NewzIntel.com

Category: France

  • MIL-OSI Global: What to look out for from the music of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Samuel Murray, Lecturer in Music Management, University of Leeds

    I’m in Basel, Switzerland – host city of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest – to present research about treatment of songwriters in the contest. While I’m here, I’ll be conducting field research and attending one of the shows. Here’s what I’ll be looking out for during this year’s competition.

    One of the joys of Eurovision is hearing songs in different languages and different musical styles. Of the 37 entries in this year’s contest, 23 songs include languages other than English (13% more than in 2024), and 17 of those are entirely sung in languages other than English (14% more than in 2024).

    With more than half of the entries now featuring languages other than English, the chances of a non-English song winning have increased. Among these entries, there are some particularly interesting language choices.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    One of the biggest controversies regarding language this year has been the Maltese entry Serving, performed by Miriana Conte. The song was originally titled Serving Kant. Kant is the Maltese word for singing but is pronounced in the same way as the English swear word “cunt”.

    It is a knowing reference to the phrase “serving cunt”. Drawn from black queer ballroom culture, popularised through shows like Rupaul’s Drag Race, it means to do something in a powerfully feminine manner.



    Read more:
    They’re serving what?! How the c-word went from camp to internet mainstream

    Despite therefore provocatively sounding as though it includes a word many viewers will find offensive, the Maltese broadcaster PBS has robustly defended Conte’s right to sing in her native Maltese.

    This was deemed within the rules, but then the BBC complained that it couldn’t broadcast the song. Subsequently the European Broadcasting Union have made Malta change the lyrics – although don’t be surprised if you hear fans in audience fill in the missing word.

    The controversy around the song has provided it with priceless PR and firmly placed it in contention for the win. I rather suspect this may have been the plan all along.

    Another interesting linguistic choice has been this year’s entry from The Netherlands. C’est La Vie, sung by Claude Kiambe, is in the French language, not Dutch, as a tribute to his Congolese roots.

    C’est La Vie by Claude.

    In an interview for the official Eurovision website Kiambe explained: “C’est La Vie is a tribute to a parent and for me that’s my mother. As a little boy and throughout my youth, she taught me to see the positive in the things you experience in life, even when you experience setbacks.”

    French allows Kiambe to authentically express his identity and personal story. This song is significant as it becomes the first from The Netherlands to be sung in French.

    Unusual song topics

    It wouldn’t be Eurovision without songs that cover unusual subject matters. The current favourite to win the contest is the Swedish entry Bara Bada Bastu, or Let’s Just Sauna, by the group KAJ. KAJ are from Finland where sauna is a core fundamental of culture.

    Bara Bada Bastu by KAJ.

    Ireland’s entry Laika Party, meanwhile, takes the unusual approach of creative lyrical speculative fiction. The song ponders what would happen if Laika, the first dog in space, was still alive and partying above Earth.

    Another unusual offering is Tommy Cash’s Espresso Macchiato, representing Estonia. Some viewers have interpreted the song as mocking Italian culture. It has attracted criticism from Italian politicians including senator Gian Marco Sentinaio who produced a flyer in response with the message: “Whoever insults Italy must stay out of Eurovision.”

    The songwriters

    Quite often in Eurovision, songwriters are overlooked for their role in the contest. As you read this article, many writers are already locked away at songwriting camps working away on entries for next year. In fact the Norwegian songwriting camp has already taken place for next year’s Eurovision.

    This year 134 songwriters are behind the 37 songs performed across the contest.

    In popular music songwriting it is now quite commonplace for writers to work in large groups, with each team member making contributions to creating the melody, harmony or the production of the track. This year the Armenian song Survivor, performed by Parg, has the most writers. Ten people were involved in its creation, including Parg himself. The UK comes a close second with seven writers contributing to the entry What the Hell Just Happened?, performed by Remember Monday.

    Survivor by Parg has ten songwriters.

    Another notable statistic this year is that in 30 out of 37 songs, the singer has a songwriting credit. This makes it very likely that we will see a songwriter lift the Eurovision trophy. This year many artists share personal stories in their songs, including France’s Louane who pays tribute to her mother with Maman and Italy’s Luca Corsi, who reflects on his childhood in Volevo Essere un Duro.

    Many of this year’s songwriters have competed in the contest before. Swedish songwriters Peter Boström and Thomas G:Son, who are no strangers to Eurovision having won the contest twice writing Loreen’s entries Euphoria (2012) and Tattoo (2023), are back once again, this time co-writing Survivor for Armenia.

    Another winning Swedish songwriter returning is Linnea Deb. She wrote Sweden’s winning song Heroes in 2015. This time she has co-written Hallucination for Denmark. Alongside the returning Swedes are fellow serial contest writers Dimitris Kontopoulos and Darko Dimitrov, who between them have over 20 contest entries under their belt but are yet to have a victory.

    There will also be a return to the contest for Teodora Špirić, better known a Teya, who alongside Salena, performed Who the Hell is Edgar? for Austria in 2023. This year she is the songwriter for Austrian entry Wasted Love performed by JJ. It’s currently the bookies favourite.

    There are also many new British writers in the contest to keep an eye on, including Emma Gale who has co-written the Croatian entry Poison Cake.

    This year’s contest brings a diversity of languages, subject matter and songwriters together to present 37 unique offerings from which the juries and voters of Europe will choose a winner. While the bookies and fans may have favourites, at this stage a clear winner is not a given – all can change when the songs are performed live.

    Samuel Murray is affiliated with the Musicians’ Union and a writer member of PRS for Music.

    – ref. What to look out for from the music of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest – https://theconversation.com/what-to-look-out-for-from-the-music-of-the-2025-eurovision-song-contest-256388

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ICAO – ICAO Council vote on the downing of flight MH17 (13 May 2025)

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

    France commends the May 12th ruling by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in the case brought by Australia and the Netherlands against Russia in the downing of flight MH17 on July 17, 2014.

    In its decision, the Council found that Russia breached the prohibition contained in article 3bis of the Chicago Convention on the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight. This is the first time that the ICAO Council has gone this far in such a case, following a thorough investigation. The proceedings lead to a clear conclusion: that Russia yet again violated international law.

    Ten years after this tragedy, France reaffirms its support for all actions brought before the appropriate international bodies in a quest for justice.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Remarks at CSIS Global Security Forum on Defense Innovation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, addressed the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) Global Security Forum today in Washington, D.C. Below are the Senator’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

    “If I told you that the West’s greatest strategic adversary was outpacing America in critical sectors like shipbuilding, hypersonic weapons, and unmanned systems…

    “If I told you this adversary was helping the largest state sponsor of terrorism skirt sanctions and pour more resources into the proxies who sow chaos across the Middle East, target U.S. personnel, and shut down a major artery of global trade…

    “If I told you that both of them – along with an erratic, nuclear-armed hermit kingdom – were helping a neo-Soviet imperialist wage an unprovoked war in the backyard of America’s closest allies and trading partners…

    “And if I told you that this has been going on for years…You might expect to see a greater sense of urgency in Washington.

    “Instead, the chasm between the threats we face and what we’re doing to meet them is wide. And it ought to terrify us.

    “A Chinese authoritarian calls American hegemony the product of ‘fascist forces.’ A Russian despot calls the former a ‘dear friend.’ And yet, as our adversaries drew closer together, influential members of both parties have chosen to pick fights with our allies and partners or consoled themselves with the naïve fantasy that we can retreat to Fortress America while spending a historically tiny fraction of our GDP on defense.

    “Now that I have your attention… I’m grateful for the opportunity to be with all of you today. There’s a great deal to discuss. We’re here, in particular, to talk about innovation. That’s time well spent.

    “America won the Cold War thanks in part to the way we exploited our technological military and economic advantage over the Soviet Union. Back then, we recognized that investing in technological superiority to deter conflict was less costly than fighting one. As a share of GDP, defense spending hit 37% at the height of World War II, 13.8% during Korea, and 9.1% during Vietnam. The Reagan buildup hit 6%. All told, the Cold War drove an annual average of 7.5%. That level of spending didn’t just keep the peace; it ushered in an unprecedented period of prosperity for the United States and the free world. It was worth it.

    “Today, we’re spending less than half of what we did during the Reagan build-up – 3% — and we’re getting less for it. Every year, a smaller and smaller percentage goes to buy actual military capabilities.

    “In and out of government, talented people are still thinking about what tomorrow’s battlefield will look like, and what it will require of America’s military and of our allies. And there are conversations worth having about harnessing these talents more effectively. About keeping American and Western technologies at the cutting edge. About making sure that future capabilities don’t die on the vine (or in the Valley of Death).

    “The bureaucracies and processes that slow the development, acquisition, and integration of new weapons systems are in desperate need of reform. But advanced, autonomous systems have not supplanted the traditional ways of war. Presence, personnel, logistics, and mass still matter. And neglect for the fundamental realities of hard power has left us playing from behind in some important ways.

    “Today, we must do multiple things at once. First, our approach to innovation across industry must be: yes, and we should continue to encourage new entrants into the defense ecosystem. But we shouldn’t be blind to their challenges of fielding novel combat-capable systems at scale.

    “Of course, many technologies don’t pan out. Many startups fail. They are worth the investment and the risk. Legacy defense manufacturers are also still critical, and it’s naïve to pretend otherwise. But that doesn’t mean glossing over the need for the primes to pick up the pace.

    “We need talented engineers, patriotic developers, and highly-skilled employees on the job across the defense enterprise. It’s yes, and. If we pretend otherwise, the only ones who stand to gain are America’s adversaries.

    “A lot of ink has been spilled about the technologies and concepts transforming modern war…about unmanned and autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, disinformation, and the gray zone. But the experience of modern war in eastern Europe and the Middle East reminds us that the depth of our magazines remains as decisive as any single cutting-edge capability. Quantity has a quality all its own.

    “One of the greatest strategic challenges we’re facing today is the prospect of high-end conflict or simultaneous conflicts in different theatres that would strain the depth of our arsenal and the resilience of our supply lines. Victory would depend on delivering at scale and in time. Our magazines aren’t deep enough to fight such a war. And if we don’t make overdue investments in expanding our production capacity, we may not have the time to manufacture it.

    “So, when we talk about innovation, let’s talk about innovating our mass and our speed. Let’s talk about our supply chains. The only capabilities that can make a difference on the battlefield are the ones that can get there at the speed and scale of relevance. This, of course, is not hypothetical. Just look at Ukraine. Necessity is the mother of invention, and our friends have developed what arguably the world’s foremost drone innovation sector. But even more remarkable is the sustained speed with which Ukrainian producers are honing and refining unmanned systems in real time. As Russian countermeasures emerge and render previous capabilities obsolete, they’re producing new iterations to stay on the cutting edge.

    “American manufacturers – whether new startups or legacy primes – should ask themselves if they could keep up with such a pace. On the shortcomings of our defense industrial base, there’s plenty of blame to go around. Congress has a clear constitutional role in which we are all too often delinquent. Regular order appropriations are what give industry and the department the certainty they need to plan for the future. And we haven’t been holding up that end of the bargain. But the department has more authorities than it sometimes cares to acknowledge – middle-tier acquisition pathways, Other Transaction Authority, and the Defense Production Act, to name a few. And when these tools aren’t used the way they were designed, it’s unreasonable to expect improved outcomes on acquisitions and procurement of actual military capabilities.

    “Our industry partners, for their part, are right that inconsistent demand signals make their work harder. Services for too long have short-changed purchases of critical munitions.

    “I don’t know of an example where the Senate defense appropriations subcommittee has rejected a request for multi-year procurement authority for munitions. On the other hand, the services have – for reasons of their own – downplayed the munitions requirements of combatant commanders.

    “To be fair, under perennial budgetary constraints from above, it’s not surprising that the services have made tough decisions to protect their core modernization and acquisition programs.

    “Since Russia’s 2022 escalation of its war against Ukraine, the global demand for essential capabilities like long-range munitions and missile defense interceptors has only gone up – even if upward trends in annual defense budgets have lagged. And producers of these capabilities do bear responsibility of their own for not having planned sooner to meet the inevitable demand.

    “But let’s be absolutely clear: nothing undermines the prospects of innovation and reform like anemic topline spending. Nothing signals more unmistakably that America is unserious than asking allies to double their investments in hard power while we propose to cut our own.

    “If the administration recognizes – as it says it does – the grave stakes of major-power competition, OMB’s budget proposal for the coming year fails to show it. And no amount of budgetary sleight of hand will be able to prove otherwise. That said, this administration can still avoid the self-inflicted crises of credibility that dogged its predecessor. Our adversaries and allies alike are still watching closely for real signs of political will and measurable shifts in the balance of hard power.

    “American politicians have criticized partners who used special funds to mask shortcomings in annual defense spending. Well, we should be careful not to mistake our budget reconciliation for long-term commitment, either.

    “I support the use of reconciliation to make a significant, one-time investment in defense. But pretending that this procedure – or, for that matter, a year spent under a continuing resolution – can make up for failures on predictable, full-year appropriations is as dangerous as it is profoundly unserious. Reconciliation spending may fund short-term operations or investments, but without sustained annual growth, it risks creating massive cliffs in sustainment, personnel, and procurement costs.

    “We’re all familiar with the headwinds of rising mandatory costs and inflation, the real drivers of our budget deficit. This is also true at the Defense Department, where such costs eat up a larger and larger share of the defense budget, crowding out procurement, readiness, and modernization costs. Making urgent, nimble, innovative discretionary investments won’t get any easier if we cut the topline in real terms or force the defense enterprise to innovate for today’s challenges with yesterday’s dollars. But you know as well as I do that the consequences of missing opportunities for innovation here at home aren’t limited to here at home. Coming up short on America’s topline commitment to the national defense sends an unmistakable signal to the allies and partners who, for decades, have bet big on American technologies and American leadership.

    “We should not be surprised to see our friends rethinking their integration with American-made platforms… or, for that matter, American-led security architecture. Least of all, I must say, when we pick fights with them over trading balances. This is particularly true in Europe, where we seem to be punishing NATO allies even though they’ve finally made exactly the kind of defense investments President Trump demanded in 2018.

    “In response to Putin’s aggression, European allies are becoming the stronger, more capable partners the President had urged them to become. NATO allies are sharing more of the burden of collective security. And in the near term, that’s meant a gusher of foreign investment in American-made capabilities. By the tens of billions of dollars, allies have flocked to buy American – an endorsement of American leadership.

    “Even as our allies develop more high-end technologies of their own, close partnership is as essential as ever. I was proud to support the expansion of the trans-Atlantic alliance to include Sweden and Finland – not as hungry customers for American technologies but as highly-capable industrial economies that recognize the value of interoperability and coproduction.

    “There’s little question that our adversaries are working hard to split American and its European allies. If we’re making their job easier, we’re doing something wrong. As history begs us to recall, we don’t get to pick and choose which conflicts will threaten our interests and for how long they will last. And we will rely on friends to help us deter and contain aggression in the coming years, from the Indo-Pacific to Eastern Europe. Going it alone will only increase costs for taxpayers and risks to our warfighters. We should be working more closely with allies worldwide to protect our economies and supply chains from the PRC. If we push these friends away, we shouldn’t expect them to keep buying American.

    “Our allies’ desire for interoperability is a tremendous asset. Take the CH-47 Chinook helicopter – an aging airframe in need of a major update. More than a decade ago, the Canadian government, which has long been delinquent on defense spending, footed the development costs for a new variant, saving U.S. taxpayer dollars and putting an important, updated platform on the apron for the U.S. Army.

    “But let’s be clear: if we let the single most important metric of America’s will to fight and win wane further, we should not expect many allies and partners to make major investments of their own like this…certainly not like the hundred-plus billion in orders under contract right now with U.S. defense producers from our friends in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

    “Our friends understand, as our own leaders once did, that the threats to our shared interests are not contained neatly within continents. Just as Asian allies feel threatened by Russia’s war in Ukraine, Baltic and Nordic allies are guarding against China’s meddling in northern waters. As Russia and China deepen their strategic cooperation, France and the United Kingdom are projecting power into the Indo-Pacific.

    “We should welcome, not discourage, our allies’ contributions to global security.

    “If America chooses to deny unmistakable ties – between the threats we face and between the West’s interests – we will live in a lonely state of denial. The time to signal our enduring commitment is right now.

    “I ought to close on an uplifting note. We have no shortage of bright minds thinking about how to deter and defeat threats to America and to the systems we lead that underpin our peace and prosperity. And for decades now, one of the best has been behind the wheel here at CSIS. I’d like to add my name to the well-deserved chorus of praise for Dr. John Hamre and his leadership – both in and out of government. When the time comes to hand off the reins of this proud institution, he’ll be able to do so with great pride and with confidence that while the challenges we face are urgent and grave, we have the talent and capacity to meet them – much of it right here in this room.

    “Thank you all.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: HBC’s artworks and collections help us understand Canada’s origins — and can be auctioned off

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Norman Vorano, Associate Professor of Art History and Head of the Department of Art History and Art Conservation, Queen’s University, Ontario

    The proposed liquidation of many of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s (HBC) collections that together trace over three centuries of Indigenous and European interaction across this continent represents a profound threat to Canada’s collective memory and identity.

    An Ontario Superior Court judge ruled that the company could move forward with an auction of 4,400 items — including historic artifacts and artworks.

    Several government and non-government cultural agencies, including the Manitoba Museum and the Indigenous Council of the Canadian Museums Association, have expressed concern to HBC and the financial advisory firm it’s working with.

    First Nations leaders and scholars say many of the objects likely have profound significance to Indigenous Peoples and are calling for repatriaton.

    As an art history professor who has researched curatorial and museum practices, I can attest to the cultural and scholarly value of keeping documentary and cultural collections intact, rather than being scattered across the globe or disappearing into private hands.

    This situation exposes the reach and limits of Canada’s Cultural Property Export and Import Act (CPEIA). The act has provisions to delay or block export of cultural property, defined broadly as “any cultural or heritage object, regardless of its place of origin, which may be important from an archaeological, historical, artistic or scientific perspective.” Yet, this legislation offers no guarantees that the objects will end up in Canadian museums or under Indigenous stewardship.

    Importance for memory

    After moving its head office from London to Canada in 1970, HBC first loaned records to the Archives of Manitoba in 1974 and then donated them in 1994 to the province. The vast collection includes about 130,000 images and all minute books from meetings of HBC’s governor and committee from 1671 to 1970.

    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated a substantial part of that collection as part of the Memory of the World Register. Items with this designation are recognized as showcasing and preserving the most significant documents of human heritage.

    If the items heading to auction are similar, they, too, would be embedded with stories of political negotiation, cultural exchange and economic transformation that helped forge Canada over three centuries.

    Some HBC records have provided a window into Canada’s climate history and ecology, offering valuable long-term data to environmental researchers. Others show evidence of Indigenous trade, land occupation and cultural presence relevant to genealogical research, band membership documentation and land claims.

    The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, citing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, has called for transparency and consultation in any discussion concerning the disposition of HBC items and stopping any sale or transfer of artifacts that “may belong to or be linked with First Nations.”

    1977 legislation

    Prior to Parliament passing the CPEIA legislation in 1977, the federal government had few legal mechanisms to safeguard cultural heritage at home or abroad.

    The 1951 Massey Report into the development of Canadian arts and culture acknowledged the sale and export of important collections, including Indigenous cultural belongings. It noted that some Canadian museums had been requesting “an embargo on the sale abroad of objects of particular national significance as well as for suitable grants to the museums which should preserve these objects ….”

    Global concern for cultural property

    An emerging global consensus on the need for a stronger cross-border regulatory system also shaped CPEIA’s development. The 1954 UNESCO Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict was the first international legal framework for the protection of moveable “cultural property.” This was created in response to the Nazi looting of private and public collections.

    By the 1960s, Canada was studying British and French laws, particularly the U.K.’s 1952 Waverly Report, as models for export controls.
    Borrowing from the Waverly Report, CPEIA relied upon, in the words of Canadian diplomat Ian Christie Clark, a “co-operation of the collector-dealer fraternity” working together with the government to ensure compliance.

    The final push to develop national policies flowed from the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. This obliged signatory states to develop their own laws to protect cultural heritage and facilitate the return of illegally exported property. To claim the reciprocal benefits of the convention, Canada had to act.

    Relevance of the CPEIA

    An independent committee of specialists, established through the CPEIA, can designate parts, or the entirety, of the HBC collection as “of outstanding significance and national importance” if the HBC proposed to donate or sell items to a designated Canadian institution.



    Read more:
    More than a department store: The long, complicated legacy behind Hudson’s Bay Company

    In such a circumstance, the HBC, in tandem with a collecting institution, can request a review to unlock generous tax incentives if certified.

    This designation could also arise if the owner — either the HBC or a successful buyer — applied for an export permit to move the collection out of Canada. This application would be screened against CPEIA’s export control list, which covers everything from archaeological and scientific specimens to documentary records and artworks that exceed age and value thresholds.

    If those thresholds were met, and an export permit is denied, the works would be referred to an expert examiner for a full Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board assessment. A private sale within Canada would not alone prompt the review.

    Receiving a cultural property designation would, at least temporarily, restrict the possibility of exporting items.

    Importantly, the delay would give federally designated institutions like public museums or archives, as well as Indigenous-led organization with the mandate to preserve and support Indigenous heritage, an opportunity to purchase cultural property that has been denied an export permit. For this, CPEIA offers grants and loans for designated institutions to match the appraised value. Those grants and loans can also be used to repatriate collections that are abroad.

    HBC’s historic archive is a prism through which we view Canada’s origins.

    Dispersing or exporting this collection would significantly diminish our understanding of Canada. While CPEIA may play a role in retaining it, it offers no certainties.

    Norman Vorano received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.

    – ref. HBC’s artworks and collections help us understand Canada’s origins — and can be auctioned off – https://theconversation.com/hbcs-artworks-and-collections-help-us-understand-canadas-origins-and-can-be-auctioned-off-256044

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Euronext completes the acquisition of Admincontrol

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Euronext completes the acquisition of Admincontrol

    The integration of Admincontrol accelerates Euronext Corporate Solutions development in the Nordics and scales up Euronext’s SaaS offering.

    Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 13 May 2025 – Euronext, the leading European capital market infrastructure, today announces that it has completed the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Admincontrol for an enterprise value of NOK 4,650 million. The transaction complies with Euronext’s capital allocation policy, with a ROCE expected to exceed WACC between years three to five after closing1.

    Admincontrol will be part of Euronext Corporate Solutions, strengthening the development of the franchise in the Nordics and the UK. The acquisition accelerates Euronext’s strategic ambition to scale up its SaaS offering and increases Euronext’s share of subscription-based revenue. It more than doubles the size of the Euronext governance offering and broadens capabilities with state-of-the-art solutions addressing mission-critical workflows.

    Admincontrol has seen double-digit annual growth over the last five years and recorded NOK 452 million of revenues and NOK 200 million of EBITDA and 44% EBITDA margin in 20242. From the second quarter of 2025, Admincontrol’s revenue will be integrated into Euronext’s revenue line Corporate and Investor Solutions and Technology Services, which represented €170.8 million in 20243.

    Stéphane Boujnah, CEO of Euronext, said: “The acquisition of Admincontrol positions Euronext Corporate Solutions as a leader in the governance SaaS space and expands our access to new clients in the Nordics where we have already expanded our presence over the years with promising growth prospects. Admincontrol will benefit from Euronext Corporate Solutions’ unique network and expertise across Europe to boost the growth of its state-of-the-art governance solutions. We look forward to welcoming Admincontrol’s talented teams to further accelerate the deployment of its strategy in Europe.”

    Møyfrid Øygard, CEO of Admincontrol, said: “Joining Euronext is a significant milestone in Admincontrol’s growth journey. Excellent governance is critical for the Euronext network of issuers and customers, and we are excited to bring our complementary product offering to market, supporting Euronext Corporate Solutions’ business and its position in the Nordics.”

    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.

    1 The cashflow related to the transaction will be communicated as part of Q2 2025 results
    2 Based on unaudited figures
    3 Based on Euronext’s new reporting framework: http://www.euronext.com/en/media/13322/download

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What will the Antichrist look like? According to Western thought, an authoritarian king – or the pope

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Philip C. Almond, Emeritus Professor in the History of Religious Thought, The University of Queensland

    Composite image by The Conversation. Images courtesy of TruthSocial/@realDonaldTrump and Wikimedia Commons

    The US presidency and the papacy came together on May 3 when Donald Trump posted an AI-generated photograph of himself dressed as the pope to Truth Social. The image was then shared by the White House’s accounts.

    Seated in an ornate (Mar-a-Lago-style) golden chair, he was wearing a white cassock and a bishop’s hat, with his right forefinger raised.

    Trump has since told reporters he “had nothing to do with it […] somebody did it in fun”.

    This image of “Pope Donald I” is of historical significance, for reasons of which, no doubt, the White House and Trump were blissfully unaware. It is the first ever image to combine the two most important understandings of the figure of the Antichrist in Western thought: on the one hand, that of the pope, and on the other, that of the authoritarian, despotic world emperor.

    On April 22, the day after Pope Francis’ death, Trump declared “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice”. On April 28, Trump told The Atlantic “I run the country and the world”.

    So, both pope and world emperor.

    The Imperial Antichrist

    In the New Testament, the First Letter of John says, before Christ came again, the Antichrist will appear: the most conspicuous sign the end of the world was near.

    The Antichrist would be the archetypal evil human being who would persecute the Christian faithful. He would be finally defeated by the forces of good. As Sir Isaac Newton suggested, “searching the Prophecies which [God] hath given us to know Antichrist by” is a Christian obligation.

    The first life of the Antichrist was written by a Benedictine monk, Adso of Montier-en-der, around 1,100 years ago. According to Adso, the Antichrist would be a tyrannical evil king who would corrupt all those around him with gold and silver. He would be brought up in all forms of wickedness. Evil spirits would be his instructors and his constant companions.

    The Antichrist, left, is depicted as a king, in this image from a 12th century manuscript.
    Wikimedia Commons

    Seeking his own glory, as Adso put it, this king “will call himself Almighty God”.

    The Antichrist was opposite to everything Christ-like. According to the Christian tradition, Christ was fully human yet absolutely “sin free”. The Antichrist too was fully human, but completely “sin full”. The Antichrist was not so much a supernatural being who became flesh, as a human being who became fully demonised.

    Influenced by Christian stories of the Antichrist, Islam and Judaism constructed their own Antichrists – al-Dajjal, the Antichrist of the Muslims, and Armilus, the Antichrist of the Jews. Both al-Dajjal and Armilus are king-like messiahs.

    Over the centuries, many world leaders have been labelled “the Antichrist” – the Roman emperors Nero and Domitian were Antichrist figures, and the French emperor Napoleon was named the Antichrist in his own time.

    There have been more recent leaders who have been likened to the Antichrist, among them former president of Iraq Saddam Hussein, King Charles III, former Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev, al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden, and Trump.

    The Papal Antichrist

    In the year 1190, King Richard I of England, on his way to the Holy Land, was informed by the Italian theologian Joachim of Fiore (c.1135–1202) the next pope would be the Antichrist.

    In the history of the Antichrist, this was a momentous occasion. From this time on, the tyrannical Antichrist outside of the Church would be juxtaposed with the papal deceiver within it.

    That the Catholic pope was the Antichrist was the common reading of the pope in the 16th-century Protestant Reformation.

    Martin Luther (1483–1546), the founder of the Protestant revolution, declared the pope “is the true […] Antichrist who has raised himself over and set himself against Christ”.

    Just as all Christians would not worship the Devil as God, he went on to say, “so we cannot allow his apostle the pope or Antichrist, to govern as our head or lord”.

    This 1877 painting depicts Martin Luther summoned by the Catholic Church in 1521, to renounce or reaffirm his views criticising Pope Leo X.
    Wikimedia Commons

    As he was about to be burned by the Catholic Queen Mary for his Protestant beliefs, the Anglican bishop Thomas Cranmer (1489–1556) declared, “as for the pope, I refuse him, as Christ’s enemy and antichrist with all his false doctrine”.

    Even in 1988, as Pope John Paul II addressed the European Parliament, the Northern Ireland hardline Protestant leader Ian Paisley roared, “Antichrist! I renounce you and all your cults and creeds” – to which, we are told, the pope gave a slight bemused smile.

    Except among the most extreme of Protestant conservatives, the idea of the papal Antichrist no longer has any purchase. The papal Antichrist has vacated the Western stage for the imperial Antichrist.

    The Antichrist and the end of the world

    In the history of Christianity, the idea of the Antichrist was a key part of Christian expectations about the return of Christ and the end of the world.

    In the final battle between the forces of good and evil, the Antichrist would be defeated by the forces of Christ. In short, the rise of the world emperor who was the Antichrist was a sign that the end of the world was at hand.

    In the light of the Western history of “the Antichrist”, the image of the imperial and papal US president is a powerful sign that the global order – at least as we have known it for the last 80 years – may be at an end.



    Read more:
    Five things to know about the Antichrist

    Philip C. Almond 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. What will the Antichrist look like? According to Western thought, an authoritarian king – or the pope – https://theconversation.com/what-will-the-antichrist-look-like-according-to-western-thought-an-authoritarian-king-or-the-pope-256205

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mauritania’s Gas Future Will Take Center Stage in Exclusive Fireside Chat at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025

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

    PARIS, France, May 13, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris is set to host a pivotal session – In Conversation with Mauritania – featuring a fireside chat with Mohamed Ould Khaled, Minister of Petroleum and Energy of Mauritania. This exclusive dialogue will examine how large-scale energy projects – including the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG development – are ushering in a new era of gas-driven growth in West Africa.

    The GTA project, a collaborative cross-border initiative between Mauritania and Senegal, reached a significant milestone with the launch of first gas production in January 2025. Phase 1 is expected to produce approximately 2.3 million tons of LNG per annum, positioning the two nations as major LNG exporters. The focus now shifts to securing a final investment decision (FID) for Phase 2, which could increase production to 2.5-3 million tons per annum through the implementation of a gravity-based structure, further strengthening the region’s position in the global energy market. FID will depend on continued cross-border cooperation, regulatory alignment and securing additional investment.

    IAE 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3ZicRSy) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Beyond the GTA project, the session will highlight other major developments, including Mauritania’s BirAllah gas field, which is currently seeking new development partners. Estimated to hold 80 trillion cubic feet of offshore gas reserves, BirAllah represents a significant opportunity to enhance national energy self-sufficiency while supporting the country’s broader industrial growth.

    Leveraging its exceptional solar and wind resources, Mauritania is also pursuing an ambitious green hydrogen strategy. This includes the $40-billion AMAN project – developed in partnership with CWP – which aims to install 30 GW of renewable energy capacity to produce 1.7 million tons of green hydrogen annually. Other key initiatives include Chariot’s Project Nour and GreenGo’s Megaton Moon. Overall, Mauritania is targeting a 1.5% share of the global hydrogen market by 2050, supported by the implementation of the world’s first national hydrogen law.

    “If these projects progress as planned, Mauritania could emerge as a key leader in Africa’s energy transition, achieving an unprecedented level of energy self-sufficiency, driving socioeconomic development and strengthening its position within the West African energy market,” says Sandra Jeque, Event and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.

    IAE 2025 offers a strategic platform to spotlight these opportunities, foster dialogue among policymakers and investors, and promote the sustainable development of the region’s natural resources.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: AI methods help predict the emergence of ‘gazelles’ and other high-growth firms, but challenges remain

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Tatiana Beliaeva, Enseignante–chercheuse en entrepreneuriat, UCLy (Lyon Catholic University)

    Predicting whether or not companies will be successful is crucial for guiding investment decisions and designing effective economic policies. However, past research on high-growth firms – enterprises thought to be key for driving economic development – has typically shown low predictive accuracy, suggesting that growth may be largely random. Does this assumption still hold in the AI era, in which vast amounts of data and advanced analytical methods are now available? Can AI techniques overcome difficulties in predicting high-growth firms? These questions were raised in a chapter I co-authored in the De Gruyter Handbook of SME Entrepreneurship, which reviewed scientific contributions on firm growth prediction with AI methods.

    According to the Eurostat-OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) definition, high-growth firms are businesses with at least 10 employees in the initial growth period and “average annualised growth greater than 20% per annum, over a three year period”. Growth can be measured by the firm’s number of employees or by its turnover. A subset of high-growth firms, known as “gazelles”, are young businesses – typically start-ups – that are up to five years old and experience fast growth.


    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!

    High-growth firms drive development, innovation and job creation. Identifying firms with high-growth potential enables investors, start-up incubators, accelerators, large companies and policymakers to spot potential opportunities for investment, strategic partnerships and resource allocation at an early stage. Forecasting outcomes for start-ups is more challenging than doing so for large companies due to limited historical data, high uncertainty, and reliance on qualitative factors like founder experience and market fit.

    How random is firm growth?

    Accurate growth forecasting is especially crucial given the high failure rate of start-ups. One in five start-ups fail in their first year, and two thirds fail within 10 years. Some start-ups can also contribute significantly to job creation: research analysing data from Spanish and Russian firms between 2010 and 2018 has shown that while “gazelles” represented only about 1-2% of all businesses in both countries, they were responsible for approximately 14% of employment growth in Russia and 9% in Spain.

    High-growth firms are “widely considered essential for stimulating economic growth and employment” but are difficult to identify. Stakeholders need accurate growth predictions to help optimize decision-making and minimize risks by identifying firms with the highest potential for success.

    In an effort to understand why some firms grow faster than others, researchers have looked into various factors including the personality of entrepreneurs, competitive strategy, available resources, market conditions and macroeconomic environment. These factors, however, only explained a small portion of the variation in firm growth and were limited in their practical application. This led to the suggestion that predicting the growth of new businesses is like playing a game of chance. Another viewpoint argued that the problem of growth prediction might stem from the methods employed, suggesting an “illusion of randomness”.

    As firm growth is a complex, diverse, dynamic and non-linear process, adopting a new set of methods and approaches, such as those driven by big data and AI, can shed new light on the growth debate and forecasting.

    AI offers new opportunities for predicting high-growth firms

    AI methods are being increasingly adopted to forecast firm growth. For example, 70% of venture capital firms are adopting AI to increase internal productivity and facilitate and speed up sourcing, screening, classifying and monitoring start-ups with high potential. Crunchbase, a company data platform, claims that internal testing has shown that its AI models can predict start-up success with “95% precision” by analysing thousands of signals. These developments promise to fundamentally change how investors and businesses approach decision-making in private markets.

    The advantages of AI techniques lie in their ability to process a far greater volume, variety and velocity of data about businesses and their environments compared to traditional statistical methods. For example, machine learning methods such as random forest (RF) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) help identify key variables affecting business outcomes in datasets with a large number of predictors. A “fused” large language model has been shown to predict start-up success using both structured (organized in tables) fundamental information and unstructured (unorganized and more complex) textual descriptions. AI techniques help enhance the accuracy of firm growth predictions, identify the most important growth factors and minimize human biases. As some scholars have noted, the improved prediction indicates that perhaps firm growth is less random than previously thought. Furthermore, the ability to capture data in real time is especially valuable in fast-paced, dynamic environments, such as high-technology industries.

    Challenges remain

    Despite AI’s rapid progress, there is still considerable potential for advancement. Although the prediction of high-growth firms has been improved with modern AI techniques, studies indicate that it continues to be a challenge. For instance, start-up success often depends on rapidly changing and intangible factors that are not easily captured by data. Further methodological advances, such as incorporating a broader range of predictors, diverse data sources and more sophisticated algorithms, are recommended.

    One of the main challenges for AI methods is their ability to offer explanations for the predictions they make. Predictions generated by complex deep learning models resemble a “black box”, with the causal mechanisms that transform input into output remaining unclear. Producing more explainable AI has become one of the key objectives set by the research community. Understanding what is explainable and what is not (yet) explainable with the use of AI methods can better guide practitioners in identifying and supporting high-growth firms.

    While start-ups offer the potential for significant investment returns, they carry considerable risks, making careful selection and accurate prediction crucial. As AI models evolve, they will increasingly integrate diverse and unstructured data sources and real-time market signals to detect early indicators of potential success. Advancements are expected to further enhance the scalability, accuracy, speed and transparency of AI-driven predictions, reshaping how high-growth firms are identified and supported.

    Tatiana Beliaeva 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. AI methods help predict the emergence of ‘gazelles’ and other high-growth firms, but challenges remain – https://theconversation.com/ai-methods-help-predict-the-emergence-of-gazelles-and-other-high-growth-firms-but-challenges-remain-255907

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The Secretary-General – Remarks to the Ministerial Meeting on the Future of Peacekeeping

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    [Bilingual, as delivered]

    Dear Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, our generous hosts.

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    My thanks to Germany for bringing us together at this consequential moment.

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

    Our organization was founded on the conviction that peace is possible if we work as one united human family.

    That is what our peace operations are about. 

    From preventive diplomacy to peacekeeping…

    From negotiating ceasefires to helping to implement them…

    From electoral support and observer missions to de-mining operations and protection of civilians…

    To the focus of today’s Ministerial meeting — peacekeeping.

    Excellencies,

    UN Blue Helmets are the most globally recognized symbol of the world’s ability to come together to help countries move from conflict to peace.

    Peacekeepers hail from every corner of the world.

    But they are united in their commitment to peace.

    As we meet today, UN peacekeepers are hard at work helping to ensure that ceasefires are respected…

    Protecting civilians caught in the line of fire…

    Helping provide the conditions for lifesaving aid to flow to those in need…

    And laying the foundations for long-term recovery.

    In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death.

    And they are also a clear demonstration of the power of multilateral action to maintain, achieve and sustain peace.

    There is a long list of countries that have achieved durable peace with the support of UN Peacekeeping — including Cambodia, Cote d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Liberia, Namibia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Timor Leste.  

    Many of these countries now themselves contribute troops. 

    At the same time, we recognize that peace comes at a price.

    Through the decades, 4,400 peacekeepers have fallen in the line of duty.

    Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.  

    Please join me in a moment of silence to honour all those who lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.

    [MOMENT OF SILENCE]

    Thank you.

    Excellencies,

    We owe it to peacekeepers — and the populations they protect — to continue strengthening their ability to answer this call to peace.

    And to do so in the face of daunting challenges.

    Complex, intertwined and frequently borderless conflicts…

    Growing polarization and division around the globe…

    Targeting of peacekeepers through deadly misinformation spreading through social media…

    Terrorism and transnational crime, which find fertile ground in instability…

    The ongoing climate crisis that is exacerbating conflict while leaving more of the planet uninhabitable…

    All the continued trampling of international law and international humanitarian law.

    As a result, we are now facing the highest number of conflicts since the foundation of the United Nations, and record numbers of people fleeing across borders in search of safety and refuge.

    We must recognize that peacekeeping operations are only as effective as the mandates directing them, and can struggle in contexts where political support and clearly defined outcomes and solutions are absent or elusive.

    Meanwhile, we see increasing differences of views around how peacekeeping operations should work, under what circumstances, with what mandates they should be deployed, and for how long.

    And we face dramatic financial constraints across the board.

    We’ve worked to adapt in the face of these challenges.

    But we need to do more.

    Today, I want to highlight three areas of focus.

    First — help us shape peacekeeping operations that are fit for the future.     

    The Pact for the Future called for a Review of Peace Operations — including peacekeeping.

    The review will examine how we can make peacekeeping operations more adaptable, flexible and resilient — while recognizing the limitations in situations where there is little or no peace to keep.

    It will also aim to critically examine the tools we have today and propose concrete recommendations to make them fit for the future.  

    Through this review, we must ensure that the United Nations is prepared to deploy peace operations tailored to each individual conflict, while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.

    We can draw inspiration from our UNIFIL operation, which recently developed an adaptation plan to keep peace along the Blue Line, and ensure lifesaving aid can flow to civilians in southern Lebanon.

    In the Central African Republic, we see MINUSCA protecting civilians and assisting the government to extend its reach beyond the capital where people are in desperate need. 

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite ongoing fighting, UN Peacekeepers remain in the field, protecting vulnerable populations. 

    We’re also seeking efficiencies through partnerships — from Member States to regional and sub-regional organizations, to local communities.

    Most important among them is our strong partnership with the African Union.

    Security Council resolution 2719 has lifted this partnership to a new level as we work to establish peace enforcement missions under the AU’s responsibility, supported by the United Nations through assessed contributions.

    Today, the Review of Peace Operations will need to be informed — and inspired — by your views.

    Member States make peacekeeping possible.

    They must lead the way as we strengthen it for the future.

    Second — as we make our operations more adaptable and flexible, we need to do the same in the use of our resources.

    Peace operations can only succeed when backed by robust mandates and clear, predictable and sustained contributions, both financial and logistical. 

    But these are tough times for the financing of our work across the board.

    Peacekeeping is no exception.

    It is crucial that we are able to use the increasingly limited resources we have — and use them well.

    That requires more flexible rules and processes.

    This means updating our approach to abolishing or establishing positions, and working with troop-contributing countries to ensure we can deliver.

    It means working with Member States and the UN Security Council to ensure that any new mandates are prioritized and achievable with the resources available and with a clear exit strategy.

    And it means driving efficiencies and improvements across our work in light of the continued funding challenges we face.

    Our Review of Peace Operations will work hand-in-hand with our UN80 initiative, to ensure we maximize efficiencies wherever possible, supported at every step by Member States.

    We look forward to your governments’ support and ideas as we tackle these challenges together.

    Troisièmement, nous avons besoin de votre soutien politique – qui passe notamment par les engagements que vous prendrez demain.

    Sans solution politique, les opérations de paix sont vouées à l’échec.

    Ensemble, nous devons rallier un soutien accru en faveur des solutions politiques pour toutes les missions de maintien de la paix.

    Faire avancer ces solutions politiques nécessite d’avoir les moyens nécessaires pour mener à bien nos opérations – notamment un soutien politique unifié de la part des États Membres, un leadership fort, des troupes bien préparées, du matériel et des technologies.

    Ces éléments peuvent renforcer nos opérations et améliorer sensiblement la vie des gens.

    Cela nécessite aussi un soutien de tous les États membres pour assurer la sécurité des Casques bleus sur le terrain, ainsi que le plein respect des privilèges et immunités pertinentes de notre Organisation et de son personnel.

    Nous sommes profondément reconnaissants de votre soutien et des contributions concrètes que nombre d’entre vous annonceront demain.

    Excellences,

    Le budget des opérations de la paix des Nations Unies, réparti entre les 193 États Membres, ne représente qu’une infime partie des dépenses militaires mondiales – environ 0,5 %. Ces opérations demeurent donc l’un des moyens les plus efficaces et les plus économiques de consolider la paix et la sécurité internationales.

    Toutefois, leur force est tributaire de l’engagement des États Membres à leur égard.

    Malheureusement, les opérations de maintien de la paix sont soumises a un sérieux problème de liquidité. Il est absolument essentiel que tous les Etats Membres respectent leurs obligations financières en payant les contributions intégralement et dans les temps.

    Aujourd’hui plus que jamais, le monde a besoin de l’ONU.

    Et l’ONU a besoin que les opérations de maintien de la paix disposent de tous les moyens nécessaires pour faire face aux réalités d’aujourd’hui et relever les défis de demain.

    Ensemble, faisons en sorte que les opérations de maintien de la paix de l’ONU répondent aux défis du moment, aux attentes des États Membres, et aux besoins légitimes de nos soldates et soldats de la paix – et des personnes à qui ils viennent en aide.

    Je vous remercie.

    Full translation in English.

    Full translation in French.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Ministers to Tackle Energy Investment Gap at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025

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

    PARIS, France, May 13, 2025/APO Group/ —

    At Invest in African Energy 2025, a high-level ministerial panel will bring together energy ministers from Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zimbabwe to examine the capital requirements and strategic partnerships needed to bring Africa’s next generation of energy projects online.

    Set against a backdrop of evolving global energy dynamics and intensifying pressure to meet net-zero targets, the session – “Africa on the Global Energy Stage: Financing the Next Generation of Energy Projects” – will explore how African nations are navigating complex investment landscapes to drive sustainable hydrocarbon development. Moderated by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, the discussion will feature Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) of Nigeria; Malam Sambu, Minister of Energy of Guinea-Bissau; Wivine Moleka, Deputy Minister of Hydrocarbons of the DRC; and July Moyo, Minister of Energy & Power Development of Zimbabwe.

    IAE 2025 (apo-opa.co/4iXGe3C) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Nigeria, which holds the largest natural gas reserves in Africa, is advancing its “Decade of Gas” agenda under a reform-oriented administration working to reposition the country as a global gas hub. The government is prioritizing infrastructure development, market liberalization and targeted policy incentives to draw large-scale investment into the sector, which has already led to major capital commitments from international players including Shell, Chevron and TotalEnergies, and the rollout of new LNG, FLNG and mini-LNG projects.

    In Guinea-Bissau, the energy sector is entering a new phase of exploration and frontier investment. As one of the continent’s least developed hydrocarbon markets, the country is laying the institutional and regulatory foundations for future growth, with an emphasis on public-private collaboration and regional integration. Last September, Guinea-Bissau spudded a deep offshore exploration well near the neighboring Sangomar discovery in Senegal, marking a significant step toward unlocking its offshore potential.

    The DRC, meanwhile, is pushing to unlock the potential of its underexplored hydrocarbon basins. With a renewed focus on exploration and development, the DRC is pursuing strategic licensing efforts and engaging international partners to accelerate activity, while also seeking to balance environmental considerations with its economic development goals.

    Zimbabwe continues to prioritize energy diversification and regional power security. In recent years, the country has undertaken efforts to expand its generation capacity and foster investment through independent power producers and infrastructure partnerships. As southern Africa faces persistent energy shortfalls, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a critical part of the regional solution. Together, Africa’s leading energy ministers will engage in a forward-looking dialogue on innovative partnership models, policy frameworks and the capital flows needed to ensure Africa’s energy projects not only get off the ground, but also deliver long-term value for both investors and local economies.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Appointment of new Non-Executive Director

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    13 May 2025

    Appointment of new Non-Executive Director

    Admiral Group plc (“Admiral”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Paola Bonomo as an Independent Non-Executive Director with effect from 12 May 2025.

    Paola brings with her a wealth of international leadership experience in strategy, digital technology, and transformation. She spent 14 years in strategy consulting with McKinsey, specialising in technology and telecommunications. Paola spent 10 years in operational leadership roles in digital, including senior positions at eBay, Vodafone, and, latterly, Facebook where Paola was the Global Marketing Solutions Regional Director for Southern Europe.

    Paola was a Non-Executive Director of AXA Assicurazioni S.p.A., the Italian operating entity of the AXA Group, from 2014 until April 2025 and had been a member of its Audit, Internal Control and Risk, and Remuneration Committees.

    Paola is currently a Non-Executive Director of FAAC S.p.A., an international group providing access automation, parking and access control solutions. Further, Paola is a Non-Executive Director of Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane S.p.A. (INWIT), the leading Italian telecommunications tower operator. Further, Paola serves as Vice Chair of Italian Angels for Growth, where she is an angel investor and advisor to digital startups.

    Paola has extensive board experience in both public and private companies, holding recent Non-Executive Director roles in a number of digital, telecoms, and retail companies. Paola has recently been a Non-Executive Director of Telecom Italia, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, where she chaired the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, stepping down in 2024. She was a Non-Executive Director and member of the Audit Committee at Crystal Peak Acquisition, a special purpose acquisition company listed on Euronext Amsterdam, leaving this position in 2023. Paola was also a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration and Nomination Committees at Piquadro S.p.A., a fashion group operating a portfolio with brands Piquadro, The Bridge and Lancel, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, leaving in 2022.

    Paola holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a degree in business administration from Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Italy.

    Mike Rogers, Chair of the Admiral Board, said:
    “I am pleased to appoint Paola to the Board. She has significant knowledge of the international financial services sector and extensive experience in digital transformation, gained whilst working for several well-known consumer-facing brands. Paola has achieved a lot of success in her executive and non-executive roles, and I believe that her insights will prove valuable as the Group continues to deliver against its strategy.”

    Paola Bonomo, incoming Non-Executive Director, said: 
    “I am honoured to be joining Admiral’s Board. Admiral has established itself as a leading personal lines insurer in the UK by focusing on data to better understand and anticipate customers’ needs. I am looking forward to working with the rest of the Board and the management team to support the Group’s ambition to deliver long-term sustainable growth in its businesses in the UK and Mainland Europe.”

    Milena Mondini de Focatiis, CEO of Admiral Group, said
    “On behalf of all my colleagues I would like to welcome Paola to Admiral. The Group continues to evolve, and I look forward to working with Paola and the rest of the Board to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of our growing customer base.”

    Effective on 12 May 2025, Paola will be appointed to the Admiral Group Remuneration Committee. From 12 May 2025 the members of the Remuneration Committee will be Karen Green (Chair), Justine Roberts, Mike Brierley and Paola Bonomo.

    This announcement is made pursuant to Listing Rule 6.4.6R. In accordance with LR 6.4.8R, the Company confirms that there is no further information to be disclosed in terms of LR 6.4.8R (1) to LR 6.4.8R (6) inclusive in respect to Paola Bonomo.

    Notes to Editors

    About Admiral Group
    Admiral Group plc is a leading FTSE 100 financial services company offering motor, household, travel and pet insurance as well as personal lending products. Established in 1993 in the UK, the Group now has offices in Canada, France, Gibraltar, India, Italy, Spain, and the US.

    For further information please contact:

    Media:        
    Addy Frederick                                Addy.Frederick@admiralgroup.co.uk         

    Investors/ Analysts:        
    Diane Michelberger                         InvestorRelationsTeam@admiralgroup.co.uk

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Lim Cosmic Rhapsody: this orchestral journey to outer space aims to deliver hope amid global crisis – but falls short

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gavin Williams, Lecturer in Music, King’s College London

    On the evening of May 5, I took my seat in London’s Barbican Centre to experience a programme of interplanetary music. The concert began with the world premiere of Lim Cosmic Rhapsody, a piece by composer Manu Martin, and ended with Gustav Holst’s The Planets (completed in 1916 and first performed in 1920). Athwart these large orchestral works, lasting about 50 minutes each, lay a century’s worth of knowledge about space and music.

    Lim Cosmic Rhapsody is a piano concerto, which aspires to tell, according to the work’s creative director Susan Lim, a “compelling story of climate change and humanity’s search for solutions beyond Earth”. Following the premiere, the piece has been released as an album.

    Its first performance saw celebrated pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet command the stage in an iridescent dark-blue jacket and crystal-encrusted black slippers. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Robert Ziegler, was excellent and extended for the occasion by a huge choir drawn from the City of London Choir and London Voices, together with duduk (a type of flute), theremin (an electronic instrument), a drum kit and electric guitar and bass.

    Additional vocal stylings were supplied by Matthieu Eymard and Britain’s Got Talent 2023 finalist Tom Ball. They jointly closed the concerto with a rock-inspired number celebrating human-alien hybrids.

    But it began, with stern minor blows from the piano and an orchestral flurry reminiscent of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. They were intended to conjure up, as the programme notes explained, a “futuristic space lab in California in 2035”.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    The notes told us to expect the “arrival of a Humanimate” – an apparently friendly alien with an “expanded genetic code” containing human and “inanimate” elements. Cue oohs and aahs from the choir. The overall effect was that of a Hollywood soundtrack by James Horner, the composer for Titanic and Avatar.

    Using the orchestra to tell stories is an established practice in contemporary film music, and in an earlier tradition of 19th-century programme music. The idea of using orchestral music to narrate global, environmental stories is, however, relatively new — an early example being Michael Abel’s Global Warming (1990), which juxtaposes musical idioms from across the world.

    More recent orchestral works in this area, by contrast, tend to avoid “symphonising” the climate crisis – melding together musical differences into optimistic stories about “humanity” overcoming Earth – by sounding out specific ecologies under threat.

    In Lim Cosmic Rhapsody, music and story are tightly woven, as in film music. But without the visual dimension, the story is hard to follow. I have reconstructed the following from the album pre-recorded by the record label Decca and released to coincide with the premiere.

    The story of the concert follows a purple alpaca named Lavvy, brought back to life by a 3D printer, who guides a delegation from Earth to her homeland on a far-off planet, known as Purple Cave. A Song of a Lost Tribe pays tribute to the indigene-alpaca and her kind. Composed by Indian songwriter Joi Barua and orchestrated by Manu, it sets a melody in the shakuhachi, a Japanese bamboo flute (here expertly played by Andrew Findon), against slow-burn motor rhythms and faux-ethnic chanting.

    We arrive at the Purple Cave. A martial beat recalls Darth Vader but soon dissolves into an uplifting riff, as Lavvy the resurrected alpaca prepares for her immortalisation. At the work’s peak, she obligingly blows herself up, becoming Star Among the Cosmic Clouds (a twinkling piano Alberti bass paints the scene) and releasing life-saving purple dust to rescue the Earthlings.

    Star Among Cosmic Clouds from Lim Cosmic Rhapsody.

    The work was conceived by Singaporean composer and surgeon Susan Lim in the early days of lockdown from the ski slopes of Courchevel, France. In this moment of global crisis, she found hope in SpaceX’s Crew Dragon flight, that delivered Nasa astronauts to the International Space Station in May 2020.

    Lim prepared for the event by releasing a carefully timed animated tweet that caught the attention of SpaceX’s owner Elon Musk. He replied with a quote from Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody: “Open your eyes, look up to the skies.”

    From this digital acorn, the Alan trilogy, of which Lim Cosmic Rhapsody is the second instalment, was born and continues to grow. A third part, Lim Symphony of the Oceans, is on the way.

    Creativity and privilege

    The series’ large creative team includes distinguished artists but is clearly led by Lim and other medics who have “never created art before” (according to the album’s liner notes). This speaks to the money and the power behind the project, together with the ego and eccentricity of its creative director.

    Beyond this work’s neocolonial fantasy of an exploding alpaca, it also speaks to the privilege of those who can afford to indulge in implausibly optimistic stories of technocratic overcoming. I was reminded of Indian writer Amitav Ghosh’s argument for the need for new ways to narrate the climate crisis as an urgent problem of human understanding. The combination of music and story on offer here was a serious misstep in this regard.

    It was a relief to step back a hundred years in music history and listen with fresh ears, in the second half of the concert, to Gustav Holst’s orchestral take on the galaxy, produced during another time of global crisis, the first world war, albeit on more slender means. Holst’s astrology-inspired suite felt imaginative, fresh and crisp in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s thoroughly committed performance.

    As I transitioned from the cosmic clouds and back into the city fumes, ecological questions hung in the air. But not the questions the creators of Lim Cosmic Rhapsody might have hoped (how to save humanity? will science save the day? where to start space mining?) but rather that of the music’s own ecological footprint.

    Conspicuous in this last respect was the mindless printing of hundreds of 33rpm records of the work, given away as party favours during a champagne reception before the concert and during the interval. How many times will these records, pressed from fresh plastics derived from oil, be played? Given the large stack left on the table at the end of the evening, I suspect some may never be played even once.

    Gavin Williams 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. Lim Cosmic Rhapsody: this orchestral journey to outer space aims to deliver hope amid global crisis – but falls short – https://theconversation.com/lim-cosmic-rhapsody-this-orchestral-journey-to-outer-space-aims-to-deliver-hope-amid-global-crisis-but-falls-short-256384

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK convenes European partners in London to continue collective action against “once-in-a-generation” security threat 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK convenes European partners in London to continue collective action against “once-in-a-generation” security threat 

    The Foreign Secretary will host Foreign Ministers of the Weimar+ group for critical talks on repelling Russian aggression and bolstering European security.  

    • Work continues at pace with the ‘Weimar+ group in London to ensure Europe is together responding to security challenges to protect our citizens  
    • Looking ahead to the UK-EU summit on 19 May, Foreign Secretary brings together European partners in pursuit of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine   
    • The meeting builds on wider UK-European collaboration, following European leaders including the Prime Minister meeting President Zelenskyy in Kyiv over the weekend

    The Foreign Secretary will host Foreign Ministers of the Weimar+ group today (12 May 2025) at Lancaster House for critical talks on repelling Russian aggression and bolstering European security.   

    Representatives from France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland and the EU will join Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London.  It follows a historic visit on Saturday by the leaders of the UK, France, Germany and Poland to Kyiv during which, alongside the US, they called for Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire to allow for unfettered peace talks. 

    Hosted in the UK for the first time, today’s Weimar+ meeting is the sixth time these major European powers have come together in this format. 

    Ukraine’s rightful future is a just and lasting peace. Putin’s refusal to engage seriously in peace talks is forcing that future into improbability. This is a critical moment to secure the future of Ukraine. The Foreign Secretary will make clear at Weimar+ that Europe’s leaders must stand strong in our unwavering support for Ukraine’s right to peace and freedom.   

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said: 

    We are facing a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent. The challenge we face today is not only about the future of Ukraine – it is existential for Europe as a whole.    

    I have brought our friends and partners to London to make clear that we must stand together, allied in our protection of sovereignty, of peace and of Ukraine.    

    A strong and secure Britain is a foundation of our Plan for Change. This cannot be achieved without standing up to Putin and strengthening our shared European security.

    To further resist Putin’s attacks on Ukraine, the international order and peace, the Foreign Secretary is gathering Allies for discussions on both our joint efforts to strengthen European security and secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.    

    This builds on a drumbeat of collaboration between the UK and the EU on defence and security. On top of Saturday’s meeting attended by the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary on Friday joined European ministers in Lviv to announce the UK’s support for the establishment of a Special Tribunal, to hold those responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine to account. This followed the Foreign Secretary visiting Poland to join the Gymnich meeting, where he highlighted the need for a new, ambitious security relationship between the UK and Europe that will support economic growth, protect citizens, and support European collective security and defence. The Weimar+ is an important opportunity to continue driving forward these talks with EU member states.  

    The Weimar+ meeting comes days ahead of the UK-EU Summit (19 May), which will cover a range of UK-EU issues and look to foster a stable, positive and forward-looking relationship.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 May 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Asian American became a racial grouping – and why many with Asian roots don’t identify with the term these days

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jennifer Ho, Professor of Asian American Studies, University of Colorado Boulder

    People gather for a rally in New York on March 16, 2023, to protest racism against Asian Americans. Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

    For the first time, in 1990, May was officially designated as a month honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. Though the current U.S. administration recently withdrew federal recognition, the month continues to be celebrated by a wide array of people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

    People from the Pacific Islands have their own distinct histories and issues, delineated in part by a specific geography. Yet when we refer to the even broader category of Asian Americans, a concept with a deep yet often unknown history, who exactly are we referring to?

    There are nearly 25 million people of Asian descent who live in the United States, but the term Asian American remains shrouded by cultural misunderstanding and contested as a term among Asians themselves.

    As a professor of Asian American studies, I believe it is important to understand how the label came into being.

    A long history of Asian people in America

    The arrival of people from Asia to the U.S. long predates the country’s founding in 1776.

    After visits to modern-day America that began in the late 16th century, Filipino sailors formed – as early as 1763 – what is believed to be the first Asian settlement in St. Malo, Louisiana.

    But it wasn’t until the 1849 California Gold Rush that Asian immigration to the U.S. – from China – began on a mass scale. That was bolstered in the 1860s by Chinese laborers recruited to build the western portion of the Transcontinental Railroad.

    Starting toward the end of the 19th century, Japanese immigration steadily picked up, so that by 1910 the U.S. Census records a similar number for both communities – just over 70,000. Likewise, a small number of South Asian immigrants began arriving in the early 1900s.

    An exclusionary backlash

    Yet after coming to the U.S. in search of economic and political opportunities, Asian laborers in America were met by a surge of white nativist hostility and violence. That reaction was codified in civil society groups and government laws, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882.

    By 1924, federal law had expanded into a virtual ban on all Asian immigration, and through the first half of the 20th century, a multitude of anti-Asian laws targeted areas including naturalization, marriage and housing, among others.

    In 1933, Chinese Americans in Sacramento, Calif., protested against deportations of Asian people and for higher unemployment insurance benefits.
    Bettmann/Contributor via Getty Images

    From the start, people from Asian countries in the U.S. were generally identified broadly with identifiers such as “Oriental,” a common term at the time mostly for those from China, Japan and Korea.

    As more Asians came to the U.S, other terms were used to denigrate and demean these new immigrants, whose physical appearance, language and cultural norms were distinctly different from their Euro-American neighbors.

    ‘Asian American’ and the birth of a movement

    The desire to claim America was one of the drivers for activists in the 1960s to create the concept of Asian American that we know today.

    The movement began in the charged political context of anti-Vietnam War protests and the Civil Rights Movement for Black equality. Students of Asian heritage at San Francisco State University and the University of California, Berkeley were organizing for the establishment of ethnic studies classes, specifically those that centered on the histories of Asians in the U.S.

    Rejecting the term “oriental” as too limiting and exotic, since oriental literally means “from the East,” the student activists wanted a term of empowerment that would include the Filipino, Chinese, Korean and Japanese students at the heart of this organizing. Graduate students Emma Gee and Yuji Ichioka came up with “Asian American” as a way to bring activists under one radical organizing umbrella, forming the Asian American Political Alliance in 1968.

    A contested term

    Today, the Asian American label has moved beyond its activist roots. The term might literally refer to anyone who traces their lineage from the whole of the Asian continent. This could include people from South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan or Sri Lanka to parts of West Asia like Syria, Lebanon or Iran.

    Yet not all people who identify as Asian actually use the words Asian American, since it is a term that flattens ethnic specificity and lumps together people with as disparate of backgrounds as Hmong or Bangladeshi, for example.

    A 2023 Pew Research Center survey of self-identified Asian adults living in the U.S. revealed that only 16% of people polled said they identified as “Asian American,” with a majority – 52% – preferring ethnic Asian labels, either alone or in tandem with “American.”

    Chinese immigrants play cards while waiting to be called in the immigration offices in New York in the 1940s.
    Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

    Moreover, unlike the student activists who worked together through their shared Asian American identity, the majority of people of Asian descent living in the U.S. came after the 1965 Immigration Act was passed, which ended all prior anti-Asian immigration laws. This, combined with a subsequent wave of Asian immigration from parts of Asia not represented in the past – including Vietnam, Taiwan and Pakistan – means that most Asian Americans alive today are either immigrants or one generation removed from immigrants.

    As a largely immigrant and recently Americanized group, many Asians therefore may not relate to the struggles of an earlier history of Asians in the U.S. That may contribute to why many don’t connect with the term “Asian American.” Korean immigrants, for instance, may not see their history connected with third-generation Japanese Americans, particularly when considering their homelands have been in conflict for decades.

    For some, Asian American is too broad a term to capture the complexity of Asian-heritage Americans.

    Indeed, Asian Americans come from over 30 countries with different languages, diverse cultures, and histories that have often been in conflict with other Asian nations. Within such a broad grouping as “Asian American,” a wide range of political, socioeconomic, religious and other differences emerge that greatly complicate this racial label.

    Even though the term remains contested, many Asians still see value in the concept. Much like the activists who first created the label in the 1960s, many believe it signifies a sense of solidarity and community among people who – despite their many differences – have been treated like outsiders to the American experience, regardless of how American their roots are.

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

    – ref. How Asian American became a racial grouping – and why many with Asian roots don’t identify with the term these days – https://theconversation.com/how-asian-american-became-a-racial-grouping-and-why-many-with-asian-roots-dont-identify-with-the-term-these-days-255578

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    May 13, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    New features include Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store, Magnifier for Mac, Braille Access, and Accessibility Reader; plus innovative updates to Live Listen, visionOS, Personal Voice, and more

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced new accessibility features coming later this year, including Accessibility Nutrition Labels, which will provide more detailed information for apps and games on the App Store. Users who are blind or have low vision can explore, learn, and interact using the new Magnifier app for Mac; take notes and perform calculations with the new Braille Access feature; and leverage the powerful camera system of Apple Vision Pro with new updates to visionOS. Additional announcements include Accessibility Reader, a new systemwide reading mode designed with accessibility in mind, along with updates to Live Listen, Background Sounds, Personal Voice, Vehicle Motion Cues, and more. Leveraging the power of Apple silicon — along with advances in on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence — users will experience a new level of accessibility across the Apple ecosystem.

    “At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Making technology for everyone is a priority for all of us, and we’re proud of the innovations we’re sharing this year. That includes tools to help people access crucial information, explore the world around them, and do what they love.”

    “Building on 40 years of accessibility innovation at Apple, we are dedicated to pushing forward with new accessibility features for all of our products,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. “Powered by the Apple ecosystem, these features work seamlessly together to bring users new ways to engage with the things they care about most.”

    Accessibility Nutrition Labels Come to the App Store

    Accessibility Nutrition Labels bring a new section to App Store product pages that will highlight accessibility features within apps and games. These labels give users a new way to learn if an app will be accessible to them before they download it, and give developers the opportunity to better inform and educate their users on features their app supports. This includes VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion, captions, and more. Accessibility Nutrition Labels will be available on the App Store worldwide, and developers can access more guidance on the criteria apps should meet before displaying accessibility information on their product pages.

    “Accessibility Nutrition Labels are a huge step forward for accessibility,” said Eric Bridges, the American Foundation for the Blind’s president and CEO. “Consumers deserve to know if a product or service will be accessible to them from the very start, and Apple has a long-standing history of delivering tools and technologies that allow developers to build experiences for everyone. These labels will give people with disabilities a new way to easily make more informed decisions and make purchases with a new level of confidence.”

    An All-New Magnifier for Mac

    Since 2016, Magnifier on iPhone and iPad has given users who are blind or have low vision tools to zoom in, read text, and detect objects around them. This year, Magnifier is coming to Mac to make the physical world more accessible for users with low vision. The Magnifier app for Mac connects to a user’s camera so they can zoom in on their surroundings, such as a screen or whiteboard. Magnifier works with Continuity Camera on iPhone as well as attached USB cameras, and supports reading documents using Desk View.

    With multiple live session windows, users can multitask by viewing a presentation with a webcam while simultaneously following along in a book using Desk View. With customized views, users can adjust brightness, contrast, color filters, and even perspective to make text and images easier to see. Views can also be captured, grouped, and saved to add to later on. Additionally, Magnifier for Mac is integrated with another new accessibility feature, Accessibility Reader, which transforms text from the physical world into a custom legible format.

    A New Braille Experience

    Braille Access is an all-new experience that turns iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro into a full-featured braille note taker that’s deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. With a built-in app launcher, users can easily open any app by typing with Braille Screen Input or a connected braille device. With Braille Access, users can quickly take notes in braille format and perform calculations using Nemeth Braille, a braille code often used in classrooms for math and science. Users can open Braille Ready Format (BRF) files directly from Braille Access, unlocking a wide range of books and files previously created on a braille note taking device. And an integrated form of Live Captions allows users to transcribe conversations in real time directly on braille displays.

    Introducing Accessibility Reader

    Accessibility Reader is a new systemwide reading mode designed to make text easier to read for users with a wide range of disabilities, such as dyslexia or low vision. Available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro, Accessibility Reader gives users new ways to customize text and focus on content they want to read, with extensive options for font, color, and spacing, as well as support for Spoken Content. Accessibility Reader can be launched from any app, and is built into the Magnifier app for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, so users can interact with text in the real world, like in books or on dining menus.

    Live Captions Arrive on Apple Watch

    For users who are deaf or hard of hearing, Live Listen controls come to Apple Watch with a new set of features, including real-time Live Captions. Live Listen turns iPhone into a remote microphone to stream content directly to AirPods, Made for iPhone hearing aids, or Beats headphones. When a session is active on iPhone, users can view Live Captions of what their iPhone hears on a paired Apple Watch while listening along to the audio. Apple Watch serves as a remote control to start or stop Live Listen sessions, or jump back in a session to capture something that may have been missed. With Apple Watch, Live Listen sessions can be controlled from across the room, so there’s no need to get up in the middle of a meeting or during class. Live Listen can be used along with hearing health features available on AirPods Pro 2, including the first-of-its-kind clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature.

    An Enhanced View with Apple Vision Pro

    For users who are blind or have low vision, visionOS will expand vision accessibility features using the advanced camera system on Apple Vision Pro. With powerful updates to Zoom, users can magnify everything in view — including their surroundings — using the main camera. For VoiceOver users, Live Recognition in visionOS uses on-device machine learning to describe surroundings, find objects, read documents, and more.1 For accessibility developers, a new API will enable approved apps to access the main camera to provide live, person-to-person assistance for visual interpretation in apps like Be My Eyes, giving users more ways to understand their surroundings hands-free.

    Additional Updates

    • Background Sounds becomes easier to personalize with new EQ settings, the option to stop automatically after a period of time, and new actions for automations in Shortcuts. Background Sounds can help minimize distractions to increase a sense of focus and relaxation, which some users find can help with symptoms of tinnitus.
    • For users at risk of losing their ability to speak, Personal Voice becomes faster, easier, and more powerful than ever, leveraging advances in on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence to create a smoother, more natural-sounding voice in less than a minute, using only 10 recorded phrases. Personal Voice will also add support for Spanish (Mexico).2
    • Vehicle Motion Cues, which can help reduce motion sickness when riding in a moving vehicle, comes to Mac, along with new ways to customize the animated onscreen dots on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
    • Eye Tracking users on iPhone and iPad will now have the option to use a switch or dwell to make selections. Keyboard typing when using Eye Tracking or Switch Control is now easier on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro with improvements including a new keyboard dwell timer, reduced steps when typing with switches, and enabling QuickPath for iPhone and Vision Pro.
    • With Head Tracking, users will be able to more easily control iPhone and iPad with head movements, similar to Eye Tracking.
    • For users with severe mobility disabilities, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS will add a new protocol to support Switch Control for Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs), an emerging technology that allows users to control their device without physical movement.
    • Assistive Access adds a new custom Apple TV app with a simplified media player. Developers will also get support in creating tailored experiences for users with intellectual and developmental disabilities using the Assistive Access API.
    • Music Haptics on iPhone becomes more customizable with the option to experience haptics for a whole song or for vocals only, as well as the option to adjust the overall intensity of taps, textures, and vibrations.
    • Sound Recognition adds Name Recognition, a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to know when their name is being called.
    • Voice Control introduces a new programming mode in Xcode for software developers with limited mobility. Voice Control also adds vocabulary syncing across devices, and will expand language support to include Korean, Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Turkish, Italian, Spanish (Latin America), Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan), English (Singapore), and Russian.
    • Live Captions adds support to include English (India, Australia, UK, Singapore), Mandarin Chinese (Mainland China), Cantonese (Mainland China, Hong Kong), Spanish (Latin America, Spain), French (France, Canada), Japanese, German (Germany), and Korean.
    • Updates to CarPlay include support for Large Text. With updates to Sound Recognition in CarPlay, drivers or passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing can now be notified of the sound of a crying baby, in addition to sounds outside the car such as horns and sirens.
    • Share Accessibility Settings is a new way for users to quickly and temporarily share their accessibility settings with another iPhone or iPad. This is great for borrowing a friend’s device or using a public kiosk in a setting like a cafe.

    Celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day with Apple

    Apple Retail is introducing dedicated tables spotlighting accessibility features on a variety of devices in select store locations throughout the month of May. Additionally, Apple offers accessibility sessions year-round through Today at Apple for deeper learning, tips, and feature customization. Sessions can be scheduled at all Apple Store locations worldwide through Group Booking or by visiting a nearby store.

    Apple Music shares the story of artist Kiddo K and the power of music haptics for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, unveils updates to its Haptics playlists, and launches a brand-new playlist featuring ASL interpretations of music videos alongside Saylists playlists.

    Apple Fitness+ welcomes Chelsie Hill as a guest in a Dance workout with Fitness+ trainer Ben Allen. Hill is a professional dancer and founder of Rolettes, an L.A.-based wheelchair dance team that advocates for disability representation and women’s empowerment. The workout is available now in the Fitness+ app.

    Apple TV+ shares a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new Apple Original film Deaf President Now!, which premieres on Apple TV+ on May 16. The documentary tells the story of the greatest civil rights movement most people have never heard about, which unfolded across eight tumultuous days in 1988. At the world’s only Deaf university, four students must find a way to lead an angry mob — and change the course of history.

    Apple Books, Apple Podcasts, Apple TV, and Apple News will spotlight stories of people with disabilities and those who are working to make the world more accessible for everyone.

    The App Store is sharing a collection of apps and games designed to be accessible to everyone, in addition to featuring the story of Klemens Strasser, a developer guided by a philosophy of making accessible apps and games like The Art of Fauna.

    The Shortcuts app adds Hold That Thought, a shortcut that prompts users to capture and recall information in a note so interruptions don’t derail their flow. The Accessibility Assistant shortcut has been added to Shortcuts on Apple Vision Pro to help recommend accessibility features based on user preferences.

    New videos on the Apple Support accessibility playlist include features like Eye Tracking, Vocal Shortcuts, and Vehicle Motion Cues, as well as a library of videos to help everyone personalize their iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro to work best for them.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    1. Live Recognition should not be relied on in high-risk or emergency situations, in circumstances where the user may be harmed or injured, or for navigation.
    2. Personal Voice can only be used to create a voice that sounds like the user on device, using their own voice, and for their own personal, noncommercial use.

    Press Contacts

    Will Butler

    Apple

    willbutler@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    May 13, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    New features include Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store, Magnifier for Mac, Braille Access, and Accessibility Reader; plus innovative updates to Live Listen, visionOS, Personal Voice, and more

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced new accessibility features coming later this year, including Accessibility Nutrition Labels, which will provide more detailed information for apps and games on the App Store. Users who are blind or have low vision can explore, learn, and interact using the new Magnifier app for Mac; take notes and perform calculations with the new Braille Access feature; and leverage the powerful camera system of Apple Vision Pro with new updates to visionOS. Additional announcements include Accessibility Reader, a new systemwide reading mode designed with accessibility in mind, along with updates to Live Listen, Background Sounds, Personal Voice, Vehicle Motion Cues, and more. Leveraging the power of Apple silicon — along with advances in on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence — users will experience a new level of accessibility across the Apple ecosystem.

    “At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Making technology for everyone is a priority for all of us, and we’re proud of the innovations we’re sharing this year. That includes tools to help people access crucial information, explore the world around them, and do what they love.”

    “Building on 40 years of accessibility innovation at Apple, we are dedicated to pushing forward with new accessibility features for all of our products,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. “Powered by the Apple ecosystem, these features work seamlessly together to bring users new ways to engage with the things they care about most.”

    Accessibility Nutrition Labels Come to the App Store

    Accessibility Nutrition Labels bring a new section to App Store product pages that will highlight accessibility features within apps and games. These labels give users a new way to learn if an app will be accessible to them before they download it, and give developers the opportunity to better inform and educate their users on features their app supports. This includes VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion, captions, and more. Accessibility Nutrition Labels will be available on the App Store worldwide, and developers can access more guidance on the criteria apps should meet before displaying accessibility information on their product pages.

    “Accessibility Nutrition Labels are a huge step forward for accessibility,” said Eric Bridges, the American Foundation for the Blind’s president and CEO. “Consumers deserve to know if a product or service will be accessible to them from the very start, and Apple has a long-standing history of delivering tools and technologies that allow developers to build experiences for everyone. These labels will give people with disabilities a new way to easily make more informed decisions and make purchases with a new level of confidence.”

    An All-New Magnifier for Mac

    Since 2016, Magnifier on iPhone and iPad has given users who are blind or have low vision tools to zoom in, read text, and detect objects around them. This year, Magnifier is coming to Mac to make the physical world more accessible for users with low vision. The Magnifier app for Mac connects to a user’s camera so they can zoom in on their surroundings, such as a screen or whiteboard. Magnifier works with Continuity Camera on iPhone as well as attached USB cameras, and supports reading documents using Desk View.

    With multiple live session windows, users can multitask by viewing a presentation with a webcam while simultaneously following along in a book using Desk View. With customized views, users can adjust brightness, contrast, color filters, and even perspective to make text and images easier to see. Views can also be captured, grouped, and saved to add to later on. Additionally, Magnifier for Mac is integrated with another new accessibility feature, Accessibility Reader, which transforms text from the physical world into a custom legible format.

    A New Braille Experience

    Braille Access is an all-new experience that turns iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro into a full-featured braille note taker that’s deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. With a built-in app launcher, users can easily open any app by typing with Braille Screen Input or a connected braille device. With Braille Access, users can quickly take notes in braille format and perform calculations using Nemeth Braille, a braille code often used in classrooms for math and science. Users can open Braille Ready Format (BRF) files directly from Braille Access, unlocking a wide range of books and files previously created on a braille note taking device. And an integrated form of Live Captions allows users to transcribe conversations in real time directly on braille displays.

    Introducing Accessibility Reader

    Accessibility Reader is a new systemwide reading mode designed to make text easier to read for users with a wide range of disabilities, such as dyslexia or low vision. Available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro, Accessibility Reader gives users new ways to customize text and focus on content they want to read, with extensive options for font, color, and spacing, as well as support for Spoken Content. Accessibility Reader can be launched from any app, and is built into the Magnifier app for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, so users can interact with text in the real world, like in books or on dining menus.

    Live Captions Arrive on Apple Watch

    For users who are deaf or hard of hearing, Live Listen controls come to Apple Watch with a new set of features, including real-time Live Captions. Live Listen turns iPhone into a remote microphone to stream content directly to AirPods, Made for iPhone hearing aids, or Beats headphones. When a session is active on iPhone, users can view Live Captions of what their iPhone hears on a paired Apple Watch while listening along to the audio. Apple Watch serves as a remote control to start or stop Live Listen sessions, or jump back in a session to capture something that may have been missed. With Apple Watch, Live Listen sessions can be controlled from across the room, so there’s no need to get up in the middle of a meeting or during class. Live Listen can be used along with hearing health features available on AirPods Pro 2, including the first-of-its-kind clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature.

    An Enhanced View with Apple Vision Pro

    For users who are blind or have low vision, visionOS will expand vision accessibility features using the advanced camera system on Apple Vision Pro. With powerful updates to Zoom, users can magnify everything in view — including their surroundings — using the main camera. For VoiceOver users, Live Recognition in visionOS uses on-device machine learning to describe surroundings, find objects, read documents, and more.1 For accessibility developers, a new API will enable approved apps to access the main camera to provide live, person-to-person assistance for visual interpretation in apps like Be My Eyes, giving users more ways to understand their surroundings hands-free.

    Additional Updates

    • Background Sounds becomes easier to personalize with new EQ settings, the option to stop automatically after a period of time, and new actions for automations in Shortcuts. Background Sounds can help minimize distractions to increase a sense of focus and relaxation, which some users find can help with symptoms of tinnitus.
    • For users at risk of losing their ability to speak, Personal Voice becomes faster, easier, and more powerful than ever, leveraging advances in on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence to create a smoother, more natural-sounding voice in less than a minute, using only 10 recorded phrases. Personal Voice will also add support for Spanish (Mexico).2
    • Vehicle Motion Cues, which can help reduce motion sickness when riding in a moving vehicle, comes to Mac, along with new ways to customize the animated onscreen dots on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
    • Eye Tracking users on iPhone and iPad will now have the option to use a switch or dwell to make selections. Keyboard typing when using Eye Tracking or Switch Control is now easier on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro with improvements including a new keyboard dwell timer, reduced steps when typing with switches, and enabling QuickPath for iPhone and Vision Pro.
    • With Head Tracking, users will be able to more easily control iPhone and iPad with head movements, similar to Eye Tracking.
    • For users with severe mobility disabilities, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS will add a new protocol to support Switch Control for Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs), an emerging technology that allows users to control their device without physical movement.
    • Assistive Access adds a new custom Apple TV app with a simplified media player. Developers will also get support in creating tailored experiences for users with intellectual and developmental disabilities using the Assistive Access API.
    • Music Haptics on iPhone becomes more customizable with the option to experience haptics for a whole song or for vocals only, as well as the option to adjust the overall intensity of taps, textures, and vibrations.
    • Sound Recognition adds Name Recognition, a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to know when their name is being called.
    • Voice Control introduces a new programming mode in Xcode for software developers with limited mobility. Voice Control also adds vocabulary syncing across devices, and will expand language support to include Korean, Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Turkish, Italian, Spanish (Latin America), Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan), English (Singapore), and Russian.
    • Live Captions adds support to include English (India, Australia, UK, Singapore), Mandarin Chinese (Mainland China), Cantonese (Mainland China, Hong Kong), Spanish (Latin America, Spain), French (France, Canada), Japanese, German (Germany), and Korean.
    • Updates to CarPlay include support for Large Text. With updates to Sound Recognition in CarPlay, drivers or passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing can now be notified of the sound of a crying baby, in addition to sounds outside the car such as horns and sirens.
    • Share Accessibility Settings is a new way for users to quickly and temporarily share their accessibility settings with another iPhone or iPad. This is great for borrowing a friend’s device or using a public kiosk in a setting like a cafe.

    Celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day with Apple

    Apple Retail is introducing dedicated tables spotlighting accessibility features on a variety of devices in select store locations throughout the month of May. Additionally, Apple offers accessibility sessions year-round through Today at Apple for deeper learning, tips, and feature customization. Sessions can be scheduled at all Apple Store locations worldwide through Group Booking or by visiting a nearby store.

    Apple Music shares the story of artist Kiddo K and the power of music haptics for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, unveils updates to its Haptics playlists, and launches a brand-new playlist featuring ASL interpretations of music videos alongside Saylists playlists.

    Apple Fitness+ welcomes Chelsie Hill as a guest in a Dance workout with Fitness+ trainer Ben Allen. Hill is a professional dancer and founder of Rolettes, an L.A.-based wheelchair dance team that advocates for disability representation and women’s empowerment. The workout is available now in the Fitness+ app.

    Apple TV+ shares a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new Apple Original film Deaf President Now!, which premieres on Apple TV+ on May 16. The documentary tells the story of the greatest civil rights movement most people have never heard about, which unfolded across eight tumultuous days in 1988. At the world’s only Deaf university, four students must find a way to lead an angry mob — and change the course of history.

    Apple Books, Apple Podcasts, Apple TV, and Apple News will spotlight stories of people with disabilities and those who are working to make the world more accessible for everyone.

    The App Store is sharing a collection of apps and games designed to be accessible to everyone, in addition to featuring the story of Klemens Strasser, a developer guided by a philosophy of making accessible apps and games like The Art of Fauna.

    The Shortcuts app adds Hold That Thought, a shortcut that prompts users to capture and recall information in a note so interruptions don’t derail their flow. The Accessibility Assistant shortcut has been added to Shortcuts on Apple Vision Pro to help recommend accessibility features based on user preferences.

    New videos on the Apple Support accessibility playlist include features like Eye Tracking, Vocal Shortcuts, and Vehicle Motion Cues, as well as a library of videos to help everyone personalize their iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro to work best for them.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    1. Live Recognition should not be relied on in high-risk or emergency situations, in circumstances where the user may be harmed or injured, or for navigation.
    2. Personal Voice can only be used to create a voice that sounds like the user on device, using their own voice, and for their own personal, noncommercial use.

    Press Contacts

    Will Butler

    Apple

    willbutler@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Bishop Martinelli entrusts Pope Leo to Our Lady of Arabia: “A son of migrants”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Abu Dhabi (Agenzia Fides) – “To Mary, Our Lady of Arabia, we entrust the new Pope Leo XIV,” said Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, at the end of his homily at the Holy Mass in Abu Dhabi following the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new Bishop of Rome and Successor of Peter on Thursday, May 8.The day after the papal election, Friday, May 9, Masses were celebrated in all the churches of the Apostolic Vicariate with special prayer intentions for the new Pope and his ministry. Bishop Martinelli, a Capuchin, presided over the evening Eucharist at the parish of St. Joseph in Abu Dhabi, a celebration in which hymns and songs inspired by the figure of St. Peter and Christ the Good Shepherd were sung.”After days of mourning the death of our beloved Pope Francis,” Bishop Paul said, “the Lord has given us a new successor to the Apostle Peter: Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the name Leo XIV.” “Last night,” he added, “we were all deeply moved to see him appear on screen and address his first words to the People of God.”In his brief homily, Bishop Martinelli recalled that in his first words from the central loggia of the Vatican Basilica, Pope Leo greeted the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square with the words of the Risen Christ: “Peace be with you,” adding, “A peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering.” Bishop Martinelli, who presides over an ecclesial community of migrants, emphasized that Pope Leo “is the son of migrants, and this is one of the reasons why we feel particularly close to him. Although he was born in Chicago, he has Italian, French, and Spanish roots,” highlighting some essential characteristics of the new Pontiff’s personality, such as his long experience as a missionary in Peru and his affiliation with the Augustinian Order. “Pope Leo,” Bishop Martinelli continued, quoting his words during his homily as the new Bishop of Rome on Friday, May 9, during Mass in the Sistine Chapel, when he said, “we are called to bring Jesus to others and to proclaim him. We must in a certain sense put ourselves aside so that Jesus can shine; we are called to be signs of his presence. This is the path of witness that we too are called to follow in this part of the world.” He then recalled that the episcopal motto of the new Bishop of Rome “is a saying of Saint Augustine: In Illo unum uno, which means: ‘In the one Jesus we are all one.’” Bishop Martinelli added, “This beautiful expression reminds us that we Christians, although many and diverse, are united in Christ Jesus, as Saint Paul himself writes in his Letter to the Ephesians: ‘Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.’” (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 13/5/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Tennis-Coach Murray and Djokovic part ways ahead of French Open

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Andy Murray will no longer coach 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, with the pair’s high-profile partnership coming to an end after six months and no titles, the Briton’s team said on Tuesday.

    Djokovic appointed fellow former world number one Murray ahead of this year’s Australian Open, and the Serb said at the Qatar Open in February that he would continue working with Murray for an indefinite period.

    However, the partnership has come to an end as Djokovic looks to arrest a dip in form during the clay season atthe Geneva Open next week ahead of his quest for a fourth French Open title when Roland Garros gets underway on May 25.

    “Thanks to Novak for the unbelievable opportunity to work together and thanks to his team for all their hard work over the past six months,” Murray said in a statement.

    “I wish Novak all the best for the rest of the season.”

    Djokovic, who won 25 of his 36 matches against Murray, said he was grateful for his former rival’s hard work and support in their short spell together.

    “I really enjoyed deepening our friendship together,” Djokovic added.

    Djokovic reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January before injury ended his campaign. He made the Miami Open final in March, but his bid for a 100th tour-level title ended in a defeat by Jakub Mensik.

    The Serb, who turns 38 three days before the year’s second Grand Slam begins, has been woefully out of form since that Miami defeat and was beaten in his opening matches at Masters tournaments in Monte Carlo and Madrid last month.

    He was expected to jumpstart his clay campaign in Rome before returning to Paris, where he won Olympic gold last year, but skipped the ongoing Italian Open without giving a reason.

    Djokovic accepted a wildcard for the May 18-24 Geneva Open. Andy Murray will no longer coach 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, with the pair’s high-profile partnership coming to an end after six months and no titles, the Briton’s team said on Tuesday.

    Djokovic appointed fellow former world number one Murray ahead of this year’s Australian Open and the Serb said at the Qatar Open in February that he would continue working with Murray for an indefinite period.

    However, the partnership has come to an end as Djokovic looks to arrest a dip in form during the clay season atthe Geneva Open next week ahead of his quest for a fourth French Open title when Roland Garros gets underway on May 25.

    “Thanks to Novak for the unbelievable opportunity to work together and thanks to his team for all their hard work over the past six months,” Murray said in a statement.

    “I wish Novak all the best for the rest of the season.”

    Djokovic, who won 25 of his 36 matches against Murray, said he was grateful for his former rival’s hard work and support in their short spell together.

    “I really enjoyed deepening our friendship together,” Djokovic added.

    Djokovic reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January before injury ended his campaign. He made the Miami Open final in March, but his bid for a 100th tour-level title ended in a defeat by Jakub Mensik.

    The Serb, who turns 38 three days before the year’s second Grand Slam begins, has been woefully out of form since that Miami defeat and was beaten in his opening matches at Masters tournaments in Monte Carlo and Madrid last month.

    He was expected to jumpstart his clay campaign in Rome before returning to Paris, where he won Olympic gold last year, but skipped the ongoing Italian Open without giving a reason.

    Djokovic accepted a wildcard for the May 18-24 Geneva Open.

    –Reuters

  • MIL-OSI: Best European Online Casinos: JACKBIT Rated Top EU Casino Site With Exclusive Bonus & Fast Payout

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CARDIFF, United Kingdom, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Online gambling is booming in Europe, but with so many platforms to choose from, finding the best European online casinos can be tricky. Players want an EU casino that’s safe, fun, and offers fast payouts.

    After reviewing hundreds of online casino EU platforms, our expert team has found that JACKBIT stands out as the top choice for 2025. With amazing bonuses, quick withdrawals, and a huge selection of games, JACKBIT is the ultimate spot for online casino real money play in Europe.

    READY TO EXPLORE? START YOUR JOURNEY AT JACKBIT CASINO TODAY!

    Whether you’re spinning reels on best online slots real money or testing your skills at live dealer tables, JACKBIT offers a seamless and rewarding experience that sets it apart from other online casinos Europe. This review dives into why JACKBIT is likely the best online casino Europe, covering its bonuses, games, payment options, and more.

    A Closer Look at the Best European Online Casino: JACKBIT

    JACKBIT has earned its place as the best European online casino through innovation and a player-focused approach. Launched in 2022 and licensed by the Curacao eGaming Commission, it provides a secure and fair gaming environment, making it a legit casino online for European players. Its standout feature is a no-KYC policy, allowing you to sign up and play without sharing personal details—a huge plus for privacy-conscious players across Europe.

    As a best paying online casino, JACKBIT processes withdrawals instantly, especially with cryptocurrencies. Imagine hitting a big win on Gates of Olympus and having your cash in your wallet within minutes—that’s the JACKBIT experience! New players are welcomed with a 30% rakeback and 100 free spins bonus, with no wagering requirements, letting you keep every penny you win.

    For example, deposit €100, and you’ll get €30 back plus free spins to try games like Book of Dead. JACKBIT keeps the excitement alive with ongoing promotions, including a VIP club offering up to 30% rakeback, social media giveaways, and Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins tournaments with a €2 million prize pool.

    GET 30% RAKEBACK & 100 FREE SPINS AT JACKBIT!

    Boasting over 7,000 games from 91 top providers like Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, and Play’n Go, JACKBIT caters to every taste. From high-RTP slots to live dealer blackjack and a sportsbook covering 140+ sports, the variety is endless. Its sleek, multilingual interface (English, German, French, Spanish, and more) ensures accessibility for players across Europe. With robust SSL encryption and 24/7 support, JACKBIT is the best European online casino for 2025.

    JACKBIT – The Top European Online Casino for Real Money

    JACKBIT isn’t just another eu casino—it’s a trailblazer in online casino Europa. Its no-KYC policy lets you dive into gaming without paperwork, a feature that resonates with European players valuing privacy. As a best online real money casino, JACKBIT’s instant withdrawals mean you’re never waiting long for your winnings. I was blown away by how quickly I could cash out after a lucky spin on Sweet Bonanza.

    The welcome bonus—30% rakeback and 100 free spins with no wagering—is a fantastic way to kick things off. It’s like getting extra chances to win without any catches. Ongoing offers, such as weekly $10,000 giveaways and a VIP program, keep the fun going. The sportsbook, with live betting on sports like football, tennis, and eSports, adds another layer of excitement, making JACKBIT a standout among best online casinos Europe.

    Pros and Cons of JACKBIT Casino

    Here’s a clear look at what makes JACKBIT great and a few things to consider:

    Pros Cons
    No KYC for private gaming at European online casinos Launched in 2022, still building long-term reputation
    Instant crypto withdrawals for best online casino payouts Some bonuses may have specific terms
    7,000+ games from top providers for best online slots real money Bonuses may be game-specific
    Robust sportsbook with live betting  
    30% rakeback + 100 free spins bonus  
    Supports 16+ cryptocurrencies and traditional methods  
    24/7 multilingual support for eu casinos  


    How to Join JACKBIT – The Best European Online Casino

    Getting started at JACKBIT, likely the best online casino Europe, is quick and easy, even for beginners:

    1. Visit JACKBIT Casino: Click here to go to JACKBIT’s website to start.
    2. Sign Up: Click “Sign Up” and enter your email and password. No ID needed—registration is instant!
    3. Make Your First Deposit: Head to the Cashier, choose a payment method like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Visa, and deposit at least €20. Crypto deposits are instant—just scan the QR code.
    4. Enter Bonus Code: Type in the promo code (e.g., “WELCOME”) during your deposit. Check the Promotions page for the latest code.
    5. Get Your Bonus: Receive 30% rakeback and 100 free spins with no wagering requirements.
    6. Start Playing: Explore 7,000+ games or bet on sports like football or eSports.

    Tip: Double-check your email and promo code to ensure you get the bonus smoothly. Save your crypto wallet address for quick future deposits.

    How We Selected JACKBIT as the Best European Online Casino

    Choosing the best European online casino was no small task—we reviewed over 150 online casino eu platforms to find the top performer. Here’s how JACKBIT came out on top

    Licensing and Regulation

    JACKBIT operates under a Curacao eGaming license, a widely recognized credential in the online gambling industry that ensures adherence to strict standards for fairness and player protection. This license requires regular audits to verify game integrity and financial transparency, making JACKBIT a trusted eu online casino.

    We confirmed the validity of its licensing through industry sources, ensuring it meets the regulatory expectations of European players. Additionally, JACKBIT employs advanced SSL encryption to safeguard personal and financial data, protecting users from cyber threats. Regular third-party audits of its random number generators (RNGs) further guarantee that games like slots and blackjack offer fair outcomes, reinforcing its status as a legit casino online for online casino europa enthusiasts.

    Bonuses and Promotions

    Bonuses are a major draw for players at European online casinos, and we prioritized platforms offering generous, transparent rewards. JACKBIT’s welcome bonus—30% rakeback plus 100 free spins with no wagering requirements—sets it apart from competitors. Unlike many online casinos Europe, where bonuses often come with high wagering conditions, JACKBIT’s no-wager spins mean players can keep their winnings immediately, adding instant value.

    Other Promotions

    • 3+1 FreeBet
    • Bet Insurance
    • Social Media Bonuses
    • NBA Playoffs Cashback

    Tournaments and Prize Pools

    JACKBIT is all about competition, offering thrilling opportunities for players to participate in casino and sports tournaments with prize pools that can reach six figures. Notable tournaments include:

    • Daily Tournament – Win 1,000 Free Spins
    • Weekly Tournament – Prize pool of up to $10,000
    • Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins Campaign – Reward pool of up to €2,000,000

    GRAB YOUR AMAZING BONUSES NOW! CLAIM YOUR REWARDS AT JACKBIT CASINO!

    Game Variety

    A diverse game library is essential for a best European online casino, as European players have varied preferences, from slots to sports betting. JACKBIT’s collection of over 7,000 games, sourced from 91 top providers, ensures there’s something for everyone. Slots like Sweet Bonanza and Mega Moolah cater to jackpot hunters, while table games like Blackjack and Roulette appeal to strategic players.

    The live dealer section, with over 250 tables, offers immersive experiences like Lightning Roulette. JACKBIT’s sportsbook, covering 140+ sports with 82,000+ live events monthly, adds a unique dimension, allowing bets on football, tennis, and eSports. This variety, regularly updated with new releases, keeps the online casino eu experience fresh and engaging, setting JACKBIT apart from other best online casinos Europe.

    Game Providers
    The quality of games depends on the providers behind them, and JACKBIT partners with industry giants like Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, and Play’n Go. Pragmatic Play delivers high-RTP slots with engaging features, such as Gates of Olympus’s tumbling reels. Evolution Gaming powers JACKBIT’s live dealer games, offering professional dealers and HD streaming for an authentic eu casino experience.

    Play’n Go’s mobile-optimized titles, like Book of Dead, ensure seamless gameplay across devices. These partnerships guarantee top-notch graphics, fair outcomes, and innovative features, making JACKBIT a leader in online casino europa gaming quality.

    Payment Methods

    Flexible, fast payment options are crucial for best online casino europe players. JACKBIT supports 16+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Solana, offering instant, fee-free deposits and withdrawals. This speed aligns with the expectations of instant withdrawal casino enthusiasts, allowing players to access winnings in minutes.

    Traditional methods like Visa, MasterCard, and bank transfers are available, with deposits processed instantly and withdrawals taking 1-3 days. E-wallets like Skrill and Neteller (where supported) provide additional convenience. We tested transaction speeds and found JACKBIT’s crypto payouts to be among the fastest in online casinos Europe, with minimum deposits starting at €20, accessible for all budgets .

    Customer Support

    Reliable support is a hallmark of top online casinos, and JACKBIT delivers with 24/7 live chat and email assistance in multiple European languages, including English, German, French, and Spanish. This ensures players from diverse regions can get help anytime, whether resolving payment issues or clarifying bonus terms.

    We tested response times and found JACKBIT’s team to be prompt and professional, typically answering within minutes via live chat. The platform’s comprehensive FAQ section also addresses common queries, enhancing the user experience. This level of support makes JACKBIT a standout best European online casino for accessibility and player care.

    JACKBIT’s exceptional performance across these criteria—robust licensing, player-friendly bonuses, diverse games, top providers, fast payments, and reliable support—solidifies its position as the best online casino Europe for 2025. Its innovative no-KYC policy and instant crypto transactions cater perfectly to the needs of European players, ensuring a secure, rewarding, and enjoyable eu casino experience.

    What Players Want in the Best European Online Casinos

    European players look for specific features when choosing a eu casino to ensure a fun, safe, and rewarding experience. Here’s how JACKBIT meets these needs:

    • Safety and Trust: Players want secure platforms. JACKBIT’s Curacao license and encryption make it a legit casino online.
    • Game Variety: A wide range of games keeps things exciting. JACKBIT’s slots, tables, and sportsbook cover all bases.
    • Bonuses: Generous offers add value. JACKBIT’s no-wager spins and rakeback are top-tier.
    • Payments: Fast, flexible options are key. JACKBIT’s crypto and traditional methods deliver.
    • Support: Quick help is essential. JACKBIT’s 24/7 team is always ready.
    • Ease of Use: A user-friendly site is a must. JACKBIT’s multilingual design shines.

    JACKBIT ticks all these boxes, making it a favorite among best European online casinos.

    Best European Online Casino Games at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT’s game library, with over 7,000 titles from 91 providers, is a highlight of its status as a best online casino Europe. Here’s what you can play:

    • Online Slots: From Gates of Olympus (96.50% RTP) to Mega Moolah with its massive jackpots, JACKBIT’s slots offer vibrant themes and big wins, perfect for best online slots real money. Sweet Bonanza (96.48% RTP) features cascading reels and a 21,175x max win, while Book of Dead (96.21% RTP) delivers adventure and free spins.
    • Blackjack: Variants like Classic Blackjack and Multi-Hand let you outsmart the dealer, with a low house edge (0.5% with strategy) for online casino real money play.
    • Roulette: European Roulette (2.7% edge) and American versions offer simple, thrilling bets on numbers or colors, popular across online casinos Europe.
    • Poker: Caribbean Stud and Three Card Poker blend skill and luck, appealing to strategic players at eu casinos.
    • Live Dealer Games: Over 250 live tables, including Lightning Roulette and Infinite Blackjack, bring real casino vibes with interactive dealers.
    • Sportsbook: Bet on 140+ sports, from football to eSports, with 82,000+ live events monthly and 4,500+ betting types, ideal for casino online Europa fans.

    This diverse lineup ensures JACKBIT is a top best European online casino for all players.

    LOOKING FOR ENDLESS FUN? PLAY GAMES AT JACKBIT CASINO!

    Best European Online Casino Payment Methods at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT offers a range of payment options tailored for European players, balancing speed and security:

    • Cryptocurrencies: Supports 16+ cryptos like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Solana, and Binance Coin. Deposits and withdrawals are instant and fee-free, with blockchain security ensuring privacy, making JACKBIT a leader in best online casino payouts. Minimum deposits start at €10 or equivalent.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and MasterCard provide instant deposits (€10 minimum), familiar for non-crypto users. Withdrawals take 1-3 days, standard for online casino Europa.
    • E-Wallets: Skrill and Neteller (where available) offer secure, fast transactions, with instant deposits and 1-2 day withdrawals, ideal for eu online casino players.
    • Bank Transfer: Suitable for larger withdrawals (€50 minimum), taking 1-5 days with possible fees, less ideal for instant withdrawal casino needs.
    • Buy Crypto Option: Purchase crypto directly on the site, simplifying access for newcomers to casino online europa.
    Payment Method Deposit Time Withdrawal Time Fees
    Cryptocurrencies Instant <1 hour None
    Visa/MasterCard Instant 1-3 days Varies
    Skrill/Neteller Instant 1-2 days Varies
    Bank Transfer 1-5 days 1-5 days Varies

    JACKBIT’s crypto focus and traditional options make it a top best European online casino for seamless transactions.

    FAST PAYMENTS, EASY PLAY! JOIN JACKBIT CASINO NOW!

    Mobile Gaming at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT’s mobile-optimized platform is a game-changer for European online casinos, letting you play on smartphones or tablets without missing a beat. No app is needed—just open your browser, and you’ll access 7,000+ games, sports betting, deposits, and bonuses. The smooth navigation and fast load times make it a leader in online casino eu mobile gaming.

    Responsible Gambling at European Online Casinos

    JACKBIT takes player safety seriously, offering tools to keep gaming fun and controlled:

    • Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps.
    • Loss Limits: Restrict losses over a period.
    • Wagering Limits: Control bet sizes.
    • Session Time Limits: Track playtime.
    • Cooling-Off Periods: Pause your account temporarily.
    • Self-Exclusion: Suspend your account for longer breaks.
    • Reality Checks: Get reminders about your gaming time.

    These tools, along with links to support like GamCare, ensure JACKBIT is a most trusted online casino in Europe.

    JACKBIT Conclusion: The Best European Online Casino for 2025

    After reviewing countless online casinos Europe, we’re excited to crown JACKBIT the best European online casino for 2025. Its no-KYC policy, instant crypto withdrawals, and 7,000+ games make it unbeatable. The 30% rakeback and 100 free spins bonus, plus VIP rewards and tournaments, offer incredible value. With a top-notch sportsbook, robust security, and 24/7 support in multiple languages, JACKBIT is perfect for slot fans, table game players, and sports bettors across Europe. Join JACKBIT today and discover why it’s the best online casino Europe!

    JOIN JACKBIT NOW & GRAB FREE SPINS

    Legal Disclaimer

    This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or gambling advice. Information is provided “as is,” without warranties. Readers must verify details and comply with local gambling laws. Gambling carries financial risks and potential addiction. Gamble responsibly with funds you can afford to lose. Seek help from organizations like GamCare or BeGambleAware if needed. Some links may be affiliate links, earning a commission at no cost to you. JACKBIT is licensed outside Europe and may be restricted in certain regions.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is JACKBIT a safe European online casino?

    JACKBIT, licensed by Curacao, uses SSL encryption and fair games, ensuring a secure European online casino experience for players.

    What bonuses does JACKBIT offer?

    JACKBIT provides 30% rakeback and 100 no-wager free spins, plus VIP rewards, enhancing value at best online casinos Europe.

    Can I play JACKBIT on my phone?

    Yes, JACKBIT’s mobile-optimized site offers seamless gaming on devices, making it a top online casino eu for mobile play.

    What payment methods does JACKBIT use?

    JACKBIT supports 16+ cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, plus Visa and Skrill, for fast transactions at best European online casinos.

    How quick are JACKBIT withdrawals?

    Crypto withdrawals are instant, while card payments take 1-3 days, ideal for a best online casino Europe.

    Does JACKBIT have live dealer games?

    JACKBIT offers 250+ live dealer games, like blackjack and roulette, for a real eu casino experience.

    Is JACKBIT legal in Europe?

    Licensed by Curacao, JACKBIT is accessible in many European countries, but check local laws for online casinos Europe.

    What games can I play at JACKBIT?

    JACKBIT features slots, table games, live dealers, and sports betting, perfect for best online casino Europe players.

    Email: support@JACKBIT.com

    Disclaimer

    Online gambling involves financial risk. Ensure you’re at least 19 years old and comply with the legal regulations in your area. Gamble responsibly, and always refer to JACKBIT‘s official website for the most up-to-date terms, promotions, and payment options.

    General Disclaimer

    This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only, not legal or financial advice. Content is based on research and user reviews as of writing. No warranties are made, and users must verify information before acting.

    Casino and Gambling Disclaimer

    Online gambling carries risks and isn’t for everyone. Confirm you’re of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. Gambling laws vary, and compliance is your responsibility. We don’t promote gambling; participation is at your risk. JACKBIT is a third-party platform, and we’re not liable for losses or disputes.

    Affiliate Disclosure

    This article may include affiliate links, earning us a commission at no cost to you for qualifying actions. These support our content. Our reviews are unbiased, and we recommend only valuable products.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2f21d9f2-4af3-4e4b-b4f8-38238cea5fd8
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/491689f2-6b5c-46a7-9321-77fb3fa2dd4f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Weimar+ joint statement on Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security, 12 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    Weimar+ joint statement on Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security, 12 May 2025

    Joint statement by the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the UK, and the EU High Representative, following their meeting in London.

    Foreign ministers from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Ukraine, and the EU Commission at Lancaster House in London on 12 May 2025.

    Joint statement:

    We met in London on 12 May to discuss Russian aggression against Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security. 

    On Ukraine, we reiterated our solidarity with the Ukrainian people, our sympathy for the victims of recent attacks by Russia, and our full support for Ukraine’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. 

    We welcomed US-led peace efforts and the prospect of further talks this week. So far, Russia has not shown any serious intent to make progress. It must do so without delay. We joined Ukraine in calling for an immediate, full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire to create space for talks on a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.

    Any peace will only last if it is based on international law including the UN Charter and Ukraine is able to deter and defend against any future Russian attack. 

    We discussed how we would further step up European efforts to support Ukraine in its ongoing defence against Russia’s war of aggression. Ukraine should be confident in its ability to continue to resist successfully Russian aggression with our support. 

    Strong Ukrainian armed forces will be vital. We agreed to work with Ukraine on initiatives to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces, restock munitions and equipment, and further enhance industrial capacity.  

    We are committed to robust security guarantees for Ukraine. This includes exploring the creation of a coalition of air, land and maritime reassurance forces that could help create confidence in any future peace and support the regeneration of Ukraine’s armed forces. And we will work on new reconstruction and recovery commitments, including at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on 10 to 11 July, to ensure that Ukraine’s future security is underpinned by a vibrant economy.

    We agreed to pursue ambitious measures to reduce Russia’s ability to wage war by limiting Kremlin revenues, disrupting the shadow fleet, tightening the Oil Price Cap, and reducing our remaining imports of Russian energy. We will keep Russian sovereign assets in our jurisdictions immobilised until Russia ceases its aggression and pays for the damage caused.

    On Euro-Atlantic security, we reaffirmed that NATO is the bedrock of our security and prosperity. The Alliance has secured peace for over 75 years. A strong, united NATO, based on a strong transatlantic bond, an ironclad commitment to defend each other, and fair burden-sharing, is essential to maintain this. 

    European countries must play a still greater role in assuring our own security. We will further strengthen NATO and the contribution of European Allies by stepping up security and defence expenditure to meet the requirement to deter and defend across all domains in the Euro-Atlantic area. 

    We will use all feasible levers to strengthen our collective defence capability and production and reinforce Europe’s technological and industrial base. To that end, we will build on work in NATO, the EU and likeminded groups to achieve these goals.

    An enhanced security and defence relationship between the UK and EU is key to improving the lives of our people and making our continent more safe and secure, as will enhanced cooperation between NATO and the EU on the basis of the three Joint Declarations, and greater co-operation with Ukraine.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 May 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Crypto Casinos Canada: Find Out The Top Canadian Crypto Casino Of 2025! – By Jackbit Casinos

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After evaluating several options using strict criteria, our expert team identified the best crypto casinos in Canada. By analyzing game variety, bonuses, security features, and overall user experience, we’ve carefully selected the top crypto casino Canada platforms that truly stand out. Our research, combined with feedback from local players, highlights these casinos as providing the most remarkable and secure online gambling experiences.

    VISIT JACKBIT CRYPTO CASINO NOW & GET YOUR WELCOME BONUSES!

    Among the options, JACKBIT emerges as a leading platform for 2025, receiving a 4.9/5 rating. Launched in 2022, this Bitcoin casino Canada offers a no KYC policy, fast crypto transactions, and a vast selection of over 6,600 games, positioning it as a prime choice for the best online crypto casino play. In this detailed review, we’ll discuss why JACKBIT is one of the best crypto casinos in Canada with a focus on its features, bonuses, game offerings, and more.

    JACKBIT: A Leading Crypto Casino in Canada

    JACKBIT checks all the boxes for the best crypto casino Canada, making it our top recommendation for 2025. Operating under a Curacao eGaming license, JACKBIT ensures compliance with international standards for fair play and security. With its no KYC policy, Canadian players can register and play without providing personal information, a crucial benefit for those seeking privacy in crypto gambling in Canada. Its rapid crypto withdrawals, processed in just seconds, fulfill the needs of players who prefer a high-payout Canadian crypto casino, ensuring fast access to their winnings.

    The platform’s attractive welcome bonus includes a 30% rakeback, no KYC, and 100 free spins with no wagering requirements, giving players immediate value to explore the extensive game library. Regular promotions, including VIP rakeback and tournaments, further enhance the Bitcoin casino bonus offerings. With a catalog of over 6,600 games from 91 top providers, along with a comprehensive sportsbook, JACKBIT stands out as a premier Bitcoin casino in Canada.

    VISIT JACKBIT CASINO AND CLAIM YOUR WELCOME BONUS!

    JACKBIT – Best Crypto Casino Canada for Fast Payouts & Instant Withdrawals

    Since its debut in 2022, JACKBIT has set new standards for the best crypto casino Canada experience, offering innovative features and a player-focused platform. The no KYC policy enables Canadian players to sign up and start playing immediately, without submitting personal details, ensuring maximum privacy.

    As a crypto casino in Canada, JACKBIT processes cryptocurrency transactions instantly, allowing players to deposit, play, and withdraw winnings in just a few minutes—a hallmark of new-generation crypto casinos.

    New players can take advantage of an attractive 30% rakeback, no KYC, and 100 free spins with no wagering requirements on select promotions, making it one of the most appealing Bitcoin casino bonuses available. Regular promotions include a VIP Rakeback Club offering up to 30% rakeback, weekly giveaways with $10,000 prize pools, and Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins tournaments with a €2,000,000 prize pool, adding significant value for crypto gambling Canada enthusiasts.

    With a game library powered by top providers like Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, and Play’n GO, JACKBIT offers over 6,600 titles, ranging from high-RTP slots to live dealer games and a sportsbook covering over 140 sports.

    The platform’s sleek, user-friendly interface is available in 10 languages, including English, ensuring it’s accessible to Canadian players. Enhanced by SSL encryption for data protection and 24/7 customer support through live chat and email, JACKBIT is a top contender among Canadian crypto casinos.

    Pros and Cons of JACKBIT Casino

    To offer a comprehensive view, here are the key advantages and potential disadvantages of JACKBIT as a crypto casino Canada:

    Pros:

    • Operates as a no-KYC crypto casino, ensuring complete privacy for Canadian players.
    • Offers instant crypto deposits and withdrawals, perfect for crypto gambling in Canada.
    • Features over 6,600 games, including slots, live dealer games, and sports betting options.
    • Provides a 30% Rakeback + No KYC + 100 free spins with no wagering requirements.
    • Supports 16+ cryptocurrencies, ensuring secure and seamless transactions.
    • Offers 24/7 multilingual customer support through live chat and email.
    • Optimized for mobile play, making it one of the best crypto casinos Canada for gaming on the go.
    • Includes high-payout games with competitive RTPs, perfect for online casino real money play.

    Cons:

    • Being a newer platform (launched in 2022), it doesn’t have the long-standing reputation of older Bitcoin casinos Canada.
    • Some bonuses may come with specific terms or wagering requirements that need review.
    • Traditional payment withdrawals may take 1-3 days, slower than crypto transactions.
    • Availability could be restricted in certain regions due to licensing limitations.

    How to Join JACKBIT – The Best Crypto Casino Canada

    Getting started at JACKBIT, widely considered one of the best crypto casinos Canada, is a quick and straightforward process designed to get Canadian players playing in minutes:

    1. Visit JACKBIT Casino: Click here to head to JACKBIT Casino and access the registration page.
    2. Create Your Account: Click on “Sign Up” and provide an email address and password. Thanks to the no KYC crypto casino policy, you won’t need to submit personal details, ensuring a fast registration.
    3. Make Your First Deposit: Head to the cashier, choose your payment method (such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Visa, or MasterCard), and deposit at least $10 or its equivalent to qualify for the welcome bonus. For crypto deposits, you can scan the QR code or copy the wallet address.
    4. Claim Your Bonus: Enjoy 100 free spins, credited instantly, which you can use on top slots like Gates of Olympus.
    5. Start Playing: Dive into over 6,600 games or place bets on sports, making use of your Bitcoin casino bonus for your online gambling adventures.

    Pro Tip: Confirm your email and check the promotions page for the latest bonus codes to ensure smooth activation. Save your wallet address for quicker future deposits to enhance your crypto casino Canada experience.

    How We Selected JACKBIT as the Best Crypto Casino Canada

    Our decision to recommend JACKBIT as the best crypto casino Canada involved a thorough evaluation process tailored to the needs of Canadian players looking for crypto gambling Canada. Here’s a breakdown of the essential criteria we considered, each carefully assessed to confirm JACKBIT’s excellence:

    • Licensing and Regulation

    JACKBIT holds a Curacao eGaming license, ensuring compliance with international standards for fair play and security. We verified its licensing details to confirm its legitimacy as a trusted online casino.

    • Security Measures

    Advanced SSL encryption and provably fair games ensure player data is protected, and outcomes remain transparent. Regular third-party audits by independent agencies further verify game fairness, building player trust.

    • Game Variety and Quality

    A diverse and high-quality game library is essential. With over 6,600 games from 91 providers, including slots, table games, live dealer options, and a comprehensive sportsbook, JACKBIT offers variety for every preference, cementing its place among the best online crypto casinos.

    Bonuses and Promotions

    Generous Bonuses and Promotions

    JACKBIT offers some of the most generous and fair bonuses, adding great value to the player experience. Its welcome offer—30% rakeback + 100 free spins with no wagering requirements on select promotions—outshines many competitors. Ongoing promotions like VIP rakeback, weekly giveaways, and Drops & Wins tournaments provide extra incentives for players.

    Other Promotions Include:

    • 3+1 FreeBet
    • Bet Insurance
    • Social Media Bonuses
    • NBA Playoffs Cashback

    CLAIM YOUR 30% RAKEBACK + 100 FREE SPINS AT JACKBIT

    Tournaments and Prize Pools

    JACKBIT thrives on competition, providing exciting opportunities for players to join casino and sports tournaments with prize pools often reaching six figures. Key tournaments include:

    • Daily Tournament – 1,000 Free Spins
    • Weekly Tournament – Prize pool up to $10,000
    • Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins Campaign – Reward pool up to €2,000,000

    Payment Methods

    JACKBIT supports over 16 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, offering instant, fee-free transactions. It also provides traditional options like Visa, MasterCard, and bank transfers for added flexibility. We thoroughly reviewed transaction speeds, fees, and limits to ensure they align with the standards of instant withdrawal casinos.

    Customer Support

    Reliable, accessible support is essential. JACKBIT provides 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages, ensuring quick resolution for any queries. Our team tested response times and support quality to verify their reliability.

    User Experience

    The platform boasts a mobile-optimized, intuitive interface, perfect for online crypto casino play. With a responsive design available in 10 languages, JACKBIT ensures seamless navigation across devices. We assessed site performance, mobile compatibility, and overall user feedback to ensure an excellent experience.

    Player Feedback and Reputation

    Player reviews from platforms like Trustpilot (4.4/5) emphasize JACKBIT’s strengths in payout speed and game variety, although some mention complexity in bonus terms. We cross-referenced this feedback to ensure it matches the reputation of the best Bitcoin casino Canada.

    Responsible Gambling Measures

    JACKBIT offers essential tools like deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion to maintain a safe and responsible environment for crypto gambling Canada. We evaluated these measures to ensure they align with ethical gambling practices.

    Market Position and Innovation

    As a newer platform, JACKBIT stands out for adopting emerging cryptocurrencies like Solana and offering provably fair games, positioning itself as a forward-thinking crypto casino Canada. We assessed its technological innovations to ensure it meets the demands of modern online crypto casinos.

    JACKBIT’s impressive performance across these areas, particularly its no KYC crypto casino policy and instant withdrawals, solidifies its status as the best crypto casino Canada for 2025, providing a secure and rewarding experience for Canadian players.

    Best Crypto Casino Canada Games at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT offers an impressive collection of over 6,600 games from 91 providers, establishing itself as a best crypto casino Canada choice. Below is a breakdown of its offerings, designed to cater to every gaming preference and ideal for online casino real money play:

    Online Slots:

    • Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play, 96.50% RTP): A 6×5 slot featuring a mythological theme, tumbling reels, multipliers up to 500x, and a maximum win of 5,000x, perfect for Bitcoin casino Canada players seeking high payouts.
    • Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play, 96.49% RTP): A candy-themed 6×5 slot with a pay-anywhere system, tumbling feature, and a 21,175x max win, great for online casino real money enthusiasts.
    • Book of Dead (Play’n GO, 96.21% RTP): A 5-reel, 10-payline adventure slot with expanding symbols during Free Spins, offering a 5,000x max win, a favorite for crypto gambling Canada players.
    • Mega Moolah (Microgaming, 88.12% RTP): A progressive jackpot slot with multi-million-dollar payouts, ideal for online casino real money players chasing life-changing wins.
    • Wolf Gold (Pragmatic Play, 96.01% RTP): A 5-reel, 25-payline slot with stacked wilds, Money Respin feature, and a 5,000x max win, a popular choice for Bitcoin casinos Canada players.
    • Starburst (NetEnt, 96.09% RTP): A 5-reel, 10-payline slot with expanding wilds and a 500x max win, renowned for its vibrant visuals and frequent payouts.

    Table Games:

    • Blackjack: Variants like Classic, Multi-Hand, and European Blackjack provide low house edges (0.5% with optimal strategy), perfect for online casino real money play.
    • Roulette: Options like European (2.7% house edge), American, and French Roulette offer diverse betting opportunities, appealing to crypto gambling Canada players.
    • Poker: Games such as Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, and Texas Hold’em offer skill-based gameplay and high payout potential, enhancing the best online crypto casino experience.
    • Baccarat: Classic and Punto Banco variants offer simple rules and competitive payouts, favored by high rollers.

    Live Dealer Games:

    Over 250 live tables powered by Evolution Gaming, including:

    • Lightning Roulette: This game features multipliers up to 500x, ideal for Canadian crypto casino players who enjoy instant crypto payouts.
    • Infinite Blackjack: Unlimited player participation with side bets for greater win potential, offering an immersive Bitcoin casino Canada experience.
    • Crazy Time: A vibrant, interactive game show with bonus rounds, perfect for online gambling for real money entertainment.
    • Baccarat Squeeze: Real-time dealer interaction with suspenseful card reveals, catering to online casino real money enthusiasts.

    Sportsbook:

    JACKBIT’s sportsbook covers 140+ sports, with more than 82,000 live events monthly and 75,000+ pre-match events, including popular leagues like NHL, NBA, Premier League, niche sports such as table tennis, darts, and esports (CS:GO, Dota 2). The platform also offers live betting, cash-out options, and over 4,500 betting types (e.g., over/under, parlays, player props), providing diverse online gambling for real money opportunities. NHL betting is especially appealing for Canadian players.

    Specialty Games:

    • Scratch Cards: Quick-win games like Scratch Dice offer instant payouts, ideal for casual online casino real money play.
    • Keno: Lottery-style games with customizable bets, offering a fun, easy experience for crypto gambling Canada players.
    • Virtual Sports: Simulated events like virtual football and horse racing provide fast-paced betting options, perfect for Canadian crypto casino users.

    START WINNING NOW WITH A HUGE SELECTION OF GAMES AT JACKBIT!

    This broad and high-quality game selection, consistently updated with fresh titles, solidifies JACKBIT as a top crypto casino Canada, offering endless entertainment and opportunities to win for online casino real money players.

    Best Crypto Casino Canada Payment Methods at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT’s payment system is built for speed, security, and flexibility, making it an ideal choice as a no KYC crypto casino for online casino real money play in Canada. Below is a comprehensive look at its payment options, highlighting their advantages for crypto gambling Canada players:

    Payment Method Type Processing Time Minimum Deposit Notes
    Bitcoin (BTC) Cryptocurrency Instant $10 Fee-free, anonymous
    Ethereum (ETH) Cryptocurrency Instant $10 High security, smart contracts
    Tether (USDT) Cryptocurrency Instant $10 Stablecoin, low volatility
    Solana (SOL) Cryptocurrency Instant $10 Low fees, fast transactions
    Binance Coin (BNB) Cryptocurrency Instant $10 Versatile, ecosystem support
    Visa/MasterCard Traditional Instant (deposits), 1-3 days (withdrawals) $10 Familiar, widely accepted
    Bank Transfer Traditional 1-5 days $50 Suitable for high rollers
    Skrill/Neteller E-Wallet Instant (deposits), 1-2 days (withdrawals) $10 Secure, private transactions
             

    Cryptocurrencies:

    JACKBIT supports over 16 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Solana, Binance Coin, and others, offering several advantages for crypto gambling Canada players:

    • Instant Transactions: Deposits and withdrawals are completed within seconds, meeting the standards of instant withdrawal casinos.
    • Privacy: The no KYC crypto casino policy guarantees player anonymity, a key feature for those prioritizing privacy.
    • Security: Blockchain technology ensures secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions, reducing the risk of fraud.
    • Low Fees: Minimal or no transaction fees compared to traditional methods, providing better returns for Bitcoin casino Canada users.

    For instance, depositing Bitcoin is simple—choose BTC in the cashier, scan a QR code or copy the wallet address, confirm the transaction, and the funds are available instantly.

    Traditional Methods:

    • Visa/MasterCard: Instant deposits with a $10 minimum, widely accepted for online casino real money players. Withdrawals take 1-3 days, which is typical for traditional payment options, making it accessible for those who don’t use crypto.
    • Bank Transfers: Suitable for larger deposits, though withdrawals can take 1-5 days and may incur fees. These methods are less ideal for instant withdrawal needs but are still a reliable option for high rollers seeking online gambling for real money.

    E-Wallets:

    • Skrill and Neteller: These secure e-wallets allow private transactions without sharing bank details, with instant deposits and withdrawals typically completed within 1-2 days, enhancing the online casino real money experience. They are ideal for players who prefer alternatives to cryptocurrencies or credit cards.

    JACKBIT’s focus on cryptocurrencies, combined with its support for traditional payment options and e-wallets, ensures flexibility and quick transactions, making it one of the best crypto casinos Canada for seamless online casino real money play. The no KYC policy streamlines the entire process, allowing Canadian players to focus on the gaming experience without unnecessary paperwork.

    ENJOY FAST, SECURE TRANSACTIONS AND BIG WINS AT JACKBIT!

    Why Choose Crypto Casinos in Canada?

    Crypto casinos provide significant advantages over traditional online casinos, making them a popular choice for crypto gambling Canada:

    • Privacy and Anonymity: No KYC crypto casinos, like JACKBIT, offer anonymous play, protecting player identities—a major benefit for Canadian crypto casino enthusiasts.
    • Speed and Efficiency: Cryptocurrency transactions are nearly instantaneous, with deposits and withdrawals completed within seconds, far quicker than traditional banking methods, aligning with the expectations of instant withdrawal casinos.
    • Enhanced Security: Blockchain technology ensures secure and transparent transactions, lowering fraud risks and increasing trust in Bitcoin casinos Canada.
    • Lower Transaction Costs: Cryptocurrency transactions typically come with minimal or no fees, boosting player returns when compared to credit card or bank transfer fees, making it ideal for crypto casinos Canada.
    • Innovative Features: Many crypto casinos feature provably fair games, allowing players to verify the outcomes, increasing trust in the best online crypto casino platforms.
    • Global Accessibility: Cryptocurrencies bypass regional banking restrictions, making online crypto casinos accessible to Canadian players, subject to local regulations.

    These benefits, combined with JACKBIT’s robust offerings, position it as a leading new crypto casino for 2025, meeting the evolving demands of Canadian gamblers.

    The Rise of Crypto Gambling in Canada: Why JACKBIT Leads

    The crypto gambling market in Canada is seeing rapid growth, fueled by increased adoption of cryptocurrencies and the demand for privacy-focused gaming options. Global industry reports predict the crypto gambling market could reach $65 billion by 2027, with Canada playing a significant role due to its progressive stance on digital currencies and gambling.

    Canadian players are attracted to crypto gambling sites because they offer fast, secure, and anonymous transactions, bypassing some of the restrictions of traditional banking methods.

    JACKBIT is leading this trend by blending cutting-edge technology with player-focused features. Its no KYC policy addresses privacy concerns, while support for emerging cryptocurrencies like Solana positions it as a forward-thinking Bitcoin casino Canada.

    The platform’s 30% rakeback welcome bonus and extensive game library offer unbeatable value. As cryptocurrency adoption continues to grow in Canada, JACKBIT’s innovative approach makes it the go-to Canadian crypto casino for players seeking a secure and rewarding experience.

    Tips for Winning Big at JACKBIT

    To maximize your success at JACKBIT, considered by many as the best crypto casino Canada, here are expert strategies tailored to Canadian players:

    • Choose High-RTP Games: Select slots like Gates of Olympus (96.50% RTP) or Book of Dead (96.21% RTP), available at JACKBIT. These games offer better odds for consistent returns, improving your Bitcoin casino Canada winnings.
    • Leverage Bonuses Wisely: Take full advantage of JACKBIT’s 30% rakeback and 100 free spins welcome bonus with no wagering requirements. Use free spins on high-RTP slots to grow your crypto casino Canada bankroll without risking your own funds. Regularly check the promotions page for exclusive Bitcoin casino bonus offers.
    • Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for each session and stick to it. For instance, allocate $50 per session to prolong your playtime, increasing your chances of hitting a win at this Canadian crypto casino.
    • Learn Game Strategies: For skill-based games like blackjack or poker, study basic strategies to reduce the house edge. Canadian players can find resources online to improve their skills, leading to better returns in online casino real money play at JACKBIT.
    • Participate in Tournaments: Join events like Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins, offering a €2,000,000 prize pool. These tournaments add excitement and potential rewards to your crypto gambling Canada experience, with random cash drops and weekly competitions.
    • Bet Smart on Sports: JACKBIT’s sportsbook covers 140+ sports, including hockey and esports. Research teams and take advantage of live betting options like over/under or parlays for higher payouts. With over 4,500 betting types available, JACKBIT offers extensive opportunities for online gambling for real money.
    • Use Responsible Gambling Tools: Utilize JACKBIT’s deposit, loss, and session time limits to maintain control, ensuring a sustainable online gambling for real money experience.
    • Stay Informed: Follow JACKBIT on social media or subscribe to their newsletters for exclusive Bitcoin casino bonus offers, such as additional free spins or cash rewards, enhancing your crypto casinos Canada play.

    By applying these strategies, Canadian players can optimize their crypto casino Canada experience at JACKBIT, increasing their chances of winning while enjoying a safe and responsible gaming environment.

    JACKBIT Conclusion: The Best Crypto Casino Canada for 2025

    After a comprehensive review of various crypto casinos Canada, JACKBIT stands out as the best crypto casino Canada for 2025. Its no KYC policy ensures the highest level of privacy, allowing Canadian players to enjoy anonymous gaming without sacrificing security. With instant crypto transactions processed in seconds, it provides unparalleled convenience for depositing and withdrawing funds, a signature feature of top Bitcoin casinos Canada.

    With an impressive library of over 6,600 games from 91 leading providers, JACKBIT offers something for everyone. From high-RTP slots like Sweet Bonanza to live dealer games and a comprehensive sportsbook covering 140+ sports, including NHL hockey and esports like CS:GO, Canadian players are guaranteed a rich gaming experience.

    The generous welcome bonus, offering 30% rakeback and 100 free spins with no wagering requirements, delivers immediate value. Ongoing promotions like VIP rakeback, weekly giveaways, and Drops & Wins tournaments further enhance the crypto gambling Canada experience.

    JACKBIT supports over 16 cryptocurrencies, along with traditional methods like Visa and MasterCard, offering flexibility for Canadian players. Advanced SSL encryption and provably fair games ensure a secure and transparent environment. Additionally, 24/7 customer support in English provides prompt assistance. The platform is mobile-optimized, offering seamless gaming on smartphones and tablets, making it accessible from anywhere, at any time.

    Furthermore, JACKBIT prioritizes responsible gambling by providing tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion, promoting a safe and enjoyable environment for all Canadian players. If you’re looking for the ultimate Canadian crypto casino experience, JACKBIT is the clear choice. Join JACKBIT Casino today to start your online casino real money journey at the best crypto casino Canada!

    DON’T WAIT! VISIT JACKBIT NOW AND START WINNING BIG!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What makes JACKBIT the best crypto casino in Canada?

    JACKBIT excels with its no KYC privacy, instant crypto withdrawals, over 6,600 games, and a 30% rakeback bonus, making it the top choice for Canadian players seeking crypto gambling Canada.

    • Is JACKBIT legal for Canadian players?

    Licensed by Curacao eGaming, JACKBIT is available to Canadian players, but users should verify compliance with local gambling laws for crypto casinos Canada.

    • What cryptocurrencies does JACKBIT accept?

    JACKBIT supports 16+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Solana, and Binance Coin, providing flexibility for Bitcoin casino Canada transactions.

    • How fast are withdrawals at JACKBIT?

    Crypto withdrawals are processed instantly, while traditional payment methods like Visa or bank transfers take 1-3 days, ensuring quick access for Canadian crypto casino players.

    • Does JACKBIT offer a welcome bonus?

    Yes, new players receive a 30% rakeback and 100 free spins with no wagering requirements, enhancing the Bitcoin casino bonus experience.

    • What games are available at JACKBIT?

    JACKBIT offers a wide variety of games, including slots, table games, live dealer games, and a sportsbook featuring 140+ sports, catering to diverse crypto gambling Canada preferences.

    • Is there customer support at JACKBIT?

    Yes, JACKBIT provides 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages, ensuring timely assistance for crypto casino Canada players.

    • How does the no KYC policy work at JACKBIT?

    Crypto users can register and play without identity verification, which is a key benefit of no KYC crypto casinos.

    • Are there fees for transactions at JACKBIT?

    Crypto transactions are fee-free, while traditional methods may incur standard banking fees, which is typical for Bitcoin casinos Canada.

    • What responsible gambling tools does JACKBIT provide?

    JACKBIT offers deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, and self-exclusion options to encourage safe and responsible crypto gambling Canada practices.

    Email: support@jackbit.com

    Legal Disclaimer

    This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not offer legal, financial, or gambling advice. Information is provided “as is” without any guarantee of accuracy. It’s your responsibility to verify details and follow local gambling laws. Gambling carries financial risks and the potential for addiction—bet only what you can afford to lose. If needed, seek help from organizations like GamCare or BeGambleAware. Some links may be affiliate links, earning a commission at no extra cost to you. JACKBIT is licensed outside the UK and may not be available in all regions.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: 
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eb828174-f73e-41dd-afb1-afe2cae2cbe2
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c8393df2-2213-4d13-9e71-05729912997a

    The MIL Network –

  • Ukraine’s Zelenskiy insists on face-to-face talks with Putin in Istanbul

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will only attend talks on Ukraine if Russia’s Vladimir Putin is also there, the Ukrainian leader’s top aide said on Tuesday, challenging the Kremlin to show it is genuine about seeking peace.
     
    U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to attend Thursday’s proposed meeting in Istanbul, which has become the focus of his attempts to end the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two. Putin has yet to say if he will take part.
     
    Both Russia and Ukraine have sought to show they are working towards peace after Trump prioritised ending the war, but they have yet to agree any clear path.
     
    Putin on Sunday proposed direct talks with Ukraine after ignoring a Ukrainian proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Trump then publicly told Zelenskiy to accept.
     
    “President Zelenskiy will not meet with any other Russian representative in Istanbul, except Putin,” Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak told Reuters.
     
    His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said Zelenskiy’s trip to Turkey showed Kyiv was ready for talks but repeated Ukraine’s stance that any negotiations must come after a ceasefire.
     
    “Our position is very principled and very strong,” Yermak said during a visit to Copenhagen.
     
    Moscow has not said if Putin will travel to Turkey.
     
    “We are committed to a serious search for ways of a long-term peaceful settlement,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday but would not comment further on the talks.
     
    Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, unleashing a war that has killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers on both sides. Most of Europe has rallied around Kyiv providing arms and financial aid, while Russia has turned to Iran and North Korea for support.
     
    Trump has demanded the two nations end the war, threatening to walk away from efforts to broker a peace deal unless there are clear signs of progress soon.
     
    TRUMP GOES TO TURKEY?
     
    If Zelenskiy and Putin, who make no secret of their mutual contempt, were to meet on Thursday it would be their first face-to-face meeting since December 2019.
     
    Trump, who is due to visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar this week, unexpectedlyoffered on Mondayto travel to Istanbul, which straddles the divide between Europe and Asia.
     
    “I was thinking about actually flying over there. There’s a possibility of it, I guess, if I think things can happen, but we’ve got to get it done,” Trump said before leaving for his second foreign trip since returning to the White House in January.
     
    “Don’t underestimate Thursday in Turkey,” he added.
     
    Following the offer, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the “way forward for a ceasefire” in Ukraine with his Ukrainian, British, French, Polish, German and EU counterparts.
     
    Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, meanwhile,held talks with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.
     
    FAR APART
     
    Reuters reported last year that Putin was open to discussing a ceasefire with Trump, but that Moscow ruled out making any major territorial concessions and insists Kyiv abandon ambitions to join NATO.
     
    Ukraine has said it is ready for talks but a ceasefire is needed first, a position supported by its European allies.
     
    Kyiv wants robust security guarantees as part of any peace deal and rejects a Russian proposal for restrictions on the size of its military. Territorial issues could be discussed once a ceasefire is in place, it says.
     
    Putin has repeatedly referred to a 2022 deal which Russia and Ukraine negotiated shortly after the Russian invasion but never finalised.
     
    Under the draft agreement, a copy of which Reuters has reviewed, Ukraine should agree to permanent neutrality in return for international security guarantees from the five permanent U.N. Security Council members: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.
     
    Ukraine and its European allies have told Russia that it would have to accept an unconditional 30-day ceasefire from Monday or face new sanctions. The Kremlin replied, saying it would not respond to ultimatums.
     
    France said on Monday European leaders, who met in Ukraine over the weekend, had asked the European Commission to put together new “massive” sanctions targeting Russia’s oil and financial sector if Russia failed to agree a ceasefire.
     
    Russia’s forces control just under a fifth of Ukraine, including all of Crimea, almost all of Luhansk, and more than 70% of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, according to Russian estimates. It also controls a sliver of Kharkiv region.
     
    Konstantin Kosachev, chairman of the international affairs committee of the Federation Council, the upper house of Russia’s parliament, told the Izvestia media outlet in remarks published on Tuesday that the talks between Moscow and Kyiv can move further than the 2022 negotiations.
     
    “If the Ukrainian delegation shows up at these talks with a mandate to abandon any ultimatums and look for common ground, I am sure that we could move forward,” he said.
     
    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 6 May 2025 Strengthening alcohol control and road safety policies

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The African Region has one of the highest burdens of alcohol-related deaths globally – averaging 70 deaths per 100,000 people – second only to Europe. In some countries, this rises to 84 deaths per 100,000. With rapid population growth, even more people are expected to be affected unless stronger policies are implemented. Yet across much of the continent, comprehensive alcohol policies remain scarce, outdated or poorly enforced, leaving countries ill-equipped to tackle the rising harm from alcohol consumption.

    In April, 60 representatives from 15 countries across the World Health Organization’s (WHO) African Region gathered in Accra, Ghana for a landmark SAFER inter-country learning workshop aimed at strengthening collaboration and accelerating implementation of alcohol control and road safety policies. The workshop was jointly hosted and supported by WHO, the WHO-led SAFER Initiative, and the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), with financial support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Government of Norway.

    The synergy between the SAFER Initiative and Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) is critical, as both initiatives share a common goal of reducing alcohol-related harm and improving road safety. Let us seize this opportunity to work together for a safer, healthier Ghana and Africa.

    Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health, Ghana

    The 15 country teams included representatives from the ministries of health, transport, finance, and justice, as well as from the offices of the attorneys general, to accelerate the implementation of high-impact alcohol control and road safety policies.

    Multisectoral collaboration is essential – not optional – for achieving lasting public health outcomes. Today’s complex health challenges demand coordinated action across government sectors, civil society, and the private sector, all working together with communities. Only through shared responsibility and joint efforts can we ensure sustainable improvements in population health and wellbeing.

    Dr Adelheid Onyango, Director of Healthier Populations Cluster, WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO).

     

    Participants came from Angola, Burkina Faso, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, and Uganda.

    This event built on two WHO-led workshops in 2023:

    • The SAFER inter-country learning workshop held in October 2023 in Addis Ababa, which focused on alcohol policy development in seven countries.
    • The BIGRS workshop held in May 2023 in Kampala, which addressed alcohol-related road safety and legislative change in four countries.

    The Accra workshop brought together countries continuing SAFER and BIGRS implementation with 8 newly engaged countries, creating a regional platform for peer learning and collaboration.

    “We have acquired more knowledge on the SAFER package and learned from other countries which started earlier.”  Participant feedback.

    A strategic and evidence-informed approach

    The workshop was grounded in key WHO global and regional strategies, including the Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022–2030, which sets out a roadmap for reducing harmful alcohol use through national leadership, cross-sectoral coordination, and evidence-based interventions.Regionally, it built on the WHO African Region’s Multisectoral Strategy to Promote Health and Wellbeing (2023–2030) and the Regional Framework for Alcohol Control, both of which call for  integrated approaches and policy coherence for alcohol control within public health systems.

    “This workshop helped us break down our national action plan into implementable strategies.” Participant feedback.

    In line with these frameworks, the workshop followed a structured and evidence-informed approach to support policy progress:

    • Pre-work included virtual orientation sessions and bilateral meetings to review country status and update plans
    • During the in-person sessions in Accra, teams engaged in landscape assessments, delivery plan development, and peer-to-peer support
    • Expert panels with remote participation from Vital Strategies, Movendi International and University of Sterling, explored issues like alcohol industry interference and monitoring and evaluation
    • Countries used the WHO Global Survey on Alcohol and Health to guide planning

    “Policy integrity must be protected from alcohol industry interference,”  Dr. Frank John Lule, WHO Ghana Representative

    Multilingual participation

    The workshop was conducted in four working languages English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish – to accommodate the diversity of countries involved. While this presented logistical challenges, it also created a dynamic, inclusive atmosphere where participants engaged across language and regional boundaries. The investment in multilingual participation paid off, encouraging deeper exchange and regional solidarity.

    “It helped us understand how our strategies are faring compared to our neighbours, even when we speak different languages.” Participant feedback.

    Opportunities for strategic exchange

    One of the most engaging moments of the workshop was the gallery walk – a participatory session where country teams set up “stations” to present their group work and delivery plans. Other delegations walked from station to station, discussing strategies, offering feedback, and exchanging ideas with their peers.

    “The gallery walk was a huge opportunity for knowledge exchange and helped us sharpen our thinking.” Participant feedback.

    This format sparked spontaneous discussions on barriers, solutions, and opportunities. It fostered a sense of ownership and reflection and was widely seen as a powerful tool for strategic thinking and applied learning.

    Workshop outcomes and commitments

    This workshop marks a pivotal moment in shifting from planning to coordinated action. With renewed commitment, shared purpose, and regional momentum, countries are better equipped than ever to reduce alcohol-related harm and improve public health.

    As a result of the workshop:

    • 15 countries finalized or revised SAFER delivery plans
    • 8 new countries presented landscape assessments and implementation strategies
    • Country teams shared commitment statements
    • WHO and partners identified case studies for future dissemination
    • Clear next steps were agreed on for monitoring, technical support, and cross-country exchange

    Country teams identified 2 to 3 priority measures from among the high-impact SAFER interventions to accelerate national action and reduce the substantial harm caused by alcohol consumption. These priority actions reflect growing momentum for evidence-based policy change and examples include: raising excise taxes on alcoholic beverages to reduce affordability and curb consumption; establishing a national minimum legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol; regulating the density and location of alcohol retail outlets; tightening drink-driving laws by lowering legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits to ≤ 0.5 g/dl in line with international best practice; and integrating alcohol screening, brief interventions, and treatment for alcohol use disorders into mental health and primary care through the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP).

    Looking ahead, WHO will continue to support countries in implementing their delivery plans, provide tailored technical assistance, foster cross-country learning and regional collaboration and track progress through global surveys and country follow-up.

    Evaluation

    Post-workshop feedback indicated high levels of satisfaction and provided valuable suggestions for improving future events. All respondents reported being satisfied with the workshop, with over half “very satisfied” and one in five “extremely satisfied.”  Participants valued the interactive format – combining group work, peer learning, and facilitator-led sessions – and praised the facilitators’ expertise and responsiveness. Many noted that the workshop strengthened cross-sector collaboration and provided a clearer sense of direction, renewed motivation, and practical next steps to advance national SAFER alcohol control plans. Comments such as “we are not alone in this struggle” and it “enhanced my knowledge and triggered my commitment” reflected both solidarity and strengthened resolve among participants.

    About SAFER and BIGRS:

    The SAFER Initiative supports countries with five key interventions:

    • Restricting availability of alcohol
    • Enforcing drink-driving countermeasures
    • Expanding access to brief interventions and treatment
    • Banning alcohol marketing and sponsorship
    • Raising alcohol prices through fiscal measures

    The BIGRS Initiative complements SAFER by strengthening road safety legislation, especially for drink-driving and other key risk factors. The Accra workshop demonstrated the value of integrating these initiatives into a shared platform for action.

    The workshop was also the result of collaboration across all three levels of the WHO – headquarters, regional offices, and country offices – demonstrating the multidisciplinary and coordinated approach needed to address the harms of alcohol consumption.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Caisse Française de Financement Local: Report on asset quality as of March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, May 13, 2025

    REPORT ON ASSET QUALITY AS OF MARCH 31, 2025

    In accordance with the regulatory requirements in force, Caisse Française de Financement Local announces that the French version of the report on asset quality as of March 31, 2025 was filed with the Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution (ACPR) and that it can be obtained from its webpage: https://sfil.fr/librairie-des-documents-financiers/. The English version of the report on asset quality as of March 31, 2025 can be obtained from its webpage: https://sfil.fr/en/financial-documents-library/.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Payday weekend just got better with Samsung’s #PreekendSpecial Deals

    Source: Samsung

    A unique shopping experience is set to transform the way South African consumers discover and purchase their favourite Samsung products. Premiering live on YouTube, on the 22nd of May at 8pm, The Preekend Special gives shoppers an opportunity to enjoy good music while shopping for the best Samsung deals, from the comfort of their home.
     
    During the livestream, consumers will enjoy discounts of up to 45% OFF Samsung mobile, accessories, home appliances and TVs. The discounts will be revealed every 20 minutes during live DJ sets from our exciting DJ line up. The discounted products include; Galaxy S25+, Galaxy A26 5G, Galaxy Tab S10FE WIFI, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, 43” Serif TV, Freestyle Projector 2nd Gen, 19kg AI top loader washing machine, and premium Q-Series Soundbar.
     
    How it works:
    Consumers will have to download the Samsung Shop App [Download Link]
    Watch the livestream and enjoy the music played by the DJs, as new offers are revealed every 20 mins.
    Scan the QR code on screen, or click on link provided, which will direct them to the offer page on the Shop App.
    Add desired products to cart
    Discounts will be applied at Checkout.
     
    DJs on the night will be Franabenzo and LINDO:
    Franabenzo is a DJ duo made up of Francesco Mbele, and Lenzo Mangonyane. They’re music choice: house music, baile funk, underground hip hop and gqom – Franabenzo has you covered.
     
    Also joining the line up is LINDO; a South African DJ and cultural curator who uses music and style to tell stories about where he’s from. Blending Afro Tech, Gqom, and other electronic sounds, his sets are rooted in moving both body and spirit.
     

     
    Anesu Malisa, Head of Gen Z Marketing at Samsung South Africa said “With the Preekend Special, we’re looking to introduce a unique shopping experience that we believe South Africans will love, appreciate, and look forward to the next one. By bringing culture and commerce together, we want to create an engaging experience that ensures that you’re going to have a good time, whether you’re there for the good deals or good music”
     
    Additional Shop App Benefits include:
    An extra 10% OFF your first purchase on the Shop App.
    Multiple payment options including: Float, Mobicred, and PAYJUSTNOW.
    Free delivery
    Exclusive app deals and personalized offers
     
    Don’t skip the beat, click on the link below to sign up for live updates:
    https://www.samsung.com/za/samsung-live/?cid=za_pd_social_pr-publication_none_launch_social_video_preekend-special-sign-up-link_broad

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – MEPs push for more coordination and resilience in European electricity grids

    Source: European Parliament 3

    MEPs adopted proposals for enhancing grid resilience, integrating renewable energy sources, and simplifying processes to meet the EU’s energy goals.

    In proposals adopted on Tuesday, MEPs from the Industry, Research and Energy Committee put forward ways to modernise Europe’s electricity grid infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for renewable energy, ensure a resilient decarbonised electricity system, and support the EU’s energy goals.

    The adopted text calls for the implementation of an EU grid action plan and highlights the need for significant investment and infrastructure upgrades to modernise and increase cross-border transmission capacity.

    Better integration of national energy infrastructures

    MEPs highlight that significant investment and upgrades are required to increase cross-border and national-level transmission capacity and to modernise infrastructure. This includes the need for closer supervision by authorities to ensure a decarbonised, flexible, and resilient electricity system.

    The report calls for clearer and more effective rules and procedures to attract private investment in addition to public funding mechanisms, and ensure that network tariffs reflect real costs. It emphasises the need for investment to address grid bottlenecks and prevent the curtailment – the deliberate reduction of production due to grid capacity limits – of renewable energy.

    MEPs stress the importance of a more coordinated and fully pan-European electricity system planning to connect borders, sectors, and regions. They say that renewable energy sources need to be better integrated into electricity grids and that there should be more cross-border interconnections. Ensuring public acceptance and effective communication with citizens are crucial for the successful implementation of new grid projects, MEPs say.

    Quote

    “The Iberian blackout was a painful demonstration of how vulnerable our grids remain. It was a reminder that Europe’s energy transition will fail unless we invest just as strategically in infrastructure as in renewables. The blackout did not prove the failure of the Energy Union – quite the opposite. Thanks to cross-border interconnectors, France was able to step in immediately. Now the Commission must act decisively to prioritise planning and coordination on grids and storage – or we will keep lurching from one crisis to the next,” lead MEP Anna Sturgkh (Renew, Austria) said.

    “We are sending a clear and strong signal to the Commission to keep a well-financed Connecting Europe Facility for Energy (CEF-E) within the upcoming multi-annual budget proposal. EU funds managed by member states must also be more available for grid updates,” she added.

    Next Steps

    The report was adopted with 52 votes to nine, with two abstentions. It will be put to a vote by the full House during the 16-19 June 2025 plenary session in Strasbourg.

    Background

    The electricity system blackout that occurred in the Iberian Peninsula and parts of France on 28 April 2025 underscored the critical importance of enhancing EU grid resilience. The modernisation of Europe’s electricity grids is essential for achieving the EU’s clean energy transition and delivering renewable energy while supporting economic growth and prosperity. According to the European Commission, €584 billion is necessary for electricity grids this decade. This includes cross-border interconnectors and the adaptation of distribution grids to the energy transition.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: 2025 Econometric Game: Our Master’s Students in Economics Have Talent!

    Source: Universities – Science Po in English

    Home>2025 Econometric Game: Our Master’s Students in Economics Have Talent!

    Our partners

    Institutional partnerships for research and innovation

    • CNRS
    • Banque de France
    • The CORE Project 
    • The Kellen Foundation

    Other research centres

    • LEPI
    • LIEPP
    • OFCE

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Altus Group Releases its Q1 2025 Pan-European Dataset Analysis on CRE Valuation Trends

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Altus Group Limited (“Altus”) (TSX: AIF), a leading provider of commercial real estate (“CRE”) intelligence, today released its Q1 2025 Pan-European dataset analysis on European property market valuation trends.

    Each quarter, Altus Group centralizes and aggregates CRE valuation data for the European market, pulling insights into the factors driving commercial property valuations. The Q1 2025 aggregate dataset included Pan-European open-ended diversified funds, representing €29 billion in assets under management. The funds cover 17 countries and primarily span the industrial, office, retail and residential property sectors.

    “We’re encouraged to see the slow but steady growth across all major property sectors for the third consecutive quarter, reinforcing cautious optimism in the European real estate market,” said Phil Tily, Senior Vice President at Altus Group. “The resilience of residential and industrial assets reflects ongoing investor appetite for sectors underpinned by strong cashflows and rental growth. While macroeconomic conditions remain mixed, the stabilization in yields and improved fundamentals point to a maturing recovery cycle across the region.”

    Commercial property values across the Pan-European valuation dataset increased for the third consecutive quarter in Q1, rising 0.8% over Q4 and 2% year-over-year. All sectors are seeing gains, albeit with a mixed set of results from a yield and cashflow perspective.

    Key highlights by sector include:

    • Residential: The residential sector was the top performer in Q1 with a 1.5% value increase over Q4 2024. The improvement continued to be driven by comparatively strong cash flow fundamentals with above-average rent growth for the second consecutive quarter. The Netherlands was the strongest market in Q1, supported by increased market rents.
    • Industrial: After leading performance in Q4 2024, the industrial sector saw modest growth in Q1 2025, up 0.8% over Q4 2024. Yields held steady over the quarter, but a further strengthening of cashflows and an increase in market rents and contract rents helped industrial values rise marginally for a fourth consecutive quarter. While values improved across all industrial market, Italy and Spain had the largest gains in Q1.
    • Office: Office values rose 0.8% in Q1 2025 over Q4 2024, up for three consecutive quarters. Yield improvement and strengthening cash flows contributed to the rise in values. France saw the largest valuation gains, whereas Germany and the U.K. experienced declines in value this quarter.
    • Retail: The retail sector also saw modest growth in Q1, with values rising 0.5% over Q4 2024. Rising yields held back values for shopping centres in Q1, while declining yields boosted values for high street shops and supermarkets. Retail warehouses continue to be the top performing asset within the sector over the past year.
    • Other: Outside of the main sectors, student accommodation assets surpassed hotels and led performance this quarter, with values rising by 3.0% over Q4 2024.

    To download a review of the sector trends by asset class, please click here.

    About Altus Group

    Altus connects data, analytics, and expertise to deliver the intelligence necessary to drive optimal CRE performance.  The industry’s top leaders rely on our market-leading solutions and expertise to power performance and mitigate risk. Our global team of ~2,000 experts are making a lasting impact on an industry undergoing unprecedented change – helping shape the cities where we live, work, and build thriving communities. For more information about Altus (TSX: AIF) please visit www.altusgroup.com. 

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

    Elizabeth Lambe
    Director, Global Communications, Altus Group
    +1-416-641-9787
    elizabeth.lambe@altusgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The number of Chinese tourists visiting Cambodia’s Angkor Park increased by 29 percent in the first four months of the year.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    PHNOM PENH, May 13 (Xinhua) — The number of Chinese tourists visiting Cambodia’s famous Angkor archaeological park has increased significantly in the first four months of 2025, an official statement said Monday.

    A total of 36,368 Chinese tourists visited Angkor Park between January and April this year, up 29 percent from the same period last year (28,172 people), according to a report by state-owned Angkor Enterprise.

    China ranked fourth in the number of tourists visiting Angkor, behind the United States, France and Britain, the report added.

    According to the report, about 474,810 foreigners from 171 countries and regions visited the ancient park in the first four months of this year, bringing gross ticket revenue to US$22.2 million.

    With 2025 declared the Cambodia-China Year of Tourism, a significant influx of Chinese tourists to the Angkor Archaeological Park is expected, said Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Institute of International Studies and Public Policy at the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

    “The growth is likely to be driven by increased bilateral cooperation, promotional campaigns and increased accessibility through direct flights and group tour packages,” he told Xinhua. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales’s Green Flag Orchestrator solution successfully deployed in Brest and Reims, France, supporting sustainable Air Traffic Management

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales’s Green Flag Orchestrator solution successfully deployed in Brest and Reims, France, supporting sustainable Air Traffic Management

    • After the success of the deployment in Brest in March, Thales’s Green Flag Orchestrator tool has been implemented at the Reims Area Control Centre (ACC) in France, reducing the consumption of fuel per optimised flight by 200 to 300kg.
    • Green Flag Orchestrator provides Air Navigation Services Providers (ANSPs) with more eco-friendly ‘opportunities’, allowing airlines to optimize flight plans, thereby reducing plane fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
    • This initiative is part of the EU-funded SESAR JU CONCERTO project, which aims to optimize CO2 reduction opportunities and integrate sustainable air traffic control practices.
    CRNA Est, Reims” id=”image-76de5ad8-ec92-4c8f-bc2e-170cbbf8070d” data-id=”76de5ad8-ec92-4c8f-bc2e-170cbbf8070d” data-original=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/76de5ad8-ec92-4c8f-bc2e-170cbbf8070d/-/inline/no/123.jpg” data-mfp-src=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/76de5ad8-ec92-4c8f-bc2e-170cbbf8070d/-/format/auto/” alt=”CRNA Est, Reims”/>
    CRNA Est, Reims

    Thales and France’s Direction des Services de la Navigation Aérienne (DSNA) announce the successful implementation of the Green Flag Orchestrator solution at the Reims Area Control Centre (ACC) in France. This milestone marks a new significant step towards more sustainable aviation and aligns with the European Union’s environmental goals to reduce 90% of CO2 emissions by 2040.

    Using advanced decision-making algorithms, Thales’s Green Flag Orchestrator is a tool for ANSPs to manage ATC (Air Traffic Control)  ‘constraints’ – restrictions imposed by ATC to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft through controlled airspace, such as altitude restrictions. This tool automatically identifies and suggests ‘opportunities’ to relax some of these ‘constraints’, which are then proposed to airlines, enabling them to optimise their flight plans, thus reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. By ensuring automation and digital coordination, this solution optimizes ANSPs’ workload, while maintaining the same levels of safety and capacity.

    This deployment is part of the EU-funded SESAR JU CONCERTO project, which focuses on integrating new technologies and concepts to reduce CO2 emissions and introduce non-CO2 impact management into daily operations. As part of this project, all CONCERTO partners are working to integrate green air traffic control capabilities into the system, balancing capacity and environmental performance.

    “The integration of the Green Flag concept at Brest and Reims ACCs aligns with our commitment to promoting a greener aviation industry. This initiative is a crucial step in our environmental strategy and supports our goal of reducing the sector’s carbon footprint.” Florence Serdot-Omer, Head of Unit Validation of Concept and new Technologies at DSNA.

    “Combining advanced algorithms and collaborative tools, the Green Flag Orchestrator empowers Air Navigation Service Providers and airlines to make environmentally conscious decisions, and unlock numerous opportunities for flight path optimization, paving the way for a more sustainable future in air traffic management.” David Antonello, ATM Green Operations Lead at Thales, and CONCERTO project leader

    “Congratulations to Thales and DSNA for the successful deployment of the Green Flag Orchestrator in Reims and Brest. This achievement, delivered through the SESAR CONCERTO project, is a great example of the SESAR innovation pipeline in action—transforming promising ideas into tools that deliver immediate environmental benefits. By accelerating the uptake of eco-efficient solutions like this, we are helping to make Europe’s skies more sustainable, flight by flight.” Andreas Boschen, Executive Director, SESAR Joint Undertaking.

    MIL OSI Economics –