Category: France

  • MIL-OSI: Notice of Early Redemption – Amended (ISIN code: FR0000584377)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RELEASE, PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (SEE “DISCLAIMER” BELOW).

    Paris, June 26th 2025

    Notice of Early Redemption (amended)

    To : (i)      The Noteholders of the below mentioned Notes;
    (ii)      Euronext Paris;
    (iii)      Fiscal Agent.

    Dear Sirs,

    Crédit Industriel et Commercial S.A.,
    Issuance of F 500 000 000 (€76 224 508),
    Undated Subordinatede Notes
    With the Isin code: FR0000584377 (the ‘’Notes’’)

    Crédit Industriel et Commercial S.A., (formerly “Compagnie Financière de Crédit Industriel et Commercial’’) is the issuer (the Issuer’’) of the Notes.

    In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Notes (the ‘’Conditions’’), the Issuer hereby gives notice that it is exercising in whole its right to redeem the Notes pursuant to the provision Redemption (‘’Remboursement’’) of the Listing Particulars (“Issuer Call Option”) of the Notes.

    The Issuer instructs the Fiscal Agent to authorise the French Central Securities Depository to cancel the Notes redeemed on 21 July, 2025 (“Early Redemption Date”).

    For the purposes of the Issuer Call:

    (i) the Issuer Call Date will be 21 July, 2025; and

    (ii) the Optional Redemption Amount(s) or Early Redemption Amount excluding accrued interest is: 1.01 euros per Denomination.

    Notwithstanding the information provided in the Conditions of the Notes, Law No. 98-546 of July 2, 1998, implementing various economic and financial provisions, provided for the conversion of negotiable securities denominated in Francs into securities with a nominal value of one euro. Therefore, the Early Redemption amount is carried out based on a nominal value of one euro per Notes, and the accrued interest will be adjusted accordingly.

    Unless otherwise defined in this notice, capitalised terms used in this notice shall have the meaning given to them in the Listing Particulars (‘’Note d’Information’’) dated June, 1987, as applicable, relating to the Notes.

    Yours faithfully,

    For and on behalf of

    Crédit Industriel et Commercial S.A.,

    By Eric CUZZUCOLI

    Duly authorized

    DISCLAIMER
    This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase, or the solicitation of an offer to sell, the Instruments in the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan or in any other jurisdiction, including France. The distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this press release comes are required to inform themselves and observe any such restrictions. No communication may be distributed to the public in any jurisdiction in which registration or approval is required. No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction where such action would be required; CIC disclaims any liability for any violation by any person of such restrictions.

    Contacts
    Corporate Communications and Press Relations Department: +33 (0)1 53 48 26 00 – compresse@cic.fr
    Investor Relations: bfcm-web@creditmutuel.fr

    About CIC
    CIC is a leading bank in France and internationally, and the bank of one in three businesses in France. It provides nearly 5.5 million customers with a French network of nearly 1,800 branches and 20,000 employees, as well as international branches in 37 countries. In order to meet the needs of all economic players and to build up a constantly efficient offer on a daily basis, it combines financial, insurance, telephony and cutting-edge technological services with a high level of financial solidity backed by that of its parent company, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale. For more information, visit cic.fr

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How Macau’s second world war experience shaped the territory

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Helena F. S. Lopes, Lecturer in Modern Asian History, Cardiff University

    Macau’s giant casinos and malls have earned the territory its nickname: the ‘Las Vegas of the east’. Sanga Park / Shutterstock

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the second world war, a conflict that left few corners of the globe untouched. In east Asia, the small Portuguese-administrated territory of Macau in southern China stood out as a rare neutral territory. But, despite its neutrality, Macau could not escape the war’s far-reaching impact.

    In fact, Macau saw its population treble in the period between 1937 and the end of the second world war, reaching around half a million people. The newcomers, most of whom had fled the Japanese occupation of China, exceeded the existing residents and influenced all facets of life in Macau.

    Some went on to shape the territory well beyond the end of the second world war, helping Macau earn its later status as one of the leading gambling hubs in the world. These people included the late Stanley Ho, the “casino tycoon” in Macau and one of the key architects of its post-war economy.

    In his testimony for the 1999 book, Macao Remembers, Ho noted how Macau’s wartime atmosphere had inspired him. “Macao was tiny, and yet a bit like Casablanca – all the secret intelligence, the murders, the gambling – it was a very exciting place”, he said.

    Ho was referring to the fictional version of the French-controlled wartime city of Casablanca in the 1942 Hollywood film, also called Casablanca. As a neutral enclave, Macau was a site of multinational refuge, smuggling of goods and people, espionage, danger and opportunities.

    Macau is located on the south coast of China, across the Pearl River estuary from Hong Kong.
    Sémhur / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-NC-ND

    Site of refuge

    Japan’s invasion of China began in the 1930s. As Japanese forces took control of most of the eastern coast from 1937 onward, the Chinese nationalist government moved inland to resist from its relocated capitals, first Wuhan and then Chongqing. By the end of 1940, the most important political, economic, educational and cultural urban centres in China had been occupied.

    Surrounded by occupied areas, territories under foreign rule in China such as the Shanghai foreign concessions, Macau and Hong Kong became “lone islands”. Their neutral status attracted many thousands of refugees, resistance activists and relocated businesses. Lone islands became supply lifelines for the Chinese resistance and propaganda battlegrounds for opposing sides.

    They experienced periods of economic boom fuelled by the influx of refugees. And they were prime locations for the transfer of information and funds, as well as intelligence collection. Lone islands were also sites of humanitarian relief, connected to diaspora networks and organisations designed to support the Chinese war effort.

    By the end of 1941, these spaces of neutrality were disappearing. The Shanghai foreign concessions were taken over by Japan and later handed over to a Chinese collaborationist administration, and the British colony of Hong Kong was occupied and placed under Japanese military rule. French-ruled Guangzhouwan, also in south China, was under de facto Japanese control by 1943.

    Macau, which remained neutral throughout the war, stood as the last lone island – if always subject to Japanese influence. Macau’s neutrality drew many from opposing camps.

    In the late 1930s, most refugees to Macau had come from Shanghai and Guangdong province. The occupation of Hong Kong in late 1941 then brought another wave of displaced persons to Macau.

    Stanley Ho was among the refugees who arrived in Macau from the neighbouring British colony. He joined his uncle Robert Ho Tung, a renowned businessman who also relocated to Macau during the occupation of Hong Kong.

    According to Ho’s own accounts, his wartime activities were the foundation of a fortune. Several other figures who would become important economic players in Macau’s post-war economy, such as businessman Ho Yin, also cut their teeth during the second world war’s climate of contingency and opportunity.

    Working for the Macau Co-operative Company, established by the Japanese to manage trade between Japan and the government in Macau, Ho was involved in bartering materials in exchange for food supplies with Japanese interlocutors. He also had an English-Japanese language exchange with the Japanese intelligence chief in Macau, Colonel Sawa.

    Through these activities, Ho made important contacts among the different communities who found themselves in Macau during the war. This included powerful intermediaries such as Pedro José Lobo, the head of the economic services in Macau. These connections exposed Ho to the popularity of gambling in Macau and the potential to take it to a different level.

    Gambling had been legal in Macau since the mid-19th century. But it was during the war that we would see the origins of the casino-hotel model that is now prevalent in the territory.

    The leading hotels of 1940s Macau, such as Hotel Central and Grande Hotel Kuoc Chai, offered employment to refugee musicians and dancers and were sites of entertainment for those with funds to spend.

    Hotel Central, one of the leading hotels in 1940s Macau.
    stefangde / Shutterstock

    After the end of the second world war, Ho set up a company called Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau (STDM) with partners including Henry Fok, Teddy Yip and Yip Hon. These were businessmen with links to Hong Kong, mainland China and Indonesia.

    In 1962, the same year STDM was founded, it earned the exclusive licence to run casinos in Macau, replacing pre-existing magnates who were more prominent during the second world war.

    One of the key innovations brought by their company’s casinos was the popularisation of western-style games. They were also involved in philanthropic activities, much like the wartime gambling tycoons had been, with Macau again seeing the arrival of many destitute displaced persons during the cold war.

    Gambling has been liberalised in Macau since the early 2000s, and the territory has now surpassed Las Vegas to become the largest casino market in the world.

    Helena F. S. Lopes received doctoral and postdoctoral research funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and the Leverhulme Trust for projects relating to Macau during the Second World War and the post-war period.

    ref. How Macau’s second world war experience shaped the territory – https://theconversation.com/how-macaus-second-world-war-experience-shaped-the-territory-246650

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Europe: UN – 80th anniversary of the UN Charter (June 26, 2025)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    Eighty years ago, on June 26, 1945, the Charter establishing the United Nations was signed at the San Francisco Conference. It had one main goal: to preserve international peace and security in the aftermath of two devastating World Wars.

    Eighty years later, the UN Charter remains a guiding light for human rights and fundamental liberties. The UN has helped a number of countries move forward on the path to peace. It has helped organize the delivery of humanitarian aid during crises and contributed to the establishment of a credible, impartial justice system that combats impunity.

    It has also been a driving force for major social progress while placing the protection of our common goods – the environment, heritage and health – at the center of the global agenda.

    The UN Charter remains the cornerstone of an effective multilateral system in which international law and diplomacy prevail over arbitrariness, power dynamics and war. Just as in 1945, when the Charter was signed, France, along with its European partners, will always staunchly support the Charter, whose rules alone are capable of guaranteeing peace and equality among nations.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: BCQE Exchange Launches Insight Portal for Real-Time Operational Analytics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, France, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BCQE Exchange has officially launched its new Insight Portal, a comprehensive data analytics platform designed to provide real-time transparency across operational, behavioral, and performance dimensions. This move reflects the company’s broader initiative to promote measurable accountability and enhanced decision-making for users and partners alike.

    A New Standard for Platform Visibility

    Accessible through the BCQE user interface, the Insight Portal allows individuals and institutions to monitor:

    Platform latency and uptime performance

    User activity patterns and navigation flows

    Support response times and resolution metrics

    Operational notifications and incident histories

    The system refreshes in real time and is fully customizable based on role, geography, and product usage.

    “In today’s digital environment, transparency is more than a promise—it’s a service standard,” said Lucas Fontaine, Head of Product Infrastructure at BCQE Exchange. “The Insight Portal enables every user to understand how our systems behave, where we perform, and where we improve.”

    Empowering Institutional Clients with Precision Analytics

    For enterprise accounts, the portal includes:

    API-based export of operational data

    Integration with third-party dashboards

    Alerts on SLA thresholds and compliance audit logs

    These features are designed to support vendor due diligence, internal auditing, and cross-departmental reporting for BCQE’s growing institutional user base.

    User-Centric Tools for Better Experience Management

    Retail users gain access to:

    Session duration summaries

    Feature usage reports

    Response times by support channel

    Personalized activity heatmaps (opt-in)

    All information is secured under BCQE’s privacy framework and is never used for third-party advertising or profiling.

    Ongoing Expansion and Data Culture Commitment

    The Insight Portal is currently available in English and French, with more language support and dashboard modules to follow in Q3. BCQE also plans to publish quarterly transparency updates derived from aggregated portal data to reinforce its commitment to platform openness.

    About BCQE Exchange

    BCQE Exchange is a global digital infrastructure and service platform that provides secure, scalable tools for modern financial technology operations. With a focus on user trust, compliance, and performance-driven transparency, BCQE continues to build systems that empower individuals and institutions with data clarity and operational control.

    https://www.bcqecoinfr.com/

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Why your holiday flight is still not being powered by sustainable aviation fuel

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Salman Ahmad, Lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain Management, University of the West of Scotland

    Fahroni/Shutterstock

    As you wait in the departure lounge for your flight this summer, you may notice your aeroplane being pumped full of fuel ahead of takeoff. And then you may start to wonder why flying is still so dependent on fossil fuels, and whether you should have booked a holiday destination that’s accessible by a more environmentally friendly form of transport.

    So what happened to plans for so-called sustainable aviation fuel? Wasn’t it supposed to be the “game changer” that would make flying a much greener travel option than it used to be?

    Clearly, the move to adopt the technology is facing difficulties. One problem seems to be that there simply isn’t enough sustainable fuel to go around.

    But the business side of the process is also holding back sustainable fuel uptake.

    Research my colleagues and I conducted in 2021 revealed a deeply fragmented landscape at pretty much every step of sustainable fuel development. There are obstacles everywhere, blocking the paths of the producers developing these fuels, the airlines who might use them and the governmental and campaign groups pushing for change.

    Everyone seems to agree that sustainable fuel matters. They just don’t all agree about how to really get it off the ground.

    Our findings demonstrate that producers, for instance, were understandably focused on more research and development to improve efficient production. They were also worried that scaling up facilities could disrupt production that is already in place.

    Airlines meanwhile, are grappling with the economics of moving to sustainable fuel, which is around three to ten times more expensive than conventional fuel. Right now, a litre of conventional aviation fuel costs around £0.96 per litre in the UK – for sustainable aviation fuel it’s around £1.97. (Depending on the length of the journey and the size of the engine, a plane could need around 13,000 litres per hour of flying.)

    They spoke about inconsistent supply (especially at major airports), and the need for clearer regulations and incentives across the industry.

    “Cost is clearly the most important driver,” one airline executive told us, explaining that dealing with those costs would ultimately depend on passenger demand for greener travel – and how willing those passengers are to pay a premium for sustainable fuel.

    Distribution companies that take the sustainable fuel where it needs to go, have found themselves struggling to navigate the complexities of an emerging supply chain. They spoke of the logistical challenges of transporting and storing sustainable fuel, and a lack of clear communication between producers and airlines.

    They saw themselves as a crucial part of the sustainable aviation fuel puzzle, but were concerned about investing in logistics and infrastructure without guaranteed demand.

    Elsewhere, politicians and climate campaigners tend to view the adoption of sustainable fuel from a broader perspective, stressing the urgency of action on climate change. Their thinking is dominated by environmental strategy and sustainable aviation fuel regulation.

    But here, trust becomes an issue. Some of those involved with sustainable fuel development said they doubted government promises to support the sector over the long term. Others are cynical about whether airlines will really prioritise climate action over their very tight profit margins.

    Up in the air

    So sustainable fuel inspires plenty of different viewpoints and concerns. But one common thread was an overwhelming concern about cost and scale of production.

    Aside from being far more expensive than fossil-based jet fuel, building enough production facilities to make more will require billions of pounds of investment.

    The big question is who will foot the bill.

    sustainable fuel, on a wing and a prayer?
    Bulent camci/Shutterstock

    Some of this will need to be tax funded. For if the UK wants to become a leader in the use of sustainable aviation fuel, as the government says it does, it needs more than ambitious targets. It needs to start making things happen.

    And our research suggests that the industry as a whole would benefit from some certainty to encourage investment right across the supply chain. Without a clear and stable regulatory framework, everyone will remain hesitant about committing significant resources to sustainable fuel.

    Collaboration between the key players could also be improved, with a better dialogue between those in the industry and regulators, potentially leading to a shared vision for the future of sustainable aviation fuel.

    That future is by no means doomed. Major commercial airlines like Air France-KLM, IAG (British Airways) and United Airlines in the US are working with sustainable fuel producers around the world.

    But while the desire to decarbonise aviation seems clear, the path forward is not straightforward. It is a complex picture of politics, economics, trust and differing priorities.

    By navigating this turbulence wisely, the sustainable fuel sector can be part of a broader flight path to net zero. But if managed poorly, targets to dramatically increase its use will remain elusive.

    Salman Ahmad received funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to undertake work that informs the contents of this article. He is also a professional member of the Project Management Institue and the Association for Supply Chain Management.

    ref. Why your holiday flight is still not being powered by sustainable aviation fuel – https://theconversation.com/why-your-holiday-flight-is-still-not-being-powered-by-sustainable-aviation-fuel-258958

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the General Assembly on the Informal Plenary Meeting on the 80th Anniversary of the UN Charter [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    Eighty years ago, from the ashes of war, the world planted a seed of hope.

    One Charter, one vision, one promise: that peace is possible when humanity stands together.

    The UN Charter is a declaration of hope — and the foundation of international cooperation for a better world.

    And from day one, the United Nations has been a force of construction in a world often marked by destruction.

    A meeting ground where the fiercest rivals can come together to solve global problems.

    An institution where the smallest are represented alongside the most powerful.

    A platform where voices of people everywhere can be heard.

    A place grounded in the principles and letter of the Charter and other rules of international law.

    And an engine of progress for human rights, sustainable development and humanitarian action.

    The Charter has given us the tools to change destinies, save lives, and deliver hope to the most desperate corners of the world.

    And we can draw a direct line from the creation of the United Nations and the prevention of a third world war.

    Excellencies,

    Upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter is a never-ending mission. 

    Over the decades, we have celebrated the end of wars — while witnessing the start of others.

    We have delivered lifesaving aid to people in desperate need — while watching more humanitarian disasters unfold.

    We have seen progress towards denuclearization — and simultaneously renewed steps to rearmament.

    We had seen the progression of democracy, human rights, and adherence to international law — while unfortunately now seeing a troubling trend in the opposite direction.

    We have rallied behind the Sustainable Development Goals — and also seen growing gaps in inequalities.

    We have mobilized for climate action — and also are enduring record heat and climate chaos.

    We have witnessed the breathtaking rise of digital technology and artificial intelligence, which hold so much potential for humanity — while we still work to ensure this technology is managed responsibly and safely.

    Excellencies,

    We must continue to advance our work across all these fronts.

    But let’s be clear:  Today, we see assaults on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter like never before.

    The threat or use of force against sovereign nations.

    The violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

    The targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

    The weaponization of food and water.

    The erosion of human rights.

    On and on, we see an all too familiar pattern:

    Follow when the Charter suits, ignore when it does not.

    The Charter of the United Nations is not optional.  

    It is not an à la carte menu.  

    It is the bedrock of international relations. 

    We cannot and must not normalize violations of its most basic principles. 

    Excellences,

    Aujourd’hui plus que jamais, nous devons respecter et renouveler notre engagement envers le droit international — en paroles comme en actes.

    Afin de nous adapter à un monde numérique et de plus en plus multipolaire.

    Afin de faire face aux chocs mondiaux avec unité et détermination.

    Afin d’ouvrir grand nos portes — à la société civile, aux jeunes, au secteur privé.

    Et afin de repenser notre manière d’agir, en bâtissant un multilatéralisme plus fort, renouvelé, inclusif et en réseau — en somme, un multilatéralisme adapté au XXIème siècle.

    En septembre dernier, les États Membres ont adopté le Pacte pour l’avenir, réaffirmant l’engagement du monde en faveur du droit international et de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    En cet anniversaire, j’invite tous les États Membres à être à la hauteur :

    De l’esprit et de la lettre de la Charte.

    Des responsabilités qu’elle nous confie.

    Et de l’avenir qu’elle nous appelle à construire.

    Pour la paix. Pour la justice. Pour le progrès. Pour « nous les peuples ».

    Merci

    ***
    [All-English]

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    Eighty years ago, from the ashes of war, the world planted a seed of hope.

    One Charter, one vision, one promise: that peace is possible when humanity stands together.

    The UN Charter is a declaration of hope — and the foundation of international cooperation for a better world.

    And from day one, the United Nations has been a force of construction in a world often marked by destruction.

    A meeting ground where the fiercest rivals can come together to solve global problems.

    An institution where the smallest are represented alongside the most powerful.

    A platform where voices of people everywhere can be heard.

    A place grounded in the principles and letter of the Charter and other rules of international law.

    And an engine of progress for human rights, sustainable development and humanitarian action.

    The Charter has given us the tools to change destinies, save lives, and deliver hope to the most desperate corners of the world.

    And we can draw a direct line from the creation of the United Nations and the prevention of a third world war.

    Excellencies,

    Upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter is a never-ending mission. 

    Over the decades, we have celebrated the end of wars — while witnessing the start of others.

    We have delivered lifesaving aid to people in desperate need — while watching more humanitarian disasters unfold.

    We have seen progress towards denuclearization — and simultaneously renewed steps to rearmament.

    We had seen the progression of democracy, human rights, and adherence to international law — while unfortunately now seeing a troubling trend in the opposite direction.

    We have rallied behind the Sustainable Development Goals — and also seen growing gaps in inequalities.

    We have mobilized for climate action — and also are enduring record heat and climate chaos.

    We have witnessed the breathtaking rise of digital technology and artificial intelligence, which hold so much potential for humanity — while we still work to ensure this technology is managed responsibly and safely.

    Excellencies,

    We must continue to advance our work across all these fronts.

    But let’s be clear:  Today, we see assaults on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter like never before.

    The threat or use of force against sovereign nations.

    The violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

    The targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

    The weaponization of food and water.

    The erosion of human rights.

    On and on, we see an all too familiar pattern:

    Follow when the Charter suits, ignore when it does not.

    The Charter of the United Nations is not optional.  

    It is not an à la carte menu.  

    It is the bedrock of international relations. 

    We cannot and must not normalize violations of its most basic principles. 

    Excellencies,

    Now more than ever, we must respect and re-commit to international law — in words and deeds.

    To adapt to the digital, increasingly multipolar world.

    To respond to global shocks with unity and resolve.

    To open our doors wider — to civil society, to young people, to the private sector.

    And to update how we work and build a stronger. renewed, inclusive, networked multilateralism — one that is tuned to the 21st century.

    Last September, Member States adopted the Pact for the Future, which reaffirmed the world’s commitment to international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

    On this anniversary, I urge all Member States to live up:

    To the spirit and letter of the Charter.

    To the responsibilities it demands.    

    And to the future it summons us to build.

    For peace. For justice. For progress. For we the peoples.    

    Thank you.

    ***

    [All-French]

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Il y a 80 ans, sur les ruines laissées par la guerre, le monde a fait germer l’espoir.

    Une Charte, une vision, une promesse : la paix est possible lorsque l’humanité fait bloc.

    La Charte des Nations Unies est une déclaration d’espoir et le fondement de la coopération internationale pour un monde meilleur.

    Et depuis sa création, l’Organisation des Nations Unies est une force constructive dans un monde souvent marqué par la destruction.

    Un lieu de rencontre où les adversaires les plus féroces peuvent s’unir pour régler des problèmes mondiaux.

    Une institution où les plus petits sont représentés aux côtés des plus puissants.

    Un forum où, de partout, la voix de tous et toutes peut être entendue.

    Un lieu ancré dans les principes et la lettre de la Charte et des autres règles du droit international.

    Et une force motrice pour les droits humains, le développement durable et l’action humanitaire.
     
    La Charte nous a donné les moyens de changer des destins, de sauver des vies et d’apporter de l’espoir dans les endroits les plus éprouvés du monde.

    Nous pouvons établir un lien direct entre la création de l’Organisation des Nations Unies et la prévention d’une troisième guerre mondiale.

    Excellences,

    Défendre les objectifs et principes de la Charte est une mission sans fin.

    Au fil des décennies, nous avons vu avec satisfaction des guerres prendre fin – mais en avons vu d’autres éclater.

    Nous avons apporté une aide vitale à des personnes qui en avaient désespérément besoin – tout en assistant à de nouvelles catastrophes humanitaires.

    Nous avons constaté des progrès vers la dénucléarisation – et observé dans le même temps des mesures de réarmement.

    Nous avons assisté à des avancées en matière de démocratie, de respect des droits humains et du droit international – mains nous constatons malheureusement aujourd’hui une tendance troublante dans la direction opposée.

    Nous avons fait cause commune concernant les Objectifs de développement durable – tout en voyant les inégalités se creuser de plus en plus.

    Nous nous sommes mobilisés en faveur de l’action climatique – et connu dans le même temps des records de chaleur et le chaos climatique.

    Nous avons assisté à l’essor époustouflant de la technologie numérique et de l’intelligence artificielle, qui recèlent un immense potentiel pour l’humanité – tout en continuant d’œuvrer pour que cette technologie soit exploitée de manière responsable et sûre.

    Excellences,

    Nous devons continuer à faire avancer notre travail sur tous ces fronts.

    Mais soyons clairs : aujourd’hui, nous assistons à des attaques contre les buts et principes de la Charte des Nations Unies comme jamais auparavant.

    La menace ou l’usage de la force contre des nations souveraines.

    La violation du droit international, y compris du droit international humanitaire et du droit international des droits humains.

    La prise pour cible de civils et d’infrastructures civiles.

    L’instrumentalisation de la nourriture et de l’eau.

    L’érosion des droits humains.

    Encore et encore, nous observons un schéma bien trop familier :

    Suivre la Charte quand cela nous arrange, l’ignorer quand elle dérange.

    La Charte des Nations Unies n’est pas optionnelle.

    Ce n’est pas un menu à la carte.

    C’est le fondement des relations internationales.

    Nous ne pouvons pas et ne devons pas normaliser les violations de ses principes les plus fondamentaux.

    Excellences,

    Aujourd’hui plus que jamais, nous devons respecter et renouveler notre engagement envers le droit international — en paroles comme en actes.

    Afin de nous adapter à un monde numérique et de plus en plus multipolaire.

    Afin de faire face aux chocs mondiaux avec unité et détermination.

    Afin d’ouvrir grand nos portes — à la société civile, aux jeunes, au secteur privé.

    Et afin de repenser notre manière d’agir, en bâtissant un multilatéralisme plus fort, renouvelé, inclusif et en réseau — en somme, un multilatéralisme adapté au XXIème siècle.

    En septembre dernier, les États Membres ont adopté le Pacte pour l’avenir, réaffirmant l’engagement du monde en faveur du droit international et de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    En cet anniversaire, j’invite tous les États Membres à être à la hauteur :

    De l’esprit et de la lettre de la Charte.

    Des responsabilités qu’elle nous confie.

    Et de l’avenir qu’elle nous appelle à construire.

    Pour la paix. Pour la justice. Pour le progrès. Pour « nous les peuples ».

    Merci.

    ***

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU prosecutors crack down on illegal Chinese imports scheme

    Source: European Union 2

    Tons of goods illegally imported through port of Piraeus, €700 million in losses

    (Luxembourg, 26 June 2025) – A coordinated raid by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Athens (Greece), Madrid (Spain), Paris (France) and Sofia (Bulgaria) has dealt a significant blow to criminal networks flooding the EU market with goods fraudulently imported from China, while evading custom duties and VAT. The criminal scheme, which involved the massive importation of textile, shoes, e-scoters, e-bikes and other goods, is believed to have caused an estimated damage of approximately €700 million. 

    The investigation carried out by the EPPO, code-named ‘Calypso’, spans 14 countries: Bulgaria, China, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. A total of 101 searches were conducted yesterday at the offices of customs brokers, companies controlled by the organised criminal groups under investigation, the premises of the suspects, and at the offices of tax advisers and representatives, lawyers, accountants and transport companies, in Bulgaria, Greece, France and Spain. Ten suspects were arrested, including two customs officers. In addition, firearms and cold weapons were found and seized in the houses of three of the suspects.

    Law enforcement agents seized €5.8 million (of which €4.75 million in Greece and the remaining in France and Spain), in different currencies, including Hong Kong dollars, euros in digital wallets and cryptocurrencies. In addition, 7 133 e-bikes and 3 696 e-scooters were secured, as well as 480 containers for further checks and verification in the Port of Piraeus. Eleven properties located in Spain were also seized, as well as 27 vehicles and luxury items (bags, watches and jewellery). Freezing orders were also issued in Greece to seize real estate, boats and bank accounts.

    At issue are several criminal networks, mainly controlled by Chinese nationals, that handle the full circuit of the goods imported from China into the EU market, including distribution to different Member States and sales to end customers, as well as money laundering and sending the profits back to China, while defrauding the payment of customs duties and committing large-scale VAT fraud. 

    How it works 

    The fraudulent scheme starts with the introduction of the goods from China into the EU, mainly through the port of Piraeus (Greece), with a substantial undervaluation or misclassification of the goods, in order to evade custom duties – using false documents to conceal the true value and nature of the merchandise. A network of professional enablers operating at the customs entry point, such as customs brokers, service providers and accounting firms, facilitate the initial clearance, and the apparent purchase and transport of the merchandise by companies mainly registered in Bulgaria, but operating in Greece with a Greek VAT registration number. 

    The goods are subsequently sold to companies established in other Member States, thus allowing the first apparent purchaser to benefit from a VAT import exemption based on Customs Procedure 42 (CP42). This procedure, created to simplify cross-border trade, exempts importers from paying VAT in the country of importation, if the imported goods are subsequently transported to another EU Member State. 

    Through a chain of buffer and shell companies, the goods are apparently sold to companies in specific Member States, where they are supposed to be sold on the market. These fraudulently declared destinations include Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. However, these fake ultimate acquirers of the goods never receive the merchandise, and operate as a missing trader, thus not paying VAT. In some cases, the criminal organisations used identity documents from legitimate companies, fraudulently hijacking their VAT numbers to conceal the true destination of the goods.

    In reality, after the goods enter the EU, they are stored in warehouses and places controlled by the criminal organisations, and from there they are transported, using false documents, to France, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain (the real countries of destination). These Chinese logistics centres, where all goods are stored, operate as highly controlled warehouse districts, functioning almost like exclusive communities, accessible only to members of the criminal groups managing them.

    The transport documents are destroyed as soon as the goods are delivered, and the merchandise is sold to end customers mostly on the black market, in cash, as part of a highly concealed parallel economy. 

    One-stop criminal enterprise

    The criminal organisations under investigation are in charge of producing the false invoices and transport documents to conceal the real destination of the goods, and to recruit a large network of sham companies used for the fake sales and deliveries, in order to hide the whole fraudulent chain. This allows the companies controlled by the criminal organisations to sell the products at a very competitive price, since VAT remains unpaid and customs duties and anti-dumping fees are largely evaded.

    Finally, the proceeds of the crime are transferred to China using different money laundering techniques, including providing money laundering services to other criminal organisations via trade-based underground banking systems. In this way, the organised criminal groups control and conceal the whole criminal chain, from the initial fraudulent import to the VAT fraud, and from the sale of the goods to the laundering of the profits.

    The total damage of the criminal activities under investigation is currently estimated at approximately €700 million: over €250 million come from evaded customs duties (which revert entirely to the EU budget), and close to €450 million from unpaid VAT (which damages both the EU budget and the national budgets of Member States). The damage caused by the fraudulent scheme under investigation is likely much higher. Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is also actively supporting the EPPO to further evaluate the extent of the damage in evaded customs duties. 

    This EPPO-led investigation was supported by Europol through analytical assistance, coordination via a Virtual Command Post, and the deployment of an expert to the command centre in Luxembourg, with additional backing from national law enforcement agencies – highlighting the value of cross-border cooperation against organised crime. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) contributed to the detection. 

    All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in the competent courts of law.

    The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.

    List of most important partners and national authorities involved:

    • Europol
    • European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    • Hellenic Internal Affairs Agency of Law Enforcement Bodies (Υπηρεσία Εσωτερικών Υποθέσεων Σωμάτων Ασφαλείας)
    • Hellenic Police’s Digital Forensics Investigations and Analysis Subdivision (Υποδιεύθυνση Ψηφιακής Εγκληματολογικής Έρευνας και Ανάλυσης της ΔΕΕ)
    • France’s National Anti-Fraud Office (Office National Antifraude – ONAF)
    • Bulgaria’s State Agency for National Security (ДАНС); National Investigation Service (Национална следствена служба); General Directorate National Police) Главна дирекция “Национална полиция”) and General Directoratе Gendarmerie and Specialised Counter-Terrorism Department (Главна дирекция “Жандармерия и специализан отряд за борба с тероризма”)
    • Spain’s National Police and Tax Agency (Policía Nacional and Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria)

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Rising Demand for Drones for Commercial & Military Applications Becoming a Booming Revenue Opportunity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) imagery service providers have been offering innovative opportunities for businesses in the construction & agriculture industries and widening their potential application base to enable predictive and actuation capabilities. These capabilities offer significant advantages, such as quality improvements, risk mitigation, and cost reduction, thereby providing a competitive advantage to adopters. Drones and their sensors provide companies with significant data, multiplying applications and capabilities within their business processes. Analyzing the obtained information improves predictive/preventive maintenance and operational intelligence. Companies increasingly adopt data management platforms to process and analyze information for detecting and classifying notable events and creating reports. A report from Grand View Research said that the global drone data services market size is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 39.0% through 2030. The market growth is attributed to the increasing need for drone information analysis amongst businesses worldwide to perform various critical tasks remotely, such as automated mapping, cadastral surveying, corridor surveying, volumetric calculations, and LiDAR mapping. Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS), AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRO), EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH).

    The Grand View Research report said: “Drone data service providers are expected to gain prominence by empowering companies globally to utilize UAV imagery better. This can be achieved by converting it into actionable information in simple 3D models, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and orthomosaic maps. An increasing number of companies are now seeking to enter the UAV software space and develop software to provide aerial imagery analysis and mapping solutions for the commercial sector. Businesses worldwide are increasingly using drones across a wide range of industries. Farmers are utilizing maps generated with drone software to identify areas of damage & crop variation, diagnose the potential causes for damages, such as pests, equipment malfunctioning, and irrigation problems, and prescribe solutions such as variable-rate nitrogen applications. The 3D modeling & DEM segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 40.5% during the forecast period. The advancements in drone technology have enabled the collection of high-resolution aerial data, which can be processed to create detailed and precise 3D models and DEMs. It has significantly enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of data analysis and decision-making processes in industries that rely on geospatial information.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Signs Offer to Acquire North Carolina Land Surveying Company to Expand State Operations and Government Customers – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, announces it has signed an offer to acquire a well-established North Carolina-based land surveying company with a strong government customer base. The proposed acquisition expands operations in the state when combined with a previously announced proposed land survey acquisition with operations in North Carolina. With over three decades of success serving government agencies, municipal governments, construction companies, and real estate developers, this strategic acquisition would significantly advance the company’s regional market penetration as well as growth in the US Southeast.

    “This proposed acquisition aligns with our strategy to build a robust, scalable, national Drone as a Service business while empowering strong regional and local hubs and recurring revenue opportunities,” said Shaun Passley, Ph.D., ZenaTech CEO. “We plan to embed AI-powered drone technology into critical land survey workflows providing unparalleled speed and precision. Land surveys are a first step to innovating multiple legacy businesses and inefficient processes with our DaaS model and our drones.”

    The land survey company offers comprehensive services include boundary surveys, topographic and site planning surveys, ALTA (American Land Title Association) / ACSM (American Congress on Surveying and Mapping) surveys, construction staking, and other essential survey solutions for permitting, financing, and construction across city, county, and commercial sectors.

    ZenaTech’s Drone as a Service (DaaS) business model offers both business and government customers reduced costs and convenience to utilize drones to streamline legacy processes and manual tasks such as inspections, surveying, maintenance, precision agriculture and inventory management ─ there is no need to purchase drone hardware and software, find a drone pilot, manage maintenance and operation, or acquire regulatory approvals. The model also offers scalability to use more often or less often based on business needs and utilizes ZenaDrone’s multifunction AI autonomous drones.

    The company has closed five acquisitions across the US to date as part of its DaaS business model and strategy and has announced it plans to complete 20 more acquisitions in the next 12 months. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS), a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions, recently announced that its subsidiary, American Robotics Inc., has entered into a strategic partnership with Mistral Inc. (“Mistral”), a Maryland-based business development and defense contracting firm. The agreement focuses on joint marketing, sales, and integration of the Optimus drone system and Iron Drone Raider into the United States defense and homeland security markets.

    Under the agreement, Mistral will support American Robotics’ business development by opening sales channels through its well-established relationships with U.S. governmental buyers, including federal, state, local law enforcement, military, and homeland security entities. The initial term of the agreement is three years, with an automatic renewal option and a structured success fee model based on realized sales.

    AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) (“AeroVironment” or the “Company”) recently reported financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and year ended April 30, 2025.

    Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Highlights Were: Record fourth quarter revenue of $275.1 million and fiscal year revenue of $820.6, up 40% and 14% year-over-year, respectively; Fourth quarter and fiscal year net income of $16.7 million and $43.6 million, respectively and record fourth quarter and fiscal year non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA of $61.6 million and $146.4 million, respectively; and Record fiscal year bookings of $1.2 billion

    “AeroVironment finished out fiscal year 2025 with a remarkable fourth quarter, which included record revenue, significantly higher profits and a robust backlog nearly double that from fiscal year 2024,” said Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment chairman, president and chief executive officer. “The investments we’ve consistently made in our multi-generational Uncrewed Systems and Loitering Munition Systems products coupled with our strong execution, continue to pay off, as evidenced by significantly higher demand and key strategic wins leading to a record $1.2 billion in total bookings throughout this fiscal year.”

    Nawabi continued, “Our acquisition of BlueHalo further advances our leadership position within the defense-technology sector by adding a complementary portfolio of innovative products and capabilities aligned to our customers’ highest priorities. With integrated solutions across every domain of modern warfare, enhanced innovation and domestic manufacturing scale, we believe we are well positioned to meet the rising demand across the globe and drive strong growth and value creation in fiscal year 2026 and beyond.”

    AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRO) recently announced that Company executives, including Executive Chairman and Co-Founder Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria and CEO and Co-Founder Joe Burns, attended the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show, which took place from June 16 to June 22, 2025, in Paris, France.

    Shares of AIRO common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol “AIRO” on June 13, 2025. AIRO’s market debut comes amid strong historical financial performance for the Company and underscores its commitment to an integrated portfolio of cutting-edge technologies, including the development of fully autonomous AI-enabled surveillance drones, eVTOL hybrid and electric cargo aircraft, advanced avionics systems and comprehensive flight operations training solutions. In 2024, AIRO achieved over $86 million in revenue, reflecting growth of more than 100% from the previous year. This increase is attributed to an increase in drone shipments and support revenue driven by market entry strategies to target NATO member countries.

    “The strength of AIRO lies in its diversified yet complementary portfolio of products and services, all centered around a unified aerospace and defense ecosystem,” said Executive Chairman, Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria. “AIRO’s complementary business segments, with strategic locations in the US, Canada, and Europe, provide unparalleled access for our global client base. With significant year-over-year revenue and EBITDA growth, we believe our offerings are essential for both current and future operational landscapes.”

    EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, recently announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with Gotion High-Tech Co., Ltd. (“Gotion”), a leading innovator in power battery solutions. Building on a power system framework agreement signed in December 2023, this enhanced collaboration marks a significant step forward in powering the electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft. Under the upgraded partnership, the two companies will jointly advance the development of power systems for EHang’s flagship EH216 series of pilotless eVTOL aircraft, with plans to extend their collaboration to future aircraft models. By leveraging cutting-edge battery technologies, the partnership aims to accelerate the advancement of a safe, intelligent, and sustainable low-altitude transportation ecosystem and contribute to the high-quality development of the low-altitude economy.

    As part of the agreement, Gotion will deliver a customized battery solution tailored to the EH216 series. At the core of the solution is Gotion’s newly developed 46-series cylindrical battery cell, which offers high energy density and robust power output. The next-generation battery system is expected to significantly enhance the EH216 series aircraft in flight range, thrust performance, and operational safety — further improving the aircraft’s efficiency across a variety of use cases and strengthening its readiness for future scaled commercial deployment.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

    Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: https://www.facebook.com/financialnewsmedia

    Follow us on Twitter for real time Market News: https://twitter.com/FNMgroup

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Rising Demand for Drones for Commercial & Military Applications Becoming a Booming Revenue Opportunity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) imagery service providers have been offering innovative opportunities for businesses in the construction & agriculture industries and widening their potential application base to enable predictive and actuation capabilities. These capabilities offer significant advantages, such as quality improvements, risk mitigation, and cost reduction, thereby providing a competitive advantage to adopters. Drones and their sensors provide companies with significant data, multiplying applications and capabilities within their business processes. Analyzing the obtained information improves predictive/preventive maintenance and operational intelligence. Companies increasingly adopt data management platforms to process and analyze information for detecting and classifying notable events and creating reports. A report from Grand View Research said that the global drone data services market size is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 39.0% through 2030. The market growth is attributed to the increasing need for drone information analysis amongst businesses worldwide to perform various critical tasks remotely, such as automated mapping, cadastral surveying, corridor surveying, volumetric calculations, and LiDAR mapping. Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS), AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRO), EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH).

    The Grand View Research report said: “Drone data service providers are expected to gain prominence by empowering companies globally to utilize UAV imagery better. This can be achieved by converting it into actionable information in simple 3D models, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and orthomosaic maps. An increasing number of companies are now seeking to enter the UAV software space and develop software to provide aerial imagery analysis and mapping solutions for the commercial sector. Businesses worldwide are increasingly using drones across a wide range of industries. Farmers are utilizing maps generated with drone software to identify areas of damage & crop variation, diagnose the potential causes for damages, such as pests, equipment malfunctioning, and irrigation problems, and prescribe solutions such as variable-rate nitrogen applications. The 3D modeling & DEM segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 40.5% during the forecast period. The advancements in drone technology have enabled the collection of high-resolution aerial data, which can be processed to create detailed and precise 3D models and DEMs. It has significantly enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of data analysis and decision-making processes in industries that rely on geospatial information.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Signs Offer to Acquire North Carolina Land Surveying Company to Expand State Operations and Government Customers – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, announces it has signed an offer to acquire a well-established North Carolina-based land surveying company with a strong government customer base. The proposed acquisition expands operations in the state when combined with a previously announced proposed land survey acquisition with operations in North Carolina. With over three decades of success serving government agencies, municipal governments, construction companies, and real estate developers, this strategic acquisition would significantly advance the company’s regional market penetration as well as growth in the US Southeast.

    “This proposed acquisition aligns with our strategy to build a robust, scalable, national Drone as a Service business while empowering strong regional and local hubs and recurring revenue opportunities,” said Shaun Passley, Ph.D., ZenaTech CEO. “We plan to embed AI-powered drone technology into critical land survey workflows providing unparalleled speed and precision. Land surveys are a first step to innovating multiple legacy businesses and inefficient processes with our DaaS model and our drones.”

    The land survey company offers comprehensive services include boundary surveys, topographic and site planning surveys, ALTA (American Land Title Association) / ACSM (American Congress on Surveying and Mapping) surveys, construction staking, and other essential survey solutions for permitting, financing, and construction across city, county, and commercial sectors.

    ZenaTech’s Drone as a Service (DaaS) business model offers both business and government customers reduced costs and convenience to utilize drones to streamline legacy processes and manual tasks such as inspections, surveying, maintenance, precision agriculture and inventory management ─ there is no need to purchase drone hardware and software, find a drone pilot, manage maintenance and operation, or acquire regulatory approvals. The model also offers scalability to use more often or less often based on business needs and utilizes ZenaDrone’s multifunction AI autonomous drones.

    The company has closed five acquisitions across the US to date as part of its DaaS business model and strategy and has announced it plans to complete 20 more acquisitions in the next 12 months. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS), a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions, recently announced that its subsidiary, American Robotics Inc., has entered into a strategic partnership with Mistral Inc. (“Mistral”), a Maryland-based business development and defense contracting firm. The agreement focuses on joint marketing, sales, and integration of the Optimus drone system and Iron Drone Raider into the United States defense and homeland security markets.

    Under the agreement, Mistral will support American Robotics’ business development by opening sales channels through its well-established relationships with U.S. governmental buyers, including federal, state, local law enforcement, military, and homeland security entities. The initial term of the agreement is three years, with an automatic renewal option and a structured success fee model based on realized sales.

    AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) (“AeroVironment” or the “Company”) recently reported financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and year ended April 30, 2025.

    Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Highlights Were: Record fourth quarter revenue of $275.1 million and fiscal year revenue of $820.6, up 40% and 14% year-over-year, respectively; Fourth quarter and fiscal year net income of $16.7 million and $43.6 million, respectively and record fourth quarter and fiscal year non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA of $61.6 million and $146.4 million, respectively; and Record fiscal year bookings of $1.2 billion

    “AeroVironment finished out fiscal year 2025 with a remarkable fourth quarter, which included record revenue, significantly higher profits and a robust backlog nearly double that from fiscal year 2024,” said Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment chairman, president and chief executive officer. “The investments we’ve consistently made in our multi-generational Uncrewed Systems and Loitering Munition Systems products coupled with our strong execution, continue to pay off, as evidenced by significantly higher demand and key strategic wins leading to a record $1.2 billion in total bookings throughout this fiscal year.”

    Nawabi continued, “Our acquisition of BlueHalo further advances our leadership position within the defense-technology sector by adding a complementary portfolio of innovative products and capabilities aligned to our customers’ highest priorities. With integrated solutions across every domain of modern warfare, enhanced innovation and domestic manufacturing scale, we believe we are well positioned to meet the rising demand across the globe and drive strong growth and value creation in fiscal year 2026 and beyond.”

    AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRO) recently announced that Company executives, including Executive Chairman and Co-Founder Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria and CEO and Co-Founder Joe Burns, attended the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show, which took place from June 16 to June 22, 2025, in Paris, France.

    Shares of AIRO common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol “AIRO” on June 13, 2025. AIRO’s market debut comes amid strong historical financial performance for the Company and underscores its commitment to an integrated portfolio of cutting-edge technologies, including the development of fully autonomous AI-enabled surveillance drones, eVTOL hybrid and electric cargo aircraft, advanced avionics systems and comprehensive flight operations training solutions. In 2024, AIRO achieved over $86 million in revenue, reflecting growth of more than 100% from the previous year. This increase is attributed to an increase in drone shipments and support revenue driven by market entry strategies to target NATO member countries.

    “The strength of AIRO lies in its diversified yet complementary portfolio of products and services, all centered around a unified aerospace and defense ecosystem,” said Executive Chairman, Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria. “AIRO’s complementary business segments, with strategic locations in the US, Canada, and Europe, provide unparalleled access for our global client base. With significant year-over-year revenue and EBITDA growth, we believe our offerings are essential for both current and future operational landscapes.”

    EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, recently announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with Gotion High-Tech Co., Ltd. (“Gotion”), a leading innovator in power battery solutions. Building on a power system framework agreement signed in December 2023, this enhanced collaboration marks a significant step forward in powering the electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft. Under the upgraded partnership, the two companies will jointly advance the development of power systems for EHang’s flagship EH216 series of pilotless eVTOL aircraft, with plans to extend their collaboration to future aircraft models. By leveraging cutting-edge battery technologies, the partnership aims to accelerate the advancement of a safe, intelligent, and sustainable low-altitude transportation ecosystem and contribute to the high-quality development of the low-altitude economy.

    As part of the agreement, Gotion will deliver a customized battery solution tailored to the EH216 series. At the core of the solution is Gotion’s newly developed 46-series cylindrical battery cell, which offers high energy density and robust power output. The next-generation battery system is expected to significantly enhance the EH216 series aircraft in flight range, thrust performance, and operational safety — further improving the aircraft’s efficiency across a variety of use cases and strengthening its readiness for future scaled commercial deployment.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

    Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: https://www.facebook.com/financialnewsmedia

    Follow us on Twitter for real time Market News: https://twitter.com/FNMgroup

    Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/financialnewsmedia/

    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Building trust in justice: Reflections from the UK Supreme Court

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    World news story

    Building trust in justice: Reflections from the UK Supreme Court

    Lord Reed’s address at the Supreme Court’s of Montenegro 80th anniversary and AIRE Centre’s conference

    Copyright: Mirko Kuzman for AIRE Centre

    Justice, transparency, and public trust – why it matters

    Strengthening the independence, efficiency, and transparency of the judiciary is central to Montenegro’s reform process as it advances on its European path. It’s also at the heart of the UK’s partnership with Montenegro and our commitment to the wider Western Balkans.

    Judicial independence is not only a legal principle, but it is the foundation of public trust in democratic institutions. The UK continues to support Montenegro’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law as part of a shared vision for a more stable, resilient, and prosperous region.

    A shared commitment to the rule of law

    On 21 June 2025, the British Embassy was proud to support a major conference hosted by the Supreme Court of Montenegro and the AIRE Centre, with the support of the European Union Delegation, marking the 80th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Montenegro.

    The event brought together the judiciary, ministers, officials, Montenegrin and international experts, and partners to reflect on how courts can strengthen public confidence through greater transparency, openness, and effective communication.

    The UK was honoured to be represented by Lord Reed of Allermuir, President of the UK Supreme Court, who shared the UK’s experience and reflections on judicial communication, media engagement, and public accessibility.

    The UK’s ongoing support for judicial reform in Montenegro

    The UK’s partnership with Montenegro’s judiciary builds on a long history of collaboration, supporting training, initiatives for judicial integrity and transparency, and practical cooperation between courts. These efforts complement Montenegro’s reform priorities.

    We remain committed to supporting the development of strong, independent, and trusted institutions that are accountable to citizens and essential for democracy and stability.

    Lord Reed’s Speech

     I am honoured to have been invited to address you. I know that this year – indeed, this month – is the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Supreme Court of Montenegro. This is a time to celebrate its success and its achievements, and also a time to reflect on how our society has changed over that period and is continuing to develop, and on how the Montenegrin Supreme Court, and other courts, should respond to those changes. I have very much in mind the efforts being made to strengthen judicial independence, efficiency and public trust which I understand are being undertaken. 

     I have been asked to speak about transparency and communication. I want to begin with two fundamental questions. First, what do we mean when we talk about transparency in relation to courts? I would suggest that it means that the court and its work are open and visible to the public. In today’s society, that requires more than just allowing public access into court buildings, although that is a part of it. It also means making the work of the court accessible to the public, and having effective means of communication between the court and the public. 

     My second question is even more fundamental: why does transparency matter? There are a number of reasons, but I would emphasise one in particular. If you ask why the public accept decisions made by the judiciary, the answer, I would suggest, depends on confidence or trust. And trust depends on openness and effective communication with all parts of the community we serve. In the UK, a recent study found that public trust in the Supreme Court is closely connected to knowledge about its work; and public knowledge depends on transparency and communication.

     So, considering transparency first, in the UK we normally have oral hearings in all cases, and they normally take place in public. Members of the public are encouraged to step inside the Supreme Court to watch our hearings and tour our court rooms. We are to some extent a visitor attraction. We have around 100,000 visitors a year, and our court rooms are usually busy with visitors. We have an exhibition area, where visitors can learn more about the court and its case law, and a public café. We also hold open days when more of the building is open to the public. We bear in mind that accessibility includes accessibility to children, and to people with special needs. For example, we hold tours for people with hearing problems, using sign language. 

     In addition, in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, hearings are live streamed online, subject to a short delay in case anything confidential is accidentally mentioned. They are also made available afterwards on the court’s website and on YouTube. The Supreme Court also live streams the delivery of judgments, when the judge who has written the lead judgment gives a short explanation to camera of the court’s decision in accessible language. During the last financial year, around 750,000 viewers watched our cases and judgments on our website, and footage was also used on television and on media websites, under contractual terms set by the court in order to prevent misuse.

     This has been a great help in our most controversial cases. For example, in a case concerned with a challenge to the way the government was proceeding with the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, highlights of the hearing were shown on the television news, and were analysed by experts in much the same way as football matches, with replays of the most important moments. When we gave our judgment recently in a controversial case concerned with issues of gender, footage of the delivery of the judgment was shown on the television news. This helped to improve public understanding of what the court was deciding, and to raise the level of confidence that the judges were focused on issues of law and not on controversial political questions. 

     Televising hearings requires some thought where jurisdictions have a primarily written procedure. For example, in 2023 the French Cour de Cassation decided there was a need to be more transparent, and started to broadcast its hearings. However, the judges of that court were not accustomed to participating in the hearing and sat in silence during the advocates’ oral arguments. I have been told that the court then came under some criticism as members of the public gained the impression that the judges were not engaged in the issues that were the subject of the hearings. Careful consideration should therefore be given to how oral proceedings might be conducted if they are to be broadcast. One possibility is to follow the approach adopted by the European Court of Human Rights, where Grand Chamber hearings are live streamed. In those proceedings, the advocates present their arguments without interruption from the judges. However, at the end of their oral argument the judges then pose questions, after which the advocates are given time to consult with their legal team before providing responses.

     We have also adopted the practice, in some controversial cases, of making the most important case papers available through our website, unless publication should be withheld for reasons such as commercial confidentiality or national security, so that they can be viewed alongside the live stream of the hearing. 

     Considering communication next, most people draw their knowledge of the judiciary and their opinions about the courts from the media, but media coverage of the judiciary is not always accurate or well-informed. To address that problem, the UK Supreme Court employs an expert communications team and uses a number of means to inform the public about our work. We recognise that the court operates in a media environment in which journalists and bloggers are expected to provide an instant response to our decisions. So members of the communications team work with the journalists who cover our work to help them to report it accurately. Where a judgment is likely to attract media interest, they allow journalists to see the judgment and the press summary an hour before they are made public, on a confidential basis. We do not do this in the most sensitive cases, or where prior knowledge of the judgment could be abused. But the confidentiality of the briefing is enforced by our law of contempt of court, and has never been breached. 

     The communications team also work with the judges to help them to communicate with the public, especially in the summaries that are delivered in court and live streamed on the internet when decisions are announced, excerpts from which may appear on the television news. They help us to ensure, for example, that the language we use in our summaries is understandable by members of the public and, in cases which will be reported in the media, that there is a short sentence or two in our summary which can be played or quoted in the reports and which explains the essence of our decision. They also maintain our social media accounts, with X, Instagram and LinkedIn, which have about 400,000 followers.

     We also try to connect with the general public through our education and outreach work. For example, we have established a scheme which gives pupils at schools across the UK, aged about 16 or 17, the opportunity to take part in a live question and answer session with a judge of the Supreme Court from their classroom, via the internet. This has proved to be very popular with schools, and it enables the court to make direct contact with ordinary young people in a positive way. I also give occasional media interviews, including interviews for social media podcasts, when I try to explain our work in ways that the public can understand. We also organise an online course on the Supreme Court in partnership with one of our universities.  About 5000 members of the public have enrolled.

     In the context of the UK, it has also been important for the Supreme Court to try to improve understanding in Parliament and in the government of the constitutional role of the courts. With the support of the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Supreme Court has engaged directly with all new Members of Parliament since our general election last year, providing each of them with materials explaining the rule of law and the constitutional role of the courts, taking part in question and answer sessions with Members of Parliament in private meetings, and encouraging them to visit the court and to meet justices and staff. We regard it as important to help politicians to understand the role of the courts, so that they support judicial independence and understand when we decide cases against the government, as sometimes happens. 

     In the context of the UK, it is also possible for the court to engage with the government in ways that encourage respect for judicial independence. There is generally a good understanding on both sides of the separation of powers. It has proved to be possible, in a context of mutual respect, to find ways of cooperating on projects of law reform and to encourage a sense that protecting the rule of law is a shared responsibility.

     We also have an active programme to demonstrate that we are inclusive to all parts of our population, including ethnic and religious minorities. So we host visits from organisations supporting talented members of minority groups, and we offer internships at the court to young lawyers from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

     In conclusion, we all need to work to maintain public trust in the administration of justice. I am grateful that we can share ideas and learn from each other as we work to safeguard the rule of law, for the benefit of both our societies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Nuclear emergency exercise concludes to test international response to simulated reactor accident

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in cooperation with more than 75 countries and 10 international organizations, successfully completed a 36-hour exercise that tested global preparedness and response arrangements for a severe nuclear accident scenario at the Cernavoda NPP in Romania. The ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise started on 24 June and concluded at 17:45 CET on 25 June.

    Such exercises are conducted every three to five years and are based on simulated events at a nuclear facility in the host IAEA member state.

    The exercise simulated a significant release of radioactive material, requiring participating countries and organizations to make decisions in real time, exchange information, inform the public and coordinate protective measures, including aspects of medical response and cross-border logistics.

    “ConvEx-3 (2025) demonstrated the power of international cooperation in nuclear emergency preparedness,” said Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre. “By working together under realistic scenarios, we are strengthening our collective capacity to protect people and the environment.”

    Among the main innovations in this year’s exercise program were the following.

    Enhanced regional cooperation: Recognizing the cross-border consequences of severe nuclear accidents, neighbouring countries Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova coordinated protective measures to ensure a coherent cross-border response. Integrating nuclear security scenarios: Simulations also included tests related to physical security and cybersecurity threats, reflecting new and evolving risks. Enhanced crisis communication testing: An enhanced social media simulator was used to evaluate and improve public communication strategies. Deploying international assistance missions: As part of the IAEA Response and Assistance Network (RANET) Expert groups from Bulgaria, Canada, Lithuania, Moldova, the United States, Sweden and France carried out a number of joint operations, including the use of air and ground-based radiation monitoring equipment.

    The exercise highlighted the importance of timely information sharing, accurate assessments and forecasts, and effective public communication in the event of nuclear emergencies.

    ConvEx-3 exercises are conducted every three to five years to evaluate and strengthen emergency response mechanisms established in accordance with Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident And Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency.

    In the coming weeks, the IAEA will gather feedback from all participants to identify good practices and areas for improvement, contributing to the continued strengthening of global nuclear emergency preparedness. The final report of the exercise will be taken into account in preparation for the upcoming International Conference “Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies”, which is scheduled for December this year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    A selection of photos from the ConvEx3 exercise is available at this link.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Israel bombed an Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1981 − it pushed program underground and spurred Saddam Hussein’s desire for nukes

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Jeffrey Fields, Professor of the Practice of International Relations, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

    The Osirak nuclear power research station in 1981. Jacques Pavlovsky/Sygma via Getty Images

    Israel, with the assistance of U.S. military hardware, bombs an adversary’s nuclear facility to set back the perceived pursuit of the ultimate weapon. We have been here before, about 44 years ago.

    In 1981, Israeli fighter jets supplied by Washington attacked an Iraqi nuclear research reactor being built near Baghdad by the French government.

    The reactor, which the French called Osirak and Iraqis called Tammuz, was destroyed. Much of the international community initially condemned the attack. But Israel claimed the raid set Iraqi nuclear ambitions back at least a decade. In time, many Western observers and government officials, too, chalked up the attack as a win for nonproliferation, hailing the strike as an audacious but necessary step to prevent Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein from building a nuclear arsenal.

    But the reality is more complicated. As nuclear proliferation experts assess the extent of damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities following the recent U.S. and Israeli raids, it is worth reassessing the longer-term implications of that earlier Iraqi strike.

    The Osirak reactor

    Iraq joined the landmark Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1970, committing the country to refrain from the pursuit of nuclear weapons. But in exchange, signatories are entitled to engage in civilian nuclear activities, including having research or power reactors and access to the enriched uranium that drives them.

    The International Atomic Energy Agency is responsible through safeguards agreements for monitoring countries’ civilian use of nuclear technology, with on-the-ground inspections to ensure that civilian nuclear programs do not divert materials for nuclear weapons.

    But to Israel, the Iraqi reactor was provocative and an escalation in the Arab-Israeli conflict.

    Israel believed that Iraq would use the French reactor – Iraq said it was for research purposes – to generate plutonium for a nuclear weapon. After diplomacy with France and the United States failed to persuade the two countries to halt construction of the reactor, Prime Minister Menachem Begin concluded that attacking the reactor was Israel’s best option. That decision gave birth to the “Begin Doctrine,” which has committing Israel to preventing its regional adversaries from becoming nuclear powers ever since.

    Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin addresses the press after the 1981 attack on the Osarik nuclear reactor.
    Israel Press and Photo Agency/Wikimedia Commons

    In spring 1979, Israel attempted to sabotage the project, bombing the reactor core destined for Iraq while it sat awaiting shipment in the French town of La Seyne-sur-Mer. The mission was only a partial success, damaging but not destroying the reactor.

    France and Iraq persisted with the project, and in July 1980 – with the reactor having been delivered – Iraq received the first shipment of highly enriched uranium fuel at the Tuwaitha Nuclear Research Center near Baghdad.

    Then in September 1980, during the initial days of the Iran-Iraq war, Iranian jets struck the nuclear research center. The raid also targeted a power station, knocking out electricity in Baghdad for several days. But a Central Intelligence Agency situation report assessed that “only secondary buildings” were hit at the nuclear site itself.

    It was then Israel’s turn. The reactor was still unfinished and not in operation when on June 7, 1981, eight U.S.-supplied F-16s flew over Jordanian and Saudi airspace and bombed the reactor in Iraq. The attack killed 10 Iraqi soldiers and a French civilian.

    Revisiting the ‘success’ of Israeli raid

    Many years later, U.S. President Bill Clinton commented: “Everybody talks about what the Israelis did at Osirak in 1981, which I think, in retrospect, was a really good thing. You know, it kept Saddam from developing nuclear power.”

    But nonproliferation experts have contended for years that while Saddam may have had nuclear weapons ambitions, the French-built research reactor would not have been the route to go. Iraq would either have had to divert the reactor’s highly enriched uranium fuel for a few weapons or shut the reactor down to extract plutonium from the fuel rods – all while hiding these operations from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

    As an additional safeguard, the French government, too, had pledged to shut down the reactor if it detected efforts to use the reactor for weapons purposes.

    In any event, Iraq’s desire for a nuclear weapon was more aspirational than operational. A 2011 article in the journal International Security included interviews with several scientists who worked on Iraq’s nuclear program and characterized the country’s pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability as “both directionless and disorganized” before the attack.

    Iraq’s program begins in earnest

    So what happened after the strike? Many analysts have argued that the Israeli attack, rather than diminish Iraqi desire for a nuclear weapon, actually catalyzed it.

    Nuclear proliferation expert Målfrid Braut-Hegghammer, the author of the 2011 study, concluded that the Israeli attack “triggered a nuclear weapons program where one did not previously exist.”

    In the aftermath of the attack, Saddam decided to formally, if secretively, establish a nuclear weapons program, with scientists deciding that a uranium-based weapon was the best route. He tasked his scientists with pursuing multiple methods to enrich uranium to weapons grade to ensure success, much the way the Manhattan Project scientists approached the same problem in the U.S.

    In other words, the Israeli attack, rather than set back an existing nuclear weapons program, turned an incoherent and exploratory nuclear endeavor into a drive to get the bomb personally overseen by Saddam and sparing little expense even as Iraq’s war with Iran substantially taxed Iraqi resources.

    From 1981 to 1987, the nuclear program progressed fitfully, facing both organizational and scientific challenges.

    As those challenges were beginning to be addressed, Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, provoking a military response from the United States. In the aftermath of what would become Operation Desert Storm, U.N. weapons inspectors discovered and dismantled the clandestine Iraqi nuclear weapons program.

    The Tammuz nuclear reactor was hit again during the 1991 Gulf War.
    Ramzi Haidar/AFP via Getty Images

    Had Saddam not invaded Kuwait over a matter not related to security, it is very possible that Baghdad would have had a nuclear weapon capability by the mid-to-late 1990s.

    Similarly to Iraq in 1980, Iran today is a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. At the time President Donald Trump withdrew U.S. support in 2018 for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, colloquially known as the Iran nuclear deal, the International Atomic Energy Agency certified that Tehran was complying with the requirements of the agreement.

    In the case of Iraq, military action on its nascent nuclear program merely pushed it underground – to Saddam, the Israeli strikes made acquiring the ultimate weapon more rather than less attractive as a deterrent. Almost a half-century on, some analysts and observers are warning the same about Iran.

    Jeffrey Fields receives funding from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Schmidt Futures.

    ref. Israel bombed an Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1981 − it pushed program underground and spurred Saddam Hussein’s desire for nukes – https://theconversation.com/israel-bombed-an-iraqi-nuclear-reactor-in-1981-it-pushed-program-underground-and-spurred-saddam-husseins-desire-for-nukes-259618

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Pride march in Budapest: Ministers Aurore Bergé and Benjamin Haddad reaffirm France’s support for LGBT+ people’s rights (26 June 2025)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    On the occasion of the Budapest Pride march on 28 June 2025, France reaffirms its commitment to the freedom, protection and rights of LGBT+ people within the European Union.

    Held as part of Pride month, Pride marches are a legacy of the historic struggles that began with the Stonewall riots in New York on 28 June 1969, the founding event of the contemporary movement for LGBT+ people’s rights. In France, in Europe and all over the world, the marches are a reminder that those rights are the result of collective battles against discrimination, criminalization, pathologization and violence.

    Banned by the Hungarian Government but supported by the Mayor of Budapest, the Budapest Pride march will be held amid a worrying national decline in individual freedoms. LGBT+ people there are facing an increasingly hostile political and social climate, fomented by hate speech and discriminatory policies that fuel an environment of fear and exclusion.

    In this regard, France wants to reiterate its deep commitment to respect for the European Union’s basic values, as set out in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union: “The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail.”

    France calls for heightened vigilance in the face of legislative and social changes in the various Member States, in order to guarantee respect for basic rights, defend the principles of the European Union and ensure consistency in its values, particularly in terms of equality and non-discrimination.

    At the ministers’ request, M. Jean-March Berthon, Ambassador for the Rights of LGBT+ People, will officially represent the French Government at the march, as a sign of France’s support and commitment.

    What is playing out in Hungary is a reminder of a global reality: the rights of LGBT+ people are far from being guaranteed and remain profoundly fragile. No victory is irreversible.

    Everywhere, reactionary and fundamentalist onslaughts are seeking to restrict equality and wipe out existences. What can be won through struggles can be destroyed through inaction. In the face of this global threat, visibility, international solidarity and commitment remain more essential than ever.

    “Respect for and protection of human rights must apply everywhere, all the time, and to everyone. LGBT+ citizens can in no way be an exception to this basic principle, on which France will never compromise. The slightest relapse in terms of public freedoms within the European Union itself is unacceptable. Combating all forms of regression is a necessity, building a world without violence is an imperative, and furthering human rights is France’s commitment,” said Aurore Bergé, Minister Delegate for Gender Equality and the Fight against Discrimination.

    “My colleague Aurore Bergé and I pay tribute to the advocacy work of the activists, journalists and nongovernmental organizations working to ensure that Hungarians enjoy equal treatment and full legal protection, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender expression. The Budapest Pride march is an important moment both for LGBTQI+ people and for all those committed to freedom. France will remain a powerful champion of a Europe where everyone is guaranteed the opportunity to express their basic freedoms freely and safely,” said Benjamin Haddad, Minister for Europe.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Health Recognized for Responsible Antibiotic Use

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A commitment to responsible use of antibiotics earns UConn Health’s John Dempsey Hospital the designation of “Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence” from the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

    Certificate from the Infectious Diseases Society of America

    With this designation, the IDSA recognizes institutions that have established stewardship programs, led by infectious diseases physicians and pharmacists, to advance science in antimicrobial resistance, and that have surpassed high standards aligned with evidence-based national guidelines.

    “Evolving antimicrobial resistance patterns and the introduction of new therapeutics have made antibiotic prescribing more challenging than ever,” says Kevin Chamberlin, UConn Health’s chief pharmacy officer. “This Center of Excellence designation is a testament to the sound antimicrobial stewardship we practice that protects our limited options for our most vulnerable patients.”

    John Dempsey Hospital is one of four hospitals in Connecticut designated as an Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence, and among fewer than 200 hospitals in the world that have earned the distinction since the ISDA started this program in 2017.

    Core criteria include implementation of stewardship protocols by integrating best practices to slow the emergency of resistance, optimize the treatment of infections, reduce adverse events associated with antibiotic use, and address other challenging areas of antimicrobial stewardship.

    “This shows that we are using multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure that we’re using antibiotics in the most quality way and optimizing those antibiotics across care, both on the inpatient and outpatient side,” says Gillian Kuszewski ’03 (PHARM), ’05 Pharm.D., university director of UConn Health’s pharmacy residency programs.

    Kuszewski co-leads UConn Health’s antibiotic stewardship program with Dr. David Banach ’06 MD, MPH, infectious diseases physician and UConn Health’s hospital epidemiologist, and Jeffrey Aeschlimann ’93 (PHARM), a UConn School of Pharmacy faculty member and clinician in UConn Health’s pharmacy practice.

    From left: Dr. David Banach, Gillian Kuszewski, and Jeffrey Aeschlimann lead UConn Health’s antibiotic stewardship program. (Photo by Chris DeFrancesco, UConn Health)

    “Antibiotic stewardship is a global health priority,” Banach says. “The goal of using the right antibiotic for the right patient at the right time for the right duration is really becoming recognized as a key public health measure, both for reducing resistance and also reducing antibiotic-associated side effects and adverse events like C. diff.”

    C. diff, or Clostridioides difficile infection, is one of the most common health care-associated infections. It is highly contagious and difficult to treat.

    “One of the important things the stewardship program does is minimize unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which has been shown to also decrease C. diff rates in hospitals and health care settings,” Aeschlimann says.

    While this is the first time UConn Health has applied for this ISDA designation, antimicrobial stewardship has been a priority going back more than a decade, predating regulatory requirements. Aeschlimann and Dr. Kevin Dieckhaus, who today is chief of UConn Health’s Division of Infectious Diseases, started the antibiotic stewardship committee in 2013. Since then, it has grown to include representation from throughout the institution, including microbiology lab professionals, nurses, pharmacists, physicians, informatics specialists, infection preventionists, and students, residents and fellows.

    “We’ve always been doing these things along the way, and we felt now was the right time to sit down and formally submit an application,” Kuszewski says. “We’ve always done extremely well with our program when regulatory bodies like the Joint Commission come to visit. From a regulatory perspective, we’ve consistently received really good feedback from them on our antimicrobial stewardship activities.”

    She says the committee has established protocols, policies, and workflows to guide and support front-line providers in making the best choices.

    “We’ve supported, for example, processes to make sure that even after the patient leaves the emergency department, they’re on the right antibiotic based on follow-up information that we get from cultures,” Kuszewski says.

    “We have the collaborations between those who prescribe antibiotics and those who have expertise to offer and help support optimal prescribing,” Banach says.

    And the committee’s guidance has made its way into the electronic health record system to provide an additional resource for prescribers.

    “We try to develop either order sets or clinical pathways or popups, whatever we think might work best, to guide clinicians to pick the right antibiotic choice,” Aeschlimann says.

    Another strategy is to prioritize documentation of allergies to help inform prescribing decisions.

    “They can choose an antibiotic with the least risk of a negative outcome,” Kuszewski says. “Penicillin allergy documentation often leads to unnecessary use of certain antibiotics that come with greater risks. Perhaps a penicillin might cause some temporary stomach upset for a patient and is not really a true allergy. Clarifying this documentation in a patient’s medical record can help providers determine which antibiotic carries the least risk in treating an infection.”

    Kuszewski notes that UConn Health leadership has been supportive of the antimicrobial stewardship efforts since the beginning.

    “Not only are we following standards, but we’re also seeing better outcomes,” she says. “We also have results that show that we’re using less broad-spectrum antibiotics than what we’re expected to use, and our C. diff rates are down. The outcomes are actually tangible. It’s not just what we say we’re doing, but we’re seeing good results.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: 3D Systems Advances Regenerative Medical Solutions for First-of-its-Kind Peripheral Nerve Repair

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Collaboration with French MedTech company, TISSIUM, has resulted in FDA approval for unique 3D-printed polymeric solution for repair of peripheral nerve damage
    • 3D Systems’ bioprinting system enabled production of a 3D-printed bioabsorbable medical device leveraging TISSIUM’s proprietary biomorphic programable polymers—a major industry milestone that sets new standard for high resolution elastomeric 3D-printed medical implants
    • Builds on 3D Systems’ pioneering work to develop additive manufacturing solutions for regenerative medicine applications
    • 3D Systems’ solutions accelerating additive manufacturing use in bioprinting—total market anticipated to reach more than $2 billion by end of 2029

    ROCK HILL, South Carolina, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) announced that its 3D bioprinting technologies have enabled FDA approval for the regenerative repair of peripheral nerve damage. For the last several years, 3D Systems has partnered with TISSIUM, a French MedTech company that is a pioneer in the development of biomorphic programmable polymers for tissue reconstruction, to develop a bespoke 3D printing solution for the repair of damaged peripheral nerves. Combining TISSIUM’s expertise and proprietary biomorphic programable polymers with 3D Systems’ ground-breaking regenerative medicine bioprinting technologies has resulted in the successful development of a fully bioabsorbable 3D-printed medical device for nerve repair utilizing a unique photopolymer. This device, called COAPTIUM® CONNECT with TISSIUM Light, is a first-of-its-kind, atraumatic, sutureless solution for the repair of peripheral nerves. Earlier this week, TISSIUM announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted De Novo marketing authorization for this solution. This milestone validates the polymer’s clinical potential and paves the way for its use across a broad spectrum of transformative applications. Its unique polymer characteristics enable the production of high-resolution, elastomeric biodegradable implants that are unique in the industry.

    “This is a significant advancement in patient care,” said Scott Turner, vice president, advanced systems, 3D Systems. “It has been tremendously rewarding to work alongside the talented team at TISSIUM to design a complete 3D bioprinted solution that offers the potential for patients to recover from peripheral nerve damage. I truly believe this will redefine treatment paradigms and offer hope to individuals that have suffered from the effects of nerve damage in regaining their quality of life.”

    This milestone is yet another proof point of 3D Systems’ nearly decade-long leadership position in bioprinting. In 2017, 3D Systems entered into a joint development program with United Therapeutics Corporation, the goal of which is to establish an unlimited supply of human lungs, requiring no immunosuppression, allowing all patients with end-stage lung disease to receive transplants which will enable them to enjoy long and active lives. 3D Systems has focused primarily on establishing the 3D printing technology to produce scaffolds meeting the extreme precision and resolution requirements for a functional human lung and to do so in a manner that yields the physical, mechanical, and biocompatibility performance to influence cell behavior and reproduction required for extended use in the human body. Its Print to Perfusion™ process enables 3D printing of high-resolution scaffolds, which can be perfused with living cells to create tissues. Through the combination of bioprinting technology, biocompatible 3D printing materials, and a broad range of cell types including patient-derived cells, the Company’s biomedical engineers can construct patient-specific living tissues.

    “Over the past several years, we have made phenomenal progress building upon Chuck Hull’s invention of 3D printing, and pushing its capabilities into new frontiers,” said Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president & CEO, 3D Systems. “Whether in our medical device business through the production of patient-specific implants and surgical solutions, or through the work our regenerative medicine team is doing, 3D Systems is making a profound impact not only on how healthcare is delivered, but on the quality of patients’ lives, and continues to solidify what I believe is an unparalleled role we play in advancing medicine with additive manufacturing applications. This latest accomplishment by TISSIUM, enabled by our unique 3D printing technology, is one more example of how 3D Systems is transforming patient care for a better future.”

    According to Markets and Markets1, the global 3D bioprinting market was valued at $1.3 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach $2.4 billion in 2029. Nearly 40 years ago, 3D Systems created the innovation of 3D printing and reimagined the approaches and processes for product development, parts manufacturing, and personalized healthcare through additive manufacturing solutions. The Company’s additive manufacturing solutions are transforming how healthcare is delivered. As a pioneer in personalized healthcare solutions, 3D Systems has worked with surgeons for over a decade to plan more than 150,000 patient-specific cases and additively manufacture more than two million implants and instruments for 100+ CE-marked and FDA-cleared devices from its world-class, FDA-registered, ISO 13485-certified facilities in Littleton, Colorado, and Leuven, Belgium. 3D Systems is leveraging this experience to innovate bioprinting technologies to transform patient care. By enabling the fabrication of living tissues, the Company believes its bioprinting technology will unlock the promise and potential — to develop new therapeutics, and to improve patient lives.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from historical results or from any future results or projections expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In many cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “believes,” “belief,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “intends,” “anticipates” or “plans” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs, assumptions, and current expectations and may include comments as to the company’s beliefs and expectations as to future events and trends affecting its business and are necessarily subject to uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the company. The factors described under the headings “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other factors, could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected or predicted in forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at which such performance or results will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included are made only as of the date of the statement. 3D Systems undertakes no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements made by management or on its behalf, whether as a result of future developments, subsequent events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.

    About 3D Systems
    For nearly 40 years, Chuck Hull’s curiosity and desire to improve the way products were designed and manufactured gave birth to 3D printing, 3D Systems, and the additive manufacturing industry. Since then, that same spark continues to ignite the 3D Systems team as we work side-by-side with our customers to change the way industries innovate. As a full-service solutions partner, we deliver industry-leading 3D printing technologies, materials and software to high-value markets such as medical and dental; aerospace, space and defense; transportation and motorsports; AI infrastructure; and durable goods. Each application-specific solution is powered by the expertise and passion of our employees who endeavor to achieve our shared goal of Transforming Manufacturing for a Better Future. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.

    Investor Contact: investor.relations@3dsystems.com
    Media Contact: press@3dsystems.com


    1 Markets and Markets, 3D Bioprinting Market: Growth, Size, Share, and Trends (May 2024).

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: GraniteShares Announces Weekly Distributions For YieldBOOST ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GraniteShares, a leading innovator in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), is pleased to announce the weekly distribution amounts for YieldBOOST ETFs. Designed with the goal of providing investors with enhanced income opportunities, the YieldBOOST suite of ETFs employs an options strategy to generate current income while offering indirect exposure to major equities, indices, and Bitcoin.

    The following table outlines the weekly distribution amounts for each YieldBOOST ETF:

    Ticker Fund Name Ex-Date Payment Date Distribution Per Share Return of Capital Contribution
    TSYY GraniteShares YieldBOOST TSLA ETF 6/27/2025 7/1/2025 0.29982 100.00%
    TQQY GraniteShares YieldBOOST QQQ ETF 6/27/2025 7/1/2025 0.18079 97.65%
    YSPY GraniteShares YieldBOOST SPY ETF 6/27/2025 7/1/2025 0.19173 0.00%
    XBTY GraniteShares YieldBOOST Bitcoin ETF 6/27/2025 7/1/2025 0.50366 81.68%
    NVYY GraniteShares YieldBOOST NVDA ETF 6/27/2025 7/1/2025 0.58972 0.00%
               

    Distributions are determined based on the underlying strategy of each ETF and may vary over time. Investors are encouraged to review fund details and consult with financial professionals regarding their investment choices. Distributions are not guaranteed and may include a return of capital.

    GraniteShares remains committed to delivering innovative investment solutions that aim to empower investors to optimize income generation and portfolio diversification (diversification does not limit risk). For additional details regarding the YieldBOOST ETFs, including performance, holdings, and strategy, please visit www.graniteshares.com.

    About GraniteShares:

    GraniteShares is a global investment firm dedicated to creating and managing ETFs. Headquartered in New York City, GraniteShares offers a diverse range of investment solutions across U.S., U.K., German, French, and Italian stock exchanges. With a focus on high-conviction investing, the firm is a market leader in leveraged single-stock ETFs and other alternative investment products. As of June 25, 2025, GraniteShares manages $9.0 billion in assets.

    For more information about the GraniteShares YieldBOOST, please visit: https://graniteshares.com/institutional/us/en-us/

    Media Contact:
    GraniteShares Inc.
    Attn: Media Relations
    222 Broadway, 21st Floor
    New York, NY 10038
    844-476-8747
    info@graniteshares.com

    The ex-date (or ex-dividend date) for an ETF is the critical trading day on which investors who purchase shares will no longer be entitled to receive the forthcoming dividend distribution, marking the cutoff point that determines dividend eligibility for shareholders.

    The record date for an ETF is the specific day, typically one business day after the ex-dividend date, when the fund company takes a snapshot of its shareholder registry to determine which investors are officially entitled to receive the upcoming dividend distribution.

    The payable date for an ETF is the specific calendar day when the fund administrator actually distributes the declared dividend payments to all eligible shareholders who owned shares on the record date, completing the dividend distribution process.

    Distribution per share for an ETF is the precise monetary amount paid out to investors for each share they own, representing income from dividends, interest, capital gains or return of capital collected by the fund and subsequently distributed to shareholders according to their ownership stake.

    The distribution rate for an ETF is a critical performance metric that expresses the annualized percentage return derived from all distributions (including dividends, interest, and capital gains) paid to shareholders over a specified period relative to the fund’s current market price, providing investors with a standardized measure to evaluate income-generating potential across different investment vehicles.

    Return of Capital (ROC). The ROC percentage indicates how much the distribution reflects an investor’s initial investment. The figures shown for each Fund in the table above are estimates based on the latest 19a1 forms and may later be determined to be taxable net investment income, short-term gains, long-term gains (to the extent permitted by law), or return of capital. Actual amounts and sources for tax reporting will depend upon the Fund’s investment activities during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Your broker will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year to tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

    An options contract is a standardized financial agreement that grants the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a specified quantity of an underlying asset, such as a stock, at a predetermined price (known as the strike price) on or before a defined expiration date, enabling investors to hedge risk, generate income or express directional views on market movements.

    A put option is a standardized financial contract that grants the holder the right, but not the obligation, to sell a specified quantity of an underlying asset, such as a stock, at a predetermined price (known as the strike price) on or before a defined expiration date, typically used to hedge against potential declines in asset value or to express a bearish market outlook.

    Disclaimer:

    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than original cost. Returns less than one year are not annualized. Returns for the fund would have been lower if the management fee had not been waived. NAV prices are used to calculate market price performance prior to the date when the Fund first traded on the NASDAQ. Market performance is determined using the bid/ask midpoint at 4:00pm Eastern time, when the NAV is typically calculated. Market performance does not represent the returns you would receive if you traded shares at other times. For the fund’s most recent month end performance, please call 1(844) 476-8747, or visit graniteshares.com.

    For standardized performance of GraniteShares YieldBOOST ETFs, please visit:

    Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about the Funds, please call (844) 476 8747 or visit https://graniteshares.com/media/etodfmyu/graniteshares-etf-trust-prospectus-yb.pdf. Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

    The funds are newly launched and come with risks associated with having a limited operating history.

    An investment in the Fund involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The Fund is non-diversified and includes risks associated with the Fund concentrating its investments in a particular industry, sector, or geographic region, which can result in increased volatility. The use of derivatives such as option contracts and swaps are subject to market risks that may cause their price to fluctuate over time. Additional risks include Risk of the Underlying ETF, Derivatives Risk, Affiliate Fund Risk, Counterparty Risk, Price Participation Risk, Distribution Risk, NAV Erosion Risk, Put Writing Strategy Risk, and Option Market Liquidity Risk. These and other risks can be found in the prospectus.

    Distributions not guaranteed. Fund does not directly invest in underlying stock. underlying stock. This product involves significant risk. Please go through the disclosures before investing. For important risk disclosures and more, learn more at https://graniteshares.com/institutional/us/enus/ 

    There is no guarantee that the Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment.

    An Investment in the Funds is not an investment in their Underlying ETF.

    – The Fund’s strategy will cap its potential gain if the Underlying ETF’s share increases in value.

    – The Fund’s strategy is subject to all potential losses if the Underlying ETF’s share decline, which may not be offset by the income received by the Fund,

    – The Fund does not invest directly in the Underlying ETF,

    – Fund shareholders are not entitled to any distribution paid by Underlying ETF.

    Shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the ETF. There can be no guarantee that an active trading market for ETF shares will develop or be maintained. Buying or selling ETF shares on an exchange may require the payment of brokerage commissions and frequent trading may incur costs that detract significantly from investment returns.

    This information is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any Funds to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase, or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Please consult your tax advisor about the tax consequences of an investment in Fund shares, including the possible application of foreign, state, and local tax laws. You could lose money by investing in the ETFs. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Funds will be achieved. None of the Funds should be relied upon as a complete investment program.

    The ETF Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc. GraniteShares is not affiliated with ALPS. ALPS Distributors, Inc, provides marketing services to the Exchange-Traded Grantor Trusts. The Sponsor of the Trust is GraniteShares LLC.

    Control GRS001327

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Oxbridge / SurancePlus CEO Jay Madhu to Speak during Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC) – Cannes, at the Gamma Prime Investor Forum

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: OXBR) (“Oxbridge Re”), a leader in digitizing reinsurance securities as tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), together with its subsidiary SurancePlus, today announced its participation during the Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC), to be held in Cannes, France, June 30–July 3, 2025. The event brings together blockchain builders, institutional investors, and capital allocators from around the world to explore the next wave of decentralized finance and tokenized assets.

    As part of the conference, Chairman and CEO Jay Madhu will speak at the Gamma Prime Investor Forum, a private gathering hosted alongside EthCC that showcases institutional-grade opportunities in the RWA space.

    Jay Madhu, CEO of Oxbridge and SurancePlus, commented: “We look forward to speaking during EthCC – Cannes about RWA tokenization and public markets This is an especially exciting time for Oxbridge as we review a range of potentially transformative strategic initiatives.”

    About Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited

    Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: OXBR, OXBRW) (“Oxbridge”) is headquartered in the Cayman Islands. The company offers tokenized Real-World Assets (“RWAs”) as tokenized reinsurance securities and reinsurance business solutions to property and casualty insurers, through its wholly owned subsidiaries SurancePlus Inc., Oxbridge Re NS, and Oxbridge Reinsurance Limited.

    Insurance businesses in the Gulf Coast region of the United States purchase property and casualty reinsurance through our licensed reinsurers Oxbridge Reinsurance Limited and Oxbridge Re NS.

    Our Web3-focused subsidiary, SurancePlus Inc. (“SurancePlus”), has developed the first “on chain” reinsurance RWA of its kind to be sponsored by a subsidiary of a publicly traded company. By digitizing interests in reinsurance contracts as on-chain RWAs, SurancePlus has democratized the availability of reinsurance as an alternative investment to both U.S. and non U.S. investors.

    Company Contact:

    Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited
    Jay Madhu, CEO
    +1 345-749-7570
    jmadhu@oxbridgere.com

    About Gamma Prime

    Gamma Prime is a next-generation investment platform delivering institutional-grade access to uncorrelated alternative investments. With over $3.6B AUM of funds and $460M of investors onboarded, Gamma Prime has curated a vast menu of reg-compliant alternatives – both digital assets and RWAs – that fits investor profiles. The partnership with SurancePlus expands investor access to high-yield, low-correlation reinsurance-backed digital securities.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project” and other similar words and expressions are intended to signify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and conditions but rather are subject to various risks and uncertainties. A detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on 26th March 2025 and in our other filings with the SEC. The occurrence of any of these risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Any forward-looking statements made in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release and, except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward looking statement contained in this press release, even if the Company’s expectations or any related events, conditions or circumstances change.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SFO cracks down on corruption through international alliance

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    SFO cracks down on corruption through international alliance

    UK Serious Fraud Office joins global anti-corruption alliance to combat cross-border corruption.

    • Serious Fraud Office joins International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre to strengthen the fight against cross-border corruption

    • Move follows creation of pioneering tri-national taskforce with France and Switzerland

    • Enhanced intelligence gathering will target companies and individuals involved in overseas corruption involving politically exposed persons

    The Serious Fraud Office has today expanded its global reach by joining the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC), strengthening the UK’s ability to tackle grand corruption and illicit finance across borders.

    This strategic alliance builds on the SFO’s recent establishment of a taskforce with French and Swiss authorities to tackle international bribery and corruption.

    Based within the National Crime Agency, the IACCC brings together specialist law enforcement officers from agencies around the world to tackle allegations of grand corruption that span multiple jurisdictions.

    Organisations with a proven intention to fight domestic and international corruption can be considered for membership, with the SFO gaining enhanced access to key partners in the fight against grand corruption involving politically exposed persons. 

    The partnership will boost the SFO’s capacity to gather intelligence and evidence on companies and individuals suspected of corruption overseas while maintaining full control over its investigations.

    Nick Ephgrave QPM, Director at the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), said:

    This is another step forward for the SFO and further demonstration of our determination to use every power and partnership we can to confront the threat of bribery and corruption.

    This membership will bring us closer to global law enforcement and strengthen our intelligence gathering capabilities on those companies and individuals engaged in international bribery and corruption.

    The SFO recently issued new guidance to companies on their responsibilities to report suspected criminality.

    Rob Jones, Director General of Operations at the NCA, said:

    We welcome the SFO’s membership of the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre. Their membership will assist the collective effort of supporting overseas partners with hugely important investigations into grand corruption.

    Since its launch in 2017 the IACCC has helped identify over £1.8 billion of suspected stolen assets, supported the freezing of nearly half of those assets in various global jurisdictions, and helped with the arrest and charging of a significant number of suspects involved in high profile investigations in over 40 separate countries.

    Press Office

    Email news@sfo.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number +44 (0)7557 009842

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Don’t surrender’ to Indonesian pressure over West Papua, Bomanak warns MSG

    Asia Pacific Report

    A West Papuan independence movement leader has warned the Melanesian Spearhead Group after its 23rd leaders summit in Suva, Fiji, to not give in to a “neocolonial trade in betrayal and abandonment” over West Papua.

    While endorsing and acknowledging the “unconditional support” of Melanesian people to the West Papuan cause for decolonisation, OPM chair and commander Jeffrey P Bomanak
    spoke against “surrendering” to Indonesia which was carrying out a policy of “bank cheque diplomacy” in a bid to destroy solidarity.

    Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka took over the chairmanship of the MSG this week from his Vanuatu counterpart Jotham Napat and vowed to build on the hard work and success that had been laid before it.

    He said he would not take the responsibility of chairmanship lightly, especially as they were confronted with an increasingly fragmented global landscape that demanded more from them.

    PNG Prime Minister James Marape called on MSG member states to put West Papua and Kanaky New Caledonia back on the agenda for full MSG membership.

    Marape said that while high-level dialogue with Indonesia over West Papua and France about New Caledonia must continue, it was culturally “un-Melanesian” not to give them a seat at the table.

    West Papua currently holds observer status in the MSG, which includes Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Fiji — and Indonesia as an associate member.

    PNG ‘subtle shift’
    PNG recognises the West Papuan region as five provinces of Indonesia, making Marape’s remarks in Suva a “subtle shift that may unsettle Jakarta”, reports Gorethy Kenneth in the PNG Post-Courier.

    West Papuans have waged a long-standing Melanesian struggle for independence from Indonesia since 1969.

    The MSG resolved to send separate letters of concern to the French and Indonesian presidents.

    The OPM letter warning the MSG. Image: Screenshot APR

    In a statement, Bomanak thanked the Melanesians of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) of Kanaky New Caledonia for “unconditionally support[ing] your West Papuan brothers and sisters, subjected to dispossession, enslavement, genocide, ethnocide, infanticide, and ethnic cleansing, [as] the noblest of acts.”

    “We will never forget these Melanesian brothers and sisters who remain faithfully loyal to our cultural identity no matter how many decades is our war of liberation and no matter how many bags of gold and silver Indonesia offers for the betrayal of ancestral kinship.

    “When the late [Vanuatu Prime Minister] Father Walter Lini declared, ‘Melanesia is not free unless West Papua is free,”’ he was setting the benchmark for leadership and loyalty across the entire group of Melanesian nations.

    “Father Lini was not talking about a timeframe of five months, or five years, or five decades.

    “Father Lini was talking about an illegal invasion and military occupation of West Papua by a barbaric nation wanting West Papua’s gold and forests and willing to exterminate all of us for this wealth.

    ‘Noble declaration’
    “That this noble declaration of kinship and loyalty now has a commercial value that can be bought and sold like a commodity by those without Father Lini’s courage and leadership, and betrayed for cheap materialism, is an act of historic infamy that will be recorded by Melanesian historians and taught in all our nations’ universities long after West Papua is liberated.”

    OPM leader Jeffrey Bomanak . . . his letter warns against surrendering to Indonesian control. Image: OPM

    Bomanak was condemning the decision of the MSG to regard the “West Papua problem” as an internal issue for Indonesia.

    “The illegal occupation of West Papua and the genocide of West Papuans is not an internal issue to be solved by the barbaric occupier.

    “Indonesia’s position as an associate member of MSG is a form of colonial corruption of the Melanesian people.

    “We will continue to fight without MSG because the struggle for independence and sovereignty is our fundamental right of the Papuan people’s granted by God.

    “Every member of MSG can recommend to the United Nations that West Papua deserves the same right of liberation and nation-state sovereignty that was achieved without compromise by Timor-Leste — the other nation illegally invaded by Indonesia and also subjected to genocide.”

    Bomanak said the MSG’s remarks stood in stark contrast to Father Lini’s solidarity with West Papua and were “tantamount to sharing in the destruction of West Papua”.

    ‘Blood money’
    It was also collaborating in the “extermination of West Papuans for economic benefit, for Batik Largesse. Blood money!”

    The Papua ‘problem’ was not a human rights problem but a problem of the Papuan people’s political right for independence and sovereignty based on international law and the right to self-determination.

    It was an international problem that had not been resolved.

    “In fact, to say it is simply a ‘problem’ ignores the fate of the genocide of 500,000 victims.”

    Bomanak said MSG leaders should make clear recommendations to the Indonesian government to resolve the “Papua problem” at the international level based on UN procedures and involving the demilitarisation of West Papua with all Indonesian defence and security forces “leaving the land they invaded and unlawfully occupied.”

    Indonesia’s position as an associate member in the MSG was a systematic new colonialisation by Indonesia in the home of the Melanesian people.

    Indonesia well understood the weaknesses of each Melanesian leader and “carries out bank cheque diplomacy accordingly to destroy the solidarity so profoundly declared by the late Father Walter Lini.”

    “No surrender!”

    MSG leaders in Suva . . . Jeremy Manele (Solomon Islands, from left), James Marape (PNG), Sitiveni Rabuka (Fiji), Jotham Napat (Vanuatu), and Roch Wamytan (FLNKS spokesperson). Image: PNG Post-Courier

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How Nato summit shows Europe and US no longer have a common enemy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Corbett, Senior Lecturer in Defence Studies, King’s College London

    Mark Rutte had an unenviable task at the Hague summit this week. The Nato secretary-general had to work with diverging American and European views of current security threats. After Rutte made extraordinary efforts at highly deferential, overt flattery of Donald Trump to secure crucial outcomes for the alliance, he seems to have succeeded for now.

    But what this meeting and the run-up has made increasingly clear is that the US and Europe no longer perceive themselves as having a single common enemy. Nato was established in 1949 as a defensive alliance against the acknowledged threat from the USSR. This defined the alliance through the cold war until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Since Russia invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea in 2014, Nato has focused on Moscow as the major threat to international peace. But the increasingly bellicose China is demanding more attention from the US.

    There are some symbolic moves that signal how things are changing. Every Nato summit declaration since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has used the same form of words: “We adhere to international law and to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and are committed to upholding the rules-based international order.”

    The declaration published during the Hague summit on June 25 conspicuously does not mention either. Indeed, in a departure from recent declarations, the five paragraphs of the Hague summit declaration are brutally short and focused entirely on portraying the alliance solely in terms of military capability and economic investment to sustain that. No mention of international law and order this time.

    This appears to be a carefully orchestrated output of a deliberately shortened summit designed to contain Trump’s unpredictable interventions. This also seems symptomatic of a widening division between the American strategic trajectory and the security interests perceived by Canada and the European members of Nato.

    That this declaration was so short, and so focused on such a narrow range of issues suggests there were unusually entrenched differences that could not be surmounted.

    Since the onslaught of the full Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Nato allies have been united in their criticism of Russia and support for Ukraine; until now.

    Since January, the Trump administration has not authorised any military aid to Ukraine and significantly reduced material support to Ukraine and criticism of Russia. Trump has sought to end the war rapidly on terms effectively capitulating to Russian aggression; his proposal suggests recognising Russia’s control over Crimea and de facto control over some other occupied territories (Luhansk, parts of Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Kherson) He has also suggested Ukraine would not join Nato but might receive security guarantees and the right to join the EU.

    Meanwhile, European allies have sought to fund and support Ukraine’s defensive efforts, increasing aid and military support, and continuing to ramp up sanctions.

    Another sign of the differing priorities of Europe and Canada v the US, was the decision by Pete Hegseth, US secretary of defense, to step back from leadership of the Ukraine defence contact group, an ad-hoc coalition of states across the world providing military support to Ukraine. Hegseth also symbolically failed to attend the group’s pre-summit meeting in June.

    Trump has long been adamant that Nato members should meet their 2014 commitment to spend 2% of their GDP on defence, and Rutte recognised that. In 2018, Trump suggested that this should be increased to 4 or 5% but this was dismissed as unreasonable. Now, in a decision which indicates increasing concern about both Russia as a threat and US support, Nato members (except for Spain) have agreed to increase spending to 5% of GDP on defence over the next 10 years.

    Donald Trump gives a press conference after the Nato summit.

    Nato’s article 3 requires states to maintain and develop their capacity to resist attack. However, since 2022, it has become increasingly apparent that many Nato members are unprepared for any major military engagement. At the same time, they are increasingly feeling that Russia is more of a threat on their doorsteps. There has been recognition, particularly among the Baltic states, Germany, France and the UK that they need to increase their military spending and preparedness.

    For the US to focus more on China, US forces will shift a greater percentage of the US Navy to the Pacific. It will also assign its most capable new ships and aircraft to the region and increase general presence operations, training and developmental exercises, and engagement and cooperation with allied and other navies in the western Pacific. To do this US forces will need to reduce commitments in Europe, and European allies must replace those capabilities in order to sustain deterrence against Russia.

    The bedrock of the Nato treaty, article 5, is commonly paraphrased as “an attack on one is an attack on all”. On his way to the Hague summit, Trump seemed unsure about the US commitment to Nato. Asked to clarify this at the summit, he stated: “I stand with it [Article 5]. That’s why I’m here. If I didn’t stand with it, I wouldn’t be here.”

    Lord Ismay, the first secretary-general of Nato, famously (if apocryphally) suggested that the purpose of the alliance was to keep the Russians out, the Americans in and the Germans down. Germany is now an integral part of Nato, and the Americans are in, if distracted. But there are cracks, and Rutte will have his hands full managing Trump’s declining interest in protecting Europe if he is to keep the Russians at bay.

    Andrew Corbett 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. How Nato summit shows Europe and US no longer have a common enemy – https://theconversation.com/how-nato-summit-shows-europe-and-us-no-longer-have-a-common-enemy-259842

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How Nato summit shows Europe and US no longer have a common enemy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Corbett, Senior Lecturer in Defence Studies, King’s College London

    Mark Rutte had an unenviable task at the Hague summit this week. The Nato secretary-general had to work with diverging American and European views of current security threats. After Rutte made extraordinary efforts at highly deferential, overt flattery of Donald Trump to secure crucial outcomes for the alliance, he seems to have succeeded for now.

    But what this meeting and the run-up has made increasingly clear is that the US and Europe no longer perceive themselves as having a single common enemy. Nato was established in 1949 as a defensive alliance against the acknowledged threat from the USSR. This defined the alliance through the cold war until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Since Russia invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea in 2014, Nato has focused on Moscow as the major threat to international peace. But the increasingly bellicose China is demanding more attention from the US.

    There are some symbolic moves that signal how things are changing. Every Nato summit declaration since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has used the same form of words: “We adhere to international law and to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and are committed to upholding the rules-based international order.”

    The declaration published during the Hague summit on June 25 conspicuously does not mention either. Indeed, in a departure from recent declarations, the five paragraphs of the Hague summit declaration are brutally short and focused entirely on portraying the alliance solely in terms of military capability and economic investment to sustain that. No mention of international law and order this time.

    This appears to be a carefully orchestrated output of a deliberately shortened summit designed to contain Trump’s unpredictable interventions. This also seems symptomatic of a widening division between the American strategic trajectory and the security interests perceived by Canada and the European members of Nato.

    That this declaration was so short, and so focused on such a narrow range of issues suggests there were unusually entrenched differences that could not be surmounted.

    Since the onslaught of the full Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Nato allies have been united in their criticism of Russia and support for Ukraine; until now.

    Since January, the Trump administration has not authorised any military aid to Ukraine and significantly reduced material support to Ukraine and criticism of Russia. Trump has sought to end the war rapidly on terms effectively capitulating to Russian aggression; his proposal suggests recognising Russia’s control over Crimea and de facto control over some other occupied territories (Luhansk, parts of Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Kherson) He has also suggested Ukraine would not join Nato but might receive security guarantees and the right to join the EU.

    Meanwhile, European allies have sought to fund and support Ukraine’s defensive efforts, increasing aid and military support, and continuing to ramp up sanctions.

    Another sign of the differing priorities of Europe and Canada v the US, was the decision by Pete Hegseth, US secretary of defense, to step back from leadership of the Ukraine defence contact group, an ad-hoc coalition of states across the world providing military support to Ukraine. Hegseth also symbolically failed to attend the group’s pre-summit meeting in June.

    Trump has long been adamant that Nato members should meet their 2014 commitment to spend 2% of their GDP on defence, and Rutte recognised that. In 2018, Trump suggested that this should be increased to 4 or 5% but this was dismissed as unreasonable. Now, in a decision which indicates increasing concern about both Russia as a threat and US support, Nato members (except for Spain) have agreed to increase spending to 5% of GDP on defence over the next 10 years.

    Donald Trump gives a press conference after the Nato summit.

    Nato’s article 3 requires states to maintain and develop their capacity to resist attack. However, since 2022, it has become increasingly apparent that many Nato members are unprepared for any major military engagement. At the same time, they are increasingly feeling that Russia is more of a threat on their doorsteps. There has been recognition, particularly among the Baltic states, Germany, France and the UK that they need to increase their military spending and preparedness.

    For the US to focus more on China, US forces will shift a greater percentage of the US Navy to the Pacific. It will also assign its most capable new ships and aircraft to the region and increase general presence operations, training and developmental exercises, and engagement and cooperation with allied and other navies in the western Pacific. To do this US forces will need to reduce commitments in Europe, and European allies must replace those capabilities in order to sustain deterrence against Russia.

    The bedrock of the Nato treaty, article 5, is commonly paraphrased as “an attack on one is an attack on all”. On his way to the Hague summit, Trump seemed unsure about the US commitment to Nato. Asked to clarify this at the summit, he stated: “I stand with it [Article 5]. That’s why I’m here. If I didn’t stand with it, I wouldn’t be here.”

    Lord Ismay, the first secretary-general of Nato, famously (if apocryphally) suggested that the purpose of the alliance was to keep the Russians out, the Americans in and the Germans down. Germany is now an integral part of Nato, and the Americans are in, if distracted. But there are cracks, and Rutte will have his hands full managing Trump’s declining interest in protecting Europe if he is to keep the Russians at bay.

    Andrew Corbett 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. How Nato summit shows Europe and US no longer have a common enemy – https://theconversation.com/how-nato-summit-shows-europe-and-us-no-longer-have-a-common-enemy-259842

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Bonn ‘talking shop’ at odds with urgency needed to save forests, climate

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Bonn, Germany – A lack of urgency to address the escalating climate crisis has marred the Bonn Climate Change Conference, leaving much work to be done to deliver real progress on climate and biodiversity action at COP30 in Brazil.   

    Ambition to accelerate mitigation, including transitioning away from fossil fuels in upcoming 2035 climate action plans was lacking and talks stalled on climate finance and the Baku to Belém roadmap to mobilise up to US$1.3 trillion for developing countries became polarised. Efforts to secure an end to deforestation by 2030 also struggled to find a landing ground.

    An Lambrechts, Biodiversity Policy Expert, Greenpeace International, said: “As temperatures escalate, efforts to end deforestation and protect critical ecosystems are an essential part of the 1.5°C solution. But if an action plan to end forest destruction is to be agreed in Belém, parties must grasp the urgency and deliver a transformative COP30 forest outcome.

    “While there were some positive signs for potential progress on synergies between climate and biodiversity action in Belém, there’s been far too much procrastination in Bonn and too little decision-making. We believe in multilateralism, but that spirit needs to be reinvigorated ahead of COP30 to accelerate the protection and restoration of critical ecosystems.”

    Lorelei Limousin, Climate and Fossil Fuels Campaigner, Greenpeace France said: “The 1.5°C goal is getting harder every day and ambition to deliver the Paris Agreement must be ramped up in 2035 climate action plans. As custodian of the Paris Agreement, France must drive ambition and needs to support EU targets for both 2035 and 2040 that are aligned with 1.5°C.

    “Macron’s attempts to weaken EU ambition is sabotaging the Paris Agreement in its 10th anniversary year, putting at risk EU climate leadership. Instead of backtracking, France – and the EU – need to signal they’ll move ahead and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

    “But the EU and Global North as a whole, must also help unlock robust public climate finance to help stimulate climate action in developing countries. One clear solution is to give the bill to the fossil fuel producers and make them pay for the climate destruction their products cause.”

    Camila Jardim, International Politics Specialist, Greenpeace Brazil said: “Amid challenging times, this is a great opportunity for Brazilian climate leadership to emerge. As COP30 host, Brazil can make the goal of halting global deforestation and forest degradation a reality, delivering a fruitful COP30 legacy to forests all over the world.

    “2035 NDCs and bridging the 1.5°C ambition gap is the make-or-break for COP30. A strong COP outcome is needed to combat the expected shortfall in ambition alongside finance to enable greater action in developing countries. But in Bonn a stalemate on emission reductions and finance was exposed, as the Global Stocktake and NDCs became a new taboo in negotiation rooms and developed countries refused to step up on finance. This needs to change – it’s time to act.” 

    ENDS

    Contacts:
    Aaron Gray-Block, Climate Politics Communications Manager, Greenpeace International, [email protected]

    Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    Join the Greenpeace UNFCCC WhatsApp Update Group

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: It’s smooth-sailing thanks to Kyle’s handy Tall Ships guide Hundreds of Aberdeen sail trainees embarking on the adventure of a lifetime as part in the Tall Ships Races 2025 don’t know it but they are successfully navigating the event thanks to a helping hand from University student Kyle Buchan.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Over the course of seven weeks, Kyle put himself in the shoes of a trainee in order to understand the diverse range of information they might need.

    Hundreds of Aberdeen sail trainees embarking on the adventure of a lifetime as part in the Tall Ships Races 2025 don’t know it but they are successfully navigating the event thanks to a helping hand from University student Kyle Buchan.
    The third year Business Management and Geography student was tasked with collating the official Sail Trainee Handbook when he took on the job of Tall Ships Project Intern with Aberdeen City Council earlier this year.
    Over the course of seven weeks, Kyle put himself in the shoes of a trainee in order to understand the diverse range of information they might need.
    “It has been a great project to work on,” said the 20-year-old. “The opportunity to be a sail trainee was open to people of all backgrounds aged between 15 and 25 living in the AB postcode.
    “That meant across the 230-strong group of trainees there was a really wide range of experience, confidence and, for some, the need to also provide information and reassurance for parents too.”
    The resulting 3,500-word handbook being issued to the trainees contains a list of frequently asked questions, travel arrangements for those arriving from France or taking part in the Norwegian leg, information on the ships they will be sailing on, the itinerary for the days at sea, what to expect when they dock in each port, events in each host city – and much, much more.

    This is such a big event for the city and I wanted to play a part in it. I’m really proud to have been involved in producing the handbook and hope the trainees find it as useful as we designed it to be.” Kyle Buchan, third year Business Management and Geography student

    “We wanted to make sure we’d answered all the questions people might have so they could focus on enjoying the experience,” said Kyle.
    “That meant not just working with people across the Council, I had to liaise with teams in Kristiansand and Dunkirk to find out what would be happening when the Ships arrived in their ports, the arrangements in place for the trainees and activities they can take part in while there.
    “This is such a big event for the city and I wanted to play a part in it. I’m really proud to have been involved in producing the handbook and hope the trainees find it as useful as we designed it to be.”
    Since completing his internship Kyle also volunteered his time at several of the supporting events taking place in the run up to the Tall Ships arrival.
    “There’s a real buzz around the city and I’m looking forward to seeing the ships arrive and enjoying all the activities at the quayside knowing I’ve played a small part in making it happen.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Morven sets sail – for a second time! Postgraduate psychological studies student Morven Reddy is no stranger to the Tall Ships Races. This summer she’ll be setting sail as a sail trainee, racing from Dunkirk in France to her home city of Aberdeen.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Six years ago Morven journeyed from Aalborg, Denmark to Fredrikstad in Norway on the Lord Nelson

    Postgraduate psychological studies student Morven Reddy is no stranger to the Tall Ships Races. This summer she’ll be setting sail as a sail trainee, racing from Dunkirk in France to her home city of Aberdeen.
    But it’s not the first time at sea for Morven, who first took part in the Tall Ships Races in 2019 at just 17 years old.
    Six years ago she journeyed from Aalborg, Denmark to Fredrikstad in Norway on the Lord Nelson.
    Morven explains: “I loved doing Tall Ships in 2019. It was an experience like no other with people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds coming together to race a variety of unique vessels.
    “I originally found out about the Tall Ships Races when I was seeking sailing experience as it was a childhood dream of mine to join the Royal Navy. I knew from the moment I disembarked the Lord Nelson that it was something I would love to do again if I ever had the chance.
    “In 2021, when I was finishing my sixth year exams I was diagnosed with a blood cancer, which prevents me from joining the Royal Navy, but I promised myself that when I finished chemotherapy I would find other ways to get out onto the ocean and hopefully do the Tall Ships Race again.
    “When I first saw the Aberdeenshire Council adverts for applying to become a sail trainee this year, I applied without a second thought and I am so grateful I was one of the 200 odd that were chosen to participate.”
    This summer Morven will be onboard the 54 metre A Class Gulden Leeuw in a race expected to take six days, a prospect about which she says she is “beyond excited”.
    She continues: “I am looking forward to sailing on the Gulden Leeuw as she is one of the world’s largest three-mast-topsail schooners and was used as training ship for a Danish nautical college which means she will be a great vessel for racing on.
    “I am very excited and proud to be sailing into my hometown of Aberdeen. I am looking forward to being able to wave at my family and friends in the crowd as we sail in.

    The opportunity to participate in the Tall Ships Race 2025 is so unique that I know will help develop skills that I can use in every aspect of my life.” Postgraduate psychological studies student Morven Reddy

    “The training has gone well so far. I am lucky, having previously experienced a Tall Ships Race and have previous sailing experience, that I know what to expect which has been good to reassure some of my crewmates as many have never sailed before.
    “When we dock in Aberdeen I am looking forward to participating in the crew parade and competitions as they are always really fun and a great way to end such a special adventure. There will also be the prize giving ceremony as this event is a race to see who can go from Dunkirk to Aberdeen the fastest within each size category.”
    Having competed in the races before, Morven has a bit of a head start and knows what to expect. And while there was time to take in the unique setting on her last journey, Morven says it certainly wasn’t a pleasure cruise.
    “We do four-hour watches, so you’re on for four hours and then off for four hours which takes some getting used to. The worst one was midnight to 4am. You are assigned to a group and you have a Watch Master who oversees you.
    “Some watches you could be prepping food and setting tables for mealtimes, or you could be up on deck tidying ropes and putting stuff away. There might be things happening with the sails – it really depended what watches you’re on.
    “You might be on deck with whoever is at the helm, steering the boat and you’re basically watching all angles to make sure there aren’t any hazards around about you – such as other vessels or fishing lines. The weirdest story I heard was when someone came across a sofa floating in the middle of the ocean that they had to avoid!
    “At one point we were alongside submarines. They weren’t on the radar and we didn’t even know what country they belonged to!”
    With the countdown on, Morven is raring to go and make her second Tall Ships race another unforgettable experience.
    “The opportunity to participate in the Tall Ships Race 2025 is so unique that I know will help develop skills that I can use in every aspect of my life. Sailing in a race on any vessel, but even more so on a big ship like the Gulden Leeuw, requires discipline, teamwork, open and effective communication, constant problem-solving skills, comradery and organisation.
    “As I discovered in 2019, this is truly a life changing experience which will allow people to see their true potential whilst building some amazing friendships. I met some amazing people in 2019 from all sorts of different backgrounds and I am still in touch with some of them today. It’s so unique it’s hard to put into words, but I am incredibly excited and grateful that I get the opportunity to do it again.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: The Eclipse Foundation’s Jakarta EE Working Group Announces Jakarta EE 11 Release

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BRUSSELS, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jakarta EE, a working group hosted by the Eclipse Foundation, one of the world’s largest open source software foundations, today announced the general availability of the Jakarta EE 11 Platform, the latest version of its enterprise Java platform. This milestone release builds on previous Core Profile (December 2024) and Web Profile (March 2025) versions and represents a significant advancement in simplifying enterprise Java for cloud native development.

    Jakarta EE 11 focuses on enhancing developer productivity, streamlining testing processes, and aligning with the latest Java LTS release, Java 21. Highlights include modernised Test Compatibility Kits (TCKs), introduction of the Jakarta Data specification, along with major updates to the existing specifications, all designed to support the evolving needs of developers and organisations building mission-critical applications.

    “The renaissance of enterprise Java continues,” said Mike Milinkovich, executive director for the Eclipse Foundation. “Jakarta EE 11 introduces meaningful improvements in performance, testing, and productivity. The combination of innovation along with API stability and compatibility is what enterprise developers are looking for. There were many parties involved in this release, but I would like to recognize the efforts of Microsoft for leading the release and Red Hat for their efforts in modernizing the compatibility testing frameworks.”

    Key Highlights of Jakarta EE 11

    Jakarta Data (new specification)
    Designed to simplify data access and improve developer productivity:

    • BasicRepository: A built-in repository supertype for performing basic operations on entities.
    • CrudRepository: Facilitates basic CRUD operations, making database interactions more straightforward and less error-prone.
    • Pagination: Supports both offset and cursor-based pagination.
    • Query Language: A streamlined language designed to specify the semantics of query methods within Jakarta Data repositories.

    Streamlined Specifications
    Designed to make building applications faster and simpler for developers:

    • Managed Beans Deprecated: Removed for a simpler and more modern programming model.
    • CDI Enhancements: Greater emphasis on Contexts and Dependency Injection (CDI) for consistent application behavior.
    • Java Records Support: Broader integration to ensure data integrity and reduce boilerplate code
    • Java SE SecurityManager references removed: In alignment with JEP 411, paving the way for more modern security practices.

    Modernised TCK Framework
    Improves compatibility testing and reduces the barriers to adding new tests as the platform evolves:

    • Upgraded Tools: Moved from Apache Ant and Java Test Harness to JUnit 5 and Apache Maven for enhanced efficiency and relevance.
    • Streamlined TCK Structure: Reduced complexity, making the TCK easier to learn and use.
    • Improved Accessibility: By updating the TCK to a multi-dependency Maven project, Jakarta EE 11 improves compatibility testing and reduces the barriers to adding new tests as the platform evolves, fostering future innovation.

    Jakarta EE 11 supports Java 17 or higher and introduces concurrency enhancements for Java 21, including support for Virtual Threads for improved scalability, reduced overhead, and significant performance gains.

    Early Adoption and Certified Implementations

    Several Jakarta EE Working Group members have already certified products as compatible with Jakarta EE 11, including:

    Following the release, additional implementations and compatible products are anticipated as the community continues to adopt Jakarta EE 11.

    Looking ahead, work is already underway on Jakarta EE 12, targeted for release in 2026. The upcoming version is expected to raise the platform’s API source level to Java SE 21 and support Java SE 25 at runtime. The community is actively exploring updates across most specifications, with potential additions such as Jakarta Query and Jakarta MVC, as well as enhancements to Jakarta NoSQL. Continuing its rhythm of steady progress, Jakarta EE aims to maintain a roughly two-year release cadence to support long-term planning and innovation. To connect with the global Jakarta EE community, contribute, or learn more, visit: https://jakarta.ee/connect/

    Organisations with a strategic interest in enterprise Java are invited to join the Jakarta EE Working Group to participate in shaping the platform’s future, marketing programs, and community engagement. Learn more about membership benefits here: https://jakarta.ee/membership/.

    Perspectives from Jakarta EE Community Members

    Fujitsu

    “Jakarta EE 11’s alignment with Java SE 21 brings modern programming features, like Records and Pattern Matching, to enterprise Java development, enhancing data-oriented programming,” said Shinya Echigo, Head of Application Management Division, Fujitsu. “Key improvements include the new Jakarta Data specification and updated Jakarta Concurrency support for Virtual Threads, boosting efficiency and relevance for enterprise Java systems. Fujitsu remains committed to contributing to Jakarta EE technologies within the Eclipse Foundation and will soon support Jakarta EE 11 applications on our products, offering customers enhanced performance and modernized development.”

    IBM

    “The release of Jakarta EE 11 continues its evolution as the platform for cloud native Java innovation. The addition of Jakarta Data, as a new specification that simplifies data access, combined with the adoption of Java Virtual Thread in Jakarta Concurrency, and support for Java 17 and 21, makes this release significant,” said Ian Robinson, CTO, IBM App Runtimes. “The comprehensive rewrite of the TCK is a welcome step that will enable more rapid testing and release cycles going forward. We anticipate full compatibility with Open Liberty and WebSphere Liberty, enabling developers to get started quickly with this important release.”

    Microsoft

    “Microsoft is proud to have played a pivotal role in the successful release of Jakarta EE 11. This new iteration brings forth the eagerly awaited Jakarta Data specification, updates critical specifications such as Persistence, and prunes legacy specifications to modernize enterprise Java,” said Scott Hunter, Microsoft VP of Product, Azure Developer Experience. “Our collaboration with esteemed partners IBM, Red Hat, and Oracle has been instrumental in supporting Jakarta EE 11 runtimes on Azure, including Azure Kubernetes Service, Azure Red Hat OpenShift, and App Service. We eagerly anticipate continuing our joint efforts to foster innovation and support the enterprise Java community.”

    Oracle

    “Oracle offers its congratulations and appreciation to the entire Jakarta EE community on the release of Jakarta EE 11,” said Tom Snyder, vice president, Oracle Enterprise Cloud Native Java. “Ongoing enhancements in Jakarta EE, combined with advances in Java SE, provide a bright future for users of enterprise Java technologies. Oracle supports Jakarta EE 10 Core Profile and MicroProfile 6.1 with Helidon 4.1 today and intends to leverage Jakarta EE releases across our WebLogic, Coherence, and Helidon releases. We will continue investing in Jakarta EE for our products and our customers.”

    OmniFish

    “OmniFish proudly celebrates the release of Jakarta EE 11, a testament to the vibrant community driving enterprise Java’s evolution. This milestone, brimming with innovation, is a shared achievement of the whole Java community. GlassFish, as always, leads the way, embodying the collaborative spirit of Jakarta EE,” said Ondro Mihalyi, Director of OmniFish. “Looking ahead, OmniFish remains committed to GlassFish’s continued development as a premier Jakarta EE server, providing exceptional support for its users. We believe in Jakarta EE’s pivotal role in the enterprise Java ecosystem and are dedicated to its future. Therefore, we’re also working on extending Jakarta EE 11 compatibility to Piranha Cloud, making the powerful Jakarta EE APIs accessible to an even broader range of users.”

    Payara

    “Jakarta EE 11 marks a transformative milestone in enterprise Java development,” said Steve Millidge, CEO of Payara. “The introduction of specifications like Jakarta Data fundamentally enhances the ability of our customers to build modern, cloud-native applications while maintaining complete backward compatibility with legacy Java EE systems. Our custom Jakarta Data implementation demonstrates Payara’s technical leadership and deep commitment to the Jakarta EE ecosystem. Payara Platform Community 7 Alpha already includes comprehensive Jakarta EE 11 support, with our middleware achieving Core Profile certification and full Web Profile and Platform Profile certification planned for upcoming releases. This positions Payara customers at the forefront of enterprise Java innovation, with access to cutting-edge capabilities that directly address today’s most demanding application requirements.”

    Primeton

    “Congratulations on the launch of Jakarta EE 11, a result of collaborative efforts by all members! As a member of the Jakarta EE Specification Committee, Primeton is proud to have contributed significantly to this milestone,” said Jun Qian, Chief Technology Director of Primeton. “As a leading software platform provider in China, Primeton recognizes the significance of Jakarta EE for the industry. The inclusion of asynchronous microservices and data specification extensions in Jakarta EE 11 is pivotal for agile data application development. We are set to showcase the new features of Jakarta EE 11 to our clients and encourage their use in projects. As the founder of the Jakarta EE Community in China, Primeton is committed to fostering the adoption and application of Jakarta EE 11 specifications throughout the country.”

    About the Eclipse Foundation
    The Eclipse Foundation provides our global community of individuals and organisations with a business-friendly environment for open source software collaboration and innovation. We host the Eclipse IDE, Adoptium, Software Defined Vehicle, Jakarta EE, and over 420 open source projects, including runtimes, tools, specifications, and frameworks for cloud and embedded applications, IoT, AI, automotive, systems engineering, open processor designs, and many others. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the Eclipse Foundation is an international non-profit association supported by over 385 members. To learn more, follow us on social media @EclipseFdn, LinkedIn, or visit eclipse.org.

    Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

    Media contacts:
    Schwartz Public Relations (Germany)
    Julia Rauch/Marita Bäumer
    Sendlinger Straße 42A
    80331 Munich
    EclipseFoundation@schwartzpr.de
    +49 (89) 211 871 -70/ -62

    514 Media Ltd (France, Italy, Spain)
    Benoit Simoneau
    benoit@514-media.com
    M: +44 (0) 7891 920 370

    Nichols Communications (Global Press Contact)
    Jay Nichols
    jay@nicholscomm.com
    +1 408-772-1551

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Gender-responsive policing in focus at cadet training organized by OSCE and Albanian Security Academy

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Gender-responsive policing in focus at cadet training organized by OSCE and Albanian Security Academy

    Police cadets in Albania strengthening their skills in gender-responsive policing during an introductory training course organized by the OSCE and the Albanian Security Academy in Tirana, 24 June. (OSCE) Photo details

    More than 400 police cadets in Albania strengthened their skills in gender-responsive policing during a series of one-day introductory training courses organized by the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department, the OSCE Presence in Albania, and the Albanian Security Academy from 23 to 26 June 2025 in Tirana.
    The aim of the course was to help future police officers effectively respond to cases of gender-based violence and know how to maintain a victim-centred approach. It also underscored the key role police officers play in detecting and preventing gender-based violence, as well as how to ensure effective implementation of protective measures and risk assessments.
    Each cadet attended a one-day training session led by a group of national police officers, prosecutors, and local experts. They learned about key terms and concepts related to gender stereotypes and gender-based violence as well as the importance of a victim-centred approach.
    “Victim-centred criminal justice responses to gender-based violence are crucial for the safety of all women and girls, their families and wider society. Meaningful actions of law enforcement authorities to address gender-based violence, in full respect of the victim, is a core element of increasing trust in the criminal justice system and increasing reporting of this particularly damaging type of crime,” said Umberto Severini, Head of the OSCE’s Strategic Police Matters Unit.
    A professional psychologist also worked with the cadets to understand the neurobiology of trauma and the psychology of victims and perpetrators. Through a specially-developed role play theatre session, they deepened their insights into the consequences of gender-based violence on victims.
    Finally, the cadets heard from a victim of domestic violence who had received support from a local civil society organization working with victims of gender-based violence and had offered to share her experience at the training courses. She spoke about some of the challenges and stigma she faced when seeking help and dealing with the law enforcement system.
    “During the training, I particularly liked the methodology and the moderating approach. The trainers created an open and safe environment to express opinions, encouraging active participation and respect for different opinions. What I believe will have a direct impact on my future profession is the ability to communicate effectively, to listen with empathy and to intervene without judgment in delicate situations, especially when it comes to sensitive issues such as gender-based violence,” said one of the cadets in the training.
    The training courses were delivered as part of the OSCE’s extrabudgetary project, “Enhancing Criminal Justice Capacities for Combating Gender-based Violence in South-Eastern Europe”, funded by Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Italy and Norway. The project contributes to the implementation of the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission guidance on the compensation models for electricity demand response through aggregation – E-002465/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002465/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Bruno Tobback (S&D)

    The Commission has announced that a white paper on electricity market integration will be published in late 2025. It will address governance issues while also exploring flexibility compensation.

    With regard to electricity demand response through aggregation, European legislation[1] establishes that countries ‘may require electricity undertakings or participating final customers to pay financial compensation to other market participants or to the market participants’ balance responsible parties, if those market participants or balance responsible parties are directly affected by demand response activation’. At the same time, this financial compensation must not create a barrier to market entry for market participants who are engaged in aggregation, nor a barrier to flexibility. However, when this is read in conjunction with the proposed Article 55A of the Electricity Balancing Regulation[2], within the newly proposed draft network code on demand response, it is unclear which model should be used to ensure correct compensation. This has raised issues in countries such as France, where direct compensation models have created barriers to market access.

    Will the Commission publish guidance on compensation models so that countries can fulfil their obligations under Article 17(4) of Directive (EU) 2019/944?

    Submitted: 18.6.2025

    • [1] Article 17(4) of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj).
    • [2] Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2195 of 23 November 2017 establishing a guideline on electricity balancing (OJ L 312, 28.11.2017, p. 6, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/2195/oj).
    Last updated: 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: France: Gatewatcher secures €25 million EIB investment to accelerate growth and reinforce European cyber resilience

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The EIB is backing Gatewatcher’s ambition to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty.
    • The French firm, recently named the only “Visionary” in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant for network detection and response (NDR), will use the funding to boost innovation and continue to expand internationally.
    • This transaction is part of the EIB Group’s ever-stronger commitment to security and defence, as reaffirmed by the Board of Governors at their annual meeting on 20 June.  

    Marking its largest venture debt investment in cybersecurity to date, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a €25 million financing facility to Gatewatcher, a French company recognised as a European leader in cyber threat detection. Gatewatcher has developed an advanced network detection and response (NDR) platform that combines artificial intelligence and threat intelligence to deliver real-time visibility across all digital environments. The funds will accelerate the development of Gatewatcher’s advanced detection technologies and support its international expansion in a context of rising cyber threats and renewed focus on European autonomy.

    EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle said: “Cybersecurity is a strategic sector within the defence industry. Having the capability to prevent cyberattacks, safeguard the integrity of infrastructure and data, and identify those responsible for attacks is now imperative for Europe’s security and the competitiveness of our economies. We are therefore proud to support the development of a company like Gatewatcher, which is fully dedicated to cybersecurity and whose results are already promising. The project is also fully in line with the EIB’s new strategy to finance the European security and defence sector.”

    “This investment is a strong signal of trust from a major European institution. It represents a shared commitment to building a secure, digital future,” said CEO and founder of Gatewatcher Jacques de La Rivière. “This financing allows us to pursue our innovation efforts for our clients and partners, while accelerating the market launch of our latest AI solution. Our ambition is clear: to bring cutting-edge threat detection technologies to the broadest possible market, while contributing to the emergence of a robust European cybersecurity industry. This next phase of growth is first and foremost a collective one, driven by our teams and guided by a sense of responsibility to our ecosystem.”

    The financing comes as Gatewatcher marks its tenth anniversary and continues to scale across Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa. A pioneer in large-scale fundraising within the European cybersecurity sector, Gatewatcher is confirming its long-term vision, strategic independence and strength in a fiercely competitive global market with this new milestone. Its inclusion as the only fully European vendor, and the sole “Visionary” in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant for network detection and response further confirms its role as a key player in Europe’s cyber defence ecosystem. Today, Gatewatcher’s technologies protect hundreds of public and private organisations, including critical infrastructure operators, governments and enterprises.

    For the EIB Group, this transaction confirms its commitment to security and defence, just a few days after the Bank’s annual Board of Governors meeting on 20 June, where the 27 EU Member States approved the plan to increase the financing volume for 2025 to an unprecedented level of up to €100 billion. This revised ceiling will notably enable 3.5% of total financing to be dedicated to European security and defence. Further information on the EIB Group’s financing of security and defence projects is available here.

    Background information

    About EIB:

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives. The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security. In France, the EIB Group signed more than 100 operations in 2024 for a total amount of €12.6 billion, which made it possible to mobilise €62 billion in investments in the real economy. Nearly 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

    About Gatewatcher:

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    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO concludes historic Summit in The Hague

    Source: NATO

    On Wednesday (25 June 2025), NATO concluded a historic Summit in The Hague. Allies reached a decision to invest 5% of GDP in defence – laying the foundation for a strong, united NATO in the years to come – and reaffirming their continued support to Ukraine.

    Leaders came together for a series of events around the NATO Summit in The Hague on 24-25 June. 

    On Tuesday, the Secretary General spoke at the NATO Public Forum – a conference that lasted two days and provided in-person and online audiences with an opportunity to dive into the decisions being made at the Summit, as well as other topics on which NATO is engaged. NATO also hosted a Summit Defence Industry Forum on the 24th that brought together political and military leaders, as well as industry, to advance efforts to boost defence industrial production across the Alliance. 

    On Tuesday evening, the Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima hosted a social dinner for the leaders gathered for the Summit at the historic Huis ten Bosch. In parallel, NATO Defence Ministers held a working dinner, as did NATO Foreign Ministers who met, along with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, for a working dinner of the NATO-Ukraine Council.

    At the formal session of NATO Heads of State and Government on Wednesday, Allied leaders adopted a summit declaration that set a new benchmark for defence investment, underlined the importance of ramping up defence industrial production, and affirmed continued support for Ukraine. With The Hague Defence Investment Plan outlined in the statement, Allies commit to investing 5% of GDP in defence – including 3.5% of GDP on core defence requirements and 1.5% on defence- and security-related investments like infrastructure and industry. This marks a major uplift from the previous benchmark of 2% of GDP.

    “Together, Allies have laid the foundations for a stronger, fairer, more lethal NATO,” the Secretary General stated in a closing press conference. “These decisions will have a profound impact on our ability to do what NATO was founded to do – deter and defend.” Highlighting the challenges to Allied security, the Secretary General underscored, “whether from Russia or terrorism, cyberattacks, sabotage or strategic competition – this Alliance is and will remain ready, willing and able to defend every inch of Allied territory,” explaining that the new pledge would “ensure that our one billion people can continue to live in freedom and security.”

    There were also a number of additional meetings held at the NATO Summit including a meeting of the NATO Secretary General, the President of Ukraine, and the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission; a meeting of the NATO Secretary General, the President of Ukraine, the President of France, the German Chancellor, and the Prime Ministers of Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom; and a meeting between the NATO Secretary General and NATO’s Indo-Pacific partners. 

    The next NATO Summit is planned for 2026 in Türkiye.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How Bordeaux wine estates price their bottles

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Jean-Marc Figuet, Professeur d’économie, Université de Bordeaux

    On wine-rating platforms, amateur ratings better explain the price differences of bottles than professional scores. JuanGarciaHinojosa/Shutterstock

    Research in economics has unravelled the workings of the complex market for Bordeaux wines, in which perceived quality, historical reputation and critical reviews are intertwined. The question of how bottles are priced is all the more relevant amid a crisis for the Bordeaux industry, which is facing the threat of higher US tariffs on EU exports.

    Reputation, ranking, vintage and climate

    A document pertaining to the ranking of Bordeaux wines in the 19th century.
    Wikimediacommons

    To assess the relationship between the quality and price of Bordeaux wines, Jean-Marie Cardebat and I applied the “hedonic” method. The analysis links price to the observable characteristics of a wine: its ranking, vintage, designation of origin, alcohol content, flavour, etc.

    The results are striking: the reputation of the wine estate and its official ranking, in particular that of 1855, are more powerful factors in explaining price than taste and sensory characteristics. In other words, a ranked wine, because of the prestige of its label, sells for significantly more than an unranked wine of equivalent taste and sensory appeal.




    À lire aussi :
    Our perception of wine has more to do with its commercial history than we think


    The economist Orley Ashenfelter has shown that the weather conditions of a vintage – temperature, sunshine, rainfall – are predictors of its quality and therefore its price. A simple model, based solely on climatic data.

    Robert Parker and the golden age of experts

    For more than 30 years, the critic Robert Parker stirred up the Bordeaux wine market. His famous scores out of 100, published in The Wine Advocate, made and broke the value of wines. The economist Robert H. Ashton measured the scores’ impact: an extra point could boost a price by 10-20%.

    Parker was the originator of a tribe of “gurus”, whose scores structured the entire early season for wines. The estates adjusted prices according to their assessments, and wine buyers followed suit, convinced of the accuracy of the scores.


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    Fragmented influence

    The Bordeaux wine landscape has changed since Parker’s retirement in 2019. The critics are still around but their influence has fragmented. No one has taken over Parker’s leadership. Consensus is now less clear and rating discrepancies are more frequent.

    An even deeper turning point is evident when we compare the impact of expert and consumer ratings – notably from the Vivino platform – on the price of French red wines.

    The result is clear: in the majority of cases, the scores of amateurs surpass those of professionals when it comes to explaining price differences. The market has therefore moved from a “guru” logic to a “geek” logic, in which the collective intelligence of connected consumers now carries as much weight, if not more, than expert opinions.




    À lire aussi :
    Appearance, aroma and mouthfeel: all you need to know to give wine tasting a go


    ‘Bordeaux bashing’

    During the “primeurs” or early harvest campaign, the most prestigious Bordeaux wines are offered 18 months before bottling, often at a price that is supposed to be lower than the future market price. It’s a great opportunity for a bargain. Philippe Masset’s research shows that most wine estates overestimate the price of early harvest wines.

    For example, for the 2021 vintage, over 80% of the wines analysed were priced above their “fair value” as estimated by an econometric model. The more a wine is overpriced on its release, the worse it performs on the secondary market. This discrepancy between asking price and perceived value feeds what is known as “Bordeaux bashing”. There is disaffection with these wines that are considered too expensive, too complex, too austere and totally out of step with today’s expectations – young people’s in particular.

    A changing market

    While the price of Bordeaux wine is still based on its quality, origin, weather and ranking, it also depends on criticism not just by experts, but by consumers. This shift is redefining the balance of power in the world of wine.

    Reputation still pays, but prestige is no longer enough. Nonelite wine consumers are gradually taking over, gaining a new form of power over prices. If the Bordeaux market wants to emerge from crisis and reclaim its place, it will undoubtedly have to rethink the way its prices are set and perceived.

    Jean-Marc Figuet has received public funding for his research.

    ref. How Bordeaux wine estates price their bottles – https://theconversation.com/how-bordeaux-wine-estates-price-their-bottles-259830

    MIL OSI Analysis