with help from Prosperity funding

    Businesses and not-for-profit organisations are being invited to apply for UKSPF grants between 10 April and 25 May, with the REPF opening a little later in April until early June.

    Through the funds, organisations can apply for between £25,000 and £50,000, with commercial businesses required to match-fund their projects. Larger or smaller sums may be considered at the council’s discretion and projects must be completed before 28 February 2026.

    Eligible projects must meet at least one of the government’s key themes of Community and Place, Local Business Support and People and Skills.

    In the last three years, the city council has used the funding to support 60 projects that are helping to make a lasting impact on the health, wealth and look of the district.

    Some of the projects that have already been supported include new exhibits at Marwell Wildlife and the Winchester Science Centre as well as equipment for a local stonemason and ceramicist and an extensive programme of solar panelling that is expected to save around 50 tonnes of CO2 per year

    For more information about the funding, including priority areas for investment, timing and other considerations can be found on Winchester City Council’s website  www.winchester.gov.uk/UKSPF-REPF.

    New solar panels on Micheldever Village Store

    Any business or organisation, including not-for-profit and community groups with a project they want to discuss, can contact prosperity@winchester.gov.uk for advice and information on how to apply. 

    Image captions: Rajeev Sangroula, owner of Micheldever Village Store, received a grant to install new solar panels on his shop.

    More information about projects that have already been supported, including quotes from businesses and organisations that have received funding, can be found on the Winchester City Council website at www.winchester.gov.uk/UKSPF-REPF.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two rapists have their sentences increased after Solicitor General intervenes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Two rapists have their sentences increased after Solicitor General intervenes

    Two rapists have had their sentences increased by the Court of Appeal after their cases were referred by the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP.

    The Solicitor General has secured sentence increases in two separate cases where the offenders committed sexual abuse. 

    In the first case, Paul Watson, 45, from Chorley, over a four-month period between January and April 2024, coerced and controlled a woman, and carried out multiple rapes. 

    The court heard that the victim submitted to the offender because she was terrified for her own safety.

    In a separate case, Anthony McNamara, 46, from County Durham, groomed and repeatedly raped a young person for several years. The offending began when the victim was 12.

    Following his arrest by the police in May 2024, McNamara was told not to contact the victim. However, he breached his bail conditions and continued to groom and engage in sexual activity with the victim.

    The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

    I am sickened to read about these rapists’ crimes, who both repeatedly preyed on their victims and inflicted terror upon them.

    I am glad that the court has rightly decided to increase both of these sentences, and my thoughts today are with the victims who suffered unimaginable abuse.

    On 3 April 2025, Watson’s 17-year sentence was quashed, and the court imposed a sentence of life imprisonment, following the Solicitor General’s decision to refer it to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.

    On 3 April 2025, Anthony McNamara’s 13-year sentence was substituted for a total sentence of 23 years, comprising of 18 years custodial term and a 5-year extended license.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Marine aggregate extraction, saltmarsh footbridge and research project all given green light by MMO

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Marine aggregate extraction, saltmarsh footbridge and research project all given green light by MMO

    Marine aggregates, scientific research and saltmarsh restoration feature in the latest applications granted by the MMO Marine Licensing team.

    Aggregate dredging in Area 1806 

    Hanson Aggregates Marine Limited applied for a marine licence to dredge marine aggregates at Area 1806, south-southeast of Beachy Head in the East English Channel Region. 

    The licence allows Hanson Aggregates to dredge marine aggregates for 15 years and extract a maximum of 1 million tonnes of aggregate in any 12-month period. The total permitted extraction over the 15-year term of the licence is 15 million tonnes. 

    The extraction of aggregates uses trailer suction hopper dredgers and cargo screening will be employed.  

    Marine aggregates are crucial to the construction industry as they are used for building houses and transport infrastructure and are also important to the marine environment through replenishing beaches and improving coastal defences.  

    Marine aggregate extraction has wider environmental benefits as it reduces both quarrying on land and lorry deliveries over large distances. Due to cargo screening, it is also possible to extract different sediments based on customer demand. 

    New footbridge at Stiffkey Saltmarsh 

    The National Trust applied for a marine licence to construct a replacement footbridge over Cabbage Creek at Stiffkey Saltmarsh on the Norfolk Coast Path. 

    There has been a crossing at the location since the late 19th century. The new footbridge will replace the former bridge that had fallen into disrepair and had to be removed in 2022.  

    Stiffkey Saltmarsh is a valuable habitat and has several protected site designations as well as being an area of outstanding natural beauty. The new footbridge is designed to be unobtrusive to the surrounding environment while also providing safe access for everyone to enjoy the saltmarsh. The crossing will also remove the risk of visitors becoming cut off by high tides and requiring evacuation.  

    The marine licensing team worked with the applicant to ensure appropriate measures were in place to protect the natural environment, while also enabling the project to begin before winter restrictions pushed the project back by a year. 

    Stronger Shores – Scientific Sensor Array 

    Durham Wildlife Trust were granted a marine licence as part of their Stronger Shores project. The aim of the project is to gather information that can be used to inform technical models assessing the potential for natural subtidal seaweed and seaweed aquaculture.  

    The project involves depositing 12 scientific units in the North Sea off the coast of County Durham, fitted with instruments to measure wave force, attenuation, turbidity, water quality and biodiversity metrics. The units can be fitted with either seeded rope or unseeded rope for aquaculture growth. The data gathered over the 23 month length of the project should provide information on the effects of seaweed in contributing to climate resilience through nature-based-solutions. 

    The marine licensing team supported the applicant through the application process through positive and proactive communication which enabled the application to be processed within the 90-day KPI.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Government announces landmark NI Troubles archives projects

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK Government announces landmark NI Troubles archives projects

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has today (9 April) set out the details of two landmark archival projects relating to the Troubles.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, during his visit to The National Archives

    • Two archival projects seek to provide greater accessibility, transparency and understanding of UK Government policy during the Troubles.
    • The announcement follows the appointment of an independent expert advisory panel to make recommendations on key details of the archival research project.
    • As part of the Government’s commitment to support efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles, these projects will now be taken forward to the implementation stage.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has today set out the details of two landmark archival projects relating to the Troubles.

    The first is a project to digitise and publish open UK Government records relating to the NI Troubles in collaboration with The National Archives. This will broaden access by publishing digital copies of paper records that have previously only been available by visiting The National Archives at Kew, making them free to view online.

    The second is an archival research project, which will see official historians appointed, following a transparent and independent recruitment process, to research UK Government policy towards Northern Ireland during the Troubles. They will be given full access to UK state archives. 

    These projects will provide a unique resource for anyone interested in the history of the Troubles and government policy. They will seek to build public confidence through greater accessibility and transparency, and provide a deeper understanding of UK Government policy and decision making on Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

    Speaking during a visit to The National Archives at Kew, the Secretary of State said:

    I am pleased to support work by The National Archives to digitise and publish key records relating to this complex period in our history. I have seen today examples of the records digitisation process and look forward to the first records in this project being published in the autumn.

    I am also grateful to members of the academic advisory panel for lending their expertise to the important archival research project, and I have every confidence that they will ensure it is conducted to the highest academic standards. Their first task will be to identify highly qualified and independently-minded historians via open competition, and I would encourage anyone interested in this project to find out more on their website. 

    Taken together, these projects will provide an invaluable resource for the public, journalists, educational institutions, researchers, and academics, making information about this period in Northern Ireland’s history more accessible, and so making government decision-making more transparent.

    Saul Nassé, Chief Executive of The National Archives, said:

    The National Archives’ documents provide a valuable perspective on the Troubles.

    This project will mean the widest possible audience will be able view the records online to grow their understanding of this significant period in modern history.

    Co-chairs of the independent advisory panel, Professor Caoimhe Nic Dháibhéid and Lord Bew, said:

    We welcome the Government’s strong commitment to increasing access to state archives, which has been an important part of dealing with the past in many other countries.  

    The Government has rightly recognised the need for work of this nature to be conducted transparently and independently, and as co-chairs of the expert advisory panel we look forward to engaging with colleagues across the academic community as we collectively seek to further understanding of this important period in our history.

    Notes to Editors:

    1. The previous Government originally announced these two non-legislative Northern Ireland Legacy initiatives – an Official History granting independent historians privileged access to state archives and a Digitisation Project, making open Government records relating to the Northern Ireland Troubles readily available to all, virtually and free of charge.
    2. An initial phase of the digitisation project took place in May 2023 with the launch of a stand-alone digital resource hosted on the The National Archives website, which brought together a selection of key documents from the Major and Blair Governments to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
    3. As part of the Government’s commitment to support efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles, these projects will now be taken forward to the implementation stage. Further updates on both projects will be provided as they progress. There will be a phased approach to the digitisation project, and we expect the first tranche of records to be available on The National Archives’ website by autumn 2025.
    4. The Government’s Official History series began in 1908, and involves independent historians appointed by the Prime Minister granted privileged access to closed files beyond the normal provisions of the Public Records Act. Previous examples of official histories include the Official History of the Falklands Campaign (published in 2007)  and the Official History of the Royal Navy in World War II (published in volumes between 1954 and 1961). 
    5. In 2008, the previous Labour Government commissioned Sir Joseph Pilling to review the Official History series. Sir Joseph made a number of recommendations to increase the transparency and relevance of the programme, and the report is published here. 
    6. The Government has appointed an independent expert advisory panel to make recommendations on key details of this project. The panel consists of Lord Paul Bew (Emeritus Professor of Politics at Queen’s University Belfast); Professor Caoimhe Nic Dháibhéid (Senior Lecturer in Modern History at University of Sheffield); Professor Henry Patterson (Emeritus Professor of Politics at the University of Ulster); Dr Edward Burke (Assistant Professor in the History of War, University College Dublin); Professor Richard Bourke (Professor of the History of Political Thought, University of Cambridge); Professor Helen Parr (Professor of Modern and Contemporary History, Keele University); Professor Ian McBride (Foster Professor of Irish History, Oxford University).
    7. A website with further information about the project is at www.niofficialhistory.org.uk. The advisory panel is overseeing an independent recruitment process for up to five official historians. The panel is currently seeking expressions of interest for these posts, and further information can be found here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Angola exported more liquefied natural gas to Europe and less to Asia in 2022 and 2023

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    April 9, 2025

    Angola exported more liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe and less to Asia in 2022 and 2023, according to estimates from the Statistical Review of World Energy, when Europe increased LNG imports to offset reduced natural gas imports by pipeline from Russia following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.

    Prior to 2022, most of Angola’s LNG exports went to the Asia-Pacific region, primarily India. In 2023, however, Europe received 75% of Angola’s total 175 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of LNG exports; France and the United Kingdom were the largest recipients in Europe, taking about 32 Bcf and 28 Bcf, respectively, in 2023. The Asia-Pacific region received the remaining 25%, with India receiving the most at about 35 Bcf for the year.

    Most of the natural gas produced in Angola is associated gas produced at its offshore oil fields. However, a substantial amount of that natural gas is flared as a byproduct of oil operations or is reinjected into oil fields to increase oil recovery. Angola does not import any natural gas because it produces enough natural gas to meet domestic demand. The natural gas that Angola does not consume or flare domestically is exported in the form of LNG.

    Angola LNG Limited (ALNG) owns and operates Angola’s sole LNG export terminal in Soyo, which has a liquefaction capacity of 250 Bcf per year. The LNG facility produced its first cargo of LNG in 2013, but it subsequently shut down as a result of technical failures and did not restart operations until 2016. The LNG facility uses associated gas produced at Angola’s offshore fields as feedstock, and ALNG also plans to draw additional supplies from non-associated gas projects. One such project is the Northern Gas Complex, where operator Eni plans to begin production from the Quiluma and Maboquerio fields in 2026.

    The Northern Gas Complex is Angola’s first non-associated gas project, and Eni aims to develop two offshore platforms, an onshore natural gas-processing plant, and pipelines to transport natural gas from the two fields to the Angola LNG terminal in Soyo. The Northern Gas Complex is expected to reach peak production of about 141 Bcf per year.

    For more on Angola’s energy sector, please see the latest version of the Country Analysis Brief: Angola.

    Principal contributor: Eric Han

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni meets with Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    9 Aprile 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met with Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan today. 

    The meeting underscored the excellent bilateral cooperation between Italy and Jordan, including in the areas of education and family and childhood protection, in relation to which Queen Rania has launched numerous initiatives at both national and global level.

    The meeting also provided the opportunity for an in-depth exchange of views on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting the important cooperation that already exists between Italy and Jordan to deliver aid to the civilian population, especially through the Food for Gaza and Sky Hope initiatives.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Viridien: Availability of the preparatory documents for the Combined General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Viridien

    Société anonyme with a share capital of € 7,161,465

    Registered office : 27 avenue Carnot, 91300 Massy, France

    Evry Trade and Company Register No. 969 202 241

    AVAILABILITY AND CONSULTATION OF THE PREPARATORY DOCUMENTS FOR THE VIRIDIEN COMBINED GENERAL MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025

    Paris, France – April 9, 2025

    The Combined General Meeting of Viridien (the “Company”) will be held on

    Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 10.30 a.m.

    at Cloud Business Center, 10 bis rue du Quatre Septembre, 75002 Paris, France.

    The meeting notice published in the Bulletin des Annonces Légales Obligatoires (BALO) on Monday, March 24, 2025 (Bulletin n°36) contains the agenda, draft resolutions and main terms and conditions for taking part in and voting at the Meeting. The convening notice will be published on Friday, April 11, 2025 in the BALO (Bulletin n°44) as well as in Le Parisien.

    The preparatory documents and information relating to the Combined General Meeting will be kept available for the Company’s shareholders in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The documents and information listed under article R. 22-10-23 of the French Commercial Code are available on the Company’s website at the following address: https://www.viridiengroup.com/investors/shareholders/general-meetings.

    In accordance with Article R. 22-10-29-1 of the French Commercial Code, the General Meeting will be broadcast live in its entirety in the 2025 Shareholders’ Meeting section of the Company’s website: htps://www.viridiengroup.com/investors/shareholders/general-meetings.

    Contact Viridien :                 General Secretary, 27 avenue Carnot, 91300 Massy, France
                                    general.secretary@viridiengroup.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gevo and Future Energy Global Sign SAF Scope 1 and Scope 3 Voluntary Carbon Credit Offtake Agreement to Accelerate Book-and-Claim Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ENGLEWOOD, Colo., April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) and Future Energy Global (FEG) are pleased to announce that they have signed a pioneering offtake agreement for carbon abatement attributes, to enable airlines and other companies to reduce their CO2 emissions through Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Under the multi-year agreement, FEG will acquire from Gevo the Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions credits from 10 million gallons per year of fuel to be produced at Gevo’s alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) SAF production facility, Gevo ATJ-60, to meet demand from FEG customers, both airlines and corporates, seeking to decarbonize their operations. The agreement also includes an option for FEG to increase the off-take at a later date.

    This agreement is expected to enable Gevo’s financing of the construction of its ATJ-60 facility. Gevo has secured a loan guarantee conditional commitment of $1.63 billion (including capitalized interest during construction) from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) and is originating equity from project level capital providers. Under development in Lake Preston, South Dakota, ATJ-60 is designed to address the market need for cost-effective jet fuel while abating carbon and to respond to growing worldwide demand for SAF. Gevo’s proprietary plant design is expected to be able to produce 60 million gallons of SAF per year at similar production costs to conventional jet fuel, but with far lower carbon emissions.

    The aviation industry has targeted net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, and SAF is expected to contribute around two thirds of the necessary emissions reduction, but to achieve this, its production quantities need to scale more than 400-fold. SAF is not yet available at all major airports worldwide so FEG provides SAF-derived Scope 1 credits to airlines who wish to buy additional SAF but who cannot easily source the physical fuel at their own airports. Similarly, when companies purchase and retire SAF-derived Scope 3 credits to compensate for their business travel emissions, they mitigate the added cost of SAF to airlines and thus enable the faster scale-up of SAF production.

    The Greenhouse Gas Protocol defines different “scopes” of responsibility for emissions. The emissions from a flight fall under an airline’s direct responsibility (i.e., Scope 1), but a company with staff flying for business on that flight is responsible for its staff’s share of the flight’s emissions (i.e., Scope 3 or indirect emissions). Separating the Scope 1 and Scope 3 attributes from the physical fuel, an approach known as “Book and Claim,” reduces fuel transportation and storage costs and carbon emissions, and unlocks a global SAF market both for airlines and for indirect aviation fuel customers around the world who are seeking to mitigate their emissions.

    “Gevo has always planned to leverage SAF market economics to scale our business, and a Book and Claim market that enables the trading of SAF environmental attributes can accelerate SAF production even faster,” says Dr. Patrick R. Gruber, CEO of Gevo. “Future Energy Global is building just such a market, spanning corporate customers, airlines, and aircraft lessors. Aircraft lessors own about half of all commercial aircraft worldwide, and Book and Claim is a critical enabler to allow them and their airline customers to adopt SAF faster.”

    “FEG’s collaboration with Gevo strongly enhances the portfolio of Book and Claim solutions we can offer our airlines, our lessors and our corporate customers,” says Natasha Mann, CEO and Co-Founder of FEG. “It’s crucial to scale SAF production, and our business model lets us unlock the capital to do so. We’re impressed with Gevo’s pipeline, which combines technology ready for today’s market and additional technologies far along in development that could increase production efficiency and accelerate the trajectory of SAF scaling.”

    FEG’s unique business model brings together investors, suppliers, and buyers to help accelerate and scale SAF production globally. FEG generates additional revenue streams by commercializing the carbon credits which SAF provides, enhancing the business case for faster production scale-up. FEG’s offtake agreement with Gevo is expected to fulfill a market need by giving buyers access to SAF credits at predictable prices, while providing financial commitments and revenue certainty that are expected to allow suppliers like Gevo to expand. FEG’s initial focus has been on aviation, though its sustainable-fuel credit solutions span the transport spectrum, including marine and land transport.

    About Gevo
    Gevo is a next-generation diversified energy company committed to fueling America’s future with cost-effective, drop-in fuels that contribute to energy security, abate carbon, and strengthen rural communities to drive economic growth. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of renewable products, including SAF, motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials that provide U.S.-made solutions. By investing in the backbone of rural America, Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities that create jobs and revitalize communities. Gevo owns and operates one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States, turning by-products into clean, reliable energy. We also operate an ethanol plant with an adjacent carbon capture and sequestration (“CCS”) facility, further solidifying America’s leadership in energy innovation. Additionally, Gevo owns the world’s first production facility for specialty ATJ fuels and chemicals. Gevo’s market-driven “pay for performance” approach regarding carbon and other sustainability attributes, helps ensure value is delivered to our local economy. Through its Verity subsidiary, Gevo provides transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tracking, measuring and verifying various attributes throughout the supply chain. By strengthening rural economies, Gevo is working to secure a self-sufficient future and to make sure value is brought to the market.

    For more information, see www.gevo.com.

    About Future Energy Global
    Future Energy Global, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and with staff in Europe and North America, is a pioneering SAF market accelerator.

    Through its innovative SAF pre-purchasing ecosystem, Future Energy Global accelerates the flow of capital into the SAF industry, operating at the intersection of investors, suppliers, and buyers, and bringing benefits to all parties, and ultimately also to the environment. FEG’s activities are guided by three core values: visionary independence, collaborative energy and sustainable ethos.

    FEG’s initial focus has been on aviation, though our sustainable-fuel credit solutions span the transport spectrum, including marine and land transport.

    Future Energy Global is backed by Aviation Partners, the world leader in advanced winglet technology which has already saved more than 140 million tons of aviation CO2 emissions.

    For more information, see fe.global

    About Book and Claim
    Book and Claim is a well-established structure for accounting for environmental attributes and has been in use for many years in markets such as renewable electricity generation, where individual electrons cannot be tracked through the grid. Book and Claim systems overcome this challenge by allowing renewable electricity providers to “book” the electricity they supply to the grid, while customers can “claim” the renewable electricity they have bought, whether or not they physically receive the renewable electrons. Book and Claim systems, whether in renewable electricity or in SAF, rely on robust tracking and accounting procedures to ensure that environmental credits are counted only once.

    Forward Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to a variety of matters, including, without limitation, Future Energy Global and its business system, Gevo’s ATJ-60 project and the financing thereof, the markets for SAF and associated environmental attributes, and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are made based on the current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of the management of Gevo and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Gevo undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Gevo believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Gevo in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gevo for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Gevo.

    Media Contact
    Heather L. Manuel
    VP, Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
    PR@gevo.com

    IR Contact
    Eric Frey
    VP, Corporate Development
    IR@Gevo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Poppulo Unveils the First AI Agents Purpose-Built for Enterprise Employee Communications

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER and CORK, Ireland, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Poppulo, a global leader in employee communications solutions, introduces the industry’s first AI Agents that automate and optimize the entire communications lifecycle. By integrating data, governance, and insights, these custom-built agents deliver hyper-personalized messaging at scale and provide precise, actionable communications recommendations that drive measurable business impact. 

    Building on its existing Poppulo AI solution set, which leverages generative AI for content tailoring, language translation, analytics, and best practice recommendations, Poppulo’s AI Agents take the platform’s intelligence a step further. With a deep understanding of employees’ communication preferences, behaviors, and attributes, Poppulo’s AI Agents go beyond extracting insights; they provide strategic guidance for every communicator’s next move. From analyzing past campaigns and assessing employee sentiment to delivering real-time recommendations for content, delivery, and channel strategies, these agents act as trusted strategic partners to enterprise communications teams. 

    “Our AI Agents elevate employee communications from a function to a critical business advantage,” said Ruth Fornell, CEO of Poppulo. “By adopting a brand’s style and voice, our agents ensure every message is personalized, aligned with business goals, and optimized for impact. Through real-time insights and strategic recommendations, Poppulo’s AI Agents empower communicators to drive measurable outcomes, accelerate change initiatives, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen alignment between employees and enterprise strategy.” 

    Poppulo’s suite of AI Agents includes:

    • Plan and Simulate Agents learn the nuances of previously sent messages, understanding what was said by the business and understood by employees. These agents support the optimization of communications strategies that increase engagement, reduce information overload, and ensure employees receive only the most relevant and timely content.
    • Create and Target Agents generate drafts and design templates, personalize messages, translate into multiple languages, and tailor content for different channels, reducing creation time while enabling new levels of personalization and engagement.
    • Personalize and Share Agents allow employees to engage in the mode they prefer (audio, video, or text) in any language, on any endpoint, with smart orchestration for delivery at peak engagement times without a need for manual scheduling.
    • Analyze Agent leverages natural language to provide conversational insights on sentiment, employee feedback, and predictive analytics, enabling continuous communication refinement. These AI-driven insights help companies proactively address issues, gauge sentiment, and optimize messaging for maximum impact on engagement, morale, and productivity. 

    “For too long, time and resource constraints have limited the impact of internal communications on business outcomes,” said Frank Gauld, chief product and technology officer, Poppulo. “Our AI-first employee communications platform changes that. Poppulo’s AI Agents continuously learn from historical campaigns, applying company- and industry-specific best practices to refine messaging, maximize reach, and drive measurable results.” 

    Poppulo has invested heavily in AI innovation to meet the evolving needs of enterprise communications teams. Released in November 2024, the Comms Coach chatbot uses natural language querying to answer questions instantly regarding measurables such as email performance benchmarks, best practices, and campaign ideas. Released in January 2025, Poppulo’s email auto-translate feature uses a combination of machine translation, generative AI, and a human-in-the-loop workflow to facilitate professional translations, reducing the need for outsourced translation services and improving organizational inclusivity by making mass multilingual communications more attainable.  

    The AI Agents join the previously released tools, Translations, and Comms Coach as part of Poppulo AI. General availability of Poppulo’s agentic AI will commence in the second half of 2025. To learn more, visit www.poppulo.com/ai. 

    About Poppulo
    Poppulo helps enterprise organizations achieve more by effortlessly connecting their employees, customers, and workplaces through omnichannel employee communications, digital signage, and workplace management. Poppulo’s 4,500+ customer base is representative of the world’s most successful companies, including more than 40 of the Fortune 100. For more information, visit www.poppulo.com. Follow Poppulo on LinkedIn and on X.   

    The MIL Network –