NewzIntel.com

Category: France

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Marks a Step Forward With AI for Everyone with New Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled Galaxy A56 5G1, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G, the latest Galaxy A series smartphones. For the first time, the Galaxy A series is integrating Awesome Intelligence — including some of Galaxy’s fan-favorite, AI-powered features to reimagine creativity — while bringing enhanced durability and longevity, as well as robust security and privacy protections to provide a safe and long-lasting mobile experience.
    “The new Galaxy A series marks an important step in our mission of AI for all, by opening Galaxy’s incredible mobile AI experiences to even more people around the world,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “With these awesome new features and capabilities, we are excited to unlock limitless creativity on the Galaxy A series while ensuring a safe, reliable and fun mobile experience.”
    Awesome Intelligence for Advanced Search and Creativity
    Awesome Intelligence is the first comprehensive mobile AI experience available on Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A35 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G and brings users powerful, fun, and easy-to-use AI tools. Powered by One UI 7, the new Awesome Intelligence features offer amazing search and visual experiences to Galaxy A series users.
    A fan-favorite on Galaxy A series devices last year, Google’s enhanced Circle to Search2 makes it easier than ever to search and discover from the phone’s screen. With the latest upgrades, users can now get even more done on their phone. Circle to Search will quickly recognize phone numbers, email addresses and URLs on the screen so users can take action with minimal actions.
    With the recent enhancements to Circle to Search, users can also instantly search their favorite songs they hear without switching apps. Whether it’s a song playing on social media from their phone or music that’s playing from speakers near them, just long press the navigation bar to activate Circle to Search, then tap the music button to effortlessly identify the song name and artist.

    The Galaxy A series also takes the camera experience to a new level with creator-focused tools, starting with a powerful triple-camera system featuring a 50MP main lens on all devices and 10-bit HDR front lens recording on Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G for bright and crisp selfies. Galaxy A56 5G features a new 12MP ultra-wide lens, while the entire Galaxy A series empowers creativity in new and exciting ways through intelligent visual editing.
    Exclusively available on Galaxy A56 5G, Best Face3 makes it easier than ever to capture the perfect group shot by selecting and combining the best expressions or features for up to five people from a motion photo. Whether someone blinked or looked away, Best Face ensures everyone looks their best in a single, seamless shot. Galaxy A56 5G also brings enhancements to Nightography, with Low Noise Mode making its way to the 12MP selfie camera and additional wide camera support to capture stunning content in low-light settings.

    Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G all bring refined Object Eraser4, allowing users to remove unwanted distractions from photos. Users can manually or automatically select objects to erase, achieving a cleaner, more polished final image with just a few taps. Moreover, Filters5enables custom filter creation by extracting colors and styles from existing photos for users to apply for a unique and personalized effect depending on mood and taste. With these intelligent tools, users can refine and enhance their photos effortlessly, bringing a new level of creativity to every shot.

    Built To Last with Upgraded Displays and Software Longevity
    Now with up to six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades and six years of security updates, the Galaxy A series reinforces its software longevity even more. These updates add additional support toward optimizing the device’s lifecycle, ensuring users can enjoy a smooth and reliable experience for years to come.
    Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G also come with larger displays designed for a high-quality, immersive viewing experience. Both devices feature a 6.7-inch6 FHD+ Super AMOLED display with brightness levels reaching up to 1200 nits7, allowing for a more vibrant and immersive entertainment experience. Frontline workers can also take advantage of the bright screens when working outside — allowing them to easily work from anywhere. New stereo speakers further enhance the experience with rich, balanced sound.
    A 5,000mAh battery included with every device in the lineup enables the new Galaxy A series’ design to keep up with users’ daily routines. Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G support 45W charging power8 and Super Fast Charge 2.0 technology, delivering even faster charging. Both models also deliver enhanced performance, as Galaxy A56 5G is powered by the Exynos 1580 chipset and Galaxy A36 5G features the Snapdragon® 6 Gen 3 Mobile Platform. A larger vapor chamber in both devices helps sustain performance, ensuring smooth gameplay, video playback, and effortless multitasking. For B2B customers, Super Fast charging optimizes battery life to allow workers to stay connected to their device during their shift.

    Beyond performance, the new Galaxy A series is built to withstand life’s unpredictable moments. For the first time, Galaxy A26 5G features an IP67 dust and water resistance rating for strong protection against the elements such as dust and water, matching the IP67 rating on Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A56 5G.9 Additionally, an advanced Corning® Glass cover material adds a layer of durability against scratches and cracks.10
    Expanded Protections for Enhanced Security and Privacy
    Thanks to the integration of One UI 7.0 on the Galaxy A series for the first time, Samsung is further supporting robust security and privacy. With Samsung Knox Vault, the Galaxy A series provides an extra, fortified layer of device safety, transparency, and user choice. Equipped with the latest One UI 7 security and privacy features, Galaxy A series users benefit from holistic protection — including enhancements in Theft Detection, More Security Settings and other features.
    To maintain freedom of choice, accessibility, and transparency, Galaxy A series users can easily select their desired security features through the Knox Matrix dashboard, and can also be deployed and managed in the enterprise through the Knox suite of cloud solutions.

    Pricing and Availability
    Galaxy A26 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A56 5G join A16 5G as the newest devices in the A series portfolio. Galaxy A36 5G starts at $399.99, available in Awesome Black and Awesome Lavender, with Awesome Lime exclusively available at Best Buy beginning March 26. Galaxy A26 5G starts at $299.99, available in Black beginning March 28. Galaxy A56 5G will be available later this year starting at $499.99.
    Upon release, Digital Key will be available on Galaxy A56 5G11 and Galaxy A36 5G devices12 in select markets including Asia, Europe, and North America with more to follow.
    To find out more about Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, Galaxy A26 5G, Galaxy A16 5G, and other Galaxy smartphones, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, Samsung Mobile Press, Samsung.com, and Samsung.com/business.

    Galaxy A56 5GGalaxy A36 5GGalaxy A26 5G
    Display6.7-inch FHD+
    Super AMOLED Display
    120Hz refresh rate
    Vision Booster
    *Measured diagonally, the screen size is 6.7-inch in the full rectangle and 6.5-inch with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
    Dimensions & Weight162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4mm, 198g162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4mm, 195g164.0 x 77.5 x 7.7mm, 200g
    *Device weight may vary by market.
    Camera12MP Ultra-Wide Camera
    • F2.2
    50MP Main Camera
    • F1.8, AF, OIS
    5MP Macro Camera
    • F2.4
    12MP Front Camera
    • F2.28MP Ultra-Wide Camera
    • F2.2
    50MP Main Camera
    • F1.8, AF, OIS
    5MP Macro Camera
    • F2.4
    12MP Front Camera
    • F2.28MP Ultra-Wide Camera
    • F2.2
    50MP Main Camera
    • F1.8, AF, OIS
    2MP Macro Camera
    • F2.4
    13MP Front Camera
    • F2.2
    Memory & Storage8GB + 128GB6GB + 128GB6GB + 128GB
    *Storage options and availability may vary by carrier, market or region. Actual storage availability may vary depending on pre-installed software.
    Battery5,000mAh (typical)
    *Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4,905mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
    OSAndroid 15
    One UI 7.0
    SecuritySamsung Knox, Samsung Knox Suite Management, six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades, six years of security updates
    Water & Dust ResistanceIP67
    1 5G speeds vary and require optimal network and connection (factors include frequency, bandwidth, congestion); see carrier for availability.
    2 Works with compatible apps. Requires internet connection; results may vary by uniqueness, clarity and framing of circled image and related factors. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Google is a trademark of Google LLC.
    3 Best Face feature is available exclusively on the Galaxy A56 5G device from the Galaxy A series.
    Best Face is only available for photos taken with Motion Photo turned on. The feature does not generate new facial expressions but selects from frames within the Motion Photo video clip. Resulting image up to 12MP.
    4 Results may vary based on the images and the object you’re trying to remove.
    5 Filter availability may vary based on resolution and aspect ratio settings.
    6 Measured diagonally, the screen size is 6.7″ in the full rectangle and 6.5″ accounting for the rounded corners. Actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and the camera hole.
    7 1,200 nits at HBM (High Brightness Mode).
    8 Charger and compatible 45W cable sold separately.
    9 IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. Water resistance based on laboratory test conditions for submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Dust resistance based on laboratory test conditions for airflow of up to 8 hours.
    10 Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ is applied to the front and rear of Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G. Frame does not include volume and side keys or SIM tray.
    11Digital Key rollout for Galaxy A56 5G begins in Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. Features may vary depending on each country or region.
    12Digital Key rollout for Galaxy A36 5G begins in Korea, UAE, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the United States. Features may vary depending on each country or region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer to host leaders summit on Ukraine

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer to host leaders summit on Ukraine

    The Prime Minister will intensify his efforts in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine by convening international leaders at a summit in London today [2 March 2025].

    The Prime Minister will intensify his efforts in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine by convening international leaders at a summit in London today. 

    The Prime Minister has this weekend reiterated his unwavering support for Ukraine and is determined to find a way forward that brings an end to Russia’s illegal war and guarantees Ukraine a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security. 

    The summit rounds off a week of intense diplomacy for the Prime Minister, which has seen him raise UK defence spending and travel to Washington D.C. for productive talks with President Trump in support of UK and European security. The Prime Minister spoke again with both President Trump and President Zelenskyy on Friday evening following the events of yesterday at the Presidents’ meeting in Washington D.C. 

    The Prime Minister will welcome Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Downing Street this morning, before being joined at the summit in central London by the leaders of Ukraine, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Czechia and Romania. The Turkish Foreign Minister, NATO Secretary General and the Presidents of the European Commission and European Council will also attend. 

    The Prime Minister has been clear that there can be no negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine, a determination he reiterated when he warmly welcomed President Zelenskyy to Downing Street on Saturday evening ahead of the summit. 

    Discussions at the summit will focus on: 

    • Strengthening Ukraine’s position now – including ongoing military support and increased economic pressure on Russia. 

    • The need for a strong lasting deal that delivers a permanent peace in Ukraine and ensures that Ukraine is able to deter and defend against future Russian attack. 

    • Next steps on planning for strong security guarantees. 

    Following the announcement earlier this week that the UK will spend 2.5% of its GDP on defence by 2027, the Prime Minister will be clear on the need for Europe to play its part on defence and step up for the good of collective security. 

    The UK has already been clear it is willing to support Ukraine’s future security with troops on the ground. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

    Three years on from Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, we are at a turning point. Today I will reaffirm my unwavering support for Ukraine and double down on my commitment to provide capacity, training and aid to Ukraine, putting it in the strongest possible position. 

    In partnership with our allies, we must intensify our preparations for the European element of security guarantees, alongside continued discussions with the United States.   

    We have an opportunity to come together to ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine that secures their sovereignty and security.   

    Now is the time for us to unite in order to guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine, protect European security, and secure our collective future.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta Francophonie Month: Ministers Fir and Glubish | Déclaration des ministres Fir et Glubish à l’occasion du Mois de la francophonie albertaine

    “This month, we recognize the vital contributions of French-speaking Albertans to our communities, culture and economy. Raising the Franco-Albertan flag is a proud tribute to our shared heritage and bright future.

    “French is the second-most spoken language in Alberta, with over 260,000 speakers who either speak it as their mother tongue or use it at home. Their role in enriching our culture, fostering economic development and strengthening diversity, is invaluable.

    “Alberta’s government remains committed to enhancing French-language services to better serve French-speaking Albertans. Over the past year, we have made meaningful progress in justice, health, child care, and we will continue working to expand access and opportunities.

    “We also recognize the invaluable efforts of our partners—community leaders, educators, non-profits and businesses—who drive the continued growth and vitality of Alberta’s Francophonie.

    “Their dedication strengthens our province.

    “To everyone who nurtures and preserves our francophone heritage, thank you.

    “This month, I invite all Albertans to take part in the celebrations, explore the richness of our shared history and support the continued vibrancy of the Francophonie in Alberta.”

    Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

    “One of the greatest gifts my parents ever gave me was sending me to a French immersion program when I was younger. Being immersed in French from an early age was transformative. It expanded my worldview, gave me access to diverse cultural experiences, and instilled in me a lifelong love for languages.

    “Now, as a parent, I am thrilled to pass on this legacy to my son. Enrolling him in a French immersion kindergarten program was a decision rooted in the desire to give him the same opportunities I had. Watching him learn and speak French, I am filled with pride and optimism for his future. We practice French at home, making language learning a family affair.

    “Francophonie Month is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the francophone community in Alberta. It is a time to reflect on the importance of linguistic diversity and to honour the resilience and passion of those who keep the French language alive.

    “Alberta’s francophones have made, and continue to make, invaluable contributions to our province. Let us celebrate their legacy and work towards a future that embraces and celebrates bilingualism.”

    Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation and Francophone Community Liaison

    Madame Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine, et monsieur Nate Glubish, ministre de la Technologie et de l’Innovation, ont fait la déclaration suivante à l’occasion du Mois de la francophonie albertaine :

    « Ce mois-ci, nous reconnaissons les contributions fondamentales des Albertaines et des Albertains francophones à nos communautés, à notre culture et à notre économie. En levant le drapeau franco-albertain, nous rendons un fier hommage à notre patrimoine commun et à un avenir prometteur pour toutes et tous.

    « Plus de 260 000 personnes ont le français comme langue maternelle ou l’utilisent à la maison, ce qui classe cette langue au deuxième rang des langues parlées en Alberta. Ces gens jouent un rôle inestimable dans l’enrichissement de notre culture, le développement de notre économie et le renforcement de notre diversité.

    « Le gouvernement de l’Alberta reste déterminé à améliorer les services en français dans le but de mieux servir la francophonie albertaine. Au cours de la dernière année, nous avons réalisé des progrès importants dans les domaines de la justice, de la santé et de la garde d’enfants, et nous continuerons à travailler pour améliorer l’accès à ces services et multiplier les possibilités.

    « Nous reconnaissons également les précieux efforts de nos partenaires ? dirigeants communautaires, éducateurs, organismes sans but lucratif et entreprises ? qui sont à l’origine de la croissance et de la vitalité continues de la francophonie albertaine.

    « Leur dévouement renforce notre province.

    « À toutes celles et tous ceux qui enrichissent et préservent notre patrimoine francophone, je dis merci.

    « Ce mois-ci, j’invite toute la population albertaine à prendre part aux célébrations, à découvrir la richesse de notre histoire commune et à soutenir le dynamisme continu de la francophonie en Alberta. »

    Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine

    « L’un des plus beaux cadeaux que mes parents m’ont offerts a été de m’inscrire dans un programme d’immersion française dès mon plus jeune âge. Cette éducation a profondément marqué mon parcours : elle a élargi ma vision du monde, m’a ouvert les portes à de nouvelles expériences culturelles et m’a transmis un amour des langues qui m’accompagnera toute ma vie.

    « Aujourd’hui, en tant que parent, je suis heureux de transmettre cet héritage à mon fils. En l’inscrivant à un programme d’immersion française dès la maternelle, j’ai voulu lui donner des chances égales à celles que j’avais eues. Quand je le regarde apprendre le français et s’exprimer dans cette langue, je suis rempli de fierté et d’optimisme pour son avenir. À la maison, nous pratiquons le français au quotidien, ce qui nous permet de vivre notre apprentissage des langues en famille.

    « Le Mois de la francophonie est une excellente occasion de célébrer les contributions de la communauté francophone de l’Alberta. Cette célébration nous invite à réfléchir à l’importance de la diversité linguistique et à honorer la résilience et la passion de celles et ceux qui se font un devoir de préserver la langue française.

    « Les francophones de l’Alberta ont joué, et continuent de jouer, un rôle essentiel dans l’enrichissement de notre province. Célébrons leur héritage et œuvrons ensemble pour bâtir un avenir qui honore et valorise pleinement le bilinguisme. »

    Nate Glubish, ministre de la Technologie et de l’Innovation et agent de liaison avec la communauté francophone

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Over 500,000 people demand oil & gas companies pay for climate damages

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Cape Town, February 28, 2024 — Greenpeace Africa delivered on Friday 28th February a global petition on behalf of more than half a million people, calling on governments to force fossil fuel companies to “stop their climate wrecking activities” and “repair and pay for the damage they have caused.” The petition was handed over to a coalition of 17 countries and groups currently reviewing “polluter pays” levies [1] at the sidelines of the meeting of the Finance in Commons Summit in Cape Town.[2] In parallel, Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain National Park is being consumed by wildfires, in the midst of the worst drought in more than 100 years across Southern Africa.[3]

    Sherelee Odayar, Greenpeace Africa’s Oil and Gas Campaigner, said: “It is unfair to expect that ordinary people will face the climate crisis with cents and rands, while the polluters in chief will pocket billions. It is also impractical: Most world governments simply cannot afford to provide climate solutions at the needed scale. Drought, extreme heat, storms, floods and fires are disproportionately affecting Africa and other Global Majority countries. Science and technology can help bring relief, now governments must make polluters pay to deliver justice and raise the necessary funds.”  

    Signatures by people from Africa, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia were collected between 2023-24, the two hottest years since records began, replete with extreme weather events fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas industry. At the same, five oil and gas corporations alone reported over US$100 billion cumulatively in profit for last year. 

    The collective demand was presented to the secretariat of the Global Solidarity Levies Taskforce, a coalition of 17 countries and groups, co-led by Barbados, France, and Kenya. It contributes to a public process of consultation which started last month concerning a series of proposals being considered by the governments who are members of the Taskforce, including options to apply levies on fossil fuel industry profits and extraction to fund climate action.

    A letter accompanying the petition reminds that oil and gas companies “knowingly lied about climate change and lobbied to slow action” and are failing to pay their fair share. “Super rich individuals and other polluting industries… should also be held to account. Making polluters pay for the damages they have caused is vital to help communities across the world to recover, rebuild and invest in climate solutions.” 

    The petition’s demands are in line with public polling across a range of geographies, including research recently commissioned by Greenpeace International, which has consistently demonstrated the strong popularity of increasing taxes on oil and gas profits. 

    Greenpeace Africa calls for designing tax and penalty mechanisms in a way that is fair and proportionate – including: ensuring a well-managed and just transition out of coal, oil and gas, while imposing more polluter taxes and fines on the industry to help fund the transition; taking steps to prevent knock-on increases in prices and the cost of living, especially for people living in poverty; and ensuring that people most impacted by climate change benefit the most from revenues raised. 

    Notes:

    [1] The Global Solidarity Levies Task Force: For People and the Planet explores feasible, scaleable and sensible options for levies to raise additional resources for climate and development: https://globalsolidaritylevies.org/world-leaders-pledge-action-on-climate-finance-as-coalition-for-solidarity-levies-launched-at-cop29/ 

    [2] The 5th Finance in Common Summit (FiCS), co-hosted by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): https://www.financeincommonsummit2025.com/ 

    [3] A night of flames: Table Mountain fire lights up the Cape Town skyline https://www.capetownetc.com/news/a-night-of-flames-table-mountain-fire-lights-up-the-ct-skyline/ ; Climate change behind the 2021 Table Mountain fire – study https://mg.co.za/the-green-guardian/2023-03-02-climate-change-behind-the-2021-table-mountain-fire-study/ 

    Photos: Handover of petition by Greenpeace Africa campaigner

    For more information, contact: 

    Greenpeace Africa Press Desk: [email protected] 

    Greenpeace International Press Desk: [email protected], +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours). Follow @greenpeacepress for our latest international press releases.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Scott, Hill, and Colleagues to Uyeda: Review Approach to Consolidated Audit Trail

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
     
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353February 28, 2025
    Cotton, Scott, Hill, and Colleagues to Uyeda: Review Approach to Consolidated Audit Trail
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), and House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (Arkansas-02) today sent a letter to Acting Chairman of The Securities and Exchange Commission Mark Uyeda to launch a comprehensive review of all aspects of the Consolidated Audit Trail.
    Additional signers of the letter included Senator Boozman (R-Arkansas), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Senator John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Congressman Bill Huizenga (Michigan-04), Congresswoman Ann Wagner (Missouri-02), and Congressman Barry Loudermilk (Georgia-11).
    In part, the lawmakers wrote:
    “The prohibition on collecting investor PII must be formally codified (rather than via rescindable exemptive relief) and already-collected PII must be expunged.  Cybersecurity measures for the remaining data must be enhanced.  And the CAT’s bloated out-of-control budget must be addressed… . Further, it would appear appropriate for the Commission to pause and reconsider its position with respect to ongoing litigation related to the CAT, as it has done for other cases commenced during the Biden administration.”
    Full text of the letter may be found here and below.
    February 28, 2025
    Mr. Mark Uyeda
    Acting Chairman
    U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
    100 F Street NE
    Washington, DC 20549
    The Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) has been a highly controversial endeavor that has raised many concerns from Members of Congress, including with respect to (i) the unwarranted collection of personally identifiable information (PII) from millions of American investors, (ii) potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and (iii) its inequitable funding structure.
    We are pleased that you and fellow Commissioner Peirce have repeatedly acknowledged these longstanding concerns and applaud the Commission for its recent steps to protect the financial privacy of American investors.
    However, there is more work to be done. The prohibition on collecting investor PII must be formally codified (rather than via rescindable exemptive relief) and already-collected PII must be expunged.  Cybersecurity measures for the remaining data must be enhanced.  And the CAT’s bloated out-of-control budget must be addressed.
    Given these continuing concerns, the Commission should launch a comprehensive review that covers all aspects of the CAT.  In doing so, the Commission should take additional steps to pause the CAT’s most controversial elements—not only the collection of customer PII, but also the problematic funding structure that a majority of the current Commission voted against. Further, it would appear appropriate for the Commission to pause and reconsider its position with respect to ongoing litigation related to the CAT, as it has done for other cases commenced during the Biden administration.
    Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Four decades after Rongelap evacuation, Greenpeace makes new plea for nuclear justice by US

    Asia Pacific Report

    In the year marking 40 years since the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior by French secret agents and 71 years since the most powerful nuclear weapons tested by the United States, Greenpeace is calling on Washington to comply with demands by the Marshall Islands for nuclear justice.

    “The Marshall Islands bears the deepest scars of a dark legacy — nuclear contamination, forced displacement, and premeditated human experimentation at the hands of the US government,” said Greenpeace spokesperson Shiva Gounden.

    To mark the Marshall Islands’ Remembrance Day today, the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior is flying the republic’s flag at halfmast in solidarity with those who lost their lives and are suffering ongoing trauma as a result of US nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific.

    On 1 March 1954, the Castle Bravo nuclear bomb was detonated on Bikini Atoll with a blast 1000 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb.

    On Rongelap Atoll, 150 km away, radioactive fallout rained onto the inhabited island, with children mistaking it as snow.

    The Rainbow Warrior is sailing to the Marshall Islands where a mission led by Greenpeace will conduct independent scientific research across the country, the results of which will eventually be given to the National Nuclear Commission to support the Marshall Islands government’s ongoing legal proceedings with the US and at the UN.

    The voyage also marks 40 years since Greenpeace’s original Rainbow Warrior evacuated the people of Rongelap after toxic nuclear fallout rendered their ancestral land uninhabitable.

    Still enduring fallout
    Marshall Islands communities still endure the physical, economic, and cultural fallout of the nuclear tests — compensation from the US has fallen far short of expectations of the islanders who are yet to receive an apology.

    And the accelerating impacts of the climate crisis threaten further displacement of communities.


    Former Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Tony deBrum’s “nuclear justice” speech as Right Livelihood Award Winner in 2009. Video: Voices Rising

    “To this day, Marshall Islanders continue to grapple with this injustice while standing on the frontlines of the climate crisis — facing yet another wave of displacement and devastation for a catastrophe they did not create,” Gounden said.

    “But the Marshallese people and their government are not just survivors — they are warriors for justice, among the most powerful voices demanding bold action, accountability, and reparations on the global stage.

    “Those who have inflicted unimaginable harm on the Marshallese must be held to account and made to pay for the devastation they caused.

    “Greenpeace stands unwaveringly beside Marshallese communities in their fight for justice. Jimwe im Maron.”

    Rainbow Warrior crew members holding the Marshall Islands flag . . . remembering the anniversary of the devastating Castle Bravo nuclear test – 1000 times more powerful than Hiroshima – on 1 March 1954. Image: Greenpeace International
    Chair of the Marshall Islands National Nuclear Commission Ariana Tibon-Kilma . . . “the trauma of Bravo continues for the remaining survivors and their descendents.” Image: UN Human Rights Council

    Ariana Tibon Kilma, chair of the Marshall Islands National Nuclear Commission, said that the immediate effects of the Bravo bomb on March 1 were “harrowing”.

    “Hours after exposure, many people fell ill — skin peeling off, burning sensation in their eyes, their stomachs were churning in pain. Mothers watched as their children’s hair fell to the ground and blisters devoured their bodies overnight,” she said.

    “Without their consent, the United States government enrolled them as ‘test subjects’ in a top secret medical study on the effects of radiation on human beings — a study that continued for 40 years.

    “Today on Remembrance Day the trauma of Bravo continues for the remaining survivors and their descendents — this is a legacy not only of suffering, loss, and frustration, but also of strength, unity, and unwavering commitment to justice, truth and accountability.”

    The new Rainbow Warrior will arrive in the Marshall Islands early this month.

    Alongside the government of the Marshall Islands, Greenpeace will lead an independent scientific mission into the ongoing impacts of the US weapons testing programme.

    Travelling across the country, Greenpeace will reaffirm its solidarity with the Marshallese people — now facing further harm and displacement from the climate crisis, and the emerging threat of deep sea mining in the Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Cotton, Scott urge SEC to review Consolidated Audit Trail

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today joined Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and colleagues in sending a letter to the acting chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mark Uyeda, urging him to conduct a comprehensive review of the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT). 
    The SEC requires brokers to submit investors’ personally identifiable information (PII) to its CAT database. Earlier this month, the Trump administration’s SEC issued an order that exempts certain PII consisting of investors’ names, addresses and years of birth from CAT reporting.
    “The Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) has been a highly controversial endeavor that has raised many concerns from Members of Congress . . . We are pleased that you and fellow Commissioner Peirce have repeatedly acknowledged these longstanding concerns and applaud the Commission for its recent steps to protect the financial privacy of American investors,” the lawmakers wrote.
    “However, there is more work to be done. The prohibition on collecting investor PII must be formally codified (rather than via rescindable exemptive relief) and already-collected PII must be expunged. Cybersecurity measures for the remaining data must be enhanced. And the CAT’s bloated out-of-control budget must be addressed,” they continued.
    “Given these continuing concerns, the Commission should launch a comprehensive review that covers all aspects of the CAT. In doing so, the Commission should take additional steps to pause the CAT’s most controversial elements—not only the collection of customer PII, but also the problematic funding structure that a majority of the current Commission voted against. Further, it would appear appropriate for the Commission to pause and reconsider its position with respect to ongoing litigation related to the CAT, as it has done for other cases commenced during the Biden administration,” the lawmakers concluded. 
    Background:
    Earlier this month, Kennedy introduced the Protecting Investors’ Personally Identifiable Information Act.
    Kennedy’s bill would prohibit the SEC from requiring market participants to submit investors’ personally identifiable information to the CAT. 
    The bill would also require the SEC to delete personally identifiable information once the agency resolves the investigation or issue that required that information. 
    Sens. John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Reps. French Hill (R-Ark.), Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) and Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) also joined the letter. 
    The full letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Farmington Hills Man Convicted in a Racially Motivated Assault of a Postal Worker

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – A Farmington Hills man was convicted by a federal jury yesterday on charges of assaulting a United States Postal Worker, Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced today.

    Beck was joined in the announcement by Rodney Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the U.S Postal Inspection Service’s Detroit Division. 

    Russell Valleau, 62, was convicted following a three-day jury trial before United States District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds. The jury also unanimously found that Valleau intentionally selected the letter carrier as the object of his offense because of her actual or perceived race or color. The jury deliberated approximately two hours before returning their verdict.  Valleau was convicted of assaulting a federal employee but acquitted of using a dangerous weapon in the assault.

    Evidence presented at the trial established that Valleau, angered by receiving a black person’s mail in his mailbox, aggressively approached the passenger window of his letter carrier’s postal truck yelling racially charged insults at her. This letter carrier, a black woman herself, tried to diffuse the situation by directing him to leave the unwanted mail in his mailbox. Undeterred, Valleau continued his insults, now pointing the vitriol directly to the letter carrier.  When she asked him to step away from her vehicle, he attempted to attack her through her open passenger window.  Valleau was only thwarted when the letter carrier sprayed him in the face with her USPS-issued mace and drove away.  Once apprehended, Valleau continued his offensive and profane language while in the custody of the officers – this included referring to his letter carrier as a “f**king smelly n**ger.” When officers admonished him for his language, he responded: “Oh, you like n**gers.”

    Acting U.S. Attorney Beck stated, “A letter carrier was simply trying to do her job, and this defendant physically attacked her while using racist and offensive language. This type of behavior has no place in our community and will not be tolerated.”

    “As the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Postal Service, the Postal Inspection Service prioritizes the safety and security of postal employees above all else,” said Detroit Division Inspector in Charge Rodney Hopkins. “Let this verdict be a warning to those who threaten, intimidate, or otherwise harm the dedicated men and women of USPS: We will arrest you, and we will seek to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

    The Court scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM.  Valleau faces up to twelve months incarceration.

    This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Farmington Hills Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Carlson and Darrin Crawford. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Suspected bank robbers arrested in Belgium

    Source: Eurojust

    28 February 2025|

    Eurojust coordinated the collaboration between French and Belgian authorities that led to the arrest of 12 gang members on 26 February. The criminals are suspected of attempting to rob cash transports for banks. Due to the swift cooperation between the authorities, the criminals were stopped before committing a robbery.

    Two High Value Targets specialised in armed robbery were part of the criminal group. One of the suspects is known as the ‘escape king’ due to him escaping from prison multiple times. In the course of their investigation, the French authorities noticed the two High Value Targets travelling regularly to Belgium. They suspected the targets were planning to commit a crime. After their investigations showed that the members had links with Belgian suspects, cooperation with the Belgian authorities was quickly set up through Eurojust. 

    A joint investigation team was set up at Eurojust to allow the Belgian and French authorities to work together swiftly and efficiently, exchanging information and evidence in real time. To stop the criminals, a joint operation was planned at Eurojust. 

    In the late hours of 26 February, the Belgian authorities arrested 12 suspects. The authorities know several of the people arrested. Following the arrests, several searches were carried out in France and Belgium. Investigations into the robbers are ongoing. 

    The following authorities carried out the operations: 

    • France: JIRS PARIS inter regional specialised jurisdiction; OCCLO National Police Organised Crime unit  
    • Belgium: PPO Brussels; Investigative Judge Brussels; Judicial Police Brussels (PJF Bruxelles); Special Units Belgian Federal Police (DSU)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Foreign powers have long profited from Ukrainian resources – Trump’s minerals grab is no exception

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Victoria Donovan, Professor of Ukrainian and East European Studies, University of St Andrews

    Donald Trump and Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, meet outside the Élysée Palace in Paris. Frederic Legrand – COMEO / Shutterstock

    Donald Trump’s grab for Ukraine’s minerals, which the US president is demanding as compensation for his country’s wartime assistance to Kyiv, might seem like a new low in a week of US-Ukraine relations lows.

    The latest draft of Trump’s “minerals deal” would grant the US substantial control of a new fund that would invest in Ukrainian reconstruction. The fund would receive 50% of the profits from the future monetisation of government-owned Ukrainian natural resources such as lithium and titanium, as well as coal, gas, oil and uranium.

    This deal, despite offering no guarantee of continued US military support, is a slight improvement on Trump’s first offering. That bid would have imposed financial conditions on Ukraine harsher than those forced on Germany after the first world war.

    However, the deal will still require future generations of Ukrainians to shoulder the cost of a war for which they bear no responsibility. Commentators, including British foreign minister David Lammy, have noted that it would be more just to seize frozen Russian assets and use them to cover the cost of repairing the damage Russia has wreaked across the country.

    But, while many in the west have balked at Trump’s barefaced extractivism, his actions are entirely in line with the way western capitalists have approached Ukraine and its resources since the 19th century.

    The Donbas region of Ukraine is a major coal mining and industrial area.
    deniks315 / Shutterstock

    Ukraine’s east, referred to as Donbas, is often thought to have been industrialised in the 1930s, when Joseph Stalin was leading the Soviet Union. At this time, Donbas was marketed to the world as a symbol of proletarian superabundance. It was a place where miners and steelworkers exceeded their production quotas by 30 or 40 times.

    But the development of industrial extraction in eastern Ukraine dates back much earlier and was powered, in part, by European capital and technology.

    In the mid-19th century, when this part of Ukraine was controlled by the Russian empire, the Russian tsars opened the country’s borders to foreign capital investment in the hopes of accelerating its industrialisation drive. A series of fiscal measures were introduced that made it more attractive to foreigners to invest in the empire’s emerging industrial markets.

    This encouraged a wave of economic migration from western Europe to all regions of the multinational state. Foreign capitalists often partnered with Russian business elites based in Saint Petersburg and other major cities and set about generating huge amounts of profit from the extraction of the empire’s valuable resources.

    Donbas, with its wealth of minerals, was a region of particular interest for foreign capitalists. French, Belgian, German, Dutch and British industrialists all relocated to the region in the second half of the 19th century hoping to make their fortunes by excavating the region’s salt, chalk, gypsum, and coal. In fact, there was so much Belgian capital circulating at one point that Donbas became known as “the tenth Belgian province”.

    Despite the paternalism of some foreign managers, the extraction of Ukraine’s minerals did little to improve the life of local communities. Rather, it contributed to the displacement of indigenous people and caused massive environmental and ecological damage.

    Urban planning often replicated the segregated conditions of European colonies in Africa and India. Foreign settlers lived apart from local workers, in privileged housing located in better provisioned parts of town downwind of the toxic fumes of the blast furnaces and the chimney stacks.

    In the settlement of Hughesovka (now known as Donetsk), which was named after the Welsh industrialist John Hughes, Welsh settlers attempted to reconstruct the trappings of British life on the Ukrainian steppe.

    They built tennis courts and an Anglican church, arranged tea parties, and even had an amateur dramatics society. Meanwhile, the local workforce lived in abject poverty, often accommodated in barracks or mud dugouts.

    In these dismal conditions, infectious disease and dissatisfaction were widespread. There are several reports of riots following large-scale outbreaks of cholera and local hospitals were reportedly overflowing.

    Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, this period of European capitalist exploitation was drawing considerable interest from researchers.

    The “European” industrial heritage of Donbas was being used to tell different stories about the region and to highlight its complex, multicultural history. This heritage was seen to hold potential as a counter-narrative to the toxic “Russian world” propaganda emanating from the occupied territories, which maintains that Ukraine is an integral part of Russia’s historic sphere of cultural influence.

    But there is a danger in being too romantic about this chapter in history. Foreign capitalist investment in the extraction of Ukrainian minerals was not a classic example of settler colonialism. However, it bore many similarities to western European colonial practices in other parts of the world at this time.

    What this history reminds us is that Ukraine has long been located at the intersection of empires. And these empires have often collaborated to plunder the country’s resources, offering little or nothing in return.

    We can see this kind of predatory collaboration of imperial and neo-imperial regimes once again taking shape. Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin, is trying to tempt Trump away from a deal with Ukraine with promises of access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in the occupied territories.

    We must continue to gather and protest, as many of us did on the three-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion this week, to resist such politics of resourcification.

    Victoria Donovan’s research has received funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, 2019-2023.

    – ref. Foreign powers have long profited from Ukrainian resources – Trump’s minerals grab is no exception – https://theconversation.com/foreign-powers-have-long-profited-from-ukrainian-resources-trumps-minerals-grab-is-no-exception-250811

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Miss Austen: the TV show about the Georgian writer’s life embraces her love of fiction

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gillian Dow, Associate Professor of English, University of Southampton

    At the heart of the BBC’s new series Miss Austen is a fictional Cassandra Austen (played by Keeley Hawes). Reviews have stressed that the real life Cassandra’s destruction of her sister Jane Austen’s letters has been considered one of the greatest acts of literary vandalism in history. These letters would have provided an invaluable insight into the author who died so young.

    Why Cassandra destroyed her sister’s correspondence – and what she destroyed – cannot be known. But Miss Austen gives us intriguing speculation. It deals with family relationships, and with what gets passed down to subsequent generations.

    In Miss Austen, Mary Austen is considering encouraging her son James Edward to write a biography of his literary father and aunt. Cassandra must find her sister’s letters before they get into the wrong hands. What happens next is a clever blend of fact and fiction.

    James Edward Austen-Leigh did publish the first full biography of his aunt with the help of his sisters, although not until 1869.

    However, the series also deviates from fact in its depiction of an incident in Jane’s life in the early 1800s. She may have met a young gentleman at a seaside resort in Devon. This young man may have admired Jane and she may have admired him in turn.

    This story was recounted to James Edward Austen-Leigh by his sister when he was preparing a second edition of his Jane Austen memoir. She had been told the story by Cassandra and, though she could not remember the young man’s name, she knew he died shortly after Jane’s encounter with him.

    Miss Austen picks up on the suggestion of Jane’s shadowy seaside encounter, locates the events firmly in Sidmouth, names the gentleman Mr Hobday and gives the encounter an intriguing twist by making it Cassandra’s, not Jane’s, romance.

    Jane Austen might have enjoyed this fictionalisation.

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    A love of fiction and an aversion to history

    In the concluding paragraphs of Mansfield Park (1814), Austen’s narrator purposely abstains from dates, “that every one may be at liberty to fix their own”. In Northanger Abbey, the heroine Catherine Morland has no taste for “real, solemn History.” Instead, the novels of Maria Edgeworth and Frances Burney are championed as “works in which the greatest powers of the mind are displayed”.

    Miss Austen’s Jane is played by Patsy Ferran as witty, acerbic and, crucially, devoted to fiction. She is utterly determined to become a published author and her family support her in this pursuit. This Austen is true to the version of the author that scholars and biographers have presented in recent years.

    Jane Austen’s novels are not about the union of one couple. They explore communities and dependence, particularly that of women. Foremost in these explorations are sisterly bonds.

    In Austen’s fiction, these bonds may indeed be mutually supportive and fulfilling. But they are always complex too. It is the truth of these complexities that the series Miss Austen captures so beautifully, via Isabella Fowle and her relationship with her sisters, and of course via Cassandra’s relationship with hers.

    This adaptation should send viewers to read Gill Hornby’s novel, and to read and reread Jane Austen. Miss Austen embraces the possibilities of fiction in rethinking the lives of the past.

    I hope viewers of Miss Austen will think more favourably about the real Cassandra too.

    She kept letters and Jane’s manuscripts, leaving them to her nieces on her death. Jane and Cassandra had six brothers.

    She was not the only one who had letters that gave insight into Jane Austen’s mind. She must have also written countless more to her other brothers and their wives, her nieces and nephews and her friends.

    Many of these are now lost to us. But Cassandra’s curation of her sister’s correspondence can be seen in a positive light when we reflect on what she preserved in relation to what was lost.

    Gillian Dow does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Miss Austen: the TV show about the Georgian writer’s life embraces her love of fiction – https://theconversation.com/miss-austen-the-tv-show-about-the-georgian-writers-life-embraces-her-love-of-fiction-249783

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Bernard-Henri Lévy/ARTE case – measures to prevent conflicts of interest in Europe’s public audiovisual sector – E-000734/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000734/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Catherine Griset (PfE)

    The recent investigation against Bernard-Henri Lévy for unlawful conflict of interest has revealed potential abuses in the management of public funds for the audiovisual sector. Over his 30+ years as chair of ARTE France’s supervisory board, he is said to have received EUR 750 000 in funding from the channel for his own film productions.

    This raises concerns over the lack of sufficient checks in the management of Europe’s public media, like ARTE, which is largely financed by taxpayers. Political interference and conflicts of interest have a detrimental impact on the sector’s transparency and independence, and thus undermine plurality and integrity of information.

    • 1.Can the Commission say what measures it will take to ensure that media financed by European public funds comply with strict transparency and ethical rules?
    • 2.Has it received information from the French and/or German authorities on the measures put in place to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that media receiving public funding are being managed independently?

    Submitted: 18.2.2025

    Last updated: 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Inconsistencies in published occupational-accident statistics – P-000848/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000848/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Alexander Bernhuber (PPE)

    Referencing by the Commission in its reporting focuses on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, in particular in the area of ‘safety and health at work’. The questioner has noticed inconsistencies in published occupational-accident statistics, however, which raise questions as to quality assurance relating to the underlying data, as there are also extreme fluctuations in values within the EU. With regard to United Nations data, information is needed on verification, on quality (about which there are doubts) and on how discrepancies are dealt with.

    • 1.Does the Commission, in particular Eurostat, independently verify the data provided by the United Nations and, if so, are the verification results made publicly available?
    • 2.In the specific case of ‘Occupational Accident Statistics’, has the Commission ever identified discrepancies or voiced the suspicion that the published data may be incorrect or incomplete, and how can the Commission explain the fact that in Romania, for instance, there are only 71 ‘non-fatal occupational injuries per 100 000 workers’ and in France 2 800 and in Denmark over 3 000 ‘non-fatal occupational injuries per 100 000 workers’?
    • 3.How does the Commission intend to proceed in this case in order to ensure the quality and plausibility of the data, and what measures are in place for verification or for coordination with data providers, e.g. with national statistical offices, the ILO or the United Nations?

    Submitted: 26.2.2025

    Last updated: 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Concludes Seventy-Seventh Session after Adopting Concluding Observations on Reports of Croatia, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda and the United Kingdom

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights this afternoon concluded its seventy-seventhsession after adopting concluding observationson the reports of Croatia, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda and the United Kingdom under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights .

    The concluding observations will be transmitted to the States concerned and made available on the webpage of the session   on the afternoon of Monday, 3 March.

    Laura-MariaCraciunean-Tatu, Committee Chair, said that during the intense session, in addition to engaging with five States parties, the Committee had considered two follow-up reports; adopted three lists of issues on Cabo Verde, North Macedonia and Turkmenistan; conducted work on communications under the Optional Protocol; and discussed one draft and two future general comments and one statement.

    Ms. Craciunean-Tatu said that this session, the Committee had welcomed four new members, and would formally welcome its fifth, Peijie Chen (China), in its next session. Despite the discontinuance of formal hybrid meetings, the Committee continued to engage with a wide range of stakeholders in person and remotely outside of formal meeting time. Ms. Craciunean-Tatu expressed thanks to all those who worked to promote and protect the rights enshrined in the Covenant.

    During the session, she said, the Committee adopted assessments on the follow-up reports to concluding observations for Serbia and Uzbekistan. The assessments would be transmitted to the States concerned and made available publicly in the weeks to come. The Committee urged other States to submit follow-up reports which were overdue or due.

    Under the Optional Protocol, the Committee adopted decisions relating to 48 individual communications. It found violations of the Covenant in three cases concerning the right to housing; declared admissible one case on alleged violation of the right to work of a human rights defender; and declared inadmissible two cases on alleged unequal pay for overtime in teaching-related activities and alleged wage discrimination. The Committee further discontinued the consideration of 42 cases concerning the right to housing. Finally, it adopted a follow-up progress report on individual communications.

    Ms. Craciunean-Tatu saidthe Committee had adopted a Statement on Tax Policy and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It hoped that this statement would guide States parties, both domestically and in the context of international tax cooperation, to observe increasingly inclusive and transparent tax policy-making processes, thus encouraging the implementation of tax systems that supported the enjoyment of the rights enshrined in the Covenant, with a focus on disadvantaged and marginalised groups.

    Regarding general comments, the Committee completed a second reading of the draft general comment on the environmental dimension of sustainable development, and continued discussing the scope of two general comments on drug policy and on armed conflict as they related to the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. These discussions would continue at the next session.

    During the session, Ms. Craciunean-Tatu said, the Committee held an informal meeting with States on 20 February and engaged in discussion on all aspects of its work. In addition to the numerous contacts the Committee had with civil society organizations, it also held this morning its annual meeting with non-governmental organizations, in which it heard their views on several important topics, including strategic litigation and the right to a clean and healthy environment.

    Ms. Craciunean-Tatu also said that the Committee had held informal meetings with other stakeholders, including with treaty body members, United Nations agencies and the Special Rapporteurs on climate change and in the field of cultural rights. The engagement of all concerned was deeply appreciated.

    In its next session, she said, in addition to reviewing the reports of seven States parties, the Committee would adopt lists of issues on the reports of Eswatini, Germany, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova and Tunisia. It would also adopt assessments on the follow-up reports of El Salvador and Luxembourg.

    This session, the Committee reaffirmed its decision to implement a simplified reporting procedure and had requested the Secretariat to prepare a structured implementation plan, Ms. Craciunean-Tatu said. However, until such a plan was operationalised, she encouraged States parties to submit reports under the regular reporting procedure, including long overdue reports.

    The Committee had not yet held dialogues with 24 States parties that had not submitted their initial reports, of which five were overdue for more than 10 years. In total, 51 States’ periodic reports were also overdue, at least 16 of which for more than 10 years. The capacity building programme established pursuant to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/268 (2014) was available to offer support to States requiring technical assistance in this regard, including with respect to the establishment of national mechanisms for reporting implementation and follow-up.

    Ms. Craciunean-Tatu invited all States to ratify the Covenant and encouraged States that were parties to the Covenant but had not acceded to or ratified the Optional Protocol to do so, and to enter the declarations for its articles 10 and 11. She welcomed the accession, two weeks ago, of Albania to the Optional Protocol.

    In closing, Ms. Craciunean-Tatu thanked the Committee and all who had contributed to the busy session. The Committee looked forward to, in its next session, holding dialogues with States, pursuing other work, and engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders to achieve the effective promotion and protection of all the rights enshrined in the Covenant.

    In its seventy-eighth session, to be held from 8 September to 3 October 2025, the Committee will review the reports of Australia, Chile, Colombia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Netherlands, Russian Federation and Zimbabwe.

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CESCR25.007E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Measures to suspend the Mularroya project and prevent the undermining of Special Protection Areas and the Water Framework Directive – E-002708/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Under Article 267 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, where a question on the interpretation of acts of the institutions is raised in a case pending before a court or tribunal of a Member State against whose decisions there is no judicial remedy under national law, that court or tribunal shall bring the matter before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

    The CJEU has declared that a court or tribunal against whose decisions there is no judicial remedy under national law is required, where a question of Community law is raised before it, to comply with its obligation to bring the matter before the Court of Justice, unless it has established that the question raised is irrelevant or that the Community provision in question has already been interpreted by the Court or that the correct application of Community law is so obvious as to leave no scope for any reasonable doubt[1].

    Therefore, national courts against whose decisions there is no remedy under national law and which refuse to refer to the CJEU a preliminary question on the interpretation of EU law that has been raised before them are obliged to give reasons for their refusal in the light of the exceptions provided for in the case-law of the CJEU[2].

    In the judgment referred to by the Honourable Member, the Spanish Supreme Court (Court of last resort) stated that the arguments set out in the case and the judgments of the CJEU mentioned therein made it unnecessary to raise a preliminary question before the CJEU for the resolution of the appeal.

    Therefore, the Supreme Court did not have doubts on the interpretation of the relevant EU law that would make it necessary to bring the matter before the CJEU for the resolution of the appeal.

    The Commission does not intend to take further action.

    • [1] Judgment of the Court of Justice of 6 October 1982, in CILFIT v. Ministero della Sanità, C-283/81.
    • [2] Ullens de Schooten and Rezabek v. Belgium, 2011, § 62; Sanofi Pasteur v. France, 2020, § 70.
    Last updated: 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Voice from the South: Dr. Anna Julia Cooper

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    “No profounder duty confronts a state than the necessity of constructing sane and serviceable citizens out of the material of childhood. No higher privilege awaits the individual in this land of opportunity than the privilege of contributing to such an end.”

    Dr. Anna Julia Cooper wrote these words ca. 1930 in her essay, “Educational Programs”. (Cooper, Portable, 190.)  Her life as a civil rights activist, essayist, an educator, an intellectual, and a philosopher on society and the law is an extraordinary catalog of outstanding achievements.

    Born in 1858 into slavery to Hannah Stanley Haywood in Raleigh, North Carolina, Anna Julia Haywood was freed in 1863, following the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. She enrolled in Saint Augustine Normal School and Collegiate Institute as a student, a school established by the Freedman’s Bureau, and began tutoring there at age 10 to help with her tuition. She married fellow student George A.C. Cooper when she graduated from high school. He died two years later, and she enrolled in Oberlin College in 1881, which she attended on scholarship. While there, she asked to attend the “gentlemen’s courses” which included higher mathematics, Latin, and Greek. (Cooper, Portable, xxiii.) She graduated from Oberlin with a B.A. in mathematics in 1884, and an M.A. in mathematics  in 1887.

    Mrs. A.J. Cooper. Photo by C.M. Bell, Washington, D.C. [between 1901 and 1903] Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/bellcm.15413/

    Cooper started teaching math and science at the M Street School, in Washington, D.C., after earning her M.A. from Oberlin. The school “provided a rigorous curriculum that surpassed the offerings of many white schools.” M Street offered a curriculum with academic, scientific, technical, and business tracks. Cooper published her book, A Voice from the South to a positive critical response. As the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy notes of the essay “Woman vs. the Indian”, “Cooper… calls for the natural inherent rights of all people, or ‘the rights of humanity’ but also specifying groups typically denied these rights such as Blacks, women, Indians (or Native Americans), and the poor.” This comment on her philosophy of inherent rights applies not only to the essay, but to much of the book. Her thoughts and essays on society’s influence on the law, racial prejudice, feminism and education were followed by her more famous peers such as W.E.B. Du Bois, whom she corresponded with often.

    She traveled to conferences and cultural exchange programs, traveled to Nassau and throughout Europe, and spoke at the Pan-African Conference in London in 1900, where she was a member of the Executive Committee (Cooper, Portable, xl.) She was promoted to principal of the M Street School in 1901. While directing the school as the principal, she made academic and vocational tracks available to all students. However, she focused on strengthening the school’s curriculum on academics, “an approach often associated with Du Bois’s educational philosophy rather than Booker T. Washington’s emphasis on vocational training.” As principal, she made successful efforts to get students admitted to Brown, Mt. Holyoke, Harvard, Yale, and other Ivy League schools when the students passed entrance examinations.  She was removed from her position as principal by the head of the school board, who disapproved of her focus of the school curriculum on academics, despite community support for her to stay. She moved to teach at the Jefferson Institute in Missouri for a brief period while pursuing legal action for a return to her position at M Street and back pay. Her commitment to equal education predated Brown v. Board of Education.

    Eventually, Cooper returned to M Street School in 1910 to teach Latin, and continued her own studies, while adopting the five grandchildren of her brother. She published her translation of Le Pèlerinage de Charlemagne in 1917. At the age of 66, she completed and defended her doctoral thesis, L’Attitude de la France à l’Egard l’Esclavage Pendant la Révolution at the Sorbonne; she was the first African-American woman to graduate from the school.

    Dr. Cooper returned to teaching at M Street School until 1930 when she retired. She became the president of Frelinghuysen University, the only other higher education facility for African Americans in D.C. at the time. When the school had insufficient funds to stay in operation, she ran it from her own home, while continuing to write and publish essays in The Crisis and the Washington Tribune.

    She worked and advocated throughout her career for equal rights in education and society for women and African Americans until her death at 105. Like some other civil rights activists we have featured in the blog in the past, she was not a lawyer, but her philosophical writing and educational work created changes in civil rights; the Library’s unique collections of her work allow readers to discover more. Her writing is printed in the U.S. passport, “The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class – it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity.”

    Sources

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Keir Starmer meets Donald Trump: assiduous planning results in deft diplomacy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Martin Farr, Senior Lecturer in Contemporary British History, Newcastle University

    Flickr/Number 10, CC BY-NC-ND

    Keir Starmer was only the second European leader to visit Donald Trump’s second White House. The first, France’s Emmanuel Macron, had barely taken off when Starmer touched down, but had already raised the bar by behaving regally in front of the world’s media alongside his fellow president in the Oval Office.

    In manner, Macron manifested his eight years in office (four of which were already spent with Trump in the White House). Starmer has had a mere eight months. But it was a challenge, judged in its own immediate terms, that the prime minister met.

    Raising the curtain, in a highly untypical coup de théâtre, Starmer flourished – as few can – a letter from the King to give to the president, and then effectively forced Trump to read it on camera and agree to the invitation enclosed within.

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    Starmer of course knew he was nudging an open door: much came down to assiduous preparation. The British Embassy, under a finally confirmed ambassador Peter Mandelson, worked overtime to choreograph and lubricate.

    Starmer had been wise in contradicting Trump only indirectly. Nothing could be gained – as president Zelenskyy already demonstrated – from doing so publicly. So early an offer of a state visit to the UK ran the risk of appearing desperate, but was mitigated by its also being “unprecedented” as the second to be offered to Trump. A word recently worn smooth by over-use, there was nevertheless another precedent set in the suggestion of a pre-state visit visit between Trump and the king. With this president, more than any other, royal diplomacy is a critical national asset.

    Starmer’s announcement of an increase in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 worked similarly well. That funds are to be diverted from foreign aid for that purpose the Labour leadership deemed as being politically cost-free – or at least good value – politically. It was, indeed, almost Trumpian. The relevant minister disagreed.

    It is hard to recall greater shifts in a country’s foreign policy in so short a space of time. Insofar as one can discern Trump’s purposefulness, it is to create pandemonium, which has the secondary effect of galvanising actors to act – not least for fear of further pandemonium.

    Thus last week the US voting with Russia, Iran and North Korea, and not with Britain, at the UN. The Trump administration’s designation of choice is now “the Russia-Ukraine conflict”, as if it were merely a border dispute.

    Therefore, ahead of Starmer’s arrival in Washington, he was faced with the US apparently aligning itself with a country his describes as “the most acute threat” to the UK. “Jaw-dropping” was the adjective of choice for more than a few informed observers who had thought themselves prepared for whatever may transpire.

    The actors Trump primarily wishes to galvanise are European leaders, recalcitrants he thinks should do more to keep their own peace. For Macron to have been told that Putin would accept Nato forces policing the peace was scene-changing, but the only witness to the veracity of that news was Trump, who exhales untruths as easily as he breathes. The Russians soon denied it.

    A very special man.
    Flickr/Number 10, CC BY-NC-ND

    Macron’s offer of France’s (non-Nato) airborne nuclear force complemented Starmer’s commitment to British boots on the ground and helped him elicit Trump’s commitment to mutual defence.

    But Trump guaranteeing the peace that Starmer and Macron are willing to police was the cherry conspicuously missing from the cake. The suggestion was subject to a classic Trump equivocation (we’ll always support the Brits, but they won’t need our support).

    For the British government, July’s election already resembles a hospital pass. The effect of 20% tariffs on GDP growth could be catastrophic. Trump’s talk of tariff-free trade deals was more than expected, but one such was offered last time without much being doing about, before it was cancelled by President Biden. This time, Trump has said his vice president is drawing up a plan, even that being absent before.

    And in a categorical demonstration of the benefits of lobbying there was effective presidential approval of the Chagos islands deal, simultaneously shooting one of Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s few foxes stone dead.

    Warm words

    Thus has passed the most potentially difficult meeting of a prime minister and a president since Suez. Nothing else comes close. Cliche – eggshells, tightropes – proliferated in previews.

    When Starmer was last at the White House, in September, he had asked Biden for a meeting about Ukraine and received it. However unsatisfactory the outcome, public face was maintained. Trump has the ability – and the form – to have humiliated in a way which would permanently have scarred Starmer. That he did the opposite ought not to distract from the vulnerability of the supplicant.

    ‘Go on, open it’.
    Number 10/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND

    Instead there were encomia from Trump as to the two countries – “special relationship”, “unique friendship”, “fantastic country”, “I’ve always cared” – and of Starmer – “a special man”, “a very special person”. And in describing Starmer’s accent as “beautiful”, the president revealed the hitherto unknown allure of the adenoidal.

    Power plays sit ill with Starmer, but he nonetheless ventured two corrections from his armchiar, one to a statement made by the president and another to one made by the vice-president. The subsequent praise for Starmer’s negotiating tenacity from Trump, that much-vaunted artist of the deal, was as priceless – and unfamiliar – as the following morning’s front pages.

    However successful this visit, however, nothing can be assumed, still less guaranteed. That the British government would so extensively war-game a meeting with its closest ally tells its own tale, or, rather a tale perhaps yet to be told. At this moment, for the next four years the relationship at least feels more secure than it did a few days before the trip. By such diurnal turns are the affairs of allies now measured.

    Martin Farr does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Keir Starmer meets Donald Trump: assiduous planning results in deft diplomacy – https://theconversation.com/keir-starmer-meets-donald-trump-assiduous-planning-results-in-deft-diplomacy-251178

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Cyber A.I. Group CEO to Speak at SXSW Dream Wealth Camp 2025 on the Future of Cybersecurity and A.I. in Wealth Creation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI and NEW YORK and PARIS, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cyber A.I. Group, Inc. (“CyberAI” or the “Company”), an emerging growth Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and IT services company engaged in the proactive acquisition of a broad spectrum of Cybersecurity service providers on an international basis, announced today that its CEO, Walter Hughes, will be a featured speaker at Dream Wealth Camp 2025, an exclusive South by Southwest (SXSW) event in Austin, Texas.

    Dream Wealth Camp, hosted by Dreambloc, is a premier venture mastermind experience that convenes elite founders, investors, and thought leaders to navigate the complexities of scaling businesses and building generational wealth. Designed as a high-impact, closed-door gathering, the event provides tailored strategies, one-on-one mentorship, and investment deal flow opportunities. Hughes will join an esteemed lineup of experts to discuss digital transformation, Cybersecurity’s evolving role in investment strategy, and the intersection of artificial intelligence and wealth creation.

    “As the digital age reshapes the global economy, Cybersecurity is no longer a cost center—it is the foundation of trust in every transaction, every investment, and every technological advancement,” said Hughes. “At CyberAI, we are not only safeguarding enterprises but redefining how Cybersecurity and A.I. integrate into wealth-building ecosystems. Dream Wealth Camp is an ideal forum to engage in these critical conversations and chart the next frontier of investment strategy.”

    Hughes’ participation underscores CyberAI’s commitment to shaping the future of Cybersecurity through strategic acquisition and innovation. With an aggressive global expansion strategy, the company is assembling a powerhouse portfolio of security-focused IT service providers, reinforcing its vision of becoming the premier force in next-generation Cybersecurity solutions.

    Dream Wealth Camp 2025 will take place on March 6-7 at SXSW in Austin, Texas, offering curated sessions and networking opportunities with some of the most influential minds in business and technology.

    About Cyber A.I. Group

    Cyber A.I. Group, Inc. (“CyberAI”) is an international company engaged in the acquisition and management of worldwide Cybersecurity and IT services firms. CyberAI is pursuing a highly proactive “Buy & Build” strategy to rapidly expand operations internationally by acquiring a broad spectrum of IT services companies and repositioning them to address fast-growing market needs for Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence markets. The Company has developed an active pipeline of 300+ perspective acquisitions which are in various stages of analysis. The Company’s initial target is to acquire multiple companies representing aggregate revenues annualizing $100 million. CyberAI’s business model is focused on the acquisition and consolidation of IT services worldwide with proven ability in broad conventional technology services with strong cash flow and enhance performance through A.I.-driven Cybersecurity initiatives. This emphasis on conventional companies with strong revenues and EBITDA distinguishes CyberAI from the explosion of A.I. startups that may be pinning their future on a single technological breakthrough which may never materialize. This “Buy & Build” strategy provides CyberAI with the maximum flexibility for diversification and risk management for moving into new fields and addressing fast moving market opportunities. For additional information, please visit: cyberaigroup.io.

    Contact

    Cyber A.I. Group, Inc.
    Tel: 786.749.1221
    info@cyberaigroup.io

    Paris:
    17-21 Rue Saint-Fiacre
    Paris 75002, France

    New York:
    641 Lexington Avenue, 14th Floor,
    New York, NY 10022

    Miami:
    990 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 503
    Miami, FL 33132

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2df6821b-254e-4be9-98d3-040669a0342a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New UK-French action to go after smuggler gangs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    New UK-French action to go after smuggler gangs

    UK and French Interior Minister launch new police and enforcement plans including state of the art surveillance technology to disrupt smuggling gangs in France.

    New measures to tackle people-smuggling gangs have been agreed by the UK and France, with over £7 million of existing funds redirected towards a stronger law enforcement response on migrant channel crossings, as ⁠Yvette Cooper meets with French Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau, the first Home Secretary visit to Northern France in almost 5 years.

    As part of the ongoing Sandhurst agreement and new joint working between the 2 governments, the ministers have agreed a series of new, stronger enforcement plans from spring, including:

    • a new specialist intelligence and judicial police unit in Dunkirk to speed up the arrest and prosecution of people-smugglers
    • a new Compagnie de Marche of specialist enforcement officers, similar to the arrangements that were put in place during the Paris Olympics which reduced crossings, supported by increased local policing
    • training additional drone pilots to increase operations and intercept planned boats before they reach the sea

    The Home Secretary and her French counterpart met in Calais on 27 February to agree new law enforcement action as part of their renewed partnership on tackling small boat crossings in the English Channel.  

    This builds on renewed efforts to tackle people smuggling from the two countries, which has seen the UK set up the new Border Security Command led by former Police Chief Martin Hewitt, and the French government appoint a new Special Representative on Migration, Patrick Stefanini.

    More than €1.3 million in reallocated funds will provide 12 specialist intelligence officers as part of the judicial police unit, the Groupe d’Appui Operationnel, stationed in Dunkirk. 

    This highly specialised unit will focus on disrupting organised immigration crime activity and the flow of small boats equipment, with dual powers to investigate and prosecute people-smugglers, enabling more convictions at a faster rate and ensuring that those responsible face justice.  

    Another €2.67 million has been reallocated to mobilise a new policing unit, the Compagnie de Marche. Taking inspiration from the operational response during the Paris Olympics, the unit’s officers have elite public order powers to address increases in violence on French beaches. This will enable more dynamic patrols of the shoreline to apprehend smugglers, intercept crossings and prevent loss of life in the channel. 

    Additional French reservist officers have been deployed along the coastline since 1 January 2025, showing better co-operation and use of resource between UK and France under the Sandhurst Agreement, which was signed in 2018. In addition, the French Interior Minister has announced police and enforcement presence on transport routes towards the French coast, and €3,980,000 has been reallocated to further increase the number of deployed reservists.  

    As the Home Secretary has made clear, and as this new funding approach demonstrates, the UK government is determined to increase cooperation to go after the criminal gangs who are undermining border security and putting countless lives at risk.

    While visiting Calais and Le Touquet, the first Home Secretary to do so since 2020, Yvette Cooper met with law enforcement officers and local officials to thank them for their work to prevent boat crossings and to deal with the growing disgraceful violence from criminal gangs against police officers along the coast.

    As part of these enhanced measures, €326,500 funding will also be reallocated to supplying crucial safety of life at sea (SOLAS) equipment including surveillance cameras, drones and life jackets.  

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:  

    Criminal smuggler gangs are running an appalling and dangerous trade in people – undermining UK and French border security, causing huge damage and putting lives at risk. The gangs operate across borders, so law enforcement needs to operate across borders too. That is why our joint work with France is so important and we are strengthening our cooperation, with new specialist enforcement teams to go after these dangerous gangs. 

    These criminal networks operate right across Europe and beyond, and we are determined to increase our joint action working with other countries to stop the gangs and boats before they reach the French coast

    I am grateful to my friend and colleague Minister Bruno Retailleau for the close cooperation between our teams and for his continued support and leadership in tackling organised immigration crime. The violence from criminal gangs against French police along the coast is a total disgrace, and I want to thank the French police and authorities for the work they are doing to respond to that violence, to prevent boat crossings and to save lives.

    Between 5 July 2024 and 31 January 2025, both illegal working visits and arrests have soared by around 38% compared to the same 12 months prior. During the same period, the Home Office issued a total of 1,090 civil penalty notices to those employing illegal workers. Employers could face a fine of up to £60,000 per worker if found liable. 

    In addition, nearly 19,000 foreign criminals and people with no right to be in the UK have now been removed since the government took office.

    This renewed co-operation comes amid the introduction of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill under the government’s Plan for Change, which creates a framework of new, enhanced powers and offences to improve UK border security and to strengthen the asylum and immigration system.  

    It also comes ahead of the government’s Border Security Summit, due to take place in London on 31 March and 1 April, to which France and over 40 other countries are invited to discuss solutions to organised immigration crime.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Emmanuel Macron used every diplomatic trick in the book at the White House – but Trump writes his own rules

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Helen Drake, Professor of French and European Studies and Director of Loughborough University London’s Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs, Loughborough University

    If there was a book of diplomacy, then French president Emmanuel Macron threw it at US president Donald Trump in their joint press conference in Washington DC. Macron delivered quite the masterclass in the diplomatic arts. Unthreatening body language and public displays of affection? Check.

    Meeting your interlocutor on any and every inch of common ground? Check. Macron’s willing use of fluent English was a key tactic here. Other than when answering French-language questions (when to have responded in English would have brought Macron yet more domestic grief), he adapted to the language of his hosts.

    Macron and Trump’s press conference.

    Recalling shared memories of happier, shared times? Check. It was smart to remind Trump of his time as a guest at the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris just a few months previously.

    Gently correcting a friend in danger of veering too far from reality (here, regarding the extent and type of European aid to Ukraine) as you would expect from a true ally? Again, check.

    These are the soft skills of diplomacy as communication between human beings to which Macron typically brings his heart, body and soul. On this occasion and on this criterion he outperformed even himself, and outclassed his host by some degree.

    At times, Trump looked enraptured by this performance from such an interesting specimen of utter Europeanness. At others, the host fidgeted and listened stony-faced to the halting interpretation of Macron’s rapid-fire French. He tried a few gauche niceties of his own (“say hello to your beautiful wife”) and dialled up to the max his personal brand of touchy-feely diplomacy.

    Behind the scenes

    Beyond the memorable set pieces of diplomatic theatre lies, of course, the message itself. This must represent the voice, the interests and the concerns of the state or other diplomatic actor. But it may well go against the flow, disrupting the smooth surface of diplomatic pleasantries.

    Former French president Charles de Gaulle notoriously ruffled cold-war feathers in the 1960s with rousing speeches to stir non-aligned countries and French-speaking people to contest the existing world order. Former foreign minister Dominique de Villepin will be remembered for his eloquent, impassioned plea to the United Nations security council in 2003 against the allied invasion of Iraq.

    Macron has dabbled in free-wheeling diplomacy himself. He claimed in 2019 that Nato was close to “brain death” and maintained a dialogue with Russia’s president Vladimir Putin after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. In Macron’s account at the press conference with Trump, he closed this line of communication when he learned of the atrocities being perpetrated by Russian forces.

    Articulating France’s global, strategic interests is where Macron feels most comfortable and probably where he is best suited (judged by the standards of his domestic political failings). His trip to Washington at such a pivotal moment in Trump’s second presidency, with the fate of Ukraine in the balance, was a natural move for a leader who, since the beginning of his first mandate in 2017, has sought to lead the European conversation about the continent’s security.

    His sense of urgency to secure greater European autonomy and capacity in its defence lies behind his willingness to talk to all parties. France does, after all, go by the fiendishly untranslatable label of a “puissance d’équilibres” (which means an actor with the power to strike a balance but also perhaps to bring others into balance or even, simply, to keep the peace).

    Macron’s readiness to confront the cold, hard facts of contemporary international relations – he has already told the French they need to put themselves on a wartime footing in economic terms – gives him a track record of sorts in the diplomatic negotiations now to come: between Europeans themselves, and between Europe and the US.

    But facing down Macron’s fancy optics is one particularly awkward fact – namely that Trump does not do diplomacy by the book, or at least not the one he was metaphorically gifted by president Macron. Where the point of diplomacy is to establish a common language with shared codes and expectations in order to ease tensions and bridge differences between parties, Trump’s diplomatic how-to guide boasts new chapters on the arts of bullying, harassment, gaslighting and, of course, the deal.



    Read more:
    Trump and Europe: US ‘transactionalism on steroids’ is the challenge facing leaders now

    For now, the US president is tolerating the quaint diplomatic overtures of these curious Europeans and given the ultra-high stakes of what couldn’t be further from a game, that is diplomacy itself.

    Helen Drake does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Emmanuel Macron used every diplomatic trick in the book at the White House – but Trump writes his own rules – https://theconversation.com/emmanuel-macron-used-every-diplomatic-trick-in-the-book-at-the-white-house-but-trump-writes-his-own-rules-250832

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: European Consortium Launches PQC4eMRTD Project to Enhance Security of Electronic Passports in the Quantum Era

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: European Consortium Launches PQC4eMRTD Project to Enhance Security of Electronic Passports in the Quantum Era

    Munich, Germany – February 28, 2025 – A significant European initiative, the PQC4eMRTD (Post-Quantum Cryptography for electronic Machine-Readable Travel Documents) project, has officially commenced today. Funded by the European Union under the Digital Europe Programme, the two-year project aims to address the security challenges posed by the rise of quantum computing, focusing on the standardization and promotion of quantum-resistant (QR) cryptographic protocols for electronic machine-readable travel documents (eMRTDs).

    Quantum computing is advancing rapidly with substantial investments from both public and private sectors. By 2026, the number of quantum bits (qubits) is expected to grow tenfold compared to the roughly 400 qubits achieved at the end of 2022, dramatically expanding the processing capacity of quantum computers and enabling them to solve increasingly complex problems. ​ These advancements pose a threat to classical cryptography, making it essential to develop QR standards and infrastructures.

    Represented by Eurosmart, the European digital security industry emphasizes the urgent need to transition to QR infrastructures, particularly for eMRTDs such as electronic passports, which are vulnerable to quantum threats. The PQC4eMRTD project aims to support this transition by advocating for the development and promotion of standardization in QR cryptographic protocols.

    The project is coordinated by Infineon Technologies AG from Germany and includes key partners Thales and CryptoNext Security from France, the Barcelona Supercomputing Center from Spain, and the Institute for Comparative Law at the Faculty of Law in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The PQC4eMRTD project will focus on pushing existing PQC research results towards international standardization working groups to facilitate the adoption of QR protocols.

    Additionally, the PQC4eMRTD project will promote cooperation across different sectors transitioning to PQC by addressing common challenges and fostering synergies. It aims to provide a detailed blueprint for Europe’s transition to PQC, serving as a model for other regions. By actively engaging and supporting the broader European PQC community through knowledge sharing and collaborative initiatives, the project ensures that all stakeholders can benefit from the latest research and developments.

    Stakeholders, including industry experts, policymakers, and academic researchers, are invited to join this vital project. Their participation and support are crucial as the consortium works towards securing the future of electronic travel documents and digital identities against emerging quantum threats.

    “We at Thales are committed to driving innovation and ensuring the highest level of security for electronic documents and digital identities”, commented Nathalie Gosset, VP Identity & Biometric Solutions at Thales. “Our involvement in the post-quantum cryptography European consortium underscores our proactive approach to safeguarding sensitive data and critical systems against emerging quantum threats. By collaborating with industry leaders, we aim to responsibly anticipate and address future challenges, paving the way for a secure and resilient digital ecosystem.”

    For more information about the project and opportunities for collaboration, please contact the respective partner organizations. Together, we can build a secure, quantum-resistant future for electronic travel documents.

    About the PQC4eMRTD Project

    The PQC4eMRTD project is a European initiative aimed at enhancing the security of electronic machine-readable travel documents (eMRTDs) by promoting the standardization of quantum-resistant cryptographic protocols. Funded by the European Union under the Digital Europe Programme, the project brings together leading European organizations to address the challenges posed by quantum computing and ensure the future security of digital identities and eMRTDs.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 February 2025 Donors making a difference: community engagement to promote, provide and protect the health and well-being of all

    Source: World Health Organisation

    WHO defines community engagement as “a process of developing relationships that enable stakeholders to work together to address health-related issues and promote well-being to achieve positive health impact and outcomes”.

    WHO’s partners and donors support the Organization to work in this area as there are undeniable benefits to engaging communities in promoting health and well-being. At its core, community engagement enables changes in behaviour, environments, policies, programmes and practices within communities.

    Below are some country stories that demonstrate the breadth of community engagement work that WHO conducts, resulting in more positive health outcomes for the people in these communities than before.

    Uganda trains district health workers on community-based approach to Ebola

    Uganda trains Community Health workers from Kole, Mukono and Wakiso districts on community-based approach to Ebola. Photo by: WHO/Sadat Kamugisha 

    Uganda’s Ministry of Health conducted a training on Ebola disease detection and management for Community Health Workers representatives from Kole, Wakiso, and Mukono districts. Participants focused on multi-sectoral action to safeguard communities from emerging zoonotic diseases with pandemic potential such as Ebola.

    Communities play an integral role in raising awareness, supporting case identification, tracing contacts, and maintaining essential health services. The emphasis on collaboration with local leaders, volunteers, and health workers is vital for effective responses to public health emergencies. Building on lessons learned from past health crises, Uganda has already made substantial advancements in emergency preparedness.

    The three-day event was supported by WHO, and the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST), which is a UK aid project funded by the Department of Health and Social care. The community protection approach is a central component of WHO’s new Health emergency prevention, preparedness, response, and resilience framework.

    Visit the WHO/Uganda web page to read the full story.

    Community engagement for access to health services in Lao PDR

    CONNECT team members discuss community health priorities in Khammouane Province, Lao PDR. Photo by: WHO/Enric Catala

    Developed by the Lao Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs in response to COVID-19 with the support of WHO and partners, the CONNECT initiative enhances local governance and community engagement for equitable access to public services, particularly health.

    Supported by USAID, the Australian Government and Luxembourg, as of July 2024, CONNECT reached over 230 villages across 10 provinces (including Vientiane Capital) and support already in-place for expansion to all provinces.

    An external evaluation of implementation in 12 villages found an increase in essential service uptake for maternal health and improved attitudes towards using primary care; increased trust in health providers; increased sense of ownership of health at community level; and increased vaccination uptake and confidence, especially among ethnic groups and previously unreached communities.

    Visit the WHO/WPRO web page to read the full story.

    Côte d’Ivoire community radios boost public awareness on mpox outbreak

    Community radios, pillar of the fight against mpox. Photo by: WHO/Toiherou De Marfere Sidibe

    A network of community radio stations, known as Radio Santé, comprises 350 stations in West African, with over half based in Côte d’Ivoire. Launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic with major support from WHO, Radio Santé has become a preferred channel for disseminating reliable, verified health information. It brings together nearly 1000 journalists and communications specialists.

    Radio Santé is an interactive and accessible tool for mobilizing communities around health issues, throughout Côte d’Ivoire and across borders. Health authorities use Radio Santé to counter rumours and misinformation, and to strengthen community engagement, which is crucial to curbing the spread of diseases such as mpox.

    After WHO declared mpox as a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024, Radio Santé devoted its health talk show to mpox. 185 Ivorian community radio stations have since broadcasted messages on mpox. Over 50 programmes have been produced and broadcast in eight countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

    Visit the WHO/Côte d’Ivoire web page to read the full story.

    Bolivia strengthens social participation in health for indigenous population

    Indigenous organizations are clear about their requests. They want free and equitable access to health care, an improved indigenous health network, incorporation of traditional medicine, and the consideration of the indigenous population’s culture, customs, and practices. Photo by: WHO/PAHO

    The Ministry of Health and Sports of Bolivia is engaging indigenous populations in community participation processes, creating space for them to discuss health topics, share concerns, and contribute to a health improvement plan.

    The meaningful inclusion and engagement of indigenous populations in health policy planning, taking into account the social determinants of health, is critical to ensure context-specific interventions, uptake of guidance and services, and positive health outcomes for all.

    PAHO/WHO, through the Universal Health Coverage Partnership, has supported the Ministry of Health and Sports of Bolivia in this endeavour since 2021. The UHC Partnership operates in over 125 countries, representing over 3 billion people. It is supported and funded by Belgium, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and WHO

    Visit the PAHO/AMRO web page to read the full story.

    Weaving hope in Honduras: the community wisdom that saves lives

    Maternal health in Honduras Hermelinda shares her experience. Photo by: WHO/Honduras

    In Honduras, high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality are often the result of multiple factors, including socioeconomic barriers, lack of access to adequate healthcare services, gaps in education and awareness about maternal and child health, and cultural differences.

    Hermelinda Hernández, who is familiar with the local practices and beliefs of her community and also recognizes the value of professional medical interventions, participated in the “Knowledge Dialogues Methodology” workshop organized by the Honduran Ministry of Health with the support of PAHO/WHO and funded by Global Affairs Canada.

    The workshop aimed to promote mutual understanding between midwives and healthcare providers to reach agreements that improve the health of women, and adolescent girls in situations of vulnerability within the community.

    Visit the PAHO/AMRO web page to read the full story.

    Grassroots heroes in Cambodia

    Mrs Say Sa with her Baby in Cambodia’s Principal of Health Centre Kok Chuk. Photo by: Aforative media

    In Cambodia, village chiefs stepped up to create a healthier future for their communities. In villages across 25 provinces, 2000 village chiefs and nearly 5400 village health support groups received trainings, organised by the Ministry of Heath with support from WHO and the EU.

    This equipped the chiefs with knowledge and skills necessary to control transmission of COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory diseases, and collaborate with authorities more closely on health issues facing their communities.

    The chiefs then shared their newfound knowledge during community dialogues, which then transformed how community members adopted healthier practices. Empowered with accurate information, communities embraced protective measures during times of high COVID-19 transmission.

    Visit the WHO/WPRO web page to read the full story, and more on EU’s support to WHO in ASEAN region.

    Bolstering public awareness to help curb mpox spread in Uganda

    Dr Kenneth Kabali, WHO Field Coordinator for Busoga Sub-region sensitizes the community on mpox in Mayuge district, Eastern Uganda. Photo by: WHO/Abdu Mutwalibu Seguya

    Uganda witnessed an upsurge in mpox cases, with laboratory-confirmed cases increasing from 24 as of 21 September to 413 as of 7 November 2024. Health authorities, with support from WHO and partners, worked closely with communities to raise awareness about the dangers of the disease and how to stay safe, and address misinformation and stigma.

    The risk communication and community engagement team reached more than 100 fishmongers, fisherfolk, boda boda (motorbike taxi) riders, 8000 school children and 30 sex workers. In addition, 500 teachers in the district have been oriented on mpox.

    WHO is also using mass media to expand the reach of mpox response communication. With funding from USAID, WHO has contracted 10 regional radio stations and 2 national TV stations to raise awareness and promote preventative behaviour.

    Visit the WHO/AFRO web page to read the full story.

    Combating measles: a comprehensive community-centred approach in Ethiopia

    Combating measles, a comprehensive community-centred approach in Ethiopia. Photo by: WHO/Hassen Ali

    In the districts of Sidama, Central, and South Ethiopia, access to healthcare is often challenging, exacerbated by various health emergencies. A community-led initiative made remarkable progress in combating measles, malaria, and malnutrition through collaborative efforts between local health facilities, community health workers, and government agencies.

    The initiative received significant financial support from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) bolstering community-based intervention efforts.

    By leveraging collaboration between healthcare facilities, community health workers, and local communities, this initiative represents a beacon of hope in improving healthcare access and outcomes in regions of Ethiopia.

    Visit the WHO/Ethiopia web page to read the full story.

    WHO races to contain malaria resurgence in southeastern Iran

    Malaria resurgence in Iran. Photo by: WHO/Iran

    A race against time is underway in southeastern Iran, where the resurgence of malaria threatens to undo years of progress. The dramatic rise in cases has been attributed to the devastating floods in neighbouring Pakistan in September 2022 which led to an expansion of malaria breeding sites.

    WHO, with crucial support from the Government of Japan, is on the ground in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, battling this public health emergency and working to protect vulnerable communities. Japan’s generous contribution provided 4902 mosquito dome tents offering families protection from infected mosquitos, 50 000 malaria rapid diagnostic tests enabling health care workers to quickly identify and treat infected individuals, and 1655 kg of insecticides, deployed to contain mosquito populations at their source. The combined resources are estimated to benefit 77 400 people in the province.

    In December 2024, a WHO mission observed a proactive approach to malaria control demonstrated by local health workers as they conducted house-to-house screenings, distributed mosquito nets and educated communities on how to use them.

    Visit the WHO/Iran web page to read the full story.

    Mali: screening for malnutrition in affected children to avoid complications

    Screening for malnutrition in affected children to avoid complications, Mali. Photo by: WHO/Razzack Saizonou

    Malnutrition among children is one of the main health problems that the affected populations of Ségou had to face after severe floods hit Mali between July and October 2024. Having lost everything including their food reserves and their means of subsistence, people found themselves in a very precarious situation.

    Among the more than 370,000 people affected by these floods, children, who represent 45% of the affected population, are particularly vulnerable. To enable access to health care, WHO, with thanks to the Central Emergency Response Fund, supported the deployment of mobile clinics on relocation sites.

    In the Ségou region, three sites were set up and equipped with medical tents. Medical staff go there five times a month. Between July and October 2024, nearly 700 children suffering from malnutrition were identified in the three health districts of the Ségou region.

    Visit the WHO/Mali web page to read the full story in French.

    Effective community engagement saving lives in Tanzania during cholera outbreak

    Abdul Zachari, a young man is washing his hands. Photo by: WHO/Clemence Eliah

    The recurrence of Cholera outbreaks has been a threat to many lives in the United Republic of Tanzania for decades now. In mid-2024, situation reports from the Ministry of Health indicated that, the outbreak have been reported in 19 regions of Tanzania Mainland. Thanks to flexible funding available for responding to outbreaks such as this, WHO has been able to support the Government’s efforts to control cholera outbreaks. Risk Communications and Community Engagement (RCCE) Experts worked on the ground delivering an intensive community sensitization in over 92 households and 32 villages . The joint and community-based action plan against Cholera outbreak was built jointly, this way enhancing 54 community members and local authorities from the affected wards and districts. The community engagement strategies adopted generate local solutions tailored to control and prevent further transmissions in these areas. In addition, WHO applied behavioral science approaches to guide tailored interventions to community protection and resilience – and as a result, enhancing many lives in Tanzania.

    Visit the WHO/Tanzania web page to read the full story.

    * * * *

    Read more about the WHO’s community engagement work.

    The donors and partners acknowledged in this story are (in alphabetical order) Australia, Belgium, Canada, the European Union (ECHO), France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, and the USA Agency for International Development.

    WHO’s work is made possible through all contributions of our Member States and partners. WHO thanks all donor countries, governments, organizations and individuals who are contributing to the Organization’s work, with special appreciation for those who provide fully flexible contributions to maintain a strong, independent WHO.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Boralex reports net earnings of $74 million for fiscal 2024 and continues construction of its large-scale projects in Québec, Ontario and the United Kingdom

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boralex Inc. (“Boralex” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: BLX) is pleased to report its results for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Highlights
    Financial results

    • EBITDA(A)1, operating income and net earnings under pressure in Q4-2024 owing to adverse wind and hydropower conditions
      • Production 16% (11% on a Combined1 basis)2 lower than in Q4-2023 and 16% (12%) below anticipated production1, due primarily to the adverse climate conditions. For fiscal 2024 overall, production was 5% (2%) lower than in 2023 and 10% (8%) below anticipated production.
      • EBITDA(A) of $169 million ($191 million) for Q4-2024, down $33 million ($38 million) from Q4-2023. For fiscal 2024, EBITDA(A) was $581 million ($670 million), up $3 million (down $5 million) from 2023. The decrease in production was partly offset by the contribution of newly commissioned sites in France and the positive impact of the electricity selling price optimization strategy.
      • Operating income of $78 million ($53 million) for Q4-2024, down $20 million ($66 million) from Q4-2023. For fiscal 2024, operating income totalled $226 million ($267 million), unchanged (down $39 million) from 2023.
      • Net loss of $2 million in Q4-2024, down $60 million from T4-2023. For fiscal 2024, net earnings amounted to $74 million, $41 million lower than in 2023. Excluding the impairment of an asset, net earnings would have been $6 million higher in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023.
    • Lower cash flow related to operating activities for the quarter but balance sheet remains strong
      • Net cash flows related to operating activities of $31 million for Q4-2024 and $215 million for fiscal 2024, compared to $107 million for Q4-2023 and $496 million for fiscal 2023.
      • Discretionary cash flows1 of $47 million for Q4-2024 and $158 million for fiscal 2024, down $44 million from Q4-2023 and $26 million from fiscal 2023.
      • Boralex has $592 million in cash and cash equivalents and $523 million in available cash resources and authorized financing1 as at December 31, 2024.
      • A record of nearly $1.2 billion in project financing, bridge financing and letter of credit facilities obtained in 2024.

    Update on development and construction activities

    • Portfolio of projects under development and growth path totalling 8,005 MW in the high growth potential markets of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and France, 1,227 MW or 18% higher than in 2023
    • Progress in under-construction and ready-to-build projects
      • Start of electrification of the Limekiln wind farm in the United Kingdom (106 MW) in February 2025, with full commissioning planned for early April, and work continues on the Apuiat wind farm in Quebec (total 200 MW, Boralex’s share 100 MW), with commissioning planned for the first half of 2025.
      • Construction of the Hagersville (300 MW) and Tilbury (80 MW) storage projects in Ontario progressing on schedule, with commissioning planned for the fourth quarter of 2025. Financings closed in December 2024.
      • Start of work on the Des Neiges Sud wind project in Quebec (total 400 MW, Boralex’s share 133 MW), with commissioning scheduled for 2026.
    • Acquisition of the Clashindarroch Wind Farm Extension project in the United Kingdom, with an installed capacity of 145 MW, and the adjacent battery energy storage system (BESS) with a maximum capacity of 50 MW, for a total capacity of 195 MW. Boralex has a 50% interest, but has control over the project and will fully consolidate the results in the financial statements.
    1 EBITDA(A) is a total of segment measures. Anticipated production is an additional financial measure. “Combined,” “discretionary cash flows” and “available cash resources and authorized financing” are non-GAAP financial measures and do not have a standardized definition under IFRS. Consequently, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. For more details, see the Non-IFRS financial measures and other financial measures section of this press release.
    2 Figures in brackets indicate results on a Combined basis as opposed to a Consolidated basis.
       

    “The year 2024 proved to be full of challenges, which our employees met head-on. I would highlight in particular the significant effort our team invested in 2024 to secure nearly $1.2 billion in financing, a record for Boralex, on very good terms. Despite high volatility in the financial markets and pressure on the stock prices of renewable energy companies, notably in the wake of the American elections, we are convinced that renewable energy development will continue in many regions. Strong growth in electricity demand is expected in the regions where we are developing wind and solar farms and battery storage systems, namely Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and France,” said Patrick Decostre, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boralex.

    Renewable energy, which is the most competitive type of energy, can be brought on line to meet demand much faster than other types of energy. Boralex is in a position to capitalize on its project pipeline and growth path, which now represent more than 8 GW of power, and will continue to develop key projects with rates of return in line with its targets.

    “Boralex saw its financial results decline in fiscal 2024, mainly as a result of adverse wind conditions in France and to a lesser extent in Canada, as well as impairment of an asset. During the year, we continued to implement our various initiatives aimed at optimizing administrative, financial and development costs. We ended our 2024 financial year with net earnings of $74 million, a strong balance sheet and good financial flexibility, with over $500 million in available cash resources and authorized financing,” Mr. Decostre added.

    Boralex continues to excel on the corporate social responsibility front. In 2024, the Corporation announced that it was one of the few in the industry to have had its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This recognition shows Boralex’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In addition, Boralex ranked 94th out of the 215 S&P/TSX Composite Index companies and trusts analysed as part of The Board Games, with a score of 80/100, while in 2023 it was 102nd with a score of 76. Finally, Boralex placed 15th in the ranking of Canada’s 50 best corporate citizens, out of the 340 leading Canadian organizations analysed.

    4th quarter highlights

    Three-month periods ended December 31

      Consolidated Combined
    (in millions of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified)   2024     2023 Change   2024     2023 Change
            $   %           $   %  
    Power production (GWh)1   1,520     1,814   (294 ) (16 )   2,099     2,351   (252 ) (11 )
    Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium   228     315   (87 ) (28 )   258     345   (87 ) (25 )
    Operating income   78     98   (20 ) (21 )   53     119   (66 ) (55 )
    EBITDA(A)   169     202   (33 ) (17 )   191     229   (38 ) (17 )
    Net earnings (loss)   (2 )   58   (60 ) >(100 )    (2 )   58   (60 ) >(100 )
    Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of Boralex   (16 )   37   (53 ) >(100 )    (16 )   37   (53 ) >(100 )
    Per share – basic and diluted   ($0.15 ) $0.36   ($0.51 ) >(100 )    ($0.15 ) $0.36   ($0.51 ) >(100 )
    Net cash flows related to operating activities   31     107   (76 ) (71 )   —     —   —   —  
    Cash flows from operations2   105     161   (56 ) (35 )   —     —   —   —  
    Discretionary cash flows   47     91   (44 ) (48 )   —     —   —   —  
                                             

    In the fourth quarter of 2024, Boralex produced 1,520 GWh (2,099 GWh) of power, 16% (11%) less than the 1,814 GWh (2,351 GWh) produced in the same quarter of 2023. The decrease was mainly attributable to adverse weather conditions. As a result, Boralex ended the quarter with total production that was 16% (12%) below anticipated production.

    Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premiums for the three-month period ended December 31, 2024, amounted to $228 million ($258 million), 28% (25%) lower than in the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease was mainly attributable to the lower production. EBITDA(A) amounted to $169 million ($191 million), down 17% (17%) from the fourth quarter of 2023. The decline in production was partly offset by the contribution of new assets commissioned in France and the positive impact of the electricity selling price optimization strategy. Operating income totalled $78 million ($53 million), compared to $98 million ($119 million) for the same quarter of 2023. The Company posted a net loss of $2 million, which represents a $60 million decrease from the $58 million in net earnings reported for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    1 Power production includes the production for which Boralex received financial compensation following power generation limitations as management uses this measure to evaluate the Corporation’s performance. This adjustment facilitates the correlation between power production and revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium.
    2 The cash flows from operations is a non-GAAP financial measure and does not have a standardized meaning under IFRS. Accordingly, it may not be comparable to similarly named measures used by other companies. For more details, see the Non-IFRS and other financial measures section of this press release.
       

    Years ended December 31

      Consolidated Combined

    (in millions of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified)

    		   2024   2023 Change   2024   2023 Change
            $   %           $   %  
    Power production (GWh)1   5,691   5,973   (282 ) (5 )   7,845   8,020   (175 ) (2 )
    Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium   817   994   (177 ) (18 )   933   1,104   (171 ) (15 )
    Operating income   226   226   —   —     267   306   (39 ) (12 )
    EBITDA(A)   581   578   3   —     670   675   (5 ) (1 )
    Net earnings   74   115   (41 ) (35 )   74   115   (41 ) (35 )
    Net earnings attributable to shareholders of Boralex   36   78   (42 ) (54 )   36   78   (42 ) (54 )
    Per share – basic and diluted $0.35 $0.76 ($0.41 ) (54 ) $0.35 $0.76 ($0.41 ) (54 )
    Net cash flows related to operating activities   215   496   (281 ) (57 )   —   —   —   —  
    Cash flows from operations   415   445   (30 ) (7 )   —   —   —   —  
    Discretionary cash flows   158   184   (26 ) (14 )   —   —   —   —  
      As at
    Dec. 31    		 As at
    Dec. 31    		 Change As at
    Dec. 31    		 As at
    Dec. 31    		 Change
            $   %           $   %  
    Total assets   7,604   6,574   1,030   16     8,476   7,304   1,172   16  
    Debt – principal balance   4,032   3,327   705   21     4,588   3,764   824   22  
    Total project debt   3,608   2,844   764   27     4,166   3,281   885   27  
    Total corporate debt   424   483   (59 ) (12 )   424   483   (59 ) (12 )
                                         

    For the year ended December 31, 2024, Boralex produced 5,691 GWh (7,845 GWh) of power, less than the 5,973 GWh (8,020 GWh) produced during the same period in 2023. Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premiums for the financial year ended December 31, 2024, amounted to $817 million ($933 million), down $177 million ($171 million) or 18% (15%) from the same period in 2023.

    EBITDA(A) amounted to $581 million ($670 million), up $3 million (down $5 million) from the same period last year. Operating income totalled $226 million ($267 million), essentially unchanged (down $39 million) from the same period in 2023. Overall, Boralex posted net earnings of $74 million ($74 million) for the financial year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $115 million ($115 million) for fiscal 2023.

    1 Power production includes the production for which Boralex received financial compensation following power generation limitations imposed by its customers since management uses this measure to evaluate the Corporation’s performance. This adjustment facilitates the correlation between power production and revenues from energy sales and feed-in premiums.
       

    Outlook

    Boralex’s 2025 Strategic Plan is built around the same four strategic directions as the plan launched in 2019 – growth, diversification, customers and optimization – and six corporate targets. The details of the plan, which also sets out Boralex’s corporate social responsibility strategy, are found in the Corporation’s annual report. Highlights of the main achievements for the 2024 financial year in relation to the 2025 Strategic Plan can be found in the 2024 Annual Report, in the Investors section of the Boralex website.

    In the coming quarters, Boralex will continue to work on its various initiatives under the strategic plan, including project development, analysis of acquisition targets and optimization of power sales and operating costs. The Corporation will present a new plan for the period to 2030 during the course of 2025.

    Finally, to fuel its organic growth, the Corporation has a portfolio of projects under development and growth path based on clearly identified criteria, totalling more than 8 GW of wind, solar and energy storage projects.

    About Boralex

    At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has more than doubled to over 3.1 GW. We are developing a portfolio of projects in development and construction of more than 8 GW in wind, solar and storage projects, guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Through profitable and sustainable growth, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, our discipline, our expertise and our diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralex’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.

    For more information, visit www.boralex.com or www.sedarplus.ca. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

    Non-IFRS measures
    Performance measures

    In order to assess the performance of its assets and reporting segments, Boralex uses performance measures. Management believes that these measures are widely accepted financial indicators used by investors to assess the operational performance of a company and its ability to generate cash through operations. The non-IFRS and other financial measures also provide investors with insight into the Corporation’s decision making as the Corporation uses these non-IFRS financial measures to make financial, strategic and operating decisions. The non-IFRS and other financial measures should not be considered as substitutes for IFRS measures.

    These non-IFRS and other financial measures are derived primarily from the audited consolidated financial statements, but do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS; accordingly, they may not be comparable to similarly named measures used by other companies. Non-IFRS and other financial measures are not audited. They have important limitations as analytical tools and investors are cautioned not to consider them in isolation or place undue reliance on ratios or percentages calculated using these non-IFRS financial measures.

    Non-IFRS financial measures
    Specific financial
    measure    		 Use Composition Most directly
    comparable IFRS
    measure
    Financial data – Combined (all disclosed financial data) To assess the operating performance and the ability of a company to generate cash from its operations and investments in joint ventures and associates. Results from the combination of the financial information of Boralex Inc. under IFRS and the share of the financial information of the Interests.

    Interests in the Joint Ventures and associates, Share in earnings (losses) of the Joint Ventures and associates and Distributions received from the Joint Ventures and associates are then replaced with Boralex’s respective share in the financial statements of the Interests (revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, etc.)

    		 Respective financial data – Consolidated
    Discretionary cash flows To assess the cash generated from operations and the amount available for future development or to be paid as dividends to common shareholders while preserving the long-term value of the business.

    Corporate objectives for 2025 from the strategic plan.

    		 Net cash flows related to operating activities before “change in non-cash items related to operating activities,” less
    (i) distributions paid to non-controlling shareholders;
    (ii) additions to property, plant and equipment (maintenance of operations);
    (iii) repayments on non-current debt (projects) and repayments to tax equity investors;
    (iv) principal payments related to lease liabilities;
    (v) adjustments for non-operational items; plus
    (vi) development costs (from the statement of earnings).    		 Net cash flows related to operating activities
    Cash flows from operations To assess the cash generated by the Company’s operations and its ability to finance its expansion from these funds. Net cash flows related to operating activities before changes in non-cash items related to operating activities. Net cash flows related to operating activities
    Non-IFRS financial measures
    Specific financial
    measure    		 Use Composition Most directly
    comparable IFRS
    measure
    Available cash and cash equivalents To assess the cash and cash equivalents available, as at balance sheet date, to fund the Corporation’s growth. Represents cash and cash equivalents, as stated on the balance sheet, from which known short-term cash requirements are excluded. Cash and cash equivalents
    Available cash resources and authorized financing To assess the total cash resources available, as at balance sheet date, to fund the Corporation’s growth. Results from the combination of credit facilities available to fund growth and the available cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents
    Other financial measures – Total of segments measure
    Specific financial measure Most directly comparable IFRS measure
    EBITDA(A) Operating income
    Other financial measures – Supplementary Financial Measures
    Specific financial measure Composition
    Credit facilities available for growth The credit facilities available for growth include the unused tranche of the parent company’s credit facility, apart from the accordion clause, as well as the unused tranche credit facilities of subsidiaries which includes the unused tranche of the credit facility- France and the unused tranche of the construction facility.
    Anticipated production For older sites, anticipated production by the Corporation is based on adjusted historical averages, planned commissioning and shutdowns and, for all other sites, on the production studies carried out.
       

    Combined

    The following tables reconcile Consolidated financial data with data presented on a Combined basis:

        2024     2023  
    (in millions of Canadian dollars) Consolidated   Reconciliation(1)   Combined   Consolidated  Reconciliation(1) Combined  
    Three-month periods ended December 31:              
    Power production (GWh)(2) 1,520   579   2,099   1,814 537 2,351  
    Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium 228   30   258   315 30 345  
    Operating income 78   (25 ) 53   98 21 119  
    EBITDA(A) 169   22   191   202 27 229  
    Net earnings (loss) (2 ) —   (2 ) 58 — 58  
    Years ended December 31:                    
    Power production (GWh)(2) 5,691   2,154   7,845   5,973 2,047 8,020  
    Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premiums 817   116   933   994 110 1,104  
    Operating income 226   41   267   226 80 306  
    EBITDA(A) 581   89   670   578 97 675  
    Net earnings 74   —   74   115 — 115  
      As at December 31, 2024
    		   As at December 31, 2023
    		  
    Total assets 7,604   872   8,476   6,574 730 7,304  
    Debt – Principal balance 4,032   556   4,588   3,327 437 3,764  
    (1) Includes the respective contribution of joint ventures and associates as a percentage of Boralex’s interest less adjustments to reverse recognition of these interests under IFRS. This contribution is attributable to the North America segment’s wind farms and includes corporate expenses of $2 million under EBITDA(A) for the year ended December 31, 2024 ($2 million as at December 31, 2023). 
    (2) Includes compensation following electricity production limitations.
       

    EBITDA(A)

    EBITDA(A) is a total of segment financial measures and represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted to exclude other items such as acquisition and integration costs, other losses (gains), net loss (gain) on financial instruments and foreign exchange loss (gain), with the last two items included under Other.

    EBITDA(A) is used to assess the performance of the Corporation’s reporting segments.

    EBITDA(A) is reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure, namely, operating income, in the following table:

      2024       2023   Change 2024 vs 2023
    (in millions of Canadian dollars) Consolidated Reconciliation(1) Combined Consolidated Reconciliation(1) Combined Consolidated   Combined
    		  
    Three-month periods ended December 31:            
    EBITDA(A) 169   22   191   202   27   229   (33 ) (38 )
    Amortization (73 ) (15 ) (88 ) (75 ) (14 ) (89 ) 2   1  
    Impairment —   (47 ) (47 ) (20 ) (1 ) (21 ) 20   (26 )
    Other gains (losses) (3 ) —   (3 ) 1   (1 ) —   (4 ) (3 )
    Share in earnings of joint ventures and associates (3 ) 3   —   (17 ) 17   —   14   —  
    Change in fair value of a derivative included in the share in earnings of a joint venture —   —   —   7   (7 ) —   (7 ) —  
    Impairment included in the share in earnings of a joint venture (12 ) 12   —   —   —   —   (12 ) —  
    Operating income 78   (25 ) 53   98   21   119   (20 ) (66 )
                 
    Years ended December 31:            
    EBITDA(A) 581   89   670   578   97   675   3   (5 )
    Amortization (297 ) (59 ) (356 ) (293 ) (58 ) (351 ) (4 ) (5 )
    Impairment (5 ) (47 ) (52 ) (20 ) (1 ) (21 ) 15   (31 )
    Other gains 5   —   5   1   2   3   4   2  
    Share in earnings of joint ventures and associates (46 ) 46   —   (59 ) 59   —   13   —  
    Change in fair value of a derivative included in the share in earnings of a joint venture —   —   —   19   (19 ) —   (19 ) —  
    Impairment included in the share in earnings of a joint venture (12 ) 12   —   —   —   —   (12 ) —  
    Operating income 226   41   267   226   80   306   —   (39 )
    (1) Includes the respective contribution of joint ventures and associates as a percentage of Boralex’s interest less adjustments to reverse recognition of these interests under IFRS.
       

    Cash flow from operations and discretionary cash flows

    The Corporation computes the cash flow from operations and discretionary cash flows as follows:

      Consolidated
      Three-month periods ended Years ended
      December 31 December 31
    (in millions of Canadian dollars) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Net cash flows related to operating activities 31   107   215   496  
    Change in non-cash items relating to operating activities 74   54   200   (51 )
    Cash flows from operations 105   161   415   445  
    Repayments on non-current debt (projects)(1) (53 ) (50 ) (240 ) (232 )
    Adjustment for non-operating items(2) 5   2   7   6  
      57   113   182   219  
    Principal payments related to lease liabilities(3) (6 ) (4 ) (19 ) (17 )
    Distributions paid to non-controlling shareholders(4) (17 ) (33 ) (52 ) (57 )
    Additions to property, plant and equipment (maintenance of operations)(5) (3 ) 2   (10 ) (6 )
    Development costs (from statement of earnings)(6) 16   13   57   45  
    Discretionary cash flows 47   91   158   184  
    (1) Includes repayments on non-current debt (projects) and repayments to tax equity investors, and excludes VAT bridge financing, early debt repayments and repayments under the construction facility – Boralex Energy Investments portfolio and the CDPQ Fixed Income Inc. term loan.
    (2) For the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, favourable adjustment consisting mainly of acquisition, integration and other non-operating miscellaneous items.
    (3) Excludes the principal payments related to lease liabilities for projects under development and construction.
    (4) Comprises distributions paid to non-controlling shareholders as well as the portion of discretionary cash flows attributable to the non-controlling shareholder of Boralex Europe Sàrl.
    (5) Excludes the additions to the property, plant and equipment of regulated assets (treated as assets under construction since they are regulated assets for which investments in the plant are considered in the setting of its electricity selling price). During the fourth quarter of 2023, an amount of $4 million was reclassified as new property, plant, and equipment under construction.
    (6) During Q1-2024, the Corporation reclassified the employee benefits for 2023 and 2024 related to its incentive plans, which were reported in full under Operating expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings. To better allocate these expenses to the Corporation’s various functions and thus provide more relevant information to users of the financial statements, the Corporation is now allocating these costs to Operating, Administrative and Development expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings according to the breakdown of staff. This change resulted in a $1 million increase in development costs for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023 and $5 million increase for the year ended December 31, 2023.
       

    Available cash and cash equivalents and available cash resources and authorized financing

    The Corporation defines available cash and cash equivalents as well as available cash resources and authorized financing as follows:

      Consolidated
      As at December 31   As at December 31  
    (in millions of Canadian dollars) 2024   2023  
    Cash and cash equivalents 592   478  
    Cash and cash equivalents held by entities subject to project debt agreement and restrictions(1) (526 ) (388 )
    Bank overdraft (5 ) (6 )
    Available cash and cash equivalents 61   84  
    Credit facilities available for growth 462   463  
    Available cash resources and authorized financing 523   547  
    (1) This cash can be used for the operations of the respective projects, but is subject to restrictions for non-project related purposes under the credit agreements.
       

    Disclaimer regarding forward-looking statements

    Certain statements contained in this release, including those related to results and performance for future periods, installed capacity targets, EBITDA(A) and discretionary cash flows, the Corporation’s strategic plan, business model and growth strategy, organic growth and growth through mergers and acquisitions, obtaining an investment grade credit rating, payment of a quarterly dividend, the Corporation’s financial targets, the projects commissioning dates, the portfolio of renewable energy projects, the Corporation’s Growth Path, the bids for new storage and solar projects and its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives are forward-looking statements based on current forecasts, as defined by securities legislation. Positive or negative verbs such as “will,” “would,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “project,” “continue,” “intend,” “assess,” “estimate” or “believe,” or expressions such as “toward,” “about,” “approximately,” “to be of the opinion,” “potential” or similar words or the negative thereof or other comparable terminology, are used to identify such statements.

    Forward-looking statements are based on major assumptions, including those about the Corporation’s return on its projects, as projected by management with respect to wind and other factors, opportunities that may be available in the various sectors targeted for growth or diversification, assumptions made about EBITDA(A) margins, assumptions made about the sector realities and general economic conditions, competition, exchange rates as well as the availability of funding and partners. While the Corporation considers these factors and assumptions to be reasonable, based on the information currently available to the Corporation, they may prove to be inaccurate.

    Boralex wishes to clarify that, by their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and that its results, or the measures it adopts, could be significantly different from those indicated or underlying those statements, or could affect the degree to which a given forward-looking statement is achieved. The main factors that may result in any significant discrepancy between the Corporation’s actual results and the forward-looking financial information or expectations expressed in forward-looking statements include the general impact of economic conditions, fluctuations in various currencies, fluctuations in energy prices, the risk of not renewing PPAs or being unable to sign new corporate PPA, the risk of not being able to capture the US or Canadian investment tax credit, counterparty risk, the Corporation’s financing capacity, cybersecurity risks, competition, changes in general market conditions, industry regulations and amendments thereto, particularly the legislation, regulations and emergency measures that could be implemented for time to time to address high energy prices in Europe, litigation and other regulatory issues related to projects in operation or under development, as well as certain other factors considered in the sections dealing with risk factors and uncertainties appearing in Boralex’s MD&A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

    Unless otherwise specified by the Corporation, forward-looking statements do not take into account the effect that transactions, non-recurring items or other exceptional items announced or occurring after such statements have been made may have on the Corporation’s activities. There is no guarantee that the results, performance or accomplishments, as expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, will materialize. Readers are therefore urged not to rely unduly on these forward-looking statements.

    Unless required by applicable securities legislation, Boralex’s management assumes no obligation to update or revise forward- looking statements in light of new information, future events or other changes.

    For more information:

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Boralex Launches Normal Course Issuer Bid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boralex Inc. (“Boralex” or the “Company”) (TSX: BLX) today announced that it has authorized, and the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) has approved, a normal course issuer bid (the “NCIB”) to purchase for cancellation up to 8,669,245 Class A shares of Boralex (the “Common Shares”) over the twelve-month period commencing on March 4, 2025, and ending no later than March 3, 2026, representing approximately 10% of the “public float” (as defined in the TSX Company Manual) of the Common Shares issued and outstanding as at February 19, 2025. As of such date, there were 102,766,580 Common Shares issued and outstanding. Subject to the required regulatory approvals, the NCIB will be conducted through the facilities of the TSX or alternative trading systems in Canada, if eligible, or outside the facilities of the TSX pursuant to exemption orders issued by securities regulatory authorities. Common Shares will be acquired under the NCIB at the prevailing market price at the time of acquisition, plus brokerage fees, except that any purchases made under an issuer bid exemption order will be at a discount to the prevailing market price as per the terms of the order. Any Common Share purchased under the NCIB will be canceled.

    Under the NCIB, other than purchases made under block purchase exemptions, Boralex will be allowed, subject to applicable securities laws, to purchase daily a maximum of 72,088 Common Shares representing 25% of the average daily trading volume of 288,355 Common Shares, as calculated per the TSX rules for the six-month period ended on January 31, 2025.

    In connection with the NCIB, Boralex will also enter into an automatic share purchase plan (“ASPP”) on the date hereof with the designated broker responsible for the NCIB. The ASPP will allow for the purchase for cancellation of Common Shares under the NCIB, subject to certain trading parameters, by the designated broker at times when Boralex would ordinarily not be permitted to purchase its securities due to regulatory restrictions and customary self-imposed blackout periods. Pursuant to the ASPP, before entering into a blackout period, Boralex may, but is not required to, instruct the designated broker to make purchases under the NCIB in accordance with certain purchasing parameters. Such purchases will be made by the designated broker based on such purchasing parameters, without further instructions by Boralex, in compliance with the rules of the TSX, applicable securities laws and the terms of the ASPP.

    Boralex believes that its Common Shares are trading from time to time at levels generally below the underlying value of the Company’s business and that the introduction of an NCIB will provide an additional tool to optimize its use of funds and create long-term value for its shareholders. This program will provide greater flexibility to carry on Boralex financial strategy without altering investments planned to seize development opportunities. Furthermore, the purchases are expected to benefit all persons who continue to hold Boralex Common Shares by increasing their equity interest in Boralex when such repurchased Common Shares are canceled.

    The decisions regarding the timing and size of purchases under the NCIB are subject to management’s discretion and will be based on various factors, including the Company’s capital and liquidity positions, accounting and regulatory considerations, the Company’s financial and operational performance, alternative uses of capital, the trading price of the Common Shares and general market conditions. The NCIB does not obligate Boralex to acquire a specific dollar amount or number of shares and may be modified or discontinued at any time. Boralex has not repurchased any of its outstanding Common Shares under a normal course issuer bid in the past 12 months.

    Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Some of the statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, those regarding the NCIB and ASPP and the intended purchase for cancellation of Common Shares thereunder, are forward-looking statements based on current expectations, within the meaning of securities legislation. Boralex would like to point out that, by their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties such that its results or the measure it adopts could differ materially from those indicated by or underlying these statements or could have an impact on the degree of realization of a particular forward-looking statement. Unless otherwise specified by the Company, the forward-looking statements do not take into account the possible impact on its activities, transactions, non-recurring items or other exceptional items announced or occurring after the statements are made. There can be no assurance as to the materialization of the results, performance or achievements as expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Unless required to do so under applicable securities legislation, Boralex management does not assume any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, or other changes.

    About Boralex

    At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has more than doubled to over 3.1 GW. We are developing a portfolio of projects in development and construction of more than 8 GW in wind, solar and storage projects, guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Through profitable and sustainable growth, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, our discipline, our expertise and our diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralex’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.

    For more information, visit boralex.com or sedarplus.com. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

    For more information

    Source: Boralex inc.        

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKETO, Brussels celebrates Chinese New Year across Europe and highlights Hong Kong’s exciting year ahead (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) hosted vibrant Chinese New Year receptions across various European countries, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. The receptions, held in Luxembourg (February 12), Lisbon, Portugal (February 17), The Hague, the Netherlands (February 20), and Bucharest, Romania (February 25), were well-received by distinguished guests and partners.

         The receptions provided an opportunity to reflect on Hong Kong’s achievements and share the city’s vision. HKETO, Brussels emphasised Hong Kong’s dynamic calendar of world-class events that solidify its reputation as “Events Capital of Asia”.  Stepping into 2025 with great dynamism and enthusiasm, Hong Kong is set to host an array of high-profile events spanning business, sports, arts, and culture. “Hong Kong is entering the new year with energy and glamour, full of exciting events that highlight our dynamic cosmopolitan spirit,” stated the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung.

         In 2024, Hong Kong recorded 45 million international arrivals, nearly 10 000 foreign and Mainland companies, 2 700 family offices and 4 700 start-ups, demonstrating that Hong Kong remains a magnet for visitors and businesses alike. Hong Kong is poised for further success with upcoming initiatives, such as a lowered liquor tax, to enhance its appeal to international visitors and fulfil its role as the international financial, trade and shipping centre.

         “Hong Kong’s distinct advantages were recognised in the latest international rankings,” Ms Yung said during the receptions, noting that Hong Kong is ranked among the world’s top three international financial centres, the freest economy in the world, and among the top five in global competitiveness. Ms Yung elaborated that global investors continue to have confidence in Hong Kong, as evidenced by the continuous inflow of funds and growth in bank deposits. The asset and wealth management sector in Hong Kong is also handling over US$4 trillion, representing more than a 30 per cent increase in six years.

         HKETO, Brussels also highlighted Hong Kong as a hub for international cultural exchange, where East meets West. In Lisbon, guests experienced a unique cultural fusion centred on ballet that blends classical technique with contemporary sensibility, performed by Lam Chun-wing, a well-known Hong Kong-born ballet dancer, and an original transcription of Debussy’s “Prélude” for piano solo by the renowned French pianist Alexandre Tharaud. The performance was accompanied by breathtaking video projections specifically produced for the occasion, showcasing Hong Kong’s lesser-known natural landscapes and revealing a side of Hong Kong far removed from its urban reputation as a bustling financial hub of skyscrapers and dense modernity.

         In The Hague, an ensemble of talented Hong Kong musicians presented a vibrant mix of popular cantopop songs and moving opera arias. The outstanding performance by the soprano and tenor singers, accompanied by keyboard, won enthusiastic applause from the audience.

         The receptions in Luxembourg, Lisbon, The Hague and Bucharest brought together 700 guests, including officials from national governments, consulates and embassies, financial and business sectors, academia, cultural and creative sectors, media and the Chinese community. They were co-organised with Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; the Luxembourg Chamber of Commence and the China-Luxembourg Chamber of Commercefor the reception in Luxembourg, the Netherlands Hong Kong Business Association for the reception in The Hague, with the support of The Portugal-Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the reception in Lisbon, and the National Confederation for Female Entrepreneurship for the reception in Bucharest.                                          

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) provides an opportunity to other countries to learn from the Indian experience – Professor Carlos Montes, Cambridge Business School

    Source: Government of India

    Unified Payments Interface (UPI) provides an opportunity to other countries to learn from the Indian experience – Professor Carlos Montes, Cambridge Business School

    UPI transactions in month of January, 2025 surpassed 16.99 billion and the value exceeded ₹‎23.48 lakh crore, marking the highest number recorded in any month

    Posted On: 27 FEB 2025 11:01PM by PIB Delhi

    Prof. Carlos Montes, who is on a tour to India for attending and speaking at the NXT event at the Bharat Mandapam tomorrow, was briefed about the working and achievements of UPI system, today.

    Prof. Carlos leads the Innovation Hub for Prosperity at the Cambridge University Business School.

    A presentation on UPI was given by the DFS and NPCI Team to Prof. Carlos Montes about the functioning,  success and trends of UPI in India. In the briefing, senior officers  from the Department of Financial Services (DFS),  M/o Finance including Shri  Sudhir Shyam    (Economic Adviser) and Shri  Jignesh Solanki (Director)  were present among  others.

    Unified Payments Interface (UPI) provides an opportunity to other countries to learn from the Indian experience and get ideas on how to adopt it in their own countries, said Professor Carlos Montes, Lead Innovation Hub, University of Cambridge Business School 

    For the first time, UPI transactions in the month of January, 2025 surpassed 16.99 billion and the value exceeded ₹‎23.48 lakh crore marking the highest number recorded in any month.

    After the demonstration, Prof. Montes said that he was glad to see the success of the UPI payment system. The growth of UPI shows that the government is making sure that the technology that they develop is user friendly for citizens, and that there is a regular and constant innovation in the same which explains the high adoption rate of UPI in India, Prof. Montes added. He further said that it  also has potential for other countries to learn from the experience and get ideas on how to adopt it in their own countries.

    For FY 2023-24, the digital payments landscape has demonstrated remarkable expansion. UPI remains the cornerstone of India’s digital payment ecosystem contributing to 80% of the retail payments across the country. The total transaction volume exceeded 131 billion and the value exceeded ₹‎200 lakh crore for the FY 2023-24. Its ease of use, combined with a growing network of participating banks and fintech platforms, has made UPI the preferred mode of real-time payments for millions of users across the country.

    As of Jan, 2025, 80+ UPI Apps , 641 banks  are currently live on UPI ecosystem. In FY 24-25 (till Jan, 2025), the P2M transactions contribute 62.35% and P2P transactions contribute 37.65% of the overall UPI volume. The contribution of P2M transactions reached 62.35% in Jan, 2025 where 86% of these transactions are upto a value of INR 500. This indicates the trust that UPI enjoys among citizens for making low value payments.

    UPI: Transactions (by Volume in mn) for Jan’2025

     

     

    UPI Global Expansion:

    Shri Sudhir Shyam, Economic Adviser at Department of Financial Services (DFS) said that India’s digital payments revolution is extending beyond its borders. UPI is rapidly expanding globally, enabling seamless cross-border transactions for Indians traveling abroad. Currently, UPI is live in over 7 countries, including key markets such as [UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius], allowing Indians to make payments internationally. This expansion will further bolster remittance flows, improve financial inclusion, and elevate India’s stature in the global financial landscape.

    Sh. Sundar also said that some other countries have also shown interest in UPI.

    Demonstration of UPI

    Sh. Jignesh Solanki added that while volume of total online transactions have increased massively over the years, the share is taken by UPI mainly due to ease and low cost of the transactions. Government is focussed on bringing new innovations that will help UPI expand in uncovered areas as well.

    The session ended with a small demonstration of working of UPI to the delegation as well.

    ******

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ECB Consumer Expectations Survey results – January 2025

    Source: European Central Bank

    28 February 2025

    Compared with December 2024:

    • median consumer perceptions of inflation over the previous 12 months decreased, as did median inflation expectations for the next 12 months, while median inflation expectations for three years ahead remained unchanged;
    • expectations for nominal income growth over the next 12 months decreased, while expectations for spending growth over the next 12 months increased;
    • expectations for economic growth over the next 12 months became less negative, while the expected unemployment rate in 12 months’ time decreased;
    • expectations for growth in the price of homes over the next 12 months increased, while expectations for mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead declined.

    Inflation

    The median rate of perceived inflation over the previous 12 months decreased slightly in January to 3.4%, from 3.5% in December. Median expectations for inflation over the next 12 months also decreased, to 2.6% from 2.8%. In both instances, these decreases reversed the increases observed in the December 2024 data. Median expectations for inflation three years ahead were unchanged at 2.4% in January 2025. Inflation expectations at the one-year and three-year horizons thus remained below the perceived past inflation rate. Uncertainty about inflation expectations over the next 12 months remained unchanged, for the sixth month in a row, at its lowest level since February 2022. While the broad evolution of inflation perceptions and expectations remained relatively closely aligned across income groups, expectations for lower income quintiles were slightly above those for higher income quintiles. Younger respondents (aged 18-34) continued to report lower inflation perceptions and expectations than older respondents (those aged 35-54 and 55-70), albeit to a lesser degree than in previous years. (Inflation results)

    Income and consumption

    Consumers’ nominal income growth expectations over the next 12 months decreased to 0.9% in January from 1.1% in December. The drop in income growth expectations was mainly driven by the lowest income quintile, while the income growth expectations of the two highest quintiles remained unchanged. Perceived nominal spending growth over the previous 12 months decreased to 5.1% in January, from 5.2% in December, while expected nominal spending growth over the next 12 months increased to 3.6%, from 3.5% in December. (Income and consumption results)

    Economic growth and labour market

    Economic growth expectations for the next 12 months were less negative, standing at -1.1%, compared with -1.3% in December. Expectations for the unemployment rate 12 months ahead decreased to 10.4%, from 10.5% in December. Consumers continued to expect the future unemployment rate to be only slightly higher than the perceived current unemployment rate (9.9%), implying a broadly stable labour market. Quarterly data showed that unemployed respondents reported a decrease in their expected probability of finding a job over the next three months, which declined to 25.1% in January, from 29.3% in October. Employed respondents, by contrast, reported that their expected probability of job loss over the next three months decreased to 8.6% in January, from 9.0% in October. (Economic growth and labour market results)

    Housing and credit access

    Consumers expected the price of their home to increase by 3.0% over the next 12 months, which was slightly higher compared than in December (2.9%). Households in the lowest income quintile continued to expect higher growth in house prices than those in the highest income quintile (3.4% and 2.8% respectively), although the difference narrowed compared with earlier months. Expectations for mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead declined slightly to 4.5%, their lowest level since July 2022. As in previous months, the lowest income households expected the highest mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead (5.1%), while the highest income households expected the lowest rates (3.9%). The net percentage of households reporting a tightening (relative to those reporting an easing) in access to credit over the previous 12 months increased, as did the net percentage of those expecting a tightening over the next 12 months. The share of consumers who reported having applied for credit during the past three months, which is measured on a quarterly basis, declined to 15.0% in January from 15.9% in October. (Housing and credit access results)

    The release of the Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) results for February is scheduled for 28 March 2025.

    For media queries, please contact: Nicos Keranis, Tel: +49 172 758 7237

    Notes

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Granting EU funds to media outlets during the European election campaign – E-000804/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000804/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Friedrich Pürner (NI)

    According to several media reports, the EU awarded approximately EUR 132 million to media companies for use during campaigning for the 2024 European elections.

    Instead of public invitations to tender, this funding was granted under a ‘framework contract’, which transferred it to the advertising agency Havas Media France, a member of the Vivendi group. The agency then decided on how to allocate the funds in consultation with the EU’s leadership – but without transparency and public scrutiny.

    • 1.Under which criteria – listed according to importance – were funds to be distributed under the contract with this advertising agency?
    • 2.Were the articles, reports, contributions or similar items that appeared in the media under the framework contract during the European election campaign labelled as such – for example as ‘paid content’ or as ‘advertising’? If not, why not?
    • 3.Were German media outlets also funded under the framework contract with Havas Media France and, if so, which outlets received funding and in what amounts?

    Submitted: 21.2.2025

    Last updated: 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ancient Chinese bronzes on display in New York

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A comprehensive collection of Chinese bronzes from the 12th to 19th centuries will be on display in The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) starting Friday for a period of seven months.

    Co-organized by The Met and the Shanghai Museum, the exhibition will showcase around 100 collections from The Met and nearly 100 loans from major institutions in China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Germany, France, and Britain.

    Titled Recasting the Past: The Art of Chinese Bronzes, 1100-1900, the exhibition aims to be the most comprehensive study of Chinese bronzes during this period.

    Featured in the exhibition are around 60 loans from eight institutions in China, including major works such as a monumental 12th-century bell with imperial procession from the Liaoning Provincial Museum, documented ritual bronzes for Confucian temples from the Shanghai Museum, and luxury archaistic vessels made in the 18th-century imperial workshop from the Palace Museum in Beijing, according to a release by The Met.

    “While bronze as an art form has long held a significant role throughout China’s history, this exhibition explores an often-overlooked time period when a resurgence of craftsmanship and artistic achievements revitalized the medium,” said Max Hollein, director and chief executive officer of The Met.

    “Bringing together major loans from institutions in China alongside works from The Met collection, this exhibition offers viewers an important opportunity to better understand the lasting aesthetic and cultural impact of bronze objects,” said Hollein.

    The exhibition includes five thematic and chronological sections that explicate over 200 works of art — an array of bronze vessels complemented by a selection of paintings, ceramics, jades, and other media.

    “This exhibition attempts a long-overdue reevaluation of later Chinese bronzes by seeking to establish a reliable chronology of this art form across the last millennium of Chinese history. The exhibition will also distinguish outstanding works from lesser examples based on their artistic and cultural merits,” said Lu Pengliang, curator of Chinese Art at The Met.

    The cooperation and partnership among institutions from different countries also allows antiques with close ties to appear together to give people a more holistic view.

    The Shanghai Museum’s “Lady reclining over an incense cage,” a painting by Chen Hongshou in the Ming dynasty, demonstrates people’s elegant life in the mid-17th century and how an incense burner in the form of a duck was used, said Lu.

    Lu put a bronze incense burner of this kind from The Met together with the painting.

    Lu also discovered a Daoist ritual cauldron from the Cernuschi Museum (Museum of the Asian arts of Paris) and a Daoist ritual vessel from the Saint Louis Art Museum, which share the same mark and are believed to be from the same user in Qing Dynasty.

    “Our studies show that the two items must once belong to the same person and they have specific functions in Daoism,” Lu told Xinhua.

    It’s interesting to put them together in the exhibition and the two items also would be displayed in Shanghai later this year, said Lu.

    “This whole project is a project of partnership, of friendship, of collegiality, of an ability (on) what we can achieve when you do something together,” said Hollein at a press preview of the exhibition on Thursday.

    “This exhibition marks another milestone in the collaboration between our two museums. I am also very pleased to share that this is an exchange exhibition, which will meet Chinese audiences at the Shanghai Museum in November this year,” said Chu Xiaobo, director of the Shanghai Museum.

    The exhibition will be open to the public in New York from Feb. 28 to Sept. 28, 2025 and the Shanghai Museum will host the exhibition from Nov. 12 to March 16, 2026.

    In today’s world, dialogue and mutual trust are more precious than ever, where cultural exchanges play an irreplaceable role, said Chu, who noted that museums are the most inclusive and diverse platforms for cultural exchanges.

    “We look forward to deepening partnerships, expanding collaborations, fostering friendships, and strengthening our shared commitment with global colleagues, to preserving and celebrating the beauty of human civilizations,” said Chu at the press preview of the exhibition. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic Connect Announces Changes of Board Members, Leadership Team and Audit & Supervisory Board

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic Connect Announces Changes of Board Members, Leadership Team and Audit & Supervisory Board

    The content in this website is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change without notice.Please note therefore that these documents may not always contain the most up-to-date information.Please note that German, French and Chinese versions are machine translations, so the quality and accuracy may vary.

    MIL OSI Economics –