Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – 23-24 June: EVP Séjourné, Mercosur hearing, CTIP, Ukraine-Moldova, Israel – Committee on International Trade

    Source: European Parliament

    On 23rd and 24th of June Executive Vice President Séjourné will deliver a presentation on the trade dimension of the Clean Industrial Deal. Members will hold exchanges on the review of the EU’s Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas with Ukraine and Moldova. Members will hold a public hearing on the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement

    Members will exchange with the Commission on the State of Play of EU-US trade relations.

    The European Commission will deliver a presentation on the new task force on import surveillance.

    The new Clean Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations, the first of which were launched with South Africa, will be subject to an exchange of views.

    Members will exchange on the trade aspects of the EU-Israel Association agreement.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – 23-24 June: EVP Séjourné, Mercosur hearing, CTIP, Ukraine-Moldova, Israel – Committee on International Trade

    Source: European Parliament

    On 23rd and 24th of June Executive Vice President Séjourné will deliver a presentation on the trade dimension of the Clean Industrial Deal. Members will hold exchanges on the review of the EU’s Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas with Ukraine and Moldova. Members will hold a public hearing on the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement

    Members will exchange with the Commission on the State of Play of EU-US trade relations.

    The European Commission will deliver a presentation on the new task force on import surveillance.

    The new Clean Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations, the first of which were launched with South Africa, will be subject to an exchange of views.

    Members will exchange on the trade aspects of the EU-Israel Association agreement.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EIB strengthens its support for green and sustainable urban development in Greece with a new €500 million financing agreement in partnership with the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF)

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • €500 million EIB loan to finance sustainable infrastructure in cities and towns across Greece
    • Total EIB support under the “Antonis Tritsis” programme reaches €1 billion to improve everyday life in cities across the country
    • Funding targets climate-resilient, inclusive projects with strong benefits for local communities

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF) have signed a new €500 million loan with the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF) to support hundreds of sustainable projects in cities and towns across Greece. The new funding will help local authorities invest in cleaner water, better waste management, safer roads, greener public buildings and smarter urban services.

    This latest operation builds on the success of a previous €500 million loan signed in 2021 under the national “Antonis Tritsis” programme. With today’s signature and, the EIB’s total support for the programme now reaches €1 billion — making it one of the largest urban investment partnerships between Greece and the EU Bank.

    “This new €500 million loan reaffirms the EIB’s strong long-standing partnership with Greece and our joint commitment to enabling sustainable urban development in every corner of the country. By supporting the “Antonis Tritsis” programme, we help local communities improve essential infrastructure, enhance resilience and deliver better quality of life for citizens. We are proud to continue our close collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund to turn ambitious local projects into reality,” said EIB Vice-President, Yannis Tsakiris.

    EIB helping to harness local impact of CDLF in Greece’s localities

    The CDLF, a financial institution which operates as a Legal Entity of Public Law and is supervised by the Ministry of Interior, is tasked with the registry of consignments and the social and regional development by funding projects of public and social interest. For this purpose, the CDLF mainly grants loans to municipalities and prefectures, participates in development bodies and co-funds projects with the EIB. All projects must meet EU environmental and climate standards and support sustainable, inclusive urban development.

    “With this signing, the funding for the projects included in the “Antonis Tritsis” Program is secured. These are projects that change the quality of life for all residents in the country, create new infrastructure and strengthen Local Government”, said Minister of the Interior of the Hellenic Republic, Thodoris Livanios.

    Unlocking high impact investment across key sectors

    • The EIB financing will support a wide range of projects across Greek cities and towns, includingSustainable water and wastewater management
    • Solid waste infrastructure and recycling
    • Safer and more climate-resilient roads
    • Energy-efficient upgrades to public buildings
    • Urban regeneration and public space improvements
    • Smart city technologies and digital services
    • Anti-seismic measures in schools and other public infrastructure

    CDLF President Mr. Dimitris Stamatis stated: “We are pleased to continue our excellent cooperation with the EIB and proud of our contribution to the design and implementation of the Ministry of Interior’s special development programme Antonis Tritsis. This programme supports a wide range of investments: urban regeneration, flood and seismic protection, water and waste management, e-mobility, renovation and construction of municipal buildings, and smart city initiatives. Our aim is to ensure that every project we finance delivers not only economic returns, but also long-term environmental and social benefits that meet the needs and improve the wellbeing of both current and future generations.”

    Only projects that are climate-aligned and follow the principles of sustainable development will be eligible for funding. The investments will be spread across the country, helping cities and smaller communities address local challenges and improve quality of life.

    The EIB will complement its financing with advisory services under InvestEU and other EU-supported technical assistance programmes to enhance the capacity of smaller municipalities to develop mature, sustainable and bankable projects.

    About the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF)

    The Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF) is a public legal entity supervised by the Greek Ministry of Finance. It operates as an autonomous financial and management institution serving local and regional development, the public and social interest, and the exclusive custody and management of all forms of consignments.

    The CDLF provides loans to municipalities, regional authorities and other public sector bodies for infrastructure and general interest projects, while also offering technical assistance either directly or in collaboration with other institutions.

    Under the “Antonis Tritsis” programme, the CDLF has so far signed loan agreements totalling €2.7 billion, of which €1.7 billion has already been disbursed. These are financed either from CDLF’s own resources or co-financed with the EIB.

    Background information  

    EIB 

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EIB strengthens its support for green and sustainable urban development in Greece with a new €500 million financing agreement in partnership with the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF)

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • €500 million EIB loan to finance sustainable infrastructure in cities and towns across Greece
    • Total EIB support under the “Antonis Tritsis” programme reaches €1 billion to improve everyday life in cities across the country
    • Funding targets climate-resilient, inclusive projects with strong benefits for local communities

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF) have signed a new €500 million loan with the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF) to support hundreds of sustainable projects in cities and towns across Greece. The new funding will help local authorities invest in cleaner water, better waste management, safer roads, greener public buildings and smarter urban services.

    This latest operation builds on the success of a previous €500 million loan signed in 2021 under the national “Antonis Tritsis” programme. With today’s signature and, the EIB’s total support for the programme now reaches €1 billion — making it one of the largest urban investment partnerships between Greece and the EU Bank.

    “This new €500 million loan reaffirms the EIB’s strong long-standing partnership with Greece and our joint commitment to enabling sustainable urban development in every corner of the country. By supporting the “Antonis Tritsis” programme, we help local communities improve essential infrastructure, enhance resilience and deliver better quality of life for citizens. We are proud to continue our close collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund to turn ambitious local projects into reality,” said EIB Vice-President, Yannis Tsakiris.

    EIB helping to harness local impact of CDLF in Greece’s localities

    The CDLF, a financial institution which operates as a Legal Entity of Public Law and is supervised by the Ministry of Interior, is tasked with the registry of consignments and the social and regional development by funding projects of public and social interest. For this purpose, the CDLF mainly grants loans to municipalities and prefectures, participates in development bodies and co-funds projects with the EIB. All projects must meet EU environmental and climate standards and support sustainable, inclusive urban development.

    “With this signing, the funding for the projects included in the “Antonis Tritsis” Program is secured. These are projects that change the quality of life for all residents in the country, create new infrastructure and strengthen Local Government”, said Minister of the Interior of the Hellenic Republic, Thodoris Livanios.

    Unlocking high impact investment across key sectors

    • The EIB financing will support a wide range of projects across Greek cities and towns, includingSustainable water and wastewater management
    • Solid waste infrastructure and recycling
    • Safer and more climate-resilient roads
    • Energy-efficient upgrades to public buildings
    • Urban regeneration and public space improvements
    • Smart city technologies and digital services
    • Anti-seismic measures in schools and other public infrastructure

    CDLF President Mr. Dimitris Stamatis stated: “We are pleased to continue our excellent cooperation with the EIB and proud of our contribution to the design and implementation of the Ministry of Interior’s special development programme Antonis Tritsis. This programme supports a wide range of investments: urban regeneration, flood and seismic protection, water and waste management, e-mobility, renovation and construction of municipal buildings, and smart city initiatives. Our aim is to ensure that every project we finance delivers not only economic returns, but also long-term environmental and social benefits that meet the needs and improve the wellbeing of both current and future generations.”

    Only projects that are climate-aligned and follow the principles of sustainable development will be eligible for funding. The investments will be spread across the country, helping cities and smaller communities address local challenges and improve quality of life.

    The EIB will complement its financing with advisory services under InvestEU and other EU-supported technical assistance programmes to enhance the capacity of smaller municipalities to develop mature, sustainable and bankable projects.

    About the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF)

    The Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF) is a public legal entity supervised by the Greek Ministry of Finance. It operates as an autonomous financial and management institution serving local and regional development, the public and social interest, and the exclusive custody and management of all forms of consignments.

    The CDLF provides loans to municipalities, regional authorities and other public sector bodies for infrastructure and general interest projects, while also offering technical assistance either directly or in collaboration with other institutions.

    Under the “Antonis Tritsis” programme, the CDLF has so far signed loan agreements totalling €2.7 billion, of which €1.7 billion has already been disbursed. These are financed either from CDLF’s own resources or co-financed with the EIB.

    Background information  

    EIB 

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Tuesday, 17 June 2025 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament

    PV-10-2025-06-17

    EN

    EN

    iPlPv_Sit

    Minutes
    Tuesday, 17 June 2025 – Strasbourg

     Abbreviations and symbols

    + adopted
    rejected
    lapsed
    W withdrawn
    RCV roll-call votes
    EV electronic vote
    SEC secret ballot
    split split vote
    sep separate vote
    am amendment
    CA compromise amendment
    CP corresponding part
    D deleting amendment
    = identical amendments
    § paragraph

    IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
    Vice-President

    1. Opening of the sitting

    The sitting opened at 09:00.



    2. Combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast) ***I (debate)

    Report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast) [COM(2024)0060 – C9-0028/2024 – 2024/0035(COD)] – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Jeroen Lenaers (A10-0097/2025)

    Jeroen Lenaers introduced the report.

    The following spoke: Magnus Brunner (Member of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Heléne Fritzon (rapporteur for the opinion of the FEMM Committee), Javier Zarzalejos, on behalf of the PPE Group, Marina Kaljurand, on behalf of the S&D Group, Susanna Ceccardi, on behalf of the PfE Group, Assita Kanko, on behalf of the ECR Group, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, on behalf of the Renew Group, Saskia Bricmont, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Irene Montero, on behalf of The Left Group, Mary Khan, on behalf of the ESN Group, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Alex Agius Saliba, Anders Vistisen, who also answered a blue-card question from Jeroen Lenaers, Paolo Inselvini, Laurence Farreng, Alice Kuhnke, Nikos Pappas, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, Monika Beňová, Lukas Sieper, on comments made by some of the previous speakers (the President took note), Ewa Kopacz, Maria Guzenina, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Georgiana Teodorescu, Moritz Körner, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Anja Arndt, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Moritz Körner, Malika Sorel, Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Mathilde Androuët, Gheorghe Piperea, Ana Miguel Pedro, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Laura Ballarín Cereza, Elisabeth Dieringer, Chiara Gemma, Péter Magyar, who also answered a blue-card question from Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Jaak Madison, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Lara Magoni and François-Xavier Bellamy, who also answered a blue-card question from Petras Gražulis.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Eleonora Meleti, Maria Grapini, Viktória Ferenc, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Nina Carberry, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Annamária Vicsek, João Oliveira and Alessandra Moretti.

    IN THE CHAIR: Pina PICIERNO
    Vice-President

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Sunčana Glavak and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Magnus Brunner and Jeroen Lenaers.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 17 June 2025.



    3. European Ocean Pact (debate)

    Commission statement: European Ocean Pact (2025/2744(RSP))

    Costas Kadis (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Isabelle Le Callennec, on behalf of the PPE Group, Christophe Clergeau, on behalf of the S&D Group, Silvia Sardone, on behalf of the PfE Group, Bert-Jan Ruissen, on behalf of the ECR Group, Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, on behalf of the Renew Group, Isabella Lövin, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Emma Fourreau, on behalf of The Left Group, Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group, Carmen Crespo Díaz, André Rodrigues, António Tânger Corrêa, Nora Junco García, Ana Vasconcelos, Rasmus Nordqvist, Nikolas Farantouris, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Antonio Decaro, André Rougé, who also answered a blue-card question from Christophe Clergeau, Michal Wiezik, Mélissa Camara, Catarina Martins, Željana Zovko, Sofie Eriksson, France Jamet, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Sebastian Everding, Francisco José Millán Mon, Thomas Bajada, who also answered a blue-card question from Lukas Sieper, Yvan Verougstraete, Luke Ming Flanagan, Sander Smit, Nicolás González Casares, Billy Kelleher, Fredis Beleris, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Salvatore De Meo, Giuseppe Lupo, César Luena and Idoia Mendia.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Ingeborg Ter Laak, Sebastian Tynkkynen and João Oliveira.

    The following spoke: Costas Kadis.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended at 11:57.)



    IN THE CHAIR: Roberta METSOLA
    President

    4. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:06.



    5. Formal sitting Address by His Majesty King Abdullah II, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

    The President made an address to welcome His Majesty Abdullah II, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

    King Abdullah II addressed the House.

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)



    IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
    Vice-President

    6. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:33.

    ***

    The following spoke: Fernand Kartheiser on the response time for written questions (the President provided some clarifications) and Alexander Jungbluth (the President cut him off as remarks did not constitute a point of order).



    7. Voting time

    For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.



    7.1. Amending Regulation (EU) No 228/2013 as regards additional assistance and further flexibility to outermost regions affected by severe natural disasters and in the context of cyclone Chido devastating Mayotte ***I (vote)

    Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 228/2013 as regards additional assistance and further flexibility to outermost regions affected by severe natural disasters and in the context of cyclone Chido devastating Mayotte (COM(2025)0190 – C10-0071/2025 – 2025/0104(COD)) – Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0115)

    Detailed voting results



    7.2. Combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast) ***I (vote)

    Report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast) [COM(2024)0060 – C9-0028/2024 – 2024/0035(COD)] – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Jeroen Lenaers (A10-0097/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0116)

    REQUEST FOR REFERRAL BACK TO COMMITTEE

    Approved

    The following had spoken:

    Jeroen Lenaers (rapporteur), after the vote on the Commission proposal, to request that the matter be referred back to the committee responsible, for interinstitutional negotiations in accordance with Rule 60(4).

    Detailed voting results



    7.3. Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine amending the Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine on the carriage of freight by road of 29 June 2022 *** (vote)

    Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine amending the Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine on the carriage of freight by road of 29 June 2022 [16072/2024 – C10-0226/2024 – 2024/0290(NLE)] – Committee on Transport and Tourism. Rapporteur: Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (A10-0102/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    DRAFT COUNCIL DECISION

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0117)

    Parliament consented to the conclusion of the agreement.

    Detailed voting results



    7.4. Termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union *** (vote)

    Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union [05673/2025 – C10-0012/2025 – 2024/0245(NLE)] – Committee on International Trade. Rapporteur: Karin Karlsbro (A10-0089/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    DRAFT COUNCIL DECISION

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0118)

    Parliament consented to the termination of the agreement.

    Detailed voting results



    7.5. Termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union (Resolution) (vote)

    Report containing a motion for a non-legislative resolution on the proposal for a Council decision on the termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union [2024/0245M(NLE)] – Committee on International Trade. Rapporteur: Karin Karlsbro (A10-0094/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted by single vote (P10_TA(2025)0119)

    Detailed voting results



    7.6. Electoral rights of mobile Union citizens in European Parliament elections * (vote)

    Report on the proposal for a Council directive laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals (recast) [09789/2024 – C10-0001/2024 – 2021/0372(CNS)] – Committee on Constitutional Affairs. Rapporteur: Sven Simon (A10-0090/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COUNCIL DRAFT

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0120)

    Detailed voting results



    7.7. Amendments to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure concerning the declaration of input (Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure) (vote)

    Report on amendments to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure concerning the declaration of input (Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure) [2025/2067(REG)] – Committee on Constitutional Affairs. Rapporteur: Sven Simon (A10-0086/2025)

    (Majority of Parliament’s component Members required)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0121)

    This amendment would enter into force on the first day of the following part-session.

    The following had spoken:

    Sven Simon (rapporteur), before the vote, to make a statement on the basis of Rule 165(1).

    Detailed voting results



    7.8. Strengthening rural areas in the EU through cohesion policy (vote)

    Report on strengthening rural areas in the EU through cohesion policy [2024/2105(INI)] – Committee on Regional Development. Rapporteur: Denis Nesci (A10-0092/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 16 June 2025 (minutes of 16.6.2025, item 22).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted by single vote (P10_TA(2025)0122)

    Detailed voting results



    7.9. Financing for development – ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville (vote)

    Report on financing for development – ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville [2025/2004(INI)] – Committee on Development. Rapporteur: Charles Goerens (A10-0101/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Rejected

    The following had spoken:

    Charles Goerens (rapporteur), before the vote, to make a statement under Rule 165(4), and after the vote on the resolution as a whole.

    Detailed voting results

    9

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)



    8. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:57.



    9. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    The following spoke: Marion Maréchal, to make a personal statement in the light of the comments made by Benedetta Scuderi during the previous day’s sitting, before the adoption of the agenda (minutes of 16.6.2025, item 16).

    The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.



    10. Implementation report on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (debate)

    Report on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility [2024/2085(INI)] – Committee on Budgets – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteurs: Victor Negrescu and Siegfried Mureşan (A10-0098/2025)

    Victor Negrescu and Siegfried Mureşan introduced the report.

    The following spoke: Raffaele Fitto (Executive Vice-President of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Carla Tavares (rapporteur for the opinion of the BUDG Committee), Marie-Pierre Vedrenne (rapporteur for the opinion of the EMPL Committee), Jonas Sjöstedt (rapporteur for the opinion of the ENVI Committee), Giuseppe Lupo (rapporteur for the opinion of the TRAN Committee), Markus Ferber, on behalf of the PPE Group, Jean-Marc Germain, on behalf of the S&D Group, Enikő Győri, on behalf of the PfE Group, Denis Nesci, on behalf of the ECR Group, and Ľudovít Ódor, on behalf of the Renew Group.

    IN THE CHAIR: Sabine VERHEYEN
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Nikolas Farantouris on behalf of The Left Group, Rada Laykova, on behalf of the ESN Group, Karlo Ressler, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Jonás Fernández, Julien Sanchez, who also answered a blue-card question from Lukas Sieper, Ruggero Razza, Rasmus Andresen, Jussi Saramo, Alexander Jungbluth, who also answered a blue-card question from Radan Kanev, Thomas Geisel, Dirk Gotink, Costas Mavrides, Klara Dostalova, Bogdan Rzońca, Gordan Bosanac, who also answered a blue-card question from Sunčana Glavak, Milan Mazurek, Danuše Nerudová, Pierre Pimpie, Aurelijus Veryga, Radan Kanev, Alex Agius Saliba, Tomasz Buczek, Dick Erixon, Gheorghe Falcă, Idoia Mendia, Angéline Furet, Giovanni Crosetto, Georgios Aftias, Nils Ušakovs, Marlena Maląg, Kinga Kollár, who also answered a blue-card question from Enikő Győri, Evelyn Regner, Marion Maréchal, Angelika Winzig, Eero Heinäluoma, Adrian-George Axinia, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Sandra Gómez López, Jacek Ozdoba, Adnan Dibrani, César Luena and Damian Boeselager.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Nikolina Brnjac, Maria Grapini, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă and Hélder Sousa Silva.

    The following spoke: Raffaele Fitto, Victor Negrescu and Siegfried Mureşan.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 18 June 2025.



    11. The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report (debate)

    Report on The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report [2024/2078(INI)] – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Ana Catarina Mendes (A10-0100/2025)

    Ana Catarina Mendes introduced the report.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission).

    IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Isabel Wiseler-Lima (rapporteur for the opinion of the AFET Committee), Ilhan Kyuchyuk (rapporteur for the opinion of the JURI Committee), Michał Wawrykiewicz, on behalf of the PPE Group, Birgit Sippel, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, on behalf of the PfE Group, Alessandro Ciriani, on behalf of the ECR Group, Moritz Körner, on behalf of the Renew Group, Daniel Freund, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Gaetano Pedulla’, on behalf of The Left Group, Milan Uhrík, on behalf of the ESN Group, Dolors Montserrat, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Marco Tarquinio, Fabrice Leggeri, Mariusz Kamiński, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Mary Khan, Ondřej Dostál, Javier Zarzalejos, Chloé Ridel, András László, who also answered a blue-card question from Gabriella Gerzsenyi, Patryk Jaki (the President reminded the House of the rules on conduct), Irena Joveva, Marcin Sypniewski, who also answered a blue-card question from Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Zoltán Tarr, Alessandro Zan, Marieke Ehlers, Nicolas Bay, Nikola Minchev, Sven Simon, Marc Angel, Gilles Pennelle, Dainius Žalimas, Paulo Cunha, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Matjaž Nemec, Csaba Dömötör, David Casa, Katarina Barley, who also answered a blue-card question from Patryk Jaki, and Loucas Fourlas.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Gabriella Gerzsenyi, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Katrin Langensiepen, Petras Gražulis and Maria Zacharia.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath and Ana Catarina Mendes.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 18 June 2025.



    12. 2023 and 2024 reports on Montenegro (debate)

    Report on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Montenegro [2025/2020(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Marjan Šarec (A10-0093/2025)

    Marjan Šarec introduced the report.

    The following spoke: Marta Kos (Member of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Reinhold Lopatka, on behalf of the PPE Group, Costas Mavrides, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jaroslav Bžoch, on behalf of the PfE Group, and Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza, on behalf of the ECR Group.

    IN THE CHAIR: Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUȚĂ
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Vladimir Prebilič, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Giorgos Georgiou, on behalf of The Left Group, Davor Ivo Stier, Matjaž Nemec, Matthieu Valet, Carlo Ciccioli, Thomas Waitz, who also answered a blue-card question from Tomislav Sokol, Katarína Roth Neveďalová, Željana Zovko, Tonino Picula, Annamária Vicsek, Stephen Nikola Bartulica, Sunčana Glavak, Carla Tavares, Liudas Mažylis and Tomislav Sokol.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Marta Kos and Marjan Šarec.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 18 June 2025.



    13. 2023 and 2024 reports on Moldova (debate)

    Report on 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Moldova [2025/2025(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Sven Mikser (A10-0096/2025)

    Sven Mikser introduced the report.

    The following spoke: Marta Kos (Member of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Andrzej Halicki, on behalf of the PPE Group, Marta Temido, on behalf of the S&D Group, Cristian Terheş, on behalf of the ECR Group, Dan Barna, on behalf of the Renew Group, Virginijus Sinkevičius, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Jonas Sjöstedt, on behalf of The Left Group, Alexander Sell, on behalf of the ESN Group, Andrey Kovatchev, Victor Negrescu, Eugen Tomac, Davor Ivo Stier, Marcos Ros Sempere, Karin Karlsbro, Mika Aaltola, Kristian Vigenin and Krzysztof Brejza.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Maria Grapini, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Marta Kos and Sven Mikser.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 18 June 2025.



    14. Two years since the devastating Tempi rail accident (debate)

    Commission statement: Two years since the devastating Tempi rail accident (2025/2698(RSP))

    The President provided some procedural clarifications.

    Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    IN THE CHAIR: Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, on behalf of the PPE Group, Yannis Maniatis, on behalf of the S&D Group, Afroditi Latinopoulou, on behalf of the PfE Group, Emmanouil Fragkos, on behalf of the ECR Group, Sandro Gozi, on behalf of the Renew Group, Virginijus Sinkevičius, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Konstantinos Arvanitis, on behalf of The Left Group, and Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group.

    The following spoke: Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

    The debate closed.



    15. Corrigenda (Rule 251) (action taken)

    Corrigendum P9_TA(2024)0348(COR02) had been announced on 16 June 2025 (minutes of 16.6.2025, item 15).

    As no requests for a vote had been made in accordance with Rule 251(4), the corrigendum was deemed approved.



    16. Delegated acts (Rule 114(6)) (action taken)

    The recommendation from the AGRI Committee to raise no objections to a delegated act had been announced in plenary on 16 June 2025 (minutes of 16.6.2025, item 14).

    As no objections to the recommendation had been raised in accordance with Rule 114(6), the recommendation was deemed approved.



    17. Interpretations of the Rules of Procedure (action taken)

    The AFCO Committee had provided interpretations of Article 3(5), first subparagraph, of Annex I and Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure. The interpretations had been announced in plenary on 16 June 2025 (minutes of 16.6.2025, item 11).

    As they had not been contested by a political group or Members reaching at least the low threshold in accordance with Rule 242(4), the interpretations were appended to the Rules (P10_TA(2025)0123).



    18. EU framework conditions for competitive, efficient and sustainable public transport services at all levels (debate)

    Commission statement: EU framework conditions for competitive, efficient and sustainable public transport services at all levels (2025/2742(RSP))

    Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Dariusz Joński, on behalf of the PPE Group, Johan Danielsson, on behalf of the S&D Group, Roman Haider, on behalf of the PfE Group, Antonella Sberna, on behalf of the ECR Group, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, on behalf of the Renew Group, Lena Schilling, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Elena Kountoura, on behalf of The Left Group, Milan Uhrík, on behalf of the ESN Group, Nina Carberry, François Kalfon, Annamária Vicsek, Kosma Złotowski, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Kai Tegethoff, Kostas Papadakis, Elena Nevado del Campo, Rosa Serrano Sierra, Julien Leonardelli, Péter Magyar, who also answered a blue-card question from Annamária Vicsek, Sérgio Gonçalves, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Sérgio Humberto, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Matteo Ricci, Nikolina Brnjac and Regina Doherty.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Sebastian Tynkkynen, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos, Maria Zacharia and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)



    IN THE CHAIR: Sabine VERHEYEN
    Vice-President

    19. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 19:33.



    20. Latest developments on the revision of the air passenger rights and airline liability regulations (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: Latest developments on the revision of the air passenger rights and airline liability regulations (2025/2743(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Member of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Andrey Novakov, on behalf of the PPE Group, Matteo Ricci, on behalf of the S&D Group, Roman Haider, on behalf of the PfE Group, Kosma Złotowski, on behalf of the ECR Group, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, on behalf of the Renew Group, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Arash Saeidi, on behalf of The Left Group, Stanislav Stoyanov, on behalf of the ESN Group, Jens Gieseke, Johan Danielsson, Julien Leonardelli, Michele Picaro, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Nina Carberry, Rosa Serrano Sierra, Annamária Vicsek, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Borja Giménez Larraz, François Kalfon, Ernő Schaller-Baross, Nikolina Brnjac, Sérgio Gonçalves, Barbara Bonte, Sophia Kircher, Isabella Tovaglieri, Markus Ferber and Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Sérgio Humberto, Ana Miranda Paz, Elena Kountoura and Magdalena Adamowicz.

    The following spoke: Apostolos Tzitzikostas and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.



    21. Situation in the Middle East (joint debate)

    Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: Risk of further instability in the Middle East following the Israel-Iran military escalation (2025/2770(RSP))

    Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: Review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza (2025/2747(RSP))

    Kaja Kallas (Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Michael Gahler, on behalf of the PPE Group, Iratxe García Pérez, on behalf of the S&D Group, Sebastiaan Stöteler, on behalf of the PfE Group, Bert-Jan Ruissen, on behalf of the ECR Group, Bart Groothuis, on behalf of the Renew Group, Hannah Neumann, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Rima Hassan, on behalf of The Left Group, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Yannis Maniatis and Elena Donazzan.

    IN THE CHAIR: Younous OMARJEE
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Bernard Guetta, Mounir Satouri, Marc Botenga, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos, Hildegard Bentele, Kathleen Van Brempt, Rihards Kols, Barry Andrews, Villy Søvndal, Kathleen Funchion, Ruth Firmenich, Reinhold Lopatka, Ana Catarina Mendes, Alexandr Vondra, Irena Joveva, Catarina Vieira, Catarina Martins, Erik Kaliňák, Wouter Beke, Leire Pajín, Alberico Gambino, Abir Al-Sahlani, Saskia Bricmont, João Oliveira, Maria Zacharia, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, who also answered a blue-card question from Ana Miranda Paz, Marta Temido, Geadis Geadi, Leoluca Orlando, Luke Ming Flanagan, Fidias Panayiotou, Maria Walsh, Thijs Reuten, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Alice Kuhnke, Danilo Della Valle, David Casa, Chloé Ridel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Majdouline Sbai, Céline Imart, Vasile Dîncu, Michael McNamara, Anna Strolenberg, Michał Szczerba, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Evin Incir and Regina Doherty.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ana Miranda Paz, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Lukas Sieper and Katarína Roth Neveďalová.

    The following spoke: Kaja Kallas.

    The debate closed.



    22. Assassination attempt on Senator Miguel Uribe and the threat to the democratic process and peace in Colombia (debate)

    Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: Assassination attempt on Senator Miguel Uribe and the threat to the democratic process and peace in Colombia (2025/2749(RSP))

    Kaja Kallas (Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Davor Ivo Stier, on behalf of the PPE Group, Leire Pajín, on behalf of the S&D Group, Sebastian Kruis, on behalf of the PfE Group, Carlo Fidanza, on behalf of the ECR Group, Cristina Guarda, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Anthony Smith, on behalf of The Left Group, Francisco José Millán Mon, Javi López, Jorge Martín Frías, Reinhold Lopatka, Julien Sanchez and Rody Tolassy.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Sebastian Tynkkynen.

    The following spoke: Kaja Kallas.

    The debate closed.



    23. Oral explanations of votes (Rule 201)



    23.1. Combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast) (A10-0097/2025)
    Cristian Terheş



    23.2. Strengthening rural areas in the EU through cohesion policy (A10-0092/2025)
    Cristian Terheş, Kathleen Funchion



    24. Explanations of votes in writing (Rule 201)

    Explanations of votes given in writing would appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website



    25. Agenda of the next sitting

    The next sitting would be held the following day, 18 June 2025, starting at 09:00. The agenda was available on Parliament’s website.



    26. Approval of the minutes of the sitting

    In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the beginning of the afternoon of the next sitting.



    27. Closure of the sitting

    The sitting closed at 22:52.



    LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT



    I. Documents received

    The following documents had been received from committees:

    – ***I Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability (COM(2023)0769 – C9-0443/2023 – 2023/0447(COD)) – AGRI Committee – Rapporteur: Veronika Vrecionová (A10-0104/2025)



    ATTENDANCE REGISTER

    Present:

    Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Alexandraki Galato, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Annunziata Lucia, Antoci Giuseppe, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Axinia Adrian-George, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barley Katarina, Barna Dan, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bausemer Arno, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beke Wouter, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benea Dragoş, Benifei Brando, Benjumea Benjumea Isabel, Beňová Monika, Bentele Hildegard, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Boßdorf Irmhild, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Braun Grzegorz, Brejza Krzysztof, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Bryłka Anna, Buchheit Markus, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Bullmann Udo, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, Bystron Petr, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Cârciu Gheorghe, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Cassart Benoit, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cavedagna Stefano, Ceccardi Susanna, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Christensen Asger, Ciccioli Carlo, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Cisint Anna Maria, Clausen Per, Clergeau Christophe, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Demirel Özlem, Devaux Valérie, Dibrani Adnan, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Di Rupo Elio, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Donazzan Elena, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Düpont Lena, Dworczyk Michał, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Estaràs Ferragut Rosa, Everding Sebastian, Falcă Gheorghe, Falcone Marco, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fernández Jonás, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firmenich Ruth, Fita Claire, Flanagan Luke Ming, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Furore Mario, Gahler Michael, Galán Estrella, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomart Christophe, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Grapini Maria, Gražulis Petras, Gregorová Markéta, Grims Branko, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Groothuis Bart, Grossmann Elisabeth, Grudler Christophe, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guarda Cristina, Guetta Bernard, Guzenina Maria, Győri Enikő, Hadjipantela Michalis, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hassan Rima, Hauser Gerald, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Hölvényi György, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Ijabs Ivars, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kabilov Taner, Kalfon François, Kaliňák Erik, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Kanev Radan, Kanko Assita, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Kelly Seán, Kemp Martine, Kennes Rudi, Khan Mary, Kircher Sophia, Knafo Sarah, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovařík Ondřej, Kovatchev Andrey, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kyllönen Merja, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lagodinsky Sergey, Lakos Eszter, Lalucq Aurore, Lange Bernd, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Lazarus Luis-Vicențiu, Le Callennec Isabelle, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Leonardelli Julien, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Loiseau Nathalie, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Lucano Mimmo, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Madison Jaak, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Magyar Péter, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Mantovani Mario, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Maréchal Marion, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martín Frías Jorge, Martins Catarina, Martusciello Fulvio, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Mato Gabriel, Matthieu Sara, Mavrides Costas, Maydell Eva, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Mehnert Alexandra, Meimarakis Vangelis, Meleti Eleonora, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Milazzo Giuseppe, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Molnár Csaba, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Morano Nadine, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mullooly Ciaran, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Nardella Dario, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nemec Matjaž, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Nica Dan, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Oliveira João, Olivier Philippe, Omarjee Younous, Ondruš Branislav, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Orlando Leoluca, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Panayiotou Fidias, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Paulus Jutta, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picierno Pina, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pietikäinen Sirpa, Pimpie Pierre, Piperea Gheorghe, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Popescu Virgil-Daniel, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Ressler Karlo, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Ridel Chloé, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sardone Silvia, Šarec Marjan, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schneider Christine, Schnurrbusch Volker, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Serra Sánchez Isabel, Sidl Günther, Sienkiewicz Bartłomiej, Sieper Lukas, Simon Sven, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sommen Liesbet, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Squarta Marco, Staķis Mārtiņš, Stancanelli Raffaele, Ștefănuță Nicolae, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Storm Kristoffer, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strack-Zimmermann Marie-Agnes, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarquinio Marco, Tarr Zoltán, Târziu Claudiu-Richard, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Temido Marta, Teodorescu Georgiana, Teodorescu Måwe Alice, Terheş Cristian, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomac Eugen, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Topo Raffaele, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Toveri Pekka, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Tudose Mihai, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Ušakovs Nils, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Overtveldt Johan, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vasile-Voiculescu Vlad, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Ventola Francesco, Verheyen Sabine, Verougstraete Yvan, Veryga Aurelijus, Vešligaj Marko, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vigenin Kristian, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vind Marianne, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vozemberg-Vrionidi Elissavet, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Weimers Charlie, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiezik Michal, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Zacharia Maria, Zajączkowska-Hernik Ewa, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zan Alessandro, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Zīle Roberts, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zovko Željana, Zver Milan

    Excused:

    Berg Sibylle, Burkhardt Delara, Friis Sigrid, Hazekamp Anja

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: EIB Group and Santander join forces to unlock €370 million to support small businesses and mid-caps in the green transition, women entrepreneurship and the agriculture sector

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • A total of €270 million will address various EIB Group policy objectives, including financing the green transition of SMEs and mid-caps and fostering women entrepreneurship.
    • An additional €100 million will be earmarked exclusively for financing projects in the agricultural sector.
    • The operation contributes to the EIB Group strategic priority of strengthening the European agriculture and bioeconomy sectors, to the competitiveness of European SMEs and mid-caps.

    The EIB Group – made up of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) – has signed a new €250 million securitisation operation with Santander to boost investment by small businesses (SMEs) and mid-caps companies in Spain and to support the agricultural sector and women entrepreneurship in the country. This investment will allow Santander to mobilise up to €370 million to improve access to financing for companies in strategic sectors, boost agricultural development, and support economic cohesion across regions. 

    Under the operation, the European Investment Fund (EIF) commits €200 million through a bilateral guarantee with ING, while the European Investment Bank (EIB) invests €50 million. The entire EIB Group investment is being made through a single securitisation in which other private investors have also participated.

    The EIF €200 million investment will unlock €270 million of additional financing, covering a broad spectrum of EIB Group policy objectives like supporting SMEs and mid-caps green transition, foster women’s entrepreneurship and extend green loans to private individuals.

    The EIB €50 million investment will mobilize €100 million to finance projects in the agricultural sector carried out by SMEs and midcaps operating in Spain. Investments are expected to cover a broad range of activities, such as sustainable and regenerative agriculture, working capital for climate resilience and adaptation crops varieties, infrastructure improvements and water management systems. Approximately 10% of the financing will specifically benefit young and newly installed farmers with the EIB enabling eligibility for financing the acquisition of agricultural land. The investment takes place under the Pan-European Agricultural Programme, an €3 billion package launched by the EIB in 2024 to support agricultural businesses, with a particular focus on businesses led by young entrepreneurs.

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

    The agreement with Santander contributes to the eight strategic priorities of the EIB Group, specifically to strengthen agriculture and the bioeconomy sectors in Europe, support climate action, encourage women’s entrepreneurship,  promote economic, social and territorial cohesion and foster the EU capital markets union.

    Background information

    About the EIB Group

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

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

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

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024, helping power the country’s green and digital transition and promote economic growth, competitiveness and better services for its people.

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

    About Santander

    Banco Santander (SAN SM) is a leading commercial bank, founded in 1857 and headquartered in Spain and one of the largest banks in the world by market capitalization. The group’s activities are consolidated into five global businesses: Retail & Commercial Banking, Digital Consumer Bank, Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB), Wealth Management & Insurance and Payments (PagoNxt and Cards). This operating model allows the bank to better leverage its unique combination of global scale and local leadership. Santander aims to be the best open financial services platform providing services to individuals, SMEs, corporates, financial institutions and governments. The bank’s purpose is to help people and businesses prosper in a simple, personal and fair way. Santander is building a more responsible bank and has made a number of commitments to support this objective, including raising €220 billion in green financing between 2019 and 2030. In the first quarter of 2025, Banco Santander had €1.4 trillion in total funds, 175 million customers, 7,900 branches and 207,000 employees.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: ARRAY Technologies to Acquire APA Solar

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Adds domestically manufactured engineered foundations and fixed-tilt solutions to product portfolio, expanding addressable market by nearly 40%
    • Enables integrated tracker + foundation system to address challenging soil conditions, which does not require specialized equipment to install
    • Expands U.S. manufacturing capabilities with new Ohio manufacturing facility
    • Transaction enterprise value of approximately $179 million represents a multiple of 7.6x APA’s trailing 12 months EBITDA excluding 45X credits
    • Expected to be high-single-digit percentage accretive to Adjusted EPS in year one before synergies
    • Closing expected in the third quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ARRAY Technologies (NASDAQ: ARRY) (“ARRAY” or the “Company”), a leading global provider of solar tracking technology products, software, and services for utility-scale solar energy projects, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire APA Solar, LLC (“APA”), a leading provider of engineered foundation solutions and fixed-tilt mounting systems for solar projects. APA’s products are manufactured in Ohio and are eligible for incentives tied to domestic content. APA generated approximately $129 million of revenue and $25 million of EBITDA excluding 45X credits in 2024. The acquisition of APA is expected to be accretive to ARRAY’s Adjusted EPS in year one before synergies.

    Following the closing of the acquisition, ARRAY will begin offering an integrated tracker + foundation system, leveraging ARRAY’s advanced solar tracking technology and APA’s innovative foundation solutions. The integrated product offering will provide EPCs and developers a domestically manufactured, easy to install solution for the hard, mixed, and frost heave soil conditions that are increasingly prevalent in new solar projects. ARRAY will also continue to offer APA’s foundation solutions for other tracker systems as well as the company’s fixed-tilt racking products which are widely used in commercial and industrial solar projects in the Northeast and Midwest.

    “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of APA, a strategic move that strengthens our capabilities and expands the value we deliver to our customers. Demand for engineered foundations is growing rapidly because of their ability to make projects in areas with more challenging soil conditions economically viable. APA has a proven foundation system that performs in the toughest soil conditions, and is more efficient and less costly to install than competitors’ offerings,” commented Kevin G. Hostetler, Chief Executive Officer of Array. Mr. Hostetler added, “The market has been asking for an integrated tracker plus foundation platform – with this acquisition, ARRAY will be in a position to deliver it. We have a shared vision with APA for what our combined technologies can achieve for customers and I’m incredibly excited about the new opportunities we will be able to unlock together.”

    Josh Von Deylen, Chief Executive Officer of APA, said “Joining forces with ARRAY is a tremendous opportunity for our team and our customers. With our shared commitment to innovation and excellence, we’re excited to combine our strengths to drive even greater value for our solar industry partners. This acquisition marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our business.”

    Joe Von Deylen, Chief Operations Officer of APA, added “This is a pivotal moment for the APA team. With ARRAY, we gain access to expanded resources, additional expertise, and a global commercial platform to scale our business. We’re confident this partnership will enhance our ability to serve customers in the utility scale segment and further drive our operational excellence.”

    The transaction values APA at approximately $179 million or 7.6x trailing 12 months EBITDA excluding 45X credits, comprised of $168 million of upfront cash consideration, and $42 million of deferred consideration less $31 million of net present value of tax benefits generated as a result of the transaction. The deferred consideration is payable in two equal installments on the first and second anniversary of the closing, each conditioned on the continued employment of Josh and Joe Von Deylen; and may be paid in cash or stock at ARRAY’s option. The final amount of upfront cash consideration and deferred consideration will be determined at closing subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The sellers of APA are also eligible for a performance based earnout with an initial value of $40 million of ARRAY common stock based upon APA’s achievement of certain EBITDA targets during the three-year period following the closing.

    Josh Von Deylen and Joe Von Deylen, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer of APA, respectively, as well as the rest of the company’s senior management team, will remain with APA following the closing of the acquisition and lead the new “Foundation Solutions Business” of ARRAY. APA’s headquarters and principal manufacturing operations will continue to be located in Ridgeville Corners, Ohio.

    Transaction Approvals and Closing Conditions
    The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to receiving any required regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Jefferies LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis acted as legal advisor to ARRAY in connection with the transaction. Donelly Penman & Partners acted as exclusive financial advisor, and Rupp, Hagans & Bohmer, LLP and Eastman & Smith as legal advisors to APA.

    Additional information regarding the transaction will be included in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by ARRAY with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

    Transaction Conference Call
    ARRAY will conduct a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. EDT to discuss the transaction. A live webcast of the event will be available on the investor relations section of ARRAY’s website at ir.arraytechinc.com. A replay of the webcast will be available for all stakeholders on the investor relations website following the conclusion of the event.

    Additional Resources
    Associated presentation materials regarding the transaction are available on the investor relations section of ARRAY’s website.

    About ARRAY Technologies, Inc.
    ARRAY Technologies (NASDAQ: ARRY) is a leading global provider of solar tracking technology to utility-scale and distributed generation customers who construct, develop, and operate solar PV sites. With solutions engineered to withstand the harshest weather conditions, ARRAY’s high-quality solar trackers, software platforms and field services combine to maximize energy production and deliver value to our customers for the entire lifecycle of a project. Founded and headquartered in the United States, ARRAY is rooted in manufacturing and driven by technology – relying on its domestic manufacturing, diversified global supply chain, and customer-centric approach to design, deliver, commission, train, and support solar energy deployment around the world. For more news and information on ARRAY, please visit arraytechinc.com.

    Media Contact:
    Nicole Stewart
    505.589.8257
    nicole.stewart@arraytechinc.com

    Investor Relations Contact:
    ARRAY Technologies, Inc.
    Investor Relations
    investors@arraytechinc.com

    Forward Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements include statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipates,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “designed to” or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the proposed acquisition of APA, the anticipated benefits (including synergies) of the proposed transaction, the anticipated impact of the proposed transaction on the Company’s business and future financial and operating results, the expected timing of the proposed transaction, including the expected closing date of the acquisition and the timing of expected synergies and returns from the proposed transaction, and the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, revenues, earnings, free cash flow, costs, capital expenditures and debt levels of the combined company, and plans and objectives of management for future operations. Actual results and the timing of events could materially differ from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, including without limitation: the ability to complete the proposed transaction on anticipated terms and timetable; ARRAY’s ability to integrate APA’s operations in a successful manner and in the expected time period; the Company’s ability to achieve the strategic and other objectives relating to the proposed transaction; the possibility that various closing conditions for the proposed transaction may not be satisfied or waived; and risks relating to any unforeseen liabilities of APA; Forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with the risks and uncertainties that affect our business and operations, particularly those described in more detail in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports and other documents on file with the SEC, each of which can be found on our website, www.arraytechinc.com. The forward-looking statements included in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

    Non-GAAP Financial Information

    This press release includes certain financial measures that are not presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), including EBITDA.

    “EBITDA” means, with reference to any historical period of APA Solar, net income (loss) to common shareholders plus interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation, and amortization.

    We believe that the presentation of EBITDA enhances the reader’s understanding of past financial performance and future prospects. Our management team uses EBITDA in assessing performance, as well as in planning and forecasting future periods. The non-GAAP financial information is presented for supplemental informational purposes only and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP.

    EBITDA, as used in this press release, may be different from, and thus may not be comparable to, similarly titled non-GAAP measures used by other companies.

    In the case of non-GAAP financial measures presented for future periods, the Company advises that it is unable to provide reconciliations of such measures without unreasonable effort. Accordingly, such measures should be considered in light of the fact that no GAAP measure of performance or liquidity is available as a point of comparison to such non-GAAP measures.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ10: Crackdown on illegal workers

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Following is a question by the Hon Edmund Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (June 18):
     
    Question:
     
    It has been reported that various law enforcement agencies have recently discovered illegal workers using online car hailing or delivery platforms to work as drivers or food delivery workers, and have taken enforcement actions against them. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the numbers of illegal workers and employers of illegal workers who were prosecuted in the past three years, together with a quarterly breakdown of such figures;
     
    (2) as it is learnt that engaging in work through digital platforms does not involve employment procedures such as job interviews, whether the authorities have assessed if the activities on such platforms are more susceptible to involving illegal workers; whether it has found any criminal syndicate specialising in acquiring the personal data of some Hong Kong residents for the purpose of registering work accounts on such platforms and subsequently making profits by employing illegal workers to provide services with these accounts; if so, of the details;
     
    (3) whether the authorities have contacted such digital platforms to ascertain if there are loopholes in their operations from which criminal syndicates and illegal workers may benefit; if so, of the details; and
     
    (4) whether it has studied enacting legislation to step up the crackdown on illegal workers using such digital platforms to work for reward?

    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    The Government is committed to combatting illegal employment, with a view to protecting job opportunities for the local workforce. It is a serious offence to engage in illegal employment. Employers, illegal workers as well as aiders and abettors of illegal employment will be liable to prosecution in accordance with the Immigration Ordinance (IO). The IO has different provisions targeting relevant offences committed by different groups of persons. Visitors, illegal immigrants and non-refoulement claimants, etc, are prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Aiders and abettors as well as illegal workers are liable to the same penalties. In addition, the Government amended the IO in 2021 by increasing the penalty of employers of illegal workers, with the maximum penalty significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment with a view to reflecting the gravity of such offences. The directors, managers, secretaries, partners, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that employers of illegal workers should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
     
    Regarding the question raised by the Hon Edmund Wong, having consulted the Labour and Welfare Bureau/Labour Department (LD), the Hong Kong Police Force (the Police) and the Immigration Department (ImmD), our reply is as follows:
     
    (1) According to ImmD’s record, the number of illegal workers prosecuted and the number of employers of illegal workers prosecuted over the past three years are tabulated below:
     

    Year / quarter Number of illegal workers prosecuted Number of employers of illegal workers prosecuted
    2022 1st quarter 50 23
    2nd quarter 148 41
    3rd quarter 175 39
    4th quarter 166 35
    Total in 2022 539 138
    2023 1st quarter 167 26
    2nd quarter 221 29
    3rd quarter 269 34
    4th quarter 286 20
    Total in 2023 943 109
    2024 1st quarter 220 50
    2nd quarter 268 33
    3rd quarter 300 33
    4th quarter 225 53
    Total in 2024 1 013 169
    2025 1st quarter 262 39

    (2) Illegal employment is not limited to individual industries. The Government has all along combatted illegal employment and enforced the law vigorously. With an increased demand for the services provided by online platforms (including online food delivery and online car hailing) in recent years, the relevant law enforcement agencies have taken respective actions in combatting illegal employment and will conduct joint operations when necessary. Regarding the online food delivery platforms, the ImmD and the Police arrested 180 persons in relevant enforcement operations from 2024 to May 2025, 98 were non-ethnic Chinese persons suspected of working illegally as food delivery couriers, 54 were local residents suspected of selling or renting their food delivery courier accounts to the illegal workers, four were suspected of employing illegal workers and the remaining were arrested because of engaging in other illegal works or using false instruments, etc. Regarding online car hailing, four persons who were suspected of breach of condition of stay were arrested by the Police during the same period. 
     
    In the above operations, the ImmD and the Police did not identify any syndicate specialising in acquiring the personal data of Hong Kong residents for the purpose of registering work accounts on such platforms to make profits through employing illegal workers to provide services with those accounts. The law enforcement agencies will continue to closely monitor the situation and will not take this lightly. 
     
    (3) Regarding online food delivery platforms, the ImmD and the Police maintain communications with platform companies from time to time, and have already requested them to strengthen the security measures on account registration and logging in, including adding authentication steps, requesting authentication of true identity, etc, in order to prevent the account holders from renting their accounts to others for food delivery. The LD has also established a Liaison Group comprising representatives of platform companies, labour organisations and the Government to explore suitable proposals to enhance the protection for platform workers, including stepping up on prevention of illegal workers in food delivery services. Regarding online car hailing, the Government has all along emphasised through various channels that any business shall be operated in accordance with the law.
     
    (4) As aforementioned, the IO was amended in 2021 by increasing the penalty of employers of illegal workers, with the maximum penalty significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment. Regardless of whether online working platform or other working mode is involved, employers share the same legal responsibility to ensure employees are lawfully employable persons. The Government will continue to actively combat illegal employment on various fronts, including stepping up inspections and “cyber patrols”, taking rigourous law enforcement, and will also strengthen publicity and education, in order to raise the public’s law-abiding awareness.
     
    Stepping up inspections and rigourous law enforcement
     
    To deter employers from employing illegal workers, labour inspectors of the LD will, through regular workplace inspections, check employees’ proof of identity and employees records kept by employers under the power conferred by the Part IVB of the IO. Suspected illegal employment cases detected will be referred to relevant law enforcement agencies for follow-up.
     
    The Cybercrime and Forensics Investigation Group (The Group) of the ImmD is dedicated to assisting frontline investigators in collecting digital evidence so as to strengthen the ability in case investigation and evidence collection, with a view to coping with criminals who may use well-developed technologies to commit immigration-related offences and some potential complicated crimes in the future. The Group has been proactively combatting cybercrimes related to illegal employment by conducting constant “cyber patrols”. It will take resolute enforcement actions against any person who is found using social media or instant messaging software to organise, arrange or incite the public to commit serious crimes, such as illegal employment etc.
     
    The ImmD and the Police will continue to combat illegal employment related crimes rigourously, and will, depending on operational needs, risk assessment and other considerations, flexibly arrange sufficient manpower to conduct intelligence-led enforcement operations against illegal employment related crimes.
     
    Publicity and education to raise law-abiding awareness
     
    In order to raise the public’s law-abiding awareness and let the employers understand the serious consequences of employing illegal workers, the ImmD has deployed officers and promotional vehicles to black spots of illegal employment from time to time to distribute “Don’t Employ Illegal Workers” leaflets to employers and remind them to inspect the original Hong Kong Identity Cards of job seekers to ascertain whether they are lawfully employable. At the same time, the ImmD has also actively published information on the effectiveness of the latest operations against illegal employment and disseminated the message of “Employing Illegal Workers is an Offence” through its official accounts on different social media platforms. In addition, the ImmD has provided information of identifying lawfully employable persons to the public through various channels including ImmD’s website, leaflets and seminars, etc.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs to publicise Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime at jewellery exhibition (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Hong Kong Customs will set up a booth at the Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong (JGA), to be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), from tomorrow (June 19) for four consecutive days to publicise the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime (Regime), and will provide on-site counter services to assist non-Hong Kong dealers in submitting cash transaction reports during their participation in the exhibition.

         According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), the Regime came into effect on April 1, 2023. Any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones, and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs and fulfil his/her anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing statutory obligations as appropriate. All dealers in precious metals and stones must successfully obtain a relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.

         For non-Hong Kong dealers fulfilling the prescribed conditions (including those who come to Hong Kong to participate in exhibitions), although they are exempt from registration, they are required to submit to Hong Kong Customs a cash transaction report for any cash transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 carried out in Hong Kong within one day after the transaction, or before the dealer or the person acting on behalf of the dealer leaves Hong Kong, whichever is earlier.

         Non-Hong Kong dealers can make an online submission of a cash transaction report via the Regime’s webpage at www.drs.customs.gov.hk by accessing the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System. They can also download the related form at www.drs.customs.gov.hk/download/drsform/CED418_Form%208_Cash%20transaction%20report.pdf and then submit the report in person at Hong Kong Customs’ booth at the JGA. 

         The Hong Kong Customs’ booth (Booth 1B330) is located at HKCEC Hall 1B and will be open from 10am to 6pm between June 19 and 21 and from 10am to 5pm on June 22.

         Dealers can visit the website (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html) for more information about the Regime.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Rooted in Values, Ready for Impact: New Joinees Reflect on Life at Samsung

    Source: Samsung

    The latest cohort of new joiners includes professionals from across geographies, each with diverse industry backgrounds
     
    At Samsung, the journey of building the future begins the moment you walk through our doors. Each new team member who joins us brings with them a story of where they’ve been, what they’ve achieved, and the aspirations they carry forward. The New Hires Course (NHC) isn’t just an onboarding program, it’s a window into Samsung’s unique culture, values, and purpose. It sets the tone for a career that’s not just about work, but about shaping what’s next in technology and human progress.
     
    The latest cohort of new joiners includes professionals from across India and Nepal, each with diverse industry backgrounds — from finance and procurement to sales, supply chain, and brand building. As they step into Samsung, they find a place where their experiences are not only welcomed but woven into the larger tapestry of innovation.
     
    The New Hires Course isn’t just an onboarding program, it’s a window into Samsung’s unique, vibrant and inclusive culture
     
    A Culture That Feels Like Home
    Soyeon Joo, who recently joined the Sales and SCM Logistics team in Nepal, reflects on her first few days:
     
    “From the very first day, Samsung struck me as both energetic and welcoming. My colleagues were incredibly supportive — walking me through each process, answering questions, and making me feel at home. Their warmth helped me become productive faster than I expected.”
     
    She believes her multicultural perspective — shaped across Mexico, South Korea, and Nepal — will help bridge linguistic and cultural gaps between HQ and local operations. “I want to drive fresh ideas that resonate with diverse markets,” she said.
     
    This sense of inclusivity and global connection is what many new employees notice early on — a clear emphasis on people, growth, and purpose. For Roshan Acharya, who joins the SCM operations team from a business analysis background, Samsung’s culture of discipline and innovation stood out. “It’s a company with a top global presence — well-organized, efficient, and dynamic.”
     
    Bringing Experience to a Global Platform
    Many of the new hires come with over a decade of experience in leadership roles, and they see Samsung as a platform to make an even bigger impact. Manisha Luitel, who recently joined the finance function, speaks of the company as a “system-driven multinational with clear execution standards,” yet open to innovation.
     
    “I hope to add value by bringing in a strong accounting and manufacturing outlook,” she says. “With the right processes and controls, we can elevate the way we work.”
     
    For Shishir Aryal, who’s spent 10 years in procurement for Nepal’s manufacturing sector, Samsung is an opportunity to bring tested skills to a new, dynamic landscape. “I come from a completely different setup, and I’m excited to apply my learnings in line with Samsung’s global principles,” he says. “Being welcomed so warmly by HR and the team has made this transition smooth and exciting.”
     
    Aspirations That Align with Samsung’s Vision
    Samsung has always been driven by the ambition to lead — in technology, sustainability, and in how we build our teams. That means hiring individuals who are not only experts in their domain but also eager to learn and evolve.
     
    Take Ranjit Khadka, whose role in Finance includes Compliance, Treasury, and IT. He brings a deep understanding of SKU costing and wants to dive deeper into treasury functions. “I believe Samsung is the right place to innovate while being rooted in sound financial systems,” he said.
     
    Or Soyeon, who looks forward to being the cultural bridge in a multilingual, cross-functional team. Or Roshan, who wants to explore AI-driven data analysis tools and help drive planning-execution integration through data.
     
    And then there’s a spark of passion that ties all of them together — whether it’s Roshan playing table tennis, Manisha reading quietly, or Shishir engaging in adventure sports with his child. At Samsung, we believe in the whole person — not just the employee.
     
    Where Growth Meets Purpose
    Samsung’s New Hires Course doesn’t just teach the rules of the game — it helps new team members feel seen, supported, and part of something larger. It’s where cross-functional collaboration begins. It’s where ideas start to move, not in silos, but in sync.
     
    As one of the new joinees put it:
     
    “Joining Samsung felt dynamic and challenging, with a strong focus on innovation. The work environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with clear emphasis on employee development. You truly feel like part of something visionary.”
     
    At Samsung, every story matters. And with each new hire, that story only gets richer.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS attends Lujiazui Forum

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan attended the 2025 Lujiazui Forum in Shanghai today and witnessed the signing of the Action Plan for Collaborative Development of Shanghai & Hong Kong International Financial Centres.

     

    Mr Chan, as one of the key guests, took part in the forum’s opening ceremony and morning plenary session. 

     

    Themed “Financial Opening-Up & Cooperation for High-Quality Development in a Changing Global Economy”, the forum was jointly organised by the Shanghai Municipal Government, the People’s Bank of China, the National Financial Regulatory Administration, and the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

     

    Government officials, financial regulators, industry leaders, renowned think tanks and scholars from multiple countries participated in the forum to discuss topics such as global monetary policy, capital market development, financial technology and innovation, and inclusive finance.

     

    Before the opening ceremony, Mr Chan and Shanghai Municipal People’s Government Executive Vice Mayor Wu Wei jointly witnessed the signing of the action plan.

     

    It was signed by Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui and Shanghai Office for Advancing International Financial Center Development Director-General Zhou Xiaoquan, who is also Shanghai Municipal Financial Regulatory Bureau Director.

     

    The action plan covers six areas with a total of 38 measures, including deepening the interconnectivity between Mainland and Hong Kong financial markets, enhancing the linkage and co-operation of the two places’ capital markets, supporting eligible Shanghai enterprises to list and raise funds in Hong Kong, and strengthening collaboration in areas such as commodity trading, reinsurance, green finance and fintech.

     

    The plan aims to further leverage the financial opening up, development and risk management advantages of the two cities, enhance cross-boundary and offshore financial co-operation, and promote the co-ordinated development of the two international financial centres.

     

    In his speech at the ceremony, Mr Chan explained that the action plan further specifies the directions of co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai, thereby injecting new and richer content into multi-level and multi-field financial collaboration.

     

    Furthermore, he noted that it includes new measures to deepen financial interconnectivity, highlights support for Mainland enterprises to go global, and promotes standard alignment and financial innovation.

     

    Mr Chan added that with strong support from the country, Hong Kong and Shanghai will join forces to create greater synergy and collaborative benefits, thus making greater contributions to the country’s development as a financial powerhouse.

     

    Upon arriving in Shanghai yesterday, the Financial Secretary attended an international exchange dinner hosted by the China Finance 40 Forum where he shared how Hong Kong is striving to promote high-quality financial development amid global political and economic changes.

     

    Mr Chan departed for Hong Kong around noon today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Bitdeer Announces Pricing of Upsized US$330.0 Million Convertible Senior Notes Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdeer Technologies Group (Nasdaq: BTDR) (“Bitdeer” or the “Company”), a world-leading technology company for Bitcoin mining, today announced the pricing of US$330.0 million principal amount of 4.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2031 (the “notes”) in a private placement (the “offering”) to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Company has also granted the initial purchasers of the notes an option to purchase, for settlement within a 13-day period beginning on, and including, the date on which the notes are first issued, up to an additional US$45.0 million principal amount of the notes. The size of the offering was increased from the previously announced $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of notes. The sale of the notes is expected to close on June 23, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Additional Details of the Convertible Notes

    The notes will be general, senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will bear interest at a rate of 4.875% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year, beginning on January 1, 2026. The notes will mature on July 1, 2031, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. Upon conversion, the Company will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, Class A ordinary shares par value US$0.0000001 per share, of the Company (the “Class A ordinary shares”) or a combination of cash and Class A ordinary shares, at its election. The initial conversion rate of the notes will be 62.9921 Class A ordinary shares per US$1,000 principal amount of such notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately US$15.88 per Class A ordinary share). The initial conversion price of the notes represents a premium of approximately 25.0% over the last reported sale price of the Class A ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market on June 17, 2025.

    The Company may redeem for cash all or any portion of the notes (subject to certain limitations), at its option, on or after July 6, 2028 and prior to the 41st scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, if (i) the last reported sale price of the Class A ordinary shares has been at least 140% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period (including the last trading day of such period) ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which the Company provides notice of redemption and (ii) certain liquidity conditions have been satisfied, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. If the Company redeems less than all of the outstanding notes, at least US$75.0 million aggregate principal amount of notes must be outstanding and not called for optional redemption as of the time the Company sends the related notice of redemption, and after giving effect to the delivery of such notice of redemption.

    In addition, the Company may redeem for cash all but not part of the notes at any time prior to the 41st scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date if less than US$25.0 million aggregate principal amount of notes remains outstanding at such time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Company may also redeem for cash all but not part of the notes in the event of certain tax law changes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date and any additional amounts which would otherwise be payable to such redemption date with respect to such redemption price, as described in the indenture that will govern the notes.

    On July 6, 2029 and if the Company undergoes a “fundamental change” (as defined in the indenture that will govern the notes), subject to certain conditions and a limited exception, holders may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes at a repurchase price or fundamental change repurchase price, as applicable, equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the relevant repurchase date. In addition, following certain corporate events that occur prior to the maturity date of the notes or following the Company’s delivery of a notice of redemption, the Company will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate of the notes for a holder who elects to convert its notes in connection with such a corporate event or convert their notes called (or deemed called) for redemption in connection with such notice of redemption, as the case may be.

    Use of Proceeds

    The Company estimates that the net proceeds from the offering will be approximately US$319.6 million (or approximately US$363.3 million if the initial purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional notes in full), after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use: (i) approximately US$129.6 million of the net proceeds from the offering to pay the cost of the zero-strike call option transaction described below; (ii) approximately $36.1 million of the net proceeds from the offering to pay the cash consideration for the concurrent note exchange transactions that it has entered into as described below; and (iii) the remaining net proceeds from the offering for datacenter expansion, ASIC based mining rig development and manufacture, as well as working capital and other general corporate purposes. If the initial purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional notes, the Company expects to use the net proceeds from the sale of the additional notes for datacenter expansion, ASIC based mining rig development and manufacture, as well as working capital and other general corporate purposes as described above.

    Zero-Strike Call Option Transaction

    In connection with the pricing of the notes, the Company entered into a privately negotiated zero-strike call option transaction with an affiliate of one of the initial purchasers (the “option counterparty”) and, having an expiration date that is scheduled to occur shortly after the maturity date of the notes. Pursuant to the zero-strike call option transaction, the Company will pay a premium equal to approximately US$129.6 million for the right to receive, without further payment, approximately 10.2 million Class A ordinary shares (subject to customary adjustment), with delivery thereof by the option counterparty at expiry, subject to early settlement of the zero-strike call option transaction in whole or in part at the option counterparty’s discretion. In the case of settlement at expiration or upon any early settlement, the option counterparty will deliver to the Company the number of Class A ordinary shares underlying the zero-strike call option transaction or the portion thereof being settled early. The zero-strike call option transaction is intended to facilitate privately negotiated derivative transactions with respect to the Class A ordinary shares between the option counterparty (or its affiliate) and certain investors in the notes by which those investors will be able to hedge their investment in the notes. Those activities, which are expected to occur concurrently with or shortly after the pricing of the offering, could increase (or reduce the size of any decrease in) the market price of the Class A ordinary shares and/or the notes at that time.

    The option counterparty (or its affiliate) may modify its hedge positions by entering into or unwinding derivative transactions with respect to the Class A ordinary shares and/or purchasing or selling Class A ordinary shares or other securities of the Company in secondary market transactions at any time following the pricing of the notes and shortly before or after the expiry or early settlement of the zero-strike call option transaction, and, the Company has been advised that the option counterparty may unwind its derivative transactions and/or purchase or sell the Class A ordinary shares in connection with the expiry of the zero-strike call option transaction or any early settlement of the zero-strike call option transaction at the option counterparty’s discretion, including any early settlement relating to any conversion, repurchase or redemption of the notes. Those activities could also increase (or reduce the size of any decrease in) or decrease (or reduce the size of any increase in) the market price of the Class A ordinary shares and/or the notes.

    If the zero-strike call option transaction fails to become effective, whether or not the offering is completed, the option counterparty may unwind its hedge positions with respect to the Class A ordinary shares, which could adversely affect the market price of the Class A ordinary shares and, if the notes have been issued, the market price of the notes.

    Concurrent Note Exchange Transaction

    Concurrently with the pricing of the notes in the offering, the Company entered into privately negotiated transactions with certain holders of its 8.50% convertible senior notes due 2029 (the “August 2029 notes”) to exchange for approximately US$36.1 million in cash and approximately 8.1 million Class A ordinary shares, approximately US$75.7 million aggregate principal amount of its August 2029 notes, on terms negotiated with such holders (each, a “note exchange transaction”). This press release is not an offer to exchange the August 2029 notes, and the offering of the notes is not contingent upon the exchange of the August 2029 notes.

    In connection with any note exchange transaction, the Company expects that holders of the August 2029 notes that are repurchased by the Company as described above and who have hedged their equity price risk with respect to such notes (the “hedged holders”) will unwind all or part of their hedge positions by buying the Class A ordinary shares and/or entering into or unwinding various derivative transactions with respect to the Class A ordinary shares. The amount of the Class A ordinary shares to be purchased by the hedged holders or in connection with such derivative transactions may be substantial in relation to the historical average daily trading volume of the Class A ordinary shares. This activity by the hedged holders could increase (or reduce the size of any decrease in) the market price of the Class A ordinary shares. The Company cannot predict the magnitude of such market activity or the overall effect it will have on the price of the notes or the Class A ordinary shares.

    The notes and any Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of the notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, any state securities laws or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and other applicable securities laws.

    This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification thereof under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Bitdeer Technologies Group

    Bitdeer is a world-leading technology company for Bitcoin mining. Bitdeer is committed to providing comprehensive Bitcoin mining solutions for its customers. The Company handles complex processes involved in computing such as equipment procurement, transport logistics, datacenter design and construction, equipment management, and daily operations. The Company also offers advanced cloud capabilities to customers with high demand for artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Singapore, Bitdeer has deployed datacenters in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “look forward to,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Such forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to Bitdeer’s expectations regarding the completion of the offering and the note exchange transactions and the expected use of proceeds from the sale of the notes and potential impact of the offering, the note exchange transactions, the zero-strike call option transaction each as described above or related transactions on the market price of the Class A ordinary shares or the trading price of the notes. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including risks and uncertainties associated with market conditions and the satisfaction of closing conditions related to the offering and the note exchange transactions, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Bitdeer’s annual report on Form 20-F, as well as those discussed in Bitdeer’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond Bitdeer’s control. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. Bitdeer specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Orange Group
    Yujia Zhai
    bitdeerir@orangegroupadvisors.com

    Public Relations
    BlocksBridge Consulting
    Nishant Sharma
    bitdeer@blocksbridge.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitdeer Announces Pricing of Upsized US$330.0 Million Convertible Senior Notes Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdeer Technologies Group (Nasdaq: BTDR) (“Bitdeer” or the “Company”), a world-leading technology company for Bitcoin mining, today announced the pricing of US$330.0 million principal amount of 4.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2031 (the “notes”) in a private placement (the “offering”) to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Company has also granted the initial purchasers of the notes an option to purchase, for settlement within a 13-day period beginning on, and including, the date on which the notes are first issued, up to an additional US$45.0 million principal amount of the notes. The size of the offering was increased from the previously announced $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of notes. The sale of the notes is expected to close on June 23, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Additional Details of the Convertible Notes

    The notes will be general, senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will bear interest at a rate of 4.875% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year, beginning on January 1, 2026. The notes will mature on July 1, 2031, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. Upon conversion, the Company will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, Class A ordinary shares par value US$0.0000001 per share, of the Company (the “Class A ordinary shares”) or a combination of cash and Class A ordinary shares, at its election. The initial conversion rate of the notes will be 62.9921 Class A ordinary shares per US$1,000 principal amount of such notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately US$15.88 per Class A ordinary share). The initial conversion price of the notes represents a premium of approximately 25.0% over the last reported sale price of the Class A ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market on June 17, 2025.

    The Company may redeem for cash all or any portion of the notes (subject to certain limitations), at its option, on or after July 6, 2028 and prior to the 41st scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, if (i) the last reported sale price of the Class A ordinary shares has been at least 140% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period (including the last trading day of such period) ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which the Company provides notice of redemption and (ii) certain liquidity conditions have been satisfied, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. If the Company redeems less than all of the outstanding notes, at least US$75.0 million aggregate principal amount of notes must be outstanding and not called for optional redemption as of the time the Company sends the related notice of redemption, and after giving effect to the delivery of such notice of redemption.

    In addition, the Company may redeem for cash all but not part of the notes at any time prior to the 41st scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date if less than US$25.0 million aggregate principal amount of notes remains outstanding at such time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Company may also redeem for cash all but not part of the notes in the event of certain tax law changes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date and any additional amounts which would otherwise be payable to such redemption date with respect to such redemption price, as described in the indenture that will govern the notes.

    On July 6, 2029 and if the Company undergoes a “fundamental change” (as defined in the indenture that will govern the notes), subject to certain conditions and a limited exception, holders may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes at a repurchase price or fundamental change repurchase price, as applicable, equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the relevant repurchase date. In addition, following certain corporate events that occur prior to the maturity date of the notes or following the Company’s delivery of a notice of redemption, the Company will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate of the notes for a holder who elects to convert its notes in connection with such a corporate event or convert their notes called (or deemed called) for redemption in connection with such notice of redemption, as the case may be.

    Use of Proceeds

    The Company estimates that the net proceeds from the offering will be approximately US$319.6 million (or approximately US$363.3 million if the initial purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional notes in full), after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use: (i) approximately US$129.6 million of the net proceeds from the offering to pay the cost of the zero-strike call option transaction described below; (ii) approximately $36.1 million of the net proceeds from the offering to pay the cash consideration for the concurrent note exchange transactions that it has entered into as described below; and (iii) the remaining net proceeds from the offering for datacenter expansion, ASIC based mining rig development and manufacture, as well as working capital and other general corporate purposes. If the initial purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional notes, the Company expects to use the net proceeds from the sale of the additional notes for datacenter expansion, ASIC based mining rig development and manufacture, as well as working capital and other general corporate purposes as described above.

    Zero-Strike Call Option Transaction

    In connection with the pricing of the notes, the Company entered into a privately negotiated zero-strike call option transaction with an affiliate of one of the initial purchasers (the “option counterparty”) and, having an expiration date that is scheduled to occur shortly after the maturity date of the notes. Pursuant to the zero-strike call option transaction, the Company will pay a premium equal to approximately US$129.6 million for the right to receive, without further payment, approximately 10.2 million Class A ordinary shares (subject to customary adjustment), with delivery thereof by the option counterparty at expiry, subject to early settlement of the zero-strike call option transaction in whole or in part at the option counterparty’s discretion. In the case of settlement at expiration or upon any early settlement, the option counterparty will deliver to the Company the number of Class A ordinary shares underlying the zero-strike call option transaction or the portion thereof being settled early. The zero-strike call option transaction is intended to facilitate privately negotiated derivative transactions with respect to the Class A ordinary shares between the option counterparty (or its affiliate) and certain investors in the notes by which those investors will be able to hedge their investment in the notes. Those activities, which are expected to occur concurrently with or shortly after the pricing of the offering, could increase (or reduce the size of any decrease in) the market price of the Class A ordinary shares and/or the notes at that time.

    The option counterparty (or its affiliate) may modify its hedge positions by entering into or unwinding derivative transactions with respect to the Class A ordinary shares and/or purchasing or selling Class A ordinary shares or other securities of the Company in secondary market transactions at any time following the pricing of the notes and shortly before or after the expiry or early settlement of the zero-strike call option transaction, and, the Company has been advised that the option counterparty may unwind its derivative transactions and/or purchase or sell the Class A ordinary shares in connection with the expiry of the zero-strike call option transaction or any early settlement of the zero-strike call option transaction at the option counterparty’s discretion, including any early settlement relating to any conversion, repurchase or redemption of the notes. Those activities could also increase (or reduce the size of any decrease in) or decrease (or reduce the size of any increase in) the market price of the Class A ordinary shares and/or the notes.

    If the zero-strike call option transaction fails to become effective, whether or not the offering is completed, the option counterparty may unwind its hedge positions with respect to the Class A ordinary shares, which could adversely affect the market price of the Class A ordinary shares and, if the notes have been issued, the market price of the notes.

    Concurrent Note Exchange Transaction

    Concurrently with the pricing of the notes in the offering, the Company entered into privately negotiated transactions with certain holders of its 8.50% convertible senior notes due 2029 (the “August 2029 notes”) to exchange for approximately US$36.1 million in cash and approximately 8.1 million Class A ordinary shares, approximately US$75.7 million aggregate principal amount of its August 2029 notes, on terms negotiated with such holders (each, a “note exchange transaction”). This press release is not an offer to exchange the August 2029 notes, and the offering of the notes is not contingent upon the exchange of the August 2029 notes.

    In connection with any note exchange transaction, the Company expects that holders of the August 2029 notes that are repurchased by the Company as described above and who have hedged their equity price risk with respect to such notes (the “hedged holders”) will unwind all or part of their hedge positions by buying the Class A ordinary shares and/or entering into or unwinding various derivative transactions with respect to the Class A ordinary shares. The amount of the Class A ordinary shares to be purchased by the hedged holders or in connection with such derivative transactions may be substantial in relation to the historical average daily trading volume of the Class A ordinary shares. This activity by the hedged holders could increase (or reduce the size of any decrease in) the market price of the Class A ordinary shares. The Company cannot predict the magnitude of such market activity or the overall effect it will have on the price of the notes or the Class A ordinary shares.

    The notes and any Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of the notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, any state securities laws or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and other applicable securities laws.

    This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification thereof under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Bitdeer Technologies Group

    Bitdeer is a world-leading technology company for Bitcoin mining. Bitdeer is committed to providing comprehensive Bitcoin mining solutions for its customers. The Company handles complex processes involved in computing such as equipment procurement, transport logistics, datacenter design and construction, equipment management, and daily operations. The Company also offers advanced cloud capabilities to customers with high demand for artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Singapore, Bitdeer has deployed datacenters in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “look forward to,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Such forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to Bitdeer’s expectations regarding the completion of the offering and the note exchange transactions and the expected use of proceeds from the sale of the notes and potential impact of the offering, the note exchange transactions, the zero-strike call option transaction each as described above or related transactions on the market price of the Class A ordinary shares or the trading price of the notes. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including risks and uncertainties associated with market conditions and the satisfaction of closing conditions related to the offering and the note exchange transactions, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Bitdeer’s annual report on Form 20-F, as well as those discussed in Bitdeer’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond Bitdeer’s control. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. Bitdeer specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Orange Group
    Yujia Zhai
    bitdeerir@orangegroupadvisors.com

    Public Relations
    BlocksBridge Consulting
    Nishant Sharma
    bitdeer@blocksbridge.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Barnwell Announces Third Adjournment of 2025 Annual Meeting Due to Ned Sherwood’s Continued Refusal to Submit Votes Solicited from Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONOLULU, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Barnwell Industries, Inc. (NYSE American: BRN) (“Barnwell” or the “Company”) today announced that its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which reconvened yesterday, has been adjourned to Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Shareholders of record at the close of business on July 21, 2025 are eligible to vote at the adjourned 2025 Annual Meeting.

    Shareholders are encouraged to vote on the WHITE proxy card FOR: Kenneth S. Grossman, Joshua S. Horowitz, Craig D. Hopkins and Philip J. McPherson. Any shareholder who has voted on the Sherwood Group’s green proxy card can change their vote and contribute to the quorum by voting on the WHITE proxy card for ALL of Barnwell’s director nominees. Shareholders who previously voted on the WHITE proxy card as shareholders of record on the original record date of April 14, 2025, and continue to be shareholders of record on July 21, 2025, do not need to take further action as Barnwell’s nominees are unchanged.

    Kenneth Grossman, Vice Chairman of Barnwell’s Board of Directors, commented, “The Barnwell Board is optimistic about the future of the Company and the ability of our assets to drive value for shareholders. However, Barnwell’s value potential continues to be limited by Ned Sherwood’s self-serving, obstructionist actions that are thwarting our ability to conclude the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting and move on from this waste of time and resources. The Company plans to actively solicit shareholders in the ensuing months to seek to obtain a quorum so that Barnwell can proceed with conducting its 2025 Annual Meeting in an orderly fashion.”

    This is the third adjournment necessitated by the refusal of Ned Sherwood and his affiliates (collectively, the “Sherwood Group”) to submit the proxies they actively solicited from Barnwell shareholders. By refusing to turn in the green proxy cards, Mr. Sherwood is holding hostage the votes of shareholders, including those shareholders who voted for the Company’s candidates on the Sherwood Group’s universal green proxy card. Accordingly, the Annual Meeting has again been adjourned to seek a quorum and prevent the continued expense of a long-term extension of the Annual Meeting process.

    Shareholders of record as of the new record date will receive an amended notice of the adjourned meeting, as well as updated proxy materials from the Company for the adjourned 2025 Annual Meeting shortly following the record date.

    The 2025 Annual Meeting will continue to be uncontested and the adjournment of the 2025 Annual Meeting will not reopen the nomination window for the election of directors under the Company’s bylaws.

    Shareholders should be reminded that:

    • It is not too late to vote and only the latest card voted counts
    • Shareholders should vote on the WHITE proxy card for ALL of the Barnwell nominees and disregard the Sherwood Group’s green proxy cards
    • Shareholders who voted on the Sherwood Group’s green proxy card can change their vote and contribute to the quorum by voting on the WHITE proxy card

    The adjourned 2025 Annual Meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. HST at Suite 210, Alakea Corporate Tower, 1100 Alakea Street, Honolulu, Hawaii.

    If you have any questions or need assistance voting the WHITE
    proxy card, please contact our proxy solicitor:

    Okapi Partners at (877) 869-0171 or by email at
    info@okapipartners.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain information contained in this press release contains “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of our board and management team that involve risks, potential changes in circumstances, assumptions, and uncertainties, include various estimates, forecasts, projections of Barnwell’s future performance and statements of Barnwell’s plans and objectives. Forward-looking statements include phrases such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “assumes,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “will be,” “should,” or similar expressions. Although Barnwell believes that its current expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it cannot assure that the expectations contained in such forward-looking statements will be achieved. Any or all of the forward-looking statements may turn out to be incorrect or be affected by inaccurate assumptions Barnwell might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties including our ability to defend against any potential claims by the Sherwood Group, our ability to execute on our strategy and business plan, our ability to successfully solicit votes on the Company’s white proxy card for the 2025 Annual Meeting and the other risks forth in the “Forward-Looking Statements,” “Risk Factors” and other sections of Barnwell’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (as amended) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 and Barnwell’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, as they speak only as of the date of this press release, and Barnwell expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein.

    CONTACTS:        
    Bruce Goldfarb / Chuck Garske
    (212) 297-0720
    Email: info@okapipartners.com
            
    Kenneth S. Grossman
    Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
    Email: kensgrossman@gmail.com                      

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: TMD Energy Limited Enters into Strategic Memorandum of Agreement to Advance Green Bioenergy Collaboration

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TMD Energy Limited (the “Company” or “TMDEL”) (NYSE American: TMDE), together with its subsidiaries is a Malaysia and Singapore based services provider engaged in integrated bunkering services which involves ship-to-ship transfer of marine fuels, ship management services and vessel chartering services, today announced the Company has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (“MOA”) with bioenergy firm Double Corporate Sdn Bhd (“Double Corporate”) to explore a strategic collaboration for the EU and Asia market.

    This collaboration marks a new milestone towards TMDEL’s strategy to expand into sustainable and alternative fuel energy sectors. The MOA initiates exclusive good-faith negotiations to formalize partnerships in bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions and operational integration.

    Double Corporate is a ISCC-EU certified Malaysian-based bioenergy company specializing in waste-based bioenergy and it involves converting waste into high-yield sustainable fuels and lubricants using proprietary, ISCC-EU-approved technology. Double Corporate brings to the table a decade-long expertise in producing high-yield, low-emission biofuels suitable for applications in the sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) and sustainable marine fuel (“SMF”) markets, particularly in Europe and Asia.

    Dato’ Sri Kam Choy Ho, Chairman and CEO of the Company, stated that: “This partnership aligns with our vision to expand regionally and globally to advance long term sustainable, green business and fuel innovation. Double Corporate’s circular-economy focus complements our commitment to environmentally responsible energy solutions.”

    Key Agreement Terms

    The MOA establishes the parties’ intention to enter into mutual discussions to collaborate and participate in the business in Malaysia and globally with a one-year exclusivity period for negotiations, extendable by mutual consent. Both parties will prioritize finalizing definitive agreements within the exclusivity window.

    About Double Corporate

    Double Corporate is a certified Malaysian bioenergy leader converting waste into sustainable fuels and lubricants through proprietary ISCC-EU-approved technology. Double Corporate is in the development and commercialization of waste-based bioenergy, with a focus on refining palm oil mill effluent, Empty Fruit Bunches, used cooking oil, and other industrial waste oils into certified biofuels. Its high-yield (1:1 conversion) refining process minimizes waste and energy consumption while producing critical feedstocks for SAF and SMF — supported by global certifications American Petroleum Institute, ISCC and automated in-house systems. For more information, please visit Double Corporate website at: www.doublecorporate.com.

    About TMD Energy Limited

    TMD Energy Limited and its subsidiaries (“TMDEL Group”) are principally involved in marine fuel bunkering services specializing in the supply and marketing of marine gas oil and marine fuel oil of which include high sulfur fuel oil, low sulfur fuel oil and very low sulfur fuel oil, to ships and vessels at sea. TMDEL Group is also involved in the provision of ship management services for in-house and external vessels, as well as vessel chartering. As of today, TMDEL Group operates in 19 ports across Malaysia with a fleet of 15 bunkering vessels. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at: www.tmdel.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company’s Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may”, “could”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “project” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s financial results filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
    TMD ENERGY LIMITED
    e-Mail: corporate@tmdel.com

    WFS INVESTOR RELATIONS
    e-Mail: services@wealthfsllc.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: TMD Energy Limited Enters into Strategic Memorandum of Agreement to Advance Green Bioenergy Collaboration

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TMD Energy Limited (the “Company” or “TMDEL”) (NYSE American: TMDE), together with its subsidiaries is a Malaysia and Singapore based services provider engaged in integrated bunkering services which involves ship-to-ship transfer of marine fuels, ship management services and vessel chartering services, today announced the Company has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (“MOA”) with bioenergy firm Double Corporate Sdn Bhd (“Double Corporate”) to explore a strategic collaboration for the EU and Asia market.

    This collaboration marks a new milestone towards TMDEL’s strategy to expand into sustainable and alternative fuel energy sectors. The MOA initiates exclusive good-faith negotiations to formalize partnerships in bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions and operational integration.

    Double Corporate is a ISCC-EU certified Malaysian-based bioenergy company specializing in waste-based bioenergy and it involves converting waste into high-yield sustainable fuels and lubricants using proprietary, ISCC-EU-approved technology. Double Corporate brings to the table a decade-long expertise in producing high-yield, low-emission biofuels suitable for applications in the sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) and sustainable marine fuel (“SMF”) markets, particularly in Europe and Asia.

    Dato’ Sri Kam Choy Ho, Chairman and CEO of the Company, stated that: “This partnership aligns with our vision to expand regionally and globally to advance long term sustainable, green business and fuel innovation. Double Corporate’s circular-economy focus complements our commitment to environmentally responsible energy solutions.”

    Key Agreement Terms

    The MOA establishes the parties’ intention to enter into mutual discussions to collaborate and participate in the business in Malaysia and globally with a one-year exclusivity period for negotiations, extendable by mutual consent. Both parties will prioritize finalizing definitive agreements within the exclusivity window.

    About Double Corporate

    Double Corporate is a certified Malaysian bioenergy leader converting waste into sustainable fuels and lubricants through proprietary ISCC-EU-approved technology. Double Corporate is in the development and commercialization of waste-based bioenergy, with a focus on refining palm oil mill effluent, Empty Fruit Bunches, used cooking oil, and other industrial waste oils into certified biofuels. Its high-yield (1:1 conversion) refining process minimizes waste and energy consumption while producing critical feedstocks for SAF and SMF — supported by global certifications American Petroleum Institute, ISCC and automated in-house systems. For more information, please visit Double Corporate website at: www.doublecorporate.com.

    About TMD Energy Limited

    TMD Energy Limited and its subsidiaries (“TMDEL Group”) are principally involved in marine fuel bunkering services specializing in the supply and marketing of marine gas oil and marine fuel oil of which include high sulfur fuel oil, low sulfur fuel oil and very low sulfur fuel oil, to ships and vessels at sea. TMDEL Group is also involved in the provision of ship management services for in-house and external vessels, as well as vessel chartering. As of today, TMDEL Group operates in 19 ports across Malaysia with a fleet of 15 bunkering vessels. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at: www.tmdel.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company’s Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may”, “could”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “project” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s financial results filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
    TMD ENERGY LIMITED
    e-Mail: corporate@tmdel.com

    WFS INVESTOR RELATIONS
    e-Mail: services@wealthfsllc.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Major milestone for Axi as broker teams up with prestigious media publisher Bloomberg

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi proudly announced a partnership with globally recognised financial services and media company Bloomberg. This strategic collaboration marks a major step forward in the broker’s ongoing commitment to building strong brand awareness and credibility on the global stage.

    Louis Cooper, Chief Commercial Officer at Axi, shows his excitement for this new collaboration, noting: “We are immensely proud to have secured a partnership with a media publisher as globally respected as Bloomberg. A prominent global leader in business and financial news, Bloomberg is renowned for its high-quality journalism and trusted insights. This collaboration gives Axi a unique opportunity to showcase our innovations with a broad, influential audience across the world, which aligns perfectly with our strategic ambitions.

    As part of the collaboration, Bloomberg will roll out a four-part campaign throughout the summer, focusing exclusively on the broker’s flagship capital allocation program, Axi Select. The program offers ambitious traders the opportunity to access up to $1,000,000 USD in capital funding and earn up to 90% of their profits, as well as the advantage to join the program with zero registration or monthly fees*. Other standout features of Axi Select include, among others, its use of a Standard or a Pro live account, unrestrictive trading conditions, and an exclusive trading room – all designed to accelerate and maximise traders’ potential. In recent weeks, Axi Select announced four traders who reached the top milestone of the program, each receiving a $1M allocation. In addition, other traders on the program have secured capital funding at various levels, including $100K, $200K, and $500K, reflecting the program’s effectiveness in empowering traders to turn their ambitions into reality.

    Recently, the broker was honoured with the ‘Best Funded Trader Program’ award by the ADVFN International Financial Awards, and, among others, was recognised by Finance Feeds with the ‘Most Innovative Proprietary Trading Firm’ award**.

    To learn more about Axi Select click here

    About Axi

    Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more.

    For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com

    The Axi Select program is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. In our dealings with you, we will act as a principal counterparty to all of your positions. This content is not available to AU, NZ, EU and UK residents. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service. *Standard trading fees apply.  

    **Granted to the Axi Group of Companies.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Republic of Nauru becomes first Pacific country to launch digital asset regulator

    Source: Government of Nauru

    In a landmark move for the Pacific region, the Nauru Parliament yesterday passed legislation to establish a dedicated virtual asset regulatory authority.

    The Bill establishes the Command Ridge Virtual Asset Authority (CRVAA), named after the highest point of land in Nauru, as an autonomous regulator overseeing virtual assets, digital banking, and Web3 innovation.

    It will provide a licencing scheme that will allow virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to register and offer their services using Nauru as a base.

    Nauru President David Adeang said the regulation would pave the way for Nauru to be a digital asset leader in the region and is another step towards strengthening financial integrity, investing in future generations, and forging new pathways for resilience.

    He pointed out that Nauru is one of the Pacific’s most at-risk nations, acknowledged under the United Nations Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), for its heightened exposure to economic and environmental shocks, and that the Government needed to embrace innovation.

    “This bold step aims to harness the potential of virtual assets to diversify revenue streams and fortify economic resilience,” he said.

    “By implementing robust oversight of VASPs, Nauru aims to foster sustainable growth, channel new financial inflows into strategic instruments such as its Intergenerational Trust Fund, and reduce its reliance on climate financing, which is often challenging to secure.”

    The President said Nauru aspires to secure a more sustainable and self-reliant economic future.

    “We want to be a government of solutions and innovation, be proactive not passive, and positively approach the future with boldness,” he said.

    Minister for Commerce and Foreign Investment Maverick Eoe told Parliament that more countries are recognising the potential of virtual assets from blockchain technologies to decentralised finance.

    “This Bill proposes to introduce a framework that will put Nauru on par with other countries leading in the development of their digital economies and generating revenue from such developments,” he said.

    “The licensing framework….ensures Nauru becomes a competitor, attracting businesses that bring investment, job creation, and financial innovation,” he said.

    “By regulating VASPs, token issuance, and secure digital transactions, we can position Nauru as a hub for these types of innovation and development within this part of the world.

    He said the legislation is a commitment to the future prosperity of the country and a statement that Nauru does not fear the digital transformation, but embraces it and leads within the Pacific region.

    CRVAA will be tasked with ensuring cybersecurity standards, monitoring financial transactions and enforcing compliance with international anti-money laundering and financial transparency protocols.

    The Bill, which provides unmatched legal certainty for the token-issuer, introduces a groundbreaking token classification system that provides long-awaited clarity for the global crypto industry, stating that:

    Cryptocurrencies are presumed commodities, not securities;
    Utility and payment tokens are excluded from investment contract status;
    Governance and reward tokens are protected from misclassification

    The Nauru law defines the activities subject to CRA authorisation as follows:

    • Operation of centralised or decentralised virtual asset platforms
    • Exchange services between virtual assets and/or fiat currencies
    • Custodial and non-custodial virtual asset wallet services
    • Issuance of virtual tokens, including ICOs, STOs, and NFTs
    • Lending, staking, yield farming, and decentralised finance (DeFi) services
    • Stablecoin issuance and cross-border payment solutions
    • Operation of digital banks and digital payment platforms
    • Issuance and management of E-money.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Algerian President to Speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amid $50B Hydrocarbon Drive

    Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the Republic of Algeria, will speak at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference. President Tebboune’s participation comes as the country paves the way for a $50 billion investment drive over the next four years and underscores Algeria’s commitment to working with international partners to bolster exploration and production.

    Under President Tebboune’s leadership, Algeria has implemented bold development plans for the oil and gas industry, striving to consolidate its position as an international export hub. The country has undertaken an ambitious investment drive and continues to attract foreign capital to the market through strengthened partnerships and improved business terms. With a focus on promoting frontier acreage, increasing gas production and creating investment opportunities in green hydrogen and regional infrastructure projects, President Tebboune is laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable economic growth in Algeria. At AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, President Tebboune is expected to share insights into this strategy, highlighting upcoming investment opportunities and regulatory reform.

    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    As one of Africa’s biggest oil and gas producers, Algeria is leveraging policy reform to attract new investment in exploration projects. A cornerstone of this strategy is the country’s ongoing licensing round, which offers six onshore blocks to international and domestic companies. Launched in November 2024, the bid round will host a bid opening ceremony in June 2025, with the National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources in Algeria expected to award at least five of the six blocks. This latest licensing round falls part of a five-year plan which features multiple bid rounds, aimed at offering acreage in high-potential geological zones and combining a mix of greenfield and brownfield assets. This multi-year strategy showcases the commitment of the government to increasing the competitiveness of investing in Algeria.

    Beyond the licensing rounds, President Tebboune has enacted a series of policy reforms aimed at improving the business environment for foreign operators. These include the introduction of a Hydrocarbon Law in 2019, offering improved fiscal terms to those of 2013 legislation. Since the enactment of this law, production has rebounded significantly in Algeria, with gas sales alone projected to remain at 10 billion cubic feet per day until the end of the decade. Targeting 200 billion cubic meters in gas production over the five years, the Hydrocarbon Law of 2019 will continue playing an instrumental part in attracting investment to the market.

    On the back of this law, a number of international oil companies have expanded their investments in Algeria. ExxonMobil and Chevron are exploring for hydrocarbon resources in the Ahnet, Gourara and Berkine basins; Eni and Equinor are revitalizing the In Salah and In Amenas fields; while TotalEnergies is leading gas appraisal and development in Timimoun. In tandem, Algeria’s national oil company Sonatrach is rapidly expanding its portfolio, with strategic investments in the Zarzaitine oilfield and revived operations at the Alrar gas complex. In 2024, Sonatrach made eight new hydrocarbon discoveries and in 2025, seeks to achieve 1.2 million barrels in daily production.

    Beyond oil and gas, President Tebboune has set green hydrogen development as a priority for the country, underscoring the role the resource will play in facilitating a just energy transition in Algeria. The country is emerging as a green hydrogen leader in Africa, with projects such as the SoutH2 Corridor project – a 3,300 km pipeline network developed in partnership with European stakeholders – transforming the market. The project repurposes natural gas pipelines to transport green hydrogen, leveraging the continent’s strategic resources and growing European demand to bolster exports. Operations are planned for 2030, with the project set to transport up to four million tons of hydrogen per year. Looking ahead, investments in green hydrogen are expected to diversify the market while creating new business opportunities for regional firms.

    “Algeria’s diversified energy strategy should serve as a strong example for other resource-rich nations in Africa. By prioritizing oil and gas exploration, reforming policies to attract spending and working closely with international partners to establish sustainable export networks, Algeria is establishing itself as an international energy hub. President Tebboune has played an instrumental role in making the country what it is today: an attractive, growth-oriented market,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Electoral Commission hosts first symposium on political funding in SA

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has launched a two-day symposium on political funding, aimed at evaluating and enhancing the regulatory framework governing the use of money in politics.

    The first-ever symposium on political funding, follows four years of implementing the Political Funding Act of 2018, which came into effect on 1 April 2021.

    Held under the theme: “Sustaining Multi-Party Democracy through Enhancing Political Funding Regulation in South Africa” the symposium aims to foster informed dialogue on the matters related to the use of money in politics, promote transparency and accountability models, as well as possible reforms to ensure an effective political finance regulatory regime in South Africa.

    According to a statement issued by the Commission on Wednesday, the key highlights of the symposium include opening remarks by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mosotho Moepya, presentation by Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo, and the Political Funding Unit outlining the Commission’s experience in implementing the law since its promulgation. 

    “This aspect will naturally involve the points of success and areas of challenge. Furthermore, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) will outline the preliminary outcomes of the research study which, amongst others, gathered the views and perspectives of stakeholders and the public on political financing in the country,” the Commission said. 

    Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana is scheduled to address the symposium on Thursday morning, where he is expected to provide a perspective on the public funding of elected representative to enhance multi-party democracy.

    Several scholars will also present their work in this area of money and politics. 

    Highlights of the programme include the following:

    • A global perspective on political funding and campaign finance.

    • The role and mandate of the political funding framework in strengthening democratic governance.

    • Assessing the capacity and commitment of key stakeholders in improving the regulation of political funding.

    • Transparency in public and private political party funding: challenges and prospects.

    The symposium brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from political parties, members of parliament, academia, civil society, the media, the business sector, as well as international and intergovernmental organisations.

    Speaking ahead of the symposium, Mamabolo emphasised the need for a collective commitment to enhance transparency in the political funding landscape, to foster a vibrant system of multiparty democracy. 

    “By convening diverse stakeholders, we aim to critically assess our progress and explore avenues for strengthening the current regulatory framework and thus ensure that our democracy remains robust and resilient,” he said.

    The symposium is taking place at Umhlanga, north of Durban, from 18-19 June 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Central Asian countries are becoming important trading partners of China’s Sichuan province

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    CHENGDU, June 18 (Xinhua) — Trade volume between southwest China’s Sichuan Province and five Central Asian countries increased 57.3 percent year on year to 2.78 billion yuan (about 386.8 million U.S. dollars) in January-April 2025, data from Chengdu Customs showed.

    In recent years, Central Asian countries have become important partners for Sichuan Province, which is seeking to build a highly open economy. Data show that in the first four months, the province’s exports to countries in the region totaled 2.61 billion yuan, up 57.9 percent year-on-year, while imports rose 48.5 percent to 170 million yuan.

    Automobiles, semiconductors, batteries and other products account for a large share of the goods exported from Sichuan to Central Asia, while rapeseed oil, ferroalloys and food are mainly imported from Central Asia.

    Sichuan Province and the Central Asian countries have great complementarity and enormous potential for cooperation in the fields of industry, economy, trade, culture, tourism, science and education. In terms of trade with Sichuan Province, Uzbekistan ranks first among the five Central Asian countries, being an important investment destination for the province in the Central Asian region. Thanks to this province, chemical products, porcelain and barley from Uzbekistan enter the Chinese market.

    The cooperation models between Sichuan and Central Asian countries also continue to be updated. For example, a service center of Sichuan Port and Shipping Investment Group Co., Ltd., responsible for international sales, was commissioned in Tashkent, as well as a bonded automobile demonstration center, where over 100 types of products from more than 40 Sichuan enterprises are presented. In addition, China-Central Asia freight trains annually deliver about 5,000 tons of tea from Chengdu to Tashkent. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Hlabisa to lead discussions with business on review of White Paper on Local Government

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Hlabisa to lead discussions with business on review of White Paper on Local Government

    The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, will this week lead a roundtable discussion with the National Business Initiative (NBI) to review the 1998 White Paper on Local Government. 

    The CoGTA-NBI roundtable will be held on Friday, 20 June 2025, in Durban under the theme: “Every Municipality Must Work – A Call for Collective Action”.

    According to the department, the upcoming discussion with the NBI is part of the ongoing inclusive and participatory policy reform process to design a modern and fit-for-purpose local government system. 

    The NBI is an independent coalition of nearly 100 South African and multinational companies dedicated to creating a prosperous country and society. 

    Founded in 1995 by former President Nelson Mandela, the NBI is a voluntary alliance of businesses committed to this vision.

    “Through this engagement, everyone will have an opportunity to have their say and make an input into the type of local government they envisage,” the department said. 

    The discussions will focus on evaluating the legacy and shortcomings of the 1998 White Paper. 

    They will explore key policy priorities for a renewed local government framework and provide practical recommendations from both business and provincial perspectives. 

    In addition, the talks aim to strengthen partnerships to improve local governance and infrastructure delivery.

    Attendees will include business leaders and key economic institutions in KwaZulu-Natal, such as the KZN Provincial Economic Working Group (PeWG), Invest Durban, the KZN Growth Coalition, local Chambers of Commerce, and senior government officials.

    The CoGTA Deputy Minister, Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, is also expected to join the Minister.

    In April, Hlabisa officially published a discussion document on the Review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government. 

    This document, published under Notice No. 6118 (Gazette: 52498), initiated a national discussion aimed at producing a revised White Paper on Local Government by March 2026.

    According to the department, the review launched last month aims to inspire fresh thinking, facilitate honest reflection, and promote decisive action toward establishing a local government system that effectively serves the people of South Africa.

    “The review is an open call to action for communities and stakeholders to collectively build a new and ideal system of local government characterised by responsiveness, efficiency, and accountability. The responsibility to ensure viable and sustainable municipalities is a shared national duty in advancing democracy,” the department said. 

    Adopted in 1998, the White Paper served as a foundational blueprint for building democratic local governance in South Africa.

    However, the department believes there is growing recognition that the current model is no longer adequate to meet the evolving developmental and service delivery needs of communities.

    It said the persistent governance, financial, structural, and administrative challenges have undermined the ability of municipalities to deliver effectively on their mandates. – SAnews.gov.za

    Gabisile

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS attends 2025 Lujiazui Forum (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the 2025 Lujiazui Forum in Shanghai today (June 18) and witnessed the signing of the Action Plan for Collaborative Development of Shanghai and Hong Kong International Financial Centres.
     
         The Lujiazui Forum is an international high-level dialogue platform that discusses major issues in the financial sector. This year, the forum was jointly organised by the Shanghai Municipal Government, the People’s Bank of China, the National Financial Regulatory Administration, and the China Securities Regulatory Commission. Themed “Financial Opening-Up and Cooperation for High-Quality Development in a Changing Global Economy”, the forum has brought together government officials, financial regulators, industry leaders, renowned think tanks and scholars from multiple countries to discuss topics such as global monetary policy, capital market development, financial technology and innovation, and inclusive finance. The plenary session this afternoon will include a session on deepening the co-operation and development of Shanghai and Hong Kong as international financial centres. 
     
         Mr Chan, as one of the key guests, attended the forum’s opening ceremony and morning plenary session. 
     
         Before the opening ceremony, Mr Chan and the Executive Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, Mr Wu Wei, jointly witnessed the signing of the Action Plan for Collaborative Development of Shanghai and Hong Kong International Financial Centres, by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, and the Director-General of the Shanghai Office for Advancing International Financial Center Development and Director of the Shanghai Municipal Financial Regulatory Bureau, Mr Zhou Xiaoquan.
     
         The Action Plan covers six areas with a total of 38 measures, including deepening the interconnectivity between Mainland and Hong Kong financial markets, enhancing the linkage and co-operation of the two places’ capital markets, supporting eligible Shanghai enterprises to list and raise funds in Hong Kong, and strengthening collaboration in areas such as commodity trading, reinsurance, green finance and fintech. The aim is to further leverage the financial opening up, development and risk management advantages of the two cities, enhance cross-boundary and offshore financial co-operation, and promote the co-ordinated development of the two international financial centres. 
     
         In his speech at the ceremony, Mr Chan said that the Action Plan further specifies the directions of co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai, thereby injecting new and richer content into multi-level and multi-field financial collaboration. It includes, first, new measures to deepen financial interconnectivity; second, highlighting support for Mainland enterprises to go global; and third, promoting standard alignment and financial innovation. With strong support from the country, Hong Kong and Shanghai, as two international financial centres, will join forces to create greater synergy and collaborative benefits, thus making greater contributions to the country’s development as a financial powerhouse while also injecting Chinese wisdom and strength into the development of the global financial market. 
     
         Yesterday (June 17), upon arriving in Shanghai, Mr Chan attended an international exchange dinner hosted by the China Finance 40 Forum. Attendees included leaders from domestic and international financial institutions, regulatory bodies, think tanks and academia. At the dinner, Mr Chan shared how Hong Kong is striving to promote high-quality financial development amid global political and economic changes. This includes advancing financial market reforms to better attract global capital to support the development of the real economy, supporting the prudent advancement of Renminbi internationalisation, embracing financial innovation including digital assets, and providing comprehensive, high value-added services for Mainland enterprises’ international development. The goal is to better contribute to the country’s financial reform and high-level opening up while creating opportunities for global investors and businesses. 
     
         Mr Chan departed for Hong Kong around noon today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt’s Former-Minister of Petroleum Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amid Exploration Surge in North Africa

    Tarek El Molla, Egypt’s former-Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, has joined the continent’s premier energy event – African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African as a speaker. Taking place on September 29-October 3 in Cape Town, the event unites international financiers and operators with African energy opportunities. El Molla’s participation comes as Egypt advances a bold exploration and production agenda, providing the opportunity for new deals and collaborations.

    Egypt’s oil and gas strategy is largely centered on its ambitions to scale-up international exports as the country seeks to leverage its strategic proximity to European markets. North Africa has long-been an important player in meeting European oil and gas demand, but as Egypt accelerates exploration and production through licensing opportunities and greater collaboration with international operators, the country is well-positioned to play an even greater role in global supply chains. At AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, El Molla is expected to share insight into this strategy and how investing in Egyptian oil and gas will help support energy security in international markets.

    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    As one of Africa’s biggest gas producers, Egypt has made a name for itself as a major gas exporter. Yet, the country has faced significant production declines since 2022, with gas output dropping 20% year-on-year, reaching 4.3 billion cubic feet in January 2025 – the lowest in eight years. To address this, the country is implementing a bold industry agenda aimed at mitigating declines and accelerating both greenfield and brownfield investments. Egypt’s latest oil and gas licensing round – offering 13 offshore and onshore blocks across key regions in the Mediterranean Sea and Nile Delta – seeks to boost exploration and attract international investment. The licensing round will be finalized in the second half of the year, with plans to sign five new agreements and amend an existing one for exploration and production.

    Both international oil companies (IOC) and regional players are stepping-up their investments to support the country’s oil and gas ambitions and generate greater returns from the industry. In May 2025, Russian energy firm Lukoil received parliamentary approval for two deals, including exploration and production rights in the South Wadi El-Sahl region of the Eastern Desert and similar operations in the neighboring Wadi El-Sahl area. ExxonMobil signed an MoU with the state-owned Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) in April 2025, paving the way for a new operational framework in the Cairo and Masry offshore concession areas of the Mediterranean Sea, while also announcing plans to drill a new offshore gas exploration well in the North Marakia Offshore Concession. In 2025, Eni plans to drill two development wells at the Zohr gas field amid a $26 billion investment strategy planned for Egypt, Libya and Algeria.

    EGAS is also implementing a bold investment strategy. In the first half of FY 2024/2025, the company completed seven exploratory well and evaluation wells, as well as a 3D seismic survey program covering 2,100 km² in the western Mediterranean’s King Ramses Block. The company also implemented five projects to develop gas fields during this period, placing eight new development wells on the map. Looking ahead, EGAS plans to conduct four exploratory wells in the second half of FY 2024/2025, with four more development projects set to be implemented along with 14 new development wells. In FY 2025/2026, the company is looking at drilling 17 exploratory and evaluation wells – primarily in the Delta and Mediterranean Sea – with a total investment of $434 million. A 4D seismic survey in the deep marine West Delta area and a 3D survey in the Zohr field area are also planned.

    These developments signal a strong commitment by upstream operators to unlock greater value from Egypt’s oil and gas market, indicating the level of opportunity available across the country. With El Molla’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, conference attendees will gain insight into the country’s strategic industry plans. His participation will provide an overview into the country’s investment opportunities – from upstream exploration and production to exports and downstream infrastructure – offering investors a unique opportunity to better-understand the market.

    “Egypt is taking all the right steps to counteract production decline and revitalize its oil and gas industry. Through a strategic licensing round, strengthened IOC collaboration and a strong drive by state-owned entities to develop new fields, the country is well-positioned to boost oil and gas output,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CBB Governor Participates in HSBC GCC Exchanges 2025 Conference

    Source: Central Bank of Bahrain

    Published on 18 June 2025

    Manama, Bahrain – 18 June 2025:  H.E. Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), recently participated in the opening session at the HSBC GCC Exchanges 2025 Conference in a fireside chat titled “Bahrain’s Financial Sector: Reform Momentum, Market Confidence and Talent-Led Growth”. Held from 16th to 19th June in London, United Kingdom, the event brings together representatives from GCC exchanges, alongside a number of international officials and investors.

    Moderated by Mr. Joseph Ghorayeb, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bahrain, the fireside chat with H.E. the Governor underscored the CBB’s pivotal role in developing a regulatory framework that fosters innovation and advances financial services in the Kingdom. Leading the conversation, H.E. the Governor highlighted CBB’s efforts to attract foreign investments, enhance market competitiveness, and support national economic growth through sound regulatory reforms. He also emphasized the importance of human capital development aligned with global standards as a pillar of long-term sectoral advancement.

    The Kingdom of Bahrain’s delegation includes H.E. Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the CBB; Mr. Yousif Al Yousif, Chairman of Bahrain Bourse; Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Bourse; Mrs. Hesa Al Sada, Executive Director of Central Banking and Macro-Prudential Oversight at the CBB; and Mr. Mubarak Nabeel Matar, Assistant Undersecretary of Financial Operation at the Ministry of Finance and National Economy.

    During the event, the Bahraini delegation attended a meeting with senior global fund and asset managers to strengthen cross-border investment relations and highlight Bahrain’s capital market offerings. The conference serves as a platform for GCC exchanges to convene and reaffirm their commitment to enhancing cooperation, fostering productive partnerships, and driving the growth of capital markets across the region. These engagements aim to contribute to opening broader investment horizons at the regional level.

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    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CBB Governor Participates in HSBC GCC Exchanges 2025 Conference

    Source: Central Bank of Bahrain

    Published on 18 June 2025

    Manama, Bahrain – 18 June 2025:  H.E. Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), recently participated in the opening session at the HSBC GCC Exchanges 2025 Conference in a fireside chat titled “Bahrain’s Financial Sector: Reform Momentum, Market Confidence and Talent-Led Growth”. Held from 16th to 19th June in London, United Kingdom, the event brings together representatives from GCC exchanges, alongside a number of international officials and investors.

    Moderated by Mr. Joseph Ghorayeb, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bahrain, the fireside chat with H.E. the Governor underscored the CBB’s pivotal role in developing a regulatory framework that fosters innovation and advances financial services in the Kingdom. Leading the conversation, H.E. the Governor highlighted CBB’s efforts to attract foreign investments, enhance market competitiveness, and support national economic growth through sound regulatory reforms. He also emphasized the importance of human capital development aligned with global standards as a pillar of long-term sectoral advancement.

    The Kingdom of Bahrain’s delegation includes H.E. Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the CBB; Mr. Yousif Al Yousif, Chairman of Bahrain Bourse; Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Bourse; Mrs. Hesa Al Sada, Executive Director of Central Banking and Macro-Prudential Oversight at the CBB; and Mr. Mubarak Nabeel Matar, Assistant Undersecretary of Financial Operation at the Ministry of Finance and National Economy.

    During the event, the Bahraini delegation attended a meeting with senior global fund and asset managers to strengthen cross-border investment relations and highlight Bahrain’s capital market offerings. The conference serves as a platform for GCC exchanges to convene and reaffirm their commitment to enhancing cooperation, fostering productive partnerships, and driving the growth of capital markets across the region. These engagements aim to contribute to opening broader investment horizons at the regional level.

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    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Launches “PRO” Mode with Customized Services for Institutional Clients and VIP Traders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the launch of Bitget PRO, a new program designed to support institutional and VIP trading needs. Built to meet the operational requirements of high-volume market participants, the program delivers an optimized trading environment with access to lower fees, better interests, custody and loan services along with higher API frequency limits, and increased withdrawal limits.

    These enhancements aim to facilitate efficient capital deployment and support complex trading strategies across various market conditions. As for the eligibility criteria, Bitget PRO requirements are automated, making qualifying traders gain easy access to its benefits. The cutoff for qualification occurs automatically at 9:00AM (UTC+8) daily, with varying benefits and fees according to the different PRO levels. PRO 1 requires 20% of users’ trading volume from the past 30-days to come from API trades. Conversely, users who do not meet these criteria will revert to VIP status. Bitget also offers market-making and broker programs, providing additional opportunities for users to engage with the platform’s ecosystem.

    “Institutional traders are increasingly driving the momentum of crypto’s adoption, shaping its narrative through scale, precision, and strategy. Bitget PRO is built to serve as the home base for crypto’s top-tier participants—offering advanced security and a playground to experiment with products that match the evolving demands of high frequency traders,” said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget.

    Bitget PRO is an extension of VIP offerings. While the VIP tier is structured for manual and retail traders, the PRO program is engineered for institutional-grade trading via APIs. PRO users benefit from technical advantages including increased rate limits, priority access to technical operations support, and direct engagements with Bitget’s API team for ongoing optimization. Besides higher API rate limits, Bitget PRO users will also unlock institutional loan programs, higher withdrawal limits, a secure private link connection as well as more sub accounts, further adding The new program will unlock a more efficient trading experience for high volume trading, aligning with Bitget’s goal of serving institutional clients and VIP traders at scale.

    Earlier this year, Bitget introduced an Institutional Lending service with up to 5x leverage on spot trading and plans to extend it to derivatives. The platform also upgraded its OTC services and partnered with custodians like Cobo and Fireblocks to enhance security and support. Additionally, Bitget improved its Unified Accounts feature, enabling live trading across multiple pairs within a single account for advanced traders. These steps show Bitget’s strategic plans in providing a comprehensive, institution-ready trading ecosystem.

    Bitget PRO marks the latest development in Bitget’s efforts to provide infrastructure suited for the next era of digital asset trading. As institutional participation in crypto markets deepens, Bitget remains focused on delivering tools and services that align with the requirements of programmatic, high-frequency, and high-volume traders.

    For more information about Bitget PRO, visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ebdbcc63-2ca1-42cc-a119-ca6e51437ee0

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mashatile arrives in Moscow to boost SA-Russia trade relations

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in Moscow for a working visit aimed at strengthening economic and trade ties between South Africa and Russia. 

    The Deputy President was received at the airport by the Deputy Head of State Protocol, Andrei Milyaev, the Deputy Director of the African Department, Andrei Stolyarov, and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes. 

    According to the Deputy President’s Office, the visit will focus on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining industries, as well as cooperation in science and technology. 

    “It will take place in two cities, namely Moscow and St. Petersburg, for high-level engagements as well as economic diplomacy activities,“ the Deputy President’s Office said in a statement. 

    In Moscow, Mashatile will meet with the Prime Minister of Russia, Mikhail Mishutin, and lay a wreath at the memorial site dedicated to South Africa’s liberation stalwarts, John Beaver (JB) Marks and Moses Kotane. 

    Following this, he will participate in the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF2025). This year’s forum will be held from 19 – 21 June under the theme: “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World”.

    The Deputy President will participate in the plenary session of SPIEF2025 and has also received an invitation to speak at the Russia-Africa Business Dialogue.

    In addition, he is scheduled to deliver a public lecture at St. Petersburg State University on the topic: “South Africa’s G20 Presidency in a Rapidly Changing Geopolitical Environment”.

    He will also address attendees at the opening of the South African Trade and Investment Seminar.

    The St. Petersburg leg of the visit aims to enhance South Africa’s trade relationships and establish the country as a prime investment destination.

    According to the Deputy President’s Office, this trip is Mashatile’s first visit to Russia since he took office under the seventh administration. 

    He is accompanied by a delegation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers, who are part of the Economic Sectors, Investment, Employment and Infrastructure Development Cabinet Cluster. 

    This includes the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande; Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina; Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau; Agriculture Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa; Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala; Mineral and Petroleum Resources Deputy Minister, Phumzile Mgcina, and Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister,  Peace Mabe. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Premises in the Lanceray house have been put up for city auction

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Investors can buy four rooms in a historic building in the Krasnoselsky District. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “Investors can purchase four premises with a total area of about two thousand square meters in the Lanceray house on Milyutinsky Lane. The corresponding objects are already available for purchase on the investment portal. Another premises in this architectural monument are planned to be put up for auction in the near future. The building has the status of a cultural heritage site of regional significance. The new owners will have to carry out restoration and reconstruction work, as well as use the premises in accordance with the security obligation to ensure the protection of the architectural heritage of the capital,” Vladimir Efimov noted.

    The cultural heritage site is located at the address: Milyutinsky Lane, Building 20/2, Building 1. The building in the Gothic Art Nouveau style began to be built in 1915 under the direction of architect Valentin Dubovsky. After the October Revolution, the house was completed according to the design of architect Alexander Kalmykov.

    “The largest of the premises put up for auction has an area of over 1.7 thousand square meters and occupies the basement of an eight-story residential building. The sizes of the other three objects vary from 72.6 to 129.3 square meters. The building is located on the second line of the Boulevard Ring, a three-minute walk from the Turgenevskaya metro station. The area with developed public and business activity will be a good place to open a store, office or business in the restaurant and hotel industry,” she noted.

    Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of City Property.

    As the head of the Moscow City Department for Competition Policy said Kirill Purtov, the acceptance of applications for participation in electronic auctions for the purchase of four properties in Milyutinsky Lane will end on July 10, 14 and 16, depending on the lot. The auctions will take place on July 22, 23 and 25, respectively.

    All information about the premises put up for auction is presented on the capital’s investment portal. You can learn more about them, study the lot documentation and the rules for conducting auctions in the section “Property from the city”.

    The development of electronic services for entrepreneurs is carried out within the framework of the national project “Data Economy”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155377073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Copper Scramble: African Mining Week to Examine Merger & Acquisition (M&A) Deals


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    The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference (http://apo-opa.co/3I0IzOl) – scheduled for October 1–3, 2025, in Cape Town – will spotlight how Merger & Acquisition (M&A) deals are propelling the continent’s copper industry forward. A power chat will take place, titled The Copper Scramble: How Mergers are Reshaping the Global Supply Chain. The session is expected to unpack the impact M&A deals have had and will continue to play on Africa’s copper industry, highlighting recent deals and investment opportunities across the market.

    Driven by the global energy transition and the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, African countries are leveraging the surge in copper demand to boost investments across the value chain. Strengthened policies, underexplored mining acreage and emerging investment opportunities have enticed a string of M&A activity, particularly across major copper producers in Africa. The AMW 2025 session on copper will explore how recent mergers are driving production across select markets.

    African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Striving to produce three million tons of copper per annum by 2031, Zambia – the continent’s second-largest copper producer – has witnessed several impactful M&A deals recently. These include the $1.1 billion acquisition of the Mopani Mine in 2024 made by UAE-based International Resource Holdings (http://apo-opa.co/4jZBWJN), set to increase copper production to 300,000 tons within three years, and China’s JCHX Mining Management (http://apo-opa.co/3Ttgthj) acquisition of the Lubambe Mine, which will see $300 million injected to increase production. U.S.-based startup KoBold Metals has also committed over $2 billion following its acquisition of the Dumbwa and Konkola West projects, further accelerating Zambia’s copper output ambitions. Other international players, including Mercuria and Patriot Lithium, have also entered the Zambian market via M&A deals, aiming to tap into the mineral-rich Central African Copperbelt.

     In Botswana, recent M&A deals aim to unlock the potential of the Kalahari Copper Belt, which stretches into Namibia. Mining firm BHP secured stakes in Cobre Limited in March 2025, gaining access to Tier 1 copper assets in Botswana. The company plans to invest $25 million in exploration, including seismic surveys and deep diamond drilling, to assess resource potential. Additionally, China’s MMG Limited (http://apo-opa.co/4jYVNIZ) has announced a $700 million investment to double output at the Khoemacau Mine after acquiring it from Canada’s Cuprous Capital in 2024.

    As Africa continues to attract global investment and deepen strategic partnerships, AMW 2025 will serve as a vital platform to connect international investors with high-value M&A opportunities, reinforcing Africa’s position as a critical player in the global copper supply chain.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

    MIL OSI Africa