NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funding delivers upgrades to 11 community buildings in York

    Source: City of York

    The impact of funding to safeguard the future of community spaces in York’s outer wards was highlighted at a celebration held last Friday (28 March) in Bishopthorpe.

    In partnership with Community First Yorkshire, City of York Council has supported 11 venues through the Community Buildings Fund, worth a total £133,059. The programme has also benefited from additional funds from the Decarbonisation Programme.

    The grants have helped community buildings improve energy efficiency and insulation, upgrade broadband and Wi-Fi provision and install hearing loops and other accessibility measures, as well as supporting general improvements and refurbishments.

    These projects will make the buildings more accessible for a wider range of people, improve their facilities, meaning that venues can expand their offer of activities and events, reduce carbon emissions, and reduce running costs, which in turn will make activities using the space more affordable for all.

    Hessay Chapel was awarded a grant of £14,132 to enhance its facilities through the installation of energy-efficient heaters, photovoltaic (PV) panels, LED lighting, and a replacement window, improving both sustainability and comfort for the community.

    Kathryn Wright from Hessay Chapel said:

    The work that has been completed is an incredible achievement for Hessay, we have engaged with the community who are looking forward to helping with some voluntary cosmetic work as the weather improves. We are excited to see greater use of the building with the ongoing improvements.

    Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Economy and Culture at City of York Council, said:

    Community venues like village halls are so much more than just buildings – they are a lifeline for communities. These spaces play a vital role in reducing social isolation, connecting people to key services and helping people of all ages lead healthier, happier lives.

    “That’s why I’m so proud to see that by providing grants to help future-proof community venues – whether that’s through installing new energy-efficient infrastructure or upgrading digital connectivity, this funding will help safeguard these spaces for years to come, ensuring that local residents can continue to enjoy all of the benefits they offer.”

    The celebration event was held at St Andrew’s Church Hall in Bishopthorpe, one of the buildings to benefit from the programme through installing solar panels to reduce their carbon impact and cut running costs.         

    Watch representatives from some of the village halls explain the impact for their communities here: https://youtu.be/iL0UGPeoHJw?si=UOTM_zMw5B7ChoDo 

    The Rural England Prosperity Fund is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

    For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Postgraduate student of Samarkand University Sanzhar Kenzhaev: “Everything is perfectly organized at the Polytechnic”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    A postgraduate student of the Samarkand State University named after Sharaf Rashidov, Sanjar Kenjaev, spent one semester at the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University under the academic mobility program, working on algorithms for intelligent processing of heterogeneous data. In this interview, Sanjar shares his impressions of cooperation with Russian colleagues, talks about the difficulties and achievements, as well as plans to implement his developments in Uzbekistan.

    — Sanzhar, why did you decide to go to the Polytechnic?

    — I studied in Uzbekistan, majoring in System Analysis, Information Processing, and Management. We were offered several universities for an internship, and the St. Petersburg Polytechnic was the closest to my topic. I wrote to the teachers — they agreed to accept me. In addition, there is a memorandum of cooperation between our universities, which simplified the process.

    — What exactly did you do during your internship?

    — My dissertation is devoted to algorithms for intelligent processing of heterogeneous data. The tasks were ambitious: to optimize the storage and processing of data, including unstructured data, in real time. Under the guidance of Polytechnic professors, for example, Vadim Pak, I finalized the chapters of the dissertation, participated in seminars and prepared articles for conferences. It is important that there is an opportunity to use the capacity of the SPbPU supercomputer — this significantly accelerated the experiments.

    — What achievements can you highlight?

    — We managed to adjust the title of the dissertation to a more precise one — “Algorithms for Intelligent Processing of Heterogeneous Data”. In collaboration with colleagues from the Polytechnic University, we prepared four articles for international conferences. We also agreed on the remote participation of SPbPU professors in further research in the laboratories of SSU.

    — How do you like Saint Petersburg and the university?

    — The city amazed me with its atmosphere, although the sun is a rare guest here. But this is compensated by the openness of the people. Everything is organized perfectly at the Polytechnic: a clear schedule, teachers are always in touch, libraries and laboratories are equipped with the latest technology. I remember how professors instantly connected colleagues from other departments to solve complex issues — this is an indicator of the level of teamwork.

    — Were there any difficulties?

    — There were no problems with the language — I know Russian well. But I had to worry about the documents: registration, access control… But I think this is a general situation for Russia, and not specific to the Polytechnic.

    — How did you communicate with other graduate students?

    — There were guys from different countries living in the dormitory: China, Iraq, Lithuania. We discussed scientific tasks, shared conference contacts. We even found common topics with those whose direction was different. It’s just a pity that I didn’t get to the Interclub events — I learned about them too late.

    — What are your plans after returning to Uzbekistan?

    — I want to develop cooperation between SSU and SPbPU: offer exchange programs and summer schools to students. I have already discussed the possibility of joint projects with colleagues. And also — continue research using data from the partner UzInfocom. Well, after a successful defense, I will remain in the academic environment — teach and, of course, constantly collaborate with the international department.

    — What advice would you give to future postgraduate students who want to go to the Polytechnic?

    — Don’t be afraid to take the initiative! The teachers here appreciate your interest. And be sure to participate in conferences — this is a great chance to make yourself known. And yes, take warm clothes with a hood — the St. Petersburg weather requires it.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Deputy Secretary General to visit Poland

    Source: NATO

    From 2 to 3 April 2025, the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ms Radmila Shekerinska, will visit Warsaw, Poland, to attend the informal meeting of EU Ministers of Defence.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: CoinShares Resolves on Dividend Distribution for the financial year 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    2 April 2025 | SAINT HELIER, Jersey | As announced on 18 February 2025, CoinShares International Limited (“CoinShares” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq Stockholm: CS; US OTCQX: CNSRF),  the leading European investment company specialising in digital assets, indicated a distribution to shareholders would be considered within the parameters of the dividend policy, subject to the finalisation of the Group audit for the year ended 31 December 2024

    Under the policy, the Company aims to return to shareholders by way of annual dividend of between 20% and 40% of the Group’s profit after tax, adjusted for any special dividend payments made during the period.

    Consistent with the policy, and following publication of the Group’s audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024, the Board of the Company resolved to declare and pay in four equal instalments an annual dividend in relation to the financial year ending 31 December 2024 of approximately GBP 0.30 per ordinary share, amounting to GBP 20,000,000, to be paid from the Group’s reserves.

    The dividend to holders of ordinary shares will be made in sterling (GBP) and subsequently, before distribution to shareholders who hold ordinary shares via Euroclear Sweden, converted to SEK at prevailing rates at the time of distribution.

    The total number of shares in the Company as at 31 December 2024 was 2024 66,678,210.

    The key dates for the annual dividend are as follows:

      Ex-dividend date Record date Payment date Total Dividend
    Tranche 1 29 April 2025 30 April 2025 6 May 2025 GBP 5,000,000
    Tranche 2 27 June 2025 30 June 2025 3 July 2025 GBP 5,000,000
    Tranche 3 29 September 2025 30 September 2025 3 October 2025 GBP 5,000,000
    Tranche 4 29 December 2025 30 December 2025 7 January 2026 GBP 5,000,000

    In accordance with Article 115(4) of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991, each payment will be subject to an assessment of the financial health of the Group by its Board.

    About CoinShares

    CoinShares is the leading European alternative asset manager specialising in digital assets, that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment management, trading and securities to a wide array of clients that includes corporations, financial institutions and individuals. Founded in 2013, the firm is headquartered in Jersey, with offices in France, Stockholm, the UK and the US. CoinShares is regulated in Jersey by the Jersey Financial Services Commission, in France by the Autorité des marchés financiers, in the US by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. CoinShares is publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker CS and the OTCQX under the ticker CNSRF.

    For more information on CoinShares, please visit: https://coinshares.com
    Company | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com
    Investor Relations | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) – 2 April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Watch PMQs with British Sign Language (BSL) – https://youtube.com/live/rHtholONviA

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GjAO_ZzMq8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions with British Sign Language (BSL) – 2 April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKHSA launches call for evidence to tackle rising TB

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UKHSA launches call for evidence to tackle rising TB

    UKHSA launches a call for evidence to shape England’s 2026 to 2031 TB Action Plan as TB rates continue to rise.

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is launching a call for evidence to help shape the next 5-year Tuberculosis (TB) National Action Plan for England, which will run from 2026 to 2031. The latest data for England show that TB rates are rising, and TB epidemiology is changing.

    TB rates are diverging further from the trajectory required to achieve WHO elimination targets and renewed action is necessary to keep rates below the WHO-defined low-incidence threshold of 10 cases per 100,000 population.

    In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11%) in TB cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000. Provisional figures for 2024 indicate a further 13% rise in TB notifications compared to 2023, continuing the upward trend. This reflects global patterns, with many countries experiencing setbacks in TB control efforts in recent years. Following the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, global TB incidence rates have increased.

    The new Tuberculosis National Action Plan (2026–2031) aims to improve the prevention, detection, and control of TB in England by prioritising the most effective interventions, focusing on those most affected, and addressing health inequalities.

    Our call for evidence seeks insights from:

    • academics
    • health and social care professionals
    • public health experts
    • epidemiologists
    • data and surveillance scientists
    • civil society representatives
    • policymakers
    • politicians
    • those with lived experience of tuberculosis

    Their contributions will help develop targeted strategies to tackle rising TB rates.

    The Call for Evidence will open on 2 April 2025 and close on 2 May 2025.

    Dr Esther Robinson, Head of the TB Unit at UKHSA, said: 

    TB is curable and preventable, but the disease remains a serious public health issue in England. While England is still considered a low-incidence country for TB, the rise in cases over recent years means that we are now just below that threshold. This call for evidence will help us develop an action plan that prioritises the most effective interventions to reverse this trend, focusing particularly on the needs of those most affected.

    The call for evidence builds on the progress made under the current Tuberculosis Action Plan for England, published in 2021, and seeks input to address the evolving TB landscape. UKHSA is consulting a wide range of stakeholders across and beyond government to inform the plan’s development.

    TB is the world’s leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, surpassing COVID-19. The bacterial infection primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. Symptoms include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, a high temperature, night sweats, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

    Those with expertise or experience in TB prevention, care, public health, epidemiology, health systems, surveillance, or civil society are encouraged to contribute to the call for evidence via GOV.UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Works to commence to transform Chapel Street and New Bailey

    Source: City of Salford

    • Works that will transform a section of Chapel Street due to start on Tuesday 22 April until early 2026
    • The vision for the area encompasses the need to create an accessible and integrated neighbourhood
    • Residents’ and businesses’ access will remain open at all times

    Works that will transform a section of Chapel Street between the junction with Trinity Way and Blackfriars Road on the Bee Network are due to start on Tuesday 22 April  and will run until early 2026 as part of the Chapel Street East (Phase 1) and New Bailey Gateway (Phase 2) scheme.

    During the construction, there will be temporary traffic management in place. From Monday 5 May, there will be a one-way closure on Chapel Street heading towards Salford (westbound), between Blackfriars Road and New Bailey, until early 2026.

    The main diversion will be via Blackfriars Road and Trinity Way and will be clearly signposted when the one-way closure on Chapel Street is in place.

    The vision for the area encompasses the need to create an accessible and integrated neighbourhood that joins together New Bailey with Greengate and connects the surrounding neighbourhoods, such as Trinity and Irwell Riverside, to the core of the city centre.

    The scheme will use a ‘complete streets’ approach to rebalance the space in favour of pedestrians and cyclists while also catering for buses, general traffic and loading with continuous cycle tracks and footways, new greenery and sustainable urban drainage systems.

    Public realm improvements will see the installation of rain gardens, planting beds and new trees introduced. There will also be upgraded surfaces and new street furniture to create a more inviting and dynamic space for all to enjoy.

    Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development at Salford City Council said: “Chapel Street East is a prominent position within Salford city centre and the area is undergoing a period of transformational change and regeneration that has already established it as an attractive and dynamic place to live and work.

    “The works are part of a long-term plan for the city centre, designed to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists with better road crossings and cycling provision. I’m looking forward to seeing the works finished and open for everybody to use, which will support the wider regeneration of the area to make it a much more attractive area for our residents.”

    Residents’ and businesses’ access will remain open at all times, however there may be some temporary changes to the access routes with diversions in place. Throughout the construction some of the side roads on Chapel Street will also need to be closed for short periods of time. An alternative access route will be provided wherever possible. Buses will continue to operate on Chapel Street eastbound and New Bailey throughout the works but there may be changes to bus stop locations. For full details and information regarding any specific services, please visit Transport for Greater Manchester.

    Any questions on this project from Salford City Council should be directed to MajorWorks@salford.gov.uk. All updates will be posted on 
    www.salford.gov.uk/chapelstreetworks, as well as project plans.

    Share this

    Date published
    Wednesday 2 April 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor secures 935 neighbourhood police officer posts and confirms historic £1.16bn investment in the Metropolitan Police

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Mayor’s landmark £1.159 billion investment will protect neighbourhood policing, save 935 neighbourhood police officer posts and significantly reduce planned cuts to specialist police teams – including forensic teams and the dog support unit
    • Mayor will work closely with the Met police to push for the extra national funding London needs to boost officer numbers, continue to reform and fight crime

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced a record £1.16bn investment in policing from City Hall. This will help to save 935 neighbourhood police officer roles that were previously set to be lost and significantly reduce the level of cuts the Met were planning. There is still £32 million for the Met to allocate of additional funding.

    The previous government chronically underfunded the Met, making cuts to policing in London that in real terms were equivalent to more than £1.1billion. Allowing for inflation in 2024, core government funding will have fallen by nearly a third in real terms. This has left the Met in a very difficult financial position. The overwhelming majority of the Met’s funding comes from central government, but the Mayor is pulling every lever at his disposal to support policing in London. 

    Due to the previous Governments cuts, the Met will still need to reduce its overall workforce and make efficiency savings, but the funding from the Mayor and his prioritisation of neighbourhood policing will mean that the level of neighbourhood policing in communities across London will not be reduced. This will ensure officers are visible in our high streets and working proactively with communities on the issues that matter most to them. 

    The Mayor has more the doubled City Hall funding to the Met since he became Mayor, prioritising investment in local policing throughout his time in office, making difficult decisions on council tax and business rates to mitigate the impact of austerity on frontline policing. Neighbourhood policing remains the bedrock of community confidence, trust and safety in London and the Mayor has been clear that the fresh funding from City Hall will be used to fund police officers, key police staff and the equipment they need to carry out their roles.

    In line with the Mayor’s Police and Crime Plan, the latest budget also ensures:

    1. No cuts to emergency response teams, which the public rely on at times of crisis;
    2. Continued investment in the resources and equipment frontline officers need;
    3. Continued investment in the teams working to provide specialist support for victims so that the Met can continue to improve outcomes for victims of rape, serious sexual offences and child abuse and exploitation;
    4. Continued action to improve Met culture, with ongoing support for the Met’s Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Directorate which will deliver more leadership training, improved vetting processes, and changes to how the Met deals with misconduct and complaints to drive the higher standards;
    5. An extra £32 million to be allocated. 

    Since January’s publication of the draft budget an extra £83million has been added – £10million from City Hall and £73million from central government – for policing in the Mayor’s final budget brings the total mayoral investment in the Met to an historic £1.159 billion for the next year. Overall, there is an additional £320m funding for the Met compared to the current year’s budget, an unprecedented increase following close working between the Mayor and the new government. 

    This means that cuts to specialist teams will be significantly reduced compared to what the Met had been previously thought and was planning for. This includes significantly limiting the reductions to the Met’s Dog Support Unit, forensic teams and Mounted Branch. But given the scale of the previous government’s cuts, and with the reserves that have previously mitigated them having been used up, the Met is still having to make some tough choices to protect frontline policing. This includes moving Royal Parks demand into local neighbourhood ward policing roles. 

    However, the tough choices the Met has outlined are subject to change as there is still £32m from the funding set out that can be used to mitigate the proposed service reductions. In addition, any future funding from the Government in the upcoming Spending Review would mean the Met could look again at its plans.  

    The Mayor is determined to continue being both tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. This approach – supporting the police at the same time as funding programmes that focus on crime prevention – is working.  It has contributed to the number of homicides, young people being injured with knives, gun crime with lethal barrel weapons and burglary all falling since Sadiq was first elected in 2016. The number of teenage homicides in London last year was also at its lowest level since 2012 with the number of under 25’s killed the lowest since 2003. But there is still much more to do and the Mayor will continue to do everything he can.    

    While Sadiq has welcomed additional government funding announcements for the police in 2024 and 2025, it is clear that it will take further funding to undo more than a decade of cuts by the previous government. That’s why the upcoming multi-year Spending Review will be a key focus for the Mayor and the Met. The Mayor will continue to stand up for London and make the case for the investment the Met needs. 

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The previous government chronically underfunded the Met, making cuts to policing in London that were in real terms equivalent to more than £1.1 billion. This has left the Met in an extremely difficult financial situation. As Mayor, I’m committed to doing everything in my power to support the police. That’s why I’m announcing a record £1.16bn annual investment in the police from City Hall. This historic increase will protect neighbourhood policing in our communities and significantly reduce the level of cuts the Met had been planning.    

    “It will also mean the Met can continue to reform and build on the crime reductions we have achieved in the capital, with violence, knife crime involving young people and burglary all down.

    “However, tough decisions have been made to protect neighbourhood policing and I’m under no illusions about the challenges ahead. As Mayor, I will continue to work with the new government and the Met – ahead of the forthcoming spending review – to ensure the Met gets the sustainable funding it needs to help us to build a safer London for everyone.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: SUTNTIB AB “Tewox” publishes its NAV for March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Vilnius, Lithuania, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    As at the end of March 2025, the net asset value (NAV) of SUTNTIB AB „Tewox“ decreased to EUR 42,415,003, compared to previously determined NAV at the end of February 2025, which was EUR 42,794,355.

    The share price decreased to EUR 1.0132, from EUR 1.0222 at the end of February 2025. The pro-forma internal rate of return (IRR) decreased to 0.45%, compared to previously announced IRR of 0.78% at the end of February 2025.

    Contact person for further information:

    Paulius Nevinskas

    Manager of the Investment Company

    paulius.nevinskas@lordslb.lt

    https://lordslb.lt/tewox_bonds/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: National Endometriosis Awareness Day

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    28 Marzo 2025

    The Presidency of the Council of Ministers supports the awareness raising campaign for National Endometriosis Awareness Day, and will be lighting up Palazzo Chigi’s main façade in yellow from 19:00 until 23.59 on 28 March 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Careers guidance for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds ‘variable’ – new report

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Careers guidance for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds ‘variable’ – new report

    Careers guidance for post-16 students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds can vary in quality, a new report from Ofsted has found.

    Ofsted was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to carry out a study on the quality of careers guidance that students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds receive from further education (FE) providers.

    Most FE students spoken to for the research were very positive about the careers guidance they received and spoke of being more confident and resilient as a result.

    However, Ofsted also found that understanding and knowledge-sharing of students’ backgrounds were variable. College leaders reported that challenges collaborating with feeder schools were leading to some students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds having to self-refer to support services, with many missing out on tailored careers guidance.

    Today’s report also found that:

    • all the colleges visited were offering at least generic careers guidance that covered their disadvantaged students
    • the strongest careers guidance for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds integrated curriculum and employer needs into an overarching strategy
    • colleges are experiencing difficulties in recruiting and retaining experienced careers advisers, which is affecting the quality of careers guidance
    • traditional work placements remain challenging to implement, but other models of employer engagement are filling the gaps
    • despite the challenges, students valued the careers guidance they had received

    To improve careers guidance for this group, the report recommends that FE providers have better definitions and guidance to help them identify students who are in need of extra support.

    The report also recommends that:

    • further study is needed on what types of careers interventions work best for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds
    • schools and colleges need to improve their collaboration to aid the transition to post-16
    • further evaluation should be carried out into the benefits of work placements versus more flexible engagements with employers

    Lee Owston HMI, Ofsted’s National Director for Education, said:

    We know how beneficial careers guidance is for all students, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who may need more support to achieve their career aspirations. It’s reassuring to hear that, despite the challenges, students were very positive about the guidance they received post-16.

    I hope this research is helpful to policymakers and further education providers, as they improve the careers guidance they offer to students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

    To conduct the study, Ofsted carried out research visits to 3 secondary schools, 19 general FE colleges and 6 sixth-form colleges during the summer 2024 term. The research also included interviews with 7 local authorities, 2 focus groups with employers, and a survey of parents from the schools and colleges visited.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change to earnings limit for carers

    Source: Scottish Government

    Please see media release announcing increase in earnings limit for Carer Support Payment.

    Change to earnings limit for carers  

    More unpaid carers set to benefit from Carer Support Payment.

    More unpaid carers in Scotland could benefit from financial support as a key change in eligibility rules comes into effect from 6 April 2025.

    The earnings limit for Carer Support Payment will increase from £151 to £196 a week. This means that a carer can earn £45 more a week, after tax, National Insurance and certain expenses, and be eligible for the payment.

    The change could mean carers already receiving Carer Support Payment will be able to undertake more paid work and still receive the payment. In addition, many carers earning a take home pay of £10,192 or less a year, who were previously unable to access the additional support could now be eligible.

    To receive Carer Support Payment of £83.30 a week, carers also need to be providing 35 hours or more of care a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit.

    Carer Support Payment is replacing Carer’s Allowance in Scotland, delivered by the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

    Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government proposed back in 2022 to raise the earnings limit for Carer Support Payment once fully launched. This was on the back of strong feedback from carers and support organisations that the previous limit was set too low.

    “The increase puts the earnings limit at a level which equates to 16 hours at the national living wage. Alongside other improvements we have made, this should help more carers to balance paid work with caring and provide more stable financial support.

    “The Scottish Government remains committed to ensuring everyone gets the financial support they’re entitled to, despite the UK Government’s recent announcement on changes to welfare.”

    Fiona Collie, Head of Public Affairs and Communication at Carers Scotland said: “Carers Scotland welcomes the increase in the earnings threshold to £196 which will support more unpaid carers to earn more from paid employment alongside their Carer Support Payment. This change will also enable more carers to claim Carer Support Payment.

    The new threshold amount applies once a carer has taken away deductions for tax, national insurance and half of any pension contribution. Carers may also be able to deduct some of the costs to provide care whilst you are working.

    We would encourage all carers in employment or who are thinking about returning to employment to find out more about Carer Support Payment and the earnings threshold from Social Security Scotland or their local carers centre or advice agency.”

    Background

    • Carer Support Payment is a payment of £83.30 a week from 6 April 2025 and is available to carers who are aged 16 or over and who provide unpaid care for 35 hours or more a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. Carers need to earn £151 a week (increasing to £196 a week from 6 April 2025) or less after tax, National Insurance and certain expenses. The earnings limit for carers in Scotland who are getting Carer’s Allowance will also increase to £196. Carers getting Carer’s Allowance in Scotland will have their benefits transferred automatically to Carer Support Payment. This process is due to complete this spring.
    • Improvements made to Carer Support Payment includes making the earnings rules clearer, assessing eligibility based on average earnings where carers have earnings that vary to provide more stable support, and using information from the HMRC and planned reviews to check and track earnings. Find out more at If you work – mygov.scot Many carers in education are also eligible for Carer Support Payment. Find out more at If you study – mygov.scot

    Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for eligible unpaid carers who are getting Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on two qualifying dates. The payment is made twice a year and is unique to Scotland. Each payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement in 2025 will be £293.50. It is paid automatically without the need to apply.  

    Young Carer Grant  is available for carers aged 16, 17 or 18 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit. It is a yearly payment of £390.25 from 1 April 2025 and the money can be spent on whatever the young person wants.  

    Information on other support for carers, such as wider financial support, wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at Help if you’re a carer – mygov.scot 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Have your say on student accommodation

    Source: City of Norwich

    Published on Tuesday, 1st April 2025

    City residents are being asked to have their say on student accommodation in Norwich.

    Norwich City Council is seeking views on its new Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) concerning student accommodation within the city through Get Talking Norwich.

    A council spokesperson, said: “Norwich is home to two thriving universities, the University of East Anglia and Norwich University of the Arts, both of which are significant contributors to the local economy and are projected to continue their growth.

    “Over the past decade, a substantial amount of student accommodation has been developed, primarily within the city centre.  

    “We recognise the valuable contribution purpose built student accommodation makes to the housing market of Norwich alongside other forms of accommodation. However, we believe there is enough existing and planned student accommodation supply to meet the city’s needs until 2038.”

    The SPD also gives advice on the design of student accommodation, how it should be managed and where in the city they have been built.

    To get involved and make your views known on the SPD go to https://gettalking.norwich.gov.uk/pbsa

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE leaders and anti-trafficking experts commit to tripling down on efforts to end child trafficking

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

    Headline: OSCE leaders and anti-trafficking experts commit to tripling down on efforts to end child trafficking

    VIENNA, 2 April 2025 – At the 25th Conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons, which concluded in Vienna on Tuesday, OSCE leaders and anti-trafficking experts called on the 57 OSCE participating States to turn their commitments into tangible actions and triple down on efforts in the fight against child trafficking.  
    Despite notable efforts over the last 20 years, the number of child trafficking cases detected across the OSCE region remains high. Over the past 15 years, the number of child trafficking victims identified has tripled globally, with online child sexual exploitation and abuse escalating at an alarming rate.
    “Many people who were victims of human trafficking as children are only identified as victims once they are adults. The exploitation and violence may have continued for years. It is important to remember that, in addition to children in vulnerable positions, even well-off children can become victims of human trafficking,” said Leena Meri, Finland’s Justice Minister, speaking on behalf of the 2025 OSCE Chairpersonship.
    With national authorities, international organizations, civil society and private sector participation, the annual Alliance conference has become a landmark event within the global anti-trafficking community.
    “Over the past two decades, we have made undeniable progress in combating child trafficking. Yet, the reality remains stark: far too many children continue to be trafficked, abused, and denied their fundamental rights. The OSCE is uniquely placed to help participating States put an end to this scourge,” said Ambassador Hatun Demirer, Director of the Office of the Secretary General.
    This year marks 20 years since the 2005 Addendum to the OSCE Action Plan on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, which called on participating States to develop national co-ordination and referral mechanisms to address child trafficking. As such, discussions explored various angles of child trafficking, existing efforts to combat it, and what more can be done. Panels included discussions on developments and patterns in child trafficking, identifying risks and solutions within the scope of children’s specific vulnerabilities, and the importance of implementing a whole-of-society approach to end child trafficking.
    “The current trends of child trafficking inspire an urgent call to action: it is time we reverse these trends and triple down on our collective commitment to eradicate child trafficking. We must triple our resources, triple our actions, and triple our accountability to end these tragedies once and for all,” declared Kari Johnstone, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Human Trafficking.
    Around 800 participants from across the OSCE region and beyond registered for this year’s Alliance conference, with a record-breaking of nearly 500 in-person registrations, underscoring the importance and relevance of OSCE’s anti-trafficking work.
    More information about the 25th Conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons can be found here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Notice to convene Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 3/2025

    According to Art. 9.1 of the Articles of Association, notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of Columbus A/S to be held on:

    Tuesday 29 April 2025 at 10.00
    at Columbus, Lautrupvang 6, 2750 Ballerup

    Agenda:

    1. Board of Directors’ report on the business of the Company during the past year.

    2. Presentation and approval of the Annual Report.

    3. Resolution on the appropriation of profit or covering of loss as recorded in the adopted Annual Report.

    4. Presentation of and indicative ballot on the Remuneration Report.

    5. Proposal to authorize the Board of Directors to acquire for the Company up to 10 per cent of the Company‘s share capital

    6. Election of members of the Board of Directors

    7. Election of one or two state authorized public accountants as auditors.

    7.1. Election of state authorized public accountants as auditors
    7.2. Election of state authorized public accountants as sustainability auditors

    8. Any other business

    Full wording of proposals

    Re. item 1:
    The Board of Directors proposes that the General Meeting takes note of the Board of Director’s report on the business of the Company during the past year.

    Re. item 2:
    The Board of Directors recommends that the Annual Report 2024 be approved.

    Re. item 3:
    The Board of Directors proposes that the General Meeting approves the Board of Directors’ proposal for the allocation of profit as stated in the Annual Report for 2024, including distribution of an ordinary dividend to shareholders of DKK 0.125 per share of DKK 1.25 (nom.), corresponding to total dividends of DKK 16,159,533.

    Re. item 4:
    The Board of Directors recommends that the General Meeting approves the Remuneration Report.

    Re. item 5:
    The Board of Directors proposes that the General Meeting authorizes the Board of Directors for a period of 18 months from the date of the General Meeting to acquire for the Company up to 10 per cent of the Company‘s share capital against payment which shall not deviate more than 10 per cent up or downwards from the latest listed price of the shares at Nasdaq Copenhagen prior to the acquisition.

    Re. item 6:
    The Board of Directors proposes re-election of the following Board members:

    Ib Kunøe
    Sven Madsen
    Peter Skov Hansen
    Karina Kirk
    Per Kogut

    For further information about the individual Board members, see Appendix 1.

    Re. item 7.1:
    The Board of Directors recommends that Pricewaterhousecoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab, CVR-no. 33 77 12 31 be re-elected in accordance with the recommendation from the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has not been influenced by third parties and has not been subjected to any agreement with third parties which limits the General Meeting’s election of certain auditors or auditing firms.

    Re. item 7.2:
    The Board of Directors recommends that Pricewaterhousecoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab, CVR-no. 33 77 12 31 be elected to provide a statement on sustainability reporting in the management’s review in accordance with the recommendation from the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has not been influenced by third parties and has not been subjected to any agreement with third parties which limits the General Meeting’s election of certain auditors or auditing firms.

    Adoption requirements
    For adoption of the proposals under the items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 on the agenda simple majority is required.

    Registration date
    The date of registration is 22 April 2025, at 23:59 CET.
    Only shareholders who possess shares in the Company at the expiration of the registration date are entitled to participate and vote at the Annual General Meeting. On expiry of the date of registration, the shares held by each of the Company‘s shareholders on the date of registration date is determined on the basis of the shares registered in the register of shareholders and duly evidenced notifications to the Company of share acquisitions not yet entered in the register of shareholders, but received by the Company before expiry of the date of registration.

    Participation is furthermore conditional on the shareholder‘s punctual requisitioning of an admission card as described below.

    Procedure for participating in and voting at the Company’s Annual General Meeting
    Requisition of admission cards:
    digitally via the Shareholder Portal on the Company’s website: cgr@columbusglobal.com.

    Registration must reach Computershare A/S or the Company no later than Friday 25 April 2025 at 23:59 CET.

    Ordered admission cards will be sent out by e-mail. This requires that your email address is registered on the Shareholder Portal, or that you register your e-mail address when ordering admission card via the Shareholder Portal. After registration, you will receive an electronic admission card. Bring your electronic version on your smartphone or tablet. If you have forgotten your admission card for the general meeting, it can be obtained against presentation of appropriate proof of identification. Ballot papers will be handed out at the entry point at the General Meeting.

    Proxies:
    Proxies can be granted:
    digitally via the shareholder portal on the Company’s website: Information from the Company

    No later than 7 April 2025 the following information will be available to the shareholders at the Company’s website

    By the notice to convene annual general meeting Columbus A/S has registered a share capital of nominal DKK 161,595,330, corresponding to 129,276,264 shares of nominal DKK 1.25. Each share of nominal DKK 1.25 provides 1 vote.

    Ballerup, April 2nd, 2025
    Board of Directors, Columbus A/S

    Appendix 1: Election of members to the Board of Directors 

    Election of members to the Board of Directors and recruitment criteria
    Pursuant to Columbus A/S’ Articles of Associations, the Board of Directors must consist of 3-7 members to be elected by the general meeting for a term of one year.

    When nominating new Board members, management experience, professional and financial competencies needed to ensure that the Board has the necessary competencies to be able to manage the interests of the Company and thereby the shareholders are carefully assessed.

    Besides competencies and qualification, new candidates are selected on the basis of criteria such as the need for seniority, renewal and diversity.

    The Company’s Articles of Association do not include restrictions concerning the number of times a member is allowed to be re-elected to the Board of Directors. Seniority in itself is not a crucial criterion, but the Board of Directors finds that long seniority and thereby extensive experience for part of the Board members is highly beneficial to the company. Seniority combined with continuous renewal ensure a broad-based composition of the Board of Directors.

    Gender, age and nationality are not qualifications alone, but are part of the total assessment of the competencies of a board candidate.

    Information about proposed candidates
    Below, competencies and directorships in other companies are described for each of the proposed candidates.

    It is the Board of Director’s assessment that the proposed candidates represent the necessary competencies in the Board of Directors to ensure that the size, composition and competencies of the Board of Directors is such that constructive discussions and efficient decision-making process can be ensured during Board meetings.

    Ib Kunøe
    Born 1943
    Chairman of the Board
    Member of the Board since 2004, re-elected in 2024
    Does not fulfill the Committee of Corporate Governance definition of independency

    Education:
    Holds an HD Graduate Diploma in Organisation and Management as well as a background as a professional officer (major).

    Chairman of the Board for:
    Consolidated Holdings A/S, X-Yachts A/S, X-Yachts Marina A/S, CALUM Ballerup K/S, CALUM Åbyhøj K/S, CALUM Værløse K/S, CALUM Rødovre K/S, Komplementarselskabet Åbyhøj ApS, Komplementarselskabet Værløse ApS, Komplementarselskabet Rødovre ApS, Komplementarselskabet Ballerup ApS

    Member of the Board for:
    Atrium Partner A/S

    Special competencies:
    Company management, including management of IT companies, development of and dealing with companies.

    Sven Madsen
    Born 1964
    Member of the Board since 2007, re-elected in 2024
    CFO in Consolidated Holdings A/S
    Member of the Audit Committee
    Does not fulfill the Committee of Corporate Governance definition of independency

    Education:
    Holds a Graduate Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting and an MSc in Business Economics and Auditing

    Chairman of the Board for:
    Atea ASA, CHV III ApS, Dansk Emballage A/S

    Member of the Board for:
    Consolidated Holdings A/S, core:workers AB, core:workers Holding A/S, X-Yachts A/S,  X-Yachts Marina A/S, Ejendomsaktieselskabet af 1920 A/S, DAN-Palletiser Finans A/S, MonTa Biosciences ApS.

    Special competencies:
    General management, M&A, business development, economic and financial issues.

    Peter Skov Hansen
    Born 1951
    Member of the Board since 2012, re-elected in 2024
    Chairman of the Audit Committee
    Transitioning from being independent to no longer fulfilling the Committee of Corporate Governance’s definition of independence due to the duration of the board tenure exceeding 12 years.

    Education:
    Completed State Authorized Public Accountant education in 1980, registered as non-practicing 

    Member of the Board for:
    X-Yachts A/S

    Special competencies:
    Business development and financial, accounting and tax related issues.

    Karina Kirk
    Born 1971
    Member of the Board since 2018, re-elected in 2024
    Owner of KIRK & CO., Executive and board advisory
    Fulfills the Committee of Corporate Governance definition of independency

    Education:
    Holds a Master of Science in International Business Administration (1996), NYU Stern School of Business, MBA selected classes (1994), Executive, Board Leadership and Governance (2017)

    Member of the Board for:
    Ringsted Olie A/S, BRO Kommunikation A/S

    Special competencies:
    General management, management of consulting companies, market and customer leadership, business development and business transformation.

    Per Kogut
    Born 1964
    Member of the Board since 2022, reelected in 2024
    Fulfills the Committee of Corporate Governance definition of independency

    Education:
    Per Kogut holds a Master, Public Administration & IT science from the University of Copenhagen.

    Chairman of the Board for:
    Digital Hub Denmark

    Member of the Board for:
    Loyal Solutions A/S, Loyal Solutions A/S, Enhance TopCo A/S, Enhance BidCo ApS, Relatable Consulting A/S and Automize A/S

    Special competencies:
    General management, management of consulting companies, market and customer leadership and business development.

    Attachment

      SE_03_2025_Notice_to_convene_Annual_General_Meeting

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 96% of city schools now Good or Outstanding

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Today, 69 primary schools in the city are Good or Outstanding, equivalent to 97% of those with a current Ofsted judgment, while 18 secondary schools are Good or Outstanding, or 90% of those with a current judgment.

    That marks a significant increase from 2014, when just 66% of primary schools and 65% of secondaries held one of to the top 2 grades.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Our schools have been on a sustained journey of improvement over the last decade, and we’re now seeing the fruits of their labour – with more pupils able to attend schools that are rated Good or Outstanding than ever before.

    “This dramatic improvement is brilliant news for our city, and particularly for our children and young people.

    “It has been achieved thanks to the hard work and dedication of our education leaders, school staff, governors and of course parents and pupils themselves.

    “It has also been brought about thanks to excellent collaboration work between schools and the council and the efforts of high performing schools who have worked with other schools which have needed support.

    “Intensive intervention, which has seen advisers from the council work with school leadership teams and governors to plan, deliver and monitor progress, has also helped secure a noticeable increase in standards over recent years.

    “As a council, we have a strong commitment to school improvement through our Education Excellence strategy. We also have ambitious political leadership which wants the very best for our children and young people, both in education and in all other aspects of their formative years.

    “The onus is now on us all to maintain these high standards and, by supporting schools to improve and challenging where performance is below where it ought to be, we will ensure that children and young people are able to attend high performing schools across Wolverhampton.

    “What is clear is that there has never been a better time to be a pupil in Wolverhampton, and for that we should thank everyone working in our education system today.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Star Alliance: ITA Airways Set to Start Integration into Star Alliance

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    ITA Airways has officially received approval to start the integration process into Star Alliance following a verdict by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). Building on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, this decision paves the way for its much anticipated entry into the world’s largest airline alliance. The onboarding process will now move at full throttle.

    Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias stated: “In early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to officially join the Star Alliance network as a full member. The decision by our Chief Executive Board underscores the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide.”

    Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “We are excited to join the Star Alliance network and to bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the alliance, further enhancing its global reach. This is a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ growth, and we look forward to offering our customers the future privileges of the world’s largest airline network.”

    ITA Airways will add 360 daily flights to the Alliance network, further strengthening the Alliance’s footprint in the European region. The biggest growth will come from its home cities, especially Rome and Milan, which are currently served by 16 Star Alliance members collectively.

    Leveraging their legacy within the Alliance, Lufthansa Group is mentoring ITA Airways through its integration journey into Star Alliance.

    “I am proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance. As the mentor of the membership process, we will do our utmost to ensure a smooth and swift integration. ITA Airways’ future membership will provide Star Alliance customers with many new opportunities for personalised travel planning. I am confident that ITA Airways will be an excellent addition to the Star Alliance portfolio,” said Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group.

    Upon completing induction, the Star Alliance network will grow to 26 member airlines, offering over 18,000 daily flights connecting 192 countries.

    About Star Alliance

    Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, the Star Alliance network was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey.

    The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.

    Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers 17,500 daily flights to over 1,150 airports in 189 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines.

    Star Alliance Press Office:

    +65 8729 6691; mediarelations@staralliance.com

    About ITA Airways

    ITA Airways is the Italian reference carrier. The Company is 59% owned by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and 41% by Deutsche Lufthansa AG. ITA Airways operates both passenger and cargo air transport services, providing Italy with high-quality connectivity to international destinations, supporting tourism and foreign trade, as well as domestic connectivity within the Country, also leveraging integrated mobility.

    Through strong digitization of processes to ensure the best possible experience and personalized services, ITA Airways places customer service at the core of its strategy. This is combined with a commitment to sustainability, which encompasses environmental aspects (such as a young, technologically advanced fleet to reduce environmental impact), social aspects (a strong focus on its employees and the communities in which it operates), and governance aspects (integrating sustainability into internal strategies and processes).

    For press information:

    Pietro Caldaroni, Chief Communication Officer

    Mail: media@ita-airways.com

    About Lufthansa Group

    Lufthansa Group is a global aviation group with worldwide operations and a total of more than 300 subsidiaries and equity investments. The company’s mission is to connect people, cultures, and economies in a sustainable manner. Furthermore, safety, quality, reliability, and innovation are main priorities. The Lufthansa Group comprises the Passenger Airlines and Aviation Services segments.

    The Italian airline ITA Airways is the newest member of the Lufthansa Group, with the Group having a 41 percent stake in the airline. Now, the network carriers consist of Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways. These airlines offer their customers a premium experience, with high-quality products and services. The multi-hub strategy offers passengers a comprehensive route network along with the greatest possible flexibility for their journey. Eurowings is positioned as a carrier with an exclusive focus on point-to-point traffic on European short- and medium-haul routes. The Passenger Airlines segment also includes the regional airlines Lufthansa CityLine, Lufthansa City Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss Air, Discover Airlines and the equity investment in SunExpress, the joint venture with Turkish Airlines. Since the summer of 2021, Discover Airlines has complemented the Lufthansa Group’s offering in the growing segment of leisure travel.

    Aviation Services comprises the segments Logistics and MRO, as well as additional businesses, which in particular include Lufthansa Aviation Training and Lufthansa Systems.

    The Lufthansa Group is currently investing in its onboard product, with both Lufthansa’s Allegris and SWISS Senses showcasing an entirely new travel experience. Lufthansa’s Allegris can already be experienced on certain long-haul routes. The full revamp will also include lounges, ground processes, individuality, and exclusivity.

    Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines are already members of the Star Alliance.

    For press information:

    Thomas Jachnow, Senior Manager Media Relations

    Deutsche Lufthansa AG

    lufthansa-group@dlh.de

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Europeans have more flexible views on how to respond to irregular migrants than policymakers think – new research

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Martin Ruhs, Professor of Migration Studies, European University Institute

    With an estimated minimum of 2.6 to 3.2 million irregular migrants in Europe and fierce public debates about them, policymakers face the difficult question of how to ensure migrants’ basic rights of protection from exploitation, destitution and ill health while also establishing effective migration controls. However, we know surprisingly little about how Europeans think about this policy dilemma.

    In our study, the first of its kind in Europe, we surveyed 20,000 people across Austria, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and the UK to understand their preferences on policies regarding access to healthcare, social welfare and labour protections, as well as the obtainment of regular legal status or “regularisation” for irregular migrants.

    The results challenge the idea that public attitudes toward irregular migrants’ rights are simply “for” or “against”. Instead, we find that variations in policy design matter – and when policies include both migration controls and protections for migrants, public support often increases.

    Our method

    To study public preferences for policies relating to irregular migrants, we conducted a conjoint survey experiment. In it, respondents were presented with different multidimensional “policy packages” that randomly varied in how they regulated opportunities for regularisation, as well as legal rights to access primary health care, financial support in low-income situations, and back pay of withheld wages.

    Respondents were shown two policy packages at a time, and then asked to rate and indicate which of the two they preferred. For each respondent, this process was repeated five times. This method allowed us to study how a change in a particular policy feature – e.g., a change in how access to primary healthcare is regulated – affects individuals’ support for the overall policy package.

    So, what do Europeans think? Here are some of our key results.

    • People favour selective regularisation

    Our results suggest that the public prefers targeted pathways for regularisation for irregular migrants. Across all five countries we analysed, respondents consistently preferred policies that allow irregular migrants to acquire legal status based on certain conditions, including a clean criminal record and a minimum length of stay in the host country. Somewhat surprisingly, there was no consistent preference between a five-year or ten-year minimum residence period.

    • Healthcare gets more support than financial assistance

    We found that giving irregular migrants access to healthcare is far less controversial than giving access to financial support for those living on low incomes. This aligns with findings from the US, where such support has remained politically divisive.

    • Some migration controls boost support for access to rights – but not all rights

    We also found greater support for irregular migrants receiving health care and back pay for withheld wages when these rights were linked to a migration control measure: obligations for public sector employees to report irregular migrants to authorities.

    This suggests, as existing literature highlights, that many people experience an internal conflict between humanitarian concerns and a desire for stricter migration controls.

    However, the pattern in our data does not hold for all rights: even when combined with reporting obligations, the provision of cash assistance for irregular migrants still does not generate public support.

    • A preference for essential workers

    Not all irregular migrants are viewed equally: our findings show that people are more supportive of rights and regularisation opportunities for migrants who previously worked legally in the host country – especially in essential roles like elder care. This reflects broader research on attitudes toward welfare deservingness, which found that public perception of migrants’ past contributions to society shape views on whether they should get access to rights.

    How do attitudes differ across countries?

    While there are many similarities in public views on regularisation opportunities and access to rights for irregular migrants across the countries we studied, there are also some notable differences. For example, support for providing primary healthcare varied: respondents in the UK were the least supportive, and respondents in Italy were the most. Similarly, while respondents in most countries opposed the provision of low-income support, Italian respondents were more ambivalent, showing no strong preference for or against this right for irregular migrants.

    Overall, respondents in Italy showed the greatest preferences for inclusive policies, including the strongest support for allowing irregular migrants to apply for legal status. While our analysis does not investigate the reasons for this, it may reflect Italy’s history of regularisation programmes in recent decades, which may have made Italian respondents more open to and supportive of such programmes.

    Rethinking public attitudes about irregular migrants

    Public attitudes matter – they influence which policies are feasible and sustainable over time. Our research shows that EU and UK residents don’t default to blunt and one-sided policies such as blanket opposition to irregular migrants ever gaining legal status. Instead, people are selective, and prefer policies that distinguish between giving irregular migrants different types of rights. People also have specific views about when and why irregular migrants should have access to healthcare, social welfare, labour protections and legal status.

    This does not mean that survey respondents wanted to offer unconditional legal status and access to rights to all irregular migrants. Instead, respondents often preferred an approach that combines selective access to rights with enforcement of migration rules. What our study indicates is that the public has more nuanced views on how migration should be managed than policymakers generally give them credit for. This suggests there may be more room for selective and inclusive policymaking than often assumed.

    This article is based on a research paper co-authored by Lutz Gschwind (Uppsala University, UU), Martin Ruhs (EUI), Anton Ahlén (UU) and Joakim Palme (UU). The paper is part of the international “PRIME” project that analyses the conditions of irregular migrants in Europe. PRIME is funded by the European Union Horizon Europe programme. Views and opinions expressed, however, are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the EU or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the EU nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

    The author has received support from the European Union Horizon Europe funding programme for research and innovation (project number 101095113).

    – ref. Europeans have more flexible views on how to respond to irregular migrants than policymakers think – new research – https://theconversation.com/europeans-have-more-flexible-views-on-how-to-respond-to-irregular-migrants-than-policymakers-think-new-research-253473

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: IceMOS Technology Closes $22 Million Series E Investment to Fund Launch of New Power Semiconductor Device Technology mSJMOS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Semiconductor manufacturer, IceMOS Technology Corporation today announced it has completed Series E funding from a London-based investor, 57 Stars LLC , and earlier stage USA investors.

    The company headquartered in Paradise Valley, Arizona, has a manufacturing center of excellence located in Northern Ireland, an advanced research innovation center in Arizona, and a design center in Tokyo, Japan. IceMOS Technology is an industry-leading developer of next generation silicon power devices. These products, called mSJMOSTM, are developed using a novel semiconductor technology based on IceMOS Intellectual Property of which the company holds over 70 patents. The silicon-based mSJMOSTM, exhibits a new phenomenon resulting from the integration of Silicon MEMS manufacturing techniques with mature node CMOS Super-junction Power MOSFET structures resulting in power MOSFETs that deliver dramatic semiconductor energy efficiency.

    The investment, which values IceMOS at a market capitalization of $110 million USD (£85million) post money, will enable IceMOS to increase strategic manufacturing in Northern Ireland, device design capability, applications engineering, marketing and sales worldwide as it starts preparation to launch mSJMOSTM platforms.

    “Our sensing and power technologies are paving the way for more energy-efficient and CO2-saving solutions that support decarbonization,” said Dr. Samuel J. Anderson, MBE, IceMOS Technology Founder and Chairman. “Products based on this advanced technology represents a new class of semiconductors, essential to serve the efficiency demands of the massively complex market segments like artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), big data, renewables wind and solar, electric vehicles and aerospace applications. The merging of mSJMOSTM structures and MEMS manufacturing techniques presents a revolutionary silicon-based technology that can compete with wideband gap devices at 650 Volts, 750Volts, 900Volts, and 1200Volts.”

    IceMOS will be expanding its global workforce to more than 100 employees on post funding. IceMOS is pleased to announce that Niall Lyne has accepted the position of IceMOS Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Global Sales. Niall an Industry veteran held numerous positions with Analog Device, Inc., Intersil and more recently Renesas Electronics. In this position, he will be responsible for optimizing company objectives, operations, and revenue growth.

    The new Investors in the IceMOS Series E attended the Northern Ireland Investment Summit in September 2023 which was a collaboration by the Department for Business and Trade, the Northern Ireland Office, and Invest Northern Ireland, which hosted around 200 investors from across the world to visit Belfast with the aim of turbocharging inward investment into all corners of Northern Ireland.

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said: “Northern Ireland’s track record of delivering innovation, its supportive business environment, competitive operating costs and the creative ingenuity of its people make it an attractive destination for businesses of all sizes to start up and scale up. Northern Ireland has huge potential for significant economic growth, so it’s great to see IceMOS secure this funding as a result of the Northern Ireland Investment Summit, leading to investment and job creation.”

    Dr. Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy, added: “IceMOS Technology’s multi-million funding success showcases the North’s strengths in advanced manufacturing and engineering. This investment highlights the confidence global investors have in the North and aligns with my vision to drive innovation, productivity, and technological advancement. The 2023 Investment Summit played a key role in showcasing the opportunities here and it’s encouraging to see significant outcomes like this. I look forward to seeing IceMOS continue to push the boundaries of semiconductor technology, creating high-value jobs in West Belfast and pioneering solutions in sectors from AI to renewable energy.”

    Bernard McGuire, Managing Director of 57 Stars LLC: “IceMOS’ new architecture for silicon semiconductors represents break-through technology for power management systems in high-growth sectors such as electric vehicles and data centers,” said Bernard McGuire, Managing Director of 57 Stars. “The hiring of industry veteran Niall Lyne both validates the strength and potential of its innovative products and enhances the management team to start scaling the business.” 57 Stars is the largest investor in this round of financing, having committed $7.5 million dollars. McGuire further commented: “Given the company sits squarely in our sustainability and technology focus sectors, 57 Stars invested in IceMOS out of multiple private equity funds we manage and are thrilled to be partnering with and supporting the Company at this pivotal moment for its growth and development.” 57 Stars was supported by EY on financial and tax due diligence, Tughans LLP and Purrington Moody Weil LLP on legal advisory, and SLR Consulting on environmental, health, and safety (EHS) due diligence assessment.

    Hugh Griffin, Chief Sales Officer (Eng Sub & Sensor Products) & Chief Strategy Officer, IceMOS Technology: “Building on our 2024 ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ award, this investment will further strengthen our manufacturing excellence in Belfast, expand our global workforce, and deepen our export footprint—already serving hundreds of customers worldwide. As a leader in advanced semiconductor exports, we are poised to diversify markets, enhance R&D, and deliver cutting-edge solutions that solidify the UK’s position as a hub for high-tech innovation. Together with our investors and partners, we’re not just scaling operations; we’re powering a sustainable future.”

    About IceMOS Technology
    IceMOS is an equity-financed private Delaware semiconductor corporation and manufacturer of a new class of Silicon MEMS based Power MOSFETs and Sensing Device technology that serves wide-ranging applications anywhere that power efficiency and sensing matters. The company has a manufacturing center of excellence located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, an advanced research innovation center in Arizona, and a design center in Tokyo, Japan.

    Company and Media Contact:
    Brenda Monaghan
    Investor Relations
    IceMOS Technology
    Email: brendamonaghan@icemostech.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5c918f39-bf4f-4b25-989a-7aade69e17eb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Anywhere365 drives the transformation of customer experience with AI, and unveils new identity: AnywhereNow

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK 2 April 2025 – Anywhere365, a global pioneer in transforming customer experience with AI solutions, has unveiled its bold, new brand identity, AnywhereNow. Building on the company’s history, the new brand steps up into a faster paced identity, incorporating an urban theme that reflects a new sense of urgency, but still retains the company’s core values of innovation, accountability, customer-first approach and caring.  

    AnywhereNow’s AI solutions help contact centres deliver exceptional value through enhanced engagement, efficient workforce collaboration, AI-driven insights and a comprehensive omni-channel service. AnywhereNow will continue to build on its AI-first strategy, embedding Agentic AI into all phases of customer interaction, leveraging the power of Teams, Azure Communication Services, and the Microsoft ecosystem, as well as considerable integrations including SAP, Salesforce and ServiceNow. In addition, AnywhereNow’s Copilot-ready Deepdesk Agent Assist, powered by Azure OpenAI, helps agents decrease call handling times and improves customer experience.   

    Will Blench, CEO at AnywhereNow says, “Our vision remains constant: to enable every employee and every customer to be heard, understood and valued. Since launching the market’s first contact centre solution with native Microsoft Teams integration, we have proven our commitment to service excellence and gained the trust of more than 2000 global enterprises worldwide.”  

    “We now stand at the crossroads of three powerful market drivers: Hybrid work, Agentic AI and Cloud Communications, and are focused on helping our customers maximise their commercial advantage of those drivers,” adds Blench.  

    Acquisitions and New Innovation  

    AnywhereNow has a proven track record in successful M&A, most recently acquiring Deepdesk and Tendfor in 2024. The company continues to invest in innovation across its global hubs, offering a comprehensive set of AI-enabled products and services: 

    • Deepdesk: A powerful Agent Assist platform that helps contact centre agents solve problems quickly and easily. Now, through its Assistant Platform, companies can deploy Agentic AI to solve customer experience issues without human intervention. Deepdesk is growing fast and already has deep inroads into enterprise customers such as Rabobank and DHL.   
    • Dialogue Cloud: The flagship offering for Microsoft Teams customer experience, offering intuitive user experience (UX) and a deep array of CRM and AI integrations, easily configured with the Low-code solution, Dialogue Studio. Dialogue Cloud also offers Dialogue AI Assist, a fully integrated AI platform that seamlessly embeds AI-assistance capabilities into customer interactions.  
    • Tendfor: A leading provider of advanced cloud communication capabilities strengthens AnywhereNow’s leadership in the Microsoft Teams Phone ecosystem, providing a rich and easy-to-deploy experience.  
    • IQMessenger: The AnywhereNow critical messaging platform is a world leader in the Health and Industrial markets.  

    Partnerships  

    Partners are integral to AnywhereNow’s success, and it is committed to maintaining its global partnerships through its Global Partnership Programme. Over the next year, AnywhereNow will continue to empower partners with tailored onboarding, training and enablement to deliver the best contact centre solutions to its customers.   

    Looking ahead  

    In an era of rapid technological advancement and changing customer expectations, AnywhereNow will redefine how enterprises communicate and engage their customers.   

    About AnywhereNow  

    Founded in 2010, AnywhereNow is a Netherlands-headquartered and fast-growing provider of Customer Experience SaaS solutions. AnywhereNow empowers voice and digital dialogues for organisations worldwide and brings to life Agentic AI platforms for increased productivity and effectiveness. AnywhereNow’s products are award-winning, recognised by industry analysts, and trusted by over 2,000 global customers, including Rabobank, DHL, Emirates, KPMG, Swarovski, Mazda, Deloitte, Aldi, Vodafone and Zeiss. For more information, please visit Anywhere.now  

    Press Contact:  

    Destiny Gillbee for AnywhereNow   

    anywherenow@c8consulting.co.uk

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues SEK 1 billion tap under its MTN programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Municipality Finance Plc
    Stock exchange release
    2 April 2025 at 10:00 am (EEST)

    Municipality Finance issues SEK 1 billion tap under its MTN programme

    On 3 April 2025 Municipality Finance Plc issues a new tranche in an amount of SEK 1 billion to an existing series of notes issued on 21 February 2025. With the new tranche, the aggregate nominal amount of the notes is SEK 2.5 billion. The maturity date of the benchmark is 21 February 2028. The notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to 3-month Stibor plus 150 bps per annum. 

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

    MuniFin has applied for the notes to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 3 April 2025. The existing notes in the series are admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.

    Danske Bank A/S act as the Dealer for the issue of the notes.

    MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

    Further information:

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

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

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

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

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

    Important Information

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Offentliggørelse af prospekt for Investeringsforeningen Nordea Invest

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Med virkning fra den 2. april 2025 offentliggøres prospekt for Investeringsforeningen Nordea Invest.

    Prospektet er opdateret som følger:

    • Genberegnede emissionstillæg og indløsningsfradrag for en række afdelinger, herunder andelsklasser
    • Valutarisiko tilføjet i afsnittet om risikoprofil

    Prospektet kan findes på https://www.nordeafunds.com/da/vores-fonde

    Med venlig hilsen
    Nordea Fund Management, filial af Nordea Funds Oy, Finland

    Rasmus Eske Bruun
    Filialbestyrer

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Akasha Launches Revolutionary Crypto Conversion Platform, Enabling Seamless Cross-Chain Transactions with Just Two Clicks

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ESCH-SUR-ALZETTE, Luxembourg, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Akasha now provides seamless cross-chain trasactions with just 2 clicks.

    Why So Exciting, and What Does It Really Mean?

    – Simple to use (opens the door to ordinary non-tech folks)

    – No more headaches – stop getting blocked or confused with different crypto changing processes which don’t work together.. choose a smooth and interconnected experience. The Akasha experience.

    Fast, Affordable and Easy to use.

    — Akasha, a pioneering Layer Zero blockchain, has unveiled a groundbreaking platform designed to redefine the way we interact with blockchain ecosystems. Positioned as the fundamental crypto exchange platform for the decentralized future, Akasha allows applications to seamlessly transfer between different blockchain networks—enabling a truly interconnected experience with smooth transitions between various cryptos and blockchain ecosystems interoperability without the need for intermediaries. Change any crypto with one to two clicks.

    In a digital landscape increasingly fragmented by isolated blockchain ecosystems, Akasha serves as the connecting point that unites them, eliminating friction and limitations. By establishing a universal protocol for secure and verifiable cross-chain interactions, Akasha opens the door to a unified, scalable, and decentralized digital future.

    A Technological Revolution with Deep Philosophical Roots

    Akasha’s technological innovations go beyond mere blockchain integration. Inspired by ancient spiritual traditions, the platform takes its name from the concept of “Akasha”—the primordial ether that connects all of existence in the universe. In modern physics, this resonates with the idea of dark matter, the invisible yet vital force that binds galaxies together and shapes the structure of the cosmos.

    Much like dark matter’s unseen influence, Akasha’s blockchain infrastructure operates as an essential, invisible connective tissue, ensuring continuity, communication, and interaction across diverse, otherwise siloed networks. Just as dark matter permeates space and exerts influence on visible matter, Akasha provides the foundational layer for blockchain ecosystems to thrive.

    The Metaphysical Connection to a Decentralized Future

    Akasha represents more than just a technical solution—it embodies the principle of oneness in the digital age. Mirroring the cosmos itself, Akasha serves as the starting point where all things are unified, before branching into diverse expressions. This metaphysical quality positions Akasha as a point of connection that brings together not just technical ecosystems, but the very fabric of interconnected existence.

    This visionary blockchain platform is designed to bring about a new evolution in how decentralized applications, assets, and data interact. Rather than viewing blockchains as isolated entities, Akasha demonstrates that, like the universe, all blockchains are interconnected and ultimately one.

    A Unified, Scalable, and Decentralized Digital Landscape

    Akasha offers the solution to the limitations of existing blockchain networks. With its Layer Zero protocol, developers, businesses, and users alike can now unlock the true potential of interoperability. By enabling secure, direct interactions between blockchains, Akasha removes bottlenecks, reduces transaction costs, and facilitates unprecedented cross-chain applications.

    About Akasha

    Akasha is a revolutionary Layer Zero blockchain designed to be the connective tissue for decentralized ecosystems. It allows for seamless cross-chain communication and data transfer, ensuring secure and verifiable interactions across disparate blockchain networks.

    With its foundation in both cutting-edge technology and ancient philosophical principles, Akasha seeks to reshape the future of blockchain by embracing a vision of interconnected existence.

    Media Contact:
    Contact Person Name: Elena Sage
    Company Name: Akasha
    Email Address: info@Akasha.info
    Address: Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
    Website: https://akasha.info/

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d3494fb4-1906-4ad6-8df0-b92b50270e3a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Contract awarded for final construction phase of government hub

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Contract awarded for final construction phase of government hub

    Construction of a new government office in Manchester City Centre is entering its final phase with the appointment of Wates to conduct the Category B fit-out

    Credit: Ask Real Estate

    Construction of a new government office in Manchester City Centre is entering its final phase with the appointment of a new contractor.

    The Government Property Agency (GPA) has appointed Wates to conduct the Category B (Cat B) fit-out of its First Street Hub following a competitive tender process. 

    The company will be responsible for the hub’s fit-out works, ensuring the nine-storey building is functional for office use. It marks another key development in the programme following the recent practical completion of the Category A (Cat A) fit-out and lease commencement. 

    Launched as part of the GPA’s Government Hubs Programme, the Manchester First Street Hub will accommodate around 2,600 civil servants from departments including Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED), and the Department for Education (DfE). It is earmarked for completion in Autumn 2026.

    Georgina Dunn, the GPA’s Interim Director of Capital Projects, said: 

    Appointing the Cat B contractor was the final major hurdle to overcome before the home straight of delivering this exceptional building. The hub will provide a state-of-the-art office space for thousands of civil servants and will be one of the largest cross-departmental hubs outside London. It also has enviable sustainability credentials with the building achieving  a NABERS 5.5* rating – ranking it among the most sustainable buildings in the UK.

    We are proud of the progress we continue to make as we look to provide high quality and sustainable workplaces for civil servants throughout the UK.

    The £105M development, which was forward-funded by the Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), supports the Government Hubs Programme’s aim of securing growth across the country. The programme is rationalising the government’s estate in towns and cities across the UK, playing a pivotal role in delivering modern, customer-focused and varied workspaces where civil servants can thrive. 

    Just a few minutes’ walk from Oxford Road and Deansgate rail stations, First Street Hub has been designed to be class-leading, meeting inclusive and accessible design standards. The design for the 12,000sq m building will support a variety of different working styles including spaces to enable collaboration, creativity and community.

    Scott Camp, Managing Director of Wates’ fit-out and refurbishment business, Smartspace, said:

    We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with the Government Property Agency following our work at Darlington Economic Campus and 2 Ruskin Square in Croydon.

    Securing the contract for the Cat-B fit-out at Manchester First Street is a testament to our expertise in delivering high-quality, modern office environments. This project will provide thousands of civil servants with a state-of-the-art workspace, enabling them to foster collaboration and efficiency. It also reinforces our commitment to our purpose – ‘Reimagining places for people to thrive’ – by creating another exceptional workspace that supports productivity and well-being.

    For media enquiries, email: pressoffice@gpa.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Nykredit extends the offer period concerning the recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 24 April 2025 – Nykredit Realkredit A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 9(3)-(5) AND SECTION 21(3) OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 636 OF 15 MAY 2020

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE DOING SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

    Publication of supplement concerning extension of offer period for Nykredit’s recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 24 April 2025

    2 April 2025

    Nykredit extends the offer period concerning the recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 24 April 2025

    In accordance with section 4(1) of the Danish Takeover Order1, Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) announced on 10 December 2024 that Nykredit intended to submit a voluntary public tender offer (the “Offer”) to acquire all shares in Spar Nord Bank A/S (“Spar Nord Bank”), with the exception of Spar Nord Bank’s treasury shares, for a cash price of DKK 210 per share, valuing the aggregated issued share capital of Spar Nord Bank at DKK 24.7 billion.

    On 8 January 2025, Nykredit published the offer document regarding the Offer (the “Offer Document”), as approved by the Danish FSA in accordance with section 11 of the Danish Takeover Order. In the Offer Document, the offer period was set to expire on 19 February 2025 at 23:59 (CET) (the “Initial Offer Period”). The Initial Offer Period was subsequently extended to 20 March 2025, and on 19 March 2025, Nykredit published a supplement to the Offer Document, which extended the offer period to 3 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST).

    Today, Nykredit published a supplement (the “Supplement”) to the Offer Document, which further extends the offer period for the Offer. The Supplement has been approved by the Danish FSA on 2 April 2025 in accordance with section 9(3)-(5) of the Danish Takeover Order. The Supplement should be read in conjunction with the Offer Document and the previous supplements as published on 18 February and 19 March 2025.

    With this Supplement, Nykredit further extends the offer period, such that the Offer will expire on 24 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST). Subsequently, any reference to the “Offer Period” in the Offer Document or other documents relating to the Offer will refer to the period commencing on the day of publication of the Offer Document on 8 January 2025 and ending on 24 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST) (the “Extended Offer Period”).

    The purpose of the extension is to provide Nykredit with time to obtain the approval from the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority required to complete the Offer. If the approval from the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority has not been granted by the expiry of the Extended Offer Period, Nykredit expects to extend the offer period further.

    The extension of the offer period entails that the expected completion of the Offer and settlement of the offer price to the Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have accepted the Offer will be extended correspondingly. Completion is subsequently expected to take place on 2 May 2025 (provided that the offer period is not extended further).

    This will result in an adjustment of the offer price in accordance with section 6.2 of the Offer Document, such that the offer price is increased by DKK 0.50 per share to DKK 210.50.

    The increase of the offer price affects all Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have already given their accept of the Offer and all Spar Nord Bank shareholders who accept the Offer following publication of the Supplement. Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have already accepted the Offer thus do not have to take further action.

    At the time of this announcement, Nykredit holds 32.79 per cent of the shares in Spar Nord Bank.

    In the supplement dated 19 March 2025 to the Offer Document, Nykredit announced that a preliminary compilation of the acceptances that Nykredit had information about showed that, including the irrevocable undertakings, acceptances corresponding to more than 46 per cent of the share capital of Spar Nord Bank had been submitted, and that Nykredit’s ownership interest in Spar Nord Bank, together with the irrevocable undertakings and the binding acceptances submitted that Nykredit had information about, totalled more than 80 per cent of the total share capital (excluding treasury shares) of Spar Nord Bank, indicating that the 67 per cent acceptance limit stated in the Offer has been reached.

    The final result of the Offer will be determined on expiry of the offer period and published in accordance with section 21(3) of the Danish Takeover Order.

    Nykredit intends to delist Spar Nord Bank from trading on Nasdaq Copenhagen and complete a compulsory acquisition of the remaining Spar Nord Bank shareholders, provided that Nykredit has obtained the necessary ownership interest, and the Offer has been completed. Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have opted not to accept the Offer, should expect that Nykredit, provided that the Offer is completed, will take steps to combine Nykredit Bank A/S and Spar Nord Bank, which will result in a further increase in Nykredit’s ownership interest in Spar Nord Bank. Not later than in continuation of the combination, Nykredit thus expects to hold a sufficient ownership interest to be able to delist Spar Nord Bank from trading on Nasdaq Copenhagen and complete a compulsory acquisition of the remaining Spar Nord Bank shareholders.

    The full terms and conditions of the Offer are contained in the Offer Document as amended by the Supplement. The Offer Document and the Supplement are published in the Danish FSA’s OAM database: https://oam.finanstilsynet.dk/ and can also, with certain restrictions, be accessed at https://www.nykredit.com/kobstilbud-spar-nord/ and https://www.sparnord.dk/investor-relations/overtagelsestilbud.

    About Spar Nord Bank

    Spar Nord Bank was founded in 1824 and is now a nationwide bank with 58 branches. Spar Nord Bank offers all types of financial services, consultancy and products, focusing its business on retail customers and primarily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the local areas in which the bank is represented. The bank is also focused on leasing operations and large corporate customers, which are both business areas handled by the head offices.

    Spar Nord Bank has historically been rooted in northern Jutland and continues to be a market leader in this region. However, in the period from 2002 to 2024, Spar Nord Bank has established and acquired branches outside northern Jutland. Over the course of the years, the bank has adjusted its branch network in an ongoing process and now has a nationwide distribution network comprising 58 branches. These 58 branches are distributed on 32 banking areas, each of which is headed by a manager reporting directly to the bank’s executive board.

    The Spar Nord Bank Group consists of two earnings entities: Spar Nord Bank’s branches and the Trading Division. As an entity, the Trading Division serves customers from Spar Nord Bank’s branches as well as large retail customers and institutional clients in the field of equities, bonds, fixed income and forex products, asset management and international transactions. Finally, under the concept Sparxpres, the bank offers consumer loans to personal customers through Sparxpres’ platform as well as debt consolidation loans and consumer financing via retail stores and gift voucher solutions via shopping centres and city associations.

    About Nykredit

    Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) is a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Denmark, company reg. (CVR) no. 12 71 92 80, having its registered office at Sundkrogsgade 25, 2150 Nordhavn, Denmark. Nykredit is a mortgage credit institution and, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary Totalkredit A/S, is a market leader of the Danish mortgage credit market with a market share of some 45.2 per cent. Nykredit offers mortgage financing for private individuals and businesses.

    Nykredit is part of the Nykredit Group, which historically dates back to 1851. In addition to carrying on mortgage credit business, the Group carries on banking business through Nykredit Bank – including banking and wealth management operations – and has a total of around 4,000 employees in Denmark.

    Nykredit is owned by an association of the Nykredit Group’s customers, Forenet Kredit. Forenet Kredit owns close to 80 per cent of Nykredit’s shares. Other major shareholders are five Danish pension funds: Akademikernes Pension AP Pension, PensionDanmark, PFA and PKA.

    Nykredit is known for the advantages offered through the association. Forenet Kredit makes capital contributions to the Nykredit Group when times are good, and Nykredit has decided to pass these on to its customers.

    Since, 2017, Forenet Kredit has paid over DKK 8 billion in capital contributions to the Nykredit Group, and in the period to 2027, Forenet Kredit has provided a further DKK 7 billion.

    Questions and further information

    Any questions concerning the Offer may be directed to:

    Nykredit Bank A/S

    Company reg. (CVR) no.: 10 51 96 08

    Sundkrogsgade 25

    2150 Nordhavn
    Denmark

    Telephone: +45 7010 9000

    and

    Carnegie Investment Bank

    Filial af Carnegie Investment Bank AB (publ), Sverige

    Company reg. (CVR) no. 35 52 12 67

    Overgaden Neden Vandet 9B

    1414 Copenhagen K
    Denmark

    E-mail: annette.hansen@carnegie.dk

    For further information about the Offer, please see: https://www.nykredit.com/kobstilbud-spar-nord/.

    This announcement and the Offer Document (with supplements) are not directed at shareholders of Spar Nord Bank A/S whose participation in the Offer would require the issuance of an offer document, registration or activities other than what is required under Danish law (and, in the case of shareholders in the United States of America, Section 14(e) of, and applicable provisions of Regulation 14E promulgated under, the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The Offer is not made and will not be made, directly or indirectly, to shareholders resident in any jurisdiction in which the submission of the Offer or acceptance thereof would be in contravention of the laws of such jurisdiction. Any person coming into possession of this announcement, the Offer Document or any other document containing a reference to the Offer is expected and assumed to independently obtain all necessary information about any applicable restrictions and to observe these.

    This announcement does not constitute an offer or an invitation to purchase securities or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in accordance with the Offer or otherwise. The Offer will be submitted only in the form of the Offer Document (with supplements) approved by the FSA, which sets out the full terms and conditions of the Offer, including information on how to accept the Offer. The shareholders of Spar Nord Bank are advised to read the Offer Document and any related documents as they contain important information.

    Restricted jurisdictions

    The Offer is not made, and acceptance of the Offer to tender Spar Nord Bank shares is not accepted, neither directly nor indirectly, in or from any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of the Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction or would require any registration, approval or any other measures with any regulatory authority not expressly contemplated by the Offer Document (the “Restricted Jurisdictions”). Neither the United States nor the United Kingdom is a Restricted Jurisdiction.

    Restricted Jurisdictions include, but are not limited to: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

    Persons obtaining documents or information relating to the Offer (including custodians, account holding institutions, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) should not distribute, communicate, transfer or send these in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction or use mail or any other means of communication in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction in connection with the Offer. Persons (including, but not limited to, custodians, custodian banks, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) intending to communicate this announcement, the Supplement, the Offer Document or any related document to any jurisdiction outside Denmark or the United States should inform themselves about these restrictions before taking any action. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the laws of such jurisdiction, including securities laws. It is the responsibility of all Persons obtaining this announcement, the Supplement, the Offer Document, earlier supplements, an acceptance form and/or other documents relating to the Offer, or into whose possession such documents otherwise come, to inform themselves about and observe all such restrictions.

    Nykredit is not responsible for ensuring that the distribution, dissemination or communication of this announcement, the Supplement or the Offer Document to shareholders outside Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom is consistent with applicable law in any jurisdiction other than Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom.

    Important Information for Shareholders in the United States

    The Offer concerns the shares in Spar Nord Bank, a public limited liability company incorporated and admitted to trading on a regulated market in Denmark, and is subject to the disclosure and procedural requirements of Danish law, including the Danish capital markets act and the Danish takeover order.

    The Offer is being made to shareholders in Spar Nord Bank in the United States in compliance with the applicable US tender offer rules under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “U.S. Exchange Act”), including Regulation 14E promulgated thereunder, subject to the relief available for a “Tier II” tender offer, and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Danish law and practice

    Accordingly, US Spar Nord Bank shareholders should be aware that this announcement and any other documents regarding the Offer have been prepared in accordance with, and will be subject to, the disclosure and other procedural requirements, including with respect to withdrawal rights, the Offer timetable, settlement procedures and timing of payments of Danish law and practice, which may differ materially from those applicable under US domestic tender offer law and practice. In addition, the financial information contained in this announcement or the Offer Document has not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or derived therefrom, and may therefore differ from, or not be comparable with, financial information of US companies.

    In accordance with the laws of, and practice in, Denmark and to the extent permitted by applicable law, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, Nykredit, Nykredit’s affiliates or any nominees or brokers of the foregoing (acting as agents, or in a similar capacity, for Nykredit or any of its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time, and other than pursuant to the Offer, directly or indirectly, purchase, or arrange to purchase, outside of the United States, shares in Spar Nord Bank or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such shares in Spar Nord Bank before or during the period in which the Offer remains open for acceptance. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Any information about such purchases will be announced via Nasdaq Copenhagen and relevant electronic media if, and to the extent, such announcement is required under applicable law. To the extent information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase is made public in Denmark, such information will be disclosed by means of a press release or other means reasonably calculated to inform US shareholders of Spar Nord Bank of such information.

    In addition, subject to the applicable laws of Denmark and US securities laws, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, the financial advisers to Nykredit or their respective affiliates may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of Spar Nord Bank, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities.

    It may not be possible for US shareholders to effect service of process within the United States upon Spar Nord Bank, Nykredit or any of their respective affiliates, or their respective officers or directors, some or all of which may reside outside the United States, or to enforce against any of them judgments of the United States courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or other US law. It may not be possible to bring an action against Nykredit, Spar Nord Bank and/or their respective officers or directors (as applicable) in a non-US court for violations of US laws. Further, it may not be possible to compel Nykredit and Spar Nord Bank or their respective affiliates, as applicable, to subject themselves to the judgment of a US court. In addition, it may be difficult to enforce in Denmark original actions, or actions for the enforcement of judgments of US courts, based on the civil liability provisions of the US federal securities laws.

    The Offer, if completed, may have consequences under US federal income tax and under applicable US state and local, as well as non-US, tax laws. Each shareholder of Spar Nord Bank is urged to consult its independent professional adviser immediately regarding the tax consequences of the Offer.

    NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY IN ANY STATE OF THE U.S. HAS APPROVED OR DECLINED TO APPROVE THE OFFER OR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THE OFFER OR PROVIDED AN OPINION AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR ANY OFFER DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE IN THE UNITED STATES.

    1 Executive Order no. 636 of 15 May 2020

    Attachments

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  • MIL-OSI: Haffner Energy successfully achieves €7M Capital Increase through ABSA issuance with preferential subscription rights (PSR)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Haffner Energy successfully achieves €7M Capital Increase through ABSA issuance with preferential subscription rights (PSR)

    Vitry-le-François, France – April 2, 2025, 08:00 am (CET) – Haffner Energy (ISIN: FR0014007ND6 – Ticker: ALHAF) (the “Company“) announces the success of its €6,995,496M cash Capital Increase with preferential subscription rights (the “PSR“) through the issuance of 17,488,744 New Shares with share subscription warrants (the “ABSA” or “Warrants”) (the “Capital Increase“). The free float share is extended to 24.75% of the capital. 

    Philippe Haffner, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Haffner Energy, said:

    “Thanks to the renewed support of many of our long-standing shareholders, whom we thank, and the arrival of new investors, this Operation reached our 7-million-euro target. This reflects the confirmed confidence in our value proposition and in the evolution in our positioning: well beyond hydrogen, our presence in four markets enables us not only to significantly broaden our addressable market and better diversify risks, but also to position ourselves on more immediate opportunities.

    This Capital Increase gives us a financing horizon of 12 months, sufficient to cover the ramp-up phase, irrespective of revenues from expected orders. This gives us the resources we need to roll out our roadmap and accelerate our development in our strategic markets, in particular by activating the full potential of our Marolles site.

    The transaction will also enable us to double the proportion of free float in the capital, while limiting the dilutive impact for shareholders who have not subscribed (28% to date).

    The Warrants (BSA) allocated on the occasion of the Capital Increase, exercisable from April 3, 2026, for a period of six months, are likely to generate up to 7 million euros in additional resources for Haffner Energy from April 2026. We are confident that the Company’s momentum will make the exercise of these warrants very attractive.

    We are convinced that the major differentiating factors we bring to the table, combined with our technological maturity, place us on a path of sustainable growth. With a sales pipeline of 1.55 billion euros, which translates into a weighted sale pipeline of 388 million euros, our objectives are to reach breakeven EBITDA by March 31, 2026. We also aim to position Haffner Energy as a leader in the global energy transition in its market segments, thanks to our unique expertise in creating value from biomass.”

    Results of the Capital Increase with PSR

    At the end of the subscription period ending March 28, 2025, the irreducible demand amounted to 10,253,133 shares, i.e. 58.63% of the ABSA to be issued; the reducible demand, served entirely, represented 4,657,094 ABSA, i.e. 26.63% of the ABSA to be issued. Finally, subscriptions on an unrestricted basis, served in full, amounted to 353,463 ABSA, i.e. 2.02% of the ABSA to be issued.

    As a result, and as specified in the press release announcing the launch of the Capital Increase, the institutional investors who had given a guarantee were partially called for a total number of shares corresponding to 2,225,054 ABSA, i.e. 12.72% of the ABSA to be issued, representing a total subscription amount of €890,020. Investors who had given a guarantee commitment were served up to 83.18%.

    The gross amount of the Capital Increase thus recorded by the Board of Directors at its April 1,  2025 meeting amounts to €6,995,496, including €699,549.60 in nominal value and €6,295,946.40 in issue premium, and results in the issuance of 17,488,744 ABSA, at a subscription price of €0.40 per share, including €0.10 in nominal value and €0.30 in issue premium.

    In addition, a total number of 17,488,744 Warrants (BSA) were issued, allowing the Company to raise, in the event of the exercise of all the Warrants, an additional amount of €6,995,498 between 04/04/2026 and 10/04/2026. The characteristics of the BSA are recalled below.

    The ABSA were issued in the context of the 7th resolution adopted at the Combined Shareholders’ Meeting of September 12, 2024, in accordance with the delegation of authority granted by the Company’s shareholders to proceed with a Capital Increase.

    Use of the funds

    This fundraising will allow the Company to finance its activities until the end of March 2026, excluding the effect of potential contract signatures expected during this period. This cash horizon also takes into account the cost reductions undertaken by the Company, which significantly cap the average monthly cash burn, excluding revenues and non-recurring expenses, under €600k to date (compared to €1M as indicated in the half-year results press release published on December 17, 2024).

    The cash runway also includes the receipt of innovation aid in the form of a loan (Innovation – Research and Development Loan) in the amount of €500k granted by Bpifrance (and received at the beginning of March 2025), relating to the project for a hydrogen production, testing and training center in Marolles, bringing the total public funding obtained for this project to €1.5M (cf. press release and November 22, 2024 media kit).

    Retention and Withholding Commitments

    In the context of the Capital Increase, HAFFNER PARTICIPATION and EUREFI, long-standing shareholders of the Company, holding directly and jointly 52.73% of the share capital and 59.69% of the voting rights before the Capital Increase, have entered into a 180-day lock-up commitment covering all the shares they hold prior to the Capital Increase, subject to the usual exceptions.

    Haffner Energy has committed not to issue new shares after the Capital Increase for 180 days, except for customary exceptions.

    BSA (« Warrants ») characteristics

    • Number of Warrants issued: 17,488,744 (i.e. one (1) Warrant per ABSA)
    • Exercise parity: 3 Warrants will allow the subscription to one (1) New Share, subject to legal adjustments
    • Subscription price of the New Shares upon exercise of the Warrants: €1.20
    • Listing of the Warrants: Yes (ISIN code FR001400Y4X9)
    • Maturity: 18 months from the date of issuance of the ABSA
    • Exercise period: from 04/04/2026 to 04/10/2026 inclusive

    Exercising all 17,488,744 warrants would ultimately represent a potential capital increase of €6,995,498 gross.

    Impact of the issue on shareholders’ position and voting rights

    Following the issuance of the ABSA, the Company’s share capital will consist of 62,182,201 shares with a nominal value of €0.1 each. It will be distributed as follows:

      Before Capital Increase After Capital Increase
      Number of Shares Capital % Voting Rights Exercisable Voting Rights % Number of Shares Capital % Voting Rights Exercisable Voting Rights %
    Haffner Participation 17 824 000 39,88% 35 648 000 45,15% 20 199 000 32,48% 38 023 000 39,42%
    Eurefi 5 741 600 12,85% 11 483 200 14,54% 8 311 600 13,37% 14 053 200 14,57%
    Concert sub-total 23 565 600 52,73% 47 131 200 59,69% 28 510 600 45,85% 52 076 200 53,99%
    Vicat 1 175 000 2,63% 1 175 000 1,49% 3 675 000 5,91% 3 675 000 3,81%
    Eren Industries 1 000 000 2,24% 2 000 000 2,53% 1 391 302 2,24% 2 391 302 2,48%
    Kouros 11 826 112 26,46% 21 920 542 27,76% 11 826 112 19,02% 21 920 542 22,73%
    HRS 1 000 000 2,24% 1 000 000 1,27% 1 000 000 1,61% 1 000 000 1,04%
    Free float 5 736 238 12,83% 5 736 238 7,26% 15 388 680 24,75% 15 388 680 15,95%
    Self-holding 390 507 0,87% – 0,00% 390 507 0,63% – 0,00%
    Total 44 693 457 100% 78 962 980 100% 62 182 201 100% 96 451 724 100%
      After Capital Increase After Warrants exercise
      Number of Shares Capital % Voting Rights Exercisable Voting Rights % Number of Shares Capital % Voting Rights Exercisable Voting Rights %
    Haffner Participation 20 199 000 32,48% 38 023 000 39,42% 20 990 666 30,86% 38 814 666 37,95%
    Eurefi 8 311 600 13,37% 14 053 200 14,57% 9 168 266 13,48% 14 909 866 14,58%
    Concert sub-total 28 510 600 45,85% 52 076 200 53,99% 30 158 932 44,34% 53 724 532 52,53%
    Vicat 3 675 000 5,91% 3 675 000 3,81% 4 508 333 6,63% 4 508 333 4,41%
    Eren Industries 1 391 302 2,24% 2 391 302 2,48% 1 521 736 2,24% 2 521 736 2,47%
    Kouros 11 826 112 19,02% 21 920 542 22,73% 11 826 112 17,39% 21 920 542 21,43%
    HRS 1 000 000 1,61% 1 000 000 1,04% 1 000 000 1,47% 1 000 000 0,98%
    Free float 15 388 680 24,75% 15 388 680 15,95% 18 606 160 27,36% 18 606 160 18,19%
    Self-holding 390 507 0,63% – 0,00% 390 507 0,57% – 0,00%
    Total 62 182 201 100% 96 451 724 100% 68 011 780 100% 102 281 303 100%

    The dilutive impact of the Capital Increase, as indicated in the press release, is shown below: 

    Shareholder’s Participation (%)
    Before ABSA issuance 1%
    After issuance of 17,488,744 ABSA through the Capital Increase 0.72%
    After issue of 17,488,744 ABSA through the Capital Increase and exercise of the 17,488,744 Warrants (5,829,581 Shares created) 0.66%

    Global Coordinator and Bookrunner

    Gilbert Dupont, Groupe Societé Générale, is acting as sole Global Coordinator and Bookrunner in connection with the Capital Increase (the ” Sole Global Coordinator and Bookrunner “).

    About Haffner Energy

    Haffner Energy is a French company providing solutions for the production of competitive clean fuels. With 32 years of experience converting biomass into renewable energies, it has developed innovative proprietary biomass thermolysis and gasification technologies to produce renewable gas, hydrogen and methanol, as well as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The company also contributes to regenerating the planet, through the co-production of biogenic CO2 and biocarbon (or char/biochar). Haffner Energy is listed on Euronext Growth. (ISIN code: FR0014007ND6 – Ticker: ALHAF).

    Investor relations

    investisseurs@haffner-energy.com

    Media relations

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  • MIL-OSI: Bharti Airtel and Nokia expand core network collaboration to speed-up new 5G service delivery

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Bharti Airtel and Nokia expand core network collaboration to speed-up new 5G service delivery

    2 April 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia and Bharti Airtel are expanding their partnership with the deployment of Nokia’s Packet Core appliance-based and Fixed Wireless Access solutions for providing a better network experience for Airtel’s growing 4G/5G customer base. The solution will help seamlessly integrate 5G and 4G technologies into a single set of servers. Nokia’s FWA will provide additional capacities for home broadband and enterprise-critical application services. Airtel will use Nokia’s automation framework to realise zero-touch service launch and efficient lifecycle management for core network functions to enhance its ability to deliver new services faster while reducing network operational costs.

    Using Nokia’s converged Packet Core solution for 5G standalone (SA) readiness, Airtel will continue its evolution toward advanced 5G and simplify its network architecture to meet the ever growing need of data while reducing network operational costs. This will help Airtel optimise its hardware footprint and reduce its cost per bit by utilising appliance-based Packet Core gateways, while maintaining the rest of the network elements in a cloud-native architecture.

    The rollout covers network automation in a multi-year deal that spans the majority of Airtel service regions across the country. The collaboration entails advancing autonomous networks by utilising GenAI for service orchestration and assurance.

    “Nokia’s innovative Packet Core deployment architecture enables critical changes to our network quality and reliability for meeting the fast-rising growth in customer data requirements. This rollout further demonstrates our longstanding success in jointly collaborating to strengthen the overall Airtel customer experience,” said Randeep Sekhon, CTO of Airtel.

    “Nokia and Airtel have a long-standing partnership and we are pleased to bolster its 5G SA readiness. Airtel’s use of Nokia’s Packet Core to build greater network agility and reliability demonstrates how we are both helping customers solve problems and furthering Nokia’s leadership position in the Core space, in India and around the world,” said Raghav Sahgal, President of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia.

    Nokia’s solution provides a pre-integrated and modular server-based configuration for increased flexibility to support a wider range of business and operational deployment models. This allows Airtel to better target new customers and create new revenue streams.

    Nokia’s Packet Core solution for Fixed Wireless Access enables additional capacity for home broadband and enterprise-critical application services for the delivery of extreme bandwidth and capacity to customers.

    Nokia has an expansive core footprint in Bharti Airtel’s network and already provides several other core technologies including VoLTE (Voice over LTE), HSS (Home Subscriber Server), HLR (Home Location Register), UDM (Unified Data Management) and VoNR (Voice over New Radio), along with MANO (automated Management & Orchestration).

    About Nokia 
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. 

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation. 

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. 

    About Bharti Airtel Limited
    Headquartered in India, Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 550 million customers in 15 countries across India and Africa. The company also has its presence in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka though its associate entities. The company ranks amongst the top three mobile operators globally and its networks cover over two billion people. Airtel is India’s largest integrated communications solutions provider and the second largest mobile operator in Africa. Airtel’s retail portfolio includes high-speed 4G/5G mobile broadband, Airtel Xstream Fiber that promises speeds up to 1 Gbps with convergence across linear and on-demand entertainment, streaming services spanning music and video, digital payments and financial services. For enterprise customers, Airtel offers a gamut of solutions that includes secure connectivity, cloud and data centre services, cyber security, IoT, Ad Tech and cloud based communication. Within our diversified portfolio, we offer passive infrastructure services through our subsidiary Indus Tower Ltd. For more details visit www.airtel.com

    Media inquiries 
    Nokia Press Office 
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com  

    Follow us on social media 
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  • MIL-OSI: CREDIT AGRICOLE SA: The European Central Bank authorizes Credit Agricole S.A. to increase Banco BPM stake to 19.9%

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release

    Montrouge, April 2nd , 2025

    The European Central Bank authorizes Credit Agricole S.A.
    to increase Banco BPM stake to 19.9%

    Further to the press release of December 6, 2024, Crédit Agricole S.A. informs that:

    • On April 1st, the European Central Bank authorized Crédit Agricole S.A. – under the qualifying holding regime – to cross the 10% threshold in the share capital of Banco BPM S.p.A. (“Banco BPM”) and, therefore, to hold a stake up to 19.9%.
    • During Q4-24 and Q1-25, Crédit Agricole S.A entered into additional instruments relating to Banco BPM shares and has now a position through derivatives reaching 9.9% of Banco BPM’s share capital.
    • Crédit Agricole S.A intends to exercise its right to physical delivery of all Banco BPM shares underlying the position of derivatives1; as a result, Crédit Agricole S.A will hold 19.8% of Banco BPM’s share capital.

    As stated in the press release of December 6, 2024, the increase of its stake is consistent with Crédit Agricole’s strategy as a long-term investor and partner of Banco BPM.

    Crédit Agricole S.A. does not intend to launch a public offer for the capital of Banco BPM.

    Consequently,

    • In Q1 2025, the increased position in derivatives relating to Banco BPM’s share capital has a limited impact on Crédit Agricole S.A CET1 ratio.
    • In Q2 2025, the CET1 ratio of Crédit Agricole S.A will be impacted by c.-20 bps, resulting both from the increased stake in Banco BPM and from the impact linked to the crossing of the exemption threshold applicable to the deduction of significant equity investments in the financial sector.

    CRÉDIT AGRICOLE INVESTOR RELATIONS 

    Cécile Mouton  + 33 1 57 72 86 79  cecile.mouton@credit-agricole-sa.fr
    Institutional Shareholders  + 33 1 43 23 04 31  investor.relations@credit-agricole-sa.fr 
    Individual Shareholders  + 33 8 00 00 07 77  relation@actionnaires.credit-agricole.com 
         

    CRÉDIT AGRICOLE S.A. PRESS CONTACTS 

    1 Once it receives the last needed authorization from Bank of Italy.

    Attachment

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council looks to buy land for new food waste service

    Source: City of Derby

    Space for a new weekly food waste collection service will be created if plans to buy land are approved at Council Cabinet on Wednesday 9 April. 

    The current depot at Stores Road is already operating at capacity so more space is needed for the new service. A 7.5-acre brownfield site (the same size as 5 football pitches) has been identified on Stores Road. The new site will be home to a Highways Hub, creating space in the Council’s existing depot for the new food waste service. Funding for the purchase of the site will come from the Stores Road Depot Scheme, part of the current Capital Programme. 

    Under ’Simpler Recycling’ regulations, the Council has to implement separate, weekly food waste collections to residents in April 2026. As the Council currently provides fortnightly food waste collections mixed with garden waste, £1.6m of capital funding has been provided by Defra to enable the purchase of 14 new collection vehicles, food waste caddies and hiring new colleagues to collect the waste. 

    Defra announced an additional £0.5m in revenue funding for Derby in March 2025 to support delivery of the service including communicating to residents about the new service and delivery of caddies.

    Weekly food waste collections mean residents won’t have to use their black or brown bins for their food waste and will only need to present a small collection caddy. Households will receive a kitchen caddy and a collection caddy. Residents using their brown bins to recycle food waste need to ensure they don’t place food waste in the brown bin from April 2026. 

    Ahead of the service launching, the Council will be sharing messages with residents about their food waste collection day, how to present their caddies and what can be placed in them as well as how to reduce food waste. Any food waste collected in caddies will be sent for recycling, contributing positively to Derby’s recycling rate and reducing the cost of disposal of general waste. 

    Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure commented: 

    “We know that food waste makes up a big chunk of the waste in some black bins in the city and costs a significant amount to dispose of. Introducing weekly food waste collections brings a lot of benefits to residents including helping them reduce food waste which saves money but ensuring food waste in the city is recycled is also far better for the environment. 

    “We’re undertaking the groundwork now to help make Derby a cleaner, greener city in the future.” 

    The next Cabinet meeting takes place on Wednesday 9 April and can be watched on the Derby City Council YouTube channel. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –