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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Participatory theatre production “Post Capitalistic Auction” allows audiences to bid for artworks in creative ways other than money (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Participatory theatre production “Post Capitalistic Auction” allows audiences to bid for artworks in creative ways other than money (with photos)
    Participatory theatre production “Post Capitalistic Auction” allows audiences to bid for artworks in creative ways other than money (with photos)
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         The Asia+ Festival, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will stage a participatory theatre production “Post Capitalistic Auction” on November 16 and 17. In this unconventional yet authentic auction created by Mainland artist Jingyi Wang and local curator Kyle Chung, audiences can bid for their favourite artworks in new ways other than money, before taking the art pieces home. The auction comes with a pre-auction showcase and fringe activities, offering audiences multiple perspectives to contemplate the value of art.      This auction is unique in that it gives endless room for imagination: Audiences can place bids not only with money but alternative “currencies” they can think of, such as barter (in either tangible or intangible terms), a career opportunity for the artist, a deep understanding of the artwork, and more. A total of eight artworks (see Annex) will be put up for bidding in two rounds of auction. Audiences will place bids online and the process will be projected onto a big screen in real time. Eight groups of artists from France, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong, China will attend in person to choose the winning bid, guided by professional advice from an expert panel.      In “Post Capitalistic Auction”, creator Wang questions if money is the only means to determine something’s value. This experiment is an attempt to explore whether changing the rules of the game can change the way people think. Curator Chung, who describes his project as an experimental performance, advises potential bidders to attend the pre-auction showcase and guided tour to learn more about the eight groups of artists and their works in advance, which may raise their chances of winning the auction.      Ever since its 2018 premiere in Bergen, “Post Capitalistic Auction” has toured Toronto and Yokohama. Previous editions have attracted many interesting bids and inspired reflections on the ecology of the art market. The upcoming Hong Kong debut is set to make waves in this city widely known as Asia’s art trading hub. Audience members who have no intention of bidding are welcome to buy tickets and join the event nonetheless.      Two rounds of auction will each feature four groups of artists, namely (November 16): Carla Chan (Hong Kong, China), Maurice Benayoun (France), Navin Rawanchaikul and daughter Mari Rawanchaikul (Thailand), and Wu Jiaru (Hong Kong, China); (November 17): Chan Wai-lap (Hong Kong, China), Leung Mee-ping (Hong Kong, China), Maryanto (Indonesia) and William Lim (Hong Kong, China).      The auction will be conducted in Cantonese, Putonghua and English, with Cantonese and English simultaneous interpretation. Each auction will be followed by a discussion session. Bidders, who must be over 18 years of age, will be asked to place bids using a smartphone or a tablet with Internet connection. During the process, bidders’ interaction with performers may be photographed, recorded or live-streamed. A vernissage will be held at 6pm on November 13 at the Hong Kong City Hall Exhibition Hall, while guided tours and an auction showcase will be held from November 14 to 18. Other fringe activities include art student roundtables and a panel discussion. For details, please refer to asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/post-capitalistic-auction.      Participatory theatre production “Post Capitalistic Auction” will be held at 8pm on November 16 and 3pm on November 17 at the Hong Kong City Hall Theatre. Free seating tickets priced at $420 and guided tour tickets at $60 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). Admission to other activities is free. For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288, or use the mobile ticketing app “URBTIX”.      The second Asia+ Festival is running from September to November, highlighting the arts and cultures of nearly 30 Asian and Belt and Road countries or regions. Apart from stage programmes, there are also thematic exhibitions, an outdoor carnival, film screenings, outreach activities and more, numbering over 100 in total. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/.

     
    Ends/Thursday, October 31, 2024Issued at HKT 17:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Islands Business publisher Samantha Magick – storyteller, risk-taker and community champion

    By Teagan Laszlo, Queensland University of Technology

    For Samantha Magick, journalism isn’t just a job. It is a lifelong commitment to storytelling, advocacy, and empowering voices often overlooked in the Pacific.

    As the managing editor and publisher at Islands Business, the Pacific Islands’ longest surviving news and business monthly magazine, Magick’s commitment to quality reporting and journalistic integrity has established her as a leading figure in the region’s news industry.

    Magick’s passion for journalism began at a young age.

    “I wanted to be a journalist when I was like 12,” Magick recalls. “When I left school, that’s all I wanted to study.”

    She remembers her family’s disapproval when she would write stories as a child, as they thought she was “sharing secrets”. Despite that early condemnation, Magick’s thriving journalism career has taken her across continents and exposed her to diverse media landscapes.

    After completing a Bachelor of Communications with a major in journalism at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, Australia, Magick began her career at Communications Fiji Limited (CFL), a prominent Fijian commercial network.

    She progressed over 11 years from a cadet to CFL’s news director.

    Guidance of first boss
    Magick attributes some of her early success to the guidance of her first boss and CFL’s founder, William Parkinson. She considers herself fortunate to have had a supportive mentor who led by example and dared to take risks early in life, such as founding a radio station in his 20s.

    After leaving CFL, Magick’s career took her across the globe, including regional Pacific non-government organisations, news publications in Hawai’i and Indonesia, and even international legal organisations in Italy.

    Magick, who is of both Fijian and Australian heritage, returned to Suva in 2018, where she began her current role as Islands Business’s managing editor.

    “I’ve chosen to make my life in Fiji because I feel more myself here,” Magick says, reflecting on her deep connection to the island nation.

    Magick’s vision for Islands Business focuses on delving into the deeper, underlying narratives often overshadowed by breaking news cycles and free, readily available news content.

    “We need to be able to demonstrate the value of investigation, big picture reporting rather than the day-to-day stuff,” Magick says.

    Magick prides herself on creating a diverse and inclusive newsroom that reflects the communities it serves.

    Need for diverse newsroom
    “You have to have a diverse newsroom,” she emphasises, recognising the importance of amplifying marginalised voices. “For example, there is a conscious effort to make sure our magazine is not full of photos of men shaking hands with other men.”

    Magick also believes journalists have a responsibility to advocate for change, as demonstrated by Islands Business’s dedication to tackling pressing issues from climate change to media freedom.

    “Why would I give a climate change denier space?” Magick questions when discussing the need to balance objectivity and advocacy. “Because it’s kind of going to sell magazines? Because it’s going to create a bit of a stir online? That’s not something we believe in.”

    Despite her success, Magick’s career has not been without challenges. Magick worked through Fiji’s former draconian media restriction laws under the Media Industry Development Act 2010, while also navigating the shift to digital media.

    Islands Business managing editor Samantha Magick (right) with Fiji Times reporter Rakesh Kumar and chief editor Fred Wesley (centre) celebrating the repeal of the draconian Fiji media law last year . . . ““Why would I give a climate change denier space?” Image: Lydia Lewis/RNZ Pacific

    Magick emphasises the need to constantly upskill and re-evaluate strategies to ensure she and Islands Business can effectively navigate the constantly evolving media landscape.

    From learning to capitalise on social media analytics to locating reputable information sources when many of them feared to speak to the journalists due to the risk of legal retribution, Magick believes flexibility and perseverance are crucial to staying ahead in media.

    In her early career, Magick also faced sexism and misogyny in the media industry. “When I think back about the way I was treated as a young journalist, I feel sick,” Magick says as she reflects on how she and her female colleagues would warn each other against interviewing certain sources alone.

    Supporting aspiring journalists
    The challenges Magick has faced undoubtably contribute to her dedication to supporting aspiring journalists, as evident through Kite Pareti’s journey. Starting as a freelance writer with no newswriting experience in March 2022, Pareti has since progressed to one of two full-time reporters at Islands Business.

    Pareti expresses gratitude for the opportunities she’s had while working at Islands Business, and for the mentorship of Magick, whom she describes as “family”.

    “Samantha took a chance on me when I had zero knowledge on news writing,” Pareti says. “So I’m grateful to God for her life and for allowing me to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

    Magick reciprocates this sentiment. “Recently, I am inspired by some of our younger reporters in the field, and their ability to embrace and leverage technology — they’re teaching me.”

    Magick anticipates an exciting period ahead for Islands Business, as she aims to attract a younger, professionally driven, and regionally focused audience to their platforms.

    When asked about her aspirations for journalism in the region, Magick says she hopes to see a future where Pacific voices remain at the centre, “telling their own stories in all their diversities”.

    Teagan Laszlo was a student journalist from the Queensland University of Technology who travelled to Fiji with the support of the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan Mobility Programme. This article is published in a partnership of QUT with Asia Pacific Report, Asia Pacific Media Network (APMN) and The University of the South Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Strathmartine Community Clean-Up

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A Strathmartine Community Clean-Up has taken place this week as part of the Take Pride in Your City campaign.

    The initiative is part of the Dundee-wide environmental effort to make a positive difference to all city neighbourhoods, parks and open areas.

    The Community Clean-Up took place in the areas around Balgowan Avenue and Beauly Square where additional works were carried out by Council staff including the removal of litter and debris, strimming, general tidying of communal areas where required as well as sweeping to path & street areas.

    Climate, Environment & Biodiversity Convener Cllr Heather Anderson said: “There is a wide variety of great work taking place in the city through the Take Pride umbrella.

    “The Community Clean-Ups have proven to be a successful addition where additional environmental work is carried out and residents can also make use of skips to dispose of their waste appropriately.

    “Council employees have listened to direct feedback from local residents in areas throughout the city to improve the condition and appearance of neighbourhoods.”

    The Community Clean-Up initiative has taken place in several areas throughout the city with further Clean-Ups planned to take place in the future as well.

    Information about upcoming Community Clean-Ups is communicated directly with residents in the areas prior to taking place.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK approves use of export finance to secure critical minerals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 4

    UK Export Finance can now provide financial support for overseas projects that source critical minerals for use in major UK industries.

    Lithium, an example of a critical mineral

    • Chancellor announces availability of export credit financing to help British industries access a stable, long-term supply of critical minerals. 

    • There is high global demand for critical minerals which are increasingly vital to long-term industrial growth, emerging technology and the net zero transition. 

    The Chancellor has announced that UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government’s export credit agency, will offer financial support for overseas projects that supply critical minerals fuelling UK industrial growth and the net zero transition.  

    By securing contracts which increase and diversify UK access to critical minerals, this will help the UK to build economic resilience and lower the risk of supply-chain disruption in major industries like automotive, defence and aerospace. 

    ‘Critical minerals’ are raw materials like lithium, graphite and cobalt which are essential to the UK’s largest exporting sectors. They are used in range of emerging and sustainable technologies like electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines. 

    Financing will be offered in the form of credit guarantees to overseas companies, helping them access debt financing for projects which supply UK exporters with critical mineral products – including both raw and processed materials.  

    It is expected that UKEF will work with other ECAs and public financial institutions to finance eligible projects and support investment into new supply routes.   

    This would make it easier for UK manufacturers to secure contracts with critical mineral suppliers in countries with vast mineral deposits, including Australia, which holds large deposits of lithium.  

    Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, said: 

    There is intense global competition for critical minerals like lithium, tin and cobalt which are essential for industrial growth, British industries and our journey towards net zero. 

    As the energy transition pushes demand to new highs, this financing offer will help UK companies to get a seat at the table, build international partnerships and secure their critical mineral needs.  

    Helping exporters to access these vital resources will support UK industrial growth and our leadership in emerging technology.

    Kirsty Benham, Chief Executive Officer, Critical Minerals Association (UK), said:  

    We welcome the new export finance offering for critical minerals, which supports UK manufacturers and supply chain security. The offer demonstrates the importance of critical minerals to UK Government, and showcases the UK’s strengths as a serious buyer of these strategically important materials.  

    We look forward to working closely with UKEF and supporting the development of this offer into secure, resilient, responsible critical mineral supply chains for the UK and MSP partners.

    Sean Sargent, Chief Executive Officer, Green Lithium, added: 

    Green Lithium’s refinery in Teesside will be a future importer of critical raw materials and, following processing, a UK exporter of battery chemicals. This new export finance offering from UKEF is precisely the sort of initiative that will help UK businesses strengthen relationships with international partners and contribute to the development of stronger international supply chains, while also supporting critical minerals industrial development in the UK.  

    It is a welcome development from the UK Government, and a facility that will be of interest to several of our international supply chain partners.

    The UK government is a founding member of the US-initiated Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), which aims to help member economies secure a stable access to critical minerals. 

    Today’s announcement follows the recent launch of an MSP finance network, in which UKEF is working with other export credit agencies and financial bodies to help de-risk and increase financing for critical minerals projects.  

    UKEF has also used its existing products to support UK capability in critical minerals production. It recently announced a guarantee supporting machinery exports to one of Central Asia’s largest copper-production facilities.

    Contact

    Media enquiries:

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SED attends China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education in Beijing (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SED attends China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education in Beijing (with photo)
    SED attends China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education in Beijing (with photo)
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         The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, today (October 31) attended the 25th China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education (CACIE) in Beijing to share Hong Kong’s experiences in promoting internationalisation and diversification of higher education, and promote the “Study in Hong Kong” Brand.           CACIE is a high-level and comprehensive platform for global educators to engage in dialogue and practical co-operation. Under the theme “Education for All, the Unknown and the Future”, this year’s Conference aims to forge a consensus on global education development and reform. Thousands of people from different countries and regions attended.           In her keynote speech at the plenary session of CACIE on Hong Kong’s efforts in promoting internationalisation and diversification in the higher education sector, Dr Choi said that Hong Kong has five universities funded by the University Grants Committee which are ranked among the world’s top 100. Coupled with a sound education infrastructure, outstanding research talent and strong research capabilities, Hong Kong’s reputable brand name of quality education is widely recognised and acknowledged both locally and globally.           “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” announced the establishment of the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents to take forward the work of invigorating the country through science and education, and accelerate the building of an innovative talent pool. At the same time, the Government launched a number of key initiatives, including supporting capacity expansion and quality enhancement of local institutions; stepping up overseas publicity to attract more non-local students to study in Hong Kong; strengthening collaboration with universities from all over the world to broaden students’ international horizons; promoting synergistic development of higher education in Hong Kong and on the Mainland to complement each other’s strengths; and nurturing cross-disciplinary talent, and pressing ahead with the development of universities of applied sciences to create multiple pathways for young people.           She said that the Government has been actively supporting the establishment of alliances between higher education institutions in Hong Kong and on the Mainland to gather high-quality teaching and research resources, and to achieve mutual benefits through deepening co-operation among member institutions in areas such as scientific innovation and talent exchanges, thereby enhancing the level and standard of regional co-operation, and developments on different fronts.           During the Conference, Dr Choi exchanged views on the latest trends and developments in global education with other guests, including Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress Mr Ding Zhongli; the Governor of Victoria, Australia, Professor Margaret Gardner; Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovations of Uzbekistan Mr Otabek Mahkamov; the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of International Education in the United States, Dr Allan Goodman; and the Ambassador of France to China, Mr Bertrand Lortholary.           In addition, Dr Choi met representatives of Hong Kong post-secondary education institutions participating in the Expo to learn about the promotional efforts of publicly funded and self-financing institutions in expanding their international network and recruiting students from around the world to study in Hong Kong.???           Dr Choi will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon.

     
    Ends/Thursday, October 31, 2024Issued at HKT 17:43

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More than 400,000 customers use SLC’s digital refund service in first six months

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Student Loans Company improves online customer experience with introduction of new digital refund service.

    A new digital refund service has been used by 418,000 customers in the first six months. As it continues to improve its customer experience, and in response to customer feedback, in May 2024, SLC introduced a new service into the online account for repayment customers.

    The simple, digital service is an easy way for customers to self-serve, requesting a below threshold refund, which is then paid directly into their bank account.

    The figure has been announced today (31 October 2024) as SLC’s issues a new statistical publication – Student loan repayments via PAYE eligible for refund – Tax Year 2023/24. The ad hoc statistical release provides more information on the total number of customers who have made repayments under the four refund scenarios, the total amount repaid, as well as the total refunds provided to customers in 23/24 tax year.

    Under the Education (Student Loans) (Repayment) Regulations, there are four refund scenarios, which the publication covers. These are:

    · Below Threshold Refunds – a correct repayment may be taken if a customer’s earnings are above the pay period threshold (e.g. due to overtime or bonus) but their total income for the year is below the annual threshold. SLC must wait until HMRC provides the customer’s annual earnings information at the end of the tax year, before a refund can be provided to eligible customers.

    · Over-repayment refunds – when a customer had paid off their loan, but an additional repayment is taken, due to the timing of pay dates and the request to stop deductions being processed at the employer side. If SLC has up-to-date bank details, a refund will be paid automatically to the customer.

    · Early repayment refunds – a customer has a repayment taken before they are required to begin repaying (a statutory date that generally occurs in April after they finish or leave their course and commence employment).

    · Wrong plan type refunds – the employer places the customer on the wrong plan type for their loan.

    Since May, £61.6m has been successfully refunded to 248,000 customers, in the below threshold refund scenario, as a result of the new refund service. To support the introduction of the new service, SLC has proactively contacted customers who are eligible for a below threshold refund* in the 23/24 tax year. From the almost 700,000 customers that have been contacted (by the end of October 2024), 75% of customers have opened the email and a third have requested a refund, after considering their own personal and financial circumstances.

    Annual earnings information is received from HMRC throughout the year, and SLC will continue to proactively communicate with customers as eligible refunds are identified.

    SLC cannot provide financial advice, and customers are urged to consider their own personal circumstances before requesting a refund. Any refund provided will be added back onto the customer’s student loan balance.

    Steven Darling, Customer Experience Director, at SLC, said: “At SLC, we want to provide the best possible customer experience, and from the feedback we receive from customers, they want to be able to self-serve in their online account.

    “With a below threshold refund being the most common reason why a customer might be eligible for a refund, we’ve made it quick and easy to request a refund through the online account. The figures in our latest report demonstrate the value of these improvements, with £61.6m being paid to 248,000 customers since May 2024.

    “I would encourage customers to keep their contact and bank details up to date in their online account to ensure they don’t miss any key communication regarding refunds.”

    Customers can read all of SLC’s guidance and refund information here, which also includes a step by step video guide of how to request a refund through their online account.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Overspeed near Manor Park

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Overspeeding of a passenger train near to Manor Park station, east London, 24 September 2024.

    FFCCTV image showing the points where the overspeeding occurred (courtesy of MTREL).

    At around 08:11 on 24 September 2024, a passenger train passed over a set of points east of Manor Park station at a speed of 45 mph (72 km/h). This was above the permitted maximum speed for these points of 25 mph (40 km/h). Passing over the points at this speed caused the train to jolt sideways.

    Although there were no reported injuries, the sudden movement of the train resulted in some passengers losing their footing and at least one passenger falling to the floor. The train did not derail during the incident and no damage was caused to the infrastructure or to the vehicles involved.

    We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Anniversary Statement: ATR 72-212 A, G-CMJM

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Right nosewheel detached on takeoff, Edinburgh Airport, 31 October 2023

    This statement provides an update on the AAIB investigation into an accident to ATR 72-212 A, G-CMJM, at Edinburgh Airport, on 31 October 2023.

    While taking off from Edinburgh Airport, the right nose landing gear wheel detached from the aircraft.  The flight continued to its destination without any abnormal indications or adverse aircraft performance, and the missing wheel was only noticed as the aircraft taxied onto stand after landing.

    The investigation into this event is nearing completion and a final report will be issued in due course.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: WTW Reports Third Quarter 2024 Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Revenue1 increased 6% to $2.3 billion for the quarter with organic growth of 6% for the quarter
    • Diluted Loss2 per Share was $16.44 for the quarter
    • Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share were $2.93 for the quarter, up 31% from prior year
    • Operating Margin2 was (33.5)% for the quarter
    • Adjusted Operating Margin was 18.1% for the quarter, up 190 basis points from prior year

    LONDON, Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WTW (NASDAQ: WTW) (the “Company”), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

    “We had another strong quarter fueled by revenue growth, operating leverage and the success of our Transformation program. Our revenue growth of 6% for the quarter is evidence that our value proposition is continuing to resonate in the market and that our investments in talent and technology are succeeding. We are also making ongoing progress on our commitment to improve cash flow. Given our strong performance and momentum, we are entering the fourth quarter with confidence in our ability to deliver on our targets for the year and drive sustainable, profitable growth going forward.”

    Consolidated Results

    As reported, USD millions, except %

    Key Metrics Q3-24 Q3-23 Y/Y Change
    Revenue1 $2,289 $2,166 Reported 6% | CC 6% | Organic 6%
    (Loss)/Income from Operations2 $(766) $159 NM
    Operating Margin2 % (33.5)% 7.3% NM
    Adjusted Operating Income $414 $351 18%
    Adjusted Operating Margin % 18.1% 16.2% 190 bps
    Net (Loss)/Income2 $(1,672) $139 NM
    Adjusted Net Income $299 $236 27%
    Diluted EPS2 $(16.44) $1.29 NM
    Adjusted Diluted EPS $2.93 $2.24 31%
    1 The revenue amounts included in this release are presented on a U.S. GAAP basis except where stated otherwise. This excludes reinsurance revenue which is reported in discontinued operations. The segment discussion is on an organic basis.
    2 Loss from Operations, Operating Margin, Net Loss and Diluted EPS for the third quarter of 2024 include pre-tax non-cash losses and impairment charges of over $1.0 billion each related to the pending sale of TRANZACT.
    NM Not meaningful.

    Revenue was $2.29 billion for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 6% as compared to $2.17 billion for the same period in the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, revenue increased 6%. On an organic basis, revenue increased 6%. See Supplemental Segment Information for additional detail on book-of-business settlements and interest income included in revenue.

    Net Loss for the third quarter of 2024 was $1.67 billion compared to Net Income of $139 million in the prior-year third quarter. Loss from Operations, Operating Margin, Net Loss and Diluted EPS for the third quarter of 2024 include pre-tax non-cash losses and impairment charges of over $1.0 billion each related to the pending sale of TRANZACT. Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $501 million, or 21.9% of revenue, an increase of 15%, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $436 million, or 20.1% of revenue, in the prior-year third quarter. The U.S. GAAP tax rate for the third quarter was 16.1%, and the adjusted income tax rate for the third quarter used in calculating adjusted diluted earnings per share was 19.7%.

    Cash Flow and Capital Allocation

    Cash flows from operating activities were $913 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $823 million for the prior year. Free cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $807 million and $707 million, respectively, an increase of $100 million, primarily driven by operating margin expansion, partially offset by cash outflows related to transformation and discretionary compensation payments. During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company repurchased $205 million of WTW outstanding shares.

    Third Quarter 2024 Segment Highlights

    Health, Wealth & Career (“HWC”)

    As reported, USD millions, except %

    Health, Wealth & Career Q3-24 Q3-23 Y/Y Change
    Total Revenue $1,328 $1,282 Reported 4% | CC 3% | Organic 4%
    Operating Income $329 $305 8%
    Operating Margin % 24.7% 23.8% 90 bps

    The HWC segment had revenue of $1.33 billion in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 4% (3% increase constant currency and 4% organic) from $1.28 billion in the prior year. Health had organic revenue growth driven by strong client retention, new local appointments and the continued expansion of our Global Benefits Management client portfolio in International and Europe, along with increased brokerage income in North America. Wealth generated organic revenue growth from higher levels of Retirement work in Europe, an increase in our Investments business due to capital market improvements and growth from our LifeSight solution. Career had organic revenue growth from increased compensation survey sales and advisory services in Work & Rewards and product revenue in Employee Experience. Benefits Delivery & Outsourcing (BD&O) had an organic revenue decline for the quarter primarily as a result of deliberately moderating growth in Individual Marketplace and a stronger comparable in Outsourcing.

    Operating margins in the HWC segment increased 90 basis points from the prior-year third quarter to 24.7%, primarily from Transformation savings. Please refer to the Supplemental Slides for TRANZACT’s standalone historical financial results.

    Risk & Broking (“R&B”)

    As reported, USD millions, except %

    Risk & Broking Q3-24 Q3-23 Y/Y Change
    Total Revenue $940 $855 Reported 10% | CC 10% | Organic 10%
    Operating Income $170 $134 27%
    Operating Margin % 18.1% 15.7% 240 bps

    The R&B segment had revenue of $940 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 10% (10% increase constant currency and organic) from $855 million in the prior year. Corporate Risk & Broking (CRB) had organic revenue growth driven by higher levels of new business activity and strong client retention. Insurance Consulting and Technology (ICT) had organic revenue growth for the quarter primarily due to strong software sales in Technology, partially offset by tempered demand for discretionary services in Consulting.

    Operating margins in the R&B segment increased 240 basis points from the prior-year third quarter to 18.1%, primarily due to operating leverage driven by organic revenue growth and disciplined expense management, as well as Transformation savings.

    2024 Outlook

    Based on current and anticipated market conditions, the Company’s full-year targets for 2024, consistent with those targets that have been previously provided, are as follows. Refer to the Supplemental Slides for additional detail.

    • Expect to deliver revenue of $9.9 billion or greater and mid-single digit organic revenue growth for the full year 2024
    • Expect to deliver adjusted operating margin of 23.0% – 23.5% for the full year 2024
    • Expect to deliver adjusted diluted earnings per share of $16.00 – $17.00 for the full year 2024
    • Expect approximately $88 million in non-cash pension income for the full year 2024
    • Expect a foreign currency headwind on adjusted earnings per share of approximately $0.06 for the full year 2024 at today’s rates, down from $0.10 previously
    • Expect to deliver approximately $450 million of cumulative run-rate savings from the Transformation program by the end of 2024 with total program costs of $1.175 billion.

    Outlook includes Non-GAAP financial measures. We do not reconcile forward-looking Non-GAAP measures for reasons explained below.

    In addition, WTW will host an Investor Day on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 beginning at approximately 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A live webcast presentation will be available at www.wtwco.com and a replay of the webcast will be available on the Company’s website following the event.

    Conference Call

    The Company will host a live webcast and conference call to discuss the financial results for the third quarter 2024. It will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2024, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A live broadcast of the conference call will be available on WTW’s website here. The conference call will include a question-and-answer session. To participate in the question-and-answer session, please register here. An online replay will be available at www.wtwco.com shortly after the call concludes.

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance. Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at www.wtwco.com.

    WTW Non-GAAP Measures

    In order to assist readers of our consolidated financial statements in understanding the core operating results that WTW’s management uses to evaluate the business and for financial planning, we present the following non-GAAP measures: (1) Constant Currency Change, (2) Organic Change, (3) Adjusted Operating Income/Margin, (4) Adjusted EBITDA/Margin, (5) Adjusted Net Income, (6) Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share, (7) Adjusted Income Before Taxes, (8) Adjusted Income Taxes/Tax Rate, (9) Free Cash Flow and (10) Free Cash Flow Margin.

    We believe that those measures are relevant and provide pertinent information widely used by analysts, investors and other interested parties in our industry to provide a baseline for evaluating and comparing our operating performance, and in the case of free cash flow, our liquidity results.

    Within the measures referred to as ‘adjusted’, we adjust for significant items which will not be settled in cash, or which we believe to be items that are not core to our current or future operations. Some of these items may not be applicable for the current quarter, however they may be part of our full-year results. Additionally, we have historically adjusted for certain items which are not described below, but for which we may adjust in a future period when applicable. Items applicable to the quarter or full year results, or the comparable periods, include the following:

    • Restructuring costs and transaction and transformation – Management believes it is appropriate to adjust for restructuring costs and transaction and transformation when they relate to a specific significant program with a defined set of activities and costs that are not expected to continue beyond a defined period of time, or significant acquisition-related transaction expenses. We believe the adjustment is necessary to present how the Company is performing, both now and in the future when the incurrence of these costs will have concluded.
    • Impairment – Adjustment to remove the non-cash goodwill impairment associated with our Benefits, Delivery and Administration reporting unit related to the pending divestiture of our TRANZACT business.
    • Provisions for specified litigation matters – We will include provisions for litigation matters which we believe are not representative of our core business operations. Among other things, we determine this by reference to the amount of the loss (net of insurance and other recovery receivables) and by reference to whether the matter relates to an unusual and complex scenario that is not expected to be repeated as part of our ongoing, ordinary business. These amounts are presented net of insurance and other recovery receivables. See the footnotes to the respective reconciliation tables below for more specificity on the litigation matter excluded from adjusted results.
    • Gains and losses on disposals of operations – Adjustment to remove the gains or losses resulting from disposed operations that have not been classified as discontinued operations.
    • Tax effect of significant adjustments – Relates to the incremental tax expense or benefit resulting from significant or unusual events including significant statutory tax rate changes enacted in material jurisdictions in which we operate, internal reorganizations of ownership of certain businesses that reduced the investment held by our U.S.-controlled subsidiaries and the recovery of certain refunds or payment of taxes related to businesses in which we no longer participate.

    We evaluate our revenue on an as reported (U.S. GAAP), constant currency and organic basis. We believe presenting constant currency and organic information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our comparable results, consistent with how we evaluate our performance internally.

    We consider Constant Currency Change, Organic Change, Adjusted Operating Income/Margin, Adjusted EBITDA/Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share, Adjusted Income Before Taxes, Adjusted Income Taxes/Tax Rate and Free Cash Flow to be important financial measures, which are used to internally evaluate and assess our core operations and to benchmark our operating and liquidity results against our competitors. These non-GAAP measures are important in illustrating what our comparable operating and liquidity results would have been had we not incurred transaction-related and non-recurring items. Reconciliations of these measures are included in the accompanying tables with the following exception: The Company does not reconcile its forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, due to variability and difficulty in making accurate forecasts and projections and/or certain information not being ascertainable or accessible; and because not all of the information, such as foreign currency impacts necessary for a quantitative reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is available to the Company without unreasonable efforts. For the same reasons, the Company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information. The Company provides non-GAAP financial measures that it believes will be achieved, however it cannot accurately predict all of the components of the adjusted calculations and the U.S. GAAP measures may be materially different than the non-GAAP measures.

    Our non-GAAP measures and their accompanying definitions are presented as follows:

    Constant Currency Change – Represents the year-over-year change in revenue excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. To calculate this impact, the prior year local currency results are first translated using the current year monthly average exchange rates. The change is calculated by comparing the prior year revenue, translated at the current year monthly average exchange rates, to the current year as reported revenue, for the same period. We believe constant currency measures provide useful information to investors because they provide transparency to performance by excluding the effects that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on period-over-period comparability given volatility in foreign currency exchange markets.

    Organic Change – Excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, as described above and the period-over-period impact of acquisitions and divestitures on current-year revenue. We believe that excluding transaction-related items from our U.S. GAAP financial measures provides useful supplemental information to our investors, and it is important in illustrating what our core operating results would have been had we not included these transaction-related items, since the nature, size and number of these transaction-related items can vary from period to period.

    Adjusted Operating Income/Margin – (Loss)/Income from operations adjusted for impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results. Adjusted operating income margin is calculated by dividing adjusted operating income by revenue. We consider adjusted operating income/margin to be important financial measures, which are used internally to evaluate and assess our core operations and to benchmark our operating results against our competitors.

    Adjusted EBITDA/Margin – Net (Loss)/Income adjusted for provision for income taxes, interest expense, impairment, depreciation and amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated by dividing adjusted EBITDA by revenue. We consider adjusted EBITDA/margin to be important financial measures, which are used internally to evaluate and assess our core operations, to benchmark our operating results against our competitors and to evaluate and measure our performance-based compensation plans.

    Adjusted Net Income – Net (Loss)/Income Attributable to WTW adjusted for impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results and the related tax effect of those adjustments and the tax effects of internal reorganizations. This measure is used solely for the purpose of calculating adjusted diluted earnings per share.

    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share – Adjusted Net Income divided by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares, diluted. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is used to internally evaluate and assess our core operations and to benchmark our operating results against our competitors.

    Adjusted Income Before Taxes – (Loss)/Income from operations before income taxes adjusted for impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results. Adjusted income before taxes is used solely for the purpose of calculating the adjusted income tax rate.

    Adjusted Income Taxes/Tax Rate – Benefit from/(provision for) income taxes adjusted for taxes on certain items of impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations, the tax effects of internal reorganizations, and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results, divided by adjusted income before taxes. Adjusted income taxes is used solely for the purpose of calculating the adjusted income tax rate. Management believes that the adjusted income tax rate presents a rate that is more closely aligned to the rate that we would incur if not for the reduction of pre-tax income for the adjusted items and the tax effects of internal reorganizations, which are not core to our current and future operations.

    Free Cash Flow – Cash flows from operating activities less cash used to purchase fixed assets and software for internal use. Free Cash Flow is a liquidity measure and is not meant to represent residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. Management believes that free cash flow presents the core operating performance and cash-generating capabilities of our business operations.

    Free Cash Flow Margin – Free Cash Flow as a percentage of revenue, which represents how much of revenue would be realized on a cash basis. We consider this measure to be a meaningful metric for tracking cash conversion on a year-over-year basis due to the non-cash nature of our pension income, which is included in our GAAP and Non-GAAP earnings metrics presented herein.

    These non-GAAP measures are not defined in the same manner by all companies and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the information contained within our condensed consolidated financial statements.

    WTW Forward-Looking Statements

    This document contains ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events, or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as our outlook, plans and references to future performance, including our future financial and operating results (including our revenue, costs, or margins), short-term and long-term financial goals, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, including with respect to organic revenue growth, free cash flow generation, adjusted net revenue, adjusted operating margin and adjusted earnings per share; future share repurchases; demand for our services and competitive strengths; strategic goals; existing and evolving business strategies including those related to acquisition and disposition activity; the benefits of new initiatives; the growth of our business and operations; the sustained health of our product, service, transaction, client, and talent assessment and management pipelines; our ability to successfully manage ongoing leadership, organizational, and technology changes, including investments in improving systems and processes; our ability to implement and realize anticipated benefits of any cost-savings initiatives including our multi-year operational transformation program; the potential impact of natural or man-made disasters like health pandemics and other world health crises; future capital expenditures; ongoing working capital efforts; the impact of changes to tax laws on our financial results; and our recognition of future impairment charges or write-off of receivables, are forward-looking statements. Also, when we use words such as ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘plan’, ‘continues’, ‘seek’, ‘target’, ‘goal’, ‘focus’, ‘probably’, or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking disclosure is speculative by its nature.

    There are important risks, uncertainties, events and factors that could cause our actual results or performance to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained in this document, including the following: our ability to successfully establish, execute and achieve our global business strategy as it evolves; our ability to fully realize the anticipated benefits of our growth strategy, including inorganic growth through acquisitions; our ability to make divestitures, including the pending sale of our TRANZACT business (inclusive of all the legal entities that comprise such business), or acquisitions, including our ability to integrate or manage acquired businesses or de-integrate businesses to be disposed, as well as our ability to identify and successfully execute on opportunities for strategic collaboration; our ability to consummate the pending sale of TRANZACT, and related incremental risks associated therewith including our ability to obtain approval (or for applicable waiting periods to expire) under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976; our ability to successfully manage ongoing organizational changes, including as part of our multi-year operational transformation program, investments in improving systems and processes, and in connection with our acquisition and divestiture activities, including the pending sale of TRANZACT, and related to changes in leadership in any of our businesses; risks relating to changes in our management structures and in senior leadership; our ability to achieve our short-term and long-term financial goals, such as with respect to our cash flow generation, and the timing with respect to such achievement; the risks related to changes in general economic conditions, business and political conditions, changes in the financial markets, inflation, credit availability, increased interest rates and changes in trade policies; the risks to our short-term and long-term financial goals from any of the risks or uncertainties set forth herein; the risks relating to the adverse impacts of macroeconomic trends, including inflation, changes in interest rates and trade policies, as well as political events, war, such as the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts, and other international disputes, terrorism, natural disasters, public health issues and other business interruptions on the global economy and capital markets, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and long-term goals; our ability to successfully hedge against fluctuations in foreign currency rates; the risks relating to the adverse impacts of natural or man-made disasters such as health pandemics and other world health crises on the demand for our products and services, our cash flows and our business operations; material interruptions to or loss of our information processing capabilities, or failure to effectively maintain and upgrade our information technology resources and systems and related risks of cybersecurity breaches or incidents; our ability to comply with complex and evolving regulations related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence; the risks relating to the transitional arrangements in effect subsequent to our previously-completed sale of Willis Re to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.; significant competition that we face and the potential for loss of market share and/or profitability; the impact of seasonality and differences in timing of renewals and non-recurring revenue increases from disposals and book-of-business sales; the insufficiency of client data protection, potential breaches of information systems or insufficient safeguards against cybersecurity breaches or incidents; the risk of increased liability or new legal claims arising from our new and existing products and services, and expectations, intentions and outcomes relating to outstanding litigation; the risk of substantial negative outcomes on existing litigation or investigation matters; changes in the regulatory environment in which we operate, including, among other risks, the impacts of pending competition law and regulatory investigations; various claims, government inquiries or investigations or the potential for regulatory action; our ability to integrate direct-to-consumer sales and marketing solutions with our existing offerings and solutions; disasters or business continuity problems; our ability to successfully enhance our billing, collection and other working capital efforts, and thereby increase our free cash flow; our ability to properly identify and manage conflicts of interest; reputational damage, including from association with third parties; reliance on third-party service providers and suppliers; the loss of key employees or a large number of employees and rehiring rates; our ability to maintain our corporate culture; doing business internationally, including the impact of foreign currency exchange rates; compliance with extensive government regulation; the risk of sanctions imposed by governments, or changes to associated sanction regulations (such as sanctions imposed on Russia) and related counter-sanctions; our ability to effectively apply technology, data and analytics changes for internal operations, maintaining industry standards and meeting client preferences; changes and developments in the insurance industry or the U.S. healthcare system, including those related to Medicare, any legislative actions from the current U.S. Congress, the recent Final Rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for contract year 2025 and any judicial claims, rulings and appeals related thereto, and any other changes and developments in legal, regulatory, economic, business or operational conditions that could impact our Medicare benefits businesses such as TRANZACT; the inability to protect our intellectual property rights, or the potential infringement upon the intellectual property rights of others; fluctuations in our pension assets and liabilities and related changes in pension income, including as a result of, related to, or derived from movements in the interest rate environment, investment returns, inflation, or changes in other assumptions that are used to estimate our benefit obligations and their effect on adjusted earnings per share; our capital structure, including indebtedness amounts, the limitations imposed by the covenants in the documents governing such indebtedness and the maintenance of the financial and disclosure controls and procedures of each; our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all; adverse changes in our credit ratings; the impact of recent or potential changes to U.S. or foreign laws, and the enactment of additional, or the revision of existing, state, federal, and/or foreign laws and regulations, recent judicial decisions and development of case law, other regulations and any policy changes and legislative actions, including those that may impose additional excise taxes or impact our effective tax rate; U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. persons owning at least 10% of our shares; changes in accounting principles, estimates or assumptions; our recognition of non-cash pre-tax losses and related impairment charges in connection with our pending sale of TRANZACT and other future impairment charges or write-offs of receivables; risks relating to or arising from environmental, social and governance practices; fluctuation in revenue against our relatively fixed or higher than expected expenses; the risk that investment levels, including cash spending, to achieve additional expected savings under our multi-year operational transformation program; the laws of Ireland being different from the laws of the U.S. and potentially affording less protections to the holders of our securities; and our holding company structure potentially preventing us from being able to receive dividends or other distributions in needed amounts from our subsidiaries.

    The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and new factors may emerge from time to time that could also affect actual performance and results. For more information, please see Part I, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and our subsequent filings with the SEC. Copies are available online at www.sec.gov or www.wtwco.com.

    Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and therefore also the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could themselves prove to be inaccurate. Given the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this document, our inclusion of this information is not a representation or guarantee by us that our objectives and plans will be achieved.

    Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we will not update these forward-looking statements unless the securities laws require us to do so. With regard to these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this document may not occur, and we caution you against unduly relying on these forward-looking statements.

    Contact

    INVESTORS

    Claudia De La Hoz | Claudia.Delahoz@wtwco.com

    WTW
    Supplemental Segment Information
    (In millions of U.S. dollars)
    (Unaudited)
    REVENUE    
                  Components of Revenue Change(i)
                        Less:       Less:    
        Three Months Ended
     September 30,    		     As Reported   Currency   Constant Currency   Acquisitions/   Organic
        2024     2023     % Change   Impact   Change   Divestitures   Change
                                     
    Health, Wealth & Career                                
    Revenue excluding interest income   $ 1,320     $ 1,275     4 %   0 %   3 %   0 %   4 %
    Interest income     8       7                      
    Total     1,328       1,282     4 %   0 %   3 %   0 %   4 %
                                     
    Risk & Broking                                
    Revenue excluding interest income   $ 911     $ 830     10 %   0 %   10 %   0 %   10 %
    Interest income     29       25                      
    Total     940       855     10 %   0 %   10 %   0 %   10 %
                                     
    Segment Revenue   $ 2,268     $ 2,137     6 %   0 %   6 %   0 %   6 %
    Reimbursable expenses and other     15       22                      
    Interest income     6       7                      
    Revenue   $ 2,289     $ 2,166     6 %   0 %   6 %   0 %   6%(ii)  
                  Components of Revenue Change(i)
                        Less:       Less:    
        Nine Months Ended September 30,     As Reported   Currency   Constant Currency   Acquisitions/   Organic
        2024     2023     % Change   Impact   Change   Divestitures   Change
                                     
    Health, Wealth & Career                                
    Revenue excluding interest income   $ 3,898     $ 3,766     4 %   0 %   4 %   0 %   4 %
    Interest income     26       18                      
    Total     3,924       3,784     4 %   0 %   4 %   0 %   4 %
                                     
    Risk & Broking                                
    Revenue excluding interest income   $ 2,811     $ 2,607     8 %   0 %   8 %   0 %   8 %
    Interest income     86       52                      
    Total     2,897       2,659     9 %   0 %   9 %   0 %   9 %
                                     
    Segment Revenue   $ 6,821     $ 6,443     6 %   0 %   6 %   0 %   6 %
    Reimbursable expenses and other     56       90                      
    Interest income     18       36                      
    Revenue   $ 6,895     $ 6,569     5 %   0 %   5 %   0 %   5%(ii)  

    (i)  Components of revenue change may not add due to rounding.
    (ii)  Interest income did not contribute to organic change for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

    BOOK-OF-BUSINESS SETTLEMENTS AND INTEREST INCOME

        Three Months Ended September 30,  
        HWC     R&B     Corporate     Total  
        2024     2023     2024     2023     2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Book-of-business settlements   $ 3     $ —     $ 4     $ 1     $ —     $ —     $ 7     $ 1  
    Interest income     8       7       29       25       6       7       43       39  
    Total   $ 11     $ 7     $ 33     $ 26     $ 6     $ 7     $ 50     $ 40  
        Nine Months Ended September 30,  
        HWC     R&B     Corporate     Total  
        2024     2023     2024     2023     2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Book-of-business settlements   $ 3     $ —     $ 8     $ 11     $ —     $ —     $ 11     $ 11  
    Interest income     26       18       86       52       18       36       130       106  
    Total   $ 29     $ 18     $ 94     $ 63     $ 18     $ 36     $ 141     $ 117  


    SEGMENT OPERATING INCOME (i)

        Three Months Ended
    September 30,    		    
                   
                   
                       
                       
                       
        2024     2023    
                   
                   
                       
                       
                       
                   
                   
                   
                       
                       
                       
    Health, Wealth & Career   $ 329     $ 305    
                   
                   
                       
                       
                       
    Risk & Broking     170       134    
                   
                   
                       
                       
                       
    Segment Operating Income   $ 499     $ 439    
        Nine Months Ended
    September 30,    		  
        2024     2023  
                 
    Health, Wealth & Career   $ 941     $ 836  
    Risk & Broking     575       459  
    Segment Operating Income   $ 1,516     $ 1,295  

    (i) Segment operating income excludes certain costs, including amortization of intangibles, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation expenses, certain litigation provisions, and to the extent that the actual expense based upon which allocations are made differs from the forecast/budget amount, a reconciling item will be created between internally-allocated expenses and the actual expenses reported for U.S. GAAP purposes.

    SEGMENT OPERATING MARGINS

        Three Months Ended September 30,
        2024   2023
    Health, Wealth & Career   24.7%   23.8%
    Risk & Broking   18.1%   15.7%
        Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024   2023
    Health, Wealth & Career   24.0%   22.1%
    Risk & Broking   19.8%   17.3%


    RECONCILIATIONS OF SEGMENT OPERATING INCOME TO (LOSS)/INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

        Three Months Ended September 30,  
        2024     2023  
                 
    Segment Operating Income   $ 499     $ 439  
    Impairment(i)     (1,042 )     —  
    Amortization     (56 )     (62 )
    Restructuring costs     (8 )     (17 )
    Transaction and transformation(ii)     (74 )     (113 )
    Unallocated, net(iii)     (85 )     (88 )
    (Loss)/Income from Operations     (766 )     159  
    Interest expense     (65 )     (61 )
    Other (loss)/income, net     (1,163 )     66  
    (Loss)/income from operations before income taxes   $ (1,994 )   $ 164  
        Nine Months Ended September 30,  
        2024     2023  
                 
    Segment Operating Income   $ 1,516     $ 1,295  
    Impairment(i)     (1,042 )     —  
    Amortization     (176 )     (203 )
    Restructuring costs     (29 )     (30 )
    Transaction and transformation(ii)     (296 )     (265 )
    Unallocated, net(iii)     (247 )     (211 )
    (Loss)/Income from Operations     (274 )     586  
    Interest expense     (197 )     (172 )
    Other (loss)/income, net     (1,113 )     126  
    (Loss)/income from operations before income taxes   $ (1,584 )   $ 540  

     (i) Represents the non-cash goodwill impairment associated with our BDA reporting unit related to the pending divestiture of our TRANZACT business.
     (ii) In 2024 and 2023, in addition to legal fees and other transaction costs, includes primarily consulting fees and compensation costs related to the Transformation program.
     (iii) Includes certain costs, primarily related to corporate functions which are not directly related to the segments, and certain differences between budgeted expenses determined at the beginning of the year and actual expenses that we report for U.S. GAAP purposes.

    WTW
    Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)

    RECONCILIATIONS OF NET (LOSS)/INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WTW TO ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

        Three Months Ended September 30,  
        2024     2023  
                 
    Net (loss)/income attributable to WTW   $ (1,675 )   $ 136  
    Adjusted for certain items:            
    Impairment     1,042       —  
    Amortization     56       62  
    Restructuring costs     8       17  
    Transaction and transformation     74       113  
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     1,190       (41 )
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(ii)     (396 )     (51 )
    Adjusted Net Income   $ 299     $ 236  
                 
    Weighted-average ordinary shares, diluted     102       105  
                 
    Diluted (Loss)/Earnings Per Share   $ (16.44 )   $ 1.29  
    Adjusted for certain items:(iii)            
    Impairment     10.23       —  
    Amortization     0.55       0.59  
    Restructuring costs     0.08       0.16  
    Transaction and transformation     0.73       1.07  
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     11.68       (0.39 )
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(ii)     (3.89 )     (0.48 )
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share(iii)   $ 2.93     $ 2.24  
        Nine Months Ended September 30,  
        2024     2023  
                 
    Net (loss)/income attributable to WTW   $ (1,344 )   $ 433  
    Adjusted for certain items:            
    Impairment     1,042       —  
    Amortization     176       203  
    Restructuring costs     29       30  
    Transaction and transformation     296       265  
    Provision for specified litigation matter(i)     13       —  
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     1,190       (44 )
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(ii)     (492 )     (128 )
    Tax effect of significant adjustments     (7 )     2  
    Adjusted Net Income   $ 903     $ 761  
                 
    Weighted-average ordinary shares, diluted     103       107  
                 
    Diluted (Loss)/Earnings Per Share   $ (13.11 )   $ 4.06  
    Adjusted for certain items:(iii)            
    Impairment     10.17       —  
    Amortization     1.72       1.90  
    Restructuring costs     0.28       0.28  
    Transaction and transformation     2.89       2.48  
    Provision for specified litigation matter(i)     0.13       —  
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     11.61       (0.41 )
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(ii)     (4.80 )     (1.20 )
    Tax effect of significant adjustments     (0.07 )     0.02  
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share(iii)   $ 8.81     $ 7.13  

     (i) Represents a provision related to potential litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. Because of this, while we do not believe the potential litigation is material, we believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.
    (ii) The tax effect was calculated using an effective tax rate for each item.
    (iii) Per share values and totals may differ due to rounding.

    RECONCILIATIONS OF NET (LOSS)/INCOME TO ADJUSTED EBITDA

        Three Months Ended September 30,    
        2024     2023    
                   
    Net (Loss)/Income   $ (1,672 ) (73.0 )% $ 139   6.4 %
    Provision for income taxes     (322 )     25    
    Interest expense     65       61    
    Impairment     1,042       —    
    Depreciation     60       60    
    Amortization     56       62    
    Restructuring costs     8       17    
    Transaction and transformation     74       113    
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     1,190       (41 )  
    Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin   $ 501   21.9 % $ 436   20.1 %
        Nine Months Ended September 30,    
        2024     2023    
                   
    Net (Loss)/Income   $ (1,336 ) (19.4 )% $ 441   6.7 %
    Provision for income taxes     (248 )     99    
    Interest expense     197       172    
    Impairment     1,042       —    
    Depreciation     176       184    
    Amortization     176       203    
    Restructuring costs     29       30    
    Transaction and transformation     296       265    
    Provision for specified litigation matter(i)     13       —    
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     1,190       (44 )  
    Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin   $ 1,535   22.3 % $ 1,350   20.6 %

     (i) Represents a provision related to potential litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. Because of this, while we do not believe the potential litigation is material, we believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.

    RECONCILIATIONS OF (LOSS)/INCOME FROM OPERATIONS TO ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME

        Three Months Ended September 30,    
        2024     2023    
                   
    (Loss)/Income from operations and Operating margin   $ (766 ) (33.5 )% $ 159   7.3 %
    Adjusted for certain items:              
    Impairment     1,042       —    
    Amortization     56       62    
    Restructuring costs     8       17    
    Transaction and transformation     74       113    
    Adjusted operating income and Adjusted operating income margin   $ 414   18.1 % $ 351   16.2 %
        Nine Months Ended September 30,    
        2024     2023    
                   
    (Loss)/Income from operations and Operating margin   $ (274 ) (4.0 )% $ 586   8.9 %
    Adjusted for certain items:              
    Impairment     1,042       —    
    Amortization     176       203    
    Restructuring costs     29       30    
    Transaction and transformation     296       265    
    Provision for specified litigation matter(i)     13       —    
    Adjusted operating income and Adjusted operating income margin   $ 1,282   18.6 % $ 1,084   16.5 %

     (i) Represents a provision related to potential litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. Because of this, while we do not believe the potential litigation is material, we believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.

    RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP INCOME TAXES/TAX RATE TO ADJUSTED INCOME TAXES/TAX RATE

        Three Months Ended September 30,  
        2024     2023  
                 
    (Loss)/income from operations before income taxes   $ (1,994 )   $ 164  
                 
    Adjusted for certain items:            
    Impairment     1,042       —  
    Amortization     56       62  
    Restructuring costs     8       17  
    Transaction and transformation     74       113  
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     1,190       (41 )
    Adjusted income before taxes   $ 376     $ 315  
                 
    (Benefit from)/provision for income taxes   $ (322 )   $ 25  
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(ii)     396       51  
    Adjusted income taxes   $ 74     $ 76  
                 
    U.S. GAAP tax rate     16.1 %     15.5 %
    Adjusted income tax rate     19.7 %     24.3 %
        Nine Months Ended September 30,
        2024   2023
                 
    (Loss)/income from operations before income taxes   $ (1,584 )   $ 540  
                 
    Adjusted for certain items:            
    Impairment     1,042       —  
    Amortization     176       203  
    Restructuring costs     29       30  
    Transaction and transformation     296       265  
    Provision for specified litigation matter(i)     13       —  
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     1,190       (44 )
    Adjusted income before taxes   $ 1,162     $ 994  
                 
    (Benefit from)/provision for income taxes   $ (248 )   $ 99  
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(ii)     492       128  
    Tax effect of significant adjustments     7       (2 )
    Adjusted income taxes   $ 251     $ 225  
                 
    U.S. GAAP tax rate     15.6 %     18.3 %
    Adjusted income tax rate     21.6 %     22.6 %

    (i) Represents a provision related to potential litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. Because of this, while we do not believe the potential litigation is material, we believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.
    (ii) The tax effect was calculated using an effective tax rate for each item.

    RECONCILIATION OF CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO FREE CASH FLOW

        Nine Months Ended September 30,  
        2024   2023
                 
    Cash flows from operating activities   $ 913     $ 823  
    Less: Additions to fixed assets and software for internal use     (106 )     (116 )
    Free Cash Flow   $ 807     $ 707  
    WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
        Three Months Ended
     September 30,    		   Nine Months Ended
     September 30,
        2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenue   $ 2,289     $ 2,166     $ 6,895     $ 6,569  
                             
    Costs of providing services                        
    Salaries and benefits     1,396       1,359       4,135       4,019  
    Other operating expenses     419       396       1,315       1,282  
    Impairment     1,042       —       1,042       —  
    Depreciation     60       60       176       184  
    Amortization     56       62       176       203  
    Restructuring costs     8       17       29       30  
    Transaction and transformation     74       113       296       265  
    Total costs of providing services     3,055       2,007       7,169       5,983  
                             
    (Loss)/income from operations     (766 )     159       (274 )     586  
                             
    Interest expense     (65 )     (61 )     (197 )     (172 )
    Other (loss)/income, net     (1,163 )     66       (1,113 )     126  
                             
    (LOSS)/INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES   (1,994 )     164       (1,584 )     540  
                             
    Benefit from/(provision for) income taxes     322       (25 )     248       (99 )
                             
    NET (LOSS)/INCOME   (1,672 )     139       (1,336 )     441  
                             
    Income attributable to non-controlling interests     (3 )     (3 )     (8 )     (8 )
                             
    NET (LOSS)/INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WTW   $ (1,675 )   $ 136     $ (1,344 )   $ 433  
                             
    (LOSS)/EARNINGS PER SHARE                        
    Basic (loss)/earnings per share   $ (16.44 )   $ 1.30     $ (13.11 )   $ 4.08  
    Diluted (loss)/earnings per share   $ (16.44 )   $ 1.29     $ (13.11 )   $ 4.06  
                             
    Weighted-average ordinary shares, basic     102       105       103       106  
    Weighted-average ordinary shares, diluted     102       105       103       107  
    WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except share data)
    (Unaudited)
        September 30,     December 31,  
        2024     2023  
    ASSETS            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,372     $ 1,424  
    Fiduciary assets     9,176       9,073  
    Accounts receivable, net     2,118       2,572  
    Prepaid and other current assets     558       364  
    Current assets held for sale     1,089       —  
    Total current assets     14,313       13,433  
    Fixed assets, net     710       720  
    Goodwill     8,882       10,195  
    Other intangible assets, net     1,360       2,016  
    Right-of-use assets     539       565  
    Pension benefits assets     632       588  
    Other non-current assets     732       1,573  
    Total non-current assets     12,855       15,657  
    TOTAL ASSETS   $ 27,168     $ 29,090  
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY            
    Fiduciary liabilities   $ 9,176     $ 9,073  
    Deferred revenue and accrued expenses     2,027       2,104  
    Current debt     —       650  
    Current lease liabilities     122       125  
    Other current liabilities     735       678  
    Current liabilities held for sale     475       —  
    Total current liabilities     12,535       12,630  
    Long-term debt     5,308       4,567  
    Liability for pension benefits     487       563  
    Deferred tax liabilities     94       542  
    Provision for liabilities     416       365  
    Long-term lease liabilities     556       592  
    Other non-current liabilities     202       238  
    Total non-current liabilities     7,063       6,867  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES     19,598       19,497  
    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES            
    EQUITY(i)            
    Additional paid-in capital     10,957       10,910  
    (Accumulated deficit)/retained earnings     (650 )     1,466  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax     (2,810 )     (2,856 )
    Treasury shares, at cost, 15,574 shares in 2024     (5 )     —  
    Total WTW shareholders’ equity     7,492       9,520  
    Non-controlling interests     78       73  
    Total Equity     7,570       9,593  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   $ 27,168     $ 29,090  

     (i)  Equity includes (a) Ordinary shares $0.000304635 nominal value; Authorized 1,510,003,775; Issued 100,887,015 (2024) and 102,538,072 (2023); Outstanding 100,871,441 (2024) and 102,538,072 (2023) and (b) Preference shares, $0.000115 nominal value; Authorized 1,000,000,000 and Issued none in 2024 and 2023.

    WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (In millions of U.S. dollars)
    (Unaudited)
        Nine Months Ended September 30,  
        2024     2023  
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES            
    NET (LOSS)/INCOME   $ (1,336 )   $ 441  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to total net cash from operating activities:            
    Depreciation     176       184  
    Amortization     176       203  
    Impairment     1,042       —  
    Non-cash restructuring charges     17       19  
    Non-cash lease expense     76       83  
    Net periodic benefit of defined benefit pension plans     (15 )     (20 )
    Provision for doubtful receivables from clients     13       8  
    Benefit from deferred income taxes     (379 )     (58 )
    Share-based compensation     85       87  
    Net loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     1,190       (44 )
    Non-cash foreign exchange (gain)/loss     (25 )     1  
    Other, net     32       21  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of subsidiaries:            
    Accounts receivable     271       261  
    Other assets     (299 )     (175 )
    Other liabilities     (159 )     (191 )
    Provisions     48       3  
    Net cash from operating activities     913       823  
                 
    CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES            
    Additions to fixed assets and software for internal use     (106 )     (116 )
    Capitalized software costs     (83 )     (66 )
    Acquisitions of operations, net of cash acquired     (28 )     (6 )
    Proceeds from sale of operations     —       86  
    Cash and fiduciary funds transferred in sale of operations     —       (922 )
    Purchase of investments     (13 )     (6 )
    Net cash used in investing activities     (230 )     (1,030 )
                 
    CASH FLOWS FROM/(USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES            
    Senior notes issued     746       748  
    Debt issuance costs     (9 )     (7 )
    Repayments of debt     (653 )     (253 )
    Repurchase of shares     (506 )     (804 )
    Net proceeds/(payments) from fiduciary funds held for clients     934       (71 )
    Payments of deferred and contingent consideration related to acquisitions     (2 )     (8 )
    Cash paid for employee taxes on withholding shares     (30 )     (21 )
    Dividends paid     (265 )     (265 )
    Acquisitions of and dividends paid to non-controlling interests     (10 )     (47 )
    Net cash from/(used in) financing activities     205       (728 )
                 
    INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED
       CASH    		     888       (935 )
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     32       (54 )
    CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, BEGINNING OF
       PERIOD (i)    		     3,792       4,721  
    CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, END OF PERIOD (i)   $ 4,712     $ 3,732  

    (i)  The amounts of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, their respective classification on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, as well as their respective portions of the increase or decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash for each of the periods presented have been included in the Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information section.

    SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

        Nine Months Ended September 30,  
        2024     2023  
                 
    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,372     $ 1,247  
    Fiduciary funds (included in fiduciary assets)     3,340       2,485  
    Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   $ 4,712     $ 3,732  
                 
    (Decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and other restricted cash   $ (54 )   $ 5  
    Increase/(decrease) in fiduciary funds     942       (940 )
    Total (i)   $ 888     $ (935 )

    (i) Does not include the effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Diagnosed prevalent cases of primary open angle glaucoma to reach 10 million in 7MM by 2033, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Diagnosed prevalent cases of primary open angle glaucoma to reach 10 million in 7MM by 2033, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    The burden of diagnosed prevalent cases of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) (including normal tension glaucoma (NTG)) is forecast to increase at an annual growth rate (AGR) of 1% from around 9.1 million cases in 2023 to 10 million cases in 2033 in the seven major markets (7MM*), according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Glaucoma: Epidemiology Forecast to 2033’, reveals that the increase is partly attributed to increased disease awareness and improved diagnostic testing across the 7MM, combined with underlying demographic changes in the respective markets.

    In the US and 5EU markets, the average proportion of NTG among POAG is approximately 40%; however, Japanese populations are at a significantly greater risk of NTG. As such, GlobalData epidemiologists anticipate that in 2033, 91% of all POAG cases in Japan will be NTG.

    Anna Moody, MRES, Senior Epidemiologist at GlobalData, comments: “More research is needed to understand why Japanese populations are at an increased risk for NTG. Understanding the risk factors that increase susceptibility could help inform prevention strategies and disease outcomes.”

    GlobalData epidemiologists also forecast the age-specific diagnosed prevalent cases of POAG (excluding NTG) and found that the prevalence of glaucoma increased with increasing age. In 2033, the diagnosed prevalence of POAG (excluding NTG) in the 7MM is expected to be lowest from 40–49 years (0.1%), and highest in 80–84 years (2.5%). An individual’s intraocular pressure increases as they age, which explains why their risk of glaucoma also increases as they age.

    Moody concludes: “As the population of elderly people increases across the 7MM, more regular eye-testing should be encouraged in individuals over 40 years to ensure prompt diagnosis of glaucoma. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent more extreme disease outcomes, such as blindness.”

    *7MM: The US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Don’t burn a hole in your pocket with a fine this Bonfire Night

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Burning household waste can cause pollution, harm people, wildlife and the environment and could lead to a fine of up to £50,000.

    Go to a properly organised bonfire instead of holding your own and risk breaking the rules

    With Bonfire Night fast approaching, the Environment Agency is urging those planning to celebrate to go to an organised event or risk a hefty fine if holding their own.

    As well as the safety risks caused by bonfires, they have an impact on the climate and, if the wrong materials are burned, can harm wildlife, the environment and human health.

    The only materials that should be used in bonfires are dry, untreated and unpainted wood, along with small amounts of paper or cardboard. Using wet wood creates smoke which can spread and cause a nuisance to neighbours, and bonfires can quickly get out of control if not properly managed.

    Those still planning to have a bonfire at home are advised:

    • not to use it to dispose of household waste such as plastic, rubber, glass, oils or metal – these materials carry a pollution risk and should be disposed of through waste collections or at council recycling centres.
    • always check for hedgehogs and other wildlife which may have crawled inside before setting light to a bonfire
    • don’t allow anyone else to add materials to your bonfire, other than clean, dry, untreated wood.

    Wet wood creates smoke and bonfires can quickly escape control

    It’s not just householders that may use Bonfire Night as a way of getting rid of rubbish, businesses may use it to burn waste too, but the Environment Agency also urges them to be aware of what they are burning.

    As well as the harm and nuisance burning the wrong kind of waste can cause, burning of most types of waste is illegal and can carry a fine of up to £50,000.

    Ben Shayler of the Environment Agency said:

    We want people to have fun on Bonfire Night – but to do so safely and in a way that won’t create a risk to the environment, wildlife, you and your neighbours.

    The best way of doing that is to stop burning waste altogether and go to a properly organised community event where organisers have followed our guidelines and won’t be causing a hazard.

    Whether you are a business owner or householder, if you are paying someone to take waste away, always check they are licensed waste carriers who will dispose of waste correctly. Criminals working in illegal waste operations may also use the celebration to dispose of hazardous and inappropriate waste.

    Dave Waters, area manager of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:

    We would always urge people to attend organised bonfire and fireworks events as it’s much safer. In addition, it reduces the potential pressure on the fire and rescue service at a time of year when we can be extremely busy.

    If you see a bonfire being built, which you think may contain hazardous materials, you can contact the Environment Agency on our 24-hour helpline at 0800 807060 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

    You can check if a waste carrier is licensed on our public register.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens lodge proposals to ban Lords from serving in Scottish Parliament

    Source: Scottish Greens

    31 Oct 2024 Scottish Independence

    The House of Lords is an archaic and antidemocratic institution.

    More in Scottish Independence

    Members of the House of Lords would be disqualified from serving in the Scottish Parliament under proposals lodged today by Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer.

    Peers have been barred from voting in general elections and are not allowed to stand for election to the House of Commons. Mr Greer’s proposal, lodged as an amendment to the Elections Bill, would also disqualify them from taking office as MSPs.

    Ross Greer MSP said:

    “The House of Lords is an antidemocratic and archaic institution. It should be a source of embarrassment to the UK that more than half of Westminster’s lawmakers are completely unelected and unaccountable, including some who quite clearly paid for their peerages with dodgy donations to one party or another.

    “The only way you should get to decide on the laws of this country is via a fair election. Every MSP is democratically elected, but there is a clear conflict between this and sitting in the unelected Lords. If a peer wants to serve in Holyrood, they should resign their membership of the Lords first.

    “A handful of peers have been elected as MSPs since the Scottish Parliament was re-established. Most have done a fantastic job of advocating for their constituents and representing their communities.

    “This amendment is not about individuals, it is about democracy and accountability. I hope that MSPs across all parties will put those principles first by supporting my amendment.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Miniature tag offers unique insight into the movement of hummingbirds Scientists from the University of Aberdeen have attached tiny ‘backpack’ type trackers to hummingbirds in the Andes in a bid to learn more about their movements.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Scientists from the University of Aberdeen have attached tiny ‘backpack’ type trackers to hummingbirds in the Andes in a bid to learn more about their movements.

    We are very excited to have successfully implemented a system that is giving us a unique insight into the movements of hummingbirds and other small animals endemic to high mountain ecosystems of the Andes.” Cristina Rueda Uribe

    Researchers have teamed up with the Chingaza National Park in Colombia, in addition to the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia, Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Washington in the United States, for the project to help inform the park’s plans of expanding the park and connecting to other nearby protected areas. 

    Previously, it has been impossible to collect movement data for hummingbirds and other small animals in the area, however the team were able to set up an automated radio telemetry grid at 3,300m above sea level in the Andes of Colombia. This technology generates fine resolution and continuous location estimates for individual animals, resulting in millions of datapoints that provides information on species’ habitat requirements, movement patterns and seasonal occurrence, all of which are important to inform landscape-level management practices that avoid local extinctions. 

    Cristina Rueda Uribe, a PhD candidate from the University’s School of Biological Sciences, said: “We are very excited to have successfully implemented a system that is giving us a unique insight into the movements of hummingbirds and other small animals endemic to high mountain ecosystems of the Andes. 

    “The transmitters we attached to the hummingbirds are tiny! They weigh only 0.35g because the largest birds are only around 12-14g. We use a harness that goes around their wings and chest, so the tag sits on their back like a backpack. The tag has a solar panel and will transmit signals for the rest of their lifetime, whenever the sun is shining the panel is activated. 

    “Through this, we have been able to obtain information on foraging routines, home ranges and seasonality. This information increases our understanding about biodiversity in tropical mountains and is also useful to protect these species, as well as their key ecosystem roles as pollinators, in the face of ongoing climate and land use change. 

    “Our system is the first to use automated radio signals to track movement in high mountain ecosystems of the Andes, and it is one of only a few that has been attempted in wild landscapes where terrain and vegetation are challenging. Its success is due to an huge international collaborative effort between scientists, designers, drone pilots, park rangers, and field ornithologists. This is such an important step forward as the system is mainly focussed on tracking hummingbirds and revealing movement patterns that are key for their role as plant pollinators, in ecosystems that are especially vulnerable to changes in climate and land use. 

    “I am also excited that this project has motivated local management to use technology for conservation, and it has also inspired researchers to adapt this technology in other locations. We are now helping our collaborators to establish a similar grid in lowland forests in the Amazon region.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cooking Up More Potential with the Multiply Programme

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Participants who completed the latest Multiply programme received their certificates and a free airfryer or slow cooker at the final class of their course on Wednesday 23rd October at Lurgan’s Jethro Centre.

    Multiply is an innovative training programme designed to empower individuals who have not yet achieved a GCSE Maths Grade C or above. This course particularly focuses on those for whom English is not a first language, providing tailored support to enhance their mathematical skills and confidence.

    Organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, and delivered by People 1st, the course saw 16 participants complete the course which aimed to break down barriers to learning by offering accessible and engaging maths training in a supportive environment. This course also focused on cookery, teaching budgeting skills as well as some healthy recipes.

    Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sarah Duffy said:

    “Maths is a critical skill that opens doors to further education and better job opportunities. Through the various Multiply programmes, the council aims to create a supportive pathway for those who may have faced challenges in the past, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

    One participant, commented: “I’m happy to be here together and have something like this in my life. It was just what we needed, speaking English, and learning, all to have a better life.”

    This project was funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This is part of a £5.9m Multiply fund being managed by the Department for the Economy in the north of Ireland.

    As only one part of the Council’s Multiply programme, there has been several successful family fun days so far as well as ongoing courses on business finances, preparing for retirement and another budget friendly cookery course. To find out more about the programme, visit: www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/multiply

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mansion House to undergo restoration works in the new year

    Source: City of York

    To help protect and maintain an important cultural asset for the city, York Mansion House will undergo £1.2m maintenance, accessibility and safety improvements.

    It will reopen in in 2025, 300 years after its original construction began.

    To help protect and maintain an important cultural asset for the city, York Mansion House will undergo £1.2m maintenance, accessibility and safety improvements and will reopen in 2025, 300 years after its original construction began.

    One of the earliest civic buildings to be built in the classical style in England, the Mansion House is the official seat of The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York, and holds an important collection of items connected to the history of the city over the past 800 years.

    Work to build the house began in 1725 and was completed in 1732. The last major restoration was done in 2015-17, and the upcoming works will be a significant investment in the House.

    This refurbishment aims to address essential maintenance tasks which include repairing wear and tear to the building and to prevent any further deterioration in the historic roof, walls and windows. It will also include important upgrades to the lift to improve the accessibility and environmental performance of the historic building, and decoration works will also refresh the interior where structural work is required.

    The Mansion House will close temporarily on 10 November, when the contents will be safely stored. This will be done with the help of students who will gain valuable practical experience of working in a historical building. Staff will oversee the work, continue with outreach education work and carry out research on the House and its contents.

    Starting in early 2025, the works will be overseen by Buttress Architects which will provide specialist heritage consultancy and conservation architecture. During the project they will lead a team of experts including conservation architects and mechanical, electrical and structural engineers.

    The Rt Hon, The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells, said:

    Investing in this beautiful historic building ensures it will continue to serve the city and its residents.

    “It’s temporary closure will allow other historic venues to take part in the civic life of the city, such as holding citizenship ceremonies in the elegant Register Office on Bootham, and using Medieval Barley Hall to host the Sheriff’s Ridings.”

    Pauline Stuchfield, Director of Housing and Communities, said:

    The Mansion House has been an essential part of the York landscape for almost 300 years, and it’s important it continues to be available for future generations of residents and visitors.

    “We’re able to carry out these essential works to weather another 300 years of being key to the civic life of the city, a base for our civic party and ready to welcome royalty as it has for centuries.

    “For hundreds of years the Mansion House has hosted some of the most important and significant events in the city and, once these improvements are made, the House will continue to play that role for decades to come.”

    The last major works were carried out in 2015 when £1.2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) helped deliver the most significant upgrades since the building first opened. The works included restoring the original kitchens, improving displays, developing an integrated environmental and conservation plan and preparing a detailed oral history project.

    Hannah Bellerby, the project architect from Buttress Architects, said:

    As we approach the Mansion House’s 300th anniversary, it is a privilege for Buttress to lead the efforts in safeguarding this vital piece of York’s civic heritage.

    “Our work focuses on not only preserving the building’s historical integrity but also working to ensure it remains accessible, sustainable, and fit for future generations. Through these planned restorations, we are ensuring that this significant landmark continues to enrich York’s cultural landscape for years to come.”

    The project is due to be completed part way through next year, when it will reopen in time for Yorkshire Day on 1 August and a season of great events including the popular Georgian Festival. Meanwhile more of the city’s treasures can be admired at the Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum and York Art Gallery.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Seized for suspected fly-tipping

    Source: City of Sunderland

    A vehicle suspected of being involved in fly-tipping has been seized.

    The white Ford Transit flatbed pick-up was seized in Eskdale Street, Hetton, on Sunday 27 October at 3.47pm in a coordinated operation between the City Council and Northumbria Police.

    This seizure was part of Project Shield, a focused initiative addressing community concerns in and around the Easington Lane area. The project brings together the council, police, and other partners to tackle criminal and anti-social behaviour, including fly-tipping, burglary, and youth disorder.

    The vehicle is suspected of being used to dispose of waste unlawfully at the former Frosterley Close site (known as the Cosy) in Easington Lane.

    This seizure marks the 29th vehicle the City Council has confiscated on suspicion of involvement in fly-tipping since August 2019. Of these, subsequent investigations have led to 17 vehicles being destroyed or sold and 12 returned to their owners.

    Vehicle owners may request the return of their vehicle, but the council will decide on a case-by-case basis. If a decision is made not to return a vehicle, it may be crushed or sold.

    Enhanced enforcement against fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour was one of the main public concerns identified in the City Council’s 2020 “Let’s Talk” consultation.

    The City Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Transport and Net Zero, Councillor Lindsey Leonard said: “Fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour continue to be two of our residents’ biggest concerns and what many people contact the council about.

    “Fly-tipping is not only illegal but seriously anti-social. It blights communities, creates eye-sores and pollution, and as we have the powers to seize vehicles that may have been used from fly-tipping, we will use these powers and that’s exactly what we have done.

    “As householders, we all have a legal ‘Duty of Care’ to make sure that our waste is disposed of lawfully so if you are arranging a private collection you need to check where the waste is going and whether they have a valid waste carrier’s licence. If you don’t and it’s found dumped, you could be the one left to pick up the bill.”

    Anyone planning to use a private waste collector should check with the Environment Agency that the person, or company concerned has a valid waste carriers licence by visiting the website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/access-the-public-register-for-environmental-information

    If you witness fly-tipping you can report it anonymously to https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/report-flytipping or by calling 0191 520 5550.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: There’s snow place like home

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Join the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, the Mayor of Frankfurt and German Ambassador to the UK at this year’s official opening of the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Victoria Square on Friday 1 November at 5:30pm, as they switch on the city’s festive lights.

    This year the market returns to the city for seven weeks and celebrates its 24th year, featuring 60 festive stalls selling traditional hot gluhwein, schnitzel, spicy sausage, gifts, handcrafted decorations, toys and jewellery.

    The big wheel and popular ice rink will also be returning to Centenary Square, and will open from 1 November 2024 until 5 January 2025, between 10:00am and 10:00pm (except on Christmas Day). For more information and to book tickets visit www.iceskatebirmingham.co.uk.

    There will also be live performances on the bandstand in Victoria Square with Monday ‘open mic’ sessions giving young, up and coming performers and musicians a chance to showcase their talents. The best two acts will perform in a primetime December slot.

    Choirs from local schools, charities and community groups will also feature on the market’s community music programme.

    German musicians will perform weekday lunchtimes and evenings daily, with local performers performing between 12pm and 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

    The market will opens Friday 1 November to Tuesday 24 December 2024.

    • Mondays to Thursdays: 11:00am to 9:00pm
    • Fridays: 11:00am to 9:30pm
    • Saturdays: 10:00am to 9:30pm
    • Sundays: 10:00am to 9:00pm

    The market will be closed until 1:00pm on 10 November for Remembrance Sunday.

    Councillor Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “This year we welcome the 24th Frankfurt Christmas Market to the city, which brings with it a selection of traditional food, drink and gifts.

    “The market is an event many look forward to this time year and makes a wonderful festive day out for families.

    “We are proud the Christmas market was crowned the best Christmas market in the UK for the second year running which provides a huge economic boost for the city. The market is also ranked eighth in Europe, which usually attracts up to 5 million visitors to the city.”

    For more information about the city’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, visit www.thebfcm.co.uk.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Witnesses testify to the abuse Ukrainian civilians suffer in Russian detention: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Ambassador Holland shares harrowing details from witness testimony event in London and urges Russia to release all Ukrainian citizens it has arbitrarily detained.

    Location:
    Vienna
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Thank you, Madam Chair. Since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, its actions in Ukraine have featured widespread reports of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions of Prisoners of War and civilian detainees, and other serious violations of human rights.

    Activists, journalists, community leaders, and those perceived as supportive of Ukrainian sovereignty have faced persecution and illegal detention by Russian forces in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Many are sent to far-flung regions within the Russian Federation. They are held in prisons, pre-detention centres, and unofficial places of detention. Their families are often denied information about their whereabouts or access to them, causing great distress and an inability to organise effective legal counsel.

    Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, these practices have increased in both frequency and severity, with thousands of Ukrainian civilians held incommunicado and denied their fundamental rights. Independent reports, including the latest Moscow Mechanism, detail inhumane conditions, from physical abuse to psychological coercion.

    Madam Chair, these actions constitute violations of international law but behind them lie personal stories of human suffering. This week two Ukrainian civilians, Hryhorii Holovko and Oleksandra Stoliar, shared theirs at an event held in the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, supported by the Ukrainian NGO, Media Initiative for Human Rights.

    Hryhorii Holovko was detained by Russian forces in Kherson in October 2022. Russian forces tortured and intimidated him, including beatings and electric shocks and by carving Russian symbols into his body. Russian guards made threats against his wife and child and forced him to sing the Russian national anthem. Hryhorii was released in May 2023, having been forced to sign papers to align with the Russian state. His story is familiar to many others who have survived Russian occupation.

    Oleksandra Stoliar is mother to 26-year-old Iryna Navalnaya who is still being unlawfully detained. Russian forces took Iryna from her home in Mariupol in September 2022. Two months passed before Iryna’s family discovered she was being held in a prison in Donetsk. Women who have been released from this prison have shared accounts of the beatings and other barbaric treatment Iryna has experienced during interrogations, leaving her covered in bruises. They report that detainees are regularly denied access to medical assistance. Iryna’s mother worries continually that she might die in captivity.

    These testimonies are just two out of thousands. We recall that three Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) members, our colleagues, are also subjected to this systematic arbitrary detention.

    The UK stands in solidarity with them and Ukraine – and reaffirms the urgent need for accountability. We call on Russia to fully cooperate with international mechanisms investigating these abuses, grant immediate access to humanitarian organisations to all facilities where Ukrainian civilians are being held, and uphold its obligations to protect civilians and respect human rights. Russia must release all arbitrarily detained Ukrainian citizens, including Iryna Navalnaya and the SMM members. We call on Russia to end its illegal war and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 October 2024

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New light trail to illuminate Derby this Christmas

    Source: City of Derby

    A magical light trail will illuminate the streets of Derby city centre for the festive season. Derby City Council and the Cathedral Quarter and St Peter’s Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have teamed up to create the new attraction.

    The Festive Derby Light Trail will see several stunning light installations lead from The Spot all the way to Cathedral Square, taking in the Market Place, where the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink and Nordic Bar will be situated.

    Starting with the beautifully wrapped rings at The Spot, with festive foliage and twinkling lights, the trail will wind its way through the heart of the city. Grab a bite to eat and let the kids enjoy the festive rides before heading down to St Peter’s Cross to see the jolly Rudolph arch, complete with his red nose, and then onto a tunnel of light which will run through Cornmarket.

    As you enter the Market Place, the colourfully lit Christmas presents will sit with the Christmas tree as a backdrop and you’ll also find the highlight of the trail – the UK’s largest light-up Santa installation, powered by Tomato Energy. It’ll be the perfect spot for a festive family shot!

    A curtain of light will illuminate Irongate up to Cathedral Square, where a giant gold star will sit below the Cathedral.

    After all that walking why not enjoy a festive drink in the cosy tipis of our Nordic Bar and then, when you have had time to rest, take a whizz around the ice rink with family and friends. Afterwards you can enjoy food from a variety of food stalls on the Market Place, including loaded fries, grilled sausages, donuts and crepes.

    You will be able to find a map of the trail at festivederby.co.uk soon, or download the LoyalFree app to follow the trail – and check in at each location to enter our free prize draw. You can also pick up an activity sheet from the ice rink or Nordic bar for little ones to fill in along the way. You could win a Nintendo Switch, with other prizes including tickets for next year’s Darley Park Weekender, or tickets to enjoy the ice rink or panto in 2025!

    Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said:

    We’re already getting excited about this Christmas in Derby. The new light trail promises to be a magical addition to our packed festive programme. It’ll light the way through the city centre to the Cathedral, providing plenty of fantastic photo opportunities along the way!

    Brad Worley, Manager for Cathedral Quarter and St Peter’s Quarter Derby BIDs, added:

    The BIDs are thrilled to bring this amazing light installation trail to the city.

    There are some truly impressive installations and we hope people will take some memorable photos and share with friends and family, as well as entering the fantastic prize draw. We want people to explore the city and experience what our wonderful businesses have to offer this festive period.

    Dominika Walker, Regional Community Engagement Lead for Tomato Energy, said:

    At Tomato Energy, we’re lighting up the holiday season in more ways than one! We’re absolutely delighted to support this year’s Festive Derby and proud to sponsor the UK’s largest illuminated Santa.

    We hope it will not only bring joy to the community but also spark conversations about efficient energy use during the festive season. It’s our way of spreading holiday cheer while showcasing how cutting-edge technology and sustainability can go hand in hand.

    The Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink and Nordic Bar will open on Saturday 30 November, as Festive Derby is officially launched with our Christmas Lights Switch-On event, with our media partner Smooth Radio.

    Tickets for the ice rink are on sale now and, of course, the festive season wouldn’t be complete without Derby’s annual panto spectacular at Derby Arena. Morgan Brind and the multi award-winning Little Wolf Entertainment are back with Cinderella from Fri 6 – Tue 31 Dec.

    Derby has a great selection of festive events this year and more information can be found at festivederby.co.uk or pick up a guide from November.

    Tickets can be purchased on the Derby LIVE website, at the Sales and Information Centre Sales & Information Centre, Guildhall Theatre, Market Place, Derby, DE1 3AE or call 01332 255800.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Aid for maize growers in Galicia after hurricane Kirk – P-002327/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    30.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002327/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Adrián Vázquez Lázara (PPE)

    In early October, hurricane Kirk caused major destruction in Galicia, especially in maize farms, which prevented the use of machinery needed for harvesting. There are around 73 000 hectares of maize in Galicia. The access difficulties farms are facing prevent the usual crop rotation, which in turn affects applications for CAP payments In addition, the low coverage of insurance policies should be noted.

    With this in mind, I would like to ask the following:

    • 1.What European aid can those affected apply for to compensate for the damage caused by this meteorological phenomenon?
    • 2.Could Spain benefit from the amendments adopted recently following the floods in Poland and other Member States, to mobilise various European funds (ERDF, EAFRD, Cohesion Fund, etc.) in the event of a climate disaster?

    Submitted: 30.10.2024

    Last updated: 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Commission finds Française des Jeux (‘FDJ’)’s exclusive rights contain no state aid after amendments

    Source: EuroStat – European Statistics

    European Commission Press release Brussels, 31 Oct 2024 The European Commission has concluded that the increased remuneration by Française des Jeux (‘FDJ’) to France for the modification of exclusive rights to operate offline and online lottery games and offline sports betting through 2019 PACTE law is in line with EU State aid rules.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Inconsistency between EU legislation and policies in the area of livestock health protection – E-002239/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    23.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002239/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jadwiga Wiśniewska (ECR)

    I have noticed with concern that the health of farm animals is deteriorating. In Poland, for example, successive outbreaks of African swine fever are causing huge losses for our farmers, sometimes forcing them to close down their farms entirely.

    Meanwhile, our livestock farmers and agricultural producers are bound by more than 400 different pieces of veterinary legislation, which are not always precisely worded, are often inconsistent and are thus interpreted differently in different Member States.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Animal isolation is crucial in preventing and limiting the spread of zoonoses – will our farmers be receiving alternative tools to reduce health risks on their farms, and what will those alternative tools be?
    • 2.Does the Commission envisage any additional ad hoc and long-term financial support for biosecurity measures from funds outside the common agricultural policy?

    Submitted: 23.10.2024

    Last updated: 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Drastic decline of the European hedgehog and the need for urgent measures for its protection – E-002233/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    23.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002233/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sebastian Everding (The Left), Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Lynn Boylan (The Left), Maria Noichl (S&D), Anja Hazekamp (The Left), Tomáš Kubín (PfE), Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE)

    The hedgehog[1] plays a vital role in preserving the biodiversity and balance of green spaces. However, experts warn that its population is expected to decrease by up to 50 % in the span of a decade as a result of the destruction of its natural habitats by human activity.

    The hedgehog is under serious threat because of habitat loss and food scarcity. This has caused its reproduction rates to decline and has led to it being added to a range of endangered species lists. In Germany, for instance, the hedgehog, which is also the wild animal of the year 2024, is now on the early warning list of endangered species. Unfortunately, there is no precise estimate of the hedgehog population in Europe.

    • 1.What concrete measures does the Commission plan to take for the preservation and conservation of Erinaceus europaeus?
    • 2.Does the Commission plan to propose a scientific review of the conservation status of the hedgehog population across the EU, and if so, when exactly?
    • 3.The North African hedgehog is listed in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive, yet it remains a popular pet. Are there any measures the Commission believes should be taken regarding this protected species being kept as a pet?

    Submitted: 23.10.2024

    • [1] Erinaceus europaeus.
    Last updated: 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Difference in energy prices between the western and eastern EU – E-002097/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    16.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002097/2024/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Daniel Buda (PPE)

    Romania is facing significantly higher energy prices than western European countries, and this is putting additional pressure on its economy and its population. The situation is a result of a number of factors, such as a year of drought, which affected hydroelectricity production, and other region-specific difficulties.

    Given the circumstances, Romania is considering seeking EU financial support from the Council of Ministers, in order to counter the effects of these significant energy price hikes.

    • 1.In view of the European Union’s objectives of ensuring economic and social cohesion between Member States, what steps is the Commission contemplating to support Romania and other countries affected by these imbalances in the energy sector?
    • 2.Is the Commission planning to provide financial support or introduce policies that narrow the gap between energy prices in eastern and western Europe so as to ensure a fair and sustainable transition for all EU regions?

    Submitted: 16.10.2024

    Last updated: 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ostrava’s encore

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Janáček Philharmonic is one of the leading symphonic orchestras in Czechia. Named after the famous composer Leoš Janáček, who was born in a village near Ostrava, it has hosted major conductors and composers such as Igor Stravinsky, Sergei Prokofiev, and Paul Hindemith. Today, it continues to bring pride to the people and the region.

    When Žemla and local authorities explored new designs for the concert hall, they looked for something that would capture the orchestra’s spirit and significance to the city. They received such a proposal from Steven Holl, a world-class architect renowned for his profound love of music.

    “Steven had the idea that the orchestra itself is the instrument, and the case for that is the hall,” he says. “Just as a case safeguards a delicate and sensitive instrument, the building will do the same for the orchestra.”   

    The new concert hall’s design mimics the organic shapes of a musical instrument case, reflecting Holl’s inspiration from both music and architecture. Holl designed an innovative interior with perforated wooden panels and lighting, creating a space that resonates with musical logic.

    Beyond its primary function as a concert hall, the venue will also serve as a versatile theatre space and host a variety of cultural and educational activities. “There will be theatre halls, educational centres, and spaces for social events, ensuring the building is alive all day, not just during concerts,” says Žemla.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Watch live: Lords debates contribution of science and technology to the UK economy

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Members speaking include the Astronomer Royal, doctors, scientists and former chief executive of the NHS.

    Find out more https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2024/october/the-contribution-of-science-and-technology-to-the-uk-economy-on-lords-agenda/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament #StateOpening

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6Uivr_GIO8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Spain floods kill dozens

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Devastating flash floods in south-eastern Spain have killed dozens of people after torrential rain hit the area yesterday.

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Cambridge Growth Company Chair

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycook, has appointed Peter Freeman as the Chair of the Cambridge Growth Company to drive forward the government’s growth ambitions in Greater Cambridge.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Appointment of Cambridge Growth Company Chair: Letter from Matthew Pennycook MP

    PDF, 154 KB, 5 pages

    Appointment of Cambridge Growth Company Chair: Letter from Matthew Pennycook MP

    HTML

    Details

    The Housing and Planning Minister has appointed Peter Freeman as Chair of the Cambridge Growth Company. The Growth Company will work with local partners to develop and start to deliver an ambitious plan for delivering high-quality sustainable growth in Cambridge and its environs.

    Peter is an accomplished development and regeneration professional with a track record of delivery and working in collaboration with local communities as well as private and public partners. He brings a wealth of experience in delivering complex mixed-use projects, including in his current role as Chair of Homes England and through the renowned redevelopment of King’s Cross.

    The Growth Company will focus on enabling and accelerating key developments in and around Cambridge, developing the evidence base to support an infrastructure-first growth plan and identifying solutions to complex constraints that are holding back sustainable growth.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 October 2024

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New support now available to help managers recruit

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Government Skills has launched training package to support recruitment managers’ and panel members.

    Government Campus has launched a new recruitment training suite to help managers get the knowledge and tools they need to recruit the right person to the right role. 

    The training uses evidence-based recruitment practices and ensures managers are sighted on legislation which sets out how they should approach recruiting staff.

    The new Success Profiles Recruitment using Success Profiles suite aims to provide flexible, practical training that improves recruitment outcomes and supports a positive candidate experience across government departments.

    It can be accessed through the Recruitment with Success Profiles page of Prospectus Online.

    The new suite comprises online resources, workshops, e-learning, animations, and podcasts. Courses cover best practices at each stage of recruitment, such as writing job descriptions, designing assessments, and assessing candidates. Much of the content is free with optional workshops that allow learners to practise skills in a structured setting. 

    To remain current, Government Campus are working closely with the Recruitment transformation team and will refresh the courses over the next two years based on learner feedback and shifts in recruitment practices, including advances in AI. 

    The older online courses: Success Profiles: Sifting and Interviewing and Designing Your Assessment Process will remain available on the website until the new year to allow departments to choose when to move to the new Recruitment with Success profiles courses. Departmental learning and development leads will be consulted before removal.

    Bookings for the new workshops are now available, with dates for open bookings being offered from January 2025. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: VW emissions manipulations: the Office of the Attorney General abandons its criminal proceedings with an abandonment order

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) is abandoning the Swiss criminal proceedings in connection with VW’s emissions manipulations. A fine imposed on VOLKSWAGEN AG (VW AG) by the Braunschweig public prosecutor’s office (Germany) makes it impossible for the OAG to prosecute VW AG in Switzerland due to the transnational ban on double prosecution and double jeopardy. The OAG is therefore abandoning its criminal proceedings against VW AG. The suspicion against AMAG IMPORT AG (AMAG AG) and its responsible bodies and employees has not been substantiated. The OAG is therefore also abandoning its criminal proceedings against these suspects. The abandonment order is not yet final.

    MIL OSI Europe News –