NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Island’s Forces community to shine at Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day 2 April 2025 Island’s Forces community to shine at Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day this summer

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day will return this year, paying tribute to the Island’s dedicated forces community with a day of honour and recognition.

    The event, on Sunday, 29 June, will once again be held beachside at Eastern Gardens in Ryde, where last year large crowds were treated to an awe-inspiring display by the Red Arrows.

    While many exciting details for 2025 are still under wraps, attractions already confirmed include thrilling cannon and musket displays, promising plenty of booms and bangs, and an impressive marching parade with four bands and more than 100 cadets.

    Additionally, the Army Air Corps is bringing back their Gazelle helicopter, offering attendees a chance to step into the cockpit, handle the controls, and snap a memorable selfie! It’s a day to reflect on the courage and service of our Armed Forces, while offering unique experiences for all who attend.

    Event organiser, Ian Dore, said: “With the Red Arrows soaring over the Solent skies last year, Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day was packed to the rafters in support of the Island’s forces community.

    “Attended by all ages, broadcast live on radio and featured on the BBC, it’s set to return again this year. 

    “I start slinging irons in fires around September the year before the event, but it’s now that things really ramp up.

    “The ground elements of the event are nearly complete, with just a few tweaks needed as additional assets come online, but you can expect some firm favourites to return.”

    Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day is a chance for Islanders to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community.

    From currently serving troops to service families, veterans, reservists and cadets, the popular event provides a much-valued morale boost for the troops and their families.

    The location itself provides the perfect opportunity to display land, sea and air attractions, along with all you’d expect at an Armed Forces Day.

    Ian added: “As we progress, more attendees will be announced, and it’s shaping up to be colossal. Last year’s attendance was just shy of 10,000 people, making it the second most attended single-day event on the Island, after the Isle of Wight Festival.

    “In part, that is due to who and what was taking part, but it is also testament to the support Islanders have for the Armed Forces community, which, by the way, is around 11 per cent of the Island’s population.

    “As the official strapline says, show your support. Mark your calendars for Sunday, 29 June, for the official Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day. It’s going to be one of the must-attend events of the summer!” 

    More details will be released over the coming weeks on the official website and Facebook page.

    PHOTO: Event organiser Ian Dore, Alec Penstone and Sqn Leader Graeme ‘Musky’ Muscat from RAFAT.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lancaster City Council makes strong progress on improvement plan A team of local government experts has praised Lancaster City Council for successfully delivering a plan to make its services even better.

    Source: City of Lancaster

    A team of local government experts has praised Lancaster City Council for successfully delivering a plan to make its services even better.

    Following a Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) in April 2024, the council was told how it could make improvements to the way it serves the public.

    A recent review of a plan for delivering these changes found that 85% of recommendations are on track and progressing well.

    Particular praise was given for the council’s approach to community wealth building, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.

    Key areas of progress include:

    • Strengthened Community Partnerships: The Lancaster District Strategic Partnership (LDSP) has been formally established, bringing together key stakeholders, including local universities, NHS partners, third-sector organisations, and the Chamber of Commerce.
       
    • Economic Growth and Sustainable Development: The council has taken strategic steps towards developing an inclusive economic strategy, incorporating insights from Lancaster University’s ‘Before Eden’ research.
       
    • Commitment to a Sustainable Future: An early ‘call for sites’ process has been successfully implemented, ensuring alignment with the council’s Local Plan and climate action goals.
       
    • Enhanced Leadership and Governance: The council has invested in leadership development for senior officers and councillors, including dedicated training programmes and scrutiny enhancements.
       
    • Financial Sustainability: The ‘Fit for the Future’ transformation programme is driving efficiency, with a focus on aligning financial planning with long-term priorities and asset management.

    Mark Davies, chief executive of Lancaster City Council, welcomed the findings: “The peer challenge process has helped to highlight some of the excellent work by staff and Elected Members to continually improve the council and the services we provide. The positive feedback from the LGA confirms that our strategic vision is making a real impact and we are delivering key improvements for our residents, businesses, and stakeholders.

    “One of the areas the peer team highlighted was our Fit for the Future programme and the way the council is transforming its services in response to the continuing tough financial times in which local authorities are operating. This programme is helping to identify where we can become even more efficient while continuing to provide good services for our communities.”

    A peer challenge is when representatives from councils nationwide spend time with another council to evaluate their performance, assess their ambition for residents, and determine if adequate resources are in place to fulfil those objectives. In the city council’s case, the peer challenge team gathered information and views from more than 50 meetings, in addition to further research, and spoke to more than 130 people, including a range of council staff, councillors and external stakeholders.

    Last updated: 02 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and the End of the Second World War in Europe: Media Accreditation for Events in the Netherlands

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Ottawa, ON – An official Government of Canada delegation will participate in a series of events to commemorate the Liberation of the Netherlands and the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. The delegation will include Second World War Veterans, including some who participated in the Liberation of the Netherlands, representatives from Veterans organizations, and Veterans Affairs Canada officials. A contingent of the Canadian Armed Forces, including units involved in the Liberation of the Netherlands, will also participate in ceremonies and events.

    Events:
    All times are Central European Time Zone

    2 May 2025 – 10:00
    Opening of Canada House Pavilion at Oranjepark
    Apeldoorn, Netherlands
    Visitors of all ages are invited to stop by the Canada House Pavilion to learn about Canada’s military service around the world, including the Netherlands.
    Media are asked to register for the opening event at media@veterans.gc.ca

    2 May 2025 – 15:00
    Commemorative Ceremony at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
    Groesbeek, Netherlands
    Co-hosted by: Faces to Graves and the Government of Canada
    Media Registration: media@veterans.gc.ca

    3 May 2025 – 14:00
    Apeldoorn Liberation Parade
    Apeldoorn, Netherlands
    Media Registration: media@veterans.gc.ca

    4 May 2025 – 11:00
    Commemorative Ceremony at Holten Canadian War Cemetery
    Holten, Netherlands
    Media Registration: Media can register here.
    Deadline for registration April 17

    5 May 2025 – 11:30
    Wageningen National Commemoration Capitulations 1945 and Liberation Parade
    Wageningen, Netherlands
    Media Registration: media@veterans.gc.ca

    Notes for media:

    Media who wish to be in attendance to cover events must register where indicated above.

    Media in Canada who wish to broadcast events in the Netherlands can contact Veterans Affairs Canada at the address below for information on how to obtain broadcast rights.

    For more information on the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and the End of the Second World War in Europe, please visit this page.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – The EU must keep on defending universal democratic values and principles

    Source: European Parliament 3

    On Wednesday, Parliament adopted its 2024 annual report on human rights and democracy in the world, warning against the deteriorating global human rights situation.

    Denouncing the rise of authoritarianism, totalitarianism, and populism, MEPs are deeply concerned by the increase in violations of democratic values and disregard for international humanitarian law.

    They condemn the weakened protection of democratic institutions and procedures, and deplore the frequent political attacks on international institutions, censorship, threats towards independent media, and shrinking space for civil society worldwide.

    They reiterate the strong support of the EU for the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court (ICC) as essential, independent and impartial jurisdictional institutions amid a particularly challenging time for international justice. MEPs also express their deep concern about the sanctions imposed on the ICC, which constitute ‘a serious attack on the international judicial system’. They call on the Commission to activate the blocking statute as a matter of urgency.

    Parliament is concerned by the threat that artificial intelligence (AI) poses for democracy and human rights when not properly regulated, and MEPs are worried about how the internet is being used to restrict political freedom and undermine the integrity of elections.

    The report also stresses the importance of protecting women’s rights, the respect of which is in decline, and MEPs deplore the discrimination and violence to which women and girls are subjected, including during conflicts.

    It is the EU’s responsibility to defend universal democratic values

    The text underscores the EU’s responsibility to continue defending universal democratic values and principles, human rights, international justice, and peace.
    It also outlines the tools available for that purpose, such as suspending European Neighbourhood policy projects that contribute directly or indirectly to human rights violations in non-EU countries, adding human rights clauses to trade agreements with third countries, and enforcing the EU’s global human rights sanctions regime (the EU Magnitsky Act). The EU has the means to promote and defend universal values, MEPs point out, and it is time to use them.

    The text recommends increasing the resources available to the EU’s Special Representative for Human Rights. It also calls on the European institutions and member states to work more closely together on promoting and defending human rights.

    The text was adopted with 390 votes in favour, 116 against and with 126 abstentions.

    Quote

    The rapporteur Isabel Wiseler-Lima (EPP, Luxembourg) stated: “Our world is entering a new era, one where international courts, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights are being constantly undermined. The EU must stand its ground and reaffirm these values, which are central to creating a world built on justice and respect. The European Parliament will never stop calling out these abuses and will do everything possible to support those who strive to protect democracy. The report we voted on today takes stock of the current situation of democracy and human rights, sets out the means we already possess to act, and outlines new measures to put in place”

    Background

    Every year, Parliament adopts three reports on foreign, security, defence, and human rights policies. These form the basis of Parliament’s contribution to shaping EU foreign policy.

    On Tuesday, MEPs discussed the 2024 annual report on human rights and democracy in a plenary debate with the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas. For a video recording of the debate click here (1.4.2025).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens condemn latest brutal displacement of Palestinians

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Responding to Israel defence minister Israel Katz’s statement that the country aimed to seize large areas of the Palestinian territory and incorporate them into “security zones”, (1) Ellie Chowns, MP for North Herefordshire and Green Party Foreign Affairs spokesperson, said:

    “The Green Party condemns in the strongest possible terms the Israeli government’s brutal decision to expand its military operations in Gaza. Seizing large areas of territory and forcibly displacing countless Gazans to create so-called “security zones” would be a further violation of international law against a population already devastated by 18 months of conflict.

    “This is not security; it is domination and erasure. It would constitute ethnic cleansing and further collective punishment on a mass scale, and it would only deepen the unimaginable suffering already endured by the people of Gaza.

    “More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, and the humanitarian crisis could not be more dire. Israeli forces have maintained a total blockade of aid since early March, cutting off food, water, and medical supplies while bombs continue to fall. Last month, Israeli forces killed yet more medics, first responders, and a UN staff member, forcing the UN to reduce its operations.

    “The UK government cannot remain silent while genocide is carried out in plain sight. We cannot be complicit in this horror by continuing to arm and support the Israeli government. There is no justification—legal, moral, or political—for aiding a state that systematically targets civilians, destroys homes and hospitals, and plans to occupy yet more Palestinian land.

    “The Green Party has consistently called for the release of the hostages, an immediate ceasefire, a complete halt to arms sales to Israel, and recognition of the State of Palestine. We also urgently push for humanitarian corridors to be opened so that aid can reach those who are starving and injured. We owe it to the Palestinian people, to international justice, and to our own humanity to demand an end to this bloodshed and to take a stand against genocide.

    “Our thoughts are with the civilians of Gaza, whose courage and resilience in the face of such horror move us to keep fighting for justice, peace, and accountability. We will not look away.”

    (1) Deadly strikes in Gaza as Israel says it will seize ‘large areas’ – BBC News

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homes England and Octopus Real Estate launch £150 million Greener Homes Alliance phase 2

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Homes England and Octopus Real Estate launch £150 million Greener Homes Alliance phase 2

    The renewed alliance will reinforce a responsibility to support small and medium-sized (SME) housebuilders, while encouraging greener building practices.

    Octopus Real Estate supported by Homes England

    Homes England has joined with Octopus Real Estate, part of Octopus Investments and a leading specialist real estate investor and lender, to create the Greener Homes Alliance 2.

    The alliance will commit £150 million of funding, £42 million of which will be provided by the Agency’s Home Building Fund. This will provide small and medium-sized (SME) housebuilders with further loan finance enabling even more high-quality, energy efficient homes to be built across England.

    The first phase of the alliance launched in 2021, as part of broader efforts to expand the supply of finance available to SMEs, and funded over 550 much needed, new sustainable homes across the country. More than 40% of the homes built during phase one achieved an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A, and 100% secured a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) score higher than 86, significantly higher than the UK average EPC rating of D and SAP score of 67.

    Phase one of the Greener Homes Alliance made a significant impact, with 20 loans completed totalling £150 million — an average loan size to SME developers of £7.5 million.

    Phase two of the Greener Homes Alliance will seek to support the creation of more sustainable homes by introducing 10 new criteria, 4 of which must be met for developers to benefit from a 1.25% discount on their interest rate. If 6 or more criteria are met, developers will be eligible for a 2% discount.

    The new criteria for phase 2 will include the use of modern methods of construction (MMC) in the fabric of buildings and a real living wage paid to workers on site. It will also encourage borrowers to support the Lighthouse Charity, a leader in mental health within the construction industry.

    To qualify for funding from the alliance in the first place, all schemes must deliver specific key performance indicators as a minimum. Developers must ensure that all homes built are fossil fuel free and have an average SAP score of 85 or above.

    Marcus Ralling, Chief Investment Officer at Homes England said:

    Small and medium housebuilders play a vital and essential role in driving the delivery of much needed, new and sustainable homes.

    This extended Alliance is an excellent example of how we are working with partners like Octopus Real Estate to support the SME housebuilders that are crucial to building a diverse and resilient housing sector.

    Andy Scott, Co-Head of Debt, Octopus Real Estate, added:

    We are extremely proud of the impact our Greener Homes Alliance initiative has had when it comes to supporting developers looking to make greener decisions for their projects, and we’ve spent a lot of time working out the new criteria with Homes England to make sure the next phase is as impactful as possible.

    At Octopus, our mission is to reimagine real estate through the delivery of high-quality, sustainable places for people to live that are fit for the future and address societal needs such as fuel poverty. Working with esteemed government agencies to enact real change for the developers who have the expertise and capability to deliver such homes is a huge part of this.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors

    An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) tells you how energy efficient a property is, giving a property an energy efficiency rating from A (best) to G (worst) that is valid for 10 years. An EPC contains information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs and steps to improve a property’s energy efficiency.

    The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for the energy rating of dwellings) is the methodology currently used by the government to estimate the energy performance of homes. A SAP score provides a rating between 1 and 100, this range is then divided into categories A (best) to G (worst).

    The new criteria introduced for phase two will include:

    • An average SAP score of 92+ (EPC A)

    • More than 90% of waste from the site avoids landfill

    • Biodiversity Net Gain of over 20%

    • More than 50% of new homes will be Zero Bills ready

    • Regeneration of a brownfield site

    • Potable water usage reduced to less than 110 litres per person per day

    • Use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in the fabric of the building

    • The Real Living Wage must be paid to all workers on site

    • The borrower to support Lighthouse Charity, a leader in mental health within the construction industry

    • More than 25% of units to be affordable built on-site, or in line with local social housing plans

    All schemes must also deliver the following KPIs as a minimum:

    • All homes to be fossil fuel free

    • Every scheme to have average SAP score of 85+

    About Homes England 

    We are the government’s housing and regeneration Agency, and we’re here to drive the creation of more affordable, quality homes and thriving places so that everyone has a place to live and grow.  

    We make this happen by working in partnership with thousands of organisations of all sizes, using our powers, expertise, land, capital and influence to bring investment to communities and get more quality homes built. 

    Learn more about us: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/homes-england/about

    Press Office contact details 

    Email: media@homesengland.gov.uk 

    Phone: 0207 874 8262 

    About Octopus Real Estate

    Octopus Real Estate, part of Octopus Investments, is a specialist real estate investor and lender delivering quality, sustainable places to live for every stage of life. Through our role as an investor, lender, and landlord, we fund the entire lifecycle of real estate ─ reimagining its future.

    We have more than £3.7 billion in real estate assets and secured lending, working with our partners to deliver greener homes for people to buy or rent, increase the supply of genuinely affordable housing, and build communities that meet the aspirations of elderly people. We also transform underused land and properties that require regeneration and redevelopment.

    We believe that real, lasting change can only be achieved if businesses invest in the right way. We work with people who share our values and take our responsibilities to the communities we serve seriously. Together, we’re harnessing change to build a better tomorrow.

    About Lighthouse

    The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is the only charity that provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families.

    Our mission is to ensure that our construction community can easily access the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support they need and to develop healthy and sustainable futures for this generation and the next.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Eaton Park kicks off a new era

    Source: City of Norwich

    More football teams will be able to enjoy playing the beautiful game at Eaton Park, thanks to a transformative project to make the changing rooms more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive.

    Work is underway to convert part of the Southwest Pavillion, a listed building, into a modern, FA-compliant changing space, allowing for male and female teams to use it simultaneously. This part of the pavilion was built between 1921 and 1933 and was designed to be used as a changing facility for those using the park for sporting activities.

    The improvements are set to significantly increase women’s participation in football, an area currently underrepresented in the park, as well as enabling more teams, including higher league clubs, to use Eaton Park’s pitches. The changing facilities will also be made available for other sports and for events in the park.

    Builders are already on-site to prepare the area for work, which is expected to be completed over the summer. There will be no access to the changing facilities for the duration of the work, but access to toilets will unaffected. The area has been fenced off to minimise disruption at the park.

    This upgrade is funded by Norwich City Council, the Greater Norwich Growth Board through the Infrastructure Investment Fund, as well the the Premier League, The FA and Government via the Football Foundation. It has also been supported by the Friends of Eaton Park. The initiative aims to boost the health and wellbeing of residents by encouraging greater use of the park, particularly through improved sports facilities, enhanced infrastructure, and environmentally friendly technology integration.

    Improvements include:

    • Upgraded changing facilities – the current nine-room facility will be transformed into four modern changing rooms with individual entrances, shower cubicles, toilets, and privacy screens, making them fully FA-compliant while respecting the building’s Grade II-listed status. Two dedicated officials’ changing rooms will also be created, ensuring male and female referees have private, compliant spaces.
    • Sustainable technology – the refurbished changing block will incorporate solar panels, a heat pump, PIR sensor lighting, and energy-efficient LED fixtures, aligning with the city’s environmental commitments.
    • Expanded cycle storage – Ten new cycle storage racks will be strategically placed throughout the park to encourage active travel, reduce car dependency, and contribute to Norwich’s climate responsive ambitions by lowering CO2 emissions.

    With support from the Football Foundation and Norfolk FA, Norwich City Council will ensure these upgrades meet the highest standards while preserving the park’s historical significance.

    Davina Howes, Norwich City Council’s executive director for Communities said: “Upgrading the changing rooms is a significant step in allowing more people to enjoy sport in one of our much-loved parks.

    “This project will create a more inclusive, sustainable, and welcoming space for all residents, reinforcing Eaton Park as a hub for community engagement and physical activity.”

    For more information or to report an issue please visit: www.norwich.gov.uk/eatonpark

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nearly 3,000 top-venting blank firers handed during national gun amnesty

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    National gun amnesty took place in February across England and Wales.

    Police forces across England and Wales have seen 2,962 Turkish manufactured guns handed in as part of a national amnesty which took place in February.

    The top-venting blank firing (TVBF) guns have become popular with organised criminals in recent years due to the ease at which they are readily convertible into lethal firearms. Tests by the National Crime Agency and policing, funded by the Home Office, show models produced by four Turkish manufacturers are readily convertible and therefore illegal. TVBFs are legal to buy in the UK without a licence by over 18s unless they are readily convertible.

    Police forces across England and Wales held a four-week Firearms Amnesty for Turkish manufactured TVBFs namely models with the brand names ‘Retay’, ‘Ekol’, ‘Ceonic’ and ‘Blow’, in February.

    Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for the Criminal Use of Firearms, said: “This is a considerable step in making our streets safer and stopping these weapons from being used by criminals.

    “I would like to thank the public for their support during the amnesty and handing in these weapons which are now illegal to possess.

    “If you have any information about illegal firearms, such as the Turkish manufactured TVBF, I would ask you contact the police or Crimestoppers so that they can be taken off the streets.”

    The amnesty which took place between 3 February and 28 February 2025 saw 2,962 Turkish manufactured top-venting firers and was aimed at anyone in possession of a TVBF to hand their weapon in to avoid prosecution and up to 10 years imprisonment.

    In their original state TVBFs have a fully blocked barrel and are designed to discharge only blank cartridges. When discharged, combustion gases vent from the top of the weapon. TVBFs are sold with at least 50 per cent of their visible surface painted a bright colour however, criminals may paint them black so they look like an original lethal purpose (OLP) weapon as well as convert them to a lethal purpose firearm.

    Since 2021, UK law enforcement has recovered more than 1,000 converted TVBFs in criminal circumstances. Firearms legislation has not changed; the weapons are illegal to own under the Firearms Act 1968 as they can be readily converted using common household tools and without specialist skill on the part of the person carrying out the conversion. Testing completed by the NCA has demonstrated this.

    Charles Yates, National Crime Agency deputy director, said: “The amnesty results are excellent with very large numbers of surrenders of these easily converted firearms.

    “This work is a superb example of the public and the firearms trade coming together to help reduce the risk of the criminal use of these weapons.

    “Though firearms crime in the UK is relatively low compared with elsewhere in Europe and is among the lowest in the world, the NCA, policing and Border Force will continue to do everything possible to suppress the firearms threat and to protect the UK public.”

    Other unwanted, unlicensed firearms and ammunition may be surrendered to police at any time which will avoid the risk of them becoming involved in criminality and means that members of the community can dispose of firearms in a safe place.

    Anyone now found in possession of a Turkish manufactured TVBF will face prosecution for the illegal possession and face up to 10 years imprisonment.

    If you know of people involved in illegal firearms activity should call the Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Every call to Crimestoppers is anonymous and potentially vital to preventing or solving serious crimes; removing an illegally held firearm may just save someone’s life.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: CoinShares XBT Provider AB (Publ) – 2024 Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    02 April 2025

    CoinShares XBT Provider AB (Publ)

    LEI: 549300HGWKR2Q5T8GK64

    CoinShares XBT Provider AB (Publ) – 2024 Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

    Stockholm – 02 April 2025 – CoinShares XBT Provider AB (Publ) (the “Company”) announces that the Annual Report and Audited Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 were published and posted on 02 April 2025 on the Company website.

    The audited accounts for the Guarantor, CoinShares Capital Markets (Jersey) Limited, for the year ended 31 December 2024 are also available on the website.

    Interested persons may access electronic copies of these documents at https://coinshares.com/etp/documents/

    About CoinShares XBT Provider

    CoinShares XBT Provider AB (Publ) (“CoinShares XBT Provider”), a CoinShares company, is the Swedish-domiciled issuer of the Bitcoin Tracker One (SE0007126024), Bitcoin Tracker Euro (SE0007525332), Ether Tracker One (SE0010296574), Ether Tracker Euro (SE0010296582), series of certificates (collectively, the “Certificates”) which are designed to synthetically track the performance of the price of the relevant underlying crypto-asset, bitcoin or ether, (in Swedish Krona or Euro, respectively), less a fee component.

    In 2015, Bitcoin Tracker One became the first bitcoin-referenced security available on a regulated exchange when it listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. In 2017, Ether Tracker One became the first ether-referenced security available on a regulated exchange when it listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. The Certificates are available and traded in the same manner as any other share or instrument listed on their respective exchanges.

    CoinShares XBT Provider’s Prospectus is approved by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) and the Certificates are governed by Swedish law. CoinShares XBT Provider is not a licensed financial advisor. The views presented in this release are the opinions of the Board of CoinShares XBT Provider and no other party. Bitcoin and Ether are volatile assets and their prices (and the price of securities that are referenced to them) can move quickly, positively or negatively. Prospective investors in the Certificates should carefully consider the suitability of such an investment and whether they have sufficient financial resources in order to be able to bear the risks associated therewith and, in connection with such a determination, should carefully read CoinShares XBT Provider’s latest Prospectus (including, in particular, the risk warnings set out therein). The Certificates do not confer on the holders thereof any claim to or against the relevant underlying crypto-asset to which they are referenced. The value and any payment due under the Certificates will be affected by the exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Euro or, as the case may be, between the US Dollar and the Swedish Kronor. Any returns upon the Certificates will not be the same as the returns which a direct investment of an equivalent sum in the relevant underlying crypto-asset could produce. The Certificates are non-equity linked, non-principal protected, unsecured and unsubordinated and do not bear interest.

    Certificates are non-equity linked, non-principal protected, unsecured and unsubordinated and do not bear interest.

    For further information, please contact:

    CoinShares XBT Provider AB (Publ)
    Artillerigatan 6,
    114 51 Stockholm
    Sweden
    ir@xbtprovider.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Cerence AI Honored with 2025 ECARX Best Contribution Award

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI and BURLINGTON, Mass., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) (“Cerence AI”), a global leader pioneering conversational AI-powered user experiences, today announced that it has received a Best Contribution Award at the 2025 ECARX Partnership Conference, held on March 11, 2025, in Hangzhou, China. ECARX, a global automotive technology provider partnering with OEMs to accelerate the future of software-defined vehicles, presented the award in recognition of Cerence AI’s extensive contributions as a trusted, long-term partner delivering cutting-edge, AI-driven solutions to ECARX and its OEM customers. This is the second consecutive year that Cerence AI has been recognized with this award.

    ECARX and Cerence AI are long-term partners, having collaborated since ECARX’s founding in 2017 on automotive programs across a range of Geely brands, including innovative Audio AI solutions and multilingual support in vehicle infotainment systems – all contributing to Geely’s global expansion. This joint effort has also delivered advanced AI-powered voice assistants to enhance the driving experience in Geely’s Proton-, smart-, and Lotus-brand vehicles, as well as equip the entire Lynk & Co lineup with AI capabilities to appeal to the European market.

    Most recently, the companies expanded their partnership to enable ECARX to deploy Cerence’s generative AI-powered solutions to create a more intuitive and integrated experience for smart drivers. In addition, leveraging Cerence AI’s extensive global language capabilities, the ECARX Antora 1000 platform – deployed in the Hongqi 007/009 models – featured enhanced voice functionalities, including English language speech recognition and text-to-speech capabilities in 17 languages, supporting Hongqi’s expansion into global markets.

    “It’s an honor to be acknowledged for the second year in a row by our long-term partners at ECARX for our continuous effort and innovation,” said Christian Mentz, Chief Revenue Officer, Cerence AI. “Cerence’s AI-powered, intuitive solutions are a core component of ECARX’s innovative computing platforms. Together, we aim to consistently deliver unparalleled value to automakers, fostering the evolution of AI-driven user experiences across China and in global markets.” 

    To learn more about Cerence AI, visit www.cerence.ai, and follow the company on LinkedIn.

    About Cerence Inc.
    Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) is a global industry leader in creating intuitive, seamless, AI-powered experiences across automotive and transportation. Leveraging decades of innovation and expertise in voice, generative AI, and large language models, Cerence powers integrated experiences that create safer, more connected, and more enjoyable journeys for drivers and passengers alike. With more than 500 million cars shipped with Cerence technology, the company partners with leading automakers, transportation OEMs, and technology companies to advance the next generation of user experiences. Cerence is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with operations globally and a worldwide team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. For more information, visit www.cerence.ai.

    About ECARX
    ECARX (Nasdaq: ECX) is a global automotive technology provider with capabilities to deliver turnkey solutions for next-generation smart vehicles, from the system on a chip (SoC), to central computing platforms, and software. As automakers develop new electric vehicle architectures from the ground up, ECARX is developing full-stack solutions to enhance the user experience, while reducing complexity and cost.

    Founded in 2017 and listed on the Nasdaq in 2022, ECARX now has over 1,800 employees based in 12 major locations in China, UK, USA, Sweden, Germany and Malaysia. To date, ECARX products can be found in over 7.3 million vehicles worldwide.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Championing gaming start-ups

    Source: Scottish Government

    Eight Techscaler companies heading to Japan.

    Eight leading Scottish games companies are to showcase their products and expertise to a global audience.

    They will leave on 5th April for a two week visit to Japan, one of the world’s biggest and most influential gaming markets, which will see them meet potential new investors, customers and commercial contacts.

    In Tokyo they will be based at Tunnel Tokyo, a startup incubator operated by the SEGA Sammy group and venture capital firm Pegasus Ventures.

    They will then showcase their products at a Scottish Government event focused on gaming at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, which expects to host over 28 million attendees from all over the world.

    The visit has been developed as part of the Scottish Government’s Techscaler programme. Participants range from Blazing Griffin a Glasgow-based multi-media entertainment company spanning games, film and post-production, to Dundee based Konglomerate Games and Edinburgh company GLITCHERS, whose products include games technology aimed at the healthcare sector,

    Speaking during a visit to Blazing Griffin, Business Minister Richard Lochhead said:

    “Japan is synonymous with gaming technology and, with a market valued at around $50 billion, it offers phenomenal economic opportunities for our own, hugely talented Scottish sector.

    “Techscaler is about helping entrepreneurs unleash their ability to innovate, spearheading Scotland’s presence in expanding new markets.

    “Techscaler Japan will present some of our most exciting gaming start-ups with considerable opportunities to unlock further investment, develop new commercial partnerships and drive and showcase their businesses on a global stage.”

    Blazing Griffin’s Co-Head of Games, Justin Alae-Carew said:

    “We’re incredibly excited to take part in Techscaler’s market visit to Japan. Japan is not only an incredible consumer and producer of games, but also home to a fantastic array of multi-media intellectual property (IP). We see huge opportunity in exploring cross-border partnership with a specific focus on IP – either Japanese IP coming to the West or Western IP gaining foothold in Japan.

    “The multi-media lens by which Japan views IP is also something for us to learn from and given our capabilities across film and games at Blazing Griffin, we’re uniquely positioned to take advantage of the opportunities raised by that approach.”

    Head of Bridge Programmes at CodeBase, delivery partner of Techscaler, Ruth Oliver said:

    “The companies selected to join the first Japan cohort represent some of Scotland’s most exciting and promising companies from the gaming sector, and while some are further down the commercial path than others, what they all have in common is a global mindset. 

    “With the opportunity to make valuable industry connections and gain insights and learnings, the programme offers the companies a golden chance to win customers and take their business to the next level in one of the world’s most dynamic and important markets.”

    Background

    The companies participating in the visit are:

    • BearHammer Games (Glasgow), a virtual reality projects and game developer
    • Konglomerate Games (Dundee) develops video game technology for sectors like healthcare and education.
    • Buildstash (Glasgow), which helps game developers manage iOS and Android apps
    • Yaldi Games (Edinburgh) which develops education-focused software.
    • Speech Graphics (Edinburgh) which develops facial animation technology
    • Blazing Griffin (Glasgow) a film and games producer and post-production developer.
    • Wardog Studios (Edinburgh) which develops virtual reality weapons and vehicles 
    • GLITCHERS (Edinburgh) a game developer whose titles include a game used to support dementia research

    Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai takes place from 13 April to 13 October. It is an international event at which countries, organisations and companies showcase innovations, cultural exchanges and solutions to global challenges. It is expected to attract about 28 million visitors and more than 150 participating countries. 

    Scotland’s spotlight event on gaming and consumer industries will be held on 17 April at the UK Pavilion. Scottish Enterprise is supporting the three events for Scotland at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is available on SDI’s website.

    The Scottish Government is investing £42 million in Techscaler. Nearly 1,000 Scottish companies are now involved in the programme. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Vacancy announced for Birches Head and Northwood ward

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Wednesday, 2nd April 2025

    A vacancy has been announced for Birches Head and Northwood ward.

    It comes as the city council published an official notice of vacancy this week after Steve Blakemore, ward councillor for Birches Head and Northwood, has been disqualified as a councillor on Stoke-on-Trent City Council. 

    Former Councillor Blakemore is an employee of Unitas, the council’s housing maintenance company, whose employees were transferred to the council yesterday (April 1).

    Under UK law a council employee cannot also be a councillor and therefore the council has had no choice but to disqualify him.

    A by-election will be called in due course.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Views sought on proposals to reshape libraries and community services

    Source: City of Leicester

    THE city council is asking for views on proposals to ensure libraries and community centres remain accessible to everyone in Leicester – in spite of the worst budget situation the council has ever seen.

    The council is proposing to operate its library and community services from 12 multi-service centres and the city’s Central Library.

    If the proposals are agreed, the council would invest £1million in the buildings to enable them to operate as hubs, bringing together a range of services provided by the council and partners.

    The council is also proposing to expand book collections at some children’s centres; expand the home library service that delivers books direct to the door of housebound residents; and introduce self-service libraries to extend opening hours outside of staffed times.

    The Central Library on Bishop Street would continue to provide a city-wide service, with a slight reduction in opening hours.

    The changes are being put forward following a city-wide survey and engagement exercise carried out in 2023. The proposals would reduce council spending by £2.1m per year and contribute to the £23m of savings the council needs to make to balance its budget.

    The savings could be made by making some of buildings available for community organisations to run. Reductions in staff numbers and opening hours are also proposed.

    Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for libraries and community centres, said: “We are very proud of our libraries and community centres in Leicester. They play an important role in bringing people together, and we know that the services they offer are greatly valued.

    “Sadly, after many years of Government cuts to our budgets we can no longer afford to run them in the same way, and so have looked for new ways to keep providing the services people most value, in a place close to where they live.

    “That’s why we’re proposing to bring services together in new multi-service hubs, ensuring they continue to be accessible across the city, while making the savings we need by reducing the number of buildings we run.

    “Making some buildings available for community groups to run is another way we can ensure that services continue to be delivered. We have seen how well this can work at New Parks Community Centre and the African Caribbean Centre.

    “Supporting local groups to run libraries, is also a tried and tested option that is working well in the county and other places.

    “These proposals have been drawn up after very careful consideration of the feedback we’ve had from service users and residents, and no decisions have yet been taken. I would urge anyone who has an interest in these services to let us have their views.”

    Facilities which could be made available for the local community to run are: Belgrave, Coleman, and Netherhall neighbourhood centres; Braunstone Frith and Rushey Mead recreation centres; Eyres Monsell Community Centre; Evington, Knighton and Rushey Mead libraries; Gilmorton community rooms; and the Tudor Centre.

    The St Matthews Centre would close, and the library would be relocated to somewhere nearby. Disposal options would be looked at for the Fosse Centre, which – owing to the work needed to the building – is not suitable for transferring to the community.

    Of the 12 sites the council proposes to keep – which would be renamed as hubs to reflect their multi-service offer – five could have staffed opening for 40 hours a week. These include Beaumont Leys Library Hub and Highfields Library Hub. Additional self-access hours would be offered on top of the 40 hours at Belgrave Library Hub; The Brite Centre Library Hub; and St Barnabas Library Hub.

    The remaining seven sites could open for 30 hours a week, including Aylestone Library (already located in the leisure centre); Westcotes Library Hub; St Matthews Library (which could relocate to a building nearby); and Thurnby Lodge Centre Hub (with a new self-service library). Additional self-access hours on top of the 30 hours, are proposed for Hamilton Library Hub; New Parks Centre Hub; and Pork Pie Library Hub.

    Consultation on the proposals will run from 2 April to 29 June. Questionnaires are available to complete on the council’s consultation website. 

    Open meetings will be held in different neighbourhood venues, details of which are on the consultation website.

    The council set its budget for 2025/26 in February. Its financial outlook is very difficult due to previous government austerity cuts, the rising costs of social care, and an increase in homeless families requiring support.

    It plans to use £110m of one-off monies to help maintain services in the short term, together with savings of £23m a year by 2027/28. There will remain a gap between spending and income of £68m by 2027/28, requiring the council to take every opportunity available to reduce costs.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for murder of his daughter

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been jailed for life after the daughter he assaulted as a baby died of her injuries six years later.

    Kyle Kitchen 38, (04.08.1986), of no fixed address, was sentenced at the Old Bailey to a minimum of seven years and eight months behind bars for the murder of Primrose Kane, after assaulting her so violently that she would never learn to walk or talk.

    Kitchen was serving the 15-year sentence he was given at Blackfriars Crown Court in August 2016, having been convicted of two counts of grievous bodily harm in relation to the incident, when he was arrested for Primrose’s murder.

    In a trial which started on Monday, 10 February, the court heard Primrose’s mother and father contacted NHS 111 after she was found unresponsive at her home at Queens Crescent, Camden on Monday, 3 November 2014. She was just two months’ old.

    Doctors found Primrose suffered such severe injuries to her head, including a skull fracture and bleed on the brain, that she would grow, but remain with the mental capacity of a baby, with severe physical and developmental disabilities.

    In time, she developed cerebral palsy and scoliosis. She was unable to communicate, and suffered with chronic pain.

    While Primrose was being treated in hospital, the Met’s Child Abuse Command team launched a criminal investigation after deeming the injuries not to be accidental.

    Both her mother and father were arrested and later convicted.

    Primrose died aged six on Monday, 17 May 2021 at the home of her grandmother in Welling.

    Doctors concluded Primrose had died from pneumonia caused by profound neurological, physical and developmental disabilities.

    Homicide detectives were informed Primrose had died, and sought to determine whether the assault in 2014 contributed to her cause of death.

    The Met’s Specialist Crime Command launched an investigation, resulting in Kitchen being arrested and later charged with murder.

    He was convicted at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 12 March.

    Detective Inspector Laura Nelson, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Homicide Team, said: “Primrose was born a happy and healthy baby.

    “The reason why Kyle Kitchen lost his temper and shook his daughter remains unknown. However, his actions have resulted in Primrose’s short life being lived in pain.

    “No child should ever have to suffer in this way.

    “The fact that such serious injuries were caused by her father makes this case all the more shocking.

    “At no time, since 2014, has Kitchen shown any remorse for his actions. As a team, we have fought hard to bring justice for Primrose, whilst others close to her have been in denial about how the assault in 2014 occurred.

    “Today’s sentence will bring some closure to Primrose’s family, but this will never compensate for their loss.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: The Ukraine Defence Contact Group to meet at NATO Headquarters

    Source: NATO

    On 11 April the United Kingdom and Germany will convene the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at NATO HQ.

    Media representatives with an annual accreditation to NATO for 2025 do not need to request accreditation for this event. All other media representatives wishing to cover the meeting should accredit via the NATO accreditation portal by 3 April 1300 CEST.

    Media opportunities will be set out in due course.
    For more details please contact:

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Zambia Bolsters Copper Exploration Ahead of 2031 Target

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

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 2, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Zambia has launched a series of strategic initiatives in 2025 to accelerate copper drilling and meet its target of producing 3.1 million tons per annum by 2031. In February 2025, the country introduced the Zambia Integrated Mining Information System (www.MMMD.Gov.zm), a digital platform designed to enhance efficiency and transparency in mining license management. The system is expected to streamline the approval process and help Zambia attract more investors and fast-track exploration.

    In line with efforts by Zambia to enhance copper exploration, the upcoming African Mining Wee conference and exhibition, taking place from October 1-3 in Cape Town, will provide a platform to showcase lucrative investment opportunities within the country’s upstream industry.

    Government Programs

    To create a more conducive environment for copper drilling, Zambia is implementing several government-led initiatives. In February 2025, the country announced a non-compliance monitoring project, which led to the repossession of over 1,000 mining licenses (apo-opa.co/4j7kjrc) in 2024 alone. These licenses are now being reallocated to new investors to accelerate exploration efforts and help achieve its 2031 production goal. Zambia has also recorded a 79% increase in mining licenses granted in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development. The government – in partnership with the Geological Survey of Finland – is implementing a nationwide high-resolution aerial geophysical survey to map mineral resources and open new exploration basins. Additionally, the government established the Zambia Minerals Investment Corporation Limited, a special-purpose vehicle to facilitate joint venture investments in exploration, production and mineral processing. On January 16, 2025, the country signed a cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to facilitate human capital development, technology transfer and investments in copper exploration and production. The government has also played a key role in reopening previously inactive mining operations, including Mopani and Konkola Copper Mines, unlocking new opportunities for exploration.

    Private Sector Contributions

    Private sector players are also contributing to Zambia’s copper drilling expansion agenda. In January 2025, Barrick Gold (apo-opa.co/3FSagrR) announced its plans to utilize a new exploration license in northern Zambia and continue drilling at Lumwana as part of its commitment to Zambia’s 2031 production goal. The UK-based Jubilee Metals Group (apo-opa.co/4lcH5zH) is undertaking several drilling projects to support growth at its Roan and Sable Refinery sites, while Handa Resources (apo-opa.co/3YfapvA), a joint venture between Arc Minerals and Anglo American, began drilling across three newly approved licenses in Zambia in January 2025.

    As Africa’s premier mining investment platform, African Mining Week will bring together key stakeholders, government officials and global investors to discuss and optimize opportunities within Zambia’s copper exploration and production industry.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/SENEGAL – Appointment of bishop of Saint-Louis du Sénégal

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 2 April 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Augustin Simmel Ndiaye, of the clergy of Dakar, until now rector of the Catholic University of West Africa (UCAO) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, as bishop of the diocese of Saint-Louis du Sénégal, Senegal.Msgr. Augustin Simmel Ndiaye was born on 2 January 1959 in Fadiouth. He studied philosophy and theology at the François Libermann Interdiocesan Major Seminary of Sébikhotane, Dakar.He was ordained a priest on 9 April 1983.After ordination, he first held the role of vicar of the Cathedral of Notre Dames des Victoires in Dakar (1983-1988). He was awarded a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Urbaniana University of Rome (1988-1922), and went on to serve as vicar of Sainte Thérèse in Grand-Dakar (1992-1993), professor of canon law, methodology and introduction to sacramental liturgical practice in the François Libermann Interdiocesan Major Seminary of Sébikhotane (1992-1998), president of the Union of Senegalese Clergy (1996-1999), rector (1998-2005) and professor of canon law (1998-2014) at the François Libermann Interdiocesan Major Seminary of Sébikhotane, president of the interdiocesan tribunal of Thiès, member of the Council for Economic Affairs of the metropolitan archdiocese of Dakar, parish priest of the Cathedral of Notre Dames des Victoires (2005-2014), fidei donum in the diocese of Angers, France, internship at the ecclesiastical tribunal of Angers (2014-2018), and parish priest of Sainte Marthe in Mbour (2018-2020). Since 2020 he has served as rector of the Catholic University of West Africa (UCAO) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. (E.G.) (Agenzia Fides, 2/4/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of Rare Earth Metals

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:19PM by PIB Delhi

    The details on the quantum of rare earth metals imported and the countries from which it has been imported during the last five years is given at Annexure-I.

    Government is aware of the occurrence of neodymium in the country. The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, is actively engaged in carrying out mineral exploration across the country following guidelines of United Nations Framework Classification [UNFC stage viz. reconnaissance surveys (G4), preliminary exploration (G3) and general exploration (G2)] and the Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) (MEMC) Rules, 2015 with an aim to augment resource for various mineral commodities including critical minerals specified in Part D of the First Schedule of the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Act, 2023. During Field Season (FS) 2021-22 and 2022-23, GSI had taken up three reconnaissance stage projects for Rare Earth Elements including neodymium in Sirohi and Bhilwara districts of Rajasthan as per the approved field season programme. The details are given at Annexure-II.

    The Department of Atomic Energy has explored 1,11,845 tonne in-situ Rare Earth Elements Oxide (REO) in hard rock terrains in parts of Balotra (erstwhile Barmer) district, Rajasthan. As policy framework for utilizing critical minerals, including rare earth metals, the National Critical Mineral Mission has been launched, which is India’s strategic initiative to secure critical mineral supply chain by increasing domestic critical minerals production and foreign supply sources.

    Under the Mission, GSI has prioritized and intensified its exploration activities for critical and strategic minerals across the country including Rajasthan, with an aim to find out potential mineralized locales as well as to establish more resources for these minerals. During the current FS 2024-25, GSI has taken up 195 exploration projects including 35 projects in Rajasthan, to assess the mineral potential of strategic and critical minerals. The detailed list of mineral exploration projects taken up by GSI in Rajasthan exclusively for REE/RM and associated minerals from FS 2021-22 to 2024-25 is given at Annexure-III. Since MMDR Amendment Act, 2015, GSI has established resource of REE in Barmer and Sikar districts of Rajasthan. GSI has handed over one resource bearing geological report (GR) on REE, one Geological Memorandums (GM) on REE and one GM on tungsten for auctioning.

    ANNEXURE-I

    Annexure-I referred to in reply to part (a) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 5253 answered on 02.04.2025 regarding ‘Import of Rare Earth Metals’

    Table: Country wise quantum of rare earth metals imported by India during last 5 years

     Quantity in Tonnes

    #

    HS Code- Description

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    Country

    Qty

    Country

    Qty

    Country

    Qty

    Country

    Qty

    Country

    Qty

    1.

    28053000– Alkali or alkaline earth metals: Rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or inter alloyed

    China

    437

    China

    445

    China

    714.5

    China

    709

    China

    699

    Hong Kong

    34

    Japan

    11

    Japan

    34

    Japan

    42

    Hong Kong

    234

    Japan

    2

    Sweden

    10

    USA

    6.6

    Singapore

    20

    Japan

    192

    USA

    0.57

    USA

    4.69

    Hong Kong

    5

    Hong Kong

    20

    Mongolia

    60

    UK

    0.08

    Hong Kong

    0.05

    Russia

    1

    USA

    1.09

    UK

    0.11

    Others

    0.00

    Others

    0.07

    Others

    0.06

    Others

    0.18

    Others

    0.02

    Total

    473.65

    Total

    470.61

    Total

    761

    Total

    792

    Total

    1,185

    2.

    2846- Compounds, inorganic or organic, of rare earth metals

    Russia

    452

    China

    695

    China

    745

    China

    796

    China

    780

    China

    434

    Russia

    156

    Japan

    196

    Korea

    150

    Japan

    148

    Japan

    255

    Japan

    133

    Korea

    93

    Japan

    148

    Korea

    90

    Germany

    59

    Korea

    91

    Austria

    41

    USA

    20

    USA

    24

    Austria

    31

    Austria

    46

    Russia

    40

    France

    14

    France

    19

    Others

    144

    Others

    129

    Others

    69

    Others

    24

    Others

    24

    Total

    1,375

    Total

    1,250

    Total

    1,183

    Total

    1,153

    Total

    1,086

     

    REE Total

     

    1,848

     

    1,721

     

    1,944

     

    1,945

     

    2,270

    Note:REE has 17 elements. HS codes 280530 and 2846 pertain to REE as a whole and not to a particular element.

     

    ANNEXURE-II

    Annexure-II referred to in reply to part (b) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 5253 answered on 02.04.2025 regarding ‘Import of Rare Earth Metals’

    Table: G4 stage projects taken up for Rare Earth Elements including neodymium in Rajasthan during FS 2021-22 and FS 2022-23

    Sl. No

    State

    District

    Name of Mineral Block / Area/ Belt

    UNFC Stage

    Mineral Commodity

    FS: 2021-22

    1

    Rajasthan

    Sirohi

    Jirawal-Sanpur

    G4

    Neodymium and Dysprosium

    2

    Rajasthan

    Bhilwara

    Mahendragarh-Gundli-Bawri

    G4

    Neodymium and associated REE

    FS: 2022-23

    3

    Rajasthan

    Bhilwara

    Kodukota-Raser-Lulas-Kallyakhera

    G4

    REE and associated Neodymium

     

    ANNEXURE-III

     

    Annexure-III referred to in reply to part (c) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 5253 answered on 02.04.2025 regarding ‘Import of Rare Earth Metals’

    Table: List of projects taken up by GSI on REE/RM and associated minerals from FS 2021-22 to FS 2024-25

     

    Sl. No.

    State

    District

    Name of Mineral Block / Area / Belt

    UNFC Stage

    Mineral Commodity

    FS: 2021-22

    1

    Rajasthan

    Jaipur

    Asalpur, Boraj, Bichun

    G4

    REE & RM, basemetal

    2

    Rajasthan

    Sikar

    South East of Nanagwas

    G3

    REE & RM, basemetal

    3

    Rajasthan

    Sirohi

    Jirawal-Sanpur

    G4

    Neodymium, Dysprosium (REE)

    4

    Rajasthan

    Bhilwara

    Mahendragarh-Gundli-Bawri

    G4

    Neodymium, REE

    5

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    Sainji Ki Beri-Meli

    G4

    REE

    6

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    Indrana-Siwana

    G4

    REE

    7

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    WNW of Sukleswar Ka Mandir

    G3

    REE & RM

    8

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    Nimale Ki Pahari-Dantala

    G4

    REE & RM

    9

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    Kundal-Dhiran

    G4

    REE & RM

    10

    Rajasthan

    Jaisalmer

    Jaisalmer-Pokran

    G4

    REE, RM

    FS: 2022-23

    1

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    SE of Mawri

    G3

    REE

    2

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    north of Kalaur Ka Danta

    G3

    REE, RM

    3

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    Kalaur Ka Danta

    G3

    REE, RM

    4

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    Kaluri-Tapra-Buriwara

    G4

    REE

    5

    Rajasthan

    Bhilwara

    Kodukota-Raser-Lulas-Kallyakhera

    G4

    Neodymium and associated REE

    6

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    Bachharau-Dhorimana

    G4

    REE

    7

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    south of Gura Nal

    G3

    REE

    8

    Rajasthan

    Sikar

    Ladi Ka Was

    G3

    REE, RM, Basemetal

    9

    Rajasthan

    Sikar

    Kalakhera

    G3

    REE, RM, Basemetal

    10

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    SE of Gugrot

    G3

    REE

    11

    Rajasthan

    Jalore

    Ahor-Beria-Ajitpura

    G4

    REE, RM

    12

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    WNW of Sukleswar Ka Mandir

    G3

    REE, RM

    13

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    Relon Ki Dhani – Telwara

    G4

    REE

    FS: 2023-24

    1

    Rajasthan

    Alwar

    Dadikar, Harsora and Khairthal

    G4

    REE, RM, Tungsten, Tin, Niobium, Beryllium, Tantalum, Hafnium

    2

    Rajasthan

    Udaipur

    Semari

    G4

    REE, Gold, Basemetal

    3

    Rajasthan

    Udaipur

    Seriya

    G4

    REE, Gold, Basemetal

    4

    Rajasthan

    Sirohi

    Wan-Mochhal-Bhev

    G4

    REE, RM

    5

    Rajasthan

    Udaipur

    Padrara-Sayra

    G4

    REE

    6

    Rajasthan

    Ajmer

    Piloda Nagola

    G4

    REE

    7

    Rajasthan

    Banswara

    Bhongra-Bargun

    G4

    Graphite, RM

    8

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    East of Gugrot

    G3

    REE

    9

    Rajasthan

    Jalore&Sirohi

    Jastwantpura

    G4

    REE

    10

    Rajasthan

    Sirohi

    Punawa-Ranela-Kooma

    G4

    REE

    11

    Rajasthan

    Dungarpur

    Barwasa -Lodowal

    G4

    REE, RM

    12

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    Nakoda

    G4

    REE, RM

    FS: 2024-25

    1

    Rajasthan

    Sikar

    Ladi ka Bas

    G2

    REE, RM

    2

    Rajasthan

    Dungarpur

    Gara Sialia

    G4

    REE, RM

    3

    Rajasthan

    Jalore

    Dorda-Ambatri

    G4

    REE, RM

    4

    Rajasthan

    Tonk

    Kalyanpura-Kakor

    G4

    REE

    5

    Rajasthan

    Ajmer and Pali

    Ratangarh-Jetgarh

    G4

    RM

    6

    Rajasthan

    Sirohi

    Malawa-Nagani

    G4

    REE, RM

    7

    Rajasthan

    Pali and Sirohi

    Chhotila-Badla-Raghunathpura

    G4

    REE, RM

    8

    Rajasthan

    Alwar

    Sibagaon North

    G3

    Tin, Lithium, RM

    9

    Rajasthan

    Nagaur and Ajmer

    Chinwali-Bhutas

    G4

    REE, Basemetal

    10

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    Jhak and Khimpar

    G4

    REE

    11

    Rajasthan

    Barmer

    Kitpala-Sinli

    G4

    REE

    12

    Rajasthan

    Pali

    Thandi Beri

    G4

    RM

    13

    Rajasthan

    Barmer and Jodhpur

    Patodi-Thob

    G4

    REE

    14

    Rajasthan

    Sirohi

    Rewakakri-Moras-UparlaSavela

    G4

    RM

    15

    Rajasthan

    Sirohi and Pali

    Malnu-Velar-Chotila ki Bhagli

    G4

    RM

    16

    Rajasthan

    Sirohi

    Isra Darbar Khera Chhota-Dhanta

    G4

    RM

     

    This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ****

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    (Release ID: 2117701) Visitor Counter : 65

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Finalists for WAVES Comics Creator Championship & WAVES Awards of Excellence Announced

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 7:37PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai/Bhopal, 1 April 2025

     

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India, in collaboration with Indian Comics Association (ICA) and ASIFA India, has announced the finalists for two prestigious competitions under the WAVES Create in India Challenge—the WAVES Comics Creator Championship and the WAVES Awards of Excellence.

    The competitions have attracted participation from across India and internationally, highlighting the country’s potential as a global hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. The winners will be announced at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), scheduled to be held in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025.

    Additional Director General, PIB, Bhopal, Shri Prashant Pathrabe said that, WAVES is an important event that provides a global platform for professional entrepreneurs, investors, producers and innovators to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute in the entertainment sector.

       

    Photo caption : Shri Prashant Pathrabe, Additional Director General, PIB Bhopal addressing the ceremony of announcement of finalists of Waves Comics Creator Championship and Waves Awards of Excellence

     

    WAVES Comics Creator Championship:

    Indian Comics Association (ICA) President Ajitesh Sharma stated that ICA has selected 10 teams for the final round and that the candidates for the final round were selected based on their creative story, artistic skills and overall impact.

    Photo caption: Shri Ajitesh Sharma, President, Indian Comics Association addressing the Waves Comics Creator Championship and Waves Awards of Excellence finalists announcement ceremony.

    The finalists for the Comics Creator Championship are as follows:

    Finalists – Professional Category:

    1. Mohit Sharma (Meerut) – Ayush Kumar (Delhi)

    2. Aparna Chaurasia (Chhatarpur)

    3. Bijoy Raveendran (Delhi) – Tadam Gyadu (Delhi)

    4. Puneet Shukla (Gorakhpur) – Piyush Kumar (Ranchi)

    5. Tejas Janardhan Kamble (Mumbai)

    Finalists – Amateur Category:

    1. Suvojit Pal (Howrah) – Vivek Pradhan (Raipur)

    2. Vindhyarsh Mishra (Bareilly)

    3. Rohit Shukla (Chennai) – Shivangi Shaily (Indore)

    4. Ritesh Patra (Kolkata)

    5. Randeep Singh (Kendrapara)

    Jury Panel for Comics Creator Championship

    The five-member jury to evaluate the competition entries included: Dilip Kadam – Renowned comic artist and illustrator; Nikhil Pran – Acclaimed comic creator and son of Pran Kumar Sharma; Jajil Homaveer – Creator of the web manga The Beast Legion; Sanjay Gupta – Founder of Raj Comics; Preeti Vyas – President & CEO of Amar Chitra Katha. The jury panel will now select the winners by evaluating the Semi-Finalists’ entries. The selected 10 Finalists will then compete at the Mumbai Waves Event from 1-4 May 2025.The final competition will take place at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai, where the best talents in Indian comics will be recognized on an international stage.

    ASIFA announces Waves’ Awards of Excellence

    The WAVES Awards of Excellence, organized by ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d’Animation) India under the Create in India Challenge, has received 1,331 entries from 28 Indian states and 13 countries.

    Shri Sanjay Khimesara, President, ASIFA India addressing the Waves Comics Creator Championship and Waves Awards of Excellence finalists announcement ceremony.

    Jury for WAVES Awards of Excellence

    The evaluation process for the WAVES Awards of Excellence was led by an esteemed five-member international jury, ensuring global standards in selection: Dr. Anastasia Dimitra (Greece) – VP, ASIFA International & Animation Educator; Briana Yarhouse (USA) – Director, Awards of Excellence & Professor; Pramita Mukherjee (USA) – Sr. Creature FX Developer, DreamWorks; Dhimant Vyas (India) – Professor of Practice, IDC School of Design; B.N. Vichar (India) – Art Director, Technicolor Games

    The winning entries will receive mentorship, global exposure, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.

     

    Final Nominations-Professionals

    1

    Patrick

    Smith

    ASIFA24102

    Onward Ye Costumed Souls

    USA

    2

    Fabian

    Driehorst

    ASIFA24142

    Little Fan

    Germany

    3

    Yingyan Chen

    Linxiao Zhou, Zehao Chen

    ASIFA24205

    Online interview

    China

    4

    Long Qin

    CHINA

    ASIFA24207

    IN BEWTEEN

    China

    5

    Suresh

    Eriyat

    ASIFA24298

    The Seed

    Mumbai, India

    6

    Adithi

    Krishnadas

    ASIFA24299

    The Legend of Arana

    Mumbai, India

    7

    Suresh

    Eriyat

    ASIFA24302

    Pune Design Festival Versus Ident Film

    Mumbai, India

    8

    Swati

    Agarwal

    ASIFA24654

    Chalisa’

    Mumbai, India

    9

    Swathy

    Pushpalochanan

    ASIFA24678

    Anpu

    Kollam, Kerala

    10

    Bimal

    Poddar

    ASIFA24693

    IPL opening graphics

    Mumbai, India

    11

    Bimal

    Poddar

    ASIFA24694

    Home season opening graphics/Legend

    Mumbai, India

    12

    Bimal

    Poddar

    ASIFA24696

    RADHA

    Mumbai, India

    13

    Bimal

    Poddar

    ASIFA24697

    13th Portal

    Mumbai, India

    14

    Bimal

    Poddar

    ASIFA24698

    More kaka

    Mumbai, India

    15

    Prateek

    Sethi

    ASIFA24726

    Informa Markets In India – Milan

    Mumbai, India

    16

    Ujwal

    Nair

    ASIFA24740

    Lucky Dog

    Chennai, India

    17

    Gary

    Schwartz

    ASIFA2492

    FLINTMATION ll

    USA

    18

    David

    Ehrlich

    ASIFA2494

    A New World

    USA

    19

    Suresh

    Eriyat

    ASIFA251377

    Desi Oon

    Mumbai, India

    20

    Amit

    Sonawane

    ASIFA251402

    What’s Your Story

    Mumbai, India

    Top 26 Nominated works includes Showreels/Shorts from students from across India including states/UT’s of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Chandigarh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Gujarat, New Delhi.

    Final Nominations- Students

    S.No

    First Name

    Last Name

    Tracking Number

    Project Title

    Location

    1

    Varun

    Choudhry

    ASIFA24942

    Varun Choudhry | Modeling Reel 2024

    Mumbai

    2

    Hussain

    Bohra

    ASIFA24744

    IRAN 600 BC

    Udaipur

    3

    Shavikant

    Chauhan

    ASIFA24474

    texturing showreel

    Surat

    4

    Karan

    Meghlan

    ASIFA24930

    Karan_Malghan_Modeling_Texturing_Reel_Wave

    Pune

    5

    Rajat

    Aingh

    ASIFA241036

    CG Lighting Showreel_Rajat Singh

    Chandigarh

    6

    Ajit Tanaji

    Kinare

    ASIFA24881

    CG Lighting

    Mumbai

    7

    Ankan

    Samanta

    ASIFA24850

    Rigging Showreel By Ankan Samanta

    Hooghly, WB

    8

    Sumedha

    Paul

    ASIFA24814

    Rigging Showreel

    Kolkata

    9

    Arjun

    kumar

    ASIFA24157

    Animation Showreel

    Chandigarh

    10

    Arpit

    Thakur

    ASIFA24948

    Animation Showreel By ARPIT THAKUR

    Chandigarh

    11

    Kumkum

    Gupta

    ASIFA24966

    Digital_Painting_Kumkum Gupta

    Mumbai

    12

    Ishwari

    Tarkar

    ASIFA24969

    Digital_Painting_Ishwari_Tarkar

    Mumbai

    13

    Tarun

    None

    ASIFA24800

    Digital Matte Painting

    Bengaluru

    14

    Arena

    Andheri

    ASIFA241073

    Matte Paint-Sameer Parab

    Mumbai

    15

    ElangoM

    Elango

    ASIFA241306

    Digital matte painting

    Bengaluru

    16

    Prajval

    Nanote

    ASIFA241005

    Motion graphic

    sausar
    Chhindwara,MP

    17

    Sk

    Nur Islam

    ASIFA241121

    Motion Graphics Showreel

    Malda, WB

    18

    Sourav

    Bishwakarma

    ASIFA241202

    Compositing Showreel

    Kanchrapara,WB

    19

    Varun

    Sapkal

    ASIFA24565

    Showreel Varun Sapkal VFX

    Mumbai

    20

    Vijay

    Bangar

    ASIFA24922

    Kothrud_Vijay_Bangar

    Kothrud, Pune

    21

    Shaikh

    Sahil

    ASIFA241176

    Avengers: Infinity War movie Shots

    Mankhurd, Mumbai

    22

    Aditi

    Dixit

    ASIFA251357

    Showreel

    Delhi

    23

    Rutvik

    Dhole

    ASIFA24736

    Arwick 2d Animated explainer Video Ad

    Not specified

    24

    Debopom

    Chakraborty

    ASIFA24661

    Rasmalai

    Gurgaon, Haryana

    25

    Kartik

    Mahajan

    ASIFA24731

    Phool Dei

    Dehradun, Utta

    26

    Harshita

    Nehlani

    ASIFA251352

    Adhoori Pehchaan [Incomplete Identity]

    GLS, A’bad

     

    About WAVES

    The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

    Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

    WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

    Have questions? Find answers here  

    Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

    Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now

     

    * * *

    PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Prashant/ Ajay/ Samir/ Prem/ Dhanalakshmi/ Darshana | 84

     

    Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

    (Release ID: 2117473) Visitor Counter : 63

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales Alenia Space wins €51 million contract to extend EGNOS service life

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales Alenia Space wins €51 million contract to extend EGNOS service life

    Strengthening Europe’s critical navigation infrastructure thanks to EGNOS satellite-based augmentation system

    Cannes, April 2, 2025 – Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a new contract worth €51 million with the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) to extend the operational life of the European Satellite-Based Augmentation System (EGNOS). Named LIFEX 1 (Life Extension Phase 1), this contract will ensure that EGNOS V2 continues to provide reliable, secure, and high-performance navigation services for Europe’s aviation, maritime, land transport, mapping and agricultural sectors beyond 2028. 

    EGNOS © Thales Alenia Space 

    EGNOS system enhances the accuracy, reliability and integrity of positioning signals by improving the performance of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as GPS and, in the future, Galileo. As part of this contract, Thales Alenia Space will address EGNOS V2 critical system upgrades and infrastructure improvements, reinforcing the system’s resilience and operational durability. These updates will focus on enhancing security measures, modernizing components, and ensuring the ongoing reliability of EGNOS’s “Safety of Life” service, which plays a key role in aviation, enabling accurate approaches at European airports without requiring ground guidance systems. Operational since 2011, this service has significantly improved operational safety and efficiency for the greater benefit of European operators.

    ”EGNOS is a key asset for Europe, ensuring safer and more efficient transport across multiple sectors. This contract will secure the extension of the system in operations, making the service more robust to support a growing number of users and strengthening the European Union’s satellite navigation capabilities,” said Rodrigo da Costa, Executive Director of EUSPA.

    “We are very proud to support our client EUSPA in extending the lifetime of an operational system that plays a key role in European navigation every day. With this latest contract, Thales Alenia Space demonstrates its European and export leadership in satellite navigation and contributes to the success of the EGNOS system in Europe” said David Philipona, Vice-President Navigation for Thales Alenia Space in France. “This is in line with Thales Alenia Space’s commitment to provide reliable and innovative navigation solutions to ensure safer and more efficient transport across the continent and across the world.”

    About EGNOS

    EGNOS is one of the European Union’s flagship space programs, designed to improve the performance of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as GPS and, in the future, Galileo. It enhances the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of satellite positioning signals, ensuring more precise and dependable navigation data for a wide range of industries. EGNOS’s “Safety of Life” service is essential for aviation, enabling precision approaches to airports without requiring traditional ground-based guidance systems. 
    First deployed in 2005 and providing operational “open” service since 2009, the current EGNOS system was developed by Thales Alenia Space as prime contractor and is managed by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA).

    Global Impact: EGNOS leading the way

    The EGNOS system’s success has influenced the development of similar systems worldwide. For example, the Korean Space Agency chose Thales Alenia Space in 2019 to supply the Korean Augmentation Satellite System (KASS) which is based on EGNOS principles. The system is already being used to enhance aviation safety, after the first signals were successfully transmitted in December 2022.

    In sub-Saharan Africa, ASECNA (Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar) chose Thales Alenia Space in 2019 to carry out a Phase B project for a Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) in the region including delivery of a pre-operational service in 2020, to provide enhanced satellite-based navigation for aviation, particularly for flights into and out of areas with limited ground infrastructure. Nigerian operator NIGCOMSAT and Thales Alenia Space performed successful demonstration flights in Lomé and Douala in 2021, using the SBAS signal they have transmitted in the Africa and Indian Ocean region since September 2020 – the first SBAS service provided in this region, via the NIGCOMSAT-1R satellite. They also carried out a series of demonstrations of additional services provided by the A-SBAS system in Brazzaville, Congo.

    Thales Alenia Space: a long-standing leader in satellite navigation

    Thales Alenia Space brings over 40 years of expertise in satellite design, development, and operations to the EGNOS project. The company has been instrumental in the creation, maintenance, and evolution of EGNOS since its inception, ensuring its effectiveness as a critical tool for European navigation systems.
    EGNOS V2, which has been delivering the Safety of Life service since 2011, will continue to operate under Thales Alenia Space’s guidance, with a focus on infrastructure modernization and obsolescence management. 

    About EUSPA

    The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) provides safe and secure European satellite navigation services, promotes the commercialization of Galileo, EGNOS, and Copernicus data and services and coordinates the EU’s forthcoming governmental satellite communications programme GOVSATCOM and the EU SST Front Desk. EUSPA is   responsible for the security accreditation of all the EU Space Programme components. By fostering the development of an innovative and competitive space sector and engaging with the  entire  EU  Space  community,  EUSPA  contributes  to  the  European green  and  digital transition,  the  safety  and  security  of  the  Union  and  its  citizens,  while  reinforcing  its  autonomy  and resilience. 

    About THALES ALENIA SPACE

    Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately 2.2 billion euros in 2023 and has around 8,600 employees in 16 sites in 8 countries across Europe.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to Belgian Foreign Ministry’s 2025 policy statement and Foreign Minister Prévot expressing concern over cross-strait developments

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to Belgian Foreign Ministry’s 2025 policy statement and Foreign Minister Prévot expressing concern over cross-strait developments

    March 30, 2025  

    The Belgian Foreign Ministry in March submitted a 2025 policy statement to the Chamber of Representatives. The statement reaffirmed its support for the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific policy report, issued by the European Union in 2021, and called for the maintenance of harmony and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Referring to China’s escalating threats toward Taiwan in recent years, it pointed out that China had expanded military drills around Taiwan and continued to deliberately undermine social stability in Taiwan. The statement also emphasized that an invasion of Taiwan by China would have significant political and economic consequences for Europe. It urged all related parties to uphold the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and avoid taking any provocative actions that could trigger a conflict.

     

    Furthermore, in response to questions on the policy statement raised by the Chamber of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on March 26, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot expressed concern over China’s recent escalation of military activities around the Taiwan Strait. He emphasized that Belgium should remain highly vigilant to developments in the region and do its utmost to uphold the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

     

    The 2025 policy statement issued by the Belgian Foreign Ministry marked another statement of significant concern regarding the cross-strait situation following the Belgian coalition government’s inclusion of Taiwan-friendly content in its coalition agreement in February. In addition, on March 20 the Belgian Chamber of Representatives adopted, by an overwhelming majority, a resolution expressing concern regarding the growing threat of China to Taiwan. This underscores the high level of consensus and support shared by the Belgian administration and parliament for ensuring the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

     

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highly welcomes their support and looks forward to deepening bilateral exchanges and cooperation with Belgium so as to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and advance peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Parliament endorses new fisheries protocol with Guinea-Bissau

    Source: European Parliament

    MEPs gave their consent on Wednesday to the updated fisheries agreement with Guinea Bissau, granting 41 EU vessels access to the country’s waters for the next five years.

    Under the new protocol, a total of 28 freezer tuna seiners and surface longliners and 13 pole-and-line tuna vessels, from Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Portugal, are allowed to fish in Guinea-Bissau’s waters. Altogether, European fishers are authorised to catch up to 3,500 gross registered tonnage (GRT) of cephalopods and 3,700 GRT of shrimp annually until 2029. Small pelagic species are off limits owing to the state of the stocks and low uptake.

    In exchange, the EU will provide €85 million in funding over the five years. This consists of €17 million per year, with €4.5 million set aside annually to promote Guinea-Bissau’s sustainable fisheries management and to support local fishing communities. This is an increase of €1.4 million per year, compared with the previous agreement.

    In addition to the EU’s contribution, ship-owners will pay licence and capture fees to the country’s administration. The global EU contribution to Guinea-Bissau will therefore surpass €100 million for the five-year period.

    Provisionally applied since 18 September 2024, the new protocol was approved in plenary by 518 votes in favour, 104 against and 61 abstentions.

    Better support for local fisheries

    With 605 votes in favour, 68 against and 10 abstentions, MEPs also approved a set of recommendations for the Commission and Guinea-Bissau’s authorities to consider during future negotiations and when applying the current protocol.

    Parliament wants to ensure that the deal really does support the development of local fisheries. Guinea-Bissau’s infrastructure must be improved to secure market access for local fish. Cooperation is meanwhile needed to enable Guinea-Bissau to export its fishery products.

    MEPs are concerned that “Guinea-Bissau is fast emerging as a flag-of-convenience country”. They note that the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU fishing) is being held back by a lack of transparency regarding vessel ownership. Parliamentarians therefore call on the EU to mobilise technical and financial assistance to strengthen, monitor, and control fishing activities, prevent IUU fishing and combat reflagging strategies.

    Quote

    Rapporteur Eric Sargiacomo (S&D, FR) said: “the Commission should improve monitoring and ensure that sectoral cooperation is geared more towards local food security needs, social conditions on board vessels, and recognition of the participation of women in coastal communities”.

    Background

    In terms of the funds involved, the agreement with Guinea-Bissau is the EU’s second most important fisheries partnership deal with a third country , second only to the agreement with Mauritania.

    Although fishing represents 15% of Guinea-Bissau’s government revenue, the country cannot export seafood to the EU because it does not meet EU health and sanitary requirements. It is estimated that only 3% of catches made by foreign vessels in Guinea Bissau’s fishing zone are landed in the country.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revision of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 – E-001232/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001232/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christophe Clergeau (S&D)

    Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 establishes common rules to protect the social security rights of people moving within the European Union, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. It recognises that EU Member States decide aspects such as the beneficiaries of social security systems, the level of allowances and eligibility.

    • 1.Are there any plans for this regulation to be revised?
    • 2.Does the regulation still apply to cross-border workers in the Moselle department of France who worked in Germany and receive unemployment benefits in France?

    Submitted: 25.3.2025

    Last updated: 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Social Climate Fund (SCF) and limited liability housing companies in Finland – E-001228/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001228/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE)

    A limited liability housing company[1] is a home ownership model in Finland. It is the most common way to own an apartment in Finland and does not exist elsewhere in the EU. More than one third of homes owned in Finland are apartments in these housing companies.

    The Emissions Trading System (ETS2) will cover and address the CO2 emissions from fuel combustion in buildings. In the spirit of the just transition, it is important that the most vulnerable households, including the homeowners in housing companies, receive support for changing from fossil fuel-based heating systems to more climate-friendly alternatives.

    The ETS2 specifies that Member States should determine the use of revenues from the auctioning of allowances to decarbonise the heating of buildings and to provide financial support for low-income households in the worst-performing buildings. The economic support is distributed via the SCF.

    As renovations are carried out by the limited liability housing company – not an individual – a question arises as to whether these companies qualify to receive economic support from the ETS2. This is a question of equal treatment of homeowners in Finland.

    Will the Commission ensure that Finnish limited liability housing companies are able to receive support from the SCF, thereby ensuring the equal treatment of homeowners, and what measures does it intend to take to do so?

    Submitted: 24.3.2025

    • [1] https://stat.fi/meta/kas/asunto_osakeyht_en.html.
    Last updated: 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Hungary’s ban on Pride – 02-04-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    On 18 March 2025, a law was adopted in Hungary restricting the freedom of assembly, by connecting it to a previous controversial law from 2021, which prohibited the public portrayal to children of ‘divergence from self-identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change or homosexuality’. Consequently, events such as Pride marches have been prohibited in the country. On 2 April 2025, Parliament will hold a debate on recent legislative changes introduced in Hungary, including this one, and their impact on fundamental rights.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: EIB Group and BBVA provide €185 million for sustainable housing projects promoted by small businesses and mid-caps

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The EIB Group has invested more than €90 million in a BBVA asset-backed securitisation operation.
    • This EIB investment will allow BBVA to mobilise some €185 million in financing for sustainable housing projects in Spain.
    • The operation is backed by InvestEU, an EU programme that aims to unlock over €372 billion in investment by 2027.

    The EIB Group – made up of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) – has signed a new €93 million synthetic securitisation operation with BBVA for 100% green projects. This investment will allow BBVA to mobilise around €185 million to finance the construction of residential buildings with near-zero emissions by small and medium firms (SMEs) and mid-caps in Spain’s real estate sector.

    The operation is guaranteed by InvestEU, the EU programme to mobilise public and private investment. It will give SMEs and mid-caps that promote sustainable housing easier access to financing on favourable terms that would not otherwise be available for such projects.

    The projects financed by this operation will improve energy efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and help mitigate climate change. A significant number of these projects are expected to be implemented in cohesion regions where the income per capita is below the EU average.

    This operation is one more demonstration of the EIB Group’s role of promoting new financial instruments like securitisation that help unlock capital for green projects, reduce the risk borne by sponsoring financial institutions and strengthen the EU capital markets union.

    The agreement with BBVA supports the strategic priorities of the EIB Group, which include climate action, access to affordable and sustainable housing, cohesion and the capital markets union.

    The securitisation is on a portfolio of over €1.4 billion in loans to SMEs in which BBVA will retain the senior and junior tranches, and the EIB Group will guarantee the mezzanine tranche of €93 million. It has been structured to meet the STS criteria (simple, transparent and standardised), and includes a synthetic excess spread mechanism and uses pro rata amortisation (which may be changed to sequential).

    Background information  

    EIB 

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

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

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

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

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

    About InvestEU

    The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery. It also helps mobilise private investment for EU policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. InvestEU brings together under one roof the multitude of EU financial instruments available to support investment in the European Union, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners that invest in projects, leveraging on the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. The entire budget guarantee will back the investment projects of the implementing partners, increasing their risk-bearing capacity and mobilising at least €372 billion in additional investment.

    About BBVA

    BBVA is a global financial services group founded in 1857. The bank is present in more than 25 countries, has a strong leadership position in the Spanish market, is the largest financial institution in Mexico and it has leading franchises in South America and Turkey.

    BBVA contributes with its activity to the progress and welfare of all its stakeholders: shareholders, clients, employees, providers and society in general. In this regard, BBVA supports families, entrepreneurs and companies in their plans, and helps them to take advantage of the opportunities provided by innovation and technology.  Likewise, BBVA offers its customers a unique value proposition, leveraged on technology and data, helping them improve their financial health with personalized information on financial decision-making.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The EU’s response to Azerbaijan’s unlawful detention of Armenian hostages and the need for consistent human rights policies – E-001126/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001126/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)

    The European Parliament resolution of 13 March 2025 strongly condemned Azerbaijan’s unlawful detention and sham trials of Armenian hostages and called for targeted sanctions against the Azerbaijani officials responsible for these violations. However, no concrete steps have been taken at EU level to put pressure on Azerbaijan to comply with international law.

    Greece has been a steadfast advocate of human rights and the rule of law both within and outside the EU, upholding a principled stance in cases of political imprisonment. However, the EU’s response to Azerbaijan’s ongoing violations remains weaker compared to the action it has taken in response to other instances of human rights violations, including those concerning Russia and Belarus.

    In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.What specific steps has the Commission taken to ensure the immediate release of the Armenian hostages, in accordance with the European Parliament resolution?
    • 2.Why have targeted sanctions not been adopted against the Azerbaijani officials responsible for these violations, despite Parliament’s clear call to action?
    • 3.How does the Commission explain its inconsistent approach, acting with severity in cases of human rights violations in some cases, while avoiding decisive action against Azerbaijan?

    Submitted: 17.3.2025

    Last updated: 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Unknown chemical status – E-000558/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Under the Water Framework Directive (WFD)[1], intercalibration pertains to ecological status. Denmark, Sweden and Germany use chlorophyll-a to assess phytoplankton biomass, a mandatory status parameter.

    The Common Implementation Strategy (CIS) has produced specific guidance[2] on how to submit for approval a new or updated assessment method for items for which the intercalibration exercise has already been completed.

    The assessment method submitted to the intercalibration procedure does not need to already be in use in the current River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs)[3].

    Nutrient conditions are a parameter for ecological status[4]. Scientific literature has demonstrated a consistently strong link between chlorophyll-a and nutrient levels in water, suggesting the possibility of the intercalibration of chlorophyll-a based on nitrogen concentrations only, but its approval requires the scrutiny and approval by the relevant Commission experts.

    To be able to demonstrate good ecological status as required under the WFD, a Member State needs to define the reference conditions of the underlying quality elements, set up a monitoring programme, and use the resulting data to carry out the appropriate assessments.

    The ecological status and chemical status assessment are independent. The CIS provides guidance documents for applying the WFD.

    As regards chemical status, the Commission analysis of Denmark’s third RBMPs[5] notes with concern that o nly a tiny fraction of surface waters, namely 1.7%, is in good chemical status, whereas 5.6% is in poor status and for 92.7% the chemical status is classified as unknown.

    For almost all coastal waters, the status is known: 93% of them are in poor chemical status[6].

    • [1] Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1-73, as amended by Commission Directive 2014/101/EU of 30 October 2014, OJ L 311, 31.10.2014, p. 32-35.
    • [2] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/43c0f50e-5df6-4c1a-bdba-4a3b7d249799
    • [3] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/water-framework-directive_en#state-of-play-of-3rd-rbmp-adoption-in-eu-27
    • [4] While not the case for surface water bodies, nitrates are a parameter for the chemical status of groundwater.
    • [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=SWD%3A2025%3A34%3AFIN&qid=1738746144581
    • [6] Only two coastal waters (1.8%) are reported with chemical status ‘unknown’.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Proposed reform of legal proceedings initiated by popular action in Spain – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    On 8 April 2025, the LIBE Committee will hold an exchange of views the European Commission and experts on the proposed reform of legal proceedings initiated by popular action in Spain.

    According to Article 125 of the Spanish Constitution, citizens have the right to initiate legal proceedings by filing a popular action. In January 2025, a parliamentary group presented to the Spanish Congress of Deputies legislative proposal no. 122/000147, for an organic law on the guarantee and protection fundamental rights against harassment arising from abusive legal actions.

    The proposed law would introduce additional conditions for bringing a popular action, including requiring a specific link between the plaintiff and the public interest protected in the criminal proceedings, and entirely barring certain categories of persons from brining such actions. Popular actions would also be inadmissible where they are based purely on hypotheses stemming from information which appeared in the media.

    The aim of the discussion in the LIBE Committee will be to examine the legal implications of this law if adopted, including its compatibility with fundamental rights and the rule of law.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fast times, fast tech: DASA launches new phase of fast paced themed competition

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Fast times, fast tech: DASA launches new phase of fast paced themed competition

    DASA launches Phase Two of Innovation in Support of Operations – a Themed Competition seeking fast paced scalable proposals across five new challenge areas

    • DASA has launched Phase Two of Innovation in Support of Operations
    • Funded by the Ministry of Defence
    • Three competition cycles closing on 20 May 2025 12:00 Midday (BST); 05 August 2025 12:00 Midday (BST); 14 October 2025 12:00 Midday (BST)

    The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch Phase Two of our fast paced Themed Competition Innovation in Support of Operations. Run on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, this competition is looking for innovative proposals that are cost competitive, designed for manufacture, and can be scaled in an approximate twelve-month timeframe.

    Competition key information

    Phase Two – expected to consist of three cycles:

      Cycle 4 Cycle 5 Cycle 6
    Competition Launch 2 April 3 June 19 August
    Open For 7 Weeks 9 Weeks 8 Weeks
    Comp Closes 20 May 12:00 5 August 12:00 14 October 12:00

    All above time BST

    • We expect proposals to cost no more than £350,000
    • A number of proposals may be funded

    Background: Why we need innovation in this area

    The UK Government continuously evaluates insights from global events, to rapidly implement solutions that strengthen military and economic advantage.

    This competition aims to identify and accelerate innovative solutions and techniques, ensuring they can be scaled and deployed faster than our adversaries.

    If you think you have an innovation that could be deployed at pace, please read the full Competition Document and submit a proposal

    Competition challenges

    This competition has five new challenge areas:

    1. UAS Propulsion

    In this challenge area we are looking for:

    • Novel means of propulsion for small to medium UAS.
    • Novel means of manufacture/design of traditional UAS engines for small to medium UAS to increase scale of manufacture at a market leading price.

    2. 155mm Artillery Barrel Repair/Recondition

    We are looking for innovative solutions to repair, recondition and extend barrel life.

    3. Autonomous navigation systems for UAS and USVs

    In this challenge we are seeking autonomous navigation systems for air vehicles and/or maritime surface vessels.

    4. Seekers

    We are looking for novel systems directed against:

    1. RF transmitters at frequencies ranging from 200 MHz to 40 GHz
    2. Class I(d), Class II and Class III UAS
    3. Medium to large maritime surface targets.

    5.UAS defeat

    This challenge relates to the ability to:

    1. Detect UAS. We are seeking solutions to detect (and potentially defeat) UAS, including those that are not reliant on RF links.

    2. Destroy UAS.  We are looking for novel solutions to destroy UAVs around the Class 1(d) size, once detected.

    These challenges are designed to identify innovations that could be deployed, at an appropriate scale, in operational areas within 12 months.

    For full details of the competition Challenge Areas, please read the Competition Document

    Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)

    For this competition we are seeking technology output and demonstration to reach  technology readiness level (TRL) 6 by the end of the project.

    If you think your innovation could meet one of the Challenges, why not read the full Competition Document and submit a proposal?

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –