NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thousands of children to be supported thanks to multi-million expansion of innovation in family courts

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Families, children and victims of domestic abuse will be spared the trauma of going to court thanks to a multi-million-pound expansion of an innovative pilot across Wales and West Yorkshire.

    • Funding boost to benefit up to 8,000 families in Wales and West Yorkshire
    • New data shows “Pathfinder” courts resolve cases quicker – tackling backlogs and shielding children from further trauma
    • Flagship family mediation voucher scheme extended for a year

    The £12.5 million funding boost comes as new figures published today (3 February) show the Pathfinder scheme is resolving cases faster, with family court backlogs reduced by half in pilot areas.

    The Pathfinder pilot works by bringing together local authorities, police and support services to gather and share information on cases as early as possible.

    This saves children and families from having to go through unnecessary and potentially hostile hearings. As part of delivering on its Plan for Change and mission to halve violence against women and girls, the scheme also provides extra support to victims of domestic abuse.

    New figures published today show the approach is working, with cases being resolved 11 weeks quicker, and the backlog of cases reducing by 50 per cent across both Dorset and North Wales.

    Lord Ponsonby, the Minister for Family Justice, said:

    For too long families have been pitted against each other in the court room, or abusers have hijacked proceedings to continue campaigns of cruelty. Children and vulnerable people bear the brunt of this, and it must stop.

    Pathfinder has been welcomed as a less adversarial approach, and early evidence shows it’s working. This is another important step to achieving our promise of halving violence against women and girls.

    A primary focus of the courts is improving information sharing between agencies to allow for more informed decision making, fewer bureaucratic hearings, less time in court and quicker resolution to cases. The courts can also offer specialist support to victims of domestic abuse through Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs).

    To further help separating families resolve conflict, the Government’s family mediation vouchers scheme will also be extended to March 2026.

    The programme, which provides £500 to help couples settle issues before they get to court, has provided helped over 37,700 families to date, with early analysis showing 70 per cent of recipients reach a whole or partial agreement thanks to mediation. 

    Since the voucher scheme was introduced in April 2021, the number of applications being made to court has dropped – avoiding thousands of these cases a year, which could save taxpayers millions of pounds.

    There were 50,807 private law applications in 2023, compared to 55,711 in 2020.

    It also saves families, especially children, from a potentially length and damaging court process.

    Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs said:

    Improving the Family Court is a key priority for my office. It is clear to me that Pathfinder Courts recognize the impact of domestic abuse and consider children’s needs much earlier than in the traditional Family Court.

    I believe this approach is essential to ensuring the protection of victims in the family justice system. I welcome Government’s commitment to this pilot and look forward to seeing its influence on all Family Courts.

    The family mediation voucher scheme was introduced in 2021 as a pilot to help relieve backlogs in the family court caused by the pandemic.

    Further information

    • The Pathfinder pilot launched in Dorset and North Wales in February 2022, it expanded to South East Wales in April 2024, and Birmingham in May 2024.
    • The expansion is set to launch in Mid and West Wales on 3 March, and in West Yorkshire on 3 June.
    • In 2020 The Harm Panel, comprised of experts on the family justice system, was convened to draw together evidence and published a report on private law children cases. It recommended reform to the Child Arrangements Programme (CAP), which is the process that the family court follows when settling disputes between separating parties involving children.
    • The Pathfinder pilot was designed in response to this recommendation to achieve the reform of private law by trialling a more investigative approach which better supports victims of domestic abuse and other harms.
    • The 2023 update on the pilots can be found here: Assessing Risk of Harm to Children and Parents in Private Law Children Cases – https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1158907/annex-integrated-domestic-abuse-courts.pdf
    • For more information on the impact parental conflict can have on young people and their life chances: What works to enhance interparental relationships and improve outcomes for children? – Early Intervention Foundation (eif.org.uk)
    • Family mediation is a process in which an independent, professionally trained mediator helps parties work out arrangements for children and finances where there is a dispute. For more information on mediation and how it works visit: Home – Family Mediation Council

    Data published today shows:

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Better protection for victims from domestic abusers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Victims of domestic abuse will be better protected as part of a new law ensuring even more abusers face tougher management from police and probation.

    • Closer management of offenders convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour

    • Agencies such as Police and Probation will have a legal duty to work

    • Part of the Government’s Plan for Change and mission to halve violence against women and girls

    Offenders convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour, and sentenced to 12 months or longer, will now be automatically managed under multi-agency public protection arrangements. This means agencies are legally required to cooperate to better manage the risks posed by these serious offenders, recognising the significant harm this kind of offending can cause.  

    For the first time, it puts controlling or coercive behaviour on a par with other domestic abuse offences including threats to kill, attempted strangulation and stalking.

    Evidence shows offenders who are managed under multi-agency public protection arrangements have a reoffending rate less than half of the national average

    The law change means even more domestic abusers will fall under this management, in which agencies are legally required to share any information which indicates increased risk to others, such as former partners or members of the public.

    This is part of the Government’s Plan for Change to take back our streets by protecting women and girls from harassment, aggression and violence and manifesto commitment to target the most prolific and harmful perpetrators using methods previously reserved for terrorist and other violent offenders.

     Minister for Prisons and Probation, Lord James Timpson said:

    Domestic abuse creates fear and isolation, and I will do everything in my power to tackle it and ensure women and girls feel safe in their homes.

    This new approach will put controlling or coercive behaviour on a par with physical violence and will help prevent these despicable crimes.

    Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Philips said:

    Domestic abuse devastates lives and affects more than two million people every year.

    For the first time, under this change to the law, coercive or controlling behaviour is being placed where it belongs – on a par with serious violent offending. This is an important step to recognise the harm caused by all forms of domestic abuse, ensure the most harmful offenders are managed in the right way, and ultimately keep victims safe.

    This Government will crack on with our work to deliver a system that protects victims, supports their journey to justice and holds perpetrators to account – part of our mission under the Plan for Change to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

    The law change will apply to all offenders who are sentenced to at least 12 months’ imprisonment, including suspended sentences, or given a hospital order for an offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.

    It was introduced by the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 and was signed into law after Justice Minister Lord Timpson signed a statutory instrument early this year.

    Previously, those convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour could be actively managed under multi-agency arrangements on a discretionary basis only.

    This measure will put beyond doubt the legal requirement for agencies to work together to assess and manage the risks posed by this group of offenders.

    Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, Farah Nazeer, said:

    Coercive control is a key tool used by perpetrators of domestic abuse, as it isolates survivors and makes them dependent on an abuser.

    Women’s Aid welcomes plans to treat coercive and controlling behaviours seriously, automatically managing those convicted of this form of abuse under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangement (MAPPA).

    It is essential that specialist domestic abuse services, with expertise on abusive behaviours and the impacts on victims and survivors, are routinely included in the MAPPA process if survivors are to be properly protected by this measure.

    This announcement builds on measures already set out by the Government as part of our mission to halve violence against women and girls. This includes launching new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders in select areas to ensure victims of all types of domestic abuse including coercive control, stalking, and violence can seek protection and more abusers face harsher restrictions. 

    Further information:

    • Multi-agency public protection arrangements, known as MAPPA, are the set of arrangements through which the Police, Probation and Prison Services work together with other agencies to manage the risks posed by violent, sexual and terrorist offenders living in the community to protect the public.
    • Research conducted by Anglia Ruskin University indicates that reoffending rates for individuals managed under MAPPA are less than half of the national average. The one-year reoffending rate for MAPPA is 12.2%, while the national overall one-year reoffending rates range between 30.0% and 31.3% during a similar timeframe.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report 03/2025: Derailment of a passenger train at Roudham Heath

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    RAIB has today released its report into the derailment of a passenger train at Roudham Heath, Norfolk, 6 February 2024.

    The train involved in the accident after it had been rerailed.

    R032025_250203_Roudham Heath

    PDF, 10.7 MB, 33 pages

    This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

    Request an accessible format.
    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@raib.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    Summary

    At around 20:53 on 6 February 2024, a passenger train travelling at 83 mph (134 km/h) through Roudham Heath, Norfolk, struck two trees which had fallen onto the track. As a result, the train derailed and travelled for around 680 metres before coming to a stop.

    One of the 31 passengers on board suffered a minor injury. There were no other injuries to the passengers or staff on the train. The train and infrastructure both suffered damage, and the line was closed for a day while repairs took place.

    The two trees were part of a forest adjacent to the railway that is owned and managed by Forestry England. One of the trees, a twin-stemmed pine tree, fell first, landing on and felling an adjacent oak tree. The pine tree suffered from a loss of root anchorage, primarily because it was standing in highly saturated, sandy soil. Because of the way the pine tree had grown and its proximity to the railway, it was more likely to land over the tracks in the event of it falling. Inspections of the trees by Network Rail and Forestry England had not identified any cause for concern, and so no action had been taken to reduce the likelihood of the tree falling.

    RAIB’s investigation identified that the risk imposed by trees standing in saturated soil was not being effectively managed by either Forestry England or Network Rail. This was an underlying factor to this accident.

    There was no significant deformation of the train’s cab structure following the collision, and an axle-mounted brake disc on the train engaged with one of the rails which helped to contain the train’s path during the derailment.

    Recommendations

    RAIB has made two recommendations, one addressed to Forestry England and one to Network Rail. Both recommendations ask the respective organisations to review their processes for inspecting and managing trees that are within falling distance of the railway, to consider the effects of high soil saturation levels on the risk of trees falling, and to make any appropriate changes.

    Notes to editors

    1. The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety. RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.

    2. RAIB operates, as far as possible, in an open and transparent manner. While our investigations are completely independent of the railway industry, we do maintain close liaison with railway companies and if we discover matters that may affect the safety of the railway, we make sure that information about them is circulated to the right people as soon as possible, and certainly long before publication of our final report.

    3. For media enquiries, please call 01932 440015.

    Newsdate: 3 February 2025

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Eight new members appointed to the Council for Science and Technology

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Eight new members have been appointed to the Council that advises the Prime Minister and Cabinet on science and technology.

    Images of the eight new Council members.

    Eight new members have been appointed to the Council for Science and Technology (CST). The Council advises the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on strategic science and technology policy issues that cut across the responsibilities of individual government departments. 

    Professor Dame Angela McLean, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Co-Chair of  CST,  said: 

    The eight new members bring extraordinary breadth and depth of experience: from AI and data to chemical engineering and venture capital. I am confident that new members will further invigorate the Council and its ability to provide robust advice on the government’s high-level priorities for science and technology. I look forward to collaborating across a wide range of topics to further embed specialist knowledge of the UK’s strength in science and technology into the heart of government decision-making.

    New members: 

    • Mark Enzer OBE is a Strategic Advisor at Mott MacDonald. He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London. 

    • Professor Dame Lynn Gladden DBE is Shell Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Cambridge, and former Executive-Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. 

    • Priya Lakhani OBE is Founder CEO of CENTURY Tech. She co-founded the Institute for Ethical AI in education. 

    • Avid Larizadeh Duggan OBE is a Senior Managing Director, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Teachers’ Venture Growth. She is a Non-Executive Director on the board of Barclays Bank UK.

    • Professor (Emeritus) Nick McKeown is Senior Fellow at Intel Corporation, Professor (Emeritus) of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Stanford University and Visiting Professor of Engineering and Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University. 

    • Professor Sir Nigel Richard Shadbolt is Professor of Computer Science at the University of Oxford and Principal of Jesus College, Oxford. He is Co-Founder and Chair of the Open Data Institute. 

    • Richard Slater is Chief R&D Officer for Unilever. He was previously Senior Vice President R&D, GSK Consumer Healthcare. He is a Non-Executive Director at Future Origins. 

    • Paul Taylor CBE is Director of Morgan Stanley International, Chair of Interrupt Labs Ltd and Chair of Beyond Blue. He is a Non-Executive Director on the Defence Technology and Innovation Board at the Ministry of Defence.  

    See more details on CST and its members.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Government expands opportunities for Swedish businesses to help support Ukraine’s reconstruction

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Government expands opportunities for Swedish businesses to help support Ukraine’s reconstruction – Government.se

    Please enable javascript in your browser

    Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    The Government has amended the conditions and expanded the framework for special export credit guarantees for doing business with Ukraine. The aim is to enable more businesses to export to Ukraine and thus contribute to the country’s sustainable reconstruction. It should now also be possible to offer guarantees with longer maturities, higher coverage and that cover services. The amendments to the regulation took effect on 1 February. The Government has also expanded the existing framework of SEK 333 million to SEK 555 million. In total, guarantees can be offered to a maximum of SEK 888 million.

    “Swedish businesses both want and are able to contribute more to Ukraine’s reconstruction, but they need support that mitigates the risk. The aim of amending the conditions is to make it easier and safer for Swedish companies to export to Ukraine. This is an important step in Sweden’s contribution to the country’s reconstruction,” explains Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

    The regulation on special export credit guarantees for Ukraine came into force on 1 April 2024. This means that exporting companies can apply for special export credit guarantees through the Swedish Export Credit Agency to do business that helps support economic and social development and welfare in Ukraine. In 2024, SEK 333 million was set aside for these special export credit guarantees for Ukraine, with this amount subsequently raised in 2025 to SEK 888 million.

    The amendments to the regulation will make it even easier for more companies to export to Ukraine. The maximum maturity of the guarantees has been adjusted from three to four years, with coverage expanded from 80 per cent to a maximum of 95 per cent. The amount that can be granted to businesses that form part of the same group has now been raised from SEK 100 million to SEK 300 million.

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Troubled road in New Caledonia fully reopens after eight-month closure

    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

    The main provincial road linking New Caledonia’s capital, Nouméa, to the south of the main island will be fully reopened to motorists after almost eight months.

    Route Provinciale 1 (RP1), which passes through Saint Louis, had been the scene of violent acts — theft, assault, carjackings — against passing motorists and deemed too dangerous to remain open to the public.

    Instead, since the violent riots that started in mid-May 2024, residents of nearby Mont-Dore had to take special sea ferries to travel to Nouméa, while police and gendarmes gradually organised protected convoys at specific hours.

    The rest of the time, motorists and pedestrians were “filtered” by law enforcement officers, with two “locks” located at each side of the Saint Louis village.

    The troubled road was even fully closed to traffic in July 2024 after tensions and violence in Saint Louis peaked.

    Last Friday, January 31, French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc announced that the RP1 would be fully reopened to traffic from today.

    Gendarme patrols stay
    The French High Commission, however, stressed that the law enforcement setup and gendarme patrols would remain posted “as long as it takes to ensure everyone’s safety”.

    “Should any problem arise, the high commission reserves the right to immediately reduce traffic hours,” a media release warned.

    The RP1’s reopening coincides with the beginning, this week, of crucial talks in Paris between pro-independence, pro-France camps and the French state on New Caledonia’s political future status.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister for Foreign Affairs visited Peru

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Minister for Foreign Affairs visited Peru – Government.se

    Please enable javascript in your browser

    Article from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    On 30–31 January 2025, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard visited Peru together with a business delegation. The visit highlights Sweden’s good relations and mutual trade interests with Peru.

    The visit took place in the capital, Lima, and was conducted together with a business delegation in the areas of mining and energy. Ms Malmer Stenergard met with Peru’s Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén, Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmer Schialer and Minister of Economy and Finance José Arista. Current foreign policy issues, Swedish-Peruvian trade relations and cooperation in areas such as sustainable mining were included in their discussions.

    Together with Peru’s Vice Minister of Mines and Energy, Ms Malmer Stenergard opened the Sweden-Peru Mining Summit. There are many Swedish businesses operating in Peru, and the Swedish Government sees good opportunities to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, mining and green transition.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Views sought on local Policing and Community Safety Partnership

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Views sought on local Policing and Community Safety Partnership

    3 February 2025

    The Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) is conducting an online survey to gauge the public’s views on community safety and crime concerns.

    The PCSP aims to help make communities safer by focussing on the Policing and Community Safety issues that matter most across the council area, to ensure that the voices of local people are heard and to empower communities to work in partnership to develop solutions. PCSPs work with the community to identify issues of concern in the local area and prepare plans to deliver practical solutions that will help to tackle crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.

    The Derry and Strabane PCSP works in partnership to identify and co-ordinate the delivery of community safety projects that are innovative, reflect good practices and involve community groups and partners agencies.

    The partnership also operates a Policing Committee comprised of its Elected/ Independent Members with the aim of improving community confidence in policing.

    Encouraging people to give their views, the PCSP Chair, Councillor Martin Reilly, said: “Everyone can play their part in helping to protect their local community and we can work together to tackle the issues more effectively on the ground. This community safety survey is your chance to highlight the issues in your area and help us develop strategies to keep our community safe. It is an opportunity for you to let us know what the PCSP could do for you and your community and where to focus our resources.

    “I would encourage everyone to have their say and take a few minutes to complete the online Community Safety survey. We really appreciate everyone’s input – your voice matters in crime prevention and keeping our community safe”.

    To fill in the online survey just click on this link which will be available until Friday 21st February 2024.

    https://forms.office.com/e/5ydZxcxGFd

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Neighbours’ stand against anti-social behaviour helps council eviction

    Source: City of York

    Following a ruling by a District Judge yesterday, a council tenant has been evicted as his drink and drug-related activities and anti-social behaviour caused misery for his neighbours

    The council was granted a possession order by York County Court to end the tenancy of Dawon Belleh, aged 42 of 8 Oldman Court, Foxwood. Mr. Belleh was evicted yesterday, Thursday 30 January 2025.

    This follows reports from neighbours to the council and police about drink and drug taking and dealing, loud noise and arguments at the apartment, and an endless succession of visitors. The anti-social behaviour in the property and area was a continual source of disruption and concerns for local people, who were worried about its impact on their families.

    City of York Council officers served a legal warning of eviction (a Notice of Intention to Seek Possession) on Mr Belleh, which he breached. This resulted in the council being granted an eviction order (a Suspended Possession Order) by York County Court, to be activated only if further breaches were found.

    Following complaints from neighbours and evidence of loud noise, drink and drug taking, numerous and anti-social visitors, the council returned the case to York County Court. Where, after considering evidence, the Judge granted the Council permission to apply for a warrant of eviction.

    Mr. Belleh asked the court to suspend the warrant of eviction which was refused on 30 January by the District Judge. Council officers then evicted Mr. Belleh, advising him where he could apply for new housing, should he need it.

    Councillor Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, said:

    Our tenancy agreements specify that criminal or anti-social behaviour can result in tenancies being ended. Thanks to Mr. Belleh’s neighbours co-operating with the council and police, their evidence and reports ensured that we were able to stop the nuisance they experienced from this tenant. This case sends a clear message we will take action to protect neighbours and free homes to tenants who respect and abide by the tenancy agreements.”

    Sergeant Charlotte Gregory of North Yorkshire Police, added:

    Drug use and anti-social behaviour has a detrimental impact of the quality of life for local people. It’s unacceptable and we’ll use all the powers and resources available to us to take action against those who make other people’s lives a misery.

    “This result is evidence of our joint working with City of York Council and my thanks go to them for their work that has culminated in this eviction. I hope local people are reassured that we will take action and will continue to do so, as part of Project Titan, a York-based operation to tackle drugs and the impact on our communities.”

    Please report anti-social behaviour here or report it to the police on telephone: 101 if a non-emergency.

    Anti-social noise levels can be reported here or by calling telephone: 01904 551525 Monday-Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm, or by calling the Noise Patrol telephone: 01904 551555 from 9.00pm Friday to 3.00am Saturday and between 9.00pm Saturday to 3.00am Sunday.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New chief executive Stannard “ambitious” for Manchester

    Source: City of Manchester

    Manchester City Council’s new Chief Executive Tom Stannard starts in the role today, Monday 3 February 2025. 

    Tom becomes only the third Chief Executive in more than 25 years in a city which prides itself on stability and long-term strategic planning. 

    He brings with him considerable experience, having served as Chief Executive in neighbouring Salford City Council for the past four years – overseeing achievements including the transformative regeneration of Salford, an ambitious council housebuilding programme and high-performing children’s services – and held a number of senior posts in a long local government career.  

    Tom is nationally recognised as a leading voice in local government, public service reform and delivering inclusive growth and currently holds the lead chief executive brief for Greater Manchester in the economy, business and international portfolio.   

    He joins the Council at a pivotal moment as it gears up to bring forward the 2025-2035 Our Manchester Strategy which will guide the city in the decade ahead. The new vision will aim to build on the achievements of the 2015-2025 plan, delivering economic growth that benefits everyone – including by addressing inequalities through the Making Manchester Fairer action plan and pursuing ambitious housebuilding and zero carbon programmes.  

    As well as driving forward this long-term strategy, Tom will ensure the Council stays focused on providing high quality day-to-day services and supporting clean, green and vibrant neighbourhoods across the city.  

    Tom will also be the place-based lead for Manchester and its locality health arrangements within the Greater Manchester Integrated Care system.  

    Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Tom brings experience, energy and ideas to this important role for the city and will oversee the delivery of our vision for Manchester’s next decade.  

    “The city is on a positive trajectory, making an impact on the world stage while continuing to improve its neighbourhoods and create opportunities for its residents, and I’m looking forward to working with Tom in the years ahead to take these achievements to the next level.”  

    Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said: “I’m highly ambitious for Manchester and the people who call it home.  

    “I’ve lived and worked in Greater Manchester for much of my career so I know the area well and have a deep personal commitment to it. But at the same time, there’s always more insight to gain and I’m looking forward to getting to know more of those who make up Team Manchester – from the elected members and council staff to partner organisations, businesses and residents who all have a part to play in the city’s success.  

    “This is an incredible job in a remarkable city and I’m delighted to be here to get working on behalf of Manchester and its people.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The Importance of Collaboration between Statisticians and Policymakers for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    National Statistics Offices (NSOs) and Policy departments have had a long-standing relationship where the NSO prepares statistical information to help policy departments make effective policy decisions.  Often, the dialogue between NSOs and policy departments has been limited to the NSO preparing data tables or microdata files for the use of policy makers, with little real communication taking place. 

    However, the enormous amount of data and statistical information required for SDGs coupled with the complex nature of the intersectionality of the SDGs, translates into a need for policy makers and national statistics offices to collaborate and enhance communication to be able to adequately respond to the ambitious nature of the 2030 Agenda.

    This webinar will bring together policy makers and statisticians to discuss how the SDGs have given rise to a deeper level of collaboration.  It will provide opportunity to discuss what works and what does not work from those working on SDG policy and those working to provide the necessary statistics.  It will also provide space to share best practices from real experiences in different countries.

    The webinar was organized by the CES Steering Group on Statistics for SDGs in collaboration with Statistics Canada.

    Keynote speech:

    Mogens Lykketoft – Former Danish Minister of Finance, President of the United Nations General Assembly’s 70th session

    Moderator:

    Cara Williams – IAEG-SDGs Co-chair, SDG statistics focal point, Statistics Canada

    Panelists:

    Cristina Mattson Lundberg – Swedish Ministry of the Environment

    Gabriel Wikström – Sweden’s National Coordinator on the 2030 Agenda

    Viggo Barmen – Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs 

    Amit Yagur-Kroll – National focal point for SDG statistics, Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics

    Live Rognerud – SDG data focal point, Statistics Norway

    Olivier Bullion – Director SDG unit, Employment and Social Development Canada

    Renata Bielak – Director SDGs, Statistics Poland

    Presentations:
    Collaboration between statisticians and policy makers for the 2030 Agenda – Sweden

    Broadening the SDG dialogue in Poland – Poland

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: CIPESS meeting of 30 January 2025

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    30 Gennaio 2025

    A meeting of the Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS) was held today, chaired by Vice-President of the Committee and Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti, and with the CIPESS Secretary, Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Alessandro Morelli, in attendance. The meeting approved a number of important measures regarding infrastructure and cohesion policy.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to news that AstraZeneca has scrapped plans for a £450m expansion of a vaccine factory in Merseyside

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on AstraZeneca scrapping plans for a UK based vaccine plant. 

    Sharon Todd, Chief Executive, Society of Chemical Industry (SCI), said:

    “Today’s news regarding AstraZeneca’s vaccine factory is a real concern for industry, sending out the wrong message at a time government is shaping its new industrial strategy, Invest 2035. 

    “Since 2013 inward FDI in life sciences has grown at a CAGR of 6% (2013-2023) across 18 major countries, however the UK growth in FDI was only 3%, falling way short of most of the other countries, which include France, Germany, Ireland and Singapore. 

    “If life sciences are going to be a major pillar of the UK’s new industrial strategy, then the UK needs to make some bold steps forward to ensure it is competitive for life sciences investments.”

    Declared interests

    The nature of this story means everyone quoted above could be perceived to have a stake in it. As such, our policy is not to ask for interests to be declared – instead, they are implicit in each person’s affiliation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BaFin warns consumers about the series of platforms with the slogan “Trading made simple.”

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    BaFin warns customers about online trading platforms that use the slogan “Trading made simple. No complications, full effectivity.” According to information available to BaFin, cryptoasset and other financial services are being provided on these websites without the required authorisation. These websites all have the same text design and layout.

    BaFin specifically warns consumers about the following websites that are part of the series, use the same slogan and are largely identical. These websites provide no information about the location of any registered office.

    • Radiantix.io (and radiantixx.io)
    • Yuminex.io
    • Ecofix.io

    Anyone providing financial, investment or cryptoasset services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether particular companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    BaFin is issuing this information on the basis of section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG) and section 10 (7) of the German Cryptomarkets Supervision Act (Kryptomaerkteaufsichtsgesetz).

    Please be aware:

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

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA asks for views on proposed guidance to support the safe regulation of new personalised cancer therapies  

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The draft MHRA guidance aims to clarify and streamline pathways for bringing these therapies through to patients, without compromising on robust safety principles

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today launched a consultation on regulatory guidance for individualised mRNA cancer immunotherapies (colloquially referred to as cancer vaccines). This is an important step in bringing these promising therapies closer to clinical practice.

    The eight-week consultation was launched today and will run until 31 March 2025. The MHRA is asking all stakeholders, including developers of these medicines, to provide comments, after which the guidance will be updated. The UK regulator also welcomes comments from members of the public including people affected by cancer. 

    The guidance aims to streamline pathways for bringing these therapies through to patients, without compromising on robust safety principles.

    Julian Beach, MHRA Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access said:

    “Individualised cancer immunotherapies, while still being tested in clinical trials, are a very exciting development in our hunt to find new and better ways to treat cancer, which is a leading cause of death worldwide.

    “Because these treatments are tailored to an individual’s tumour, they pose unique scientific questions on how they should be regulated.”

    June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive said:

    “As an enabling regulator, we do not wish to keep patients waiting unnecessarily for important new medicines such as personalised immunotherapies.

    “We are asking all stakeholders to comment on draft guidance that addresses the questions this new regulatory pathway raises.”

    Minister for Public Health, Andrew Gwynne, said:

    “More people than ever are being diagnosed with cancer so it’s vital that we push the boundaries of science to develop the treatments of the future.

    “Personalised immunotherapies could revolutionise our approach by helping patients fight cancer cells in their bodies.

    “As government ramps up the use of groundbreaking technologies and medicines across the board, this guidance will be fundamental to achieving our goal of moving from sickness to prevention. And it is yet another example of Britain leading the way on cancer research, transforming cancer care to save lives and support the NHS.”

    Individualised mRNA cancer immunotherapies are a new type of cancer treatment that use mRNA technology.  mRNA acts as a messenger in the body and tells cells how to make a specific protein. When used in medicines, specific mRNA molecules can teach the body how to fight diseases.  

    Unlike conventional cancer therapies, for these medicines each patient receives a version of the mRNA therapy that has been matched to their unique tumour fingerprint using artificial intelligence (AI). In this way, the therapy aims to teach the patient’s immune system to target and destroy their specific tumour cells. 

    These highly innovative therapies are currently in clinical trials. They pose unique questions on how they should be safely regulated.  With this guidance, the MHRA aims to facilitate patient access to these novel individualised cancer therapies by outlining a clear and streamlined regulatory pathway to approval.

    The guidance covers product design and manufacture, evidence needed show safety and effectiveness, and post-approval safety monitoring. The MHRA aims to expand the guidance in due course to cover other types of highly personalised therapies, including for rare diseases. 

    This guidance has been developed with independent scientific advice from the Highly Personalised Medicines Expert Working Group of the Commission on Human Medicines, including patient experts.

    Notes to editors

    1. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. 
    2. The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. 
    3. For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Source: Government of Canada News

    We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, strongly condemn the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in particular, the capture of Minova, Saké and Goma.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: National day for civilian victims of wars and conflicts around the world

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    1 Febbraio 2025

    The Presidency of the Council of Ministers will mark Italy’s national day for civilian victims of wars and conflicts around the world by lighting up Palazzo Chigi’s façade in blue, from the evening of Saturday 1 February 2025 until dawn on Sunday 2 February.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority – lack of transparency in reports – E-000322/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000322/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rada Laykova (ESN)

    In July 2024 the Joint Board of Appeal of the European Supervisory Authorities allowed an appeal by the insurance company NOVIS in relation to access to documents held by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) (BoA-D-2024-05).

    EIOPA released a ‘sanitised’ version of a single document with over 70 % of the text redacted (EIOPA-BoS-22-293, recommendation to Národná banka Slovenska on actions necessary to comply with Directive 2009/138/EC).

    EIOPA’s behaviour in this and other cases (e.g. Euroins Romania) is not in line with EU Treaty commitments that ‘decisions are taken as openly as possible’.

    Recognising that transparency is key to building confidence in institutions, will the Commission:

    • 1.arrange for non-redacted versions of this document to be made available to MEPs?
    • 2.commit to examining how EIOPA’s repeated lack of transparency, as demonstrated in this and other cases, can be addressed?

    Submitted: 24.1.2025

    Last updated: 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU (HOUS) constituted – Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament established a Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union on 18 December 2024. The committee’s primary objective is to propose solutions for decent, sustainable, and affordable housing for all European citizens. The Special Committee comprises 33 Members and will operate with a 12-month mandate.

    The constitutive meeting was held on 30 January 2025 in Brussels, where HOUS Members elected Ms Irene Tinagli (S&D, Italy) as Chair. The following Members were elected as Vice-Chairs, forming the Bureau:

    First Vice-Chair: Mr Dirk Gotink (EPP, Netherlands)
    Second Vice-Chair: Mr Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Greens, Spain)
    Third Vice-Chair: Mr Ciaran Mullooly (Renew, Ireland)
    Fourth Vice-Chair: Ms Regina Doherty (EPP, Ireland)

    For more information about the committee’s media activities, please the media centre.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: progcm.io: BaFin warns against website

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The website operator claims to be based in London, United Kingdom, and only goes by the name GCMpro. According to BaFin’s findings, the operator was also responsible in the past for the now inactive website progcm.com.

    BaFin issued a warning about the completely identical website gcmpro.org as early as 12 November 2020. In addition, BaFin has recently become aware of other websites with almost identical content, which it has also issued warnings about. In all cases, the presentation on the websites begins with the following sentence: ‘Step Up Your Trading with [name of operator]’.

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

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

    Please be aware:

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

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: finance-ig.com: BaFin investigates website operator

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) is warning against the website finance-ig.com. According to the supervisory authority, financial and investment services as well as crypto-asset services are offered there without authorisation.

    The website operator provides alleged business addresses in Rotherham, United Kingdom, and Toronto, Canada. He claims to be registered in Canada. The identical website financeig.proxy56.com can also be found on the internet. The content, structure and wording of both websites largely correspond to the website fintechmarket-consulting.com, which BaFin warned against as early as 6 November 2023.

    Anyone offering banking transactions or financial and investment services or crypto-value services in Germany requires the permission of BaFin. However, some companies offer such services without having the necessary permission. Information on whether a particular company is authorised by BaFin can be found in the company database.

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

    Please be aware:

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

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Udbytter i Investeringsforeningen Nordea Invest for 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bestyrelsen i Investeringsforeningen Nordea Invest vil indstille nedenstående udbytter for afdelinger i Investeringsforeningen Nordea Invest til godkendelse på foreningens ordinære generalforsamling den 7. april 2025.

    Udbytterne fragår kursen den 4. februar 2025 og udbetales den 6. februar 2025.

    Hvis en afdeling ikke fremgår af listen, skyldes det, at der ikke udbetales udbytte.

    Afdeling ISIN Udbytte i kr. i alt pr. andel Aconto udbytte i kr. pr. andel Udbytte i kr. pr. andel til udbetaling den 6. februar 2025
    Aktier Ansvarlig KL 1 DK0061116027 8,8 0,0 8,8
    Aktier KL 1 DK0010250158 17,8 0,0 17,8
    Aktier II KL 1 DK0015357065 59,5 0,0 59,5
    Basis 2 KL 1 DK0016195944 5,4 0,0 5,4
    Basis 3 KL 1 DK0016196082 9,5 0,0 9,5
    Basis 4 KL 1 DK0060075893 9,0 0,0 9,0
    Danmark KL 1 DK0010265859 12,6 0,0 12,6
    Danske aktier fokus KL 1 DK0060012466 15,9 0,0 15,9
    Emerging Markets Enhanced KL 1 DK0060950111 1,8 0,0 1,8
    Emerging Markets KL 1 DK0010308170 6,1 0,0 6,1
    Europe Enhanced KL 1 DK0060949964 6,7 0,0 6,7
    European Small Cap Stars KL 1 DK0015960983 8,2 0,0 8,2
    European Stars KL 1 DK0010265693 8,3 0,0 8,3
    Global Enhanced KL 1 DK0060949881 8,1 0,0 8,1
    Global Small Cap Enhanced KL 1 DK0061112893 14,5 0,0 14,5
    Global Small Cap KL 1 DK0016050974 3,7 0,0 3,7
    Global Stars KL 1 DK0010301324 14,7 0,0 14,7
    Globale Aktier Indeks KL 1 DK0060451623 14,5 0,0 14,5
    Globale obligationer KL 1 DK0010170398 2,25 0,0 2,25
    Globale UdbytteAktier KL 1 DK0010265503 19,1 0,0 19,1
    HøjrenteLande KL 1 DK0016254899 2,0 0,0 2,0
    Japan Enhanced KL 1 DK0060950038 2,5 0,0 2,5
    Klima og Miljø KL 1 DK0060192185 11,0 0,0 11,0
    Korte obligationer Lagerbeskattet KL 1 DK0060014678 2,0 0,0 2,0
    Korte obligationer KL 1 DK0060268506 1,2 1,2 0,0
    Mellemlange obligationer KL 1 DK0015168686 1,4 1,4 0,0
    Nordic Small Cap KL 1 DK0015974695 33,6 0,0 33,6
    Nordic Stars KL 1 DK0060095735 3,5 0,0 3,5
    North America Enhanced KL 1 DK0060831451 19,3 0,0 19,3
    North American Stars KL 1 DK0010265776 4,0 0,0 4,0
    Obligationer Ansvarlig KL 1 DK0061139748 1,5 0,0 1,5
    Stabil Balanceret KL 1 DK0060014595 2,0 0,0 2,0
    Stabile Aktier KL 1 DK0060048304 8,7 0,0 8,7
    Virksomhedsobligationer Højrente KL1 DK0016067432 2,5 0,0 2,5

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

    Rasmus Eske Bruun
    Filialbestyrer

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £16 million for new projects to boost UK benefits of satellite constellations

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Two innovative projects are awarded a share of £16 million from the UK Space Agency today (3 February) to position the UK at the forefront of the latest advancements in satellite communications.

    EnSilica chip. Credit: EnSilica

    The funding will enable UK industry to capture a greater portion of the satellite mega-constellation market by developing technology that improves their efficiency and capability. It comes from the UK Space Agency’s Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme, which will invest up to £160 million in UK expertise in this area over the next four years.

    Satellite constellations are enhancing global connectivity by providing high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas, bridging the digital divide. These constellations are set to transform markets in maritime and aviation connectivity, changing how people communicate as they live and work in some of the remotest places on Earth.

    Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:  

    The UK has all the cutting edge expertise and technology to spearhead the latest advancements in satellite communications and become a leader in this high-tech industry.

    These Government backed projects will not only provide significant advancements in mobile communication, but help to bridge the digital divide, connecting communities in the most hard-to-reach areas.

    Companies benefitting from this round of funding include Oxfordshire’s EnSilica plc, which will receive £10 million to develop novel silicon chips and software for a user terminal.  This will be compatible with UK and European constellations like OneWeb Next Generation. 

    In Cardiff, Excelerate Technology Ltd will receive £6 million to develop the small and flexible Mobility and Autonomy Market User Terminal (MAMUT) which will allow users to choose the operator and orbit via an app, reducing costs and enhancing global configurability.    

    The UK has a growing space sector, with a rich heritage in satellite design and the operation of large constellations. This new government funding is crucial to maintaining the UK’s competitive edge during a period of rapid change and growth in the global space sector.  

    In 2023, a new record was achieved with the successful launch of more than 2,900 satellites into space. The majority of these satellites are part of commercial constellations, which are expected to expand rapidly. A further 18,000 satellites are likely to be launched between 2021 and 2031, with mega-constellations comprising 75% of this total.  

    This is a significant opportunity for UK industry to secure high-value contracts within the global supply chain for satellite constellations, and to assume a leading role in the long-term growth of the satellite communication sector.  

    The UK is also a founding member of the European Space Agency (ESA) and hosts the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) in the Harwell Space Cluster. The C-LEO programme awards funding through two different routes. The projects announced today are grants awarded directly by the UK Space Agency, with further contracts from ESA set to follow in the coming months.  

    The announcement was made ahead of the UK Space Agency’s Ignite Space Conference, to be held this week at the National Space Centre in Leicester. This event highlights opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to connect with new customers, collaborators, and investors within the UK’s space industry and its supply chain.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DJIBOUTI – Sister Anna on her work in the mission in Djibouti

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Ali Sabieh (Agenzia Fides) – “I like to see how the Lord works in people; it is He who called me to be a missionary, in the mission among non-Christians, and I am here to give hope,” says Consolata Missionary Sister Anna Bacchion, born in 1944, who works in Djibouti in a mission opened by her congregation in 2004.Sister Anna has been involved in the mission in Djibouti since its foundation. On the eve of the World Day of Consecrated Life (which will be celebrated on Sunday 2 February), the nun tells Fides about the richness of a life among non-Christians.”There is a sentence from the Gospel of John that has always impressed me: ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life (John 3:16-17)’”, explains the nun, who works primarily in schools and in helping the disabled. “This means,” adds Sister Anna, “that God loves all people, Muslims, Jews, every ethnicity and religion… To love everyone, everywhere. We missionaries are called to ‘infect’ with our testimony. We do not speak of Jesus, but Jesus is in their midst.” Sister Anna Bacchion joined the Consolata Missionary Sisters in 1969 and came to Libya in 1976, where she worked with severely disabled children for seven years. She returned to Italy to serve her congregation for a while until she returned to Djibouti in 2004, a country on the border between Ethiopia and Somalia with a Muslim majority.“In my two experiences, first in Libya and then in Djibouti,” says Sister Anna Bacchion, “I always saw the seed of Jesus among the people I met. In Libya, I met mothers who worked in schools and who, despite their many children and their precarious economic situation, opened the doors of their homes during school holidays to other children who attended school but lived far away from their families. In Djibouti, I saw the generosity and open hearts of the local people, and I still remember how the Prefect of Djibouti took to heart a mother and a little girl with a genetic disease that had the same consequences as leprosy, whom I had brought to him to ask him to take care of them.”The “Read, write, count” (LEC) program educates children without papers or children who, for various reasons, have not been able to attend school, while the “École pour tous” school project opens its doors to disabled children who were previously placed in institutions. Sister Anna has seen these two educational initiatives grow and flourish. “It is fundamental that the child has the awareness that he can do great things. For these children, we have always tried to do our best. Thanks to the Church’s commitment in this area, this type of project has now also been extended to the state level,” she reports.Today, five Consolata missionaries work in Djibouti. Three of them, including Sister Anna, are in Ali Sabieh, about 100 km from the capital, where the mission was originally founded. “The place He sends me to is my family,” summarizes Sister Anna. “The disabled children I have been caring for since the first mission in Libya are my children. Their suffering is my suffering, their joy is my joy.” (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 1/2/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/LAOS – Farewell to Father Titus Banchong: “It was Jesus who was interested in me, not me in him”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    by Paolo AffatatoVientiane (Agenzia Fides) – “I am ready for Jesus and will be his martyr if I am worthy and if he wants me. I now believe that the time is very close,” wrote the Laotian priest Titus Banchong Thopanhong, shortly before he was arrested by the security forces of the “Pathet Lao” in 1976.Titus Banchong Thopanhong, Apostolic Administrator of Luang Prabang from 1999 to 2019, died in Vientiane on January 25 at the age of 78. He succumbed to a long illness, also due to the hardships he had suffered for 50 years. Father Titus was a member of the Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) and was imprisoned for seven years. During his entire imprisonment, nothing was heard from him. Many thought he had been killed. Instead, he was released and was able to resume his life as a simple pastor for the small Catholic community in Laos, which today numbers about 60,000 Catholics.Titus is the name given to Banchong Topagnong at the age of 8 when he was baptized with his family in the Hmong village of Kiukiatan in northern Laos, where he was born in 1947. In this village, from 1957 to 1958, he was one of the altar boys of Father Mario Borzaga, the missionary who was to be beatified in 2016. “Titus still retains a precious memory of this priest who profoundly marked his life,” recalls his confrere Fabio Ciardi, who had a deep human and spiritual friendship with Father Titus. With the missionaries, young Titus had the opportunity to deepen his journey of faith: during these years, between 1958 and 1969, he attended Seminaries first in Vientiane and then in Luang Prabang. Father Angelo Pelis, also an OMI missionary who was then director of the Seminary in Luang Prabang, remembers him as a “simple, reserved, gentle and smiling boy”. “The character trait that was to mark him throughout his life was humility: a humility modeled on Jesus Christ,” says Father Pelis. Young Titus decided to continue his formation with the Oblates in Italy and in 1970 Monsignor Alessandro Staccioli (OMI), then Apostolic Vicar of Luang Prabang, sent him to study in Italy, where he studied philosophy and theology first in San Giorgio Canavese and then, from 1973, in Vermicino (near Rome).Father Titus writes in one of the letters collected in the book “Even in prison I can love”, edited by Michele Zanzucchi: “I was still uncertain about my vocation, but little by little I felt in my heart the desire to follow Jesus in a radical way, that is, to follow the Lord who seemed to want me to love him. It was he who was interested in me, not I in him. He had taken me little by little and made me understand that in him I would always find the true meaning of my life.” While he was in Italy, his country experienced a change of regime, with the communist resistance fighters of the “Pathet Lao” taking power and in 1975 all missionaries were expelled from the country.Father Titus felt a strong desire to return to his homeland and to be a priest for the people of Laos, a desire to be a witness for Christ there and not elsewhere. This is what drives Father Titus to return to Laos. “I have chosen the Church of Laos and I feel that God wants me there and not anywhere else,” he writes. “Even if I am a priest for just one day, I will return to Laos.” And he continues: “I have decided to return to Laos because there is no one there for the apostolate. I am returning so that we can all be stronger, I am returning to help the faithful. When I returned, I chose God alone; it is He who makes me return and that is why I am returning.” He was ordained a priest in the Cathedral of Vientiane on 28 September 1975 by the then Bishop of Vientiane, Thomas Nantha, the first of the Hmong ethnic group. The next day he wrote: “I am no longer afraid because I belong to the Lord. I am ready for anything. I am very happy. No one can separate me from Him. Every day I discover more and more that He is with me. I have Him… He asks me for everything, I give Him everything.”He began a strictly controlled pastoral ministry, with the threat of arrest, first in Luang Prabang, then in Vientiane, and finally in Paksane. He travels through the villages on his motorbike, visits people and administers the sacraments to Catholic families. Although he never used critical words against those in power, Father Titus was imprisoned three times and “learned to find even in the cruelest hardships the tenderness of God’s love”, Pelis recalls his imprisonment: “You could say that the other prisoners in prison were all converted, they became good. With love you can also break the bonds of hatred.” After his release from prison he did not complain: “I was released,” he writes. “After they released me, I was able to visit all the Christians in the province of Siam and I found them. Many who had been there for over 30 years no longer had priests,” he said.After being appointed “Apostolic Administrator” of Luang Prabang, the old capital, he lived the life of a missionary, dedicating himself with zeal and charity to serving his people. In 2005, with joy and enthusiasm, he told Fides that in the Vicariate of Luang Prabang he had received permission to open the first Catholic church in northern Laos since the painful times of 1975, after the communist revolution. And he said he was “very edified by the faith and devotion of the local families”. In his pastoral work he went “step by step, we go as far as the Lord allows us”. This hope was realized when he saw the first new vocations to the priesthood blossom in the small Laotian community and when he participated in the beatification liturgy in 2016 of 17 Laotian missionaries and lay people killed by communist resistance fighters between 1954 and 1970. Among the six Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) beatified was the young Italian missionary Mario Borzaga, who died in 1960 at the age of 27 along with the local catechist Paul Thoj Xyooj. Titus had taken them close to his heart. (Agenzia Fides, 1/2/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: BAWAG Group: Acquisition of Barclays Consumer Bank Europe successfully completed

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VIENNA, Austria – February 3, 2025 – Following the receipt of regulatory approvals as announced on 9th of January, BAWAG Group today announces the successful acquisition of the Hamburg-based Barclays Consumer Bank Europe from Barclays Bank Ireland PLC. BAWAG Group will work with the current leadership team to continue growing its Retail business in Germany and the broader DACH/NL region.

    During a transitional period, the business will continue to operate under the Barclays brand, with rebranding expected to be unveiled in 2026. At present, there are no changes for customers: both the products and their associated terms and conditions remain unaffected following the completion of the transaction.

    BAWAG Group will report FY 2024 results on March 4, 2025 and will host an Investor Day on the same day.

    About Barclays Consumer Bank Europe

    Barclays Consumer Bank Europe has been operating successfully in Germany for more than 30 years and is one of the leading providers of credit cards with a genuine credit function. The company’s other business areas include consumer loans, installment purchase financing via the online retailer Amazon and overnight money accounts. Further information can be found at www.barclays.de.

    About BAWAG Group

    BAWAG Group AG is a publicly listed holding company headquartered in Vienna, Austria, serving 2.5 million retail, small business, corporate, real estate and public sector customers across Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Western Europe, and the United States. The Group operates under various brands and across multiple channels offering comprehensive savings, payment, lending, leasing, investment, building society, factoring and insurance products and services. Our goal is to deliver simple, transparent, and affordable financial products and services that our customers need. BAWAG Group’s Investor Relations website https://www.bawaggroup.com/ir contains further information, including financial and other information for investors.

    Forward looking statement

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” regarding the financial condition, results of operations, business plans and future performance of BAWAG Group. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could” and other similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic conditions, the regulatory environment, loan concentrations, vendors, employees, technology, competition, and interest rates. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements as actual results may differ materially from the results predicted. Neither BAWAG Group nor any of its affiliates, advisors or representatives shall have any liability whatsoever (in negligence or otherwise) for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this report or its content or otherwise arising in connection with this document. This report does not constitute an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities and neither it nor any part of it shall form the basis of or be relied upon in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever. This statement is included for the express purpose of invoking “safe harbor provisions”.

    Contact:

    Financial Community:
    Jutta Wimmer (Head of Investor Relations)
    Tel: +43 (0) 5 99 05-22474

    IR Hotline: +43 (0) 5 99 05-34444
    E-mail: investor.relations@bawaggroup.com

    Media:
    Manfred Rapolter (Head of Corporate Communications and Social Engagement)
    Tel: +43 (0) 5 99 05-31210
    E-mail: communications@bawaggroup.com

    This text can also be downloaded from our website: https://www.bawaggroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ress Life Investments A/S:

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Ress Life Investments
    Nybrogade 12
    DK-1203 Copenhagen K
    Denmark
    CVR nr. 33593163
    www.resslifeinvestments.com

    To: Nasdaq Copenhagen
    Date: 3 February 2025

    Corporate Announcement 04/2025

    Ress Life Investments A/S will begin publishing daily NAV in EUR.

    Ress Life Investments A/S will on 5 February 2025 begin publishing the Net Asset Value (NAV) per share in EUR on a daily basis.

    The NAV in EUR will be published on the website of Nasdaq Copenhagen under the section AIF Companies and Funds, where the bid and ask prices are already published.

    The daily NAV in EUR will be calculated as the most recently published NAV in USD divided by the European Central Bank’s EUR/USD reference rate on the relevant day.

    NAV in USD will continue to be published twice per month, on the 15th and on the last day of the month through sending corporate announcements via Nasdaq GlobeNewswire.  

    The aim with this improvement is to enable market participants to more easily find the current Net Asset Value in EUR and thus improve transparency.

    Questions related to this announcement can be made to the company’s AIF-manager, Resscapital AB.

    Contact person:
    Gustaf Hagerud
    gustaf.hagerud@resscapital.com
    Tel + 46 8 545 282 27

    Note: The terms for subscription of shares, minimum subscription amount and redemption of shares are provided in the Articles of Association, Information Brochure and in the Key Information Document available on the Company’s website, www.resslifeinvestments.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: The Ecole normale supérieure, AI & Society Institute and Capgemini launch a global Observatory on AI’s environmental impact

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ENS Press Contact: 
    Lola Melkonian
    lola@buzzdistrict.com / +33 6 09 38 67 84
    Romain Pigenel romain.pigenel@ens.psl.eu

    Capgemini Press Contact:
    Victoire Grux
    Tel.: + 33 6 04 52 16 55
    E-mail: victoire.grux@capgemini.com

    The Ecole normale supérieure, AI & Society Institute and Capgemini launch
    a global Observatory on AI’s environmental impact

    Paris, February 3, 2025 – With the support of Capgemini, the AI and Society Institute, the Ecole normale supérieure (ENS-PLS) and the ENS Foundation have launched an Observatory dedicated to analyzing and mitigating the environmental impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at all stages of its lifecycle (training, adjustment, inference and end-of-life). The new Observatory aims to establish a solid, shared methodology to encourage sustainable AI usage.

    The widespread adoption of AI, especially generative AI, has unlocked significant opportunities across various sectors. However, the growing computational demand for these new uses is leading to an increase of its environmental footprint (in terms of energy and water consumption, as well as carbon footprint), making it necessary to systematically assess their impact and implement measures to mitigate them. A recent research paper from a Capgemini R&D team highlights that large generative AI models consume 4,600 times more energy than traditional models, with AI-related electricity usage potentially increasing 24.4 times in the most extreme scenario by 2030. Mitigating this environmental impact in the coming years will require a coordinated effort from all stakeholders across the AI value chain, cites the publication.1  

    The global Observatory on AI’s environmental impact intends to address these challenges. It will bring together a diverse, multi-stakeholder community of international experts (academia, businesses and civil society), and will help to:

    • Establish a robust, shared methodology for measuring the environmental impact of AI technologies;
    • Create a global, open-access database where AI developers and researchers can contribute with data on the environmental performance of their models, fostering transparency and collaboration between businesses and research circles;
    • Promote sustainable AI practices;
    • Provide strategic analysis and disseminate knowledge;  
    • Bring together key stakeholders.

    “At the ENS-PLS, we firmly believe that research and action must go hand in hand to drive positive change in our societies,” explains Anne Bouverot, Chairwoman of the ENS-PLS Board of Directors.

    “This Observatory is the bridge between the two and is part of our commitment to provide informed solutions to public and private institutions on artificial intelligence and its impact,” adds Marc Mézard, Chairman of the AI and Society Institute.

    “Today, companies are looking for efficiency gains, yet very large AI models not only entail a significant environmental footprint, but also higher costs,” says Etienne Grass, Managing Director of Capgemini Invent France. “To harness the power of this technology responsibly, it is essential to put in place clear and transparent methodologies, and to work with all players in the AI value chain.”

    Capgemini has previously produced several research reports on the implementation of sustainable AI, including a survey of 2,000 senior executives from major companies in 15 countries2 and a research paper that proposes an initial methodology for quickly estimating the environmental impact of a company’s AI-related business portfolio.

    About Ecole normale supérieure
    At the same time a French grande école and a university, the Ecole normale supérieure provides in Paris, at the heart of the Quartier latin, excellent training through research, leading to various teaching and research professions, and contributes to train through research the senior executives of public administrations as well as of French and European companies. The ENS also defines and applies scientific and technological research policies, from a multidisciplinary and international perspective.

    https://www.ens.psl.eu/en

    About the IA & Société Institute
    The Institute for AI and Society, hosted by the École normale supérieure, was co-founded by Université Paris Dauphine, PSL, and the Abeona Foundation. Its mission is to promote the responsible development and use of AI by studying its interactions with society.

    Find out more

    About the ENS Foundation
    Founded in 1986 and recognized as a public-interest organization, the Fondation de l’École normale supérieure is dedicated to supporting teaching and research initiatives while expanding the ENS’s outreach by engaging the generosity of donors and corporate partners.

    Find out more

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fuelled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion.

    Get the Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    1 “Exploring the sustainable scaling of AI dilemma: A projective study of corporations’ AI environmental impacts”, C. DESROCHES, M. CHAUVIN, L. LADAN, C. VATEAU, S. GOSSET, P. CORDIER, January 2025
    2 Developing sustainable Gen AI report, Capgemini Research Institute, January 2025

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The turnover from card payments continued to increase in 2024

    Source: Danmarks Nationalbank

    Of the total card turnover in Denmark in 2024, the vast majority, kr. 616 billion, came from transactions made by Danes, while the remaining kr. 45 billion came from transactions made by foreigners. In comparison, Danes reached a card turnover of kr. 158 billion abroad in 2024, which is 16 percent higher than in 2023. 

    Keep track of the daily card turnover

    As a supplement to the quarterly payment statistics, which include information on the total card turnover in Denmark, Danmarks Nationalbank continuously publishes payment statistics based on daily payment card transactions in the card acquiring market in Denmark. The information is collected from six card payment acquirers in Denmark and is therefore not a complete record. This means that there will be differences in the coverage of the two statistics. Despite this, the development in card turnover in Denmark is comparable for the two statistics. In the daily payment statistics, one can already see how card turnover has developed up to and including January 19, 2025.  

    There are particularly large differences between the two reports in the period from the 2nd quarter og 2020 to the 2nd quarter of 2021. Part of the explanation for the differences in this period is the changed consumption and payment patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Argent LNG Selects Baker Hughes as Technology Provider, Strengthening Project

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Baker Hughes to supply liquefaction solutions utilizing NMBL™ module and LM9000 gas turbine
    • Agreement also comprises a multi-year services plan, including iCenter™ digital solutions powered by Cordant™, to support Argent LNG terminal operations
    • Proposed project targets approximately 24 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of production capacity

    FLORENCE, Italy, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Argent LNG LCC (Argent LNG) has selected Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR), an energy technology company, as the liquefaction solution and related services provider for its proposed liquified natural gas (LNG) export facility in Port Fourchon, Louisiana. Baker Hughes will supply cutting-edge liquefaction solutions, power generation equipment, and gas compression systems for the facility, which is set to deliver approximately 24 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG. The announcement was made during Baker Hughes’ Annual Meeting in Florence.

    The project will incorporate Baker Hughes’ advanced technologies, including its NMBL™ modularized LNG solution powered by the highly efficient LM9000 gas turbine. These modules, pre-fabricated and tested at Baker Hughes’ facilities, will ensure scalable and reliable LNG production to the project and integrate iCenter™ digital solutions powered by Cordant™ to maximize availability, reliability, and operational efficiency. Baker Hughes will also provide power generation units driven by LM9000 gas turbines and provide multi-year services to support Argent LNG terminal operations.

    By leveraging its extensive knowledge and experience in LNG development, Baker Hughes will help optimize project execution, and ensure a streamlined, cost-effective design, allowing Argent LNG to move forward with greater efficiency and financial certainty.

    “Today’s announcement is a further testament to the technology capabilities that we have built over the past 30-plus years in LNG. This collaboration with Argent LNG underscores our commitment to delivering advanced, best-in-class LNG solutions,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, chairman and CEO of Baker Hughes. “As global energy demand continues to grow, we are committed to providing innovative technology solutions to the LNG industry, a key supplier of reliable and affordable energy to many countries around the world.”

    “We chose Baker Hughes because of their proven cutting-edge technology, established LNG market presence, and commitment to innovation — all of which align perfectly with Argent LNG’s vision to provide transformative energy solutions,” said Jonathan Bass, chairman and CEO of Argent LNG. “This collaboration underscores Argent LNG’s commitment to technical excellence, cost-effective execution, and energy security, while also strengthening the project’s bankability by leveraging Baker Hughes’ proven expertise and industry leadership. Today’s announcement demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can drive progress in the LNG industry, helping to secure affordable, sustainable energy for global markets.”

    Phase 1 construction is targeted to begin in 2026, with commercial operations expected by 2030. Phase 2, which aims to expand capacity, is advancing through critical milestones, including resource reporting, securing FERC approvals, formalizing gas supply agreements, and achieving financial close.

    Baker Hughes expects orders in relation to this agreement, as the Argent LNG project progresses and reaches Final Investment Decision, further solidifying its key role in Argent LNG’s long-term success.

    About Baker Hughes
    Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.

    About Argent LNG
    Argent LNG LLC is a privately held energy company dedicated to developing world-class LNG export solutions to meet the rising global demand for clean, reliable energy. Based in Louisiana, Argent LNG is focused on leveraging cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships to deliver cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient energy solutions. The company’s proposed export facility at Port Fourchon is designed to strengthen energy security and economic growth while reinforcing the United States’ leadership in the global LNG market.

    For more information, please contact:

    Media Relations

    Chiara Toniato
    +39 3463823419
    chiara.toniato@bakerhughes.com

    Investor Relations

    Chase Mulvehill
    +1 346-297-2561
    investor.relations@bakerhughes.com

    The MIL Network –