Category: France

MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Far-left attacks threatening European infrastructure – E-001821/2025
Source: European Parliament

Question for written answer E-001821/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Marie Dauchy (PfE), Pierre Pimpie (PfE), Gilles Pennelle (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Fabrice Leggeri (PfE)

Far-left groups have carried out a series of attacks on transport and energy infrastructure throughout Europe. Since 2024[1], these acts have become so frequent that I will not include armed attacks by anti-fascist activists on a mayor[2] or right-wing activists[3], even though they too are alarming.

During the 2024 Olympic Games, acts of sabotage targeted TGV rail lines[4] and fibre optic networks[5] throughout France. At the same time, an arson attack was carried out on a relay antenna in Haute-Garonne, depriving 5 000 residents of internet access. During works to construct the A69 motorway[6], 200 fires were reported affecting construction facilities and equipment[7].

In February 2024, the far left claimed responsibility for sabotaging the Toulouse-Narbonne rail line[8], as well as for setting fire to an underground boring machine in Toulouse[9] in May.

In December 2024[10], a telecommunications antenna near Mâcon was set on fire, depriving 800 000 people of internet access[11]. The Antifa movement is operating with complete impunity. None of the perpetrators of the acts I have listed have been identified.

What measures does the Commission intend to put in place to help put an end to these terrorist attacks against our infrastructure committed by the far left?

Supporter[12]

Submitted: 6.5.2025
- [1] It was impossible for me to list all the attacks carried out by the far-left before and after 2024 in this question, as they occur so frequently. However, it is worth noting the destruction of a bridge near Grenoble in 2022, as well as the arson attacks on a McDonald’s and a Tesla dealership near Toulouse in 2025.
- [2] A mayor in Brittany targeted by an attempted assassination, links to Antifa suspected, Frontières, https://www.frontieresmedia.fr/societe/maire-tentative-assassinat-antifa
- [3] Paris 8: an activist from the conservative student union La Cocarde threatened by an armed man, Le Journal du Dimanche, https://www.lejdd.fr/Societe/paris-8-un-militant-de-la-cocarde-menace-par-un-homme-arme-156488
- [4] Live from the Olympic Games 2024: massive attack on the SNCF, major disruption on the Paris ring road, a day of chaos for transport ahead of the opening ceremony, Le Figaro, https://www.lefigaro.fr/conjoncture/en-direct-jo-2024-attaque-massive-a-la-sncf-peripherique-tres-perturbe-journee-noire-dans-les-transports-avant-la-ceremonie-d-ouverture-20240726
- [5] After the SNCF, fibre optic networks sabotaged during the Olympics: ‘This is terrorism’, RTL, https://www.rtl.be/sport/tous-les-sports/jo-2024/apres-la-sncf-des-sabotages-de-reseaux-de-fibres-optiques-en-plein-jo-cest-du/2024-07-29/article/695285
- [6] A69: Sabotage operations on the ground and questions in Parliament, Le Monde, https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2024/05/07/a69-actions-de-sabotage-sur-le-terrain-et-questionnements-a-l-assemblee_6232090_3244.html
- [7] Moreover, a night security guard was assaulted with an iron bar by hooded Antifa activists.
- [8] Sabotage of the Toulouse-Narbonne railway: a look back at the blockade operation, Rebellyon, https://rebellyon.info/Sabotage-du-chemin-de-fer-Toulouse-25705
- [9] Toulouse. In the middle of the night, a machine burns on the metro construction site: arson? Actu.fr, https://actu.fr/occitanie/toulouse_31555/toulouse-en-pleine-nuit-un-engin-crame-sur-le-chantier-du-metro-un-feu-criminel_61088721.html
- [10] In the same month, an anti-Zionist group claimed responsibility for setting fire to a vehicle belonging to the city of Toulouse.
- [11] Telecommunications tower set on fire: 800 000 subscribers left without television or telephone service, criminal investigation ongoing, France 3 Régions, https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/bourgogne-franche-comte/saone-et-loire/macon/un-pylone-de-telecommunication-incendie-800-000-abonnes-prives-de-television-et-de-telephone-la-piste-criminelle-envisagee-3083758.html
- [12] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Valérie Deloge (PfE)
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 16, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism – A10-0085/2025

Source: European Parliament

Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety
Rapporteur: Antonio Decaro
(Simplified procedure – Rule 52(2) of the Rules of Procedure)

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism

(COM(2025)0087 – C10‑0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2025)0087),

– having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 192(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C10-0035/2025),

– having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

– having regard to the budgetary assessment by the Committee on Budgets,

– having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 29 April 2025 [1],

– after consulting the Committee of the Regions,

– having regard to Rules 60 and 58 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the opinions of he Committee on International Trade and the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (A10-0085/2025),

1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 25 a (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(25a) The CBAM applies to importation of electricity, but it should not apply to electricity generated entirely in the exclusive economic zone of an EEA Member State and imported directly into the customs territory of the Union ;

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2023/956

Article 2 – paragraph 3 b (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ba) the following paragraph 3b is inserted:
	3b. By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, this Regulation shall not apply to electricity generated entirely in the exclusive economic zone of an EEA Member State and imported directly into the customs territory of the Union.

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2023/956

Annex IV – point 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 5


Present text	Amendment
	(1a) In point 3, in the notes explaining the formula for SEEg in the first paragraph, the note for EEImpMat is replaced by the following:
EEInpMat	EEInpMat
are the embedded emissions of the input materials (precursors) consumed in the production process. Only input materials (precursors) listed as relevant to the system boundaries of the production process as specified in the implementing act adopted pursuant to Article 7(7) are to be considered. The relevant EEInpMat are calculated as follows:	are the embedded emissions of the input materials (precursors) consumed in the production process. Only input materials (precursors) listed in Annex I and originating in third countries and territories that are not exempted pursuant to Annex III, Section 1 are to be considered. The relevant EEInpMat are calculated as follows:

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

28.4.2025BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGETS

for the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism

(COM(2025)0087 – C10‑0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD))

Rapporteur for budgetary assessment: Sandra Gómez López

The Committee on Budgets has carried out a budgetary assessment of the proposal under Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure and has reached the following conclusions:

A. whereas the proposal by the Commission to simplify the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism(CBAM) aims at achieving significant savings in terms of administrative costs for EU importers of CBAM goods;

B. whereas the proceeds of the CBAM are to become an EU own resource according to the amended Commission proposal of 23 June 2023 for a Council decision amending Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/2053 on the system of own resources of the European Union (COM(2023)0331); whereas Parliament approved this proposal in its legislative resolution of 9 November 2023 [2];

C. whereas the Council has failed to implement the steps set out in the legally binding roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA), the objectives of this roadmap being to introduce sufficient new own resources to at least cover the repayment of NextGenerationEU (NGEU) debt;

D. whereas the estimated revenue from the CBAM would diminish in proportion to the CO2 emissions captured in the scope of the simplified regulation; whereas this impact would remain modest, presumably within one per cent of the overall estimated revenue;

E. whereas the Commission proposal entails additional operational expenditure in Heading 3 to be financed by means of redeployment from a budget line in Heading 4 and administrative expenditure for human resources in Heading 7 to be financed by redeployment within Heading 7;

F. whereas the penalties for CBAM declarants in breach of the regulation are, in principle, to be aligned with excess emission penalties under the Emissions Trading System (ETS); whereas the national competent authorities remain in charge of establishing and enforcing such measures based on implementing acts;

1. Takes note of the proposal to simplify the CBAM regulation in the context of an overall initiative to improve the EU’s competitiveness;

2. Recalls that Parliament has repeatedly endorsed a new own resource based on the CBAM and is keenly aware that this own resource is one of the few candidates that also enjoy tangible support from the Member States in the Council; regrets, therefore, that the embedded emissions covered under the reduced scope of the CBAM would lead to proportionately lower own resources revenue from the CBAM; acknowledges, however, that the amounts (in the order of EUR 20 million per year) and share (1 %) concerned are modest compared to the overall figures that the CBAM is expected to produce in terms of revenue;

3. Confirms that the amending regulation remains compatible with Parliament’s consultative opinion of 9 November 2023, which approves the Commission’s proposal for an amended Council decision on the system of own resources, including a new own resource based on the CBAM;

4. Considers that there are no provisions in the amending regulation that would fall under Rule 58(4), i.e. covering exclusively budgetary aspects which the committee responsible for the subject matter would not be allowed to amend; considers, furthermore, that no legislative amendments in this regard are necessary at this stage;

5. Recalls that the amendments or compromises in the course of the negotiations must not lead to any provisions contradicting Parliament’s established position on the use of CBAM revenue as an own resource; considers it necessary, therefore, to take part in the further negotiations, including the trilogues, in order to monitor the consistency with Parliament’s position on own resources and other pertinent budget-related provisions, and to ensure that the final agreement is compatible with the current MFF;

6. Observes certain flaws and errors in the Legislative Financial and Digital Statement (LFS) that should be rectified in the course of the further process, in a revised version of the Statement; questions, in this respect, the annual amounts listed in the table under Section 3.3 and, in particular, whether there will already be any revenue collected in 2026; also considers that the budget line (which is from the expenditure title) mentioned in this section is incorrect; recalls that in order to be consistent with present practice and the proposed own resources legislation, amounts indicated in this section should be shown ‘net’ of the 25 % collection costs to be retained by Member States and converted into current prices;

7. Acknowledges that the level of revenue foregone, in the order of EUR 21 million as of 2030, is non-material compared to the cost savings for companies, especially SMEs, and acceptable in view of the overall revenue expected from the CBAM;

8. Takes note of the necessary additional operational and administrative appropriations as indicated in the LFS; reiterates its long-standing position that new tasks and responsibilities should, in principle, be financed by fresh resources; deplores the limited margins available in the MFF and acknowledges that they could justify a certain level of reallocation; warns that the additional operational amounts will use a sizeable share of the remaining margin under Heading 3; also recognises that the redeployment from the instrument for financial support for customs control equipment (CCEI) implies the creation of some additional margin in Heading 4; determines that the amounts mentioned under points 3.2.1, 3.2.3 and 3.2.6 in the LFS are compatible with the MFF ceilings in Headings 3, 4 and 7, but will require adjustments in the financial programming; questions, nonetheless, whether such redeployment operations are in line with the ring-fencing logic of the MFF headings;

9. Questions why a reduction of the scope, by an alleged 90 %, of companies to be registered as authorised CBAM declarants does not lead to a lower level of administrative needs under Heading 7;

10. Acknowledges that any substantive changes in the governance of the implementation and enforcement of the CBAM, such as those related to the penalties for non-compliance, would be beyond the scope of this simplification initiative; considers, however, in light of the planned revision of the CBAM regulation, that the proceeds of the penalties could eventually be considered as general revenue for the EU budget;

11. Notes that the simplification initiative is also presented as a key enabler for a potential future extension of the scope of the CBAM; expects that such an extension would have significant budgetary implications, including for revenue flows;

12. Recalls that the Union’s budget is under strain and stresses the need for additional sustainable and resilient revenue; points to the legally binding roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources laid down in the IIA, in which Parliament, the Council and the Commission undertook to introduce sufficient new own resources to at least cover the repayment of NGEU debt; recalls its support for the amended Commission proposal on the system of own resources; is deeply concerned by the complete absence of progress on the system of own resources in the Council; calls on the Council to adopt this proposal as a matter of urgency and urges the Commission to spare no effort in supporting the adoption process; calls, furthermore, on the Commission to continue efforts to identify additional genuine new own resources beyond those specified in the IIA.

As part of its budgetary assessment, the Committee on Budgets also submits the following amendments to the proposal:

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital [10] a (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	([10]a). This Regulation has implications for the Union budget. Accordingly, the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets adopted a budgetary assessment, which forms an integral part of Parliament’s mandate for negotiations.

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS
FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR FOR BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT HAS RECEIVED INPUT

The rapporteur for budgetary assessment declares under her exclusive responsibility that she did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT

Title	Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism
References	COM(2025)0087 – C10-0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD)
Committee(s) responsible	ENVI
Date announced in plenary	BUDG 31.3.2025
Rapporteur for budgetary assessment Date appointed	Sandra Gómez López 26.3.2025
Discussed in committee	31.3.2025
Date adopted	23.4.2025
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	23 9 1
Members present for the final vote	Georgios Aftias, Rasmus Andresen, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Olivier Chastel, Thomas Geisel, Jean-Marc Germain, Sandra Gómez López, Monika Hohlmeier, Alexander Jungbluth, Fabienne Keller, Giuseppe Lupo, Siegfried Mureşan, Matjaž Nemec, Danuše Nerudová, João Oliveira, Ruggero Razza, Karlo Ressler, Bogdan Rzońca, Julien Sanchez, Hélder Sousa Silva, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Carla Tavares, Nils Ušakovs, Lucia Yar, Auke Zijlstra
Substitutes present for the final vote	Stine Bosse, Rasmus Nordqvist, Jacek Protas
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote	Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Tobias Cremer, Marieke Ehlers, Julien Leonardelli, Philippe Olivier

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL
IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT

23	+
NI	Thomas Geisel
PPE	Georgios Aftias, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Monika Hohlmeier, Siegfried Mureşan, Danuše Nerudová, Jacek Protas, Karlo Ressler, Hélder Sousa Silva
Renew	Stine Bosse, Olivier Chastel, Fabienne Keller, Lucia Yar
S&D	Tobias Cremer, Jean-Marc Germain, Sandra Gómez López, Giuseppe Lupo, Matjaž Nemec, Carla Tavares, Nils Ušakovs
Verts/ALE	Rasmus Andresen, Rasmus Nordqvist, Nicolae Ştefănuță

9	–
ECR	Bogdan Rzońca
ESN	Alexander Jungbluth
PfE	Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Marieke Ehlers, Julien Leonardelli, Philippe Olivier, Julien Sanchez, Auke Zijlstra
The Left	João Oliveira

1	0
ECR	Ruggero Razza

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

– : against

0 : abstention

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE (24.4.2025)

for the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism

(COM(2025)0087 – C10‑0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Karin Karlsbro

The Committee on International Trade calls on the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety, as the committee responsible, to propose that Parliament adopt its position at first reading, taking over the Commission proposal.

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS
FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

The rapporteur for opinion declares under her exclusive responsibility that she did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism
References	COM(2025)0087 – C10-0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD)
Committee(s) responsible	ENVI
Opinion by Date announced in plenary	INTA 31.3.2025
Rapporteur for the opinion Date appointed	Karin Karlsbro 19.3.2025
Simplified procedure – date of decision	7.4.2025
Discussed in committee	7.4.2025
Date adopted	23.4.2025
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	36 2 0
Members present for the final vote	Manon Aubry, Christophe Bay, Udo Bullmann, Andi Cristea, Raphaël Glucksmann, Markéta Gregorová, Svenja Hahn, Taner Kabilov, Karin Karlsbro, Rihards Kols, Sebastian Kruis, Bernd Lange, Ilia Lazarov, Miriam Lexmann, Thierry Mariani, Gabriel Mato, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Daniele Polato, Kathleen Van Brempt, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, Catarina Vieira, Jörgen Warborn, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez
Substitutes present for the final vote	Petras Auštrevičius, Nicolas Bay, Saskia Bricmont, Markus Buchheit, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Fabio De Masi, Jean-Marc Germain, Hana Jalloul Muro, Sandra Kalniete, David McAllister, Jessika Van Leeuwen
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote	Alexander Bernhuber, Daniel Buda, Fabrice Leggeri

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL
BY THE COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

36	+
ECR	Nicolas Bay, Rihards Kols, Daniele Polato
NI	Fabio De Masi, Taner Kabilov
PPE	Alexander Bernhuber, Daniel Buda, Sandra Kalniete, Ilia Lazarov, Miriam Lexmann, David McAllister, Gabriel Mato, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Jörgen Warborn, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez
PfE	Christophe Bay, Sebastian Kruis, Fabrice Leggeri, Thierry Mariani
Renew	Petras Auštrevičius, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne
S&D	Udo Bullmann, Andi Cristea, Jean-Marc Germain, Raphaël Glucksmann, Hana Jalloul Muro, Bernd Lange, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Kathleen Van Brempt
Verts/ALE	Saskia Bricmont, Markéta Gregorová, Catarina Vieira

2	–
ESN	Markus Buchheit
The Left	Manon Aubry

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

– : against

0 : abstention

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, RESEARCH AND ENERGY (23.4.2025)

for the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism.

(COM(2025)0087 – C10‑0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Filip Turek

(Simplified procedure – Rule 52(2) and (3) of the Rules of Procedure)

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The European Commission’ proposals aims at simplifying the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) obligations for small importers—primarily SMEs and individuals—by introducing a new de minimis exemption for imports below 50 tonnes mass. These importers bring in minor volumes of CBAM goods, resulting in negligible levels of embedded emissions entering the EU from third countries. Despite this exemption, approximately 99% of total embedded emissions would remain covered under CBAM, while around 90% of importers would be relieved from its obligations. For those importers who continue to fall within the CBAM scope, the proposal also includes a series of simplifications aimed at easing compliance. These measures involve streamlining the authorisation process for declarants, simplifying emission calculation procedures and improving the management of CBAM-related financial liabilities.

The initiative takes a more pragmatic approach for improving the overall functioning of CBAM, particularly by easing the obligations placed on smaller economic actors. Thus, the proposed exemption marks a necessary and welcome simplification. This, along with the accompanying set of procedural facilitations, represents a step forward in ensuring that the CBAM can be administratively manageable.

Within the Omnibus framework, it is appropriate to concentrate on the elements explicitly opened by the Commission, while awaiting the upcoming comprehensive review, which will provide a more suitable occasion to consider structural and far-reaching revisions, including concerns on the effectiveness of CBAM.

In its current design, CBAM disproportionately affects certain energy-intensive sectors and risks being an ineffective tool to ensure a level playing field for EU industries and to prevent carbon leakage. In fact, it could undermine the EU competitiveness by increasing the production costs and the administrative burdens for EU companies.

The structural revision is therefore urgent to address the risks of resource reshuffling and circumvention. Equally pressing is the postponement (or the deletion) of the phase out from the ETS free allowances, as well as the need to implement effective solutions for EU exporters. Moreover, the possible extension of CBAM to downstream products should be preceded by a thorough and comprehensive impact assessment.

While the ITRE Committee will refrain from tabling amendments to the proposal, the threshold could have merited more in-depth consideration. The de minimis exemption may in fact be too low to reflect meaningfully the reality of many SMEs and micro-enterprises. Data indicates that several businesses, including those officially categorized as “micro,” regularly exceed the threshold of 50 tonnes. Hence, a balanced solution could be raising it to at least 110 tons. This adjustment would strike a more realistic and equitable balance, enhancing the administrative feasibility of the CBAM, while continuing to capture the vast majority of emissions within the scope of the Mechanism (according to Commission estimates, still over 98%). The exemption of more importers from CBAM obligations would also generate additional cost savings, without significantly undermining the ratio of the proposal.

In conclusion, waiting for the upcoming comprehensive review, which will provide a timely opportunity to address the outstanding issues, the Rapporteur notes the willingness of the ITRE Committee to not table amendments and supports the Commission’s initiative.

*******

The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy calls on the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety, as the committee responsible, to propose that Parliament adopt its position at first reading, taking over the Commission proposal.

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS
FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR FOR THE OPINION HAS RECEIVED INPUT

Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur declares that he received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the report, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

Entity and/or person

Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic

ČEZ Group

Emerson International

Italian Confederation of Craft Trades and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises

European Express Association

Round Table on Climate Change and Sustainable Transition

Office of the Government of the Czech Republic

The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur.

Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur declares that he has submitted to the concerned natural persons the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism
References	COM(2025)0087 – C10-0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD)
Committee(s) responsible	ENVI
Opinion by Date announced in plenary	ITRE 31.3.2025
Rapporteur for the opinion Date appointed	Filip Turek 25.3.2025
Simplified procedure – date of decision	18.3.2025
Date adopted	24.4.2025
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	73 5 6
Members present for the final vote	Wouter Beke, Tom Berendsen, Michael Bloss, Barbara Bonte, Paolo Borchia, Markus Buchheit, Borys Budka, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Raúl de la Hoz Quintano, Elena Donazzan, Matthias Ecke, Sofie Eriksson, Jan Farský, Niels Fuglsang, Bruno Gonçalves, Nicolás González Casares, Giorgio Gori, Niels Flemming Hansen, Eero Heinäluoma, Ivars Ijabs, Fernand Kartheiser, Seán Kelly, Rudi Kennes, Ondřej Krutílek, Eszter Lakos, Isabella Lövin, Yannis Maniatis, Sara Matthieu, Marina Mesure, Angelika Niebler, Ville Niinistö, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Tsvetelina Penkova, Pascale Piera, Jüri Ratas, Aura Salla, Elena Sancho Murillo, Jussi Saramo, Paulius Saudargas, Diego Solier, Marcin Sypniewski, Beata Szydło, Dario Tamburrano, Bruno Tobback, Matej Tonin, Yvan Verougstraete, Mariateresa Vivaldini, Andrea Wechsler, Elena Yoncheva, Auke Zijlstra, Nicola Zingaretti
Substitutes present for the final vote	Christophe Bay, Adam Bielan, Marc Botenga, Andi Cristea, Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Chiara Gemma, Andreas Glück, Michalis Hadjipantela, Martin Hojsík, Radan Kanev, Katri Kulmuni, Sergey Lagodinsky, András László, Marion Maréchal, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Francesco Torselli, Marie Toussaint
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote	Magdalena Adamowicz, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Krzysztof Brejza, Jaroslav Bžoch, José Cepeda, Vivien Costanzo, Ton Diepeveen, Siegbert Frank Droese, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Svenja Hahn, Andrzej Halicki, Ilia Lazarov, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Axel Voss

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL
BY THE COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

73	+
ECR	Adam Bielan, Elena Donazzan, Chiara Gemma, Fernand Kartheiser, Ondřej Krutílek, Marion Maréchal, Diego Solier, Beata Szydło, Francesco Torselli, Mariateresa Vivaldini
NI	Elena Yoncheva
PPE	Magdalena Adamowicz, Wouter Beke, Tom Berendsen, Krzysztof Brejza, Raúl de la Hoz Quintano, Jan Farský, Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Michalis Hadjipantela, Andrzej Halicki, Niels Flemming Hansen, Radan Kanev, Seán Kelly, Eszter Lakos, Ilia Lazarov, Angelika Niebler, Jüri Ratas, Aura Salla, Paulius Saudargas, Matej Tonin, Axel Voss, Andrea Wechsler
PfE	Christophe Bay, Paolo Borchia, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Jaroslav Bžoch, Anne-Sophie Frigout, András László, Pascale Piera, Pierre-Romain Thionnet
Renew	João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Andreas Glück, Svenja Hahn, Martin Hojsík, Ivars Ijabs, Katri Kulmuni, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Yvan Verougstraete
S&D	José Cepeda, Vivien Costanzo, Andi Cristea, Matthias Ecke, Sofie Eriksson, Niels Fuglsang, Bruno Gonçalves, Nicolás González Casares, Giorgio Gori, Eero Heinäluoma, Yannis Maniatis, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Tsvetelina Penkova, Elena Sancho Murillo, Bruno Tobback, Nicola Zingaretti
Verts/ALE	Michael Bloss, Sergey Lagodinsky, Isabella Lövin, Sara Matthieu, Ville Niinistö, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Marie Toussaint

5	–
The Left	Marc Botenga, Rudi Kennes, Marina Mesure, Jussi Saramo, Dario Tamburrano

6	0
ESN	Markus Buchheit, Siegbert Frank Droese, Marcin Sypniewski
PfE	Barbara Bonte, Ton Diepeveen, Auke Zijlstra

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

– : against

0 : abstention

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Title	Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism
References	COM(2025)0087 – C10-0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD)
Date submitted to Parliament	27.2.2025
Committee(s) responsible	ENVI
Committees asked for opinions Date announced in plenary	BUDG 23.4.2025	INTA 31.3.2025	ITRE 31.3.2025
Rapporteurs Date appointed	Antonio Decaro 10.3.2025
Simplified procedure – date of decision	10.3.2025
Discussed in committee	18.3.2025
Budgetary assessment Date of budgetary assessment	BUDG 23.4.2025
Date adopted	13.5.2025
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	85 1 1
Members present for the final vote	Bartosz Arłukowicz, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Anja Arndt, Thomas Bajada, Barbara Bonte, Stine Bosse, Lynn Boylan, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Pascal Canfin, Laurent Castillo, Christophe Clergeau, Annalisa Corrado, Ivan David, Antonio Decaro, Ondřej Dostál, Viktória Ferenc, Pietro Fiocchi, Emma Fourreau, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Heléne Fritzon, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Esther Herranz García, Martin Hojsík, Pär Holmgren, Romana Jerković, Marc Jongen, Ondřej Knotek, Stefan Köhler, Ewa Kopacz, András Tivadar Kulja, Peter Liese, Javi López, César Luena, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Ignazio Roberto Marino, Tilly Metz, Dolors Montserrat, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Jana Nagyová, Rasmus Nordqvist, Jacek Ozdoba, Jutta Paulus, Michele Picaro, Jessica Polfjärd, Carola Rackete, Massimiliano Salini, Lena Schilling, Christine Schneider, Günther Sidl, Jonas Sjöstedt, Sander Smit, Claudiu-Richard Târziu, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Beatrice Timgren, Dimitris Tsiodras, Alexandr Vondra, Emma Wiesner, Michal Wiezik, Tiemo Wölken, Anna Zalewska
Substitutes present for the final vote	Biljana Borzan, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Stefano Cavedagna, Susanna Ceccardi, Sebastian Everding, Michalis Hadjipantela, Paolo Inselvini, Adam Jarubas, Nora Junco García, Karin Karlsbro, Billy Kelleher, Norbert Lins, Letizia Moratti, Maria Ohisalo, Virgil-Daniel Popescu, Manuela Ripa, André Rodrigues, Elena Sancho Murillo, Christine Singer, Liesbet Sommen, Sebastiaan Stöteler, Anna Stürgkh, Bruno Tobback, Raffaele Topo
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote	Javier Moreno Sánchez, Séverine Werbrouck
Date tabled	14.5.2025

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

85	+
ECR	Stefano Cavedagna, Pietro Fiocchi, Paolo Inselvini, Nora Junco García, Jacek Ozdoba, Michele Picaro, Claudiu-Richard Târziu, Beatrice Timgren, Alexandr Vondra, Anna Zalewska
ESN	Anja Arndt, Ivan David, Marc Jongen
NI	Ondřej Dostál
PPE	Bartosz Arłukowicz, Laurent Castillo, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Michalis Hadjipantela, Esther Herranz García, Adam Jarubas, Stefan Köhler, Ewa Kopacz, András Tivadar Kulja, Peter Liese, Norbert Lins, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Dolors Montserrat, Letizia Moratti, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Jessica Polfjärd, Virgil-Daniel Popescu, Manuela Ripa, Massimiliano Salini, Christine Schneider, Sander Smit, Liesbet Sommen, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Dimitris Tsiodras
PfE	Barbara Bonte, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Viktória Ferenc, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Ondřej Knotek, Jana Nagyová, Sebastiaan Stöteler, Séverine Werbrouck
Renew	Stine Bosse, Pascal Canfin, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Martin Hojsík, Karin Karlsbro, Billy Kelleher, Christine Singer, Anna Stürgkh, Emma Wiesner, Michal Wiezik
S&D	Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Thomas Bajada, Biljana Borzan, Christophe Clergeau, Annalisa Corrado, Antonio Decaro, Heléne Fritzon, Romana Jerković, Javi López, César Luena, Javier Moreno Sánchez, André Rodrigues, Elena Sancho Murillo, Günther Sidl, Bruno Tobback, Raffaele Topo, Tiemo Wölken
The Left	Lynn Boylan, Sebastian Everding, Carola Rackete, Jonas Sjöstedt
Verts/ALE	Pär Holmgren, Ignazio Roberto Marino, Tilly Metz, Rasmus Nordqvist, Maria Ohisalo, Jutta Paulus, Lena Schilling

1	–
The Left	Emma Fourreau

1	0
PfE	Susanna Ceccardi

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

– : against

0 : abstention

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 16, 2025

MIL-OSI Global: Disarming Hezbollah is key to Lebanon’s recovery − but task is complicated by regional shifts, ceasefire violations

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Mireille Rebeiz, Chair of Middle East Studies and Associate Professor of Francophone and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Dickinson College

Slain Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah looms large in Lebanon. Anwar Amro/AFP via Getty Images

Within a span of two weeks from late April to early May 2025, Israel launched two aerial attacks ostensibly targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon: The first, on April 27, struck a building in Beirut’s southern suburbs; the second, an assault in southern Lebanon, left one person dead and eight others injured.

While the attacks may not be an aberration in the long history of Israel’s military action in Lebanon, the latest episodes were notable given the context: Israel and Hezbollah have been nominally locked in a truce for five months.

As an expert on Lebanese history and culture, I believe the latest violations clearly show the fragility of that ceasefire. But more importantly, they complicate the Lebanese government’s mission of disarming Hezbollah, the paramilitary group that remains a powerful force in the country despite a series of Israeli targeted killings of its senior members. That task forms the backbone of a nearly 20-year-old United Nations resolution meant to bring lasting peace to Lebanon.

The long road to a ceasefire

In the aftermath of Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Hezbollah vowed solidarity with the Palestinian movement, resulting in a running series of tit-for-tat attacks with Israel that escalated into a full-blown war in the fall of 2024.

On Oct. 1, 2024, Israel invaded Lebanon – the sixth time since 1978 – in order to directly confront Hezbollah. That operation led to the killing of an estimated 3,800 Lebanese people and the displacement of over 1 million civilians. The damage to Lebanon’s economy is estimated at US$14 billion, according to the World Bank.

Hezbollah lost a lot of its fighters, arsenal and popular support as a result. More importantly, these losses discredited Hezbollah’s claim that it alone can guarantee Lebanon’s territorial integrity against Israel’s invasion.

The United States and France brokered a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel on Nov. 27, 2024. The agreement was based in part on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which was adopted in 2006 to end that year’s 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah. The resolution had as a central tenet the disarmament of armed militias, including Hezbollah, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.

The 2024 ceasefire built on that resolution. It required Hezbollah’s retreat beyond the Litani River, which at its closest point is about 20 miles from northern Israel. In return, and by February 2025, Israel was to gradually withdraw from Lebanese territories in order to allow the Lebanese army to take control of areas in the south and to confiscate all unauthorized weapons – a nod to Hezbollah’s arsenal.

Yet, Israel maintained the occupation of several posts in southern Lebanon after that deadline and continued to launch attacks on Lebanese soil, the most recent being on May 8, 2025.

The challenge of disarming Hezbollah

Despite these violations, large-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah has not resumed. But the next step, a lasting peace based on the laying down of Hezbollah arms, is complicated by a series of factors, not least the sectarian nature of Lebanese politics.

Since its inception in 1920, Lebanon’s governance has been defined by a polarized and formally sectarian political system, which seeded the roots of a decades-long civil conflict that began in 1975. A series of invasions by Israel in response to attacks from Lebanese-based Palestinian groups exacerbated sectarianism and instability.

From this mix, Hezbollah emerged and became a powerful force during the late 1980s.

The Taif Agreement, ending Lebanon’s civil war in 1989, formally recognized the state’s right to resist the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territories – and with it Hezbollah’s presence as a force of resistance. An uneasy coexistence between the government and Hezbollah emerged, which often spilled over into violence, including assassinations of important public figures.

More recently, Hezbollah was responsible for a two-year political vacuum as it mobilized members to repeatedly block opposition candidates for the vacant presidency in the hopes of installing a leader that would support its agenda.

A view from the southern Lebanese district of Marjeyoun shows smoke billowing from the site of Israeli airstrikes on May 8, 2025.
Rabih Daher/AFP via Getty Images

In January 2025 that standoff ended when Lebanon’s parliament elected army chief Joseph Aoun, a Maronite Christian, as president.

The acquiescence of Hezbollah and its allies was in part a sign of how much the power of the Shiite militia had been diminished by Israel during the conflict.

But it is also the result of a widespread general understanding in Lebanon of the need to end the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel’s war. The new president has brought much-needed hope to a battered country – one that has been plagued by numerous crises, including a collapsed economy that by 2019 had pushed 80% of the population into poverty.

But Aoun’s presidency signals the changing political environment in another key way; unlike his predecessors, Aoun has not endorsed Hezbollah as a legitimate resistance movement.

Further, Aoun has announced his intentions to disarm the group
and to fully implement resolution 1701.

To this end, Aoun has made impressive gains. According to state officials, the Lebanese army had by the end of April 2025 dismantled over 90% of Hezbollah’s infrastructure south of the Litani River and taken control over these sites.

Yet Hezbollah’s chief, Naim Kassem, doggedly rejects calls to disarm and integrate the group’s fighters into the Lebanese armed forces.

Even in Hezbollah’s weakened position, Kassem believes only his movement, and not the Lebanese state, can guarantee Lebanon’s safety against Israel. And Israel violations of the ceasefire only play into this narrative.

“We will not allow anyone to remove Hezbollah’s weapons,” Kassem said after one recent airstrike, vowing that the group would hand over weapons only when Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon and ended it’s air incursions.

Can Lebanon’s new president, Joseph Aoun, untangle the Gordian knot of Lebanese politics?
Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images

The challenge going forward

Yet countries including the United States and Qatar – not to mention Israel – consider Hezbollah’s disarmament a prerequisite to both peace and much-needed international assistance.

And this makes the task ahead for Aoun difficult. He will be well aware that international aid is desperately needed. But pressing too hard to accommodate either Israel’s or Hezbollah’s interests risks, respectively, exacerbating either domestic political pressures or jeopardizing future foreign investment.

To complicate matters further, the situation in Lebanon is hardly helped by developments in neighboring Syria.

The fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad in December 2024 has added another element of regional uncertainty and the fear in Lebanon of further sectarian violence. Although Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has vowed to protect all religious groups, he was not able to prevent the massacre of Alawite civilians in several coastal towns – an attack that triggered a fresh wave of refugees heading toward Lebanon.

The removal of Assad was another blow for Hezbollah, a strong Assad ally that benefited from years of Syrian interference in Lebanon.

The challenge of international relations

For now, a return to full-scale war in Lebanon does not appear to be on the table.

But what comes next for Lebanon and Hezbollah depends on many factors, not least the state of Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza and any spillover into Lebanon. But the actions of other regional actors, notably Saudi Arabia and Iran, matter too. Should Saudi Arabia be encouraged down the path of normalizing relations with Israel – a process interrupted by the Oct. 7 attack – then it would impact Lebanon in many ways.

Any deal would, from the Saudi perspective, likely have to include a solution to the question of Palestinian statehood, taking away one of Hezbollah’s main grievances. It would also likely put pressure on Lebanon and Israel to find a solution to its long-standing border dispute.

Meanwhile, Iran, too, is seemingly turning to diplomatic means to address some of its regional issues, with nascent moves to both improve ties with Saudi Arabia and forge forward with a new nuclear deal with the U.S. This could see Tehran turn away from a policy of trying to impose its influence throughout the region by arming groups aligned with Tehran – first among them, Hezbollah.

Mireille Rebeiz is affiliated with the American Red Cross.

– ref. Disarming Hezbollah is key to Lebanon’s recovery − but task is complicated by regional shifts, ceasefire violations – https://theconversation.com/disarming-hezbollah-is-key-to-lebanons-recovery-but-task-is-complicated-by-regional-shifts-ceasefire-violations-255671

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The roots of dementia can start in childhood – prevention should be a lifelong goal

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Scott Chiesa, Senior Research Fellow and Alzheimer’s Research UK David Carr Fellow, UCL

Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock

More than 60 million people are estimated to be living with dementia, resulting in over 1.5 million deaths a year and an annual cost to the global healthcare economy of around US $1.3 trillion (almost £1 trillion).

Despite decades of scientific research and billions of pounds of investment, dementia still has no cure. But what of the old saying that prevention is better than cure? Is preventing dementia possible? And if so, at what age should we be taking steps to do so?

Despite what many believe, dementia is not simply an unavoidable consequence of ageing or genetics. It is estimated that up to 45% of dementia cases could potentially be prevented by reducing exposure to 14 modifiable risk factors common throughout the world.

Many of these risk factors – which include things like obesity, lack of exercise, and smoking – are traditionally studied from middle age (around 40 to 60 years old) onwards. As a result, several of the world’s leading health bodies and dementia charities now recommend that strategies aimed at reducing dementia risk should ideally be targeted at this age to reap the greatest benefits.

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We argue, however, that targeting even younger ages is likely to provide greater benefits still. But how young are we talking? And why would exposure to risk factors many decades before the symptoms of dementia traditionally appear be important?

To explain, let’s work backwards from middle age, starting with the three decades covering adolescence and young adulthood (from ten to 40 years old).

Many lifestyle-related dementia risk factors emerge during the teenage years, then persist into adulthood. For example, 80% of adolescents living with obesity will remain this way when they are adults. The same applies to high blood pressure and lack of exercise. Similarly, virtually all adults who smoke or drink will have started these unhealthy habits in or around adolescence.

This poses two potential issues when considering middle age as the best starting point for dementia-prevention strategies. First, altering health behaviour that has already been established is notoriously difficult. And second, most high-risk individuals targeted in middle age will almost certainly have been exposed to the damaging effects of these risk factors for many decades already.

As such, the most effective actions are likely to be those aimed at preventing unhealthy behaviour in the first place, rather than attempting to change long-established habits decades down the line.

The roots of dementia

But what about even earlier in people’s lives? Could the roots of dementia stretch as far back as childhood or infancy? Increasing evidence suggests yes, and that risk factor exposures in the first decade of life (or even while in the womb) may have lifelong implications for dementia risk.

To understand why this may be, it’s important to remember that our brain goes through three major periods during our lives – development in early life, a period of relative stability in adult life, and decline (in some functions) in old age.

Most dementia research understandably focuses on changes associated with that decline in later life. But there is increasing evidence that many of the differences in brain structure and function associated with dementia in older adults may have at least partly existed since childhood.

For example, in long-term studies where people have had their cognitive ability tracked across their whole lives, one of the most important factors explaining someone’s cognitive ability at age 70 is their cognitive ability when they were 11. That is, older adults with poorer cognitive skills have often had these lower skills since childhood, rather than the differences being solely due to a faster decline in older age.

Similar patterns are also seen when looking for evidence of dementia-related damage on brain scans, with some changes appearing to be more closely related to risk factor exposures in early life than current unhealthy lifestyles.

Taken together, perhaps the time has come for dementia prevention to be thought of as a lifelong goal, rather than simply a focus for old age.

A lifelong prevention plan

But how do we achieve this in practical terms? Complex problems require complex solutions, and there is no quick fix to address this challenge. Many factors contribute to increasing or decreasing an individual’s dementia risk – there is no “one size fits all” approach.

But one thing generally agreed upon is that mass medication of young people is not the answer. Instead, we – along with 33 other leading international researchers in the field of dementia – recently published a set of recommendations for actions that can be taken at the individual, community and national levels to improve brain health from an early age.

Our consensus statement and recommendations deliver two clear messages. First, meaningful reductions in dementia risk for as many people as possible will only be achievable through a coordinated approach that brings together healthier environments, better education and smarter public policy.

Second – and perhaps most importantly – while it’s never too late to take steps to reduce your risk of dementia, it’s also never too early to start.

Scott Chiesa receives funding from an Alzheimer’s Research UK David Carr Fellowship.

Francesca Farina receives funding from the Alzheimer’s Association and the University of Chicago.

Laura Booi 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. The roots of dementia can start in childhood – prevention should be a lifelong goal – https://theconversation.com/the-roots-of-dementia-can-start-in-childhood-prevention-should-be-a-lifelong-goal-255845

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Putin dodges peace talks in Istanbul as Russia pushes for territorial concessions from Ukraine

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sam Phelps, Commissioning Editor, International Affairs

This article was first published in The Conversation UK’s World Affairs Briefing email newsletter. Sign up to receive weekly analysis of the latest developments in international relations, direct to your inbox.

Demands by British, French, German and Polish leaders in Kyiv last weekend that Russia agree to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine or face possible “massive” sanctions went down in Moscow about as well as you’d expect. In an address from the Kremlin, Russian president Vladimir Putin lambasted European powers for talking to Russia “in a boorish manner and with the help of ultimatums”.

He did, however, offer a counter-proposal: an invitation for Ukraine to take part in direct talks in the Turkish city of Istanbul. Putin called the talks “the first step towards a long-term, lasting peace”. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, accepted the invitation and announced he would attend the talks in person. He challenged Putin to do the same.

But on the eve of the talks it was announced that, no, Putin wouldn’t attend and a junior delegation would be sent in his place. Zelensky, who is in Turkey anyway for talks with the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has called the Russian envoy “phony” and accused Moscow of sending “stand-in props”.

Putin’s no-show, alongside Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire as a precursor to negotiations, probably says all you need to know about whether Moscow truly intends to bring the war to an end. But, regardless, the talks are the first to take place directly between the two warring parties since the early weeks of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

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The Russian delegation in Istanbul is being led by Vladimir Medinsky, a Putin aide who led the previous round of direct peace talks with Ukraine. This is evidence, as Stefan Wolff and Tetyana Malyarenko also point out, that Russia wants the talks to be based on the same framework as in 2022 – namely, forcing Ukraine to accept significant restrictions on its military and sovereignty.

Wolff and Malyarenko, who are two regular contributors to our coverage of the war in Ukraine, explain that Russia’s territorial demands have become more contentious since the start of the war. Russia’s current position is that it sees international recognition of Crimea, Sevastopol, the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, and the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions as part of Russia as “imperative”.

This is a non-starter for Ukraine. But Wolff and Malyarenko suggest there could be some flexibility on accepting that some parts of Ukrainian territory are under temporary Russian control in exchange for peace.

The problem, they write, is that much of the territory Russia currently occupies, including Crimea and land on the shores of the Azov Sea, is of key strategic value for Russia. Donetsk and Luhansk, meanwhile, have substantial economic value because of the resources located there.

In any case, there is no guarantee that territorial concessions from Kyiv now would put a permanent end to the war, write Wolff and Malyarenko. This is because it “does not address the fundamental issue of how to deal with a vengeful and revisionist autocracy on Europe’s doorstep”.

Read more:
Territorial concessions will be central to any Ukraine peace deal, and to Russia’s long-term plan

Lasting peace between India and Pakistan, two countries that regularly clash over control of the disputed Kashmir region, is proving equally tricky to find. Several rounds of military strikes, prompted by a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April that killed at least 31 people, have recently brought the nuclear powers closer to war than they have been in decades.

The Trump administration initially expressed reluctance to get involved, saying it was “none of our business”. But as hostilities rapidly escalated, raising the prospect of nuclear war, US officials stepped in and talked down the two countries. A ceasefire was agreed that, for almost a week now, seems to have held.

Alex Waterman and Sudhir Selvaraj, experts on peace studies at the University of Bradford, say the ceasefire represents an “incredibly precarious peace”.

That ceasefires have been agreed – and respected – by the two parties before is cause for optimism, they write. But cross-border tensions have increased in recent years. Waterman and Selvaraj argue this has been part of a strategy used by Pakistan’s powerful army to deflect attention away from political and economic crises at home.

Tensions remain high and may, at some point, spill over again. Some of the decisions taken by India after the recent terror attack, for instance, such as the suspension of a treaty governing water sharing of rivers in the Indus basin, could compel further support for militant groups in Kashmir. Despite a US offer to mediate talks between the two countries, deeper resolution looks a way off.

Read more:
India and Pakistan have agreed a precarious peace – but will it last?

Donald Trump, meanwhile, is wrapping up his four-day tour of the Middle East. His visit has seen him sit down with the Saudi crown prince and the Qatari emir (as well as Syria’s leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa) to discuss bolstering economic and security ties.

In that sense, the trip has been a resounding success. Trump signed a US$142 billion (£107 billion) arms deal with Saudi Arabia and agreements with Qatar that, according to the White House, will “generate an economic exchange worth at least US$1.2 trillion”.

Adam Hanieh, a professor of political economy at the University of Exeter, explains that arrangements like these are part of a long history in which the Gulf monarchies have supported the architecture of US global power.

In this piece, Hanieh explores how the vast amounts of income generated by the Gulf’s nationalised petroleum industries in the 20th century was invested into US financial markets. Gulf states, he writes, were essential contributors to the growth of the US as a global financial power.

The US promised military protection in return, resulting in a web of American military bases across the region. As Trump’s lavish welcome in the Middle East shows, the relationship between the US and Gulf monarchies looks robust.

But much has changed in the past two decades, says Hanieh, referring to China’s rise as a global manufacturing hub. The Gulf is a critical energy lifeline for Beijing, while China’s demand for oil, gas and petrochemicals will be a vital part of the Gulf’s economic future.

Read more:
Not every US president gets a free private jet, but the Gulf states have boosted US economic dominance for decades

Trump is no stranger to competition with China, as his first five months in office have shown. Tit-for-tat tariffs that the US and China imposed on each other quickly snowballed into heavy duties, as high as 145% on Chinese goods looking to enter the US.

However, after weeks of signalling that tariff levels could reduce, US and Chinese officials announced this week that US tariffs on Chinese goods would drop to 30% for a period of 90 days, while Chinese tariffs on US products would drop back to 10%. Trade negotiations between the two countries will continue.

We asked Chee Meng Tan, an assistant professor of business economics at the University of Nottingham, what the deal means for China. He says the tariff reduction has provided China with much-needed relief as it attempts to repair its ailing economy.

But China will ultimately hope to bring US tariffs down to around 10%, in line with the rest of the world. And, as Tan explains, there is more China can do to persuade the Trump administration to cut tariffs further. Ensuring the flow of critical minerals to the US and assuring its support for US agriculture, an important political support base for Trump, will be key.

China needs to engage with the US and lower US tariffs as much as possible. But it will want to look at other options, writes Tan, rather than relying on an unpredictable Trump. The next 90 days are a big deal for Beijing.

Read more:
China-US trade war: the next 90 days are a big deal for Beijing as it seeks long-term solutions

Jonathan Este is on holiday.

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– ref. Putin dodges peace talks in Istanbul as Russia pushes for territorial concessions from Ukraine – https://theconversation.com/putin-dodges-peace-talks-in-istanbul-as-russia-pushes-for-territorial-concessions-from-ukraine-256504

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China’s defense chief outlines six proposals to support UN peacekeeping reform 2025-05-16 01:05:21 Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Wednesday laid out six proposals to support the reform and transformation of United Nations peacekeeping operations, reaffirming China’s long-standing commitment to multilateral security cooperation.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
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MIL OSI China News –
May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: After an autocratic leader was toppled in Bangladesh, democratic renewal remains a work in progress
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Intifar Chowdhury, Lecturer in Government, Flinders University

Last July, a powerful student-led uprising in Bangladesh toppled the authoritarian, corrupt government led for 15 years by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh now shows modest signs of democratic recovery. Months into its tenure, a transitional government has reopened political and civic space, especially at universities, and begun reforming key state bodies.

Yet, violence and political retribution persist. This week, the interim government banned Hasina’s former party, the Awami League, under the country’s Anti-Terrorism Act while a tribunal investigates its role in the deaths of hundreds of protesters last year.

Elections have also been delayed and may not happen until 2026.

Amid this fragile transition, interim leader Muhammad Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel-prize winning economist, has emerged as a rare figure of trust and calm. His popularity is so high, in fact, many are calling for him to remain at the helm for another five years.

Given the uncertainty, Bangladesh faces some uncomfortable questions: can it afford electoral democracy right now? Or must stability come first, with democracy postponed until institutions can catch up?

And what happens if emergency governance becomes the new normal?

Fraught road to democratic renewal

According to a global democracy report, Bangladesh is still classified as an “electoral autocracy” — one of the few in the category that actually got worse in 2024.

The opposition, chiefly the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), has mounted a fierce challenge to the interim government’s legitimacy, arguing it lacks a democratic mandate to implement meaningful reforms.

While the BNP and its former ally, the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, may appeal to segments of Bangladesh’s Muslim majority, their support is undermined by reputational baggage and limited resonance with younger voters.

At the same time, radical, right-wing, Islamist forces are exploiting the vacuum to reassert themselves, exacerbating tensions between Muslims and the Hindu minority.

Economically, the country is also still reeling from the damage done under Hasina’s regime.

Corruption hollowed out the banking system, leaving key institutions almost bankrupt. Although Yunus has taken steps to stabilise the economy by bringing in competent officials, uncertainty continues to dampen investor confidence.

Inflation remains high. And unless job creation accelerates, especially for the youth, the seeds of further unrest are already planted.

In addition, law and order has deteriorated sharply. The country’s police force has been tainted by its association with the Alami League, and the former police chief is facing charges of crimes against humanity.

Street crime is rising and minorities are experiencing growing harassment. Women feel deeply unsafe — both online and on the streets. Some parties are also seen as a threat to countering violence against women.

Despite strong laws on paper, weak law enforcement and victim-blaming are allowing violence to flourish. It’s very difficult to hold perpetrators of crimes to account.

Bangladesh is also increasingly isolated on the global stage.

India, long allied to Hasina’s government, has turned its back on the interim government. The United States is disengaging, as well. USAID had committed nearly US$1 billion (A$1.6 billion) from 2021–26 to help improve the lives of Bangladeshis, but this funding has now been suspended.

Some gains on civil liberties

This year, Bangladesh improved slightly in Freedom House’s index on political freedoms and civil liberties, from a score of 40 points out of 100 last year to 45. This is a step in the right direction.

Among the improvements in the past year, the government has:

removed restrictions on some political parties

released political detainees

and committed to major judicial reforms to increase accountability.

The appointment of new election commissioners and the creation of advisory commissions for judicial and anti-corruption reform also signal an institutional reset in motion.

But gains remain fragile. While politically motivated cases against opposition figures have been dropped, new ones have emerged against former ruling elites. The military’s policing role has expanded and harassment of Awami League supporters by protesters persists.

In addition, media freedom remains heavily constrained, with a human rights group reporting the interim government had targeted hundreds of journalists in the past eight months.

In this fractured environment, urgent reforms are needed. But these need to be sustainable, as well. Whether the interim government has the time, authority or support to deliver them remains in doubt. The government also needs to deliver on its promise to hold free and fair elections.

A new party on the rise

The country’s politically engaged youth have not been dissuaded by these issues. Rather, they are trying to reshape the political landscape.

The new National Citizen Party (NCP) was formed in early 2025 by leaders of last year’s student uprising. It has positioned itself as the party to bring a “second republic” to Bangladesh. Drawing from historical models from France and the US, the party envisions a new elected, constituent assembly and constitution.

With organisational support and tacit backing from the interim government, the NCP has rapidly grown into a viable political force.

Still, the party faces a steep, uphill climb. Its broad, ideological umbrella risks diluting its message, blurring its distinctions with the BNP.

For the NCP to turn protests into policy, it must sharpen its identity, consolidate its base, and avoid being co-opted or outflanked.

Whether this moment of political flux leads to real transformation or yet another cycle of disillusionment will depend on how boldly — and how sustainably— the interim government and new actors like the NCP act. And they must not draw out the process of transition for too long.

Intifar Chowdhury 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. After an autocratic leader was toppled in Bangladesh, democratic renewal remains a work in progress – https://theconversation.com/after-an-autocratic-leader-was-toppled-in-bangladesh-democratic-renewal-remains-a-work-in-progress-253846
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory Reminder: RIDOT to Temporarily Close Devil’s Foot Road Bridge in North Kingstown for Bridge Rehabilitation

Source: US State of Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Department Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists that tomorrow, Friday, May 16 at 9 p.m., it is scheduled to temporarily close the Devil’s Foot Road Bridge, located between School Street and the Davisville Road/Old Baptist Road intersection in North Kingstown.

The bridge will remain closed until approximately late fall 2025, when RIDOT anticipates completing the replacement of the bridge’s superstructure. It carries about 5,200 vehicles a day on Devil’s Foot Road, over Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.

During the closure, motorists can use the following detours:

From Post Road to Frenchtown Road: Use Devil’s Foot Road eastbound to Post Road northbound. Use the turnaround for Route 1 South to Frenchtown Road westbound.

Frenchtown Road to Post Road: Follow Frenchtown Road eastbound to Route 1 South to its intersection with Devil’s Foot Road.

Local Traffic on Devil’s Foot Road (east of the closed bridge) to Frenchtown Road: Use the on-ramp at West Davisville Road to Route 403 West toward Route 4. Use the ramp to Route 4 South, then take Exit 7A for Frenchtown Road.

Local Traffic on Devil’s Foot Road (west of the closed bridge) to Post Road: Follow Davisville Road westbound to Frenchtown Road, turn right, then right again onto Post Road southbound. A detour map is available at www.ridot.net/DetourMaps.

The bridge currently has a 5-ton weight limit and is classified as structurally deficient. It was built in 2007 as part of the Route 403 highway project, but RIDOT determined that the concrete box beams used in its construction had a fabrication defect and its superstructure needed to be replaced. The work on the Devil’s Foot Road Bridge is part of a larger, $76.8 million multi-bridge project that also will replace the bridges carrying Route 2 and Frenchtown Road over Route 4. The entire project is scheduled for completion in Spring 2027.

All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings, and weather.

Work on the Devil’s Foot Road Bridge is made possible by RhodeWorks. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI: Solutions30 announces the appointment of three new CEOs for France, Germany and Belgium
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Solutions30, the European leader in multi-technical field services for the telecommunications, energy, and IT sectors, announces the appointment of Antoine Mirabel as CEO of its operations in France. He succeeds Amaury Boilot, who had been serving in this role on an interim basis since June 2023, in addition to his group-level responsibilities. The Group also announces the appointment of Oliver Fidorra as Co-CEO of its operations in Germany, alongside Luc Brusselaers, who also serves as the Group’s Chief Revenue Officer. Finally, in Belgium, Axel Vandevenne has been appointed Co-CEO, tasked with leading and developing local operations alongside Raf Winnelinckx.

Antoine Mirabel was previously an Associate Partner at Bain & Company. With nearly 15 years of experience in strategy and management consulting, particularly focused on the energy sector, he brings deep expertise in performance improvement, operational excellence, integration, and extensive experience in digital transformation projects. Antoine Mirabel is a graduate of Télécom Paris and HEC. Following a transition period with Antoine Mirabel, Amaury Boilot will retain his role as Group Secretary General, which includes oversight of the Group’s administrative and financial management.

Oliver Fidorra brings nearly 20 years of experience in the construction sector, with particular expertise in fiber optic deployment, energy infrastructure, building technical equipment, and civil engineering. Prior to joining Solutions30, he served as Regional Director North and was a member of the management team at Vitronet.

Axel Vandevenne, with Solutions30 since 2018, has held several managerial positions within the Group, demonstrating strong operational leadership. Prior to joining the Group, he gained solid experience in the telecommunications sector, having worked for the two largest Belgian operators, Proximus and Telenet, where he served as Director of Operations. He holds both a Master of Engineering and a Master of Business. His appointment as Co-Managing Director for Belgium is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the organization in this strategic market. In this context, Jonathan Crauwels will refocus on his role as Chief Financial Officer of Solutions30 Belgium.

Gianbeppi Fortis, Chairman of the Management Board of Solutions30, stated: “We welcome Antoine and Oliver, whose expertise and leadership will be invaluable assets in supporting the Group’s development. Antoine will lead the transformation of our French operations, successfully initiated by Amaury, with the objective of tripling revenue in energy services by 2026. Meanwhile, Oliver, alongside Luc, will drive the continued growth of our operations in Germany, where we are also targeting a threefold increase in revenue by 2026. In Belgium, Axel and Raf will work closely together to build a sustainable organizational structure and support our growth.”

About Solutions30 SE

Solutions30’s mission is to make the technological developments that are transforming our daily lives accessible to everyone, individuals and businesses alike, especially with regard to the digital transformation and the energy transition. With its network of more than 16,000 technicians, Solutions30 has completed over 65 million call-outs since its inception and led over 500 renewable energy projects with a combined maximum output surpassing 1800 MWp. Every day, Solutions30 is doing its part to build a more connected and sustainable world. Solutions30 has become an industry leader in Europe with operations in 10 countries: France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Poland. The capital of Solutions30 SE consists of 107,127,984 shares, equal to the number of theoretical votes that can be exercised. Solutions30 SE is listed on the Euronext Paris exchange (ISIN FR0013379484- code S30). Indices : CAC Mid & Small | CAC Small | CAC Technology | Euro Stoxx Total Market Technology | Euronext Tech Croissance.

Visit our website to learn more: www.solutions30.com

Contact

Individual Shareholders:

actionnaires@solutions30.com – Tel: +33 1 86 86 00 63

Analysts/Investors:
investor.relations@solutions30.com

Press – Image 7:
Charlotte Le Barbier – Tel: +33 6 78 37 27 60 – clebarbier@image7.fr

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The MIL Network –
May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI: Credit Agricole Sa: Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring completes acquisition of German group Merca Leasing
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Montrouge – May 15, 2025

Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring
completes acquisition of German group Merca Leasing

Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring (CAL&F) announces that it has obtained all the necessary authorizations and today finalized the acquisition of 100% of Merca Leasing, a group that has been a partner to the German manufacturing industry for over three decades. This operation is fully in line with CAL&F’s development strategy and will enable it to accelerate its growth in the particularly dynamic German leasing market.

After obtaining the necessary approvals from German BaFin¹ and the German Competition Authority, Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring finalized today in Frankfurt the acquisition of Merca Leasing Group, in line with the announcement made to the markets in October 2024.

Founded in 1989, Merca Leasing is based in Kronberg, near Frankfurt, with branches in Hamburg and Berlin. The group, which is one of the top ten independent Leasing companies in Germany², offers tailor-made leasing solutions to SMEs, with a strong expertise in financing industrial equipment through Direct Sales channels.

With the acquisition of Merca Leasing, Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring strengthens its expertise and service offering, especially in Mobility, and expands its footprint in the highly fragmented German market, which is a priority in the development strategy of its businesses.

The impact of the transaction on Crédit Agricole S.A.’s CET1 ratio is not significant.

“ We are delighted to welcome all the employees of Merca Leasing, whom I warmly greet on behalf of all the teams at Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring. The acquisition of Merca Leasing is an important step in Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring’s European development, and is fully in line with our strategy and the achievement of the ambitions of our 2025 Medium-Term Plan “Transitions to the Future”. This transaction offers the CAL&F and Merca Leasing teams the opportunity to pool their expertise and strengths to serve our customers and the German market.”
Hervé VARILLON, Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring

**********


ABOUT CRÉDIT AGRICOLE LEASING & FACTORING

A subsidiary of the Crédit Agricole group, Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring “CAL&F” has been a key player in Leasing and Factoring for more than 60 years, as well as in the financing of renewable energies and infrastructure in the territories.
Present in 10 countries in Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Poland, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland) and thus benefiting from a wide range of activities, Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring offers specialised financing, more responsible mobility and second-life equipment solutions to its customers: corporates, professionals, farmers and local authorities. In this way, Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring supports, facilitates and accelerates their growth and their transitions towards a more inclusive world, which consumes fewer resources for the planet.

KEY FIGURES AT THE END OF 2024 (FRANCE AND INTERNATIONAL)
260,400 customers, including 33% abroad
2,769 employees
€34 billion in outstandings, including 30% abroad
For further information: www.ca-leasingfactoring.com

ABOUT MERCA LEASING GMBH
Merca Leasing was founded in 1989 by Kredietbank N.V., Brussels, Belgium, & U. Helmdach and integrated into the KBC Bank & Insurance Group in 1998. In 2012, the KBC Lease (Deutschland) Group was taken over by the management, renamed Merca Leasing again, based in Kronberg / Taunus (near Frankfurt).
The group offers financing solutions for business-critical movable equipment focusing on production machinery through leasing, hire purchase, sale-and-lease-back, retrofitting funding services and forfaiting solutions (through Merca Vendor).
Key figures at the end of 2024 : 37 employees – New sales €309m – Portfolio (actual outstandings) €472m
For further information: www.merca-leasing.de

CAL&F PRESS CONTACT
Sophie Leplus +33 (0)1 43 23 30 87 / +33 (0)6 24 87 16 03 – sophie.leplus@ca-lf.com

1 Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (German Federal Financial Supervision Authority)

2 Source: BDL / Bundesverband Deutscher Leasing-Unternehmen (Federal Association of German Leasing Companies)

Attachment
- 2025 05 15 _ CAL&F _ PR_Merca Leasing_Closing
The MIL Network –
May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Make do and create this half term at The D-Day Story

Source: City of Portsmouth

The D-Day Story has a range of activities this half term the whole family can experience together.

During the Second World War toys and games were often handmade. Come and make your own toy aeroplane, peg doll and pinwheel to take home.

Or why not create VE Day inspired paper flowers, flags and bunting.

There will be toys and games for little ones under five, and Second World War uniforms for all the family to try on.

These events run Tuesday 27 – Thursday 29 May, 11am until 3pm. No need to book but events can be very popular, so visitors are advised to come early.

Operation: Spies and Lies also returns to the museum (Saturday 24 – Monday 26 May, Friday 30 May – Sunday 1 June), do you have what it takes to complete the challenges to find the mystery object hidden in the museum?

The challenge will take you around the museum, learning more about the objects and people involved in D-Day. You also get an exclusive free D-Day backpack to take home.

All activities are included in the admission price.

You can also take part in our family trail Resist!, which is inspired by the French Resistance and their role during D-Day. Work together as a team to find and solve clues and puzzles on board LCT 7074 and throughout the museum. The trail is perfect for family groups and is included in the entrance fee to the museum. It is available every day just ask at the front desk.

Portsmouth City Council leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:

“Our incredible D-Day Story museum has so much going on, especially during the half-term. It’s a truly unique and educational family day out not to miss, especially during this 80th anniversary year of the end of the Second World War, for which D-Day played such a pivotal part.”

Families can also experience the family audio guide together to learn more about the objects in the museum and the stories behind those impacted by the events of June 1944. It has been created to engage with a younger audience but can be experienced by all the family and is included in the museum admission price.

For the full list of events and more information about The D-Day Story, visit www.theddaystory.com

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI: Videlio acquires Team Office in Italy and strengthens its european presence

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

The Videlio Group, a leading player in audiovisual integration in France and internationally, announces the acquisition of the Italian company Team Office, a recognized integrator in professional and collaborative environments. This acquisition strengthens Videlio’s presence in Italy, where the group is already established through its subsidiary HMS, specialized in audiovisual solutions for the cruise sector.

With this new acquisition, Videlio reaffirms its ambition to become a top European audiovisual player.

A shared vision of digital innovation

Team Office has solid experience in integrating audiovisual solutions, unified communication, and collaboration for professional environments. Known for its technical expertise and client proximity, the company has been working for over 30 years with the major customer of the italian territory.

By joining Videlio, Team Office gains access to the resources of a well-structured group, positioned across many audiovisual areas and present along the entire value chain—from engineering to maintenance, including managed services.

Based in Rome and with 55 employees, Team Office’s team and management, led by Alessandra Favella, will aim to accelerate the company’s development with increasingly innovative, sustainable, and immersive projects in line with new audiovisual and digital trends.

Xavier Renaud, President of Videlio, says:

“The merger with Team Office is a perfect fit for our European growth strategy. We are delighted and very proud to welcome the Team Office teams, who have skillfully developed their company while maintaining a strong focus on service quality. We share a common vision: to promote excellence in audiovisual experiences with an innovation-driven DNA. We will support Alessandra and her leadership team with the shared ambition of rapidly becoming one of the leaders in audiovisual integration in the Italian market, while asserting ourselves as a key player on the European stage.”

Alessandra Favella, new CEO of Team Office, adds:

“Joining the Videlio Group is a fantastic opportunity for our company, our employees, and our clients. For over 30 years, we have built Team Office around ethical values, commitment and reliability. This partnership allows us to preserve our local DNA while opening up to new horizons, with the strength of an internationally recognized group known for its technological expertise, operational excellence, and capacity to lead large-scale projects. This alliance will enable us to expand our solution portfolio, develop our skills, and participate in ambitious projects. It’s a new step in our history, one that we approach with enthusiasm and determination.”

The MIL Network –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025: Africa Urged to End Billion-Dollar Gas Flaring with Scalable Infrastructure Solutions

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

PARIS, France, May 15, 2025/APO Group/ —

In a continent striving for energy access and industrial development, Africa continues to lose billions of dollars in potential revenue by flaring its natural gas – a practice that remains entrenched largely due to infrastructure shortfalls and outdated economic incentives.

Speaking at a presentation on “Flare Gas Utilization: The Importance of Mid-Scale Integrated Gas Commercialization Solutions,” Nmesoma Okereke, Sales Manager and Flare Gas Recovery Specialist at Neuman & Esser, underscored the urgency of addressing this paradox through modern, scalable gas monetization strategies.

“The most important reason for gas flaring is a lack of infrastructure, but also cost inefficiencies,” said Okereke. “In the past, it was more economically feasible to flare gas than develop or commercialize the gas. That is no longer the case with the rise of innovative gas solutions.”

Three of the world’s top nine gas-flaring countries are in Africa, said Okereke, collectively responsible for an estimated 60% of the continent’s gas flaring. Nigeria alone flared roughly 193 billion cubic feet of gas in 2024, while producing 2.5 trillion cubic feet of gas. That volume of wasted gas represents a market value of $1 billion – at a time when around 40% of the country’s population lacks access to electricity.

Nigeria’s case study illustrates the dual challenge of wasted resources and unmet energy demand. According to Okereke, Nigeria needs five times its current domestic gas supply to reach its goal of 30 GW of power by 2030.

With flaring becoming less economically justifiable due to emerging technologies and modular gas utilization options, Okereke emphasized the need to shift toward mid-scale integrated solutions that can bridge the infrastructure gap and bring gas to market more quickly and efficiently.

MIL OSI Africa –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025: Experts Call for Hybrid Energy Solutions to Power Africa’s Future

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

PARIS, France, May 15, 2025/APO Group/ —

At the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, industry leaders emphasized the urgent need for Africa to adopt a diversified and flexible energy mix – combining renewables, fossil fuels and off-grid technologies – to meet the continent’s rising electricity demand and avoid deepening power crises.

During the panel, titled Revolutionizing Power Generation in Africa: The Role of Energy Mix and Innovation, panelists stated that Africa’s path to universal electrification hinges on embracing a hybridized, context-specific approach that can deliver both stability and sustainability.

“Energy in Africa needs to be thought of in a long-term view. Renewables are cheap, but they are intermittent and not controllable. It is compatible for fossil fuels to be the baseload [to offset] the intermittency of renewables,” said Jérôme Bertheau, Chief Technology Officer at BW Energy.

Bertheau pointed to the company’s gas-to-power project in Namibia as a model of scalable, market-aligned development. “We have a project in Namibia where we will produce and transport gas from the Kudu field. The project is phased, so we are developing alongside the growth of Namibia. The first step is a 200 MW viable baseload, but we can increase it as the market grows,” he said.

He added that the project is progressing rapidly toward FID: “We have submitted our field development plan and finished our conceptual studies, and are entering a phase of appraising the reservoir more. We believe there is potentially more gas and oil. We are drilling the first well this year, and the second one next year.”

The discussion centered on how to bridge the gap between ambition and practical implementation, particularly in under-electrified regions where national grids are weak and investor confidence hinges on returns and reliability. Panelists stressed that successful models already exist, and that Africa’s energy transition must be guided by both technological and commercial innovation.

“The first step on the ladder is hybridization – we need to introduce more renewables. That is how we offset costs and get more sustainable,” said Christoffer Ek, Director of Decarbonization Services at Wärtsilä Energy, emphasizing that “Hybridization is key to communities in Africa when it comes to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.”

With the continent’s electricity consumption per capita hovering around 500 kWh per year – a fraction of global averages, according to Silvia Macri, Associate Director at S&P Global Commodity Insights – the stakes are high. Over-reliance on a single energy source is a major contributor to Africa’s frequent power outages and unreliable supply.

“We are seeing a lot of power mixes relying on fossil fuels too heavily, or on one source of power, which is a major risk factor. We have consistent power outages and crises in a lot of markets,” she said, adding, “The power gap is not solved by adding capacity alone.”

Macri pointed to Kenya as a regional success story, where strategic investment in geothermal energy has led to a significant increase in electricity access. “Kenya doubled its electricity access in less than a decade,” said Macri, highlighting that Africa’s broad access to both renewable and fossil resources gives it a unique advantage if the right mix can be struck.

MIL OSI Africa –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: “We Don’t Have the Luxury of Time”: Global Energy Leaders Urge Swift Action on Africa’s Resources

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

PARIS, France, May 15, 2025/APO Group/ —

In a striking call to action at the closing session of the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, Energean CEO Mathios Rigas laid out a bold vision to replicate the company’s Mediterranean success across Africa, urging African governments to accelerate decision-making and prioritize the development of untapped gas resources.

Rigas’ remarks came during the high-profile panel, The Future of Global Energy Partnerships: Seizing Africa’s Untapped Market Opportunities –sponsored be Energean – which brought together global energy leaders to underscore Africa’s central role in shaping the future of secure, inclusive and sustainable energy systems.

“We want to bring the same model that worked in the Mediterranean to Africa,” said Rigas. “We don’t have the luxury of time. This is not exclusive [to] renewables or natural gas. To solve energy poverty, affordability and accessibility for the whole continent – we need everything.”

Energean, which has invested over $3 billion in the Mediterranean over the last five years, is now looking to deploy the same integrated development approach across Africa. But Rigas warned that success depends on bold leadership from governments: “If there are resources being undeveloped, push people to develop them. If they don’t want to, there’s someone else who will.”

His comments were nuanced by Tim Gould, Chief Energy Economist at the International Energy Agency (IEA), who emphasized the need for a balanced and pragmatic approach to Africa’s energy development.

“There’s extraordinary untapped potential, given the richness of the renewable resource across many parts of Africa. But we also recognize that the conversation about Africa’s development cannot end with renewables,” said Gould. “For the IEA, energy security is our core mandate. We don’t see security and sustainability at opposite ends of the spectrum.”

This framing underscored a growing consensus that Africa’s energy mix must be as diverse as its development challenges, with Gould calling for “integrated development of energy systems” that balance affordability, sustainability and sovereignty.

Namibia’s Petroleum Commissioner Maggy Shino offered a compelling national perspective, highlighting how the country’s nascent oil sector could be a springboard for economic transformation, particularly through the development of specialized skills and long-term industrial capacity.

“We are going to establish Lüderitz as an energy hub – that’s where we’re putting the infrastructure to evacuate the green hydrogen we will produce in Namibia, as well as the infrastructure for developing the petrochemical industry,” she said.

Shino emphasized that resource revenues should be leveraged strategically to build the country’s future, not just to meet short-term needs. “We are at a time where Africa should move away from using revenues from resources to address the problems of today. They should be used as seed capital to grow the future.”

Cheick-Omar Diallo, Leader Task Force Communication and Spokesperson for TotalEnergies on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, defended the development as a sovereign decision by Uganda and Tanzania, emphasizing the company’s efforts to uphold environmental standards, minimize displacement and ensure local benefits.

“We want to be a responsible operator – that means producing to the highest standards while addressing biodiversity and community concerns,” said Diallo. “This was not just a TotalEnergies project – it was a sovereign decision by Uganda and Tanzania. Once that decision is made, the question is how to implement it responsibly. We avoided sensitive areas along the pipeline route, and while displacement is never ideal, it is a reality of infrastructure projects.”

The panel marked a fitting conclusion to the forum, blending urgency, realism and ambition. While global players like Energean and the IEA called for speed and pragmatism, African leaders insisted that the path forward must be driven by national priorities and long-term value creation.

MIL OSI Africa –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How Tove Jansson used her Moomins comic strip to humorously critique the financial and creative pressures of being an artist

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Elina Druker, Professor in Department of Culture and Aesthetics, Stockholm University

In 1954, the Finnish artist Tove Jansson was commissioned by the Evening News in London to draw comic strips about the Moomintrolls. The strip was syndicated by hundreds of newspapers, introducing the Moomins to an international audience and marking a dramatic turning point in her career.

Between 1954 and 1959, Tove Jansson drew 21 comics, some in collaboration with her brother Lars Jansson, who continued to draw the comic strip until 1975.

The success of the Moomin in the Evening News brought Tove Jansson economic security and helped her with the mortgage of her studio in Helsinki. However, over time, the assignment also became a burden on her creative work – a time-consuming and demanding obligation.

Perhaps because of this personal conflict, the comics often explore themes such as the struggle of artistic creation, the role of the artist and the value of art. Jansson had previously created humorous and satirical commentaries on the art world in various artists’ magazines in Finland, but here she places the Moomin at the heart of the creative process.

Unlike the novels and picture books, the Moomin comic strips were created for adults and can be described as satire. Jansson uses the compact format to comment on society, including the art world. The growing conflict in her own life, between the Moomintrolls and her artwork, is brought into focus in the comic strips.

This is part of a series of articles celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Moomins. Want to celebrate their birthday with us? Join The Conversation and a group of experts on May 23 in Bradford for a screening of Moomins on the Riviera and a discussion of the refugee experience in Tove Jansson’s work. Click here for more information and tickets.

The theme of the purpose of art and artistic creation is playfully introduced in one of the first comic strips, Moomin and the Brigands. Here Moomin and his friend Sniff embark on a quest for fortune. They engage in several schemes, including capturing rare creatures and selling them to the zoo, marketing magic rejuvenation potions and creating modern art.

While visiting a Hemulen (a really uptight counterpart to the Moomintrolls who love rules), Moomin and Sniff accidentally break several precious items in her home. Among the broken objects is a large statue of Rebecca at the Well, which falls from its pedestal and shatters. Rebecca at the Well is a classic biblical motif, which is often portrays a model of feminine virtue, symbolising divine guidance and exemplifying ideals of hospitality and moral character.

The friends awkwardly attempt to reassemble the statue by gluing it together. The result is a strangely angular and expressive piece of art, referencing fragmented cubist portraits. Cubism, which emerged around 1907 to 1908, aimed to represent reality in a radically new way by bringing together subjects and figures, resulting in objects that appear fragmented and abstracted.

Sniff immediately sees the potential of the new Rebecca. “She’s more modern now,” he exclaims joyfully. The friends carry the statue to an enthusiastic art dealer who sells it for £500 in his gallery.

The episode with the deconstructed Rebecca is, of course, a funny caricature of the trend-sensitive art market. But the shattered statue with its intricate shapes was also a commentary on the debates about the “incomprehensible” and “obscure” nature of modernist art in Nordic countries during the time.

The destruction of the Rebecca can also be seen as an act of iconoclasm – the breaking of icons or monuments – or rather, a parody of it. While usually associated with vandalism, here, the iconoclastic act leads to the creation of something new. This expresses a desire for renewal and a liberation from restrictive conventions. It is, however, worth noting that Rebecca retains her symbol of virtue – the water jug – even after this pivotal encounter.

Drawing on the work of French philosopher and anthropologist Bruno Latour, iconoclasm can be understood as both destructive and constructive – an ambiguity that also applies to Jansson’s interpretation of the motif.

Later in the story, the money offered by the modernist Rebecca lures Moomin to the field of the arts. For a brief moment, he assumes the role of a painter and wholeheartedly embodies the romanticised ideal of the poor, misunderstood artist.

Moomin dons a Rembrandtian black velvet beret, but despite this, appears lost and bewildered in his new role, muttering: “I only want to live in peace and plant potatoes and dream!”

In a scene of self-parodying metafiction, he is blinded by his oversized beret and ends up tumbling down a cliff, abruptly ending his artistic career.

Tove Jansson’s Moomin comic strips for the Evening News use satire to explore artistic creation, the role of the artist, and the art world.

Through Moomintroll’s and Sniff’s pursuit of fame and fortune via the accidental modernist deconstruction of Rebecca, Jansson satirises romantic notions of the artist, the commercialisation of art and the professions surrounding artistic production. These themes are deeply connected to Jansson’s own experiences as an artist and author, constantly balancing between various professional and artistic demands, between children’s books, public obligations and painting.

Elina Druker is employed as a professor and researcher at Stockholm University, Sweden.

– ref. How Tove Jansson used her Moomins comic strip to humorously critique the financial and creative pressures of being an artist – https://theconversation.com/how-tove-jansson-used-her-moomins-comic-strip-to-humorously-critique-the-financial-and-creative-pressures-of-being-an-artist-256287

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI: Best Scam Protection Software (2025): McAfee Named Top Choice for Email, Text, and Video Scam Detection by Software Experts
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK CITY, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the average person seeing 14 scam messages per day and dedicating over 90 hours each year to identifying threats*, the importance of strong digital protection is greater than ever. Today, Software Experts is proud to recognize McAfee’s Scam Detector – a key feature included at no cost with McAfee’s core plans, including McAfee+ and McAfee Total Protection – as a top scam protection tool of 2025.

Top Scam Protection Software
- Scam Detector – an AI-powered feature that helps users detect and block scam texts, emails, and deepfake videos in real time across their devices
Backed by decades of cybersecurity leadership, McAfee has evolved beyond traditional antivirus to meet the needs of modern users facing sophisticated scams in their inboxes, message threads, and even social media feeds. Scam Detector answers this urgent need by using AI-powered scans to detect dangerous text, email, and video scams and alert users.

All-in-One Scam Protection At No Extra Cost

Included in McAfee+ and McAfee Total Protection plans, Scam Detector equips users with proactive tools to recognize and scan suspicious content across key communication channels:
- Text Scams: Alerts users to SMS-based phishing attempts and dangerous links directly within the McAfee mobile app, available on both Android and iOS.
- Email Scams: Users can link Gmail, Microsoft, and Yahoo Mail accounts for real-time scans in the background. McAfee identifies suspicious messages and explains why they’re risky – no guessing required.
- Video Scams: A unique feature that uses AI to detect deepfake videos and other manipulative media designed to impersonate trusted individuals or spread disinformation. It’s the world’s first automatic deepfake detection among online protection providers.
Scam Detector works locally for privacy and supports multiple languages, ensuring scam protection is both private and accessible to diverse users. It also integrates with McAfee’s Safe Browsing technology, which blocks risky links if accidentally clicked.

Simple Setup, Smart Protection

Scam Detector is designed to deliver powerful scam protection without the complexity. Setup is quick and seamless: to enable email scam protection, users simply connect the email account registered to their McAfee subscription or link a new one – no additional apps or extensions required. For scam texts and deepfake video detection, users activate the feature through the McAfee mobile app. There’s no need to copy and paste suspicious links or upload content for review, though users can if they want to test that functionality in the app. Once activated, Scam Detector works in the background to proactively scan incoming messages, emails, and videos, alerting users when potential threats are detected.

But Scam Detector does more than just warn – it educates. Each time an email scam is flagged, McAfee provides a clear, contextual explanation of the risks involved, helping users understand the social engineering tactics, deceptive language, or impersonation strategies that scammers commonly use. This empowers individuals to recognize warning signs on their own, building long-term digital awareness and confidence.

Alerts are delivered in a non-intrusive manner, whether through a mobile notification, a flagged email, or a warning overlaid on suspicious videos. The goal is to provide helpful guidance without interrupting the user experience – keeping people informed, protected, and in control at all times.

A Response to a Growing Crisis

The need for smarter scam protection has never been more urgent. Americans are now targeted by an average of 14 scam messages a day, losing an average of $1,471 each time they fall for one*. Worse still, these scams are becoming more sophisticated – blending AI-generated deepfake videos, realistic phishing emails, and fake text alerts that mimic real businesses. It’s not just tech novices who are falling victim, even digital-savvy individuals can be deceived.

Part of the problem lies in the speed at which these scams unfold. According to McAfee’s research, only 17% of people recognize they’ve encountered a scam within five minutes*. That delay can be costly, leading to compromised identities, drained bank accounts, or irreversible emotional harm.

Scam Detector was created to meet this moment – offering fast, intelligent detection that’s built directly into the tools people already use every day. By integrating scam protection into core McAfee+ and McAfee Total Protection plans, McAfee ensures users are safeguarded from the most common and costly forms of online deception, all without needing to download or juggle additional tools.

Click here to explore McAfee’s plans. For the full review, please visit the Software Experts website.

About McAfee

McAfee Corp. is a global leader in online protection for consumers. Focused on protecting people, not just devices, McAfee’s consumer solutions adapt to users’ needs in an always online world, empowering them to live securely through integrated, intuitive solutions that protect their families, communities, and businesses with the right security at the right moment. For more information, please visit McAfee.com.

*A McAfee survey, which focused on the topic of deepfakes, text and email scam messages, and the impact of these scams on consumers, was conducted online in December 2024. 5,000 adults, age 18+, In 7 countries (US, Australia, India, UK, France, Germany, Japan), participated in the study.

About Software Experts: Software Experts provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Software Experts may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

The MIL Network –
May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Audience with the Brothers of the Christian Schools

Source: The Holy See

This morning, the Holy Father Leo XIV met with the Brothers of the Christian Schools. The following is the address delivered by the Pope to those present at the audience:

Address of the Holy Father
In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, peace be with you.
Your Eminence,
Dear brothers and sisters, welcome!
I am very pleased to receive you, in the third centenary of the promulgation of the Bull In apostolicae Dignitatis solio, with which Pope Benedict XIII approved your Institute and your Regulations (26 January 1725). It also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the proclamation, by Pope Pius XII, of Saint John Baptist de La Salle as “Heavenly patron of all educators” (cf. Apostolic Letter Quod ait, 15 May 1950: AAS 12, 1950, 631-632.
After three centuries, it is good to see how your presence continues to bear the freshness of a rich and vast educational entity, with which, in various parts of the world, you still dedicate yourselves to the formation of the young with enthusiasm, fidelity and a spirit of sacrifice.
Precisely in the light of this anniversary, I would like to pause and reflect with you on two aspects of your history that I consider important for all of us: attention to current events and the ministerial and missionary dimension of teaching in the community.
The beginnings of your work say a great deal about “current events”. Saint John Baptist de La Salle began by responding to the request for help from a layperson, Adriano Nyel, who was struggling to maintain his “school of the poor”. Your founder recognized in his request for help a sign of God; he accepted the challenge and set to work. Thus, beyond his own intentions and expectations, he brought to life to a new teaching system: that of the Christian Schools, free and open to everyone. Among the innovative elements he introduced in this pedagogical revolution were the teaching of classes and no longer of individual pupils; instead of Latin, the adoption of French as the language of instruction, which was accessible to all; Sunday lessons, in which even young people forced to work on weekdays were able to participate; and the involvement of families in the school curriculum, according to the principle of the “educational triangle”, which is still valid today. Thus, problems, as they arose, instead of discouraging him, stimulated him to seek creative answers and to venture onto new and often unexplored paths.
All this can but make us think, and it also raises useful questions. What, in the world of youth today, are the most urgent challenges to be faced? What values are to be promoted? What resources can be counted on?
Young people of our time, like those of every age, are a volcano of life, energy, sentiments and ideas. It can be seen from the wonderful things they are able to do, in so many fields. However, they also need help in order for this great wealth to grow in harmony, and to overcome what, albeit in a different way to the past, can still hinder their healthy development.
While, for example, in the seventeenth century the use of the Latin language was an insuperable barrier to communication for many people, today there are other obstacles to be faced. Think of the isolation caused by rampant relational models increasingly marked by superficiality, individualism and emotional instability; the spread of patterns of thought weakened by relativism; and the prevalence of rhythms and lifestyles in which there is not enough room for listening, reflection and dialogue, at school, in the family, and sometimes among peers themselves, with consequent loneliness.
These are demanding challenges, but we too, like Saint John Baptist de La Salle, can turn them into springboards to explore ways, develop tools and adopt new languages to continue to touch the hearts of pupils, helping them and spurring them on to face every obstacle with courage in order to give the best of themselves in life, according to God’s plans. In this sense, the attention you pay, in your schools, to the training of teachers and to the creation of educating communities in which the teaching effort is enriched by the contribution of all is commendable. I encourage you to continue along these paths.
But I would like to point out another aspect of the Lasallian reality that I consider important: teaching lived as ministry and mission, as consecration in the Church. Saint John Baptist de La Salle did not want there to be priests among the teachers of the Christian Schools, but only “brothers”, so that all your efforts would be directed, with God’s help, to the education of the pupils. He loved to say: “Your altar is the cathedra”, thus promoting a reality hitherto unknown in the Church of his time: that of lay teachers and catechists, invested in the community with a genuine “ministry”, in accordance with the principle of evangelizing by educating, and educating by evangelizing (cf. Francis, Address to participants in the General Chapter of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, 21 May 2022).
In this way the charism of the school, which you embrace with the fourth vow of teaching, besides being a service to society and a valuable work of charity, still appears today as one of the most beautiful and eloquent expressions of that priestly, prophetic and kingly munus we have all received in Baptism, as highlighted in the documents of the Vatican Council II. Thus, in your educational entities, religious brothers make prophetically visible, through their consecration, the baptismal ministry that spurs everyone (cf. Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium, 44), each according to his or her status and duties, without differences, “as living members, to expend all their energy for the growth of the Church and its continuous sanctification” (ivi., 33).
For this reason, I hope that vocations to Lasallian religious consecration may grow, that they may be encouraged and promoted, in your schools and outside them, and that, in synergy with all the other formative components, they may contribute to inspiring joyful and fruitful paths of holiness among the young people who attend them.
Thank you for what you do! I pray for you, and I impart to you the apostolic Blessing, which I gladly extend to all the Lasallian Family.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: Euronext N.V. Annual General Meeting results
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Euronext N.V. Annual General Meeting results

Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 15 May 2025 – Euronext announced that in its Annual General Meeting (AGM) that took place today, all resolutions with the exception of voting item 1 (advisory vote) were approved.

The voting items were as follows:
1. Proposal to adopt the 2024 remuneration report
2. Proposal to adopt the 2024 financial statements
3. Proposal to adopt a dividend of €2.90 per ordinary share
4. Proposal to discharge the members of the Managing Board in respect of their duties performed during the year 2024
5. Proposal to discharge the members of the Supervisory Board in respect of their duties performed during the year 2024
6. Re-appointment of Piero Novelli as a member of the Supervisory Board
7. Re-appointment of Olivier Sichel as a member of the Supervisory Board
8. Appointment of Francesca Scaglia as a member of the Supervisory Board
9. Re-appointment of Delphine d’Amarzit as a member of the Managing Board
10. Appointment of René van Vlerken as a member of the Managing Board
11. Proposal to amend the remuneration policy with regard to the Managing Board
12. Proposal to amend the remuneration policy with regard to the Supervisory Board
13. Proposal to appoint the external auditor
14. Proposal regarding cancellation of the company’s own shares purchased by the company under the share repurchase program
15. Proposal to designate the Managing Board as the competent body to issue ordinary shares
16. Proposal to designate the Managing Board as the competent body to restrict or exclude the pre-emptive rights of shareholders
17. Proposal to authorise the Managing Board to acquire ordinary shares in the share capital of the company on behalf of the company
18. Proposal to authorise the Supervisory Board or Managing Board (subject to approval of the Supervisory Board) to grant rights to French beneficiaries to receive shares in accordance with Articles L225-197-1 and seq. of the French Code of commerce
The payment of the annual dividend will occur on 28 May 2025, with ex-dividend on 26 May 2025 and record date on 27 May 2025.

CONTACTS

ANALYSTS & INVESTORS – ir@euronext.com

Investor Relations        Aurélie Cohen

        Judith Stein        +33 6 15 23 91 97

MEDIA – mediateam@euronext.com

Europe        Aurélie Cohen         +33 1 70 48 24 45

        Andrea Monzani         +39 02 72 42 62 13

Belgium        Marianne Aalders         +32 26 20 15 01

France, Corporate        Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella        +33 1 70 48 24 45

Ireland        Andrea Monzani         +39 02 72 42 62 13

Italy         Ester Russom         +39 02 72 42 67 56

The Netherlands        Marianne Aalders         +31 20 721 41 33

Norway         Cathrine Lorvik Segerlund        +47 41 69 59 10

Portugal         Sandra Machado        +351 91 777 68 97

Corporate Solutions        Andrea Monzani         +39 02 72 42 62 13

About Euronext

Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway and Portugal.

As of March 2025, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal host nearly 1,800 listed issuers with €6.3 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices.

For the latest news, go to euronext.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Disclaimer

This press release is for information purposes only: it is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided “as is”, without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext’s subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext. This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is available at www.euronext.com/terms-use.

© 2025, Euronext N.V. – All rights reserved.

The Euronext Group processes your personal data in order to provide you with information about Euronext (the “Purpose”). With regard to the processing of this personal data, Euronext will comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation, “GDPR”), and any applicable national laws, rules and regulations implementing the GDPR, as provided in its privacy statement available at: www.euronext.com/privacy-policy. In accordance with the applicable legislation you have rights with regard to the processing of your personal data: for more information on your rights, please refer to: www.euronext.com/data_subjects_rights_request_information. To make a request regarding the processing of your data or to unsubscribe from this press release service, please use our data subject request form at connect2.euronext.com/form/data-subjects-rights-request or email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@euronext.com.

Attachment
- 2025_Euronext PR_AGM Results
The MIL Network –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Thales inaugurates GenF, a first step towards nuclear fusion energy
Source: Thales Group

Headline: Thales inaugurates GenF, a first step towards nuclear fusion energy

15 May 2025

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Thales, a global leader in high-power lasers, will inaugurate GenF on Thursday 15 May 2025 in Le Barp (Bordeaux). GenF aims to take a major step toward in developing a new energy source that is safe, abundant, competitive and low-carbon, through inertial confinement nuclear fusion.

GenF is working in collaboration with the CEA, CNRS, École polytechnique and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region to design a first inertial confinement fusion reactor.

Thales is contributing its expertise in high-power lasers, developed at its Élancourt site, which enabled the company to build the world’s most powerful laser system, currently in operation in Romania.

Energy production through nuclear fusion is now identified as one of the solutions to address two crucial challenges: the need to reduce global carbon emissions and the ever-increasing energy demand across various sectors of the economy, such as transport, construction, agriculture and the digital industry. According to the IEA (International Energy Agency), electricity consumption by data centres is expected to more than double by 2030, particularly due to the rise of AI.

Nuclear fusion is therefore regarded as a tremendous opportunity to create a new energy source that is safe (it carries no risk of runaway reactions), abundant (its resources are widely available in nature), competitive and low-carbon (it emits no greenhouse gases). Furthermore, nuclear fusion generates one million times less radioactive waste than fission, and this waste can be eliminated more quickly.

To achieve nuclear fusion, extensive research is being carried out on two methods: magnetic confinement and inertial confinement. The inertial confinement method requires the use of high-energy lasers to compress matter and reach the thermonuclear conditions required for fusion. Significant scientific progress is still needed for this method of energy production to be deployed.

To ensure that France remains one of the pioneering countries in this field, the government, via BPI France, launched a call for projects on “innovative nuclear reactors” in June 2023, under the France 2030 initiative. Drawing on its expertise in high-power lasers, Thales submitted the TARANIS project, in partnership with the CEA, the CNRS and École polytechnique, to demonstrate the feasibility of designing a first inertial confinement nuclear fusion reactor. The project was selected in February 2024, giving it access to a €18,5 million budget for its initial development phase. To bring together the essential complementary expertise, Thales created the company GenF, officially launched in January 2025, and signed a first contract worth several million euros for the development of its fusion laser.

GenF will progress through three development phases:

By 2027, GenF plans a first phase of modelling and simulation, calibrated through experiments on existing facilities such as LMJ;

From 2027 to 2035, a second phase will focus on the maturation of fusion technologies such as multiple laser synchronisation, the production of cryogenic targets and the development of new materials for the reactor wall;

From 2035, a third phase could lead to the scaling-up of the reactor, with the construction of a first prototype.

GenF currently brings together around ten scientists, engineers and industrial experts and involves about forty people from all the institutions combined. The company will inaugurate its premises in Le Barp (Bordeaux) on Thursday 15 May 2025, with support from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Council—region that already brings together many areas of expertise in nuclear fusion, including the Centre Lasers Intenses et Applications (CELIA – CNRS/University of Bordeaux/CEA) and the Centre d’Études Scientifiques et Techniques d’Aquitaine (CESTA – CEA).

Thales has 40 years of experience in high-power lasers. From design and development to installation, team training and operational support, Thales masters the entire high-power laser expertise chain, which includes laser sources from 10 TW to 10 petawatts, beam transport lines, target focusing optics and quality control systems. Thales has also been active in nuclear fusion for over 25 years, particularly as a lead contractor for subassemblies as part of the Laser Mégajoule programme, a research initiative on inertial confinement fusion developed by the CEA. In addition, at its Vélizy and Thonon sites, Thales develops high-power electronic tubes for magnetic confinement fusion reactors, including for the international ITER demonstrator.
MIL OSI Economics –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Piero Cipollone: Harnessing the digital future of payments: Europe’s path to sovereignty and innovation

Source: European Central Bank

Speech by Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at the France Payments Forum event “Digital euro and the future of payments in Europe”

Paris, 15 May 2025

Thank you for inviting me to discuss the future of payments and the digital euro.

Most people associate the adoption of the euro with the launch of euro banknotes and coins. While the euro was introduced for accounting purposes in 1999, we tend to feel it only became our money three years later once we started paying in euro cash around Europe. Euro banknotes and coins made the currency the tangible symbol of a united Europe.

A strong currency also comes in tandem with strong payment systems. We offer payment infrastructures that form the plumbing of the financial system. Though less visible than banknotes and coins, these infrastructures are key to our monetary and financial integration.

Retail and wholesale payments are hence an integral part of our tasks at the central bank. We issue cash, supply reserves – the ultimate liquid asset – to banks and operate payment systems, thereby supporting our economy by enabling euro area transactions that are secure, risk-free and European. This is what preserves our economic stability and our monetary sovereignty.

Building on this reliable base, private sector firms can then offer their own solutions, without their customers having to worry about the money they use. One euro is one euro, because private money can be converted to cash at all times and because financial transactions can be settled in central bank money – the only risk-free asset there is.

So today, I want to focus on how we can make our currency future-proof and enhance the integration, competitiveness and resilience of European payments in the digital era.

As people increasingly prefer to pay digitally and online commerce expands, the role of cash as a universal payment solution is declining. We thus risk being left without a European solution that allows us to pay throughout the euro area in all situations. To restore the central role of cash, we need to complement physical cash with its digital equivalent, a digital euro. Making central bank money available in digital form might seem like a small and obvious step, but it is in fact an essential one for overcoming the entrenched and longstanding fragmentation of our payment market. The digital euro will achieve this directly by modernising the supply of public money and indirectly through its infrastructure and acceptance network, which private payment service providers can leverage to expand and innovate on a European scale. Ultimately, a digital euro will enhance the competitiveness of European providers and their ability to offer all types of digital payments to European consumers.

The situation is different for wholesale financial transactions as we already offer settlement in digital central bank money and do not face the same dependencies. However, market participants increasingly expect that tokenisation and distributed ledger technology (DLT) will transform financial transactions by enabling assets to be issued or represented as digital tokens. We are currently expanding our initiative to settle DLT-based transactions in central bank money. By making central bank money available, we avoid the risk of other settlement assets being used, such as US dollar stablecoins, which would reintroduce credit risk, fragmentation and a dependency on non-European solutions.

We are progressing on the retail and wholesale fronts in parallel. In both cases, Europe needs its own, sovereign money for the digital era, so that it can harness the benefits of integration, innovation and independence. In the words of the late French economist Michel Aglietta, money is not just a technical device, it is an essential institution.^[1]

A digital euro for everyday payments

Let me first discuss the rationale for the digital euro and the benefits it will bring.

Currently, cash is the sole sovereign payment method across the euro area. It offers Europeans a convenient, secure and universally accepted way to pay and store value, ensuring financial inclusion. Cash also upholds the resilience of our payment systems and economies, acting as a reliable fallback during crises such as cyberattacks or power outages. This is why we remain strongly committed to cash.^[2]

However, digital payments have gained popularity, with online shopping accounting for more than a third of our retail transactions. This means that acceptance of and access to cash are no longer sufficient to cover a growing share of payment situations. In value terms, cash payments made up only 24% of day-to-day payments in the euro area last year.^[3]

Lacking a genuine European payment solution that works across the euro area, we are left critically dependent on foreign payment providers.^[4] Currently, nearly two-thirds of euro area card-based transactions are processed by non-European companies while 13 euro area countries depend entirely on international card schemes or mobile solutions for in-store payments.^[5] And even where national card schemes are available, they require co-badging with international card schemes to facilitate cross-border payments within the euro area or online shopping. Moreover, mobile apps and e-payment solutions are dominated by foreign solutions like PayPal, Apple Pay or Alipay. And they partner with international card schemes to further reinforce their position and expand their reach: PayPal has just announced that it will start enabling contactless payments in Germany, using Mastercard technology.^[6] Looking ahead, our dependency could soon extend to foreign stablecoins, 99% of which are dollar-denominated in terms of total value.^[7]

As a result, European payments face three significant challenges.

First, we need to ensure our strategic autonomy and monetary sovereignty. Our overreliance on foreign payment providers makes us dependent on the kindness of strangers at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. I trust that this risk is well understood in the country of De Gaulle. There is no true sovereignty without sovereign money.^[8] As my dear colleague Banque de France governor François Villeroy de Galhau has remarked, this is as true in the 21st century as it was in the past.^[9]

Second, we should simply ask ourselves why there is no Europe-based international card scheme. I would say it’s because we suffer from a lack of competitiveness and innovation. European payment service providers focus on their home country and struggle to compete on a European level, let alone on a global one, limiting their ability to drive large-scale innovation. The cost of investing in a European-wide acceptance network has often discouraged European payment service providers from offering a European card payment solution.

These failures come at a high price: the dominance of non-European providers stifles competition, leading to higher costs for merchants and consumers. And when transactions are conducted through international card schemes, European banks lose fees. When transactions are made on apps such as Apple Pay or PayPal, they lose fees and data. And if the use of US dollar stablecoins becomes more widespread, the banks could lose, fees, data and deposits.

Third, user experience is still poor for Europeans, who juggle multiple payment solutions to meet various needs. Despite the euro’s 25-year legacy, we still lack a digital payment solution that can be used across all euro area countries.

By introducing the digital euro, we aim to tackle these challenges head-on.

Importantly, the digital euro would make payments more convenient. It would provide a digital payment method that complements cash, extending its benefits into the digital realm. For instance, it would have legal tender status, meaning that it would be accepted wherever one can pay digitally. And it would also be available offline, offering users similar privacy to paying with cash and allowing them to pay even in the absence of a network connection. A digital euro would give European consumers a simple and safe digital payment option, free for basic use, that covers all their payment needs everywhere in the euro area.

In fact, one simple reason for introducing the digital euro is that people want it. Even at this early stage, surveys show that close to half of respondents would be likely to use the digital euro – a number that has significantly increased over time.^[10] This trend is confirmed by several surveys^[11] conducted by national central banks which suggest that many Europeans are open to the idea of using a digital euro.

Launching the digital euro would also ensure that the euro area retains control over its financial future. By offering a secure and universally accepted digital payment option which would be suitable for all use cases – and, crucially, under European governance – it would reduce our dependence on foreign providers. This would protect European merchants from excessive charges, strengthening their bargaining power with those providers and offering an attractive alternative.^[12] At the same time, European banks would be able to retain their customer relationship and be remunerated for their role in distributing the digital euro. And the digital euro would limit the likelihood of foreign currency stablecoins becoming widely used for retail payments within the euro area.

Moreover, the digital euro would be based on a core public-private partnership that would leverage synergies, enabling private initiatives to scale up across the euro area. For instance, domestic card payment solutions could co-badge with the digital euro to cover transactions currently beyond their reach. At the same time, banks’ wallets and internet banking solutions could integrate the digital euro as an alternative way to pay that is accepted throughout the euro area and supports both contactless and QR-based payments.^[13] The open digital euro standards – which can be finalised as soon as the regulation on the digital euro is adopted and can start being used even before the digital euro is issued – would facilitate cost-effective standardisation, allowing private providers to launch new products and functionalities on a European scale. This would unlock innovation and create new business opportunities. In fact, research shows that stock prices of European payment firms increase in response to positive announcements on the digital euro, whereas those of US payment firms decrease.^[14]

Last October we issued a call for expressions of interest in innovation partnerships for the digital euro. Some 70 merchants, fintech companies, start-ups, banks and other payment service providers – including four from France^[15] – have now joined us in exploring the potential of the digital euro to drive innovation.^[16] Our innovation platform simulates the envisaged digital euro ecosystem, in which the ECB provides the technical support and infrastructure for European intermediaries to develop digital payment features and services at European level. One of the areas we are exploring is broadening the set of possible conditional payments, such as making payments dependent on successful delivery of goods or services.

In July we will release a report on these innovation partnerships. It will include the technical information shared with the participants, enabling the entire market to replicate these activities, thereby further supporting innovation by the private sector. Additionally, based on the positive feedback from the pioneers, we will extend the exercise until the end of June, which will allow us to test new functionalities of conditional payments, incorporating fresh ideas and suggestions from our private sector counterparts.

The digital euro’s success in reclaiming our autonomy in the retail payment space and boosting innovation capacity hinges on collaboration. In recent years we have engaged extensively with market stakeholders, gathering input from consumers, merchants, banks and payment service providers. We have also started working with market participants on the digital euro rulebook – a single set of rules, standards and procedures for digital euro payments.^[17]

This inclusive approach helps us to address everyone’s needs and perspectives, crafting a robust payment solution and platform that will benefit all Europeans, support private sector innovation and preserve the future of our money – the euro.

The role of central bank money in shaping a European market for digital assets

Let me now turn to wholesale transactions, a domain where technology holds tremendous potential for transformation.

Currently, we facilitate transactions between financial institutions through our TARGET Services: T2 processes over 90% of large payments, while T2S handles securities transactions.

These services have significantly enhanced the efficiency and integration of post-trade platforms in Europe. And we plan to continue improving them: in 2023 we extended T2 operating times to 22.5 hours on weekdays and we are about to launch a consultation paper investigating stakeholder needs and their interest in a further extension of operating hours. In a month’s time we will also launch the European Collateral Management System, which will provide a single, harmonised framework for handling collateral in the 20 euro area countries.^[18] And in October 2027 we will move to T+1, shortening the settlement cycle from two days to one. Meanwhile, emerging technologies such as DLT and tokenisation have the potential to bring about a step change in wholesale markets.

These technologies are no incremental improvement: they represent a fundamentally new way of operating by allowing assets to be issued or represented in digital token form. This innovation would enable market participants to manage trading, settlement and custody on a single platform, available 24/7, 365 days a year. It would also synchronise trading and settlement. And it would enable new business models, as tokenised money can be used to automate conditional transactions. DLT and tokenisation could also reduce the cost and barriers to access capital markets, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises.

In fact, the emergence of these new technologies is an opportunity to establish an integrated European capital market for digital assets from the outset – a digital capital markets union – which would contribute to better channelling our savings into productive uses and boosting Europe’s innovation potential.^[19] It could help European capital markets to become a hub for DLT-based financial services.

European banks are active in this space, with over 60% exploring or using DLT and 22% already implementing DLT applications. On the securities front, there is a growing number of high-profile issuances on DLT.

The availability of central bank money for settling transactions using these new technologies is crucial for two reasons. First, without central bank money, other settlement assets like stablecoins or tokenised deposits may be used, reintroducing credit risks and fragmentation into the financial system. Second, the market views the ability to settle in central bank money as a key factor in adopting new technologies.

Last year the Eurosystem conducted exploratory work with DLT for settling wholesale transactions in central bank money, using three different solutions to ensure interoperability between our infrastructures and market DLT platforms.^[20] The results were highly promising, with 60 industry participants settling real transactions in central bank money or conducting experiments with mock transactions. A wide range of securities and payments use cases were covered, including the first issuance of an EU sovereign bond using DLT. A total of €1.6 billion was settled over a six-month period, exceeding values settled in comparable initiatives in other parts of the world.

As the next step, we have already announced plans to provide a solution to settle DLT-based transactions in central bank money in the short term.^[21] Looking further ahead, the Eurosystem will explore a more integrated, long-term solution. A critical risk is indeed that DLT application fragmentation and a lack of interoperability could hinder the development of liquid DLT-based markets in Europe, imposing high costs on investors and issuers connecting to multiple platforms. So we need to create a more harmonised and integrated ecosystem.

One way to achieve this would be to move towards a shared ledger: a programmable platform bringing together token versions of central bank money, commercial bank money and other assets, on which market players can provide their services. Another option could be the coordinated development of an ecosystem of fully interoperable technical solutions, which might better serve specific use cases and enable the coexistence of both legacy and new solutions.

This approach will help us enhance the efficiency of European financial markets through innovation, aligning with the Eurosystem’s goal of achieving a more harmonised and integrated European financial system.

However, we cannot do this alone. As we enter this new exploration phase, collaboration with public and market stakeholders will be crucial.

Conclusion

Let me conclude.

The journey toward a digital euro and the integration of new technologies in wholesale transactions represents a pivotal moment for Europe. By embracing these innovations, we can strengthen our monetary sovereignty, enhance our competitiveness and pave the way for a more integrated and resilient financial system.

The digital euro will ensure that Europeans have access to a secure, reliable and universally accepted digital payment solution that complements cash while reducing our reliance on foreign providers. Meanwhile, leveraging central bank money in DLT-based transactions will foster a dynamic and unified digital asset market, driving innovation and unlocking new business opportunities across the continent.

In this transformative era, collaboration is key. We must bring together all stakeholders – public and private, national and European – to craft solutions that reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of all Europeans. Together, we can harness these technological advancements to build a financial ecosystem that is not only more efficient and innovative but also more inclusive and secure.

We have inherited a united Europe and a currency embodying this unity. Our legacy should be European sovereignty and a euro that is fit for the future. This is our collective responsibility, in the public and private sector alike.

Thank you for your attention.

MIL OSI Economics –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: West Country water lovers urged to lend a hand to bathing waters
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

West Country water lovers urged to lend a hand to bathing waters

Communities who campaigned to turn their favourite spots into official bathing waters asked to help the Environment Agency make them cleaner to swim in.

The first sample of the season being taken from the River Tone at French Weir Park in Taunton

3 rivers in Somerset and Hampshire were officially chosen as ‘designated bathing waters’ last year. Meaning they ticked the boxes of being easy to get to with parking and toilets nearby. But contrary to public opinion, being ‘designated’ doesn’t automatically mean the water met set standards of public hygiene.

Environment Agency monitoring of the 451 beaches and rivers on England’s list of designated bathing waters this summer has begun. Water samples will be taken weekly or fortnightly at consistent points in seas and rivers and sent for testing in the lab.

The results of these samples show how clean the water is and will be available online at Swimfo to inform public choice of where to swim or paddle. These sample results will ultimately help dictate what classification a beach or river location will be given later in the year. Any classification from ‘Sufficient’ and above means the water quality is good enough to swim in.

The classifications for all 3 river bathing waters at Taunton, Farleigh Hungerford near Bath and Fordingbridge in Hampshire came back as ‘Poor’ – meaning swimming was not advisable.

In response, groups including campaigners, swimmers, councillors, MPs, water companies and the Environment Agency have formed to turn around water quality at these sites.

This includes the River Tone at French Weir Park in Taunton. The group has come together to create an action plan which will drive improvements to reduce pollution affecting the bathing water quality where swimming takes place.

Jim Flory of the Environment Agency said:

We routinely monitor rivers to check that the water quality for wildlife and the natural ecology of our rivers is protected.

But the standards needed to protect human health are different to those needed to safeguard the ecology and wildlife in our rivers and a lot of teamwork is needed to clear that bar. This will be a marathon not a sprint.

Environment Agency officers will patrol the surrounding area looking for obvious sources of pollution entering the watercourse. As well as inspecting water company pipes and other types of equipment that discharges water into the river.

Public interest also saw a Dorset beach return to the Environment Agency’s list of 450 monitored bathing waters last year. Water sampling began again at Church Cliff Beach in Lyme Regis after an absence of 9 years. The site lost its designated status due to the low number of people going into the sea.

The beach was given a classification of ‘Poor’ after its first bathing water season. Nevertheless, public support from the River Lim Action Group, Blue Tit Swimmers and local officials is strong and committed to improving water quality.

Throughout the season, 15 May until the end of September, the Environment Agency will be taking more than 7000 samples at 451 designated bathing waters across England.  

Today also marks the re-opening of applications for new bathing waters which have been closed since October 2023. Since then, the government has announced significant reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations to better reflect public use of iconic swimming spots. Successful sites will be announced next year.

Background

Bathing waters are officially designated outdoor swimming sites. England has 451 designated bathing waters, which are monitored and classified by the Environment Agency.

Applicants are encouraged to use the bathing water season to gather evidence for their applications. Prospective sites will be assessed for their suitability as a designated bathing water. Applications for the 2026 season will close on 31 October 2025. 

The Environment Agency has driven £2.5 billion of investment and facilitated partnerships to dramatically improve our bathing waters. 

Last year, nearly 92% of bathing waters in England met the minimum water quality standards. More information on 2024 bathing water classifications is available here.

The UK Health Security Agency and Environment Agency also offer advice in their ‘swim healthy’ guidance, which is available to read before making any decision on swimming.

Bathing waters are stretches of water throughout England which we monitor for two types of bacteria: E.coli and intestinal enterococci. We monitor for these two bacteria because they indicate that there are germs in the water which can make you ill.

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Published 15 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Ireland’s Competitiveness Confirmed – Minister Peter Burke
Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

15th May 2025

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, has welcomed the publication of Re-estimating Ireland’s International Competitiveness Performance, the latest bulletin by the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC).

Minister Burke said:

“This analysis marks a very welcome contribution by the Council and confirms that the Irish economy is internationally competitive. However, we cannot become complacent, and there remains work to do in many areas. The Council’s findings will make a valuable contribution in the preparation of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.”

“Despite our strong international performance, we are also aware that there are challenges, and it is important that we do not take our current strengths for granted. This is reflected in the decision taken by Cabinet to expedite delivery of the Action Plan, which will play a key role in addressing these challenges and safeguarding our competitiveness performance into the future.”

This Bulletin explores how Ireland’s performance in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2024 is affected when selected indicators are rescaled using Modified Gross National Income (GNI*) in place of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The findings show that Ireland’s competitiveness performance remains strong with this adjustment. In fact, it rises by one position in the ranking, with improvements in three of the four pillars. The analysis explores how Ireland’s competitiveness profile changes when key metrics are recalibrated to better reflect the scale of the domestic economy.

The IMD World Competitiveness Ranking is a widely used international benchmark, assessing over 60 economies across four key pillars and 20 sub-pillars, and based on 250 individual measures. In the 2024 IMD results, Ireland was ranked 4th overall. The analysis included in this Bulletin involves replicating the IMD methodology from the ground up, in order to facilitate the substitution of GNI* for GDP for Ireland.

Key findings from the Bulletin include:

Ireland’s competitiveness ranking improves by one place when GDP-based indicators are adjusted using GNI*, with notable gains in Economic Performance (up seven places) and Infrastructure (up two places). Business Efficiency is unchanged, while Government Efficiency declines slightly, reflecting a more constrained fiscal profile when public finance metrics are expressed over a smaller income base.

The analysis underscores the importance of context-sensitive benchmarking, especially when using international indices to inform national policy. This Bulletin highlights the need to interpret international indices critically, understanding their underlying assumptions, and where necessary, supplementing them with alternative analyses that better capture national circumstances.

NOTES TO EDITORS

The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) was established in 1997 (then the National Competitiveness Council) to report to the Taoiseach, through the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, on key competitiveness issues facing the Irish economy. In 2019, the NCPC was designated as Ireland’s National Productivity Board.

As part of its work, the NCPC makes recommendations on policy actions required to enhance Ireland’s competitive position. The NCPC publishes three main research outputs:

The Competitiveness Scorecard benchmarks Ireland against international competitors on areas of competitiveness and productivity. This is published every three years (and was last published in 2024).

The Competitiveness Challenge is an annual publication in which the NCPC makes recommendations for Government on key challenges to Ireland’s international competitiveness.

NCPC Bulletins are short and focused research notes, examining specific topics within the sphere of competitiveness and productivity. The NCPC releases multiple Bulletins each year. These short pieces often feed into the NCPC’s main Challenges report.

The members of the Council are:

Dr. Frances Ruane Chair, National Competitiveness and Productivity Council

Dr. Laura Bambrick Head of Social Policy & Employment Affairs, ICTU

Edel Clancy Group Director of Corporate Affairs, Musgrave Group

Kevin Sherry Interim Chief Executive, Enterprise Ireland

Ciaran Conlon Director of Public Policy, Microsoft Ireland

Luiz de Mello Director of Country Studies, Economics Department, OECD

Maeve Dineen Chair of Ireland’s Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman

Brian McHugh Chairperson, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission

Gary Tobin Assistant Secretary, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Michael Lohan Chief Executive, IDA Ireland

Liam Madden Independent Consultant, Semiconductor Industry

Neil McDonnell Chief Executive, ISME

Bernadette McGahon Director of Innovation Services, Industry Research & Development Group

Danny McCoy Chief Executive, IBEC

Michael Taft Research Officer, SIPTU

Representatives from the Departments of An Taoiseach; Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Environment, Climate and Communications; Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Social Protection; Finance; Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Justice; Public Expenditure and Reform; Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and Transport attend Council meetings in an advisory capacity.

Research, Analysis and Secretariat from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment:

Dr. Dermot Coates

Rory Mulholland

Dr. Keith Fitzgerald

Pádraig O’Sullivan

Erika Valiukaite

Jordan O’Donoghue

Patrick Connolly

ENDS

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MIL OSI Europe News –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New 2,000 km “deep precision strike” weapon to be developed by UK and Germany as Trinity House Agreement delivers first major milestones
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

New 2,000 km “deep precision strike” weapon to be developed by UK and Germany as Trinity House Agreement delivers first major milestones

The UK and Germany will confirm for the first time that they will work together to develop a new long-range strike capability with a range of over 2,000 km

The United Kingdom and Germany will today (Thursday 15th May) confirm for the first time that they will work together to develop a new long-range strike capability with a range of over 2,000 km, as both countries step up on European security and drive economic growth at home.

This comes following the signing of the landmark Trinity House Agreement on Defence Co-operation in October in London – the first-of-its-kind bilateral defence agreement between the UK and Germany.

German Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, will host his counterpart Defence Secretary John Healey MP in the first Trinity House Defence Ministerial Council today in Berlin, where they will discuss how the agreement is already delivering real benefits, from deterring threats on NATO’s eastern flank, to creating skilled jobs and driving investment at home.

The new 2,000 km precision deep strike capability will be among the most advanced systems ever designed by the UK, to safeguard the British public and reinforce NATO deterrence, while boosting the UK and European defence sectors.

Discussions will focus on a joint procurement programme for Sting Ray torpedoes for P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, enhancing the UK and Germany’s ability to counter the latest underwater threats, boosting national security for both nations.

A new commitment will also see Germany procure advanced British military bridges, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change by supporting jobs in the North-west.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

The UK and Germany have never been closer, and the Trinity House Agreement is already making a positive impact on our security and economy. This partnership is helping us make defence an engine for growth – creating jobs, boosting skills, and driving investment across the UK and Germany.

In a more dangerous world, NATO and European allies stand united. Together with Germany, we’re leading the way in supporting Ukraine, defending NATO’s eastern flank, and jointly investing in next-generation capabilities.

It follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty. 

Since the Trinity House Agreement was signed in October, German crews have joined RAF personnel in two flights on UK P-8 Poseidon aircraft. The UK’s Poseidon fleet play a crucial role tracking Russian vessels near UK waters.

The Defence Ministers will meet again tomorrow (Friday 16th May) alongside their Polish, Italian and French counterparts in a meeting of the European Group of Five (E5) Defence ministers in Rome.

The UK and Germany will meet again in June alongside more than 50 nations and partners, when they jointly host the next meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. Since the UK took the chair, nearly £23bn has been pledged in military support for Ukraine.

The Trinity House Agreement is delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change by stepping up national security whilst strengthening our industrial base and boosting skilled jobs at home.

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Published 15 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Beijing to host Women’s Volleyball Nations League in June

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

Beijing is gearing up to host one leg of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Nations League preliminary round from June 4 to 8 at the National Indoor Stadium, featuring six women’s teams: China, Belgium, Poland, Thailand, Türkiye and France.

“This marks the first international event for China’s women’s volleyball team in the new Olympic cycle after Paris 2024,” said Yuan Lei, deputy director of the volleyball management center of the General Administration of Sport of China, at a Thursday press conference.

Ali Frantti (R) of the United States spikes during the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Volleyball Nations League Women’s Pool 2 match between Brazil and the United States in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

“As a dual Olympic venue in Beijing, the National Indoor Stadium has world-class facilities and operating teams, which will ensure excellent volleyball competitions for both the participants and the audience,” Yuan added.

12 matches will be played across the five-day event, with China set to face Belgium, Poland, Türkiye and France on June 4, 5, 7 and 8, respectively.

The Beijing stop is part of the international Volleyball Nations League tour, which spans several cities and continents as teams compete for points to reach the final round.

Also unveiled at the press conference were the event mascot – featuring a volleyball-themed design – and more than 20 licensed products.

“The organizers will strive to create a cheerful atmosphere of volleyball and accelerate the integrated development of sports and tourism,” said Wang Ling, director of the Beijing Sports Competitions Administration and International Exchange Center.

MIL OSI China News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: ‘I will not eat the bugs’: examining a right-wing narrative about scarcity and insect consumption

Source: The Conversation – France – By D. D. Moore, Visiting Fellow, Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies, European University Institute

Noor Bin Ladin, a right-wing influencer, stridently declares “I don’t want to eat the bugs” on a talk show hosted by a former adviser to US President Donald Trump. Laurent Duplomb, a senator from the conservative Les Républicains party in France, informs his colleagues that the French would be eating “insects without their knowledge”. Bartosz Kownacki, an MP from the nationalist Law and Justice party in Poland, suggests that opposition politicians write “instead of chicken, eat a worm” on their election materials, arguing that “this is their real election programme”. Thierry Baudet, a leader of the far-right Forum for Democracy party in the Netherlands, shouts “No way! No way!” while holding up a bag of mealworms in front of protesting farmers. Politicians in Lega, a far-right party in Italy, warn that the European Union is planning to “impose” the eating of insects on citizens in the bloc – and a Lega electoral campaign includes a billboard-sized image of a person popping an enormous cricket into their mouth, next to the caption, “Let’s change Europe before it changes us.”

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During the 2020s, commentators and politicians across the right-wing political spectrum have amplified an Internet-based conspiracy theory that elite forces are conspiring to make us all eat insects. Often rallying under the slogan “I will not eat the bugs,” right-wing and far-right figures have come out in force against human consumption of insects. Many of these people assert that the EU is planning to force bug-eating on the general public while devastating traditional agriculture and meat consumption under the guise of the European Green Deal, the bloc’s plan to eliminate greenhouse gases by 2050 and decouple economic growth from resource use. Opposing insect-eating has become a symbolic way to protest EU environmental policies, express scepticism of and hostility toward Brussels, and villainize political opponents. Closer inspection reveals that the conspiracy theory underlying such opposition has much older and more sinister resonances.

“Spreading disinformation”

Insect eating (entomophagy) remains a minor practice in Europe and North America, although alternative protein sources do play a role in the EU’s move toward a sustainable future. So far, the European Commission has approved frozen, dried and powdered forms of Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm larva), Locusta migratoria (migratory locust), Acheta domesticus (house cricket) and Alphitobius diaperinus (the lesser mealworm larva) for human consumption. But the market for insect powder in foods like bread, pasta and sports bars remains small. Although insects are common food in many parts of the world, consumers in the West, where insects are more commonly used to provide protein in animal feed, are reluctant to eat bugs for historical reasons based in ideas of uncleanliness and primitiveness. So, based on the facts, there seems to be little to no reason for statements such as those made by Rumen Petkov of Bulgaria’s ABV party, who said that EU approval of insect consumption is a “crime against Europe” and that the European Commission is “prepared to kill our European children”.

What led to the rapid spread of this conspiracy theory? Noor Bin Ladin’s remarks give us a clue. During her talk show appearance, Bin Ladin described her words as a message for Klaus Schwab to take to his “masters”. Schwab is the founder and executive chair of the World Economic Forum. Early in the Covid pandemic, Schwab and the WEF produced a set of proposals titled “the Great Reset”, which called for an overhaul of various world systems to produce a stakeholder-driven capitalism that would lead to a more socially and environmentally responsible future. Conspiracists seized on and branded “the Great Reset” as a new iteration of a conspiracy theory known as the New World Order – an imagined global governance system meant to control the lives of everyone. Both the Great Reset and the New World Order lead back to much older and broader antisemitic conspiracy theories that hold that elite Jewish financiers run the world with their hands on invisible levers of power. All these narratives tap into feelings of futility and hopelessness about the future.

US right-wing media personality Tucker Carlson called a 2023 episode of his show, which included a heavy focus on Schwab and the WEF, “Let Them Eat Bugs”, a title that gestures at the remark allegedly made by Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, when she heard about people suffering from a lack of bread before the French Revolution: “Let them eat cake”. With this title, Carlson is aiming to emphasize that the elite are hopelessly out of touch and have contempt for farmers and the average man, whom they want to force to eat bugs. Like the French bedbug scare in late 2023, right-wing alarm around insect-eating has connections to the spread of anti-EU Russian propaganda. Russian news outlets have suggested that Europeans are so poor and food deprived as a result of sanctions connected to the war in Ukraine that they have been reduced to eating insects. As the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) writes, insects are “delicious treats for actors with interest in spreading disinformation against the EU”.

Symbols for dehumanization

The desire to stir up fear about the minor level of European and US insect consumption is not based on the risk of rapid growth in the insect market, but on the power to arouse disgust and fear itself. Insects have long been used as symbols to stir revulsion and paint opponents as objects of physical and moral disgust. During times of political extremism, insects have featured repeatedly in efforts to distance, devalue and dehumanize minorities. Armenians were called locusts during the Armenian genocide, and Jews were compared to lice in Nazi Germany. In the period prior to the ethnic genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda, some Hutus repeatedly called Tutsis “cockroaches” on public radio. The right wing’s current fetishization of insect-eating serves as a narrative to cast political opponents as morally repulsive, even if not labelling them as bugs themselves.

For some figures on the right, insect consumption symbolizes the worst of Eurocentric liberalism – seen as a movement so void of a positive political vision that the only possible future it offers is one of impoverishment and bug-eating. They point to an elite who they claim will go on feasting on meat while forcing mealworms and fly larvae on the rest of us. It’s a potent image. At a moment in which people on the right and the left seem unable to imagine a better political future together, it becomes easier to demonize climate policy-minded leaders as a group of disgusting hypocrites plotting to create a society of contrived scarcity where the general population is reduced to eating bugs.

Meanwhile, since 2015, scientists have been releasing papers warning that the global food system shows risks of genuine structural problems. In a future of environmental disruption, trade wars and real risks of food shortages and famine, we may need all the calories we can get – insect-based or otherwise.

À lire aussi :
‘A healthy earth may be ugly’: How literary art can help us value insect conservation

Out of curiosity, I bought a bag of cricket flour last fall. The crickets resulted in a delicious, nutty-flavoured cecina, well… crickcina. So far, none of my friends will try it. They’re missing out.

D. D. Moore ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

– ref. ‘I will not eat the bugs’: examining a right-wing narrative about scarcity and insect consumption – https://theconversation.com/i-will-not-eat-the-bugs-examining-a-right-wing-narrative-about-scarcity-and-insect-consumption-254112

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Piero Cipollone: Harnessing the digital future of payments: Europe’s path to sovereignty and innovation

Source: European Central Bank

Speech by Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at the France Payments Forum event “Digital euro and the future of payments in Europe”

Paris, 15 May 2025

Thank you for inviting me to discuss the future of payments and the digital euro.

Most people associate the adoption of the euro with the launch of euro banknotes and coins. While the euro was introduced for accounting purposes in 1999, we tend to feel it only became our money three years later once we started paying in euro cash around Europe. Euro banknotes and coins made the currency the tangible symbol of a united Europe.

A strong currency also comes in tandem with strong payment systems. We offer payment infrastructures that form the plumbing of the financial system. Though less visible than banknotes and coins, these infrastructures are key to our monetary and financial integration.

Retail and wholesale payments are hence an integral part of our tasks at the central bank. We issue cash, supply reserves – the ultimate liquid asset – to banks and operate payment systems, thereby supporting our economy by enabling euro area transactions that are secure, risk-free and European. This is what preserves our economic stability and our monetary sovereignty.

Building on this reliable base, private sector firms can then offer their own solutions, without their customers having to worry about the money they use. One euro is one euro, because private money can be converted to cash at all times and because financial transactions can be settled in central bank money – the only risk-free asset there is.

So today, I want to focus on how we can make our currency future-proof and enhance the integration, competitiveness and resilience of European payments in the digital era.

As people increasingly prefer to pay digitally and online commerce expands, the role of cash as a universal payment solution is declining. We thus risk being left without a European solution that allows us to pay throughout the euro area in all situations. To restore the central role of cash, we need to complement physical cash with its digital equivalent, a digital euro. Making central bank money available in digital form might seem like a small and obvious step, but it is in fact an essential one for overcoming the entrenched and longstanding fragmentation of our payment market. The digital euro will achieve this directly by modernising the supply of public money and indirectly through its infrastructure and acceptance network, which private payment service providers can leverage to expand and innovate on a European scale. Ultimately, a digital euro will enhance the competitiveness of European providers and their ability to offer all types of digital payments to European consumers.

The situation is different for wholesale financial transactions as we already offer settlement in digital central bank money and do not face the same dependencies. However, market participants increasingly expect that tokenisation and distributed ledger technology (DLT) will transform financial transactions by enabling assets to be issued or represented as digital tokens. We are currently expanding our initiative to settle DLT-based transactions in central bank money. By making central bank money available, we avoid the risk of other settlement assets being used, such as US dollar stablecoins, which would reintroduce credit risk, fragmentation and a dependency on non-European solutions.

We are progressing on the retail and wholesale fronts in parallel. In both cases, Europe needs its own, sovereign money for the digital era, so that it can harness the benefits of integration, innovation and independence. In the words of the late French economist Michel Aglietta, money is not just a technical device, it is an essential institution.^[1]

A digital euro for everyday payments

Let me first discuss the rationale for the digital euro and the benefits it will bring.

Currently, cash is the sole sovereign payment method across the euro area. It offers Europeans a convenient, secure and universally accepted way to pay and store value, ensuring financial inclusion. Cash also upholds the resilience of our payment systems and economies, acting as a reliable fallback during crises such as cyberattacks or power outages. This is why we remain strongly committed to cash.^[2]

However, digital payments have gained popularity, with online shopping accounting for more than a third of our retail transactions. This means that acceptance of and access to cash are no longer sufficient to cover a growing share of payment situations. In value terms, cash payments made up only 24% of day-to-day payments in the euro area last year.^[3]

Lacking a genuine European payment solution that works across the euro area, we are left critically dependent on foreign payment providers.^[4] Currently, nearly two-thirds of euro area card-based transactions are processed by non-European companies while 13 euro area countries depend entirely on international card schemes or mobile solutions for in-store payments.^[5] And even where national card schemes are available, they require co-badging with international card schemes to facilitate cross-border payments within the euro area or online shopping. Moreover, mobile apps and e-payment solutions are dominated by foreign solutions like PayPal, Apple Pay or Alipay. And they partner with international card schemes to further reinforce their position and expand their reach: PayPal has just announced that it will start enabling contactless payments in Germany, using Mastercard technology.^[6] Looking ahead, our dependency could soon extend to foreign stablecoins, 99% of which are dollar-denominated in terms of total value.^[7]

As a result, European payments face three significant challenges.

First, we need to ensure our strategic autonomy and monetary sovereignty. Our overreliance on foreign payment providers makes us dependent on the kindness of strangers at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. I trust that this risk is well understood in the country of De Gaulle. There is no true sovereignty without sovereign money.^[8] As my dear colleague Banque de France governor François Villeroy de Galhau has remarked, this is as true in the 21st century as it was in the past.^[9]

Second, we should simply ask ourselves why there is no Europe-based international card scheme. I would say it’s because we suffer from a lack of competitiveness and innovation. European payment service providers focus on their home country and struggle to compete on a European level, let alone on a global one, limiting their ability to drive large-scale innovation. The cost of investing in a European-wide acceptance network has often discouraged European payment service providers from offering a European card payment solution.

These failures come at a high price: the dominance of non-European providers stifles competition, leading to higher costs for merchants and consumers. And when transactions are conducted through international card schemes, European banks lose fees. When transactions are made on apps such as Apple Pay or PayPal, they lose fees and data. And if the use of US dollar stablecoins becomes more widespread, the banks could lose, fees, data and deposits.

Third, user experience is still poor for Europeans, who juggle multiple payment solutions to meet various needs. Despite the euro’s 25-year legacy, we still lack a digital payment solution that can be used across all euro area countries.

By introducing the digital euro, we aim to tackle these challenges head-on.

Importantly, the digital euro would make payments more convenient. It would provide a digital payment method that complements cash, extending its benefits into the digital realm. For instance, it would have legal tender status, meaning that it would be accepted wherever one can pay digitally. And it would also be available offline, offering users similar privacy to paying with cash and allowing them to pay even in the absence of a network connection. A digital euro would give European consumers a simple and safe digital payment option, free for basic use, that covers all their payment needs everywhere in the euro area.

In fact, one simple reason for introducing the digital euro is that people want it. Even at this early stage, surveys show that close to half of respondents would be likely to use the digital euro – a number that has significantly increased over time.^[10] This trend is confirmed by several surveys^[11] conducted by national central banks which suggest that many Europeans are open to the idea of using a digital euro.

Launching the digital euro would also ensure that the euro area retains control over its financial future. By offering a secure and universally accepted digital payment option which would be suitable for all use cases – and, crucially, under European governance – it would reduce our dependence on foreign providers. This would protect European merchants from excessive charges, strengthening their bargaining power with those providers and offering an attractive alternative.^[12] At the same time, European banks would be able to retain their customer relationship and be remunerated for their role in distributing the digital euro. And the digital euro would limit the likelihood of foreign currency stablecoins becoming widely used for retail payments within the euro area.

Moreover, the digital euro would be based on a core public-private partnership that would leverage synergies, enabling private initiatives to scale up across the euro area. For instance, domestic card payment solutions could co-badge with the digital euro to cover transactions currently beyond their reach. At the same time, banks’ wallets and internet banking solutions could integrate the digital euro as an alternative way to pay that is accepted throughout the euro area and supports both contactless and QR-based payments.^[13] The open digital euro standards – which can be finalised as soon as the regulation on the digital euro is adopted and can start being used even before the digital euro is issued – would facilitate cost-effective standardisation, allowing private providers to launch new products and functionalities on a European scale. This would unlock innovation and create new business opportunities. In fact, research shows that stock prices of European payment firms increase in response to positive announcements on the digital euro, whereas those of US payment firms decrease.^[14]

Last October we issued a call for expressions of interest in innovation partnerships for the digital euro. Some 70 merchants, fintech companies, start-ups, banks and other payment service providers – including four from France^[15] – have now joined us in exploring the potential of the digital euro to drive innovation.^[16] Our innovation platform simulates the envisaged digital euro ecosystem, in which the ECB provides the technical support and infrastructure for European intermediaries to develop digital payment features and services at European level. One of the areas we are exploring is broadening the set of possible conditional payments, such as making payments dependent on successful delivery of goods or services.

In July we will release a report on these innovation partnerships. It will include the technical information shared with the participants, enabling the entire market to replicate these activities, thereby further supporting innovation by the private sector. Additionally, based on the positive feedback from the pioneers, we will extend the exercise until the end of June, which will allow us to test new functionalities of conditional payments, incorporating fresh ideas and suggestions from our private sector counterparts.

The digital euro’s success in reclaiming our autonomy in the retail payment space and boosting innovation capacity hinges on collaboration. In recent years we have engaged extensively with market stakeholders, gathering input from consumers, merchants, banks and payment service providers. We have also started working with market participants on the digital euro rulebook – a single set of rules, standards and procedures for digital euro payments.^[17]

This inclusive approach helps us to address everyone’s needs and perspectives, crafting a robust payment solution and platform that will benefit all Europeans, support private sector innovation and preserve the future of our money – the euro.

The role of central bank money in shaping a European market for digital assets

Let me now turn to wholesale transactions, a domain where technology holds tremendous potential for transformation.

Currently, we facilitate transactions between financial institutions through our TARGET Services: T2 processes over 90% of large payments, while T2S handles securities transactions.

These services have significantly enhanced the efficiency and integration of post-trade platforms in Europe. And we plan to continue improving them: in 2023 we extended T2 operating times to 22.5 hours on weekdays and we are about to launch a consultation paper investigating stakeholder needs and their interest in a further extension of operating hours. In a month’s time we will also launch the European Collateral Management System, which will provide a single, harmonised framework for handling collateral in the 20 euro area countries.^[18] And in October 2027 we will move to T+1, shortening the settlement cycle from two days to one. Meanwhile, emerging technologies such as DLT and tokenisation have the potential to bring about a step change in wholesale markets.

These technologies are no incremental improvement: they represent a fundamentally new way of operating by allowing assets to be issued or represented in digital token form. This innovation would enable market participants to manage trading, settlement and custody on a single platform, available 24/7, 365 days a year. It would also synchronise trading and settlement. And it would enable new business models, as tokenised money can be used to automate conditional transactions. DLT and tokenisation could also reduce the cost and barriers to access capital markets, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises.

In fact, the emergence of these new technologies is an opportunity to establish an integrated European capital market for digital assets from the outset – a digital capital markets union – which would contribute to better channelling our savings into productive uses and boosting Europe’s innovation potential.^[19] It could help European capital markets to become a hub for DLT-based financial services.

European banks are active in this space, with over 60% exploring or using DLT and 22% already implementing DLT applications. On the securities front, there is a growing number of high-profile issuances on DLT.

The availability of central bank money for settling transactions using these new technologies is crucial for two reasons. First, without central bank money, other settlement assets like stablecoins or tokenised deposits may be used, reintroducing credit risks and fragmentation into the financial system. Second, the market views the ability to settle in central bank money as a key factor in adopting new technologies.

Last year the Eurosystem conducted exploratory work with DLT for settling wholesale transactions in central bank money, using three different solutions to ensure interoperability between our infrastructures and market DLT platforms.^[20] The results were highly promising, with 60 industry participants settling real transactions in central bank money or conducting experiments with mock transactions. A wide range of securities and payments use cases were covered, including the first issuance of an EU sovereign bond using DLT. A total of €1.6 billion was settled over a six-month period, exceeding values settled in comparable initiatives in other parts of the world.

As the next step, we have already announced plans to provide a solution to settle DLT-based transactions in central bank money in the short term.^[21] Looking further ahead, the Eurosystem will explore a more integrated, long-term solution. A critical risk is indeed that DLT application fragmentation and a lack of interoperability could hinder the development of liquid DLT-based markets in Europe, imposing high costs on investors and issuers connecting to multiple platforms. So we need to create a more harmonised and integrated ecosystem.

One way to achieve this would be to move towards a shared ledger: a programmable platform bringing together token versions of central bank money, commercial bank money and other assets, on which market players can provide their services. Another option could be the coordinated development of an ecosystem of fully interoperable technical solutions, which might better serve specific use cases and enable the coexistence of both legacy and new solutions.

This approach will help us enhance the efficiency of European financial markets through innovation, aligning with the Eurosystem’s goal of achieving a more harmonised and integrated European financial system.

However, we cannot do this alone. As we enter this new exploration phase, collaboration with public and market stakeholders will be crucial.

Conclusion

Let me conclude.

The journey toward a digital euro and the integration of new technologies in wholesale transactions represents a pivotal moment for Europe. By embracing these innovations, we can strengthen our monetary sovereignty, enhance our competitiveness and pave the way for a more integrated and resilient financial system.

The digital euro will ensure that Europeans have access to a secure, reliable and universally accepted digital payment solution that complements cash while reducing our reliance on foreign providers. Meanwhile, leveraging central bank money in DLT-based transactions will foster a dynamic and unified digital asset market, driving innovation and unlocking new business opportunities across the continent.

In this transformative era, collaboration is key. We must bring together all stakeholders – public and private, national and European – to craft solutions that reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of all Europeans. Together, we can harness these technological advancements to build a financial ecosystem that is not only more efficient and innovative but also more inclusive and secure.

We have inherited a united Europe and a currency embodying this unity. Our legacy should be European sovereignty and a euro that is fit for the future. This is our collective responsibility, in the public and private sector alike.

Thank you for your attention.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: JLT Mobile Computers launches JLT6015, an industry-first rugged vehicle-mount computer with a 15” full HD widescreen
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Image description: JLT6015
Image available: pr@jltmobile.com

Setting a new benchmark, JLT6015 is the first rugged vehicle-mount computer to feature a 15-inch full high-definition widescreen display that delivers exceptional clarity and visual detail. Built for increased durability and productivity in the toughest environments, its compact and rugged design is ideal for mining, agriculture, sawmills, and container terminals.

Växjö, Sweden, 15^thMay 2025 * * * JLT Mobile Computers, a leading developer and supplier of reliable computers for demanding environments, introduces the JLT6015 vehicle-mount compute r, as the first of its kind to combine a superior full high-definition display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio in a compact, rugged form factor. Designed for reliable performance in harsh and space-constrained environments, it gives operators the visibility and performance needed to stay productive in the field.

Builds on a pioneer: JLT6012

Built on the innovation of the JLT6012 computer, JLT6015 represents the next evolution and complements JLT’s portfolio. The JLT6012 computer was the first in a new generation of rugged vehicle-mount computers with an innovative platform concept, collaborating with developers and customers to address customer requirements. JLT6015 continues that legacy with enhanced programmability, embedded microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), including a gyro and accelerometer, and the ability to support custom solutions that improve workflow efficiency, uptime, safety, and more.

Enables performance, security, and connectivity

Equipped with Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC operating system and certified for carrier-grade 5G in Europe and Wi-Fi 6E for enhanced security and connectivity, the JLT6015 computer delivers high-performance computing power with the reliability needed in harsh environments. The operating system’s split-screen capability allows simultaneous monitoring of systems such as equipment diagnostics, navigation, and multiple data and video streams, optimizing uptime and operations.

Rugged and durable in any condition

Engineered as a one-piece, dock-free solution, the JLT6015 is shock—and vibration-proof, weather-resistant, and sunlight-readable (up to 1000 NIT). With the user-friendly and virtually unbreakable capacitive JLT PowerTouch technology, the JLT6015 is operable while wearing gloves. The multi-touch display functionality with two-finger zoom, pinch, swipe, etc., makes the operator’s workday smoother and efficient. Its compact design is optimized to fit into tight vehicle cabins without compromising functionality.

“We have listened carefully to our customers’ needs and responded by enhancing our JLT6012 computer,” says Per Holmberg, CEO of JLT Mobile Computers. “With the launch of the JLT6015, we are strengthening our position as a leader in rugged computing solutions, harnessing the full potential of the latest software applications and opening new opportunities to boost productivity – particularly in the mining, agriculture, and sawmill industries.”

Key highlights of JLT6015
- Brilliant 15” Full HD Display: High-resolution widescreen supports simultaneous video, data, and text with exceptional clarity.
- Compact, Ruggedized Design: Fits tight spaces and thrives in extreme conditions, with a glove-friendly touchscreen and 1000 NIT brightness.
- Dock-Free Simplicity: One-piece construction avoids downtime from docking station failures—reliable, efficient, and always ready.
- Future-Ready Platform: Equipped with Trusted Platform Module security, programmable I/O, 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Windows 11 IoT for long-term flexibility and performance.
- Real time operational data: Embedded sensors delivering critical operational data regarding vehicles, IT-devices, and network/access points
For more information and technical specifications visit JLT6015 on our website.

To learn more about JLT Mobile Computers and the company’s products, services, and solutions, visit jltmobile.com. Financial information is available on JLT’s investor page.

About JLT Mobile Computers

JLT Mobile Computers is a leading developer and supplier of rugged mobile computing devices and solutions for demanding environments. 30 years of development and manufacturing experience have enabled JLT to set the standard in rugged computing, combining outstanding product quality with expert service, support and solutions to ensure trouble-free business operations for customers in warehousing, transportation, manufacturing, mining, ports and agriculture. JLT operates globally from offices in Sweden, France, and the US, complemented by an extensive network of sales partners in local markets. The company was founded in 1994, and the share has been listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market stock exchange since 2002 under the symbol JLT. Eminova Fondkommission AB acts as Certified Adviser. Learn more at jltmobile.com.

The MIL Network –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: Best Ethereum Casinos: JACKBIT Listed As Top ETH Casino Site For Fast Payouts And Instant Withdrawal!
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HOUSTON, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JACKBIT has earned its reputation as the best Ethereum casino through a rigorous evaluation by iGaming experts. Assessed across critical player-focused criteria, JACKBIT delivers a seamless, secure, and rewarding experience. Whether you’re looking to gamble with Ethereum or explore the best Ethereum gambling site, JACKBIT stands out for its innovation and dedication to players.

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The casino offers a compelling welcome package, featuring a 30% Rakeback and 100 wager-free spins on the first deposit. This promotion, combined with access to over 7,000 games, makes JACKBIT a top choice among the best Ethereum casinos for players.

“Our goal is to connect players with platforms that are safe, engaging, and rewarding,” said a review panel expert. “JACKBIT excels as the best ETH online casino due to its extensive game variety, instant payouts, and commitment to player privacy.”

For crypto enthusiasts, the search for the best Ethereum casino often begins with speed, security, and flexible rewards. JACKBIT embraces these priorities, offering ETH-friendly bonuses, no-deposit promotions, and smooth, anonymous gameplay with no KYC barriers.

In 2025, JACKBIT elevated the Ethereum casino experience by delivering lightning-fast ETH payouts, full mobile compatibility, and a loyalty program designed to reward every level of play- all while maintaining top-tier privacy, fairness, and a vast selection of games that appeal to both casual users and high rollers.

Getting Started with JACKBIT

Joining JACKBIT is simple and fast and perfect for casino players ready to experience one of the best Ethereum casinos has to offer:
1. Visit the official JACKBIT website.
2. Click “Sign Up” in the top-right corner.
3. Fill in minimal details (email, password, and preferred currency).
4. Choose a payment method (crypto or fiat) and make your first deposit.
5. Claim your 30% Rakeback and 100 Free Spins instantly.
6. Start exploring over 7,000 games or jump into the sportsbook.
Whether you’re a casual player or a crypto-savvy gamer, JACKBIT’s seamless setup and fast rewards make it a standout choice in Canada’s online casino scene.

Bonuses and Promotions

JACKBIT’s promotional offerings are a key reason it ranks among the best Ethereum casinos for players. Newcomers are welcomed with a 30% Rakeback and 100 wager-free free spins on their first deposit. Ongoing promotions include:
- Weekly giveaways with $10,000 and 1000 free spins.
- VIP Rakeback up to 30%, scaling with loyalty tiers.
- Pragmatic Drops & Wins with a €2,000,000 prize pool.
- Social media bonuses for engaging on platforms like Twitter.
- Regular slot and table game tournaments with cash prizes.
These bonuses are designed with fair terms, ensuring players maximize value when they gamble with Ethereum. The wager-free free spins, in particular, are a rare and valuable feature, setting JACKBIT apart from competitors.

The platform also runs seasonal promotions, such as holiday-themed tournaments, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. These creative incentives make JACKBIT a leader in the best Ethereum casino sites.

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Why Choose JACKBIT for Ethereum Casino Gaming?

JACKBIT’s rise to the top of the best Ethereum casinos is no accident. Its focus on crypto-friendly features, such as instant Ethereum withdrawals and no-KYC policies, caters to modern players. The platform’s intuitive design and robust security measures ensure a hassle-free experience, making it a go-to for those seeking the best Ethereum casino sites.

A Comprehensive Review of JACKBIT’s Strengths

The selection of JACKBIT as a leader among top Ethereum casinos in 2025 was based on an in-depth review of key factors:
- Licensing and Regulation
- Game Variety and Quality
- Bonuses and Promotions
- Payment Speed and Flexibility
- Security and Fairness
- Mobile Gaming Experience
- Customer Support
- Sportsbook Features
- Responsible Gambling Tools
- No-KYC Benefits
- Community Engagement
- VIP and Loyalty Program
- Cryptocurrency Integration
- User Interface and Navigation
- Global Accessibility
This thorough evaluation confirms JACKBIT as a trusted platform that excels across all aspects, making it a prime destination for players seeking the best Ethereum casinos online.

Licensing and Regulation

JACKBIT operates under a Curacao Gaming License, a respected credential in the crypto gambling industry. This license guarantees adherence to fair play and security standards, with regular audits ensuring transparency. While some players may favor stricter licenses like those from Malta or the UKGC, the Curacao framework enables JACKBIT to serve a global audience, reinforcing its status as a secure choice among the best Ethereum casinos.

The Curacao license also allows JACKBIT to offer flexible features like no-KYC gaming, which is a significant draw for players prioritizing privacy. This regulatory balance makes JACKBIT a standout in Ethereum casino gaming.

Game Variety and Quality

A cornerstone of the best Ethereum casinos, JACKBIT boasts an impressive library of over 7,000 games from 85 top-tier providers, including NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, and Pragmatic Play. The platform caters to diverse preferences, offering:
- Slots: Over 5,000 titles, from classic fruit machines to modern video slots like Gold Party, Chilli Heat, and Wolf Gold. With 180+ Megaways games and progressive jackpots, players can pursue massive wins.
- Table Games: A wide selection, including blackjack (Power Blackjack, Infinite Blackjack), roulette (European, Lightning), poker (Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Stud), baccarat, and craps.
- Live Dealer Games: Powered by Evolution Gaming, the live section features Live Blackjack, Live Roulette, Live Baccarat, and game shows like Dream Catcher and Crazy Time.
- Sportsbook: A comprehensive sportsbook covering 140+ sports, with 82,000+ live monthly events and 4,500+ betting types, including football, basketball, and e-sports.
- Specialty Games: Casual options like Shamrock Bingo, scratch cards, and crypto-friendly mini-games such as Aviator and Plinko.
- Virtual Sports: 24/7 betting on simulated events like virtual football and horse racing.
This extensive range ensures JACKBIT remains a top Ethereum casino for players seeking variety and quality. The platform’s partnerships with leading providers guarantee high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.

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Payment Speed and Flexibility

As a premier ETH casino, JACKBIT supports over 17 cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Bitcoin, Tether, Solana, and Dogecoin. Crypto transactions are instant and fee-free, providing unmatched convenience. Traditional banking options include:
- Visa and MasterCard (instant deposits, 1-3 day withdrawals).
- Google Pay and Apple Pay (instant mobile deposits).
- Bank transfers (3-5 day withdrawals).
With high withdrawal limits (up to $10,000 weekly) and robust SSL encryption, JACKBIT ensures secure and flexible banking. The platform’s emphasis on instant Ethereum payouts makes it a top choice for players seeking the best Ethereum gambling site.

JACKBIT’s payment system is designed for speed and ease, allowing players to focus on gaming rather than waiting for transactions to process. This efficiency is a hallmark of the best Ethereum casinos online.

Security and Fairness

Security is a top priority at JACKBIT, one of the best Ethereum gambling sites. The platform employs SSL encryption and blockchain technology to safeguard player data and transactions. Provably fair games and Random Number Generators (RNGs) ensure unbiased outcomes, making JACKBIT a trusted choice for Ethereum casino gaming.

The no-KYC policy enhances privacy, offering instant withdrawals without verification. Regular third-party audits further reinforce JACKBIT’s commitment to fairness, ensuring players can gamble with confidence.

Mobile Gaming Experience

JACKBIT’s mobile-optimized platform delivers a seamless experience on iOS and Android without requiring a dedicated app. Players can access the full game library, make instant deposits, and claim bonuses on the go. The responsive design ensures smooth navigation, making JACKBIT a top pick among the best Ethereum casinos for mobile players.

The mobile platform retains all desktop features, from live dealer games to sportsbook betting, ensuring a consistent experience. This accessibility is crucial for modern players who value flexibility in Ethereum casino gaming.

Customer Support

JACKBIT offers 24/7 live chat support in multiple languages, including English, German, French, and Spanish. The team is highly responsive, resolving queries within minutes. Email support and a comprehensive FAQ section provide additional resources. Player feedback praises the support team’s professionalism, cementing JACKBIT’s reputation as a trusted ETH casino.

The multilingual support caters to a global audience, making JACKBIT a standout among top Ethereum casinos. The FAQ section covers common topics like deposits, withdrawals, and bonus terms, ensuring players have quick answers.

Sportsbook Features

JACKBIT’s sportsbook is a major draw, covering 140+ sports, including football, basketball, tennis, and e-sports like Counter-Strike. With 82,000+ live monthly events, 75,000+ pre-match events, and 4,500+ betting types, it caters to sports betting enthusiasts. Live streaming and competitive odds make JACKBIT a leader among the best Ethereum casinos for sports fans.

The sportsbook’s user-friendly interface allows players to navigate markets easily, from moneylines to prop bets. This versatility enhances JACKBIT’s appeal as a comprehensive Ethereum gambling site.

Responsible Gambling Tools

JACKBIT prioritizes player well-being with tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion, reality checks, and links to organizations like GamCare and Gambling Therapy. These features ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, aligning with the standards of the best Ethereum casino sites.

The platform’s proactive approach to responsible gambling includes monitoring for problematic patterns and offering prompt support. This commitment builds trust among players seeking a safe ETH casino.

No-KYC Benefits

The no-KYC policy is a game-changer, allowing players to enjoy instant withdrawals and full anonymity. This feature, combined with fast crypto payouts, makes JACKBIT a top choice for privacy-conscious players among the best Ethereum casinos online. The streamlined registration process further enhances accessibility.

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Community Engagement

JACKBIT fosters a vibrant community through:
- Social Media Bonuses: Free spins and cash rewards for engaging on Twitter and Telegram.
- Tournaments: Competitive slot and table game events with leaderboards and prize pools.
- Player Feedback: Positive reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and AskGamblers highlight community trust.
This engagement creates a dynamic and interactive experience, making JACKBIT a top Ethereum gambling site. The social media bonuses encourage players to stay connected, adding value to their gaming journey.

VIP and Loyalty Program

JACKBIT’s VIP program rewards dedicated players with tailored benefits:
- Up to 30% Rakeback based on loyalty tier.
- Exclusive bonuses, including free spins, deposit matches, and tournament entries.
- Priority support with dedicated account managers.
- Higher withdrawal limits for high rollers.
Players earn points through wagers, progressing through tiers for better perks. This program enhances the value of playing at one of the best Ethereum casinos for players, ensuring loyal users are well-rewarded.

The VIP program’s scalability makes it accessible to both casual players and high rollers, offering incentives at every level. This inclusivity is a key strength of JACKBIT’s loyalty system.

Cryptocurrency Integration

JACKBIT’s support for over 17 cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, positions it as a leader in crypto gambling. The platform’s seamless integration of blockchain technology ensures secure and transparent transactions. Players can deposit and withdraw using Ethereum with zero fees, making JACKBIT a top ETH casino.

The platform also supports emerging cryptocurrencies, catering to tech-savvy players. This forward-thinking approach keeps JACKBIT at the forefront of the best Ethereum casino sites.

User Interface and Navigation

JACKBIT’s intuitive user interface simplifies navigation, allowing players to find games, promotions, and support effortlessly. The clean design and fast load times enhance the experience, making it ideal for both new and experienced players. This user-friendly approach is a hallmark of the best Ethereum casinos online.

The platform’s search and filter tools make it easy to explore the 7,000+ game library, ensuring players can quickly access their favorites. This attention to usability sets JACKBIT apart.

Global Accessibility

With multilingual support and a mobile-optimized platform, JACKBIT serves players worldwide. The casino’s global reach, combined with its crypto-friendly features, makes it a top choice for international players seeking the best Ethereum gambling site. The Curacao license further enables JACKBIT to operate in multiple jurisdictions.

Exploring JACKBIT’s Game Categories in Depth
- Slots: A World of Spins
JACKBIT’s slot collection, with over 5,000 titles, ranges from classic fruit machines to modern video slots like Gold Party and Chilli Heat. Progressive jackpots like Mega Moolah and Divine Fortune offer life-changing payouts. Regular tournaments and free spins promotions make slots a core part of the best Ethereum casinos’ appeal.

The variety of themes and mechanics, from high-volatility games to low-stakes options, ensures every player finds something to enjoy. This diversity solidifies JACKBIT’s position as a top ETH casino.
- Table Games: Strategy and Skill
For players who enjoy strategy, JACKBIT offers a robust selection of table games. Blackjack variants like Power Blackjack and Infinite Blackjack provide low house edges, while roulette options like Lightning Roulette add excitement with multipliers. Poker fans can play Texas Hold’em or Caribbean Stud, and craps brings fast-paced dice action. These games cater to both casual and seasoned players, reinforcing JACKBIT’s status as a trusted Ethereum casino gaming platform.

The table games section is regularly updated with new variants, keeping the experience fresh. This commitment to innovation is a key strength of the best Ethereum casino sites.
- Live Dealer Games: Real Casino Vibes
JACKBIT’s live dealer section, powered by Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play, delivers an authentic casino atmosphere. Live Blackjack and Live Roulette offer multiple tables for all budgets, while game shows like Dream Catcher and Mega Wheel add interactive fun. High-definition streaming and real-time chat create an immersive experience, making JACKBIT a leader among the best Ethereum casinos for live gaming.

The live dealer games are available 24/7, ensuring players can enjoy a real casino experience anytime. This accessibility enhances JACKBIT’s appeal.
- Sportsbook: Betting Beyond the Casino
JACKBIT’s sportsbook covers traditional sports like football and basketball, as well as niche options like cricket and e-sports. With 82,000+ live events and 4,500+ betting types, players can wager on everything from moneylines to prop bets. Live streaming for select events enhances the experience, making JACKBIT a top Ethereum casino for sports betting enthusiasts.

The sportsbook’s integration with the casino platform allows seamless transitions between gaming and betting, offering a unified experience. This versatility is a major draw for players.
- Specialty Games: Casual Fun
JACKBIT’s specialty games cater to players seeking low-stakes entertainment. Bingo titles like Shamrock Bingo and Burning Pearl Bingo offer quick play, while scratch cards provide instant-win thrills. Crypto-friendly mini-games like Aviator and Plinko are popular for their simplicity and high RTPs, adding diversity to the best Ethereum gambling site.

These games are perfect for players looking to unwind, offering a relaxed alternative to high-stakes gaming. Their inclusion broadens JACKBIT’s appeal.
- Virtual Sports: 24/7 Action
Virtual sports at JACKBIT include simulated events like virtual football and horse racing, powered by advanced algorithms for realistic graphics and quick results. Available 24/7, these games offer constant betting opportunities, making JACKBIT a versatile platform for all types of gamblers seeking Ethereum casino gaming.

The virtual sports section is ideal for players who enjoy fast-paced betting, complementing the casino’s broader offerings. This variety strengthens JACKBIT’s position among top Ethereum casinos.

The Future of Ethereum Casino Gaming with JACKBIT

Since its launch in 2022, JACKBIT has rapidly become a frontrunner among the best Ethereum casinos. Its integration of 17+ cryptocurrencies and provably fair games positions it as a trailblazer. The no-KYC policy and instant payouts cater to the growing demand for privacy and speed, ensuring JACKBIT remains a leader in Ethereum casino gaming.

As the crypto gambling market evolves, JACKBIT plans to expand its game library, introduce new promotions, and enhance its platform. The casino’s commitment to innovation and player satisfaction makes it a reliable choice for both new and experienced players seeking the best ETH online casino.

JACKBIT is also exploring emerging technologies like blockchain-based loyalty programs and decentralized gaming features, which could further revolutionize the industry. This forward-thinking approach keeps JACKBIT ahead of the curve.

Comparing JACKBIT to Competitors

To understand why JACKBIT leads among the best Ethereum casinos, consider its advantages over competitors:
- Game Library: JACKBIT’s 7,000+ titles and 85 providers offer unmatched variety.
- No-KYC Policy: Instant withdrawals without verification are a rare feature.
- Payout Speed: Instant crypto payouts surpass platforms with slower processing times.
- Bonuses: The 30% Rakeback and weekly giveaways provide superior value.
These strengths highlight why JACKBIT is the best Ethereum casino for 2025. While competitors offer strong features, JACKBIT’s combination of privacy, speed, and variety sets it apart.

Tips for Maximizing Your JACKBIT Experience

To get the most out of JACKBIT, consider these strategies:
- Claim All Bonuses: Start with the welcome offer and stay active to unlock weekly giveaways and VIP rewards.
- Explore the Game Library: Try different categories, from slots to live dealer games, to find your favorites.
- Use Cryptocurrencies: Ethereum deposits and withdrawals are faster and fee-free, enhancing your experience at this top Ethereum casino.
- Engage on Social Media: Follow JACKBIT on Twitter and Telegram for exclusive bonuses.
- Set Limits: Use responsible gambling tools to manage your spending and play safely.
These tips will help you fully enjoy the best Ethereum casinos online. Staying active and exploring all features ensures a rewarding experience.

Conclusion: JACKBIT – The Best Ethereum Casino

JACKBIT’s unique blend of no-KYC gaming, instant Ethereum payouts, and a vast game library makes it unmatched. Its player-centric features, from generous bonuses to robust security, ensure a rewarding and safe experience. The Curacao license, backed by transparency and responsible gambling tools, builds trust among players seeking the best Ethereum gambling site.

As a relatively new platform, JACKBIT has quickly established itself as an innovator, offering a seamless experience for casual players and high rollers alike. Its global accessibility and vibrant community make it the best Ethereum casino for 2025 and beyond.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Ethereum Casinos

1. Can I play at JACKBIT without verifying my identity?

Yes, JACKBIT supports anonymous crypto gaming with no mandatory KYC for most withdrawals, ensuring full privacy.

2. Are JACKBIT’s Ethereum payouts quick?

JACKBIT processes Ethereum transactions within minutes, especially for verified or frequent users.

3. Can I use bonuses right after signing up?

Absolutely. New players can instantly claim crypto welcome bonuses upon their first deposit.

4. Does JACKBIT work smoothly on mobile?

Yes, JACKBIT’s mobile platform runs seamlessly on Android and iOS, with full access to games and crypto payments.

5. Can I earn rewards for consistent play?

Definitely. JACKBIT’s VIP program offers cashback, free spins, and faster payouts for loyal players.

Email: support@JACKBIT.com

Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. The content is based on research and user reviews, with no warranties as to accuracy or completeness. Users must verify information before acting.

Online gambling involves risks and is not suitable for everyone. Confirm you meet the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. Gambling laws vary, and compliance is your responsibility. We do not promote gambling; participation is at your own risk. JACKBIT is a third-party platform, and we are not liable for losses or disputes.

This article may contain affiliate links, earning us a commission at no cost to you for qualifying actions. These support our content, but our reviews remain unbiased. Always conduct your own research before signing up.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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The MIL Network –
May 15, 2025
Putin, Trump to skip Ukraine’s peace talks that Russian leader proposed

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated they would not attend what could be the first direct peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv in three years on Thursday, with the Kremlin sending instead a group of experienced technocrats.

Putin on Sunday proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on Thursday “without any preconditions”. Late on Wednesday, the Kremlin said the delegation would include presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky and Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin – but Putin‘s name was not on the list.

After the Kremlin’s delegation announcement, a U.S. official said Trump, who is on a three-nation tour of the Middle East, would not attend. The U.S. leader had said earlier that he was considering the option to participate.

While Putin had never confirmed he would attend in person, the absence of the Russian and U.S. presidents lowers the expectations for a major breakthrough in the war that Russia started in February 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had challenged Putin to attend the talks “if he’s not afraid,” in an apparent contest to show Trump who wants peace more, Ukraine or Russia.

While the Kyiv leader was on his way to Turkey late on Wednesday, a Ukrainian official said, he had said he would take part in the talks only if Putin attended.

In his nightly video address on Wednesday Zelenskiy said that Ukraine would decide on its steps for peace talks in Turkey once there was clarity on Putin‘s participation.

“The answers to all questions about this war – why it started, why it continues – all these answers are in Moscow,” Zelenskiy said. “How the war will end depends on the world.”

Trump wants the two sides to sign up to a 30-day ceasefire to pause Europe’s biggest land war since World War Two, and a Russian lawmaker said on Wednesday there could also be discussions about a huge prisoner of war exchange.

Zelenskiy backs an immediate 30-day ceasefire, but Putin has said he first wants to start talks at which the details of such a ceasefire could be discussed.

MORE SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA?

Trump, who is growing increasingly frustrated with both Russia and Ukraine as he tries to push them towards a peace settlement, said he was “always considering” secondary sanctions against Moscow if he thought it was blocking the process.

U.S. officials have spoken about possible financial sanctions as well as potential secondary sanctions on buyers of Russian oil.

The U.S. delegation to Turkey included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said early on Thursday he had met with Rubio to share Zelenskiy’s peace vision and “coordinate positions during this critical week.”

Medinsky and Fomin, part of the Russian delegation, took part in the last set of negotiations between the two sides in the first weeks of the war. Other senior military and intelligence officials were also part of the Thursday delegation.

Direct talks between negotiators from Ukraine and Russia last took place in Istanbul in March 2022, a month after Putin sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in what he calls a “special military operation” to root out neo-Nazis.

Ukraine and its allies say the invasion was an unprovoked, imperial-style land grab.

With Russian forces grinding forward in Ukraine and now controlling about a fifth of the country, the Kremlin chief has offered few, if any, concessions so far. In his proposal at the weekend, he said that the talks in Turkey would be aimed at a durable peace.

He specifically mentioned the 2022 talks and the failed draft deal.

Under that deal, among others, Ukraine would have agreed to permanent neutrality in return for security guarantees from the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, and other nations including Belarus, Canada, Germany, Israel, Poland and Turkey, according to a draft seen by Reuters.

But officials in Kyiv say agreeing to Ukrainian neutrality is a red line they will not cross.

(Reuters)

May 15, 2025

Category: France

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