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Category: Germany

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine ‘spiderweb’ drone strike fails to register at peace talks as both sides dig in for the long haul

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

    News of the spectacular “spiderweb” mass drone attack on Russian air bases on June 1 will have been uppermost in the minds of delegates who assembled the following day for another round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul. The attack appears to have been a triumph of Ukrainian intelligence and planning that destroyed or damaged billions of pounds’ worth of Russian aircraft stationed at bases across the country, including at locations as far away as Siberia.

    Ukraine’s drone strikes, much like Russia’s intensifying air campaign, hardly signal either side’s sincere commitment to negotiations. As it turned out, little of any consequence was agreed at the brief meeting between negotiators, beyond a prisoner swap, confirming yet again that neither a ceasefire nor a peace agreement are likely anytime soon.

    But the broader context of developments on the battlefield and beyond can offer important clues about the trajectory of the war in the coming months.

    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.

    At an earlier meeting in Istanbul in May, Moscow and Kyiv agreed to draft and exchange detailed proposals for a settlement. The Ukrainian proposal restated the longstanding position of Kyiv and its western allies that concessions on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country are unacceptable.

    In other words, a Russian-imposed neutrality ruling out Nato membership and limiting the size of Ukraine’s armed forces is a non-starter for Kyiv. So is any international recognition of Moscow’s illegal land-grabs since 2014, including the annexation of Crimea.

    The Ukrainian proposal is for an immediate ceasefire along the frontline as “the starting point for negotiations”. Any territorial issues would be discussed “after a full and unconditional ceasefire”.

    In substance, this is very similar to the peace plan presented by the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky in late 2022. This was received warmly by Ukraine’s main western allies, but failed to get traction with the broader international community.

    Russia’s proposals, meanwhile, are also mostly old news. Russia maintains its demands for full recognition of Russian territorial claims since 2014, Ukrainian neutrality.

    These stringent Russian demands in return for even a temporary ceasefire are hardly any more serious negotiation positions from Ukraine’s perspective than Kyiv’s proposals are likely to be to Moscow. In fact, what the Kremlin put on the table in Istanbul is more akin to surrender terms.

    Ukraine is in no mood to surrender. The spiderweb drone attack against Russia’s strategic bomber fleet is a significant boost for Ukrainian morale. But, like previous drone strikes against Moscow in June 2023, it means little in terms of signalling a sustainable Ukrainian capability that could even out Russia’s advantages in terms of manpower and equipment.

    The state of the conflict in Ukraine as at June 3 2025.
    Institute for the Study of War

    Closer to the frontlines inside Ukraine, Kyiv’s forces also struck the power grid inside Russian-occupied parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. This may delay any Russian plans to expand its control over the two regions. But, like the latest drone strikes inside Russia, it is at best an operation that entrenches, rather than breaks the current stalemate.

    There is no doubt that Ukraine remains under severe military pressure from Russia along most of the more than 1,000 mile frontline. The country is also still very vulnerable to Russian air attacks.

    But while Russia might continue to make incremental gains on the battlefield, a game-changing Russian offensive or a collapse of Ukrainian defences does not appear to be on the cards.

    International support

    Kyiv’s position will potentially also be strengthened by a new bill in the US senate that threatens the imposition of 500% tariffs on any countries that buy Russian resources. This would primarily affect India and China.

    These are the largest consumers of Russian oil and gas, and if New Delhi and Beijing decide that trade with the US is more important to them cheap imports from Russia, the move could cut Russia off from critical revenues and imports.

    But, given how indecisive Donald Trump has been to date when it comes to putting any real, rather than just rhetorical, pressure on Vladimir Putin, it is not clear whether the proposed senate bill will have the desired effect. The bill has support of over 80 co-sponsors from both the Republican and Democratic caucuses, meaning the senate could overturn a presidential veto. But any delay in imposing tougher sanctions will ultimately play into Putin’s hands.

    By contrast, European support for Ukraine has, if anything, increased in recent months. For example, EU leaders adopted their 17th sanctions package against Russia on May 20. A week later, Germany and Ukraine announced a new military cooperation agreement worth €5 billion (£4.2 billion).

    It still falls short of what Kyiv would require for a major shift in the balance of power on the battlefield. But for now it is enough to prevent Russia from becoming militarily so dominant that Moscow’s current settlement proposals would present the only option for at least some part of Ukraine to survive as an independent state.

    The war remains in a stalemate. Neither Moscow nor Kyiv appear to have the capacity to escalate their military efforts to the degree necessary that would force the other side to make substantial concessions.

    Both sides are playing for time in the hope that their fortunes may change. For Ukraine, this would mean more US military support coupled with more sanctions pressure on Russia, while Europe follows through on building up its own and Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

    Russia’s calculations will be different. Putin will need to keep his few remaining allies – China, Iran and North Korea – on side while trying to make a deal with Trump. This may be impossible to achieve.

    In this case, the Russian dictator’s best hope might be that Trump does not impose any serious sanctions on Russia or its trade partners, let alone lean into increasing military support for Ukraine.

    For both sides, a lot still hinges on Washington. The unpredictability of the Trump White House, much like the self-imposed restraint under Biden, not only makes it unlikely that the war in Ukraine moves beyond the current stalemate, it has become a major, and perhaps the decisive road block that enables both Moscow and Kyiv to dream of victory in a war that has become unwinnable.

    Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

    Tetyana Malyarenko 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. Ukraine ‘spiderweb’ drone strike fails to register at peace talks as both sides dig in for the long haul – https://theconversation.com/ukraine-spiderweb-drone-strike-fails-to-register-at-peace-talks-as-both-sides-dig-in-for-the-long-haul-257927

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham Statement on Visit to Germany

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released this statement following his visit to Berlin, Germany.

    “I had a very productive visit to Berlin, Germany. I met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The purpose of the visit was to inform our allies in the European Union about the status of the bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that has 82 cosponsors in the U.S. Senate. The bill is designed to incentivize China to push Russia to the peace table — the secondary sanctions and tariffs will come down heavy on those who are propping up Putin’s war machine by buying cheap Russian oil and other products.

    “I was incredibly pleased with the meeting with President von der Leyen where she indicated a new set of sanctions was being drafted by the European Commission, focusing on those countries who prop up Putin’s war machine, as well as the Russian energy sector. It was her belief that Russia is playing games when it comes to peace and the only way the change the game for Russia is to increase the consequences of this war for Putin. I agree. She supported lowering the Russian oil price cap, which will hit Putin in the wallet and she believed there was strong support in Europe for that proposal.

    “Additionally, I met with Foreign Minister Wadephul and Chancellor Merz, and expressed my appreciation for their commitment to increase defense spending which will make NATO more lethal and create more deterrence at a time of great upheaval in Europe. Germany has a very capable military, and this additional investment will only continue that trend.

    “The President of the European Commission and the German government expressed appreciation to President Trump for earnestly and sincerely trying to end this war. It is obvious to all that President Trump has gone the extra mile trying to bring the parties together but it’s also clear that Putin is resisting efforts for peace and is in fact preparing for more war.

    “During my meetings with German officials, I was informed that they see a build-up in weapons by Russia, a point that was also echoed in Ukraine and France. Putin is being disingenuous as President Trump works toward peace. Putin is building up his forces and weaponry to engage in more war, with a summer or early fall offensive in the making.

    “Time is of the essence to act decisively. The combination of Europe lowering the Russian oil price cap along with enacting additional sanctions focusing on those who would prop up Putin will greatly enhance the efforts of the United States.

    “This is the last best chance to avoid an expansion of this war and deter aggression throughout the globe. If we can end the Russia-Ukraine war honorably and in a way that prevents future wars, then the world will become more stable.

    “However, if Putin is perceived to be rewarded for his aggression, and Ukraine is abandoned by its allies, it will encourage other bad actors throughout the globe and the consequences will be dire and long-lasting.

    “I appreciate Germany’s leadership regarding brokering peace and their steadfast resolve when it comes to supporting Ukraine. Germany is a valuable ally, and the upcoming meeting between Chancellor Merz and President Trump will be one of the most important meetings between any U.S. president and any German chancellor in our shared history. Godspeed to both.

    “Finally, recent media reports indicating the hour-long meeting in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine resulted in the same old unrealistic, maximalist demands by Russia, telling us all we need to know about Putin’s desire to end the war. This was also confirmed to me by those participating in the talks.

    “It is time to act.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister McGuinty to travel to Brussels, Belgium to participate in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and NATO Defence Ministers’ Meetings

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 3, 2025 (TBC) – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, will travel to Brussels, Belgium from June 4 to 5, 2025, to meet with Allies and partners.

    On June 4, Minister McGuinty will begin his day with a wreath laying at the Commonwealth War Graves Brussels Town Cemetery. Later that day he will participate in the 28th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, hosted by Germany and the United Kingdom at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. On June 5, Minister McGuinty will participate in a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

    On June 5, Minister McGuinty will hold a scrum/doorstep at NATO Headquarters.

    Details for the doorstep:

    • Date: June 5, 2025
    • Time: 8:20 a.m. Central European Time (CET) / 2:20 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
    • Location: NATO Headquarters

    Notes for media:

    Associated Links:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Quadient Q1 2025 sales at €258m, with strong performance in Digital and Lockers. FY 2025 guidance maintained

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key highlights

    • Q1 2025 consolidated revenue of €258 million, down 1.1% on a reported basis, including the contribution of Package Concierge, and down 2.5% organically(1)
    • Continued good momentum in Digital and Lockers, with double-digit growth in subscription-related revenue
    • Low point in the renewal cycle of mail equipment installed base, as expected
    • Positive current EBIT evolution supported by all three Solutions
    • Acceleration of digital financial automation strategy in Europe with the acquisition of Serensia, a leading French electronic invoicing certified platform
    • Stronger H2 anticipated on the back of continued strong momentum in Digital and Lockers with further improvement in profitability, expected Mail recovery and good order pipeline across Solutions
    • FY 2025 guidance maintained, i.e. organic growth acceleration in both revenue and current EBIT

    Paris, 3 June 2025

    Quadient S.A. (Euronext Paris: QDT), a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections, today announces its 2025 first quarter consolidated revenue (period ended on 30 April 2025).

    Geoffrey Godet, Chief Executive Officer of Quadient S.A., stated:

    “The first quarter of 2025 has been another strong quarter for our Digital and Lockers solutions, which delivered solid levels of subscription-related revenue organic growth at +11.1% for Digital and +12.7% for Lockers, demonstrating the strength and success of our two fast growing solutions as well as the quality of our recurring business model.

    As expected, our Mail performance was softer, reflecting the low point in the renewal cycle and a tough comparison base following the decertification-driven boost in 2024 in the United-States. The situation was further exacerbated by a particularly challenging American macroeconomic environment during the first quarter.

    Despite these headwinds in the quarter, we achieved current EBIT organic growth, supported by EBITDA margin positive development in all three solutions.

    With the acquisition of Serensia, a leading French electronic invoicing certified platform, Quadient is accelerating its digital financial automation strategy in Europe and will bring superior digital intelligent automation capabilities to its 300K+ customers worldwide, and notably to its 60K+ French customers, further accelerating their digital transformation, as they anticipate the 2026 mandatory e-invoicing law in France.

    While we expect the same uncertainty and market conditions to continue in Q2, we remain confident in our ability to deliver a stronger second half. As a result, we are maintaining our full-year 2025 guidance of acceleration in both organic revenue growth and organic EBIT growth compared to the 2024 growth rates.”

    Comments on Q1 2025 performance

    Group revenue came in at €258 million in Q1 2025, down 1.1% on a reported basis, and 2.5% organically compared to Q1 2024. Reported growth includes a positive scope effect of €4 million from the acquisition of Package Concierge in December 2024. The currency impact was broadly flat over the period.

    Subscription related revenue (€193 million, 75% of total sales) increased by +1.2% organically over Q1 2025, reflecting the continued strong momentum in Digital and Lockers. In contrast, non-recurring revenue declined by 12.0% organically against Q1 2024, due to a low point in the renewal cycle of mail equipment installed base, as expected. The decline in hardware sales has however been amplified by the challenging macroeconomic environment in the United States.

    By geography, North America (59% of revenue) declined organically by 2.4% in Q1 2025, impacted by macroeconomic uncertainty in the US delaying customer decision making and a strong comparison base in Mail following last year’s decertification-driven uplift in sales. The Main European countries (33% of revenue) recorded a 2.8% organic decline, while the International segment (8% of revenue) was down 2.0% organically.

    Consolidated revenue by Solution

    Q1 2025 consolidated revenue

    In € million Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Change Organic change
    Digital 67 63 +6.5% +7.2%
    Mail 164 178 (7.9)% (7.9)%
    Lockers 27 20 +35.4% +12.2%
    Group total 258 261 (1.1)% (2.5)%
     

    Digital

    In Q1 2025, revenue from Digital reached €67 million, up 7.2% organically and up 6.5% on a reported basis compared to Q1 2024.

    This solid performance was driven by a strong 11.1% organic growth in Q1 2025 in subscription-related revenue, in acceleration compared to the previous quarter. Growth was broad-based across all regions, including a double-digit growth in North America. Subscription-related revenue represented 85% of Digital total sales, a further increase compared to 82% in Q1 2024.

    At the end of Q1 2025, annual recurring revenue (ARR) reached €237 million(2), vs. €232 million at the end of FY 2024, representing a 9.6% organic growth on an annualized basis.

    The Digital solution continued to demonstrate healthy booking trends, highlighted by:

    • Robust cross-selling bookings with Mail customers, up c. +50% year-on-year;
    • Double-digit growth in new customer acquisition within the Enterprise business.

    During the quarter, Quadient’s Digital Automation platform received several leadership recognitions across multiple analyst rankings, notably in AP/AR financial automation, where it is now ranked on par with its high positions in CCM/CXM.

    Quadient is accelerating its digital financial automation strategy in Europe, with the acquisition on 2nd June 2025 of Serensia, a leading French electronic invoicing certified platform, trusted by more than 160 customers (including TotalEnergies, Dalkia, RATP…), processing nearly 200 million invoices annually. This acquisition provides Quadient with:

    • First-class software Intellectual Property for its PDP platform (Partner Dematerialization Platform, registered by the French State), and
    • Access to Pan-European Public Procurement Online (PEPPOL) market.

    This acquisition further strengthens Quadient’s Finance Automation portfolio (which includes online payment, e-invoicing, account payable and account receivable automation, credit analysis, hybrid mail, …), and further accelerates Quadient’s Mail customers’ digital transformation, by providing additional pathways towards the necessary adoption of e-invoicing solutions, legally mandated across Europe. Please refer to our dedicated press release published on 2nd June for more details.

    Mail

    Mail revenue reached €164 million in Q1 2025, down 7.9% organically and on a reported basis compared to Q1 2024.   

    Hardware sales recorded a 15.8% organic decline in the first quarter of 2025. This decrease was primarily driven by:

    • A softer performance across all regions. This was expected, given the echo effect of the COVID period, with fewer contracts for renewal, reflecting the lower level of hardware placements made during the pandemic 5 years ago;
    • The United States was particularly affected, with a strong comparison base in Q1 2024, which had benefited from the decertification boosting effect (which ended in Q4 2024), as well as by increased economic uncertainty that delayed customer decision-making.

    Subscription-related revenue (72% of Mail sales) recorded an organic decline of 4.4% in the quarter.

    Despite these headwinds, Quadient continued to outperform the market this quarter.

    The Mail automation platform continued to show good commercial momentum, and double-digit growth in cross-sell order intake with Lockers and +50% for Digital bookings in Q1 2025. This dynamic is illustrated by the expansion of the partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, which has long relied on Quadient’s parcel locker systems to facilitate on-campus student and staff deliveries and is now extending the relationship to include a comprehensive mail management solution.

    At the end of April 2025, already 44.0% of Quadient installed base has been upgraded with its newest technology, compared to 42.4% at the end of January 2025.

    H2 2025 performance is expected to recover as the Mail equipment business will be supported by a stronger pipeline of contracts up for renewal over the second part of the year.

    Lockers

    Lockers revenue reached €27 million in Q1 2025, a 12.2% increase on an organic basis. The reported growth stood at 35.4% year-on-year, reflecting the positive contribution from Package Concierge (€4 million in Q1 2025).

    Subscription-related revenue increased by 12.7% organically in Q1 2025, benefiting from:

    • The outstanding strong volumes ramp up in the UK and French open networks;
    • The continued momentum in the US, driven by higher monetization of usage fees.

    Overall, subscription-related revenue stood at 65% of total revenue in Q1 2025 (vs. 68% in Q1 2024, this small drop reflecting the different revenue mix at the recently acquired Package Concierge).

    Non-recurring revenue (license & hardware sales and professional services) grew strongly by 11.4% organically in Q1 2025, driven by a significant locker placement in International, which more than offset the softer performance in North America. Moreover, another hardware sales deal for circa €5 million has been signed in International and will be recognized in H2 2025

    Quadient’s global locker installed base reached c.26,100 units at the end of Q1 2025, with 600 new lockers deployed over the quarter. This reflects the accelerated pace of new locker installations, particularly in the UK open network, which has expanded nearly fourfold over the last 15 months. This growth is driven by partnerships signed in recent quarters to host parcel lockers in new prime locations.

    In the UK, Quadient extended its partnership with EVRi, with a new large and long-term deal signed, including the consolidation of returns (Drop Box functionality). Quadient also signed a strategic partnership with Stasher, offering travelers a nationwide luggage storage service through Quadient’s smart locker network. These partnerships are expected to further drive volume and support continued adoption growth. In Japan (International segment), Quadient expanded the access to its network so that Amazon parcels can be delivered within approximately 6,000 “PUDO Stations” nationwide.

    LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT

    In May 2025, Quadient proactively extended the maturity of its €300 million undrawn Revolving Credit Facility by an additional year, pushing it to 2030.

    FY 2025 GUIDANCE MAINTAINED

    While Q2 is expected to face similar markets conditions to the previous quarter and continued macroeconomic uncertainty, Quadient remains confident in its ability to deliver a stronger performance in the second half of the year. This confidence is supported by:

    • A good profitability start of the year, with an improvement in EBITDA margin across solutions;
    • Moving forward:
      • Sustained strong momentum in Digital and Lockers, with further improvement in profitability;
      • An expected recovery in Mail in H2, as the renewal cycle of the mail equipment installed base should reverse and provide greater opportunities;
      • A promising order pipeline across solutions.

    In this this context, Quadient maintains its full-year 2025 guidance, of acceleration in both organic revenue growth and organic current EBIT growth compared to the 2024 growth rates, while acknowledging that ongoing global economic disruptions and their impact, in particular on the US market, remain difficult to predict at this stage.

    Q1 2025 BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

    Quadient Recognized in Inaugural 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Accounts Payable Applications
    On 4 April 2025, Quadient announced it has been recognized in the first ever 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Accounts Payable Applications. A Gartner Magic Quadrant is a culmination of research in a specific market, giving a wide-angle view of the relative positions of the market’s competitors3.

    Quadient Receives SBTi’s Validation of its GHG Emission Reduction Targets
    On 7 April 2025, Quadient announced that the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets. SBTi is a corporate climate action initiative that provides companies with science-based guidance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. This validation confirms that Quadient’s commitments align with scientific requirements to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

    Quadient Recognized in Analyst Report on Top AI Use Cases for Finance Automation
    On 16 April 2025, Quadient announced it has been recognized in a recent Forrester report on ways artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming accounts receivable (AR) processes. The report, “Top AI Use Cases for Accounts Receivable Automation In 2025,” includes mentions of Quadient AR for cash application and payment notice. Quadient considers its inclusion in the report as proof of the impact its AI- and machine learning-powered financial process automation offer, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making capabilities.

    Quadient Named a Leader in the SPARK Matrix™: Customer Communication Management Report for 2025
    On 24 April 2025, Quadient has been recognized as a Leader in the SPARK Matrix™: Customer Communication Management (CCM), Q2, 2025 report by global advisory and consulting firm QKS Group. This marks the fifth consecutive year Quadient has been named a Leader in the SPARK Matrix for CCM, a strategic vendor performance assessment tool that ranks vendors across the categories of Technology Excellence and Customer Impact.

    Quadient: 11% Increase in Software Sales to Mail Clients in 2024 Reflects Rising Demand for Smarter, Multichannel Communications
    On 30 April 2025, Quadient shared that businesses are increasingly turning to digital solutions to meet rising customer expectations for modern, multichannel communication. This shift is driving tangible growth: in fiscal year 2024, Quadient recorded a record 11% increase in cross-sales of its Digital automation solutions within its Mail customer base.

    POST-CLOSING EVENTS

    Stasher and Quadient Partner to Launch Nationwide Luggage Storage Using UK Smart Locker Network
    On 7 May 2025, Quadient announced a strategic partnership with Stasher, the world’s first luggage storage platform. This partnership marks a significant expansion of Stasher’s UK network and will provide travelers in key cities throughout the UK, including London, Birmingham, York, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Cardiff and Manchester, with more convenient, secure, and accessible luggage storage options through more than 1,640 Parcel Pending by Quadient smart lockers.

    Quadient and Nuvei Sign New Partnership to Enhance Cloud Payment Capabilities for Businesses Globally
    On 13 May 2025, Quadient and Nuvei announced a strategic technology partnership to enhance cloud payment capabilities for businesses globally. Through this partnership, Nuvei’s advanced payment processing technology is now integrated into Quadient’s cloud-based Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP) automation solutions, providing businesses of all sizes across North America, the UK, and Europe with a unified platform to manage B2B payments more efficiently, securely, and at scale.

    AI-powered Automation and Real-Time Payments Secure Quadient Leader Position in SPARK Matrix for Accounts Receivable
    On 15 May 2025, Quadient has been positioned as a Leader in the SPARK Matrix™: Accounts Receivable Applications, 2025. This marks the fourth consecutive year Quadient has been named as a leader in the report produced by the technology advisory and research firm QKS Group. Quadient believes this recognition is a testament to its continuing commitment to help businesses accelerate digital transformation, automate financial processes to increase business performance and create high-value customer interactions.

    Quadient Surpasses 300 Higher Education Locker Customers, Helping Campuses Modernize Logistics and Tackle Food Insecurity
    On 27 May 2025, Quadient announced that more than 300 higher education institutions in the U.S. are now relying on Parcel Pending by Quadient Lockers for streamlined package pickup and drop-off, bookstore merchandise, class and IT equipment exchange points, and addressing the challenge of student food insecurity.

    Quadient Advances AI Capabilities to Help Organizations Power Better Customer Interactions and Revenue Growth
    On 28 May 2025, Quadient announced the release of advanced AI capabilities designed for crafting and orchestrating highly personalized, omnichannel customer interactions. The extended AI is part of the latest release of Quadient Inspire, an industry-leading customer communications management (CCM) solution, and represents Quadient’s continued investment in transforming the way businesses dynamically communicate with customers.

    Quadient Accelerates its Digital Financial Automation Strategy in Europe with the Acquisition of Serensia
    On 2 Juin 2025, Quadient announced the acquisition of Serensia, a highly recognized a leading French electronic invoicing platform provider accredited by the French government as a Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP). This strategic acquisition strengthens Quadient’s position in digital compliance and its ability to support both its 150,000 European customers and the more than 8 million businesses impacted in France as they transition to mandatory electronic invoicing.

    To know more about Quadient’s news flow, previous press releases are available on our website at the following address: https://invest.quadient.com/en/newsroom.

    CONFERENCE CALL & WEBCAST

    Quadient will host a conference call and webcast today at 6:00 pm Paris time (5:00 pm London time).

    To join the webcast, click on the following link: Webcast.

    To listen to the presentation by phone, please register using the following link to receive the dial-in details: Conference call.

    A replay of the webcast will also be available on Quadient’s Investor Relations website for 12 months.

    Calendar

    • 13 June 2025: Annual General Assembly
    • 24 September 2025: Half-year results and Q2 2025 sales

    About Quadient®

    Quadient is a global automation platform provider powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC® Mid & Small and EnterNext® Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing.

    For more information about Quadient, visit https://invest.quadient.com/en/.

    Contacts

    APPENDIX

    Digital: New name for Intelligent Communication Automation

    Mail: New name for Mail-Related Solutions

    Lockers: New name for Parcel Locker Solutions

    Q1 2025 consolidated revenue

    Q1 2025 consolidated revenue by geography

    In € million Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Change Organic
    change
    North America(a) 151 150 +0.6%(d) (2.4)%
    Main European countries(b) 86 89 (2.9)% (2.8)%
    International(c) 21 23      (5.6)%(d) (2.0)%
    Group total 258 261 (1.1)% (2.5)%
    (a)  Including the United States and Canada. Brazil and Mexico are also part of this segment as of 1stJanuary 2025.
    (b)  Including Austria, Benelux, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy (excluding Mail), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
    (c)  International includes the activities of Digital, Mail and Lockers outside of North America and the Main European countries. From 1stJanuary 2025, Brazil and Mexico are no longer included and are now part of North America.
    (d)  The reported changes reflect a €0.9m reclassification effect due to the transfer of Brazil and Mexico from International to North America as of 1stJanuary 2025.

    (1) Q1 2025 sales are compared to Q1 2024 sales, to which is added pro rata temporis the revenue of Package Concierge for a consolidated amount of €4 million. The currency impact is broadly neutral in the period.
    (2) Q1 2025 ARR includes a €1.3 million positive currency effect vs 31 January 2025.
    (3) Gartner Research Methodologies, Gartner Magic Quadrant, 28 March 2025

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP acts early in Bangladesh to respond to worsening floods, calling for urgent support to reach millions more

    Source: World Food Programme

    DHAKA – As relentless rains batter southeastern Bangladesh, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is on the ground responding to rising needs in some of the country’s most vulnerable communities.

    On 29 May, at the request of the Government, WFP activated its emergency response in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar District, just hours after flood warnings were triggered. Through its anticipatory action mechanism, 6,500 people received BDT 5,000 (US$43) per family, transferred directly to their mobile wallets. This early support allowed families to buy food and essentials, protect their homes and livelihoods, and brace for the floods ahead.

    “As always, climate shocks hit hardest in communities already living in poverty and facing high food insecurity,” said Dom Scalpelli, WFP Country Director in Bangladesh. “Because we acted early, families had a chance to prepare and face the storm with greater resilience.” 

    To respond to climate shocks this year, WFP has developed a four-phase emergency preparedness and response plan. It includes anticipatory action before the emergency to help people prepare, emergency food rations immediately after, financial support for affected people to access food as markets begin to reopen, and cash-for-work and income-generating activities to help communities recover quickly. 

    “Anticipatory action gives families a chance to prepare – to buy food, secure their homes and stay safe. But this window is narrow, and resources are limited. We are calling on partners to act with us – early, fast and at scale – to protect lives before the next wave of flooding hits,” added Scalpelli. 

    WFP aims to reach over 6 million people at risk but faces a funding gap of US$55 million.

    WFP’s latest response is part of a growing national effort to strengthen early action in Bangladesh. In 2024, over 15 anticipatory action frameworks were activated by UN agencies and INGOs. In 2025, 46 agencies are expected to implement anticipatory action, with increasing national leadership and expanded coverage of hazards like heatwaves, landslides and droughts.

    WFP’s anticipatory action is supported by partners including the European Union and donors contributing to our Global Anticipatory Action Trust Fund such as Germany and Ireland. We also acknowledge pooled funding and multilateral support, including from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and donors like Belgium, whose contribution enabled our recent response in Teknaf.

    #    #    #

    “I’ve never received any money during past rainy seasons or floods,” said Nurul Begum, who received WFP’s anticipatory assistance. In the picture, the mother of three smiles as she shows a message confirming receipt of BDT 5,000 from WFP. © WFP/Saikat Mojumder

     

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. 

    Follow us on X @wfp_bangladesh, Facebook @WFPinBangladesh, Instagram @wfp_bangladesh  

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces a $11 Million Expansion for BSH Home Appliances in Craven County, Adding Nearly 200 Jobs

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces a $11 Million Expansion for BSH Home Appliances in Craven County, Adding Nearly 200 Jobs

    Governor Stein Announces a $11 Million Expansion for BSH Home Appliances in Craven County, Adding Nearly 200 Jobs
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    (RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein announced BSH Home Appliances Corporation (BSH), the home appliances division of the Bosch Group, will add 199 new jobs in Craven County. The company will invest more than $11 million to expand its New Bern facility into a hub for all U.S. innovation and manufacturing.

    “When globally known companies like BSH choose North Carolina for an expansion, it confirms the strength of our workforce,” said Governor Stein. “North Carolina has the largest manufacturing workforce in the southeast, and we look forward to BSH’s pioneering production that will create more good jobs and growth opportunities for Craven County.”

    Headquartered in Munich, Germany, with its North American headquarters in California, BSH develops and manufactures appliances offered under the Bosch, Thermador and Gaggenau brands in North America. From cooking, cooling, small appliances, dish care, laundry and more, BSH products are celebrated globally for precision engineering, world-class innovation and superior quality. This development reflects the expansion of U.S. production and development operations at its New Bern site, creating a central hub for cooking and dishwashing research, innovation and manufacturing, along with distribution and customer support for the United States. 

    “BSH’s manufacturing operation has called North Carolina home for many years, and this expansion is reflective of a valued relationship that’s deepening as we move forward,” said Darcy Clarkson, Chief Executive Officer of BSH Region North America. “New Bern’s importance to BSH is growing, and this investment is one of several new developments that will increase our footprint, create jobs and drive innovation for the company as we look to the future, with North America designated as a growth region for BSH.”

    “We’ve been proud members of the New Bern community for over 25 years, and we look forward to further strengthening our contributions to the city and region with this important expansion,” added Andy MacLaren, Chief Technology Officer of BSH Region North America.

    “BSH’s decision validates North Carolina’s reputation for manufacturing excellence,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “This latest investment mirrors our commitment to developing our world-class workforce and training systems that help attract companies to every corner of the state.”

    This announcement builds on the meetings that BSH, Secretary Lilley, and state leaders previously held in Germany, which set the foundation for this expansion.

    While wages for the engineering, manufacturing, and logistics associates vary, the annual average salary for the new positions will be $60,779, exceeding Craven County’s average of $48,770. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $12 million for the region.

    A performance-based grant of $500,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help the company’s expansion in North Carolina. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require matching participation from local governments, and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

    “This expansion is a welcomed addition to Craven County and the entire state,” said Senator Bob Brinson. “The people of eastern North Carolina are well-equipped for these new, good-paying jobs, and we’re ready to support the company’s next phase of growth.”

    “BSH has been a great corporate citizen and contributor to our economy,” said Representative Steve Tyson. “We are grateful to the partnerships here on the local and state level that helped bring this investment and expansion to fruition.”

    In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Craven Community College, North Carolina State University, North Carolina’s Southeast, Craven County, Craven 100 Alliance, City of New Bern, Duke Energy, and Piedmont Natural Gas. 

    Jun 3, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: “Through Her Lens”: New UN Photo Exhibit Celebrates Women Leading Peace

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    New York, 7 June 2025 – This June, the United Nations will unveil a compelling new photo exhibit at New York’s Photoville Festival, bringing global attention to the leadership, courage and impact of women and their allies driving peace in some of the world’s most volatile places. Featuring original photos by local women photographers, the exhibition spotlights women peacebuilders, human rights defenders, UN peacekeepers and grassroots activists whose stories are too often overlooked. Their portraits and environments reflect both the challenges of conflict and the possibilities that emerge when women lead.

    Launched in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), the exhibition highlights the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda which recognises not only the disproportionate impact of conflict on women but also their indispensable role in shaping peace, building trust, and leading transformative change.

    “The fight for gender equality is not just about fairness,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in his remarks at the 2025 International Women’s Day commemoration in New York. “It is about power – who gets a seat at the table, and who is locked out. Simply put, when women and girls rise, everyone thrives.”

    Captured across eleven settings – Abyei, Cyprus, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Kosovo, Lebanon, Mozambique, Occupied Palestinian Territory, South Sudan and Sudan – the images tell a collective story of resilience, resistance, and transformation.

    “Too often, the role of women in peace processes and trust building is overlooked or underrepresented,” said Laura Hasani, a photojournalist from Kosovo with over 25 years’ experience. “These photos aim to change that, so the world sees and hears from the women who are rebuilding communities and leading change.”

    In Haiti, Clyfane Saintil, a feminist activist and nonprofit leader featured in the exhibit, helps Haitian girls and women build confidence to claim their rights and shape their futures. “Change begins in our communities, where women and girls rise, and when men choose to be allies rather than obstacles,” she said.

    Through the lens of those living the realities of conflict, the exhibition reframes how we see women: not only as victims, but as architects of peace and justice. It also calls on governments, international organisations, and communities to recommit to the promise of the WPS agenda, which remains as urgent today as it was 25 years ago.

    Through Her Lens: Women Rising for Peace is a collaboration between the United Nations Department of Peace Operations and Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, UN Women, and the Elsie Initiative Fund. Premiering in Brooklyn Bridge Park on 7 June 2025, it will remain open to the public until 22 June, then travel to some of the countries featured before reaching the European Parliament in Brussels and, in October, UN Headquarters in New York, among others.

    The exhibition is supported by the governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom, whose generous contributions made it possible to share these powerful stories worldwide.

    The exhibition is free to view from June 7-22, 2025, at the Photoville Festival, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1, New York City.

    Find out more: Through Her Lens: Women Rising for Peace – Photoville Festival

    Download the digital assets: Trello board

    Note to the editors: The ‘Through Their Lens: Women Rising for Peace’ photo exhibition is underpinned by the principles outlined in United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent nine resolutions on Women, Peace and Security. The resolutions recognise the importance of women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in conflict resolution and call for greater inclusion of women in peacemaking and decision-making at all levels in peace and political processes.

    * * * *

    Media contacts:

    UN Department of Peace Operations

    Sophie Boudre

    Email: boudre@un.org

    Tel.: +1 917 691 5359

    Milly Copping James

    Email: milly.coppingjames@un.org

    Tel.: +1 646 897 6383

    UN Department of Peacebuilding and Political Affairs

    Kyung Ae (Susie) Lim

    Email: lim7@un.org

    Tel.: +1 646 595 7068

    UN Women

    Media Team Email: media.team@unwomen.org

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: BALTOPS 25 Begins in the Baltic Sea Region

    Source: United States Navy

    ROSTOCK, Germany – Sixteen NATO allies, more than 40 ships, 25 aircraft and approximately 9,000 personnel began the 54th iteration of Baltic Operations, or BALTOPS 25, with the start of the pre-sail conference, June 3, in the Baltic Sea region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: More Foreign Delicacies Served to Chinese Wuhan Festive Tables

    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

    BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) — More foreign-made delicacies appeared on the tables of residents in the major Chinese city of Wuhan during the traditional Duanwu (Dragon Boat) Festival holiday, which ran from May 31 to June 2 this year, the Keji Ribao (science and technology daily) reported.

    Eight trains recently arrived in the city, which is the capital of Hubei Province (Central China), as part of the international China-Europe (Central Asia) railway freight transport.

    The trains reportedly carried various types of food products to Wuhan, including Kazakh flour, Russian sunflower oil, chocolate, honey, bread products, Danish cookies, French wines and Spanish olive oil.

    Thanks to the development of the China-Europe/Central Asia international rail freight sector, more locally produced goods are being supplied to the international market, and more sought-after foreign goods are being supplied to Hubei Province, the newspaper writes.

    Train X8183, loaded with photovoltaic products, equipment, auto parts and clothing, departed from Wuhan’s Wujiashan Station on Sunday for Germany, making it the 183rd China-Europe/China-Central Asia train departing from the station this year, up 9 percent year-on-year. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Intermex and Houston Dynamo FC Partner to Celebrate Latino Heritage and the Spirit of Fútbol

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (“Intermex” or the “Company”, a leading money remittance provider to Latin America and the Caribbean, today announced a new official partnership with Houston Dynamo FC, one of Major League Soccer’s most community-driven teams. This collaboration unites two organizations deeply committed to uplifting and celebrating Latino culture through the unifying passion of soccer.

    Soccer is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, with more than 85 million fans nationwide. In Houston, a city where over 45% of the population identifies as Latino, the connection runs even deeper. Latino fans make up nearly 70% of the MLS audience, making the city a natural home for this partnership. Together, Intermex and Houston Dynamo FC aim to champion cultural pride, family connection, and community empowerment.

    “Intermex is the only remittance company built by Latinos for Latinos. Partnering with Houston Dynamo FC allows us to celebrate that shared heritage and connect with our customers beyond financial services, through a sport that speaks to identity, passion, and tradition,” said Marcelo Theodoro, Chief Product, Marketing & Digital Officer at Intermex.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Intermex to the club, they are a cutting-edge organization that shares our commitment to elevating our community and fostering civic pride,” Dynamo Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, Ben Carruthers said. “Intermex’s dedication to serving diverse communities aligns perfectly with our mission both on and off the pitch. Together, we look forward to delivering exciting experiences to our fans and supporting the vibrant, diverse culture synonymous with our city.” Through this partnership, Intermex and Houston Dynamo FC will collaborate on in-stadium experiences, community events, and cultural celebrations that highlight and honor the vibrancy of the Latino community.

    About Intermex
    Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology to enable consumers to send money from the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany to more than 60 countries. The company facilitates digital money movement through its website and mobile app, as well as through a vast network of retail agents and company-operated stores. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Intermex also operates international offices in Puebla, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; London, England; and Madrid, Spain. Learn more at www.intermexonline.com.

    About Houston Dynamo FC
    Houston Dynamo FC is a Major League Soccer team and part of the Houston Dynamo Football Club, a multi-faceted organization that includes the Dynamo, the Houston Dash and the Houston Dynamo Academy, and Dynamo and Dash Charities. Ted Segal acquired a majority ownership interest in HDFC in June 2021 and serves as the chairman of the Club. Under his leadership the organization completed a multi-million-dollar renovation of Shell Energy Stadium in March 2023 and the Club moved into a 27,000 square foot headquarters in East Downtown in July 2023. Houston Dynamo FC has won two MLS Cup championships, two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups and four conference championships in its first 19 seasons and has qualified to represent the United States in international competition eight times. The team trains at the Champions Field at Houston Sports Park (HSP), the premier training facility in Southeast Texas, and plays its home matches at Shell Energy Stadium in downtown Houston. For more information, log on to www.HoustonDynamoFC.com or call (713) 276-7500.    

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Alex Sadowski
    Investor Relations Coordinator
    ir@intermexusa.com
    305-671-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Tesonet invests in Lithuanian SportsTech startup FPRO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tesonet is investing €2 million in the Lithuanian SportsTech startup FPRO. This is FPRO’s first round of outside investment, marking a new phase in its development. The funds will help the startup to leverage smart tech solutions to expand professional training opportunities in youth football worldwide.

    A made-in-Lithuania solution for the global football market

    FPRO is a SportsTech startup that is developing innovative football training solutions for children. Working in collaboration with UEFA-certified coaches and experts in sports science, FPRO has devised a unique interactive app for children ages 6 through 12. The app is designed to improve their technique, coordination and ball control skills.

    Having founded the Football Pro Academy back in 2018, founders Ernestas Pilypas, Darius Jankauskas, and Vilius Petkevičius were forced to move operations online during the pandemic. This was the impetus behind the development of their digital product, which was released in 2022. The platform’s user base currently consists of 140,000+ children from the UK, Germany, the US, and other countries. Most of the company’s revenue comes from sales outside of their home market.

    “Football is the most popular sport in the world, but the market is currently short on qualified coaches. We wanted to create a solution that would be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial means or location. FPRO fills this gap by offering young athletes an accessible, tech-driven method geared towards raising their physical fitness and developing their personalities in a comprehensive way. It helps to build their self-confidence, discipline, and passion for football through a focused and personalised coaching process. We see Tesonet’s investment as confirmation that we’re on the right track,” said Vilius Petkevičius, co-founder of FPRO.

    Ambitious partnership for innovation in children’s sports

    “The sports technology market has enormous potential, and football unites billions of people worldwide. Given our substantial experience with SportsTech, the latest investment reflects our strategy to expand the sports innovation ecosystem while strengthening the community both in Lithuania and globally. This is a profitable and growing startup with a broad user base, an unstoppable team, and founders who are experts in their field. It’s a perfect combination, and one that mirrors our own values,” commented Tomas Okmanas, co-founder of Tesonet.

    Tesonet co-founder Eimantas Sabaliauskas added: “When making a decision to invest, we consider not only market potential, but also a given team’s vision and ability to solve real problems on a global scale. FPRO has created a strong product, and our goal as investors is to help them not just financially but also in terms of strategy. We see clear synergies where our contribution could help them optimise business processes, develop new revenue streams, expand their user base, and further accelerate growth internationally.”

    Another SportsTech investment in Tesonet’s portfolio

    This is not our first venture in the sports vertical. In 2022, we acquired shares in BC Žalgiris Kaunas, helping the basketball club with its digital transformation and commercial expansion. Then in 2024, we invested in basketball club BC London Lions, aiming to promote the development of young talent and bolster the club’s competitiveness internationally.

    ABOUT TESONET:

    Tesonet is one of the largest venture builders and investors in the Baltic States. It houses globally recognized companies such as joint cybersecurity powerhouse Nord Security and Surfshark, a market-leading web intelligence collection platform Oxylabs, the fastest-growing brand among hosting providers Hostinger, nexos.ai – an AI orchestration platform, and others.

    With over 3,500 in-house talents and a fully developed infrastructure, Tesonet supports, funds, and scales businesses globally. Since 2018, Tesonet has extended its reach by investing in successful ventures like Hostinger, Cast AI, Eneba, BC Žalgiris, London Lions, Artea, Zapp, Turing College, and others.

    Tesonet is known for its innovative ecosystem and strong infrastructure, which support product development, testing, and global growth. The company is dedicated to advancing technological innovation and helping grow the broader ecosystem.

    ABOUT FPRO:

    FPRO is a sports technology startup dedicated to developing innovative training solutions for children’s football. Collaborating with UEFA-certified coaches and sports university experts, FPRO has created a unique interactive mobile app designed to help children aged 6–12 improve their technique, coordination, and ball control skills.Currently, the platform is being used by over 140,000 children across the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, and other countries.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Recent Graduate Named to Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Julian Cote-Dorado ’24 (CLAS) has been accepted into the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals for the 2025-26 academic year. The fellowship annually provides 65 American and 65 German young professionals the opportunity to spend one year in each other’s countries, studying, interning, and living with hosts as part of a cultural immersion program.

    Cote-Dorado graduated from UConn with a degree in political science and minors in economics and German. The Mansfield native grew up in the UConn community and graduated from E.O. Smith High School.

    He is interested in pursuing a career in international relations and diplomacy.

    “I love to travel meeting people, and I am very interested in different languages,” says Cote-Dorado. “My dream is to work in foreign affairs or diplomacy.”

    For Americans, the CBYX program consists of three phases: two months of intensive German language training, one semester of classes, and a three-to-five-month-long internship. CBYX is sponsored in the United States by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

    “I met Julian last fall at a German language club coffee hour,” says Tim Beaucage, an Honors Program advisor and STEM Scholar coordinator, who advised Cote-Dorado on his application for the CBYX program. “It is a great opportunity for the UConn community to gather and have the opportunity to practice their German language skills. Julian really impressed me with his German speaking and understanding ability. For someone who has only been learning the language in college, his level is outstanding. I could tell he was really passionate about languages, and he speaks several very well himself.

    “I am so excited and happy for Julian to participate in the CBYX program,” Beaucage continues. “I am sure that he will walk away with not only superior German language skills, but many life-changing experiences and future opportunities as well.”

    Cote-Dorado studied at Heidelberg University in Germany during his junior year as part of UConn’s bilateral exchange program. During his time there, he spent six weeks teaching English to Chinese high school graduates.

    “That was my first foray into Germany, and I ended up really liking it,” says Cote-Dorado. “I am really looking forward to improving my German when I go back there and would like to get as close to fluent as possible.”

    He adds, “The fellowship will give me a foothold in Europe for a possible career there. It’s a very interesting time to be in Germany as the country has taken on a stronger leadership role in international security in Europe.”

    Cote-Dorado was also recently named a finalist for the Fulbright US Student Program as well, but has opted for the CBYX fellowship.

    He was an intern at the U.S. Department of State in the fall of 2023, which included a trip with a delegation to Moldova for a multilateral nuclear security exercise. Cote-Dorado was also an intern in the Connecticut State Senate in the spring of 2024.

    “Being in Hartford was interesting because I didn’t know much about state politics beforehand,” says Cote-Dorado. “I got to see not only how the legislative process works, but also how senators and representatives engage with each other. Connecticut is a small state, and they all know each other at the Capitol. It was interesting to see how committed they are to representing their citizens. They do it because they really care.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global GDP growth to slow down to 2.9% in 2025, 2026

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

    Global GDP growth is projected to slow from 3.3 percent in 2024 to 2.9 percent this year and the next year, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said on Tuesday.

    In its latest Economic Outlook, the OECD revised down its global growth forecast, citing a technical assumption that existing tariff rates as of mid-May will remain in place, despite ongoing legal disputes.

    The organization warned that if current trends persist — such as rising trade barriers, tighter financial conditions, weakening business and consumer confidence and increased policy uncertainty — they could significantly undermine global growth prospects.

    The OECD projected that the U.S. economic growth will slow significantly to 1.6 percent in 2025 and 1.5 percent in 2026.

    For the euro area, growth is forecast to reach 1 percent in 2025 and 1.2 percent in 2026, unchanged from previous estimates, as foreign demand gradually recovers. The OECD noted that the region’s outlook is supported by easing financial conditions and lower energy prices.

    Within the bloc, Germany’s economy is expected to expand by 0.4 percent in 2025 and 1.2 percent in 2026.

    “The recovery will be driven by domestic demand,” the organization noted, adding that private consumption will increase due to low inflation, rising nominal wages and declining domestic policy uncertainty.

    As for France, the OECD forecasts GDP growth to slow to 0.6 percent in 2025 amid elevated economic policy uncertainty, before gradually recovering to 0.9 percent in 2026.

    Private consumption will become the main growth engine in 2025, as exports will suffer from increased trade tensions and investment will be held back by increased uncertainty, the OECD noted.

    However, it predicted that stronger investment and steady consumer spending will help the French economy recover in 2026. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Olli Rehn: Macroeconomic policy in times of global political upheaval

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Ladies and Gentlemen, Colleagues and Friends,

    Welcome to the sunny, spring-time Helsinki. On behalf of the Bank of Finland and the Centre for Economic Policy Research, it is my great pleasure to open this year’s research conference on monetary economics – which again has an excellent and a most fascinating programme!

    Let me begin with a mission statement – and a confession. Our slogan at the Bank of Finland is: “Securing stability – in science we trust.” That is, we lean on evidence- and theory-based economic analysis and policy-relevant research to support our stability mission.

    However, I must make a confession. In this turbulent world, it is comforting to return to a familiar setting and reflect on policy challenges alongside leading economists. Although only eight months have passed since our last gathering, it feels like the global landscape has shifted dramatically.

    And the confession is this, in front of you as researchers, scholars, scientists, leading economists; in these times of pervasive uncertainty, we need plenty of judgment and scenario analysis to supplement our economic and econometric research and regression equations, thus making monetary policy, by necessity, is as much an art as a science. Such is life in these strange times – but finally, at least, it dis make me understand why the Governor at Bank of Finland is, ex officio, also the chair of the arts committee of the Bank!

    Talking about geopolitics and its effects, just look at the ECB’s evolving language. Uncertainty went from “increased” to “high,” then “pervasive,” and now, per President Lagarde, “exceptional.” This isn’t linguistic inflation. It reflects how genuinely hard forecasting has become, with markets pricing in risk at levels not seen in years.

    Risks abound: from trade wars to faltering global alliances. For central bankers and researchers alike, this is no time for complacency. Instead of dissecting every new risk, today I want to focus on three key areas:

    • Lessons from the recent inflation surge;
    • Open questions around fiscal policy, particularly defence spending;
    • And finally, the role of productivity and innovation.

    Low inflation – past and future

    Let’s nevertheless recall there are some good news. The European economy is recovering. Unemployment is at 6.1%, the lowest since the euro’s creation. Inflation has been hovering just above 2% since late 2023, allowing the ECB to cut rates seven times.

    The energy shock that hit Europe in spring 2022 has played out very differently than in the 1970s, with the economic cost being much lower this time. Thanks to increased labour supply and lower working hours, wage-price spirals were avoided. Today’s labour market is more flexible, less unionised, and better educated.

    Importantly, inflation expectations were much better anchored before the recent inflation surge. This underlies the importance of central bank independence and a strong commitment to the inflation target. The ECB has focused firmly on maintaining these, and will continue to do so.

    Before Covid, the main challenge was that inflation remained stubbornly below the target. Most risks to the inflation outlook were deflationary, including population ageing and the related increase in savings, and the low investment demand. And before the ECB’s 2021 review and move to a symmetric 2% target over the medium term, which has worked well, the inflation target was perceived as a ceiling, creating a downward bias.

    From around 2021, inflationary pressures reappeared. First this was due to the pandemic-broken supply chains and stimulus-fuelled demand, then due to the energy shocks arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    We learned how demand and supply shocks can be deeply intertwined. But we still face many unknowns in that regard. Current geopolitical tensions may expose us to new surprises that we have little historical experience of. Preferably, the spectre of a prolonged trade war with the US will dissipate sooner rather than later, as an economic conflict between long-standing friends and allies is the last thing we need in a world challenged by dictatorial impulses and by a neocolonial mentality.

    Furthermore, what if China shifts exports away from the US to Europe, slashing prices to compete? That could bring deflationary forces and industrial strain to the EU. Would it benefit consumers or hurt our economy overall? The policy response would not be straightforward.

    Let’s hope we don’t have to answer these questions through crisis. Whatever the challenge, the ECB will remain focused on price stability and its symmetric 2% inflation target over the medium term.

    Defence spending – new pressures

    Since the pandemic, fiscal spending pressures have risen. Now, security concerns are adding fuel. Russia’s aggression and doubts about US defence commitments are prompting big spending shifts across Europe. Germany is paving the way and has eased its constitutional debt limits.

    We can assume that with normal execution lags the most substantial fiscal impact will start to be felt from next year 2026 and 2027 onwards. This implies that the fiscal impact on the growth and inflation outlook will take effect in the medium term, as an ordinary citizen perceives is, although this timespan of fiscal impulse will mostly be beyond the projection horizon of medium term as understood in monetary policy. Our assessment indicate a moderately significant impact on growth and limited impact on inflation in the relevant timespan.

    Waking up and substantially increasing defence spending is welcome. Security is the bedrock of economic stability. Peace and security within European borders are fundamental to the European project and its economy.  Defence should be seen as a European public good. Further support for Ukraine should also be seen in the same light.

    But what does this mean for inflation? Historical comparisons to war-time money printing don’t apply here. Independent central banks like the ECB remain focused on keeping inflation expectations anchored.

    Still, we need to understand what type of shock defence spending represents. Is it demand or supply driven? Likely both, depending on how and where the money is spent.

    We also face the question of how to pay for it. EU-level spending would offer more stability and efficiency. That might mean higher membership fees, new revenue sources, or even treaty changes. Defence bonds – as safe assets – are one option, but only if backed by solid future income.

    Meanwhile, demands on public budgets are rising across the board: infrastructure, climate policy, aging populations.

    What guidance do we have so far from economics research?

    There is a large body of literature on fiscal multipliers, which incidentally often uses defence spending as a natural experiment or exogenous shock. These multipliers are frequently estimated to be below one, because public spending or investment usually crowds out private one.

    However, evidence suggests that multipliers tend to be larger in times of recession and economic slack. Moreover, some of the best evidence on the magnitude of fiscal multipliers is based on US data, where the multiplier may be smaller. This is simply because the US defence industry is very large compared to its European counterpart and is thus more likely to face diminishing marginal returns.

    All these issues mean that for European defence spending to be successful and sustainable, we must make every euro count. The additional defence spending should focus on investment in building up industrial network capacity and R&D, rather than simply procurement of defence equipment, which may be largely imported.

    Then there is also the aspect of defence efficiency. For this, we need sound planning and coordination at the European level, as well as a common market for defence, as stressed in last year’s Letta Report. Recent experience has shown that training in the use of unfamiliar weapons and problems with shortages of spare parts can become critical bottlenecks. Therefore, further harmonisation of technical standards and types of arms and equipment across European defence forces is key.

    With a history of independent and diminished national defence industries, the EU has some considerable catching up to do. We need to increase both national and EU-level defence spending, e.g. as Bruegel has suggested, by establishing a European Defence Mechanism formed by a coalition of the capable and willing. Such a fund would bypass the limitations to raising EU-level income, be resilient to any intra-EU obstruction and could also accommodate countries from outside the European Union, like the United Kingdom and Norway.

    In short: defence spending won’t necessarily be inflationary. But to be effective, it must be efficient. We need smart investments – in industrial capacity, innovation, and R&D – not just procurement. And we must avoid fragmented efforts. A European Defence Mechanism, built by a coalition of the capable and willing, could also help to pursue these goals.

    Innovation – defence and civilian

    Let’s now turn to innovation. Defence spending often yields big returns beyond the battlefield. Its effectiveness should be assessed from a long-term perspective, not only via short-run multipliers. Historically, it has given rise to technological breakthroughs that have not only found direct civilian applications but created whole new non-defence industries.

    Walkie-talkies were created during the Second World War at Motorola for infantry and artillery communication. Radar gave us microwave ovens. Military satellites gave us GPS and digital imaging. Jet engines, nuclear energy, the internet – all have military origins. Dual-use in action.

    Yes, these are cherry-picked examples. But they highlight that basic research often needs public support. The private sector tends to shy away from “unknown unknowns.”

    Modern defence is about technology, not just steel and troops. And there’s often more pressure to innovate efficiently. Look at Ukraine – it has rapidly developed drone tech, despite scarce resources.

    We know that Europe needs a productivity boost. For years, we depended on cheap energy from Russia, cheap goods from China and the security shield from the U.S. abroad. That stability was a mirage, if not a hallucination.

    To maintain our living standards and sovereignty, we must double down on innovation by investing on human capital and creating a conducive environment for research and researchers. Whether it’s AI, clean tech, green transition or digitalisation, we can’t afford to lag behind. Innovation is not optional; it’s vital for Europe’s future – a necessary condition for sustaining Europe’s quality of life and democratic values.

    Why not use the EU Horizon programme to create a scholarship and visa programme for returning and moving scientists to attract talent to Europe, where critical thinking and academic freedom in universities are encouraged and safeguarded?

    Dear friends,

    Let me conclude. Europe finds itself in a puzzling paradox, which would be funny if it were not purely pathetic. As Polish PM Donald Tusk put it starkly recently by quipping as follows: “500 million Europeans are asking 300 million Americans to protect them from 140 million Russians.”

    We need to put an end to that paradox. Europe must take responsibility for its own external security, in today’s harsh geopolitical world.

    This isn’t just about military strength. It’s about cohesion, economic resilience and long-term growth. We need to spark Europe’s industrial renewal, reinforce technological leadership, and enhance productivity.

    As history shows, Europe tends to move forward in times of crisis. In every crisis there is an opportunity – this time round we must use it particularly wisely to make Europe more resilient and capable of thriving again.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Elected GA President: Annalena Baerbock in UN’s 80th Year | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Germany’s Annalena Baerbock was today (2 Jun) elected President of the General Assembly at its 80th session by secret ballot.

    In accordance with the established regional rotation, the President of the eightieth session of the General Assembly is to be elected from the Western European and Other States Group.

    Baerbock obtained 167 votes.

    The President of the seventy-ninth session of the General Assembly, Philemon Yang said, “it is fitting that in this milestone 80th year of the General Assembly, leadership should fall to someone whose career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to multilateralism.”

    Baerbock, Yang said, was the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany “during one of the most turbulent periods in recent memory.” He said, “her experience at the helm of diplomacy amidst global uncertainty will serve this Assembly well.”

    The President Elect, on her first address to the Assembly, said, “today we live in challenging times. We are walking on a tightrope of uncertainty. But the birth of the United Nations, 80 years ago, reminds us we have lived through difficult times before, and it’s up to us to take on these challenges.”

    Baerbock said, “while we need to be bold, ambitious, and ready to take difficult decisions, the UN80 initiative should not be a mere cost cutting exercise. Our common goal is a strong, focused, nimble and fit for purpose organization, one that is capable of realizing its core objectives. We need a United Nations that delivers on peace, development and justice.”

    Secretary-General António Guterres for his part said, “this is a moment for us to unite, to forge common solutions and to take action to confront these challenges. President elect Baerbock ‘s vision, Better Together, is an inspiring rallying cry for today’s world and the global problem-solving system embodied by the United Nations to address these challenges.”

    Following the election, Baerbock spoke at a media stakeout outside the General Assembly Hall and said, “as only the fifth woman in this position within 80 years, I’m aware that peace and development can only be sustained when half of the population – which is in every country, women – have an equal seat at the table.”

    She said, “peace and security is not an isolated pillar of the United Nations, but peace and security, development and human rights are interconnected, and we know from the last 80 years that sustainable peace is depending on sustainable development.”

    In May, the Assembly had convened an informal interactive dialogue with candidates to present their vision statements, and to conduct informal interactive dialogues with Member States, thus contributing to the transparency and inclusivity of the process.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKfGWtPLi2s

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Yemen, Secretary-General/ General Assembly & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Yemen
    Secretary-General/General Assembly
    Deputy Secretary-General
    Gaza
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    UNSCOL
    Antisemitic Attacks
    Ukraine
    Sudan
    Nigeria
    Financial Contribution
    Briefings Tomorrow

    YEMEN
    This June we mark a grim milestone. It’s been one year since the arbitrary detention of dozens of personnel from the United Nations, national and international NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions, these detentions by the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen. The Secretary-General renews his call for their immediate and unconditional release, including those held since 2021 and 2023, and most recently, detentions in January.
    He also reiterates his strongest condemnation of the death in detention of a World Food Programme colleague that took place earlier this year. The Houthi de facto authorities have yet to provide an explanation for this deplorable tragedy, and he renews his call for an immediate, transparent and thorough investigation and accountability. Mr. Guterres says he stands in solidarity with all detained colleagues in Yemen and their families and pays tribute to their essential work and their families’ perseverance.
    We and our humanitarian partners should never be targeted, never be arrested and never be detained while carrying out our mandates for the benefit of the people we serve. The continued arbitrary detention of our colleagues is a profound injustice against those who dedicate their lives to providing life-saving assistance and support to the people of Yemen. It has placed additional constraints on our ability to operate effectively and undermined mediation processes to secure a path toward peace.
    The Secretary-General urges the Houthis, yet again, to immediately release all those arbitrarily detained. Particularly on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, this is a time to show compassion. It is a time to end the ordeal of families who face celebrating yet another holiday without their loved ones. To our detained colleagues, the Secretary-General wants them to know that they are not forgotten.
    We will continue to work through all possible channels to secure their safe and immediate release, and he calls upon Member States to continue expressing their solidarity with those detained and intensify advocacy for their release.
    Finally, we welcome the collective support of international partners, NGOs and all those working to support the people of Yemen in these efforts.

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/ GENERAL ASSEMBLY
    This morning, the Secretary-General spoke at the General Assembly, where he congratulated Annalena Baerbock of Germany on her election as the President of the General Assembly for the 80th Session.
    He said that President-elect Baerbock’s vision, “Better Together”, is an inspiring rallying cry for today’s world and the global problem-solving system embodied by the United Nations to address the challenges we face.
    He told President-elect Baerbock that she can count on his full support as she takes on this important responsibility.
    The Secretary-General also thanked the current President of the General Assembly, Philemon Yang, for his leadership during the 79th session – which still has some ways to go.
    As we look ahead to the end of the 79th session, and prepare for the start of the 80th, the Secretary-General said, let us strive to live up to the values of solidarity and collaboration that have defined this organization from its very start.

    DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
    The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, is currently in Marrakech, in Morocco, where she is attending the 2025 Ibrahim Governance Weekend, which is as you may know a high-level gathering of African political and business leaders, civil society, multilateral organizations, and international partners focused on financing for Africa’s development.
    While in Marrakech, the Deputy Secretary-General is also meeting with senior Moroccan government officials and key stakeholders to discuss Africa’s development priorities, the acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), challenges to Middle Income Countries, and the implementation of the Pact for the Future.
    Tomorrow, she will travel to Geneva to participate in the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025).
    It is the main global forum for reviewing progress and sharing good practices in reducing disaster risk and building resilience.

    Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=02%20June%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34Q5K9D-qtE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Annalena Baerbock Elected to Lead 80th UN General Assembly | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    The election of the President of the UN General Assembly took place today with Member States voting by secret ballot. Annalena Baerbock, former Foreign Minister of Germany, was elected to lead the 80th session of the General Assembly, beginning in September. She succeeds Philemon Yang, who served as President of the 79th session.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J_HhhhdpGo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chris Sun to visit Geneva, Munich

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun will depart for Geneva, Switzerland, tonight to attend the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference, before heading to Munich, Germany, to continue his visit.

    Mr Sun will attend the conference as part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) delegation. Commissioner for Labour May Chan, as well as Labour Advisory Board employee and employer members will join him.

    While in Geneva, Mr Sun will also hold bilateral meetings with senior officials of the International Labour Organization and leading figures of international organisations attending the conference.

    He will also meet government, employer and employee representatives of the PRC delegation, as well as representatives from the Permanent Mission of the PRC to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organisations in Switzerland.

    On June 7, Mr Sun will leave for Munich, Germany, for the second leg of his visit.

    Joined by Hong Kong Talent Engage Director Anthony Lau, the labour chief will meet young entrepreneurs and talent to exchange ideas and introduce the latest developments in manpower policies in Hong Kong.

    Mr Sun will arrive in Hong Kong on June 9. During his absence, Under Secretary for Labour & Welfare Ho Kai-ming will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SLW to visit Switzerland and Germany

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SLW to visit Switzerland and Germany 
         While in Geneva, Mr Sun will also hold bilateral meetings with senior officials of the International Labour Organization and leading figures of international organisations attending the conference. He will also meet with government, employer and employee representatives of the PRC delegation, as well as representatives from the Permanent Mission of the PRC to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland.
     
         On June 7, Mr Sun will leave for Munich, Germany, for the second leg of his visit. He will meet with young entrepreneurs and talent to exchange ideas and introduce the latest developments in manpower policies in Hong Kong. The Director of Hong Kong Talent Engage, Mr Anthony Lau, will also join him.

         Mr Sun will arrive in Hong Kong on the evening of June 9. In his absence, the Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Ho Kai-ming, will be the Acting Secretary for Labour and Welfare.
    Issued at HKT 15:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Is Investigating The Merger – PRA, AXL, SWTX and VIGL

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE: PRA), relating to the proposed merger with The Doctors Company. Under the terms of the agreement, ProAssurance stockholders will receive $25.00 per share in cash.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for June 24, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/proassurance-corporation-pra/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AXL), relating to the proposed merger with Dowlais Group plc. Under the terms of the agreement, Dowlais shareholders will be entitled to receive, per share of Dowlais’ common stock, 0.0863 shares of new AAM common stock, 42 pence per share in cash and up to a 2.8 pence of Dowlais FY24 final dividend prior to closing.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/american-axle-manufacturing-holdings-inc-axl/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SWTX), relating to the proposed merger with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Under the terms of the agreement, SpringWorks shareholders will have the right to receive $47.00 in cash per share of SpringWorks stock held.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/springworks-therapeutics-inc-swtx/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Vigil Neuroscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: VIGL), relating to the proposed merger with French company, Sanofi. Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will acquire Vigil for an upfront payment of $8.00 per share of common stock in cash. Vigil shareholders will also receive a non-tradeable contingent value right entitling the holder to potentially receive an additional $2.00 per share in cash payable following the first commercial sale of VG-3927 if achieved within a specific period. The total equity value of the transaction, including the potential CVR payment, represents approximately $600 million on a fully diluted basis.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/vigil-neuroscience-inc-vigl/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com).  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In January-May 2025, more than 2,000 freight trains passed along the “eastern corridor” of China-Europe railway freight routes

    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

    HARBIN, June 2 (Xinhua) — More than 2,000 freight trains passed through the “eastern corridor” of China-Europe international rail freight transportation in both directions in the first five months of 2025, according to the Harbin branch of China Railways.

    According to the data, the number of China-Europe trains passing through this corridor during the reporting period reached 26.3 percent of the country’s total.

    There are three China-Europe rail freight corridors in China. In particular, the “eastern corridor” passes through the Manzhouli checkpoint /Manchuria, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, North China/, Suifenhe /Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China/ or Tongjiang /Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China/.

    Currently, there are 27 flights through the “eastern corridor”, which connect more than 60 Chinese cities, including Changsha, Zhengzhou, Chengdu and Suzhou, with 14 countries, including Poland, Germany and the Netherlands.

    Let us recall that at the end of May, a new tunnel appeared on one of the sections of this corridor. In the city of Suifenhe, located on the Chinese-Russian border, the construction of a new tunnel was completed as part of a project to improve the quality and modernize the railway section from Suifenhe to the state border of the Harbin-Suifenhe railway line.

    The total length of the tunnel is 602 m, the distance from its exit to the border in a straight line is less than 400 m. It meets the needs of trains with different track gauges. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Former German Foreign Minister A. Baerbock elected as Chairman of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly

    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

    UNITED NATIONS, June 2 (Xinhua) — The United Nations General Assembly (GA) on Monday elected former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock as the president of its 80th session.

    In a speech after her election, A. Baerbock promised to defend the fundamental purposes and principles of the UN Charter and to help Member States find consensus.

    A. Baerbock will take up her new position in September this year, replacing the Chairman of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Philemon Young. Her term of office will be one year.

    A. Baerbock was born in December 1980 in Hanover, Germany. From December 2021 to May 2025, she served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany. Since 2013, she has been a member of the Bundestag /parliament/, and from 2018 to 2022, she served as co-chair of the Green Party. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks on the Election of the President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly [bilingual as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations

    Let me begin by congratulating Her Excellency, Annalena Baerbock of Germany on her election as the President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly. 

    And to our current President of this 79th session — His Excellency Philemon Yang of Cameroon — thank you for your leadership.

    From day one, you have presided over the General Assembly with wisdom, vision and skill.

    You hit the ground running with the Summit of the Future.

    And, since then, you have carried that work forward, taking on critical global issues, preparing for numerous milestone events in this 80th anniversary year, working to strengthen our institution, and serving as a powerful voice and advocate for Africa and its enormous potential.

    President Yang, thank you for your advice, guidance and deep commitment to the United Nations and multilateral solutions.

    Excellencies,

    President-elect Baerbock, as you prepare to lead the 80th General Assembly, you do so at a difficult and uncertain moment for the multilateral system.

    Conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty and inequality continue to challenge the human family.

    Mistrust and divisions are rife.

    The Sustainable Development Goals are alarmingly off-track.

    Aid and development funding are drying up.

    And our institutions and structures still reflect the world of yesterday, not a vision of tomorrow.

    This is a moment for us to unite, to forge common solutions, and to take action to confront these challenges.

    President-elect Baerbock’s vision — “Better Together” — is an inspiring rallying cry for today’s world and the global problem-solving system embodied by the United Nations to address these challenges.

    Her priority issues range from peace and development to reform and transparency in the United Nations. 

    She brings a wealth of government and diplomatic experience to this task — including serving as her country’s Foreign Minister.

    And let us not forget the historic significance of her being only the fifth woman to be elected President of the General Assembly.

    President-elect Baerbock, you can count on my full support as you take on this important responsibility.

    Excellences,

    Depuis 80 ans, l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies joue un rôle indispensable pour bâtir des consensus, trouver des solutions, et agir pour un monde meilleur, plus pacifique et plus égalitaire.

    Alors que nous approchons de la fin de la 79ème session et nous préparons à l’ouverture de la 80ème, engageons-nous à faire vivre les valeurs de solidarité et de collaboration qui définissent notre Organisation depuis sa création.

    Je vous remercie.

    ****
    [all-English]

    Let me begin by congratulating Her Excellency, Annalena Baerbock of Germany on her election as the President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly. 

    And to our current President of this 79th session — His Excellency Philemon Yang of Cameroon — thank you for your leadership.

    From day one, you have presided over the General Assembly with wisdom, vision and skill.

    You hit the ground running with the Summit of the Future.

    And, since then, you have carried that work forward, taking on critical global issues, preparing for numerous milestone events in this 80th anniversary year, working to strengthen our institution, and serving as a powerful voice and advocate for Africa and its enormous potential.

    President Yang, thank you for your advice, guidance and deep commitment to the United Nations and multilateral solutions.

    Excellencies,

    President-elect Baerbock, as you prepare to lead the 80th General Assembly, you do so at a difficult and uncertain moment for the multilateral system.

    Conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty and inequality continue to challenge the human family.

    Mistrust and divisions are rife.

    The Sustainable Development Goals are alarmingly off-track.

    Aid and development funding are drying up.

    And our institutions and structures still reflect the world of yesterday, not a vision of tomorrow.

    This is a moment for us to unite, to forge common solutions, and to take action to confront these challenges.

    President-elect Baerbock’s vision — “Better Together” — is an inspiring rallying cry for today’s world and the global problem-solving system embodied by the United Nations to address these challenges.

    Her priority issues range from peace and development to reform and transparency in the United Nations. 

    She brings a wealth of government and diplomatic experience to this task — including serving as her country’s Foreign Minister.

    And let us not forget the historic significance of her being only the fifth woman to be elected President of the General Assembly.

    President-elect Baerbock, you can count on my full support as you take on this important responsibility.

    Excellencies,

    For 80 years, the United Nations General Assembly has played an indispensable role in forging consensus, finding solutions and taking action to build a better, more peaceful and equal world.

    As we look ahead to the end of the 79th session, and prepare for the start of the 80th, let us strive to live up to the values of solidarity and collaboration that have defined this organization from the very start.

    Thank you.

    *****
    [all-French]

    Permettez-moi tout d’abord de féliciter Madame Annalena Baerbock, de l’Allemagne, qui vient d’être élue Présidente de la 80e session de l’Assemblée générale.

    Quant à vous, Monsieur Philemon Yang, du Cameroun, qui présidez actuellement la 79e session, je tiens à vous remercier de votre leadership.

    Dès le premier jour, vous avez présidé l’Assemblée générale avec sagesse, hauteur de vue et compétence.

    Le Sommet de l’avenir a été votre baptême du feu.

    Depuis lors, vous avez poursuivi sans relâche l’action engagée, vous emparant des grandes questions internationales, organisant les nombreuses manifestations qui ont jalonné le 80e anniversaire de l’Organisation, œuvrant au renforcement de notre institution et vous faisant le porte-voix et le défenseur de l’Afrique et de son énorme potentiel.

    Monsieur le Président, je vous remercie des orientations et de la direction données, ainsi que de votre profond attachement à l’Organisation des Nations Unies et aux solutions multilatérales.

    Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Madame la Présidente, alors même que vous vous préparez à diriger la 80e Assemblée générale, le système multilatéral vit un moment difficile et incertain.

    Les conflits, la catastrophe climatique, la pauvreté et les inégalités continuent de fragiliser la famille humaine.

    La méfiance et les divisions s’enracinent.

    Les objectifs de développement durable sont encore très loin d’être atteints.

    Le financement de l’aide et du développement se tarit.

    Enfin, nos institutions et nos structures sont toujours le reflet du monde d’hier et n’incarnent aucune vision pour demain.

    Le moment est venu pour nous de nous unir, de trouver des solutions communes et d’agir ensemble pour relever ces défis.

    La vision portée par Madame la Présidente et qu’incarnent ces mots – « Mieux ensemble » – est à même de rallier et d’inspirer le monde d’aujourd’hui et le système international de règlement des problèmes qu’est l’ONU et de leur permettre de remédier aux difficultés.

    Ses priorités vont de la paix et du développement à la réforme et à la transparence à l’ONU.

    Elle apportera à sa tâche une riche expérience gouvernementale et diplomatique, ayant notamment été la Ministre des affaires étrangères de son pays.

    Enfin, n’oublions pas la dimension historique que revêt son élection, puisqu’elle n’est que la cinquième femme à être élue Présidente de l’Assemblée générale.

    Madame la Présidente, vous pouvez compter sur mon appui total dans l’exercice de cette lourde responsabilité.

    Excellences,

    Depuis 80 ans, l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies joue un rôle indispensable pour bâtir des consensus, trouver des solutions, et agir pour un monde meilleur, plus pacifique et plus égalitaire.

    Alors que nous approchons de la fin de la 79ème session et nous préparons à l’ouverture de la 80ème, engageons-nous à faire vivre les valeurs de solidarité et de collaboration qui définissent notre Organisation depuis sa création.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks on the Election of the President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly [bilingual as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    et me begin by congratulating Her Excellency, Annalena Baerbock of Germany on her election as the President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly. 

    And to our current President of this 79th session — His Excellency Philemon Yang of Cameroon — thank you for your leadership.

    From day one, you have presided over the General Assembly with wisdom, vision and skill.

    You hit the ground running with the Summit of the Future.

    And, since then, you have carried that work forward, taking on critical global issues, preparing for numerous milestone events in this 80th anniversary year, working to strengthen our institution, and serving as a powerful voice and advocate for Africa and its enormous potential.

    President Yang, thank you for your advice, guidance and deep commitment to the United Nations and multilateral solutions.

    Excellencies,

    President-elect Baerbock, as you prepare to lead the 80th General Assembly, you do so at a difficult and uncertain moment for the multilateral system.

    Conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty and inequality continue to challenge the human family.

    Mistrust and divisions are rife.

    The Sustainable Development Goals are alarmingly off-track.

    Aid and development funding are drying up.

    And our institutions and structures still reflect the world of yesterday, not a vision of tomorrow.

    This is a moment for us to unite, to forge common solutions, and to take action to confront these challenges.

    President-elect Baerbock’s vision — “Better Together” — is an inspiring rallying cry for today’s world and the global problem-solving system embodied by the United Nations to address these challenges.

    Her priority issues range from peace and development to reform and transparency in the United Nations. 

    She brings a wealth of government and diplomatic experience to this task — including serving as her country’s Foreign Minister.

    And let us not forget the historic significance of her being only the fifth woman to be elected President of the General Assembly.

    President-elect Baerbock, you can count on my full support as you take on this important responsibility.

    Excellences,

    Depuis 80 ans, l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies joue un rôle indispensable pour bâtir des consensus, trouver des solutions, et agir pour un monde meilleur, plus pacifique et plus égalitaire.

    Alors que nous approchons de la fin de la 79ème session et nous préparons à l’ouverture de la 80ème, engageons-nous à faire vivre les valeurs de solidarité et de collaboration qui définissent notre Organisation depuis sa création.

    Je vous remercie.

    ****
    [all-English]

    Let me begin by congratulating Her Excellency, Annalena Baerbock of Germany on her election as the President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly. 

    And to our current President of this 79th session — His Excellency Philemon Yang of Cameroon — thank you for your leadership.

    From day one, you have presided over the General Assembly with wisdom, vision and skill.

    You hit the ground running with the Summit of the Future.

    And, since then, you have carried that work forward, taking on critical global issues, preparing for numerous milestone events in this 80th anniversary year, working to strengthen our institution, and serving as a powerful voice and advocate for Africa and its enormous potential.

    President Yang, thank you for your advice, guidance and deep commitment to the United Nations and multilateral solutions.

    Excellencies,

    President-elect Baerbock, as you prepare to lead the 80th General Assembly, you do so at a difficult and uncertain moment for the multilateral system.

    Conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty and inequality continue to challenge the human family.

    Mistrust and divisions are rife.

    The Sustainable Development Goals are alarmingly off-track.

    Aid and development funding are drying up.

    And our institutions and structures still reflect the world of yesterday, not a vision of tomorrow.

    This is a moment for us to unite, to forge common solutions, and to take action to confront these challenges.

    President-elect Baerbock’s vision — “Better Together” — is an inspiring rallying cry for today’s world and the global problem-solving system embodied by the United Nations to address these challenges.

    Her priority issues range from peace and development to reform and transparency in the United Nations. 

    She brings a wealth of government and diplomatic experience to this task — including serving as her country’s Foreign Minister.

    And let us not forget the historic significance of her being only the fifth woman to be elected President of the General Assembly.

    President-elect Baerbock, you can count on my full support as you take on this important responsibility.

    Excellencies,

    For 80 years, the United Nations General Assembly has played an indispensable role in forging consensus, finding solutions and taking action to build a better, more peaceful and equal world.

    As we look ahead to the end of the 79th session, and prepare for the start of the 80th, let us strive to live up to the values of solidarity and collaboration that have defined this organization from the very start.

    Thank you.

    *****
    [all-French]

    Permettez-moi tout d’abord de féliciter Madame Annalena Baerbock, de l’Allemagne, qui vient d’être élue Présidente de la 80e session de l’Assemblée générale.

    Quant à vous, Monsieur Philemon Yang, du Cameroun, qui présidez actuellement la 79e session, je tiens à vous remercier de votre leadership.

    Dès le premier jour, vous avez présidé l’Assemblée générale avec sagesse, hauteur de vue et compétence.

    Le Sommet de l’avenir a été votre baptême du feu.

    Depuis lors, vous avez poursuivi sans relâche l’action engagée, vous emparant des grandes questions internationales, organisant les nombreuses manifestations qui ont jalonné le 80e anniversaire de l’Organisation, œuvrant au renforcement de notre institution et vous faisant le porte-voix et le défenseur de l’Afrique et de son énorme potentiel.

    Monsieur le Président, je vous remercie des orientations et de la direction données, ainsi que de votre profond attachement à l’Organisation des Nations Unies et aux solutions multilatérales.

    Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Madame la Présidente, alors même que vous vous préparez à diriger la 80e Assemblée générale, le système multilatéral vit un moment difficile et incertain.

    Les conflits, la catastrophe climatique, la pauvreté et les inégalités continuent de fragiliser la famille humaine.

    La méfiance et les divisions s’enracinent.

    Les objectifs de développement durable sont encore très loin d’être atteints.

    Le financement de l’aide et du développement se tarit.

    Enfin, nos institutions et nos structures sont toujours le reflet du monde d’hier et n’incarnent aucune vision pour demain.

    Le moment est venu pour nous de nous unir, de trouver des solutions communes et d’agir ensemble pour relever ces défis.

    La vision portée par Madame la Présidente et qu’incarnent ces mots – « Mieux ensemble » – est à même de rallier et d’inspirer le monde d’aujourd’hui et le système international de règlement des problèmes qu’est l’ONU et de leur permettre de remédier aux difficultés.

    Ses priorités vont de la paix et du développement à la réforme et à la transparence à l’ONU.

    Elle apportera à sa tâche une riche expérience gouvernementale et diplomatique, ayant notamment été la Ministre des affaires étrangères de son pays.

    Enfin, n’oublions pas la dimension historique que revêt son élection, puisqu’elle n’est que la cinquième femme à être élue Présidente de l’Assemblée générale.

    Madame la Présidente, vous pouvez compter sur mon appui total dans l’exercice de cette lourde responsabilité.

    Excellences,

    Depuis 80 ans, l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies joue un rôle indispensable pour bâtir des consensus, trouver des solutions, et agir pour un monde meilleur, plus pacifique et plus égalitaire.

    Alors que nous approchons de la fin de la 79ème session et nous préparons à l’ouverture de la 80ème, engageons-nous à faire vivre les valeurs de solidarité et de collaboration qui définissent notre Organisation depuis sa création.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Reducing American antisemitism requires more than condemning opposition to Israel and targeting elite universities

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By David Mednicoff, Associate Professor of Middle Eastern Studies and Public Policy, UMass Amherst

    Law enforcement officials dress in protective gear to investigate after an attack on a march in Boulder, Colo., on June 1, 2025, calling for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. AP Photo/David Zalubowski

    Violent antisemitism in the U.S. isn’t limited to the far right wing of the political spectrum. This was tragically obvious in two recent events – the June 1, 2025, attack using Molotov cocktails to burn participants in a Boulder, Colorado, march supporting Israeli hostages in Gaza, and the murders of two Israeli embassy staffers, an American Jew and an Israeli, on May 21, 2025, outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.

    As an expert on the Middle East, including Israel, my research and administrative work have included contributing to a global effort to define antisemitism and addressing antisemitism on my own campus.

    Antisemitism can be defined simply as “discrimination, prejudice, hostility or violence against Jews as Jews (or Jewish institutions as Jewish).” What actually constitutes it is more contested, especially with respect to links between Jews and the state of Israel.

    President Donald Trump claims he is taking “unprecedented” steps to combat antisemitism.

    American Jews perceive antisemitism as rising since 2016, largely because, as one study put it, “people who hold anti-Semitic views now feel more free to express them.” But the current federal fight against antisemitism in the U.S. may have more to do with the agendas of members of the American and Israeli governments than with the concerns of most American Jews.

    First, the Trump administration’s attacks on antisemitism center on elite universities, where the president claims antisemitism runs rampant. Second, the current Israeli government tries to blur the lines between pro-Palestinian activism and antisemitism.

    These factors polarize and complicate the landscape for combating antisemitism effectively.

    GOP nominee for president Donald Trump speaks to prominent Jewish donors at an event called Fighting Anti-Semitism in America on Sept. 19, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
    Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

    Targeting speech at universities by charging ‘antisemitism’

    Trump’s administration has taken dramatic actions in the name of curbing antisemitism. Yet, his policies are notable for what they ignore as well as what they target.

    Right-wing antisemitism was responsible for the deadliest attack on a Jewish community in U.S. history in Pittsburgh in 2018. Yet the administration’s model for fighting antisemitism is not based in fighting white supremacist hatred toward Jews, which relates back to the Nazis in Germany.

    In fact, members of Trump’s administration, including senior adviser Stephen Miller and former Department of Government Efficiency chief Elon Musk, have supported white supremacist ideas or groups. Trump’s own words have evoked right-wing antisemitic tropes, such as assuming American Jews are loyal to Israel or adept at making money.

    Trump administration policies on antisemitism are most vocal around punishing leading American universities as unsafe for Jews. As the leading target of the president’s ire, Harvard University has acknowledged that some activism against Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza has contributed to antisemitism on campuses.

    However, federal actions targeting Harvard ostensibly seek to punish antisemitism by demanding sweeping federal oversight of Harvard’s curriculum and self-governance. Billions of dollars in research funds have been cut. Neither action connects clearly to Harvard’s patterns or policies around antisemitism.

    Given this, Harvard sued the government in April.

    Many American Jews believe that Trump’s true purpose is to use the antisemitism issue as one means to curb free expression at universities.

    Defending Israeli policy by charging ‘antisemitism’

    National governments naturally seek political and material support from powerful allies. Israel’s efforts to encourage Americans to champion that support fit this pattern.

    Israel receives more U.S. aid than any other country. Thus, its government has an interest in enlisting diverse people and organizations in a sustained way to support its policies.

    The Israeli intervention has grown because Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government is unpopular in both Israel and the U.S. Its war in Gaza, provoked by Hamas, is highly destructive and globally unpopular.

    Most experts and policymakers now argue that Israel, along with Hamas, has committed international war crimes.

    The Israeli government recently increased its funding to US$150 million for global public relations efforts. This is a major acceleration of policies that Israeli has pursued for decades known in Hebrew as “hasbara,” which translates to “explanation.”

    Documenting specific links between Israel’s government and groups promoting its agenda in the U.S. can be difficult. This may be a deliberate strategy by Israeli leaders to conceal their efforts.

    Yet, mainstream Israeli-run organizations such as the Jewish Agency have played up links between pro-Palestinian activism and antisemitism since Hamas triggered the war in Gaza. Groups whose funding and leadership are hard to trace maintain public blacklists labeling vocal pro-Palestine activists as antisemites. Those lists have been used by Israeli government bureaucrats to bar visitors to the country.

    U.S.-based groups aligned with Israeli government messaging engage in persistent strategies to discredit opposition voices. Some attack publicly vocal activists, including some American Jews. Others press organizations, political bodies and institutions to adopt a definition of antisemitism that makes it easy to conflate criticism of Israeli policy with antisemitism.

    Anti-Israel behavior in the U.S. can be antisemitic, such as asserting that American Jews, because they are Jews, are responsible for Israeli state actions. And some American Jews support crackdowns on pro-Palestinian activists.

    However, characterizing antisemitism in the U.S. mostly in terms of speech and activism against the Israeli government augments the Trump administration’s neglect of dangerous right-wing antisemitism.

    Presidential adviser Elon Musk interviews via video the German right-wing party AfD leader Alice Weidel at AfD’s election campaign launch on Feb. 23, 2025.
    Hendrik Schmidt/picture alliance via Getty Images

    Polarization and antisemitism in the US

    Taken together, the politics pursued by Trump and the Netanyahu government combine to target legally protected speech in the U.S. more than they deter antisemitism.

    By contributing to polarization, the conflation of antisemitism with a wide range of speech critical of Israel could add to threats faced by Jews and other religious minorities. Those who wish to undermine work toward Palestinian-Israeli coexistence benefit from the charge that most pro-Palestinian activists are antisemitic. This worsens already visible divides among American Jews over how Israel’s mistreatment of Palestinians squares with their Jewish identities.

    Supported by the most aggressive pro-Netanyahu groups, the Trump administration links concerns against antisemitism to efforts to deport immigrants who have expressed pro-Palestine views, such as Tufts doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk. Deporting people in the name of policing speech critical of Israel also runs a risk that Jews will be blamed for government actions many Americans find objectionable.

    Let’s be clear. Some pro-Palestinian activism embraces Jew-hatred, as the attacks in Washington and Boulder highlight. But lumping together as antisemitic most pro-Palestinian speech, as current American and Israeli leaders do, complicates seeing antisemitism clearly and countering it.

    In addition, most Americans – and Israelis – seek an end to the war, mounting deaths and humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Any potential to blur this with antisemitism augments the few, loud American voices that support one side in the conflict by dehumanizing the other side.

    Americans believe other minority groups face greater discrimination than Jews. Yet, antisemitism from diverse directions is the worst I have seen in my lifetime.

    As with any policy problem, the way to deal with this issue is to focus on all facets of the problem, including right-wing racism and Christian nationalism.

    Current national politics around antisemitism may serve many purposes. Yet most American Jews doubt that these policies actually protect them.

    David Mednicoff 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. Reducing American antisemitism requires more than condemning opposition to Israel and targeting elite universities – https://theconversation.com/reducing-american-antisemitism-requires-more-than-condemning-opposition-to-israel-and-targeting-elite-universities-257290

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Internet-enabled orgasms: How teledildonics are changing the way we have sex

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Madison E. Williams, PhD Student, Experimental Psychology, University of New Brunswick

    Sex toys are no longer limited to the analogue dildos and masturbators of the past. Today, they have become increasingly sophisticated.
     (Shutterstock)

    Sex toys are fairly common in people’s sex lives, and broadly accessible both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. In the United States, more than 40 per cent of heterosexual women and men have incorporated vibrators into the bedroom.

    More than three-quarters of Canadians have used a sex toy with a partner at least once, including vibrators, anal toys and penile masturbators. Reported rates also vary widely across western countries — for instance, 16 per cent of Australians say they’ve used sex toys while up to 52 per cent of people in Germany say they have.

    However, sex toys are no longer limited to the analogue dildos and masturbators of the past. Today, they have become increasingly sophisticated.

    Internet-connected toys, known as teledildonics, are novel devices designed to enhance sexual experiences by mimicking elements of real human intimacy — such as genital touch, body warmth, synchronized movements or orgasmic sensations — without a partner being physically present.

    They can be synced with online pornography, integrated with virtual reality or even controlled remotely by a partner, allowing for intimacy at a distance.

    One question remains as this burgeoning technology becomes integrated in individuals’ lives: Can teledildonics promote sexual well-being?

    Why people use sex toys

    Research reveals that using sex toys, whether on their own or with a partner, is linked with greater sexual satisfaction. One study also found that using a vaginal vibrator helped women experience stronger arousal, better lubrication and reach orgasm more easily.

    People use sex toys for all sorts of reasons. In one Canadian study, the most popular reason people used sex toys was to spice up their sex life with a sexual partner.

    Other commonly reported motivations included wanting to boost sexual arousal during masturbation and partnered sex, and to reach orgasm more easily. For a smaller proportion, sex toys also served to help them relax or release tension.

    What about teledildonics?

    In one survey, nine per cent of U.S. adults reported they’ve used teledildonics, with more men (15 per cent) reporting usage than women (five per cent) and gender-diverse individuals (13 per cent).

    Although more and more people are turning to teledildonic devices, we still know relatively little about why they use them or how they relate to well-being — especially compared to the growing body of research on traditional, non-connected sex toys.

    Our research team at the Université du Québec à Montréal surveyed 617 men between the ages of 19 and 75 years old. They were customers of the teledildonics company, Kiiroo, which specializes in interactive, app-connected sex toys, particularly for men, such as masturbatory sleeves and strokers. Kiiroo’s marketing team helped recruit participants for the survey.

    This industry collaboration allowed us to explore, for the first time, who uses these devices, why they use them, and how certain usage patterns like using it alone or with a partner may support greater sexual well-being.

    More than three-quarters of Canadians have used a sex toy with a partner at least once, including vibrators, anal toys and penile masturbators.
    (Interactive Life Forms/Wikimedia), CC BY-SA

    Most of our participants resided in North America (74 per cent) and Europe (22 per cent), while a minority were in Australia, Asia and Central America (three per cent combined). They primarily identified as white (75 per cent), Asian (17 per cent), Latin American (10 per cent) and Black (four per cent).

    In our study, nearly all the men used their teledildonic devices alone, but 21 per cent of them also reported incorporating them into partnered sex.

    We found that people who use teledildonics with a partner tend to own a greater number of these devices compared to those who use them solely for solo play.

    Partnered use was also associated with a higher number of previous sexual partners, which may suggest that greater sexual experience increases one’s comfort in sharing sex toy use with a partner.

    Finally, partnered use was associated with greater sexual well-being in men. Those who used their toys with a partner reported having greater sexual desire, more ease in reaching orgasm with a partner and increased confidence as a sexual partner.

    In other words, men who use their teledildonics with a partner may experience greater sexual well-being than men who only use their devices alone.

    Research reveals that using sex toys, whether on their own or with a partner, is linked with greater sexual satisfaction.
    (Shutterstock)

    Why do men use teledildonics?

    Our study was the first to uncover the motivations behind men’s teledildonic sex toy use.

    For 57 per cent of the men in our study, teledildonics were used primarily to relax or relieve tension. Just over half also reported using teledildonics to fantasize about sexual activities that are not possible in real life and to increase sexual arousal during masturbation.

    More than one third of participants (38 per cent) shared that their teledildonics usage was specifically motivated by the ability to connect their toys with other technologies (like virtual reality headsets or online pornography).

    Other motivations for using teledildonics appear to mirror many of those that drive traditional sex toy use, notably relaxation and tension relief and to increase arousal.

    What’s next for teledildonics?

    Taken together, these findings offer promising evidence that using teledildonics, particularly with a partner, can have sexual benefits. They also invite us to reflect on how such technologies could improve the sex lives of people facing challenges such as sexual dysfunction, physical disabilities or a lack of access to sexual partners — although further research is needed to understand how teledildonics can meet their specific needs.

    In addition, this growing industry raises important questions around data security, ethics and digital consent, including how to address concerns about the devices being hacked or remotely controlled without permission.

    Ensuring that these technologies are developed with privacy and safety in mind is essential to maximizing their impact as tools that support sexual well-being in a rapidly changing sexual landscape.

    As teledildonics and other sex technologies become more sophisticated, they will continue to transform the future of sex, intimacy and well-being.

    Madison E. Williams consults for Kiiroo.

    David Lafortune received funding from Kiiroo to conduct this study.

    Éliane Dussault consults for Kiiroo.

    – ref. Internet-enabled orgasms: How teledildonics are changing the way we have sex – https://theconversation.com/internet-enabled-orgasms-how-teledildonics-are-changing-the-way-we-have-sex-252856

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Election of the 80th President of the General Assembly | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    In accordance with the established regional rotation, the President of the 80th session of the General Assembly is elected from the Western European and Other States Group.

    H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock has been nominated by Germany and endorsed by the Western European and Other States Group as the Group’s candidate.

    ————
    Agenda:
    Election of the President of the General Assembly – Item 4

    Drawing of lots by the Secretary-General to determine the Member State which will occupy the first seat in the General Assembly Hall at the eightieth session

    Election of the Vice-Presidents of the General Assembly – Item 6

    Election of the officers of the Main Committees – Item 5

    [Following the adjournment of the plenary meeting, consecutive meetings of the Main Committees for the purpose of electing the Chairs and the Bureau for the eightieth session of the General Assembly will be held.].

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0yvGVyrOdg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Websites Selling Hacking Tools to Cybercriminals Seized

    Source: US FBI

    Multinational operation linked services to known ransomware groups targeting victims worldwide

    HOUSTON – A coordinated effort involving an international disruption of an online software crypting syndicate which provides services to cybercriminals to assist them with keeping their malicious software (malware) from being detected has resulted in the seizure of four domains and their associated server, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Crypting is the process of using software to make malware difficult for antivirus programs to detect. The seized domains offered services to cybercriminals, including counter-antivirus (CAV) tools. When used together, CAV and crypting services allow criminals to obfuscate malware, making it undetectable and enabling unauthorized access to computer systems.

    According to the affidavit filed in support of these seizures, authorities made undercover purchases from seized websites and analyzed the services, confirming they were designed for cybercrime. Court documents also allege authorities reviewed linked email addresses and other data connecting the services to known ransomware groups that have targeted victims both in the United States and abroad, including in the Houston area.  

    “Modern criminal threats require modern law enforcement solutions,” said Ganjei. “As cybercriminals have become more sophisticated in their schemes, they have likewise become more advanced in their efforts to avoid detection. As such, our law enforcement efforts must involve striking not just at the individual fraudster or hacker, but the enablers of these cybercriminals as well. This investigation did exactly that. With this syndicate shut down, there is one less provider of malicious tools for cybercriminals out there.”

    “Cybercriminals don’t just create malware; they perfect it for maximum destruction,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “By leveraging counter antivirus services, malicious actors refine their weapons against the world’s toughest security systems to better slip past firewalls, evade forensic analysis, and wreak havoc across victims’ systems. As part of a decisive international operation, FBI Houston helped cripple a global cyber syndicate, seize their most lethal tools, and neutralize the threat they posed to millions around the world.”

    The seizures occurred May 27 in coordination with Finnish and Dutch national police as part of Operation Endgame, a multinational law enforcement initiative targeting the dismantling of malware cybercriminal services. Participating countries include the United States, The Netherlands, France, Germany and Denmark with additional support from Ukraine and Portugal.  

    The FBI Houston Field Office is conducting the investigation with the cooperation and significant assistance of law enforcement partners in The Netherlands and Finland and U.S. Secret Service.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSA) Shirin Hakimzadeh and Rodolfo Ramirez are prosecuting the case. AUSA Kristine Rollinson is handling the seizure aspects of the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Quadient Accelerates its Digital Financial Automation Strategy in Europe with the Acquisition of Serensia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Serensia is a leading French electronic invoicing platform, accredited by the French Government as a Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP)
    • The acquisition provides Quadient with first-class electronic invoicing technology, advanced PDP capabilities and certified access to the Pan-European Public Procurement Online (Peppol) market
    • With mandatory e-invoicing regulations approaching, Quadient is now strongly positioned in Europe’s digital compliance market, offering a comprehensive, end-to-end solution

    Quadient (Euronext Paris: QDT), a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections, today announced the acquisition of Serensia, a highly recognized a leading French electronic invoicing platform provider accredited by the French government as a Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP). This strategic acquisition strengthens Quadient’s position in digital compliance and its ability to support both its 150,000 European customers and the more than 8 million businesses impacted in France as they transition to mandatory electronic invoicing.

    Serensia’s robust, scalable, API-driven and modular technology stack provides Quadient with operational autonomy as an independent and certified e-invoicing platform. Its Peppol-ready infrastructure ensures seamless integration with Quadient’s digital automation solutions and third-party systems, enabling immediate readiness for regulatory deadlines in Belgium, France, and Germany, as well as the upcoming ViDA (VAT in the Digital Age) regulation.

    With ownership of a Peppol access point—a secure gateway for document exchange—Quadient can now offer a compliant, end-to-end e-invoicing solution to the millions of companies across Europe that will be required to transition to electronic invoicing under upcoming regulatory mandates.

    Geoffrey Godet, CEO of Quadient, stated: “This acquisition marks a strategic milestone in our ambition to lead the digital financial automation market in Europe. Integrating Serensia’s certified e-invoicing platform into our Digital Automation portfolio strengthens our ability to support our 150,000 European customers, from large enterprises to SMBs, as they prepare for next year’s new regulations. Serensia brings proven expertise, a robust platform processing hundreds of millions of invoices annually, and a talented team. This accelerates our time to market and enhances our ability to deliver scalable, compliant, and future-ready invoicing solutions.”

    Serensia, with a team of approximately 40 employees, serves over 160 organizations across key sectors such as utilities, property management, and telecommunications. Its platform demonstrates strong operational maturity and deep industry expertise.

    The acquisition, completed on June 2, 2025, aligns with Quadient’s long-term strategy to deliver trusted, end-to-end digital solutions that help organizations navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

    About Quadient®
    Quadient is a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC® Mid & Small and EnterNext® Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing. For more information about Quadient, visit http://www.quadient.com/en/.

    Contacts
    Investor Relations
    Anne-Sophie Jugean, Quadient

    +33 (0)1 45 36 30 24
    as.jugean@quadient.com
    financial-communication@quadient.com

    Media relations
    Nathalie Labia, Quadient
    +33 (0)1 70 83 18 53
    n.labia@quadient.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Pro-Trump candidate wins Poland’s presidential election – a bad omen for the EU, Ukraine and women

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Adam Simpson, Senior Lecturer, International Studies, University of South Australia

    Poland’s presidential election runoff will be a bitter pill for pro-European Union democrats to swallow.

    The nationalist, Trumpian, historian Karol Nawrocki has narrowly defeated the liberal, pro-EU mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, 50.89 to 49.11%.

    The Polish president has few executive powers, though the office holder is able to veto legislation. This means the consequences of a Nawrocki victory will be felt keenly, both in Poland and across Europe.

    With this power, Nawrocki, backed by the conservative Law and Justice party, will no doubt stymie the ability of Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Civic Platform-led coalition to enact democratic political reforms.

    This legislative gridlock could well see Law and Justice return to government in the 2027 general elections, which would lock in the anti-democratic changes the party made during their last term in office from 2015–2023. This included eroding Poland’s judicial independence by effectively taking control of judicial appointments and the supreme court.

    Nawrocki’s win has given pro-Donald Trump, anti-liberal, anti-EU forces across the continent a shot in the arm. It’s bad news for the EU, Ukraine and women.

    A rising Poland

    For much of the post-second world war era, Poland has had limited European influence.

    This is no longer the case. Poland’s economy has boomed since it joined the EU in 2004. It spends almost 5% of its gross domestic product on defence, almost double what it spent in 2022 at the time of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    Poland now has a bigger army than the United Kingdom, France and Germany. And living standards, adjusted for purchasing power, are about to eclipse Japan’s.

    Along with Brexit, these changes have resulted in the EU’s centre of gravity shifting eastwards towards Poland. As a rising military and economic power of 37 million people, what happens in Poland will help shape Europe’s future.

    Impacts on Ukraine

    Poland’s new position in Europe is most clearly demonstrated by its central role in the fight to defend Ukraine against Russia.

    This centrality was clearly demonstrated during the recent “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Kyiv, where Tusk joined the leaders of Europe’s major powers – France, Germany and the UK – to bolster support for Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky.

    However, Poland’s unqualified support for Ukraine will now be at risk because Nawrocki has demonised Ukrainian refugees in his country and opposed Ukrainian integration into European-oriented bodies, such as the EU and NATO.

    Nawrocki was also backed during his campaign by the Trump administration. Kristi Noem, the US secretary of homeland security, said at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference in Poland:

    Donald Trump is a strong leader for us, but you have an opportunity to have just as strong of a leader in Karol if you make him the leader of this country.

    Trump also hosted Nawrocki in the Oval Office when he was merely a candidate for office. This was a significant deviation from standard US diplomatic protocol to stay out of foreign elections.

    Nawrocki has not been as pro-Russia as some other global, MAGA-style politicians, but this is largely due to Poland’s geography and its difficult history with Russia. It has been repeatedly invaded across its eastern plains by Russian or Soviet troops. And along with Ukraine, Poland shares borders with the Russian client state of Belarus and Russia itself in Kaliningrad, the heavily militarised enclave on the Baltic Sea.

    I experienced the proximity of these borders during fieldwork in Poland in 2023 when I travelled by car from Warsaw to Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, via the Suwalki Gap.

    This is the strategically important, 100-kilometre-long border between Poland and Lithuania, which connects the Baltic states to the rest of NATO and the EU to the south. It’s seen as a potential flashpoint if Russia were ever to close the gap and isolate the Baltic states.

    Poland’s conservative nationalist politicians are therefore less Russia-friendly than those in Hungary or Slovakia. Nawrocki, for instance, does not support cutting off weapons to Ukraine.

    However, a Nawrocki presidency will still be more hostile to Ukraine and its interests. During the campaign, Nawrocki said Zelensky “treats Poland badly”, echoing the type of language used by Trump himself.

    Poland divided

    The high stakes in the election resulted in a record turnout of almost 73%.

    There was a stark choice in the election between Nawrocki and Trzaskowski.

    Trzaskowski supported the liberalisation of Poland’s harsh abortion laws – abortion was effectively banned in Poland under the Law and Justice government – and the introduction of civil partnerships for LGBTQ+ couples.

    Nawrocki opposed these changes and will likely veto any attempt to implement them.

    While the polls for the presidential runoff election had consistently shown a tight race, an Ipsos exit poll published during the vote count demonstrated the social divisions now facing the country.

    As in other recent global elections, women and those with higher formal education voted for the progressive candidate (Trzaskowski), while men and those with less formal education voted for the conservative (Nawrocki).

    After the surprise success of the liberal, pro-EU presidential candidate in the Romanian elections a fortnight ago, pro-EU forces were hoping for a similar result in Poland, as well.

    That, for now, is a pipe dream and liberals across the continent will now need to negotiate a difficult relationship with a right-wing, Trumpian leader in the new beating heart of Europe.

    Adam Simpson 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. Pro-Trump candidate wins Poland’s presidential election – a bad omen for the EU, Ukraine and women – https://theconversation.com/pro-trump-candidate-wins-polands-presidential-election-a-bad-omen-for-the-eu-ukraine-and-women-257617

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –