NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI China: 5 killed in car-train collision in Poland

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A car collided with a train at an unguarded railway crossing in northeastern Poland on Sunday afternoon, killing all five passengers in the vehicle on the spot, according to Warmian-Masurian province police.

    According to the local media report, the car ran directly into the path of an oncoming train. The five victims included two adults and three children.

    Police, prosecutors, and firefighters are working at the railway crossing in Karwica Mazurska near the historic town of Pisz, investigating the tragedy. It is not yet known why the car driver did not stop at the “STOP” sign.

    Train traffic between Pisz and Spychow has been completely suspended. Traffic disruptions may last several hours due to the accident.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Investment in electric vehicle charging network

    Source: Scottish Government

    Expansion announced ahead of Ayr Travelling Cabinet.

    Ahead of his first Travelling Cabinet since becoming First Minister, John Swinney will today (Monday) announce plans to expand the electric vehicle (EV) charging network across Ayrshire and the Glasgow City Region. A £6.3 million investment from the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund will lead to the introduction of approximately 3,550 new public EV charge points across the region.

    The First Minister has also welcomed confirmation from charge point data provider ZapMap that Scotland has already reached its target of installing more than 6,000 public EV charge points, two years ahead of the 2026 target.

    Cabinet Secretaries will visit businesses and projects across South Ayrshire to highlight their four priorities: eradicating child poverty, building prosperity, protecting the planet and improving public services. The First Minister and Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop will visit an electric vehicle charging hub where they will meet representatives from EV infrastructure company IONITY.

    The Cabinet will then go on to meet at Ayr Town Hall, followed by a public discussion.

    The First Minister said:

    “Today’s announcement is clear evidence of our commitment to making sustainable travel accessible for everyone in Scotland.

    “We need to maintain this rapid progress, working in greater partnership with the private sector to accelerate the pace and scale of delivery right across the country.

    “By fast-tracking EV infrastructure, we’re paving the way for a net-zero Scotland while advancing our goal to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

    “This is a key example of how the Scottish Government is focused on delivering on our key priorities and I am looking forward to hearing from people in Ayr about how we can continue to deliver for them.

    “Connecting with communities across the country enables us to make informed decisions as we strive to create a wealthier, fairer and greener Scotland.”

    Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:

    “In 2023, we published our Vision for public EV charging infrastructure, highlighting the key role the private sector will play in delivering Scotland’s future EV charging requirements for public charging.

    “Through our £30 million EV Infrastructure Fund we are continuing to support public EV charging; providing Local Authorities with funding to enable them to work in partnership with the private sector to continue to expand public EV charging across Scotland.

    “This approach is paying dividends – ensuring faster delivery and greater reliability of public charge points across the country. I’m pleased to welcome the matched investment from businesses such as IONITY which is helping to scale up the provision of public EV charging across Scotland.”

    Susan Aitken, Glasgow City Region Cabinet Chair and Leader of Glasgow City Council said:

    “Electric vehicles are to key to reducing carbon emissions and the expanded charging network this funding will deliver can persuade more citizens across the City Region to switch to electric.

    “And in creating the biggest network of charge points across Scotland’s most populous communities we can make a real impact on our national climate targets.”

    IONITY Country (UK & Ireland) Manager Andreas Atkins said:

    “For Scotland to have reached its ambitious target of delivering 6,000 public chargers well ahead of its 2026 target is a huge achievement, especially in such a difficult economic environment at present in the UK.

    “A continued collaborative approach between the public sector and private industry is required to tackle and deliver the roadmap for net zero transport, and IONITY will continue to play a key role in this.

    “We have already injected £20 million investment in Scotland by the end of 2025, with a further £20 million committed into Scotland by 2028 – delivering 100% green electricity through our chargers from Scotland’s main cities to the West Coast and the Highlands.

    “Not only will we enable electric transit right across Scotland, but our charging hub site partners, such as food and beverage retailers, retail parks and hospitality venues will directly benefit. The IONITY hubs are introducing those businesses – and wider local economies – to new revenue streams and additional footfall, bringing entire communities with us into the era of electric vehicles.”

    Zapmap COO and Co-founder Melanie Shufflebotham said: 

    “Reaching the milestone of 6,000 public chargers across Scotland is a significant achievement, with the Scottish government showing great commitment to the EV sector with the forward-looking investment in the ChargePlace Scotland network over the last decade. This has then been supplemented with other private networks and investment across the country.

    “Since the target of 6,000 public EV charge points by 2026 was announced by the Scottish Government in June 2023, charge point infrastructure has grown at an impressive rate – up over 49% from 4,023 in June 2023.

    “This number covers many different charging use cases across diverse locations, from low powered on-street chargers to destination chargers at scenic spots to 150kW+ charging hubs.

    “It’s exciting to see charging hubs being established across the country, from Inverness and Aberdeen in the north to around the urban centres of Glasgow and Edinburgh. This infrastructure not only supports Scottish EV drivers in their daily travels but also enables visitors to explore the stunning Scottish landscape with confidence on longer journeys.”

    Background

    Since 2011 the Scottish Government has invested over £65 million in public EV charging. Charge point data provider ZapMap has confirmed Scotland had 6,007 public charge points as of 31 October, delivered through a combination of public and increasing private sector investment.

    As a direct result, per head of population, Scotland has more public EV charge points than any other part of the UK, except London. We also benefit from more rapid public EV charge points than any other UK region,

    The Scottish public EV charging Vision was published in June 2023 and sets out our ambition to see a comprehensive, convenient and efficient network. The Scottish Government has announced a commitment to enabling approximately 24,000 additional public charge points by 2030, and we expect the majority of these to be delivered by the private sector.

    Public charge points are only one part of the overall charging mix. The Scottish Government has also provided £5.7 million to support the installation of 18,861 domestic charge points and £10.8 million to support 1,432 higher powered workplace charge points – all complementing the public network.

    Map of electric charging points for electric cars UK: Zapmap (zap-map.com)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Carer Support Payment now Scotland-wide

    Source: Scottish Government

    Tens of thousands of carers can now apply for support as benefit roll-out complete. 

    Tens of thousands more unpaid carers in Scotland can apply for a new benefit from today (4 November). 

    Carer Support Payment, which is a payment of £81.90 per week paid by Social Security Scotland, has been introduced in phases since November 2023. 

    It has been extended to people living in 19 more local authority areas including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Orkney and the Scottish Borders. 

    It is now available in every local authority in the country, marking the completion of the roll-out of Scotland’s 14th benefit. 

    It is for unpaid carers who provide 35 or more hours of care a week to someone who gets disability benefits.  Carer Support Payment, is the replacement in Scotland for Carer’s Allowance which is delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 

    Unlike Carer’s Allowance, Carer Support Payment is available to some carers in education. This includes full-time students aged 20 or over and students under 20 who are in advanced or higher education. 

    In June, eligibility was extended to carers aged 16-19 in non-advanced education. This includes those studying for National Certificates, Highers and Advanced Highers, who meet certain criteria, for example, not having any parental support. 
     
    As part of the roll out, new backdating rules were introduced meaning that some carers – mostly full-time students – living in the new areas can apply to have their payments backdated to when Carer Support Payment was introduced. 

    Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: 

    “The importance of the role of unpaid carers should not be underestimated. Their work is vital to the people they look after and to society as a whole.  

    “I am delighted that Carer Support Payment is now available in every local authority in Scotland. Many students will now be able to get this financial support for the first time, thanks to changes made by the Scottish Government. 

    “I urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible to find out more.” 

    According to Carers Trust Scotland, it is estimated that there are around 35,000 unpaid carers attending college or university in Scotland. Paul Traynor, Head of External Affairs at Carers Trust Scotland, welcomes the national roll out. He said:  

    “The immense contribution of unpaid carers to society cannot be understated, providing vital caring roles to their family and friends, and helping to hold society together.    

    “Over 100,000 unpaid carers in Scotland are living in poverty and we hear all too often of the financial pressures of juggling studying and caring, where supplementing their income through employment is extremely challenging or not possible. Research highlights that student carers can be up to four times more likely to drop out of college or university and financial struggles are often one of the key reasons for this.    

    “The national roll out of Carer Support Payment will help make a significant difference to many carers’ lives and support more student carers to remain and succeed in education.” 

    Background 

    • Carer Support Payment opened for new applications in further areas on 4 November. Unpaid carers in Argyll & Bute, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Highland, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Orkney Islands, Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, Shetland Islands, Stirling, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian can now apply. Carers can find out more, and apply at https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment 
    • Changes to allow more young carers in education to access Carer Support Payment have been in force since June. Carers aged 16 to 19 in full-time ‘non advanced’ education can be eligible if they have certain exceptional circumstances – including if they have no support from parents or are responsible for a child or young person. Non-advanced education includes school and college courses such as National Certificates, Highers and Advanced Highers. 
    • Special backdating rules for the Carer Support Payment roll out mean that carers who are not eligible for Carer’s Allowance but are eligible for Carer Support Payment, and are living in areas outside of the initial pilot areas, can apply to have their payments backdated to the date Carer Support Payment first became available. The rules are designed to stop carers missing out on money they are entitled to because they live in an area included in the later phases of the rollout. 
    • To get fully backdated payments under these special rules, carers should apply within 13 weeks of the benefit becoming available in their area. The deadline for carers living in the new areas (Argyll & Bute, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Highland, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Orkney Islands, Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, Shetland Islands, Stirling, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian) is 2 February 2025. Carers may still be able to get fully backdated support after this if they have a good reason for missing the deadline. The deadline for carers living in the areas where the benefit opened in August – Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Fife, Moray and North, East and South Ayrshire – is 17 November 2024. Carers may still be able to get fully backdated support after this if they have a good reason for missing the deadline. 
    • Carers in Scotland who already get Carer’s Allowance will have their benefits automatically transferred to Carer Support Payment. Social Security Scotland will write to people in advance to let them know that their award will be moving. 
    • The transfer of awards began in February this year. It is due to complete in Spring 2025. 

    Carers Trust Scotland works to transform the lives of unpaid carers. They partner with their network of local carer organisations to provide funding and support, deliver innovative and evidence-based programmes, raise awareness and influence policy. Supporting Carers in Scotland | Carers Trust Scotland 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: International photo exhibition opens in Guangdong

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 4, 2023 shows a view of the Hengqin International Financial Center in Zhuhai, south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

    An international photography exhibition opened on Saturday in Zhuhai, south China’s Guangdong Province, showcasing outstanding works from home and abroad.

    The 19th China International Photographic Art Exhibition features 276 selected works from over 20,000 photographers representing 123 countries and regions, according to the organizers.

    Alongside the main exhibit, special displays commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations and offer insights into life in Iran. Another side event highlights the achievements of development made by Guangdong and Zhuhai in the new era.

    The event, a collaboration between the China Photographers Association, the federation of literary and art circles of Guangdong and the Zhuhai municipal government, will run until Feb. 16, 2025.

    The exhibition was first held in 1981.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Timor-Leste Expresses Solidarity with the Kingdom of Spain over Floods in the Valencia Region

    MIL OSI Translation. Timor-Leste Portuguese to English –

    Presidency of the Council of Ministers

    Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
    ……………………………………………. ……………………………………………. …………………….

    Press release

    November 4, 2024

    Timor-Leste Expresses Solidarity with the Kingdom of Spain over Floods in the Valencia Region

    The IX Constitutional Government expresses its deep solidarity with the People and Government of Spain for the tragic floods that devastated the Valencia region between the end of October and the beginning of November 2024. This natural disaster, triggered by an Isolated High Altitude Depression (DANA), caused torrential rains that resulted in the death of more than 200 people, most of them in the province of Valencia, and the destruction of infrastructure, homes and agricultural areas.

    Images captured by the European Copernicus programme reveal the magnitude of the damage, with extensive areas flooded and infrastructure severely affected. Local authorities continue to face major challenges in assisting the population and restoring the affected areas.

    On behalf of the Government and People of Timor-Leste, the Spokesperson of the IX Constitutional Government, Minister Agio Pereira, expressed “deep regret for the tragic loss of human life and the enormous difficulties faced by the Spanish people at this time of pain and trial”. He added that “our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we acknowledge the heroic efforts of the rescue teams and professionals who continue to support the communities affected by this catastrophe”. END

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New Development Bank prices USD 1.25 billion Green Bond under EMTN Programme

    Source: New Development Bank

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO, OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR TO ANY U.S. PERSON (AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S OF THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933) OR IN OR INTO ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RELEASE, PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

    On October 31, 2024, the New Development Bank (NDB) successfully priced a 3-Year USD 1.25 billion Green Bond, paying an annual coupon of 4.677 per cent (equivalent to SOFR MS + 80 bps), under its Euro Medium Term Note Programme, which will be issued on 7 November 2024, subject to final legal documentation and customary closing conditions.

    An amount equal to the net proceeds from the Bond issuance will be allocated to finance and/or refinance, in whole or in part, past or future disbursement of loans made to eligible green projects in accordance with NDB’s Sustainable Financing Policy Framework dated 25 May 2020 in such sectors as clean transportation, climate change adaptation, energy efficiency, low-carbon and renewable energy, sustainable water management, etc. NDB’s Sustainable Financing Policy Framework governs issuances of green, social and sustainability debt instruments, including the use and management of bond proceeds, project selection and evaluation process, reporting and disclosure.

    The USD 1.25 billion Green Bond received strong demand from investors, with the final order book exceeding USD 2.2 billion. Geographically, the issuance attracted a diverse investor base, with 66% of investors from Asia and 34% from the EMEA region. The composition of the final order book was as follows: Central Banks, Official Institutions, and Sovereign Wealth Funds – 52%; Banks – 43%; Asset Managers, Fund Managers, and others – 5%.

    Bank of China, Emirates NBD Capital, First Abu Dhabi Bank, ICBC, and Standard Chartered Bank (B&D) acted as Joint Lead Managers of the transaction. CITIC Securities served as a Co-Manager of the transaction.

    “The strong demand and good pricing conditions obtained underscore the confidence of investors in NDB’s financial stability and its mandate of mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries,” said Mr. Monale Ratsoma, NDB Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer.

    “New Development Bank is committed to being a regular issuer in both hard currency and local currencies of its member countries. Our issuances are guided by market conditions, investor demand and the requirements of the Bank’s lending portfolio. NDB aims to build a liquid benchmark curve over time with issuances across different maturities, enhancing its capacity to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries”.

    Background Information

    New Development Bank was established with the purpose of mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development. In 2021, NDB initiated membership expansion and admitted Bangladesh, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay as its new member countries.

    In December 2019, NDB established its inaugural USD 50 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme (EMTN Programme) in the international capital markets.

    IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This announcement does not constitute or form part of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or subscribe for or otherwise acquire any securities (including, without limitation, the green bonds mentioned above (the “Bonds“)).

    This announcement is not a prospectus for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 or that Regulation as it forms part of United Kingdom law.

    The Bonds are not being, and will not be, offered or sold in the United States. Nothing in this announcement constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Bonds in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Securities may not be offered, sold or delivered in the United States absent registration under, or an exemption from the registration requirements of, the Securities Act. The Bonds have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended).

    No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction in relation to the Bonds to permit a public offering of securities.

    This announcement is directed only at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom (the “UK“), or (ii) persons who are in the UK who are (a) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order“) or (b) otherwise, persons to whom this announcement may lawfully be communicated pursuant to the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons“). This announcement is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. This electronic transmission may only be communicated to persons in the UK in circumstances where section 21(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 does not apply to the Issuer.

    Credit ratings should not be taken as recommendations by a rating agency to buy, sell or hold the Bonds. They may be revised, suspended or withdrawn at any time by the relevant rating agency.

    Prohibition on sales to EEA and UK retail investors: Target Market (MiFID II / UK MiFIR) is Eligible Counterparties and Professional clients only (all distribution channels). No EU PRIIPs or UK PRIIPs key information document (KID) has been prepared as the Notes are not available to retail in EEA or the UK.

    Relevant stabilisation regulations including FCA/ICMA will apply.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s commerce minister urges France to play active role in reaching EV trade solution

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has called on France, as a key European Union (EU) member, to play an active role in pushing the European Commission to show sincerity and meet the Chinese side half way for a solution regarding the EU’s anti-subsidy probe into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).

    He made the remarks during a meeting with Sophie Primas, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in Shanghai on Sunday ahead of the seventh China International Import Expo, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The Future of Peacekeeping, New Models, and Related Capabilities: Independent Study commissioned by the United Nations Department of Peace Operations

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    In an independent study commissioned by the United Nations Department of Peace Operations (DPO), new models for UN peacekeeping are outlined to address evolving global threats. Commissioned at the request of Germany and other co-chairs of the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial process, this study aims to shape discussions for the upcoming Berlin UN Peacekeeping Ministerial on May 13-14, 2025. The event will center on the theme: “The Future of Peacekeeping.”

    The study finds that UN peacekeeping remains an effective multilateral tool for preventing and limiting armed conflict, sustaining peace, as well as responding to a broader range of threats to international peace and security. It also reviews security threats and challenges that future peacekeeping missions must address. Among the most important are armed conflict, the weaponization of new and emerging technologies, transnational organized crime, the climate crisis, and public health emergencies, which are combining in complex ways that ignore international political borders.

    Looking to the future, fresh thinking is needed about what roles peacekeeping can and should play. The study’s vision for UN peacekeeping is a politically focused, people-centered, modular tool that can unite the Security Council around effective multilateral responses to a broad range of threats and challenges. To support this vision, the study offers 30 plausible models to inform future UN missions. The models describe a mix of longstanding peacekeeping tasks; how those traditional tasks might be performed in different ways in changed contexts and with new technologies; and propose novel activities for future UN peacekeeping.

    This study also highlights the need for investments in key capabilities to strengthen current and future peacekeeping missions, irrespective of the precise combination of models and mandates. There are also strong links between peacekeeping and the UN’s broader prevention and peacebuilding agendas, as well as the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, which can be reinforced further.

    Peacekeeping Ministerial Co-chairs

    The Co-chairs of the Peacekeeping Ministerial process are Bangladesh, Canada, Ethiopia, Ghana, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Uruguay, United Kingdom, United States and the United Nations Secretariat.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada concludes the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of Ukraine’s 10-Point Peace Formula

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, yesterday concluded the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of Ukraine’s 10-Point Peace Formula, which she co-hosted in Montréal with Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha and Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

    November 1, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, yesterday concluded the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of Ukraine’s 10-Point Peace Formula, which she co-hosted in Montréal with Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha and Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

    At the conference, the ministers announced the Montréal Pledge —concrete steps to help return prisoners of war, unlawfully detained civilians and deported children, including support as these people reintegrate into their daily lives. 

    Minister Joly hosted foreign ministers and high-level representatives from more than 70 countries and international organizations to advance Ukraine’s 10-Point peace formula, identify diplomatic approaches to address the human dimension of the war and strengthen the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The minister chaired a session on identifying strategies to increase the exchange of information on the locations, health statuses and legal statuses of prisoners of war, unlawfully detained civilians and deported children.

    The harrowing survivor testimonies — from a detained Ukrainian military medic, the wife of an imprisoned journalist and a former prisoner of war — shared during the conference served as powerful reminders of the human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

    As co-chair of Working Group 4 and leader of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, Minister Joly thanked Qatar, South Africa and the Holy Sea for their offer to serve as intermediaries to support and negotiate the return of children. She also thanked the United Arab Emirates for the role they are continuing to play on mediating the exchanges of prisoners of war. Finally, she expressed her appreciation to Norway, Lithuania and Qatar, who have offered to provide a supportive environment for returning Ukrainians returning home.

    During the conference, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed the diverse group of states that came together to find diplomatic solutions and concrete actions to protect Ukrainian people.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Dina Titus introduces resolution condemning Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    Congresswoman Dina Titus today introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives condemning Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for anti-Semitic and pro-terrorist statements attacking Israel and threatening other U.S. allies.

    Congresswoman Dina Titus today introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives condemning Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for anti-Semitic and pro-terrorist statements attacking Israel and threatening other U.S. allies.

    “This resolution sends a strong message to President Erdoğan that the United States will not tolerate his continued statements threatening Israel and supporting the terrorist group Hamas in its war on Israel,” Congresswoman Titus said. “His statements are spreading anti-Semitism around the globe and are undermining NATO’s mission to avoid further conflict in the Middle East, including potential attacks on important U.S. allies like Greece. The Erdoğan regime should know it has an obligation to defend democracy, not terrorism.”

    Congresswoman Titus, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Subcommittee on Europe, was joined in her resolution condemning the Erdoğan regime by Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), both of whom are Co-Chairs of the Congressional Hellenic Israel Alliance.

    Congressman Schneider said, “The destabilizing actions and statements coming from President Erdoğan’s regime threaten not only our ally Israel but also the unity and security of NATO itself. This resolution condemns these harmful actions and underscores the importance of accountability within the international community. We urge Turkey to respect its commitments to democracy, peace, and alliance integrity, as we collectively work to counter terrorism and foster stability worldwide.”

    Congressman Bilirakis said, “The United States stands firm in its commitment to defend Greece against Turkish aggression and push back against Erdogan’s repeated anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist rhetoric.  His actions have been a destabilizing force in the region, and it is time for the United States to start demanding that this so-called ally start acting like one.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s aspirations towards greater European integration: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Location:
    United Nations, New York
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    The UK welcomes the renewal of the mandate of EUFOR Althea today, and I join others in thanking France for its efforts as penholder on the text. EUFOR’s presence continues to play a vital role in safeguarding peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

    I also express my thanks to High Representative Christian Schmidt for his latest report and I welcome his excellency Mr Denis Bećirović in our meeting today.

    I would like to use my remarks today to make three points:

    First, the UK fully supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s aspirations to make progress towards greater European integration.

    Pursuing a reform path will help to achieve this goal and will boost stability and prosperity. We encourage continued progress on key steps that will unlock long-term benefits for all of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s citizens.

    Second, Bosnia and Herzegovina must avoid actions which undermine this progress. We remain deeply concerned by secessionist rhetoric and actions from the Republika Srpska Entity, designed to undermine the unity and function of the state.

    One such example is the proposed agreement on peaceful disassociation. We are also concerned by elements of the All-Serb Declaration which we assess do not align with the Dayton Peace Agreement.

    And we regret the reported rise in genocide denial and glorification of war criminals. This has no place in a modern, inclusive and multi-ethnic society.

    Third, this mixed picture reinforces the ongoing vital role of the High Representative, who is tasked with upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement.

    The international community must enable an environment in which Bosnia and Herzegovina can make progress on reforms and advance its European ambitions. As such, we must continue to promote domestic responsibility and accountability.

    We particularly welcomed the High Representative’s recent changes to the Election Law, which contributed to the more positive atmosphere in which the recent local elections were held.

    In closing, it is important to emphasise that Bosnia and Herzegovina is and must remain a single, sovereign and multi-ethnic country.

    The UK encourages all politicians to put aside their differences and show the political courage to work together towards a more stable and prosperous future for all citizens.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Public meeting relating to ELC merge at Caol and St Columba’s Primary School

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council are inviting parents, children and members of the public to attend a meeting on Wednesday 6 November at 6:30pm at Caol and St. Columba’s School Campus to discuss the proposal to merge the two ELC classes at the Caol and St. Columba’s School Campus.

    Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “The purpose of the public meeting is to enable anyone interested or associated with ELC provision in the area to hear from Council Officers about the proposal to merge two nursery classes and open-up the meeting for discussion.  I encourage as many people as possible to attend the meeting on Wednesday 6 November at 6:30pm or take part in the public consultation via the Council’s website.”

    Anyone unable to attend can still take part in the consultation by visiting the Council’s website where the Proposal Paper and associated documents are available from:

    http://www.highland.gov.uk/schoolconsultations

    The consultation will run until Friday 29 November 2024.

    1 Nov 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Road improvement works to Fairy Pools route on Isle of Skye to begin

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Works will commence on the C1237 Merkadale – Glen Brittle Road (Fairy Pools) from Monday 4 November and are expected to run until Friday 15 November.

    The road will restricted to essential local access only – during amnesty periods – and be closed to all other traffic to allow the works to progress safely.

    During the restrictions The Highland Council will undertake urgent remedial works, passing place extensions and resurfacing.

    The works will commence at 08.30 until 18.00 so evenings will be unaffected.

    The local roads team asks non-essential visitors to avoid the area while repair works are being carried out on the road.

    We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we improve the road condition so that all may benefit from the works.  

    1 Nov 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 01.11.2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    1 November 2024 at 22:30 EET

    Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 01.11.2024

    Espoo, Finland – On 1 November 2024 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows:

    Trading venue (MIC Code) Number of shares Weighted average price / share, EUR*
    XHEL 1,068,314 4.35
    CEUX 231,330 4.35
    BATE – –
    AQEU – –
    TQEX – –
    Total 1,299,644 4.35

    * Rounded to two decimals

    On 25 January 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to return up to EUR 600 million of cash to shareholders in tranches over a period of two years. The first phase of the share buyback program started on 20 March 2024. On 19 July 2024, Nokia decided to accelerate the share buybacks by increasing the number of shares to be repurchased during the year 2024. The post-increase repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 22 July 2024 and end by 31 December 2024 with a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 600 million for all purchases during 2024.

    Total cost of transactions executed on 1 November 2024 was EUR 5,655,401. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 180,839,724 treasury shares.

    Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement.

    On behalf of Nokia Corporation

    BofA Securities Europe SA

    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.

    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.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 40 803 4080
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Resident Pleads Guilty to Helping Russia’s Defense Sector Evade U.S. Export Controls

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    Defendant Facilitated Russia’s Acquisition of Millions of Dollars of U.S.-Made Dual-Use Electronics Used in Radar, Surveillance, and Military Research and Development

    Vadim Yermolenko, 43, a dual U.S.-Russian national and resident of New Jersey, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States for his role in a transnational procurement and money laundering network that sought to acquire sensitive dual-use electronics for Russian military and intelligence services.

    “This defendant joins the nearly two dozen other criminals that our Task Force KleptoCapture has brought to justice in American courtrooms over the past two and a half years for enabling Russia’s military aggression,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This defendant admitted to playing a central role in a now-disrupted scheme with Russian intelligence services to smuggle sniper rifle ammunition and U.S. military grade equipment into Russia. The Justice Department will never stop working to aggressively disrupt and prosecute both the criminal networks and the individuals responsible for bolstering the Russian war machine.”

    “The illegal export of sensitive, dual-use technologies in support of Russia’s war effort poses a significant threat to the United States and its allies and must not be tolerated,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The defendant in this case played a key role in exporting U.S. technology that in the hands of our adversaries could pose great danger to our national security. The FBI and its partners will continue to focus on protecting strategic innovation at home and hold accountable anyone who facilitates illegal transfers to hostile nations like Russia.”

    “To facilitate the Russian war machine, the defendant played a critical role in exporting sensitive, dual-use technologies to Russia, facilitating shipping and the movement of millions of dollars through U.S. financial institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “This plea highlights my Office and our law enforcement partners continued commitment to use all tools available to prosecute those who unlawfully procure U.S. technology to send to Russia.”

    According to court documents, the defendant was affiliated with Serniya Engineering and Sertal LLC, Moscow-based companies that operate under the direction of Russian intelligence services to procure advanced electronics and sophisticated testing equipment for Russia’s military industrial complex and research and development sector. Serniya and Sertal operated a vast network of shell companies and bank accounts throughout the world, including the United States, that were used in furtherance of the scheme to conceal the involvement of the Russian government and the true Russian end users of U.S.-origin equipment.

    The defendant and his co-conspirators unlawfully purchased and exported highly sensitive, export controlled electronic components, some of which can be used in the development of nuclear and hypersonic weapons, quantum computing and other military applications. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) levied sanctions and imposed additional export restrictions on Serniya, Sertal, and several individuals and companies used in the scheme, calling them “instrumental to the Russian Federation’s war machine.”

    Sertal was licensed to conduct highly sensitive and classified procurement activities by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), Russia’s principal security agency and the main successor agency to the Soviet Union’s KGB. The Serniya network’s Russian clients included State Corporation Rostec, the state-owned defense conglomerate; State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom (Rosatom); the Ministry of Defense; the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR); and various components of the FSB, including the Department of Military Counterintelligence and the Directorate for Scientific and Technological Intelligence, commonly known as “Directorate T.”

    To carry out the scheme, the defendant helped set up numerous shell companies and dozens of bank accounts in the U.S. to illicitly move money and export-controlled goods. During the period charged in the indictment, more than $12 million passed through accounts owned or controlled by the defendant. These funds were used in part to purchase sensitive equipment used in radar, surveillance and military research and development. In one instance, money from one of the defendant’s accounts was used to purchase export-controlled sniper bullets, which were intercepted in Estonia before they could be smuggled into Russia.

    Co-defendant Alexey Brayman previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and is awaiting sentence. The case against co-defendant Vadim Konoshchenok, a suspected FSB operative, was dismissed after Konoshchenok was removed from the United States as part of a prisoner exchange negotiated between the United States and Russia. Defendant Nikolaos Bogonikolos’ case remains pending. Defendants Boris Livshits, Alexey Ippolitov, Svetlana Skvortsova, and Yevgeniy Grinin remain at large.        

    The FBI, BIS, and IRS are investigating the case.

    The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and Estonian authorities provided valuable assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Artie McConnell, Andrew D. Reich, and Matthew Skurnik for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

    Today’s actions were coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture and the Justice and Commerce Departments’ Disruptive Technology Strike Force. Task Force KleptoCapture is an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export restrictions and economic countermeasures that the United States has imposed, along with its allies and partners, in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. The Disruptive Technology Strike Force is an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. aircraft slated to deploy to Europe for latest bomber task force

    Source: United States Strategic Command

    RAMSTEIN, Germany  –  

    The next Bomber Task Force-Europe deployment is scheduled to begin in the coming days with U.S. strategic bombers transiting from the continental U.S. to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.

    The long-planned deployment is slated to kick-off with the U.S. Air Force bombers flying on a pre-filed flight plan through international airspace and with the appropriate diplomatic clearances in place for times when aircraft are transiting through a sovereign nation’s airspace.

    During the deployment, U.S. bomber aircrews will train and operate alongside NATO Allies and partners for several weeks demonstrating the U.S. commitment to global security and stability. 

    For more information, contact the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs Office by calling +49 (0) 6371-47-6558 or e-mailing usafepao.pao@us.af.mil. If after duty hours, please call +49 (0) 1624-25-5428 or e-mail usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members spotlight development issues in trade and environmental sustainability discussions

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Members spotlight development issues in trade and environmental sustainability discussions

    “Here we are at the end of 2024 and MC14 isn’t that far away. We’re committed to having concrete outcomes and so as part of achieving that, this session will be important,” said Richard Tarasofsky of Canada, which co-convenes TESSD together with Costa Rica, in opening the meeting. He added that a high-level TESSD plenary stocktaking session will be held on 4 December to seek members’ support for the proposed way forward towards achieving concrete outcomes at MC14 that reflect both the technical discussions in working groups as well as the written outcomes of those groups.
    “We are really making an effort to dig deeper into the development dimension, including in how we select topics such as climate adaptation,” said Mr. Tarasofsky.
    The four TESSD working groups advanced substantive work in their respective discussions at the meeting.
    In the Working Group on Trade-related Climate Measures (TrCMs), members deliberated on the use of TrCMs for achieving climate change adaptation and focused on developing country perspectives. They heard presentations from the International Institute for Sustainable Development, the WTO Secretariat, the World Bank, Barbados and Samoa.
    In the Working Group on Environmental Goods and Services, members exchanged views on trade-related aspects of water management and climate change adaptation, considering presentations on water management technologies and developing country experiences from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Copenhagen Climate Centre and the UN Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN). Members also considered presentations on identification and trade promotion of environmental goods and services from Australia, Finland and the WTO Secretariat.
    In the Working Group on Subsidies, members considered presentations on critical minerals, including how international cooperation can support developing countries in addressing challenges and seizing opportunities in the sector. The International Energy Agency, the African Development Bank, Australia and the Philippines provided presentations.
    In the Working Group on Circular Economy-Circularity, members heard from the Global Batteries Alliance on batteries passports and on circularity of batteries. They also heard from Rwanda on implementing circular economy principles in the transport sector. Members also were briefed on new analytical work from the International Chamber of Commerce, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the Forum on Trade, Environment and SDGs (TESS).
    Across the four working groups, members also discussed possible ways forward for outcomes at MC14, including a compilation and mapping of policy measures shared by members, practical ways to enhance cooperation, and expanding and refining the TESSD indicative list of environmental goods and services. They also considered developing guidelines for subsidy design and recommendations to enhance transparency, trade-related guidelines for a circular economy and trade‑related good practices for circularity in priority sectors.
    Presentations and documents related to the working group meetings are available here.
    At the close of the two-day meeting, Ana Lizano of Costa Rica, TESSD co-convenor, said: “We have heard support as well as constructive feedback from the participants to the suggestions on the way forward presented by the facilitators of the four groups. So the co-conveners, together with the facilitators, will put together the most balanced outlook possible for 2025 and towards the next Ministerial Conference.”
    “We will continue working on bringing to the table more voices from the developing and least-developed members to consolidate an agenda that is not only balanced but also representative of the needs, opportunities, and interests of all TESSD participants,” she said.
    Guided by their 2021 Ministerial Statement, TESSD seeks to complement the work of the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment and advance discussions at the intersection of trade and environmental sustainability towards identifying concrete actions that members could take individually or collectively. The initiative, which is open to all WTO members, is currently co-sponsored by 77 members representing all regions and all levels of development.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Transparency and subsidy notification compliance spotlighted at committee meeting

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Transparency and subsidy notification compliance spotlighted at committee meeting

    The Chair noted that despite calls for members to notify their subsidies, compliance with the subsidy notification obligation under the WTO’s SCM Agreement remains concerningly low, affecting the Agreement’s proper functioning. 
    He highlighted that 84 members have not made their 2023 notifications, which were due by 30 June 2023, while 82 members have yet to make their 2021 notifications, which were due more than three years ago. He also noted that 71 members still have not submitted their 2019 notifications, now overdue by more than five years. Many of these members have either never notified or have done so only in the distant past, he said.
    The Chair emphasized that all members benefit from the collective effort of timely and complete notifications. “Ultimately, all members, in addition to being required to notify, have an interest in the notified information of other members,” he stated. He called on non-compliant members to fulfil their obligations, noting that transparency is fundamental to the SCM Agreement’s proper functioning.
    Highlighting efforts to improve compliance, the Chair drew attention to the WTO Secretariat’s technical assistance project on subsidy notifications. The first round of the project, completed in 2023, invited 43 members to take part, with 23 agreeing to participate. Of these, 11 members subsequently submitted their 2023 subsidy notifications in a timely fashion, accounting for 13% of all notifications received for that cycle. The Chair praised these tangible outcomes as evidence of the effectiveness of well-structured, customized assistance projects. He also informed members that a 2024-2025 round of the same technical assistance project will be launched towards the end of this year. He encouraged active engagement of the participating members.
    Several delegations took the floor to echo the Chair’s concerns, stressing the importance of timely and complete subsidy notifications for the SCM Agreement’s effective functioning. They also expressed appreciation for the Secretariat’s ongoing support and technical assistance efforts.
    Training session on subsidy notifications
    In response to a suggestion to organize a training session on the obligation to make subsidy notifications, the Chair acknowledged the potential benefits of such an initiative. He noted that holding a training session would be particularly useful given that a new notification cycle will begin in 2025. Recognizing the timeliness of such a session, he proposed that the Secretariat arrange this training early next year. The Secretariat will communicate the exact date and venue of the session in due course.
    Review of members’ subsidy notifications
    The Committee reviewed the 2023 new and full subsidy notifications submitted by Australia, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, the European Union (pertaining to Croatia, Luxembourg, and Slovenia), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Iceland, Nepal, and Uruguay.
    The Committee also continued its review of 2023 subsidy notifications from Brazil, Canada, China, Eswatini, the European Union, Japan, Kenya, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Montenegro, Norway, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vanuatu. It also continued its review of a 2019 notification from the Russian Federation.
    National legislation
    The Committee reviewed new notifications of countervailing duty legislation submitted by Brazil, Cabo Verde, Solomon Islands, and the United States. It also continued its review of the legislative notifications of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the European Union, and Ghana.
    Semi-annual reports of members on countervailing duty actions
    The Committee considered the semi-annual reports of countervailing duty actions submitted by Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, India, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
    In addition to the semi-annual reports, the SCM Agreement requires members to submit without delay notifications of all preliminary and final countervailing duty actions taken. Reports received from Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, India, Mexico, Chinese Taipei, the United Kingdom, and the United States were reviewed by the Committee.
    Other matters
    The Chair recalled the 31 December 2015 deadline for the elimination of export subsidies by members that received “fast track” extensions under Article 27.4 of the SCM Agreement. He noted that only 15 of the 19 members that had received extensions have provided the final required notifications. He called on the remaining members to comply without delay.
    The Committee discussed a separate item China placed on the agenda regarding discriminatory subsidies policies and measures of the United States.
    The Committee discussed a separate item the Republic of Korea placed on the agenda regarding France’s electric vehicle subsidies programme.
    The Committee also discussed a separate item Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States placed on the agenda regarding subsidies and capacity.
    In addition, the Committee discussed a separate item the United States placed on the agenda regarding Kazakhstan’s proposed preferences for domestically produced agricultural machinery.
    The Committee discussed a separate item the United States placed on the agenda regarding the WTO Secretariat’s activities on subsidies. The United States highlighted certain Secretariat-initiated activities relating to subsidies, calling for greater transparency and consultation between the Secretariat and the membership.  Australia, the European Union, India, and the United Kingdom commented on the issues raised by the US, including by expressing support for the call for greater transparency.
    The Secretariat informed the Committee that it has been working on a transparency portal that will allow members to access information about Secretariat-initiated activities and explained that it expected this portal would be rolled-out towards the end of November.
    Under other business, the United States provided an update on proposed guidelines for submission of questions and answers under Articles 25.8 and 25.9 of the SCM Agreement, previously submitted by Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and discussed at the Committee’s regular meeting in April 2024.
    The Committee also adopted its 2024 annual report to the CTG.
    Next meeting
    The spring and autumn 2025 meetings of the SCM Committee are scheduled to take place in the weeks of 28 April and 27 October 2025, respectively.
    More information about the SCM Agreement and the WTO’s work on subsidies and countervailing measures can be found here.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: What’s UNDOF? Why UN peacekeepers patrol the Israel-Syria border

    Source: United Nations 4

    By Eileen Travers

    Peace and Security

    More than 1,100 UN peacekeepers are currently deployed in the Golan, a demilitarised zone along the Israel-Syria border at what is a tense and dangerous time in the history of the region. But, why are the Blue Helmets there?

    One of the UN’s longest-standing peacekeeping missions – the UN Disengagement Observer Force, known by its acronym UNDOF – began more than a half century ago when the 1973 Middle East crisis erupted.

    The Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian forces was concluded which provided for an area of separation and for two equal zones of limited forces and armaments on both sides of the area. UNDOF was established to supervise its implementation.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    Forging peace to end a crisis

    On the heels of the Israeli-Egyptian war in 1973, the situation in the Israel-Syria sector became increasingly unstable in March 1974 as clashes intensified.

    UNDOF was established in late May 1974 and by 3 June, the Secretary-General had appointed an interim commander of UNDOF who arrived in Damascus, Syria’s capital, that very day.

    The mission operates with the same mandate today.

    UNDOF

    A peacekeeper greets the students of the Faouar School in Syria. (file)

    What does UNDOF do?

    UNDOF’s mandate remains largely unchanged since 1974:

    • Maintaining the ceasefire between Israel and Syria
    • Supervising the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces
    • Supervising the areas of separation and limitation, as provided in the May 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.

    Every six months, the Security Council reviews and has extended the force’s mandate, which is due to expire on 30 June 2025.

    UNDOF has two base camps. Its headquarters at Camp Faouar handles logistics and the force operates patrols by day and night, intervening whenever any military personnel enters or try to operate in the area of separation.

    The force also addresses mine and explosive remnant of war clearance and has instituted a security and maintenance programme in the area of separation to identify and mark all minefields.

    UNDOF is one of three UN peacekeeping missions in the region, charged with monitoring ceasefires and peace agreements. The other two are the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), established in 1948, and the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has been operational since 1978.

    UN Photo/Yutaka Nagata

    Members of the UNDOF Austrian Battalion Ski Patrol on Mount Hermon in 1975. (file)

    What’s the area of separation?

    The area of separation is a demilitarised zone and measures approximately 80 km long, varying in width from 10 km in the centre to less than one km in the extreme south, with hilly terrain dominated in the north by Mount Hermon.

    The highest permanently staffed UN position, it sits at an altitude of 2,814 metres, where it often snows and peacekeepers conduct patrols thanks to specialised winter season equipment.

    The area is inhabited and has historically been policed by the Syrian authorities. No military forces other than UNDOF are permitted to operate inside of this area.

    There is also an area of limitation on both sides, where limits are placed on the number and types of military forces and equipment allowed by the parties.

    UNDOF monitors these restrictions through fortnightly inspections of the military positions of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Syrian security forces carried out by the Observer Group Golan, comprised of military observers from UNTSO.

    Check out UNDOF’s latest deployment map here.

    UN Photo/Yutaka Nagata

    UNDOF officers patrol the Golan Heights in 1974. (file)

    Main challenges in the current Middle East crisis

    Over the years, UNDOF has recorded ceasefire violations and worked with Israeli and Syrian authorities to resolve them.

    As tensions rose last year during the war in Gaza, a missile killed 12 people in the Golan and recent heightened tensions in the area of separation emerged with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) moving into the area as Syria’s new de facto authorities seized power in early December.

    UNDOF peacekeepers, supported by UNTSO observers, remain at their pre-December 2024 positions and continue key tasks such as monitoring and patrolling the ceasefire line, according to UNDOF interim head Major General Patrick Gauchat, who briefed the Security Council in mid-January.

    Residents of the Golan have also expressed concerns to UNDOF, calling for the IDF to leave their villages amid reports of searches and arrests of their relatives. The IDF’s presence and roadblocks have also severely impacted UNDOF’s operational capacity, reducing its daily vehicle convoys and compromising its freedom of movement.

    UN Photo/Gernot Maier

    An UNDOF observation post in the Golan Heights, Syria. (file)

    Adapting to new realities

    In the face of these current operational challenges, the mission has adapted its approach.

    Right now, it has increased weekly patrols from 10 to 40 and addressed such urgent safety concerns as the neutralisation of unexploded ordnance in public areas.

    Meanwhile, efforts are underway to establish stable communication channels with the de facto authorities, acting mission chief Mr. Gauchat explained.

    But, concerns remain.

    “It is imperative that the UN peacekeepers are allowed to carry out their mandated tasks without obstruction,” Mr. Gauchat told the 15-member Security Council on 17 January, urging all parties to maintain the ceasefire and respect the terms of the 1974 agreement. “We count on the continued support of Member States to return to full mandate implementation.”

    Can UNDOF use force?

    Yes. UNDOF peacekeepers are authorised to use force in self-defence or to defend UN personnel, facilities and equipment.

    UNDOF operates under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, which emphasises monitoring, observation and facilitating the implementation of peace agreements.

    Find out more about UNDOF here.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recovering from Storm Éowyn

    Source: Scottish Government

    First Minister thanks people for patience as recovery operation continues.

    A further meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) has been chaired by First Minister John Swinney to coordinate the recovery response to Storm Éowyn.  

    Due to the severity and impact of the storm, there is significant disruption to parts of the country. This includes around 35,000 properties without power and continued transport disruption with road closures and rail, bus, flight and ferry cancellations. It is expected to take some time to get all services fully restored.   

    Utility companies, national agencies and local authorities are working at pace to restore power and assess the impact, including responding to significant damage, removing fallen trees and debris, to ensure services can fully resume in the coming days.   

    The First Minister joined a Ministerial COBR meeting chaired by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden earlier this evening. The First Minister also spoke with the Prime Minister today to discuss the ongoing response to Storm Éowyn and the impact on Scotland.

    First Minister John Swinney said:   

    “I want to thank everyone who followed Police Scotland advice not to travel and express my sincere gratitude to the emergency services and to those working in the public, private and third sector who are continuing to support people and communities across the country.   

     “With yellow warnings in place for wind, snow and ice over the weekend, it is clear the severity of Storm Éowyn will continue into next week and this will have an impact on the speed at which utilities and local services can fully resume.  

     “Given the damage and disruption facing the network across the United Kingdom, utility companies are under significant pressure and are working in challenging conditions. I have stressed the importance of getting power restored as quickly as is practically possible and have been assured that assessments are being made at pace to ensure power is restored to affected properties in Scotland as soon as possible. Alongside our partners, Ministers are being updated regularly and ensuring all steps are being taken. 

    “I am pleased at the progress made to restore power to many communities over the course of today however a significant number of properties remain without power. Utility companies are continuing to provide support to customers, including ensuring provisions are in place for the most vulnerable.   

    “I want to thank people for their continued patience and encourage them to take extra care and look out for each other, particularly those who are supporting vulnerable neighbours and family members.  

    “As we look ahead to Monday, partners are working at pace to ensure services can resume next week. Local authorities – who are responsible for school closures – will be working to ensure all buildings meet the required safety standards to reopen safely to pupils. We would expect decisions on schools to be clearly communicated by local authorities to parents, pupils and staff, with as much advance warning as possible, and would encourage all parents to follow that advice. 

     “People should prepare for continued disruption, especially in areas that have been impacted by a loss of power, and I encourage everyone to follow advice being issued by local authorities, as well as continuing to follow updates from national agencies.”  

    Background  

    • SGoRR was attended by the Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Justice and Home Affairs Secretary Angela Contance, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, Rural Affairs and Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon, Acting Net Zero and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin and Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson. They were joined by representatives from the Met Office, Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, SEPA, transport and utilities companies and resilience partners.
    • The latest Met Office weather warnings are available on the Met Office website.
       
    • Flood alerts are issued by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and can be viewed on their website. 
    • Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.
    • Follow Traffic Scotland for the most up-to-date information on the trunk roads throughout the warning periods, via their website, social media channels and radio broadcasts. Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online. 
    • To report a power cut or damage to electricity power lines or substations call the SP Networks national Freephone number 105. More information on what to do during a storm can also be found on SP Energy Website.
    • During a power cut firefighters can be called to fires started by candles or portable heaters. For advice on how to stay safe during a power cut visit Scottish Fire and Rescue Website.   

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: KH Group Plc’s Business Review January–September 2024: Moderate profitability in a demanding market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KH Group Plc
    Stock Exchange Release 1 November 2024 at 8:00 am EET 
      
    KH Group Plc’s Business Review January–September 2024:
    Moderate profitability in a demanding market

    This is the summary of the Business Review for January–September 2024. The full Business Review is attached to this release and is also available on the company’s website at www.khgroup.com.

    KH Group, July–September 2024 pro forma 

    • Net sales amounted to EUR 85.7 (91.1) million.
    • Operating profit was EUR 3.3 (4.1) million.
    • The net sales of KH-Koneet were slightly better than in the comparison period and operating profit remained nearly unchanged from the comparison period.
    • Indoor Group’s net sales and operating profit were below the level of the comparison period.
    • NRG’s net sales and operating profit were below the level of the comparison period.
    • KH Group divested its holdings in HTJ. 

    KH Group, January–September 2024 IFRS 

    • Net sales amounted to EUR 253.2 (161.0) million. The figure for the comparison period includes net sales accumulated in May–September 2023 and HTJ is classified as a discontinued operation retroactively.
    • Operating profit was EUR 0.8 (-17.5) million.
    • Net profit for the period was EUR -3.3 (-12.1) million.
    • Earnings per share (undiluted and diluted) were EUR -0.02 (-0.15).
    • Equity per share at the end of the review period was EUR 1.30 (1.39).
    • Return on equity for rolling 12 months was -7.1% (-14.5%).
    • The Group’s cash and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 11.6 million at the end of the review period
    • Gearing at the end of the review period was 195.6% (195.4%).
    • Gearing excluding lease liabilities was 120.6% (115.1%).

    CEO Ville Nikulainen:

    “Our consolidated pro forma net sales and operating profit declined year-on-year. KH-Koneet’s net sales increased moderately and operating profit was nearly at the same level as in the comparison period, which means that the market share increased in a declining market. For Indoor Group, the general market uncertainty, the increase to the general value-added tax rate in Finland and the deployment of a new ERP system in spring 2024 had a negative impact on net sales and operating profit.

    On 15 August 2024, KH Group announced the launch of an extensive operating model reform programme aimed at improving the group company Indoor Group’s profitability. The reform includes development initiatives to stabilise Indoor Group’s financial situation in the challenging furniture industry market environment. The company aims for an annual operating profit improvement of at least EUR 10 million by the end of 2026. Based on current information, a significant part of the targeted profitability improvement is estimated to be realised already during 2025. KH Group published a stock exchange release on 10 October 2024 concerning the reform of Indoor Group’s operating model and change negotiations.

    Nordic Rescue Group’s pro forma net sales and operating profit decreased year-on-year during the seasonally weaker quarter. The demand for rescue vehicles in Sweden has remained at a good level but, in Finland, the budgeting phase of the wellbeing services counties has slowed down the accrual of new orders during autumn 2024.

    In the fourth quarter, the business areas will focus on securing net sales and operating profit as well as improving the efficiency of working capital. KH Group’s change in strategy is progressing according to plan.

    On 9 August 2024, the company updated its earlier guidance on net sales and operating profit for 2024. The calculation of the guidance is based on Indoor Group’s lower than expected net sales and operating profit in both the first and second half of 2024. According to the updated guidance, the company estimates, with the current Group structure, to reach pro forma net sales of EUR 340–360 million and operating profit of EUR 4–7 million in 2024.”

    Events after the review period

    During the current year, Indoor will continue to implement measures aimed at improving profitability. KH Group published a press release on 10 October 2024 concerning the reform of the operating model and change negotiations.

    Future outlook

    KH Group’s medium-term objective is to become an industrial group built around the KH-Koneet business and to divest other business areas in line with previous strategy. At the same time, active developments will continue regarding other business areas. Exit planning and the assessment of exit opportunities for the other business areas will also continue.

    On 9 August 2024, the company updated its earlier guidance on net sales and operating profit for 2024. According to the updated guidance, with the current Group structure, the company estimates pro forma net sales for 2024 to be EUR 340–360 million and operating profit to be EUR 4–7 million.

    KH GROUP PLC

      
    Ville Nikulainen
    CEO

    FURTHER INFORMATION:
    CEO Ville Nikulainen, tel. +358 400 459 343

    DISTRIBUTION:
    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Major media
    www.khgroup.com

    KH Group Plc is a Nordic conglomerate operating in business areas of KH-Koneet, Indoor Group and Nordic Rescue Group. We are a leading supplier of construction and earth-moving equipment, furniture and interior decoration retailer as well as rescue vehicle manufacturer. The objective of our strategy is to create an industrial group around the business of KH-Koneet. KH Group’s share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BaFin warns consumers about the website ifsinvesting.com

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the website ifsinvesting.com. According to information available to BaFin, the operator is providing financial and investment services on this website without the required authorisation.

    The operators of the website refer to themselves only as IFSinvesting without stating the company’s legal form. A business address in London, United Kingdom, is provided.

    BaFin has recently become aware of a number of websites with almost identical content and has also warned consumers about them. On all of the websites, the following sentence is displayed at the top of the homepage: “Step Into the Trading Arena with Confidence & [name of website]“.

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

    Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    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 Security: Appeal to identify man in connection with murder of Jason Diallo

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Four years on from a fatal shooting in Ilford, detectives are releasing footage of a man they would like to identify.

    An investigation was launched on 1 November 2020 when officers were called to Balfour Road, Ilford at 22:14hrs following reports of a disturbance.

    Officers arrived at the scene and located Jason Diallo, 30 with multiple injuries. He sadly died at the scene.

    A witness told officers that they had seen Jason cycling along the road, when he was knocked off his bike by a car. Two occupants of the car got out and shot Jason in the head before driving away.

    Fifteen minutes after Jason Diallo was shot, at 22:29hrs, police were called to a shooting around five miles away in Garvary Road, E16. A 27-year-old man was found with a gunshot injury to his shoulder.

    He was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds which were determined not to be life-threatening. When providing a statement to officers, he told them he had been followed by three men driving a car who began shooting at him.

    A complex investigation was launched within Specialist Crime North and two men were convicted and sentenced for their involvement.

    On Tuesday, 14 June 2022, Mushin Mohamed, 28 (06.04.1996) of Leytonstone Road, E15 was found guilty of murder and attempted murder at the Old Bailey and sentenced to life in prison to serve a minimum of 35 years.

    Tyrelle Joseph, 24 (16.09.2000) of Banks Way, E12 was found guilty of assisting an offender and jailed for seven years after being identified as someone who had helped Mohamed and the unidentified suspects leave the scene.

    Enquiries have remained ongoing to identify two more suspects believed to be involved in the shootings that night.

    Investigating officers are now in a position to release this footage of a man they would like to speak with in connection with this investigation and a financial reward for information is available.

    The Metropolitan Police Service is offering a substantial reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for the murder of Jason Diallo and the non-fatal shooting of a 27-year-old man on 1 November 2020.

    Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, the senior investigating officer, said:

    “We have continued our momentum behind this investigation to ensure that those responsible for killing Jason Diallo and seriously injuring another man are held accountable.

    “Our enquiries have found no evidence to suggest that Jason Diallo or the attempted murder victim were known to one another or those convicted, suggesting that this was a completely unprovoked and violent incident.

    “Jason Diallo was described by his family as a devoted father of two who had the softest heart. Our thoughts have remained with his family and friends throughout a difficult four years and we are determined that they see justice.

    “We are now in a position to release an image of this man, who we would like to speak with in connection with this ongoing investigation.

    “If you know who he is or have any information which could help us, please get in contact.”

    Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting Operation Shenley. You can also report information anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Aktsiaselts Infortar subsidiary AS Eesti Gaas acquires a 100% shareholding in EWE Polska

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Aktsiaselts Infortar subsidiary AS Eesti Gaas acquires a 100% shareholding in EWE Polska

    AS Eesti Gaas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aktsiaselts Infortar (Infortar) and the German energy group EWE AG have entered into an agreement on the 31st of October 2024, under which EWE AG will sell 100% of the shares of its wholly owned subsidiary EWE Polska sp. z o.o. (EWE Polska) which operates in Poland. EWE Polska has two wholly owned subsidiaries, EWE Energia sp. z o.o. and EWE Przesył sp. z o.o. (altogether EWE Polska group).
    Chairman of the Management Board of Infortar Ain Hanschmidt:
    “Our ambition is to expand beyond the Baltic-Finnish region into Central and Western Europe, implementing our proven model and experience as a gas supplier and network operator Poland, thereby delivering the best service to consumers. The acquisition of an energy company in Poland provides us with the necessary momentum in this large and important growing gas market, while also ensuring an additional steady cash flow for the company’s shareholders.”

    The fields of activity of EWE Polska group include a natural gas distribution network in Western Poland and all business lines of energy sales (including gas and electricity sales).

    The completion of the transaction requires approval from the Polish Competition Authority (Polish: Urząd Ochrony Konkurencji i Konsumentów), as well as corporate approval by the EWE AG Supervisory Board (German: Aufsichtsrat).

    The acquisition of shares in EWE Polska constitutes a significant transaction under Nasdaq Tallinn Stock Exchange Rules and Regulations. Therefore, the Stock Exchange Release includes comprehensive information on the transaction’s circumstances and EWE Polska’s financial results.

    EWE Polska is the second-largest privately-owned network operator in Poland. The company operates a natural gas distribution network of 2,316 km in western Poland, mainly around Poznan, serving over 25,000 clients. In addition to infrastructure management, the company sells natural gas and electricity, with energy sales totaling 1.2 TWh last year.

    The aim of the transaction is to significantly expand Infortar’s energy business in the Polish market, with the impact on the Infortar’s consolidation group being adding estimated revenues of more than 100 million euros.
    The acquisition of EWE Polska group increases our market presence in this large and important growing gas market, while also ensuring steady cash flow from regulated assets to our shareholders.

          1.   Terms of payment of purchase price for the shares of EWE Polska
    The purchase price for shares of EWE Polska is 120 000 000 euros payable as monetary payment.
    The purchase price will be paid at the completion of the transaction after being adjusted based on accrued interest and occurred leakage (if any).

          2.   EWE Polska’s financial results
    EWE Polska group total revenues in year 2023 amounted to 141.1 mEUR (2022: 133.2 mEUR and 2021: 76.4 mEUR) which is 6% higher than the year before and 85% higher than in year 2021. In 2023, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) was -2.2 mEUR, compared to 15.6 mEUR in 2022 and 15.0 mEUR in 2021. In 2023, the consolidated net profit was -3.7 mEUR, compared to net profit of 10.5 m EUR and 10.0 mEUR in years 2022 and 2021 respectively.

    EWE Polska group total assets in 2023 were 170.0 mEUR (2022: 182.4 mEUR and 2021: 156.5mEUR) including total fixed assets 115.8 mEUR that is 68% from total assets (2022: 63% and 2021: 69%). Total current assets in 2023 were 54.2 mEUR, including cash and equivalents 22.9 m EUR. In 2022 respective numbers were 66.7 mEUR and 20.7 mEUR. In 2021 the numbers were 48.1 mEUR and 16.2 mEUR.

    Total Equity in 2023 was 115.5 mEUR (in 2022 total equity was 121.5 mEUR and in 2021 114.6 mEUR).
    For more detailed information, please see appendix.

    Based on the additional information provided to Infortar, there have been no adverse changes in the business operations of the EWE Polska group since the close of the 2023 financial year. Unaudited consolidated figures for the first eight months of 2024 have been presented to Infortar, showing consolidated sales of 74.6 mEUR (2023 8 months: 94.2 mEUR), an EBITDA of 15.2 mEUR (2023 8 months: 5.9 mEUR), and a net profit of 12.3 mEUR (2023 8 months: -2.6 mEUR).

          3.   Overview of the loans undertaken by EWE Polska
    EWE Polska group has no outstanding loans in its consolidated balance sheet.

          4.   The structure of shareholders of EWE Polska
    EWE Polska is 100% owned by EWE AG. Upon completion of the transaction 100% of EWE Polska shares will be acquired by Infortar’s wholly owned subsidiary AS Eesti Gaas.

          5.   Information on significant court or arbitration proceedings involving EWE Polska
    According to information provided to Infortar, the companies within the EWE Polska group are not engaged in any significant court or arbitration proceedings. While certain legal proceedings related to their regular business activities are ongoing, Infortar has grounds to believe that the outcomes of these proceedings are unlikely to have a material impact on the business activities of EWE Polska group companies.

          6.   Information on valid contracts between Infortar and EWE Polska
    Currently there are no valid contracts between Infortar and EWE Polska group.

          7.   The composition of managing bodies of EWE Polska
    The Management Board of EWE Polska currently consists of Mr. Krzysztof Noga and Ms. Agnieszka Bielewicz. The Supervisory Board has not been formed.

    The contemplated transaction is not a transaction between related parties and the members of the Supervisory Board and the Management Board of Aktsiaselts Infortar have no personal interest in the transaction in any other way.

    Aktsiaselts Infortar operates in seven countries, the company’s main fields of activity are energy, maritime transport, and real estate. Aktsiaselts Infortar owns a 68.47% stake in Aktsiaselts Tallink Grupp, a 100% stake in AS Eesti Gaas and a versatile and modern real estate portfolio of approx. 113,000 m2. In addition to the three main areas of activity, Aktsiaselts Infortar also operates in construction and mineral resources, agriculture, printing, taxi business and other areas. A total of 104 companies belong to the Aktsiaselts Infortar group: 95 subsidiaries, 4 affiliated companies and 5 subsidiaries of affiliated companies. Excluding affiliates, Aktsiaselts Infortar employs 6,625 people.

    Additional information:
    Kadri Laanvee
    Investor Relations Manager
    Phone: +372 5156662
    e-mail: kadri.laanvee@infortar.ee
    www.infortar.ee/en/investor

    Appendix Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Statements of EWE Polska group

    BALANCE SHEET      
    Amounts in millions of euros
    FX rate of 4.35 has been used for conversion    		 31.12.2021 31.12.2022 31.12.2023
    Cash and equivalents 16,2 20,7 22,9
    Derivatives 14,3 16,3 6,0
    Receivables 14,7 24,7 15,1
    Inventories 2,5 4,8 4,3
    Other current assets 0,4 0,3 6,0
    Total current assets 48,1 66,7 54,2
    Total fixed assets 108,5 115,7 115,8
    TOTAL ASSETS 156,5 182,4 170,0
           
    Trade payables 14,4 23,0 16,0
    Derivatives 8,8 9,9 7,3
    Tax Liabilities 1,3 2,1 3,4
    Advances Received 1,8 7,1 6,2
    Connection fees 0,1 0,1 0,1
    Other current liabilities 2,6 3,4 6,4
    Total current liabilities 29,0 45,6 39,5
    Derivatives 0,0 0,2 0,2
    Other non-current liabilities 1,5 3,3 2,8
    Connection fees 11,4 11,8 12,1
    Total long-term liabilities 12,9 15,3 15,1
    Total Equity 114,6 121,5 115,5
    of which share capital 105,1 104,9 105,8
    TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 156,5 182,4 170,0
    PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT    
    Amounts in millions of euros 2021 2022 2023
    Sales revenues 76,0 132,9 139,3
    Other revenues 0,4 0,3 1,7
    TOTAL REVENUES 76,4 133,2 141,1
    Cost of goods sold -55,1 -104,3 -117,4
    Staff costs -4,6 -5,7 -6,4
    Other operating costs -6,5 -7,6 -8,1
    Other costs -1,9 -1,1 -1,4
    Derivatives 6,6 1,2 -9,9
    EBITDA 15,0 15,6 -2,2
    Depreciation and Amortisation -2,5 -2,6 -3,1
    EBIT 12,5 13,0 -5,2
    Financial costs and revenues 0,1 0,5 0,7
    Income tax -2,6 -3,0 0,8
    NET PROFIT 10,0 10,5 -3,7

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: northunion.io: BaFin warns consumers about website

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The website operator is simply referred to as “NorthUnion”, and there is no information regarding its legal form. They give business addresses in Zurich, Switzerland, London, United Kingdom, Graz, Austria, and Madrid, Spain.

    BaFin has recently become aware of a number of websites with almost identical content and has also warned consumers about them. In each case, the website’s homepage displays the phrase: “Step Up Your Trading with [name of operator]“.

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

    Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    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: Celebrating our university students this Care Leavers Week

    Source: City of Plymouth

    We currently have 17 Care Leavers aged 18 to 23 who are at university. 10 of our young people are studying here in Plymouth at one of our local institutions but the rest are attending universities across the country including Bristol, Liverpool, Bath, Greenwich, Manchester and West London.

    What is it like being a care experienced university student?

    James is a 19 year old university student who is studying Economics at the University of the West of England (UWE).

    Reflecting on when he moved to university, he said: “I was very well supported by the Care Leavers team. The team paid and organised the moving van for me, which honestly helped me a lot!

    James also completed work experience at Plymouth City Council, he said: “The week helped me develop my understanding of local economic development and also presented, to me, the sheer number of functions that the council has to keep the city working.

    “Especially coming from a care leaver background, it really helps me build up my employment skills and allowed me to explore future career options, such as local government.”

    Steeve, 23, has graduated his Foundation Degree in Science in Culinary Arts Management this summer from the University of West London. Steeve has always had high educational aspirations and has worked hard to achieve this goal, in fact after graduating he has gone on to further study in this subject.

    Steeve provided some lovely feedback about his Personal Advisor: “I just wanted to say thank you to you personally and to Plymouth City Council for supporting me for years”.

    Councillor Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “It is excellent to see how many of our care experienced young people have moved on to university and higher education, I am so proud of them all and the amazing things that they are all doing.

    “We know that the journey to higher education is exciting, but it can be challenging.

    “Our staff have done an amazing job in supporting each care experienced young person.

    “I hope the achievements we are celebrating here serve as real inspiration for the younger children in our care to think as ambitiously as possible about their own futures.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City of Wolverhampton prepares to remember war dead

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The parade steps off from Wulfruna Street at 10.30am and the public are encouraged to line the route.

    Led by the Pipe Band of West Midlands Fire Service, the parade will make its way into Princes Square, right in Lichfield Street, right into Exchange Street and into St Peter’s Square.

    Once assembled in the square, the parade will be joined by civic dignitaries for an outdoor Service of Remembrance which is open to the public to watch.

    A 2 minute silence will take place at 11am before the laying of wreaths at the city’s cenotaph.

    This will be followed by a service of remembrance inside St Peter’s Church.

    Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Linda Leach, said that she hoped as many people as possible will turn out to watch and participate in this year’s event and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

    She added: “At a time when our world often feels unstable and frightening, people value our armed forces more than ever.

    “Remembrance Sunday is a way for us all to show our appreciation for those who have laid down their lives fighting for our freedom and to remember their valour and service.

    “Wolverhampton has a proud tradition of coming together on this sacred day to honour the fallen and I know that once again people will come out in their thousands to line the parade route and observe the service.

    “I will be wearing my poppy with pride and I would urge everyone to do the same and show their support for the work of the Royal British Legion.”

    The public are advised city centre road closures will be in place on the morning of November 10 to enable the parade to take place.

    Wulfruna Street will be closed from 8.30am until 11am. The rest of the parade route will be closed to all traffic from 10.30am to allow the parade to march through safely and will reopen at approximately 10.50am.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appeal to trace relatives of the late Christopher Woolley

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Christopher Woolley, who was 42, was living in the Wednesfield area of Wolverhampton and previously lived in Essington. 

    Anyone who is related to Mr Woolley or has any information which may help trace his relatives is asked to please call Protection and Funerals Officer Diane Washbrook on 07967 769826 or email her via diane.washbrook@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Industrial Fusion Solutions stands-up to deliver STEP

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The UK’s prototype fusion energy powerplant programme will be led by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd.

    Professor Sir Ian Chapman and Paul Methven – Image credit: UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd.

    In a milestone moment on the journey to deliver the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant, leadership of the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme today transitions to UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS).

    UKIFS is a wholly owned subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group and has been established to lead a public-private partnership that will design, build and operate the STEP prototype plant at the West Burton site in Nottinghamshire.

    UKAEA will continue to be STEP’s fusion partner, working alongside two industry partners – one in engineering and one in construction – to spearhead the development of a UK-led fusion industry.

    A major procurement exercise is currently underway to select STEP’s strategic, long-term industry partners, with the shortlist expected to be announced by the end of the year.

    Paul Methven, CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and Senior Responsible Owner for STEP, said: “The launch of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions demonstrates significant progress and commitment to developing fusion as a viable clean energy source, and also to creating a UK-led fusion industry.

    “STEP is a national endeavour with global impact, and we will continue to work closely with public and private sector partners to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of a revolutionary sustainable new energy source that will drive economic growth.”

    STEP aims to pave the way for the commercial viability of fusion by demonstrating net energy, fuel self-sufficiency and a viable route to plant maintenance. The programme’s holistic approach was recently published in a special edition of Royal Society Journal, Philosophical Transactions A.

    Professor Sir Ian Chapman, CEO of UKAEA Group, said: “UKIFS brings together an experienced team dedicated to translating decades of fusion research into a functioning prototype plant that will be capable of supplying low-carbon, safe, and sustainable energy to the grid.  

    “UKIFS will integrate partners in a national endeavour to build STEP as well as focussing on delivering enormous social and economic benefits to the UK, especially for the East Midlands region where the plant will be built.”

    The West Burton site in Nottinghamshire was chosen as the home for STEP due to its infrastructure, proximity to skilled workforces, and community support for innovative energy solutions.

    For the latest updates about UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and the STEP programme, visit the newly launched website step.ukaea.uk or follow social channels @STEPtoFusion.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ofsted praise for children’s services following focused visit

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Those are the findings of the recent week long focused inspection of Children’s Social Care Services by Ofsted. Inspectors Gareth Dakin and Sophie Wales looked at the city’s arrangements for children in need or subject to a child protection plan, with a primary focus on services provided to children in need.

    And they concluded that the needs of children and families ‘are understood’ and that areas of improvement identified at the previous inspection in 2022 have been advanced, with practice ‘strengthened as a result’.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “I am very proud of the fantastic work that our practitioners do, day in, day out, for vulnerable children, young people and families, and this brilliant report recognises this.

    “It is great that we had the opportunity to showcase our good practice through the focused inspection, and that Ofsted has confirmed that we are continuing to make excellent progress as we transform children’s social care services here in Wolverhampton.”

    Alison Hinds, Director of Children’s Services, added: “This is such a positive, reassuring report regarding our strong child focussed practice in the midst of what is a massive change programme in children’s social care, and I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the inspection in any way.”

    In their report published today (Friday 1 November, 2024), the inspectors found children receive an ‘effective and timely response’ when they are referred to the Children’s Assessment Team, with ‘comprehensive family help discussions and plans’ providing a clear and focused analysis of their needs.

    Thresholds are ‘well understood and consistently applied’, with most children receiving ‘a consistent and effective service’ from ‘skilled and committed practitioners who show patience, kindness and understanding’.

    Rigorous and detailed management oversight is described as a strength by inspectors, who say it ‘provides clear rationale, direction and decision making’ which ‘ensures that children do not need to wait for interventions to commence’.

    A new Family Help Service has been introduced and is ensuring that most children and their families are ‘provided with the right level and type of support at the right time’. There is ‘a strong recognition and consideration’ around the needs of children and families and, where risks and other needs are identified, these are responded to in a timely way.

    Children who present as homeless receive a ‘timely and proportionate response’, safe and appropriate accommodation, and care and support in line with their needs. When children go missing, skilled practitioners respond in a ‘proportionate and considered way’ to safeguard children and mitigate risk.

    Managers are supported by clear systems and processes, and collaborate with practitioners to ensure that ‘informed and timely decisions’ are made for children and families, with interventions appropriately escalated and de-escalated in a timely way.

    Inspectors also reported ‘strong relationships across the council and with safeguarding partners’ and a collaborative and coordinated approach to working with children and families’ which ensure that most children access ‘the right services at the right time’.

    Meanwhile, practitioners told inspectors that they ‘feel positive and proud to work for Wolverhampton’ and are having an impact on the lives of children and families. Senior leaders, managers and practitioners are ‘strengthening the practice culture in Wolverhampton so that it is shared and understood by all’ which is ‘reflected in the strength of work with children and families in Wolverhampton.’

    Ofsted will consider the findings from the focused inspection when it is planning future inspections or visits.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –