Category: Machine Learning

MIL-OSI NGOs: Serbia: Cellebrite halts product use in Serbia following Amnesty surveillance report

Source: Amnesty International –

Responding to Cellebrite’s announcement that it will stop the use of its digital forensic equipment for some of their customers in Serbia, following Amnesty International’s report on the misuse of spyware and mobile forensic products by Serbian authorities to unlawfully target activists and journalists, Donncha Ó Cearbhaill, Head of the Security Lab at Amnesty International, said:

“This decision reinforces Amnesty International’s December findings that Serbian police and intelligence routinely misused Cellebrite’s digital forensic equipment outside legally sanctioned processes to target civil society activists and independent journalists critical of the government.

“Withdrawing licences from customers who misused the equipment for political reasons is a critical first step. Now, Serbian authorities must urgently conduct their own thorough and impartial investigations, hold those responsible to account, provide remedies to victims and establish adequate safeguards to prevent future abuse.

“This important finding demonstrates that Cellebrite’s due diligence processes should be revamped to ensure its products are not being used to abuse human rights. It is crucial that this is done before reinstating suspended customers or issuing new licences to any customers in Serbia.

“Any further exports of surveillance or digital forensics technology to Serbia must be stopped until the authorities have implemented an effective and independent system of control and oversight over any measures that could restrict people’s right to privacy, freedom of expression or peaceful assembly.”

Background

Announcing its decision in a statement issued on 25 February 2025, Cellebrite stated that, “After a review of the allegations brought forth by the December 2024 Amnesty International report, Cellebrite took precise steps to investigate each claim in accordance with our ethics and integrity policies. We found it appropriate to stop the use of our products by the relevant customers at this time.”

It added that it takes “seriously all allegations of a customer’s potential misuse of our technology in ways that would run counter to both explicit and implied conditions outlined in our end-user agreement.”

The Cellebrite UFED suite of products, developed for law enforcement and government entities, allow data extraction from various mobile devices, even without access to device passcodes.

Amnesty International’s report, “A Digital Prison: Surveillance and the Suppression of Civil Society in Serbia,” released in December last year, detailed how mobile forensic products were used to extract data from journalists and activists’ mobile devices, and in some cases enabled the infection of those phones with spyware.

This digital surveillance in Serbia is taking place amid ongoing anti-government demonstrations and persistent harassment of civil society critical of the authorities. On Tuesday, Serban police raided the offices of four NGOs to investigate the alleged “abuse of USAID funds,” citing statements by senior US Government officials on the USAID funding freeze.

 

MIL OSI NGO –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray, Former FTA Worker, Park Ranger, BPA Analyst Lay Out How Mass Layoffs Across Federal Workforce Decimate Services, Leave Everyone Worse Off

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
Murray: “Elon Musk and Donald Trump are proving every single day they don’t know what they are doing, they don’t know what our federal workers do, and they don’t care if their firing spree ends up burning down something important.”
***VIDEO HERE***
***WA FACT SHEET: Impact in Washington State of Trump and Musk’s Reckless Mass Layoffs***
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a virtual press conference with federal workers in Washington state—including from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), National Park Service (NPS), and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)—who were recently laid off through no fault of their own and with zero justification, as part of Trump and Musk’s unprecedented assault on the federal workforce. The speakers underscored how Trump and Musk’s mass firings will severely jeopardize essential services that help families each and every day, and will leave us all worse off.
Murray was joined for the press call by: Emily Conner, former Federal Transit Administration Region 10 FTA grants management specialist from Shoreline; Sam Peterson, former Park Ranger with the National Park Service at the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in Eastern Washington; and Katie Emerson, former Management and Program Analyst at the Bonneville Power Administration, who resides in Southwest Washington.
“Elon Musk and Donald Trump are proving every single day they don’t know what they are doing, they don’t know what our federal workers do, and they don’t care if their firing spree ends up burning down something important,” Senator Murray said. “Just this week, they fired another 1,400 staff at the VA—people who are helping serve our veterans, gone for no reason. And here’s the thing—they are still trying to fire even more people with even less forethought. The Trump-Musk firing spree continues to be about as surgical as a wrecking ball… These mass layoffs have nothing to do with government efficiency. In fact, they will do the exact opposite. Trump and Musk’s reckless firing spree means veterans waiting longer to get their disability claims approved, slower review of new drugs and medical devices, slower response to natural disasters, fewer people who help keep our skies safe for the flying public, and the list goes on.”
“These are real-life impacts on everyday people, regardless of political beliefs, affiliations, or how people voted. And the ultimate price for these sudden and chaotic staffing cuts is that the American people will pay for it literally with their time and their money–they just don’t realize it yet,” said Emily Conner, former Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Region 10 FTA grants management specialist from Shoreline who was abruptly laid off as part of Trump and Musk’s cuts through no fault of her own. “Federal workers are civil servants; they work to serve the American people, and they take that job very seriously. Now that there aren’t enough people left to do the work, there’ll be ripple effects across the entire country in small and large ways that people just don’t understand yet, and it’s only going to get worse with more force reductions.”
“The Park Service exists to do the incredibly challenging job of preserving America’s treasures while also sharing them with the public, but thousands of us do it with a smile on our face, and for less compensation that we could receive in the private sector. The Park Service really exists to help make and keep Americans happy and preserve everything that is great about our amazing nation. Without me on the job, and people like me, the existing staff will be stretched thin, safety issues will arise, and the services that the American taxpayer has already paid for won’t be present in our national park sites,” said Sam Peterson, a Park Ranger at the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in Eastern Washington who was recently laid off by Trump and Musk through no fault of his own and with zero justification.
“In addition to the excess workload, staffing shortages will lead to increased overtime and travel costs to get severely limited crews out for critical maintenance work and to respond to system outages. BPA response times to power outages in some locations may be delayed, as our crews are shorthanded and overworked,” said Katie Emerson, a Program Analyst at the Bonneville Power Administration who had worked at BPA for more than 10 years as a contractor and direct employee before being laid off without cause as part of the probationary firings. “Staff shortages will also force already-planned power grid enhancement and expansion projects to be delayed, projects intended to strengthen power grid stability. Staff shortages will be felt not just in the present term, but also in the long term. Electrical apprenticeship recruitment and hiring for 2025 was cancelled. It takes four years to train these employees to be at full capacity, so this single year delay will be felt for many years to come.”
Senator Murray has been raising the alarm about how mass firings at all manner of federal agencies will hurt families, veterans, small businesses, farmers, and so many others in Washington state and across the country. Senator Murray has spoken out on the Senate floor against this administration’s attacks on federal workers and held multiple press conferences to call attention to how Trump and Musk’s mass layoffs are hurting federal workers in Washington state and undermining services for everyone. Earlier this month, she released both a national fact sheet and a Washington state fact sheet detailing what we know about the mass layoffs so far. Senator Murray also sent an open letter to federal workers and a newsletter to her constituents in Washington state outlining her concerns with the administration’s so-called “Fork in the Road” offer.
Senator Murray has also sent a flurry of recent oversight letters demanding answers about indiscriminate staffing reductions across federal agencies—including letters to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on mass firings across HHS as well as a letter focused specifically on firings at FDA, Energy Secretary Chris Wright on indiscriminate firings at BPA, HUD Secretary Scott Turner on reports of massive staff cuts at HUD, Interior Secretary Doug Burham on National Parks Service staffing cuts, and Acting USDA Secretary Gary Washington on the universal hiring pause for USDA firefighters, among others.
Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered on today’s press call, are below and video is HERE:
“Thank you all so much for joining me in this this conversation. Here’s where we are: the fact of the matter is Elon Musk and Donald Trump are proving every single day they do not know what theyare doing, they don’t know what our federal workers actually do, and they don’t care if their firing spree ends up burning down something really important.
“And it’s not just because they’re just out of touch billionaires—though they clearly are out of touch billionaires—because maybe that would explain why they don’t care if firing staff who help child care and Head Start centers keep their doors open makes it harder for parents to get child care, or firing Social Security workers, which cuts off our seniors from help with their benefits, or firing our BPA workers which will raise energy costs for our families.
“But still, even people like Trump and Elon who take private jets everywhere should understand you do not fire FAA workers weeks after the deadliest crash in decades—that, to me, is just common sense!
“But Trump and Musk have shown they couldn’t care less—even if lives are at stake. Unbelievably, they have fired public health experts working on bird flu—and even nuclear weapons experts!
“If Trump and Musk stopped and used a single brain cell for a single second, the danger of firing nuclear experts willy-nilly would have been obvious.
“But no, it was only after a public outcry—when everyone pointed out what should have been obvious—that they tried to reverse course and hire some of them back.
“Just this week, they fired another 1,400 staff at the VA—people who are helping serve our veterans, gone for no reason. And here’s the thing—they are still trying to fire even more people with even less forethought.
“The Trump-Musk firing spree continues to be about as surgical as a wrecking ball.
“First, it was that scammy ‘Fork in the Road’ email—which they’ve been awfully quiet about since their latest email.
“Then it was firing everyone who was new, or who was newly promoted. They didn’t target low performers—they targeted some of our highest performers.
“And now they want to lay off anyone who didn’t respond quickly enough to an email that they sent out over the weekend. Of course, we all know they’re not going to read millions of responses.
“Which is unfortunate, actually, because Elon and Trump clearly do need to learn a thing or two about what our workers actually do, and how important it is. They obviously do not have the slightest idea.
“And now, it is being reporting that they just want to chuck all of these responses into some AI they’ve cooked up for firing people. Honestly, with as thoughtless as Trump and Musk are sometimes—I can almost see why they’re so desperate for artificial intelligence to do the thinking that they don’t seem to be capable of.
“But that is no way to treat people who have dedicated themselves to our country—often for years, and many of them, by the way, are veterans!
“That’s right: nearly one-third of our federal workforce are veterans, people who have literally put their lives on the line for our country—and now, we’re all seeing what Trump and Musk think about that.
“And let’s be clear: these mass layoffs have nothing to do with government efficiency. In fact, they will do the exact opposite.
“Trump and Musk’s reckless firing spree means veterans waiting longer to get their disability claims approved, slower review of new drugs and medical devices, slower response to natural disasters, fewer people who help keep our skies safe for the flying public, and the list goes on.
“President Trump and Elon Musk may not actually care who they fire, what these workers do, and what pain and danger it will mean for our families.
“But I understand it, and unlike them—I actually want to focus this conversation on what our federal workers actually do and how firing them, en masse, without rhyme or reason, hurts the American people in a big way.
“So today, I want to give the floor to some dedicated federal workers who can talk about the work they were doing—before Trump and Musk sent them packing for no reason—and why it is important for all of us.
“Because these are not just the people who keep America going—they are some of the people who make America great. So, with that, I want to turn it over to three people who have been fired to share with you their stories—and I’m going to start with Emily.”

MIL OSI USA News –

February 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024 – A10-0012/2025

Source: European Parliament

MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

on human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024

(2024/2081(INI))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

– having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights,

– having regard to Articles 2, 3, 8, 21 and 23 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU),

– having regard to Articles 17 and 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),

– having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other United Nations human rights treaties and instruments,

– having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

– having regard to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,

– having regard to the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War,

– having regard to the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol thereto,

– having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948 and United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 43/29 of 22 June 2020 on the prevention of genocide,

– having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women of 18 December 1979,

– having regard to the United Nations Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment of 10 December 1984 and the Optional Protocol thereto, adopted on 18 December 2002,

– having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of 12 December 2006 and the Optional Protocol thereto, adopted on 13 December 2006,

– having regard to the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid of 1976,

– having regard to the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 36/55 of 25 November 1981,

– having regard to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities of 18 December 1992,

– having regard to the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by consensus by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 53/144 on 9 December 1998,

– having regard to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of 13 September 2007,

– having regard to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas of 28 September 2018,

– having regard to the Programme of Action of the Cairo International Conference of Population and Development in 1994 and its review conferences,

– having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child of 20 November 1989 and the two Optional Protocols thereto, adopted on 25 May 2000,

– having regard to the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, which entered into force on 24 December 2014, and the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports of 5 June 1998,

– having regard to the United Nations Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of September 1995 and its review conferences,

– having regard to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted on 25 September 2015, in particular goals 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10 and 16 thereof,

– having regard to the United Nations Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration adopted on 19 December 2018 and the United Nations Global Compact on Refugees adopted on 17 December 2018,

– having regard to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court adopted on 17 July 1998, which entered into force on 1 July 2002,

– having regard to the Agreement between the European Union and the International Criminal Court on cooperation and assistance of 10 April 2006 [1],

– having regard to the Council of Europe Conventions of 4 April 1997 for the Protection of Human Rights and Dignity of the Human Being with regard to the Application of Biology and Medicine, and the Additional Protocols thereto, of 16 May 2005 on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, and of 25 October 2007 on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse,

– having regard to the Council of Europe Convention of 11 May 2011 on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention), which not all Member States have ratified but which entered into force for the EU on 1 October 2023,

– having regard to Protocols Nos 6 and 13 to the Council of Europe Convention of 28 April 1983 for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms concerning the Abolition of the Death Penalty,

– having regard to Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 of 7 December 2020 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses [2],

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/947 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 June 2021 establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe [3],

– having regard to the Council conclusions of 22 January 2024 on EU Priorities in UN Human Rights Fora in 2024,

– having regard to the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024, adopted by the Council on 17 November 2020 and its Mid-term Review adopted on 9 June 2023,

– having regard to the Council conclusions of 27 May 2024 on the alignment of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024 with the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027,

– having regard to the EU Gender Action Plan (GAP) III – an ambitious agenda for gender equality and women’s empowerment in external action (JOIN(2020)0017),

– having regard to the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (COM(2020)0152),

– having regard to the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (COM(2020)0698),

– having regard to the EU strategy on the rights of the child (COM(2021)0142),

– having regard to the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 (COM(2021)0101),

– having regard to the EU anti-racism action plan 2020-2025 (COM(2020)0565),

– having regard to the EU Roma strategic framework for equality, inclusion and participation (COM(2020)0620),

– having regard to the EU Guidelines on human rights defenders, adopted by the Council on 14 June 2004 and revised in 2008, and the second guidance note on the Guidelines’ implementation, endorsed in 2020,

– having regard to the EU Guidelines on violence against women and girls and combating all forms of discrimination against them, adopted by the Council on 8 December 2008,

– having regard to the EU Guidelines on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) of 2005, as updated in 2009,

– having regard to the EU Guidelines on the death penalty, as updated by the Council on 12 April 2013,

– having regard to the EU Guidelines to promote and protect the enjoyment of all human rights by LGBTI persons, adopted on 24 June 2013,

– having regard to the EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief, adopted by the Council on 24 June 2013,

– having regard to the EU Guidelines on freedom of expression online and offline, adopted by the Council on 12 May 2014,

– having regard to the EU Guidelines on non-discrimination in external action, adopted by the Council on 18 March 2019,

– having regard to the EU Guidelines on safe drinking water and sanitation, adopted by the Council on 17 June 2019,

– having regard to the revised EU Guidelines on EU policy towards third countries on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, adopted by the Council on 16 September 2019,

– having regard to the revised EU Guidelines on human rights dialogues with partner/third countries, approved by the Council on 22 February 2021,

– having regard to the revised EU Guidelines on children and armed conflict, approved by the Council on 24 June 2024,

– having regard to the Commission communication of 12 September 2012 entitled ‘The roots of democracy and sustainable development: Europe’s engagement with Civil Society in external relations’ (COM(2012)0492),

– having regard to the Council conclusions of 10 March 2023 on the role of the civic space in protecting and promoting fundamental rights in the EU,

– having regard to Directive (EU) 2024/1760 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on corporate sustainability due diligence and amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937 and Regulation (EU) 2023/2859 [4],

– having regard to the Commission proposal of 14 September 2022 for a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market (COM(2022)0453),

– having regard to the joint proposal from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 3 May 2023 for a Council regulation on restrictive measures against serious acts of corruption (JOIN(2023)0013),

– having regard to the 2023 EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World,

– having regard to its Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, which in 2024 was awarded to María Corina Machado, as the leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela, and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, representing all Venezuelans inside and outside the country fighting for the reinstitution of freedom and democracy,

– having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2019 on EU Guidelines and the mandate of the EU Special Envoy on the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU [5],

– having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2020 on Gender Equality in EU’s foreign and security policy [6],

– having regard to its resolution of 19 May 2021 on human rights protection and the EU external migration policy [7],

– having regard to its resolution of 8 July 2021 on the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EU Magnitsky Act)[8],

– having regard to its resolution of 28 February 2024 on human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2023 [9], and to its previous resolutions on earlier annual reports,

– having regard to its resolutions on breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (known as urgency resolutions), adopted in accordance with Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure, in particular those adopted in 2023 and 2024,

– having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A10-0012/2025),

A. whereas the EU is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, as set out in Articles 2 and 21 TEU; whereas the EU’s action worldwide must be guided by the universality and indivisibility of human rights and by the fact that the effective protection and defence of human rights and democracy is at the core of the EU’s external action;

B. whereas consistency and coherence across the EU’s internal and external policies are key for achieving an effective and credible EU human rights policy, and in defending and supporting freedom and democracy;

C. whereas democratic systems are the most suitable to guarantee that every person has the ability to enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms; whereas effective rules-based multilateralism is the best organisational system to defend democracies;

D. whereas the EU strongly believes in and fully supports multilateralism, a rules-based global order and the set of universal values, principles and norms that guide the UN member states and that the UN member states have pledged to uphold, in accordance with the UN Charter; whereas a world of democracies, understood as a world of political systems that defend and protect human rights worldwide, is a safer world, as democracies have significant checks and balances in place to prevent the unpredictability of autocracies;

E. whereas the rise in authoritarianism, totalitarianism and populism threatens the global rules-based order, the protection and promotion of freedom and human rights in the world, as well as the values and principles on which the EU is founded;

F. whereas in December 2023, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrated its 75th anniversary; whereas today, more than ever since the UN’s foundation, totalitarian regimes challenge the UN Charter’s basic principles, seek to rewrite international norms, undermine multilateral institutions and threaten peace and security globally;

G. whereas in November 2024, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child celebrated its 35th anniversary;

H. whereas the United Nations Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is regarded as a turning point for the global agenda on gender equality and will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025;

I. whereas the legitimacy and functioning of the international rules-based order are dependent on compliance with the orders of, and respect for, international bodies, such as United Nations General Assembly and Security Council resolutions and orders and decisions of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court (ICC); whereas multilateralism is being challenged by increasing global threats, such as terrorism and extremism, which threaten compliance with such orders and decisions, as well as, generally, with provisions of international law, human rights law and international humanitarian law in emerging and ongoing conflict situations; whereas international institutions, their officials, and those cooperating with them, are the subject of attacks and threats; whereas the international community, including the EU, has a responsibility to uphold the international rules-based order by enforcing universal compliance, including by its partners;

J. whereas the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court establishes a framework of accountability for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes; whereas the independence of the ICC is vital to ensure that justice is delivered impartially and without political interference;

K. whereas the 2023 Mid-term Review of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024, now extended to 2027, has shown that, despite the progress achieved so far, more needs to be done, in cooperation with like-minded democratic partners, especially in the context of the unprecedented challenges the world has experienced since its adoption;

L. whereas human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) are crucial partners in the EU’s efforts to safeguard and advance human rights, democracy and the rule of law, as well as to prevent conflicts globally; whereas state and non-state actors around the world are increasingly censoring, silencing and harassing, among others, HRDs, CSOs, journalists, religious communities, opposition leaders and other vulnerable groups in their work, shrinking the civil space ever further; whereas this behaviour includes measures encompassing strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), restrictive government policies, transnational repression, defamation campaigns, discrimination, intimidation and violence, including extrajudicial and extraterritorial killings, abductions, and arbitrary arrests and detention; whereas attacks on HRDs are increasingly extending to their families and communities, including those living in exile;

M. whereas gender equality is a core EU value, and the human rights of women and girls, including their sexual and reproductive rights, continue to be violated across the world; whereas women experience unique and disproportionate impacts from conflicts, climate change and migration, including increased risks of gender-based violence, economic marginalisation and barriers to accessing resources; whereas women HRDs and CSOs continue to experience shrinking space for their critical work, as well as threats of violence, harassment and intimidation;

N. whereas the past year has been marked by a further proliferation of laws on ‘foreign agents’ or foreign influence, including in countries with EU candidate status, targeting CSOs and media outlets and attempting to prevent them from receiving financial support from abroad, including from the EU and its Member States, fostering a climate of fear and self-censorship;

O. whereas in 2024, more than half the world’s population went to the polls, and many of these elections were marked by manipulation, disinformation and attempts at interference from inside or outside the country;

P. whereas the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) warns of a decline in the intent of states and other political forces to protect press freedom; whereas, according to RSF, 47 journalists and media workers have been killed, most of them in conflict zones, and 573 have been imprisoned since 1 January 2024;

Q. whereas 251 million children and young people are deprived of their fundamental right to education and remain out of school, according to the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2024; whereas girls and women are affected not only by poverty but also by cultural norms, gender bias, child marriage and violence through official, discriminatory policies that prevent them from accessing education and the labour market and attempt to erase them from public life;

R. whereas at least one million people are unjustly imprisoned for political reasons, among them several laureates and finalists of Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought;

S. whereas environmental harm and the impacts of climate change are intensifying precariousness, marginalisation and inequality, and increasingly displacing people from their homes or trapping them in unsafe conditions, thereby heightening their vulnerability and jeopardising their human rights;

Global challenges to democracy and human rights

1. Reasserts the universality, interdependence, interrelatedness and indivisibility of human rights and the inherent dignity of every human being; reaffirms the duty of the EU and its Member States to promote and protect democracy and the universality of human rights around the world; calls for the EU and its Member States to lead by example, in line with its values, to promote and strictly uphold human rights and international justice;

2. Insists that respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights and fundamental freedoms must be the cornerstone of the EU’s external policy, in line with its founding principles; strongly encourages the EU and its Member States, to that end, to strive for a continued ambitious commitment to make freedom, democracy and human rights and their protection a central part of all EU policies in a streamlined manner and to enhance the consistency between the EU’s internal and external policies in this field, including through all of its international agreements;

3. Stresses that the EU must be fully prepared to counter the rise of authoritarianism, totalitarianism and populism, as well as the increasing violations of the principles of universality of human rights, democracy and international humanitarian law;

4. Condemns the increasing trend of violations and abuses of human rights and democratic principles and values across the world, such as, among others, threats of backsliding on human rights, notably women’s rights, as well as executions, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture and ill treatment, gender-based violence, clampdowns on civil society, political opponents, marginalised and vulnerable groups including children and elderly people, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and ethnic and religious minorities; condemns, equally, slavery and forced labour, excessive use of violence by public authorities, including violent crackdowns on peaceful protests and other assemblies, systematic and structural discrimination, instrumentalisation of the judiciary, censorship and threats to independent media, including threats in the digital sphere such as online surveillance and internet shutdowns, political attacks against international institutions and the rules-based international order, and increasing use of unlawful methods of war in grave breach of international humanitarian law and human rights law; deplores the weakening of the protection of democratic institutions and processes, and the shrinking space for civil societies around the world; denounces the transnational repression, by illiberal regimes, of citizens and activists who have sought refuge abroad, including on EU soil;

5. Notes with deep concern the ongoing international crisis of accountability and the challenge to the pursuit of ending impunity for violations of core norms of international human rights and humanitarian law in conflicts around the world; reaffirms the neutrality and importance of humanitarian aid in all conflicts and crises; underlines the serious consequences of discrediting and attacking the organisations of multilateral forums, such as the UN, which can foster a culture of impunity and undermine the trust in and functioning of the UN system; calls for the EU to uphold the international legal system and take effective measures to enforce compliance;

6. Notes with satisfaction that there are also ‘human rights bright spots’ within this context of major challenges to human rights worldwide; highlights, in particular, the work of CSOs and HRDs; underlines the need for a more strategic communication on human rights and democracy by spreading news about positive results, policies and best practices; supports the Good Human Rights Stories initiative [10] as a way of promoting positive stories about human rights and recommends that it be updated; underlines the role of the EU’s public and cultural diplomacy, as well as international cultural relations, in the promotion of human rights, and calls for the Strategic Communication and Foresight division of the European External Action Service (EEAS) to increase its efforts in this regard;

Strengthening the EU’s toolbox for the promotion and protection of human rights and democracy around the world

7. Notes with concern the increasing divide worldwide; stresses the shared responsibility of the EU to continue defending democratic values and principles and human rights, international justice, peace and dignity around the world, which are even more important to defend in the current volatile state of global politics; calls upon the EU to keep communication channels open with different stakeholders and to continue to develop a comprehensive toolbox to strengthen human rights and democracy globally;

EU action plan on human rights and democracy

8. Observes that the EU and its Member States have made substantial progress in implementing the EU action plan on human rights and democracy, although they have not reached all of its goals, in part also due to the unprecedented challenges the world has experienced since its adoption; welcomes, in this sense, the extension of the action plan until 2027, with a view to maximising the synergies and complementarity between human rights and democracy at local, national and global levels;

EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights

9. Fully supports the work of the EUSR for Human Rights in contributing to the visibility and coherence of the EU’s human rights actions in its external relations; upholds the EUSR’s central role in the EU’s promotion and protection of human rights by engaging with non-EU countries and like-minded partners; underlines the need for close cooperation between the EUSR for Human Rights and other EUSRs and Special Envoys in order to further improve this coherence, and calls for greater visibility for the role of the EUSR for Human Rights; calls for the EUSR to be supported in his work with increased resources and better coordination with EU delegations around the world; regrets, despite continuous calls, Parliament’s exclusion from the process of selecting the EUSR; insists on the need for the EUSR to report back to Parliament regularly;

Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe and the human rights and democracy thematic programme

10. Recalls the fundamental role of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) – Global Europe, including its thematic programme on human rights and democracy, as a flagship EU instrument in promoting and protecting human rights and democracy around the world; highlights the need to engage with civil society in all the EU’s relevant external activities, including the Global Gateway Strategy which is financed through the NDICI-Global Europe; reiterates the importance of streamlining a human-rights based approach in the EU’s external action instruments; underlines Parliament’s role in the instrument’s programming process and calls on the Commission and the EEAS to share all relevant information in a timely manner in order to enable Parliament to play its role accordingly, in particular during high-level geopolitical dialogues with the Commission and in the mid-term review process as well as in its resolutions; calls on the EEAS and the Commission to ensure that a response is provided to the recommendation letters following each geopolitical dialogue and each resolution; urges the Commission to develop and launch a comprehensive, centralised website dedicated to the NDICI-Global Europe, including information on all the multiannual indicative programmes, detailing their respective budgets, associated actions and the financial allocations they are backing, organised both by country and by theme; notes that the NDICI-Global Europe and all future instruments must focus on the fundamental drivers of ongoing challenges, including the need to strengthen the resilience of local communities and democracy support activities by supporting economic development;

11. Calls for independent, ex ante assessments to determine the possible implications and risks of projects with regard to human rights, in line with Article 25(5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/947; calls for independent human rights monitoring throughout the implementation of projects in third countries, especially in relation to projects entailing a high risk of violations; calls for a suspension of projects that (in)directly contribute to human rights violations in non-EU countries; reiterates the prohibition on allocating EU funds to activities that are contrary to EU fundamental values, such as terrorism or extremism; calls on the Commission to share all human rights-related assessments with Parliament in a proactive manner;

EU trade and international agreements

12. Reiterates its call to integrate human rights assessments and include robust clauses on human rights in agreements between the EU and non-EU countries, supported by a clear set of benchmarks and procedures to be followed in the event of violations; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to ensure that the human rights clauses in current international agreements are actively monitored and effectively enforced and to improve their communication with Parliament concerning considerations and decisions regarding this enforcement; reiterates that in the face of persistent breaches of human rights clauses by its partner countries, including those related to the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus programme, the EU should react swiftly and decisively, including by suspending the agreements in question if other options prove ineffective; calls for the EU Ombudsman’s recommendation concerning the creation of a complaint-handling portal to be implemented, within the framework of EU trade and financial instruments, or for the Commission’s Single Entry Point to be adapted to allow complaints regarding failure to comply with human rights clauses to be submitted; calls on the EU institutions to engage regularly with the business community and civil society in order to strengthen the links between international trade, human rights and economic security; calls for the EU to ensure human rights promotion and protection through its Global Gateway investments and projects, by ensuring that they do no harm;

EU human rights dialogues

13. Stresses the important role of human rights dialogues within the EU’s human rights toolbox and as a key vehicle for the implementation of the EU action plan on human rights and democracy; highlights that these dialogues must address the overall situation of human rights and democracy with the relevant countries; notes that human rights dialogues should be seen as a key element of sustained EU engagement and not as a free-standing instrument, and that the persistent failure of non-EU countries to genuinely engage in dialogues and to implement key deliverables should lead to the use of other appropriate foreign policy tools; recalls that these dialogues need to be used in conjunction and synergy with other instruments, using a more-for-more and a less-for-less approach; reiterates the need to raise individual cases, in particular those of Sakharov Prize laureates and those highlighted by Parliament in its resolutions, and ensure adequate follow-up; calls on the EEAS and EU delegations to increase the visibility of these dialogues and their outcomes, ensuring that they are results-oriented and based on a clear set of benchmarks that can be included in a published joint press statement, and to conduct suitable follow-up action on it; calls for the enhanced and meaningful involvement of civil society in the dialogues; stresses that genuine CSOs must not be impeded from participating in human rights dialogues and that any dialogue must include all genuine CSOs without any limitations;

EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (GHRSR – EU Magnitsky Act)

14. Welcomes the increasing use of the EU GHRSR as a key political tool in the EU’s defence of human rights and democracy across the world; regrets, however, that its use has continued to be limited, especially in the current geopolitical landscape; notes, however, the challenges that the requirement of unanimity poses in the adoption of sanctions and reiterates its call on the Council to introduce qualified majority voting for decisions on the GHRSR; recalls, in this regard, the formal request submitted by Parliament to the Council in 2023, on calling an EU reform convention, with the aim, among others, of increasing the number of decisions taken by qualified majority; calls for a stronger use of the GHRSR and other ad hoc sanctions regimes on those responsible for serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including high-level officials; fully supports the possibility of imposing targeted anti-corruption sanctions within the EU framework in this regard, which has been a long-standing priority of Parliament, whether through its inclusion in the GHRSR or under a different regime; highlights the need for the complete enforcement of sanctions and calls for circumventions to be tackled;

Democracy support activities

15. Reiterates its concern regarding the increasing attacks by authoritarian and illiberal regimes on democratic principles, values and pluralism; stresses that the defence and support of democracy around the world is increasingly becoming of geopolitical and strategic interest; emphasises the importance of Parliament’s efforts in capacity-building for partner parliaments, promoting mediation and encouraging a culture of dialogue and compromise, especially among young political leaders, and empowering women parliamentarians, HRDs and representatives from civil society and independent media; reiterates its call on the Commission to continue and expand its activities in these areas by increasing funding and support for EU bodies, agencies and other grant-based organisations; stresses the critical importance of directly supporting civil society and persons expressing dissenting views, particularly in the current climate of growing global tensions and repression in increasing numbers of countries; reiterates the importance of EU election observation missions and Parliament’s contribution to developing and enhancing their methodology; calls for the development of an EU toolbox to be used in cases of disputed or non-transparent election results in order to prevent political and military crises in the post-election environment; calls for enhanced EU action to counter manipulative and false messages against the EU in election campaigns, in particular in countries that receive significant EU humanitarian and development assistance and in countries that are candidates for EU membership; calls for enhanced collaboration between Parliament’s Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group, the relevant Commission directorates-general and the EEAS;

EU support for human rights defenders

16. Is extremely concerned by the continuing restriction of civil society space and rising threats to the work of HRDs and members of CSOs, as well as their families, communities and lawyers, and finds particularly concerning the increasingly sophisticated means used to persecute them; strongly condemns their arbitrary detentions and killings; deplores the harassment of CSOs through legislative provisions such as foreign agents laws and similar, and other restrictions they face; deplores the fact that women HRDs continue to face relentless and ever more sophisticated violations against them, including targeted killings, physical attacks, disappearances, smear campaigns, arrests, judicial harassment and intimidation; notes with concern that these attacks seem designed to systematically silence women HRDs and erase their voices from the public sphere; supports wholeheartedly the work of HRDs and EU action to ensure their protection worldwide; underscores the pressing need for a comprehensive and timely revision of the EU Guidelines on HRDs, with a view to addressing the emerging challenges and threats, and to ensuring their applicability and effectiveness in the protection of HRDs globally, while integrating gender-sensitive and intersectional approaches in the updated Guidelines, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of HRDs, and taking into account the specific vulnerabilities they may face; calls for the complete and consistent application of the EU Guidelines on HRDs by the EU and its Member States; calls for efforts to enhance communication strategies to increase the visibility of EU actions and channels for the protection of and the support mechanisms for HRDs;

17. Raises serious concerns over the increasing phenomenon of transnational repression against HRDs, journalists and civil society; calls for the formulation of an EU strategy harmonising national responses to transnational repression;

18. Expresses deep concern regarding the increasingly precarious financial landscape faced by HRDs and communities advocating for rights, particularly within a global context characterised by intensifying repression; notes that, as a result of the current geopolitical context, HRDs’ need for support has increased; calls, therefore, for the EU and its Member States to make full use of their financial support for HRDs, ensuring the establishment of flexible, accessible and sustained funding mechanisms that enable these defenders to continue their vital work in the face of mounting challenges;

19. Insists that the EEAS, the Commission and the EU delegations pay particular attention to the situation of the Sakharov Prize laureates and finalists at risk and take resolute action, in coordination with the Member States and Parliament, to ensure their well-being, safety or liberation;

20. Welcomes the update of the EU Visa Code Handbook in relation to HRDs and calls for its full and consistent application by the Member States; reiterates its call for the Commission to take a proactive role in the establishment of a coordinated approach among the Member States for HRDs at risk, for instance streamlining visa procedures and promoting harmonisation in the EU’s visa application process;

Combating impunity and corruption

21. Underlines that both impunity and corruption enable and aggravate human rights violations and abuses and the erosion of democratic principles; welcomes the anti-corruption actions in EU external policies in the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 3 May 2023 on the fight against corruption (JOIN(2023)0012); supports the anti-corruption provisions included in the EU trade agreements with non-EU countries; stresses the important role of civil society and journalists in non-EU countries in the oversight of the fight against impunity and corruption; calls for the EU and its Member States to increase their efforts in justice reforms, the fight against impunity, and the improvement of transparency and of anti-corruption institutions in non-EU countries; encourages the EU and its Member States to coordinate more closely with allies and partners wherever possible in order to counter systemic corruption that enables autocrats to maintain power, deprives societies of key resources and undermines democracy, human rights and the rule of law;

22. Insists on the need for the EU to take clear steps to recognise the close link between corruption and human rights violations in order to target economic and financial enablers of human rights abusers;

EU actions at multilateral level

23. Reaffirms that promoting the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights around the world requires strong international cooperation at a multilateral level; underlines the particularly important role of the UN and its bodies as the main forum which must be able to effectively advance efforts for peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the work of the UN, its agencies and special procedures, both politically and financially, to ensure that it is fit for purpose, and to push back against the influence of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes; stresses that the current multilateral order needs to fully incorporate into its architecture the new global actors, especially those focusing on democracy and human rights; reiterates the need for the EU and its Member States to speak with one voice at the UN and in other multilateral forums in order to effectively tackle global challenges to human rights and democracy in multilateral forums and to support the strongest possible language in line with international human rights standards; calls, to this end, for progress in ensuring that the EU has a seat in international organisations, including the UN Security Council, in addition to the existing Member States’ seats; calls for EU delegations to play a stronger role in multilateral forums, for which they should have appropriate resources available;

24. Is deeply concerned by growing attacks against the rules-based global order by authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, including through unprovoked and unjustified aggression against peaceful neighbours and through the undermining of the functioning of UN bodies, namely the abuse of veto power at the UN Security Council; underlines that the diminished effectiveness of these bodies brings with it real costs in terms of conflicts, lives lost and human suffering, and seriously weakens the general ability of countries to deal with global challenges; calls on the Member States and like minded partners to develop a robust strategy and to intensify their efforts to reverse this trend and to send a united and strong message of support to those organisations when they are attacked or threatened; believes that the UN, its bodies, and other multilateral organisations are in need of reform, in order to address these growing challenges and threats;

25. Reiterates the strong support of the EU for the International Court of Justice and the ICC as essential, independent and impartial jurisdictional institutions amid a particularly challenging time for international justice; recalls that a well-funded ICC is essential for the effective prosecution of serious international crimes; welcomes the political and financial support the EU has given to the ICC, including the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the ICC, and the launch of the ‘Global initiative to fight against impunity for international crimes’ offering financial support to CSOs dedicated to fostering justice and accountability for international crimes and serious human rights violations, including by facilitating survivors’ participation in legal proceedings; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue and intensify their support to the ICC – including to the ICC Trust Fund for Victims – with the necessary means, including resources and political backing, and to use all instruments at their disposal to combat impunity worldwide and enable the ICC to fulfil its mandate effectively; calls on all the Member States to respect and implement the actions and decisions of the International Court of Justice and all organs of the ICC, including the OTP and the Chambers, to urge other countries to join and cooperate with the court, including to enforce ICC arrest warrants, and to support their work as an independent and impartial international justice institution everywhere in the world; regrets the failure of some ICC member states to execute ICC arrest warrants, thereby undermining the court’s work; calls for the EU to urge non-EU countries, including its major partners, to recognise the ICC and become a state party to the Rome Statute;

26. Stresses the importance of not politicising the ICC, as trust in the court is eroded if its mandate is misused; condemns, in particular and in the most critical terms, the political attacks, sanctions and other coercive measures introduced or envisaged against the ICC itself and against its staff; calls on the Member States and the EU institutions to cooperate to work on solutions in order to protect the institution of the ICC and its staff from any future sanctions that would threaten the functioning of the court;

27. Recognises universal jurisdiction as an important tool of the international criminal justice system to prevent and combat impunity and promote international accountability; calls on the Member States to apply universal jurisdiction in the fight against impunity;

28. Calls for the EU and its Member States to lead the global fight against all forms of extremism and welcomes the adoption of an EU strategy to this end; demands that the fight against terrorism be at the top of the EU’s domestic and foreign affairs agenda;

Upholding international humanitarian law

29. Notes with concern the increasing disregard for international humanitarian law and international human rights law, particularly in the form of ongoing conflicts around the world; strongly condemns the increase in deliberate, indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks on civilians and civilian objects in multiple conflict settings; underlines that it is of the utmost importance that all UN and humanitarian aid agencies are able to provide full, timely and unhindered assistance to all people in vulnerable situations and calls on all parties to armed conflicts to fully respect the work of these agencies and ensure they can meet the basic needs of civilians without interference; denounces attempts to undermine UN agencies delivering humanitarian aid; urges all parties to armed conflicts to protect civilian populations, humanitarian and medical workers, and journalists and media workers; calls on all parties to armed conflicts to respect the legitimacy and inviolability of UN peacekeeping missions; calls on all states to unconditionally and fully conform with international humanitarian law; calls on the international community, and the Member States in particular, to promote accountability and the fight against impunity for grave breaches of international humanitarian law; calls for the systematic creation of humanitarian corridors in regions at war and in combat situations, whenever necessary, in order to allow civilians at risk to escape conflicts, and strongly condemns any attacks on them; demands unhindered access for humanitarian organisations monitoring and assisting prisoners of war, as provided for in the Geneva Convention on Prisoners of War; expects international organisations to abide by international law regarding the treatment of prisoners of war; calls for international cooperation and assistance in the return of forcibly deported persons, in particular children and hostages;

30. Reiterates its call on the Member States to help contain armed conflicts and serious violations of human rights or international humanitarian law by strictly abiding by the provisions of Article 7 of the UN Arms Trade Treaty of 2 April 2013 on Export and Export Assessment and Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP of 8 December 2008 defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment;

31. Given the gendered impacts of armed conflicts, deplores the insufficient priority and focus given to sexual and gender-based violence and to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the EU’s humanitarian and refugee response; reiterates that humanitarian crises intensify SRHR- and gender-related challenges and recalls that in crisis zones, particularly among vulnerable groups such as refugees and migrants, women and girls are particularly exposed to sexual violence, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual exploitation, rape as a weapon of war and unwanted pregnancies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to give high priority to gender equality and SRHR in their humanitarian aid and refugee response, as well as accountability and access to justice and redress for sexual and reproductive rights violations and gender-based violence, including in terms of training for humanitarian actors, and existing and future funding;

Team Europe approach

32. Recognises the potential for stronger alignment in approaches to human rights protection and promotion between EU institutions, Member States’ embassies and EU delegations in non-EU countries, particularly in encouraging those countries to comply with their international obligations and to refrain from harassment and persecution of critical voices; emphasises the opportunity for Member States’ embassies to take an increasingly active role in advancing and safeguarding human rights, while also supporting civil society in these countries; calls for the EU and its Member States to use all possible means to urge countries to release political prisoners; highlights the importance of shared responsibility between Member States and EU delegations in these efforts; calls for the EU and its Member States to intensify their collective efforts to promote the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights and to support democracy worldwide; encourages careful monitoring and assessment of the capacity of EU delegations to ensure that each one has a designated point of contact for cases of human rights violations, and that this mandate is allocated sufficient resources to respond in an effective and timely manner; reiterates, in this context, the importance, for the EU delegations, of existing EU guidelines related to specific areas of human rights;

Responding to universal human rights and democracy challenges

Right to freedom from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

33. Condemns any action or attempt to legalise, instigate, authorise, consent or acquiesce to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment methods under any circumstances; condemns the increasing reports of the use of torture by state actors in many different contexts, including in custodial and extra-custodial settings – of political prisoners, among others – and in conflict situations around the world, notably in violation of the Geneva Convention on Prisoners of War, as well as the killing of prisoners of war, which amounts to a war crime, and reiterates the non-derogable nature of the right to be free from torture or other forms of inhuman or degrading treatment; reiterates the EU’s zero-tolerance policy to torture and other ill-treatment and calls on the relevant institutions, including the European Court of Human Rights, to take a thorough stance on any such case;

34. Reiterates its calls for universal ratification of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its Optional Protocol thereto, and for the need for states to bring their national provisions in this respect in line with international standards; reiterates, in accordance with the revised Guidelines on the EU’s policy towards third countries on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, adopted by the Council on 16 September 2019, the importance of engaging with relevant stakeholders in the fight to eradicate torture, and to monitor places of detention;

Right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association

35. Reiterates the need to protect the EU democratic space and the exercise of fundamental freedoms therein, particularly freedoms of assembly and association; highlights the growing violent repression of protest and peaceful assemblies within the EU civic space, with cases of torture and ill-treatment resulting in deaths and other serious violations; underscores the need to strengthen this fundamental right in conjunction with the absolute prohibition of torture and ill-treatment;

Right to food, water and sanitation

36. Recalls that the right to food, including having physical and economic access to adequate food or the means to its procurement, is a human right; is extremely concerned about the challenges to the right to food worldwide, especially in situations of war and conflicts; condemns the increasing reports of the weaponisation of food in situations of armed conflict; calls for the EU and its Member States to promote mandatory guidelines on the right to food without discrimination within the UN system; urges the EU and the Member States to fully support, politically and financially, organisations and agencies working to secure the right to food in conflict zones; recalls the importance of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas in view of attaining food security; commends the work of the UN World Food Programme, in this regard;

37. Reaffirms the rights to safe drinking water and to sanitation as human rights, both rights being complementary; underlines that access to clean drinking water is indispensable to a healthy and dignified life and is essential for the maintenance of human dignity; highlights the fact that the right to water is a fundamental precondition for the enjoyment of other rights, and as such must be guided by a logic grounded in the public interest, and in common public and global goods; underscores the importance of the EU Guidelines on safe drinking water and sanitation, and urges the EU institutions and the Member States to implement and promote their application in non-EU countries and in multilateral forums;

Climate change and the environment

38. Highlights that climate change and its impact on the environment has direct effects on the effective enjoyment of all human rights; recognises the important work of CSOs, indigenous peoples and local communities, land and environmental HRDs and indigenous activists for the protection of a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, including access to land and water sources; deplores the risks that environmental HRDs and indigenous activists face and calls for their effective protection to be guaranteed; notes that communities contributing the least to climate change are the ones more likely to be affected by climate risks and natural disasters and calls, in this regard, for increasing support to the most vulnerable groups; recalls that indigenous peoples and local communities play an important role in the sustainable management of natural resources and the conservation of biodiversity; recalls that the transition to clean energy must be fair and respect everyone’s fundamental rights; reiterates the importance of the achievement of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) for the protection of the human rights of present and future generations;

39. Notes with deep concern the increasing threats to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment posed by the deployment of weapons of mass destruction and other forms of warfare that adversely and disproportionately affect the environment; stresses the need to effectively address the displacement of people caused by environmental destruction and climate change, which increases the risk of human rights violations and heightens vulnerabilities to different forms of exploitation; recognises that children face more acute risks from climate-related disasters and are also one of the largest groups to be affected; calls for the EU to focus on addressing the impacts of climate change on the enjoyment of the rights of the child;

Rights of the child

40. Calls for a systematic and consistent approach to promoting and defending children’s rights, including for those most marginalised and those in the most vulnerable situations, through all of the EU’s external policies; calls for more concerted efforts to promote the respect, protection and fulfilment of children’s rights in crisis or emergency situations; condemns the decline in respect for the rights of the child and the increasing violations and abuses of these rights, including through violence, early and forced marriage, sexual abuse including genital mutilation, trafficking, child labour, honour killings, recruitment of child soldiers, lack of access to education and healthcare, malnutrition and extreme poverty; further condemns the increase in deaths of children in situations of armed conflict and stresses the need for effective protection of children’s rights in active warfare; calls for new EU initiatives to promote and protect children’s rights, with a view to rehabilitating and reintegrating conflict-affected children, ensuring that they have a protected, family- and community-based environment as a natural context for their lives, in which assistance and education are fundamental elements; reiterates its call for a systematic and consistent approach to promoting and defending children’s rights through all EU external policies; calls on all countries to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as a matter of urgency, in order to allow for the universal ratification of this foundational instrument;

41. Stresses the importance of closing the financing gap that would enable countries to meet their SDG 4 targets on quality education and ensure access to education for all children and young people; reiterates its calls to address cultural norms and gender biases that prevent girls and women from receiving an education and urges the creation of gender-responsive education systems worldwide;

42. Stresses that education represents the starting point for cultivating principles and values that contribute to the personal development of children, as well as to social cohesion and democracy, and the rule of law around the world; to that end calls for the EU to promote its values through supporting access to education and learning for women and girls;

Rights of women and gender equality

43. Stresses that women’s rights and gender equality are indispensable and indivisible human rights, as well as a basis for the rule of law and inclusive resilient democracies; deplores the fact that millions of women and girls continue to experience discrimination and violence, especially in the context of conflicts, post-conflict situations and displacements, and are denied their dignity, autonomy and even life; condemns the impunity with which perpetrators commit violations against women HRDs; is appalled by the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war and stresses the need to shed light on these instances, and for better international cooperation on fighting impunity for these crimes; calls for the EU, its Member States and like-minded partners to step up their efforts to ensure the full enjoyment and protection of women’s and girls’ human rights, and to incorporate a gender mainstreaming approach across all policies, taking into account the differentiated impacts of global challenges such as climate change or conflicts; condemns in the strongest terms the increasing attacks on SRHR around the world, as well as gender-based violence; strongly deplores cases of female genital mutilation, honour killings, child marriages and forced marriages; welcomes the accession of the EU to the Istanbul Convention and strongly encourages the remaining EU Member States to ratify the Istanbul Convention without further delay; calls for the EU and its international partners to strengthen their efforts to ensure that women fully enjoy human rights and are treated equally to men; emphasises the importance of safeguarding the rights of women, ensuring that their health, safety and dignity are protected, particularly in the context of healthcare access and workplace protections; underlines the need to keep opposing and condemning, in the strongest terms, anti-abortion laws that punish women and girls with decades-long jail sentences, even in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the pregnant woman is at risk; stresses the need to pursue efforts to fully eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation; fully supports the role of the EU Ambassador for Gender and Diversity;

44. Recognises that gender apartheid constitutes a systematic and institutionalised form of oppression, depriving women and girls of fundamental rights solely on the basis of their gender; notes with deep concern the entrenchment of gender apartheid in certain regions, where women face extensive restrictions on education, employment, healthcare and freedom of movement, often underpinned by legal and cultural frameworks that reinforce gender-based discrimination; urges the EU and the Member States to proactively address gender apartheid through strengthened diplomatic efforts, targeted economic measures and accountability mechanisms that support civil society organisations advocating for gender equality; calls for the formal recognition of gender apartheid as a distinct human rights violation and for support for international initiatives for its classification as a crime against humanity, thus contributing to the establishment of a global accountability standard;

Rights of refugees and asylum seekers

45. Denounces the erosion of the human rights and the safety of refugees, asylum seekers and forcibly displaced persons; reaffirms their inalienable human rights and fundamental right to seek asylum; recalls the obligation of states to protect them in accordance with international law; underlines the importance of identification and registration of individuals, including children, as a key tool for protecting refugees and ensuring the integrity of refugee protection systems, preventing human trafficking and the recruitment of children into armed militias; calls for the EU and its Member States to effectively uphold their rights in the EU’s asylum and migration policy and in the EU’s cooperation with partner countries in this regard; deplores the increasing xenophobia, racism and discrimination towards migrants, as well as the different forms of violence they face, including during their displacement, and the many barriers they face, including in access to healthcare; condemns the instrumentalisation of migration at EU borders by foreign actors, which constitutes hybrid attacks against the Member States as well as a dehumanisation of migrants; stresses that the EU should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue and, where possible, step up their support for countries hosting the most refugees, as well as for transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with non-EU countries, with full respect for fundamental rights, remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses, in this regard, that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling are crucial, as well as of the migration laws of the destination countries, in order to prevent the undertaking of unnecessarily risky journeys by those who do not have grounds for asylum; calls for EU-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the EU and welcomes, in this regard, the Commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the EU [11], including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; calls for respect for the principle of non-refoulement to countries where the life and liberty of people would be threatened; calls for the EU and its Member States to discuss the phenomenon of instrumentalised migration orchestrated by authoritarian regimes and organised crime groups, and emphasises the need to conduct a comprehensive analysis of this phenomenon, develop effective countermeasures, and consider its implications for the human rights framework;

46. Reaffirms that no agreement with a non-EU country designated as a transit country should be concluded without Parliament’s scrutiny, and calls on the Commission and the Member States to include robust human rights clauses, monitoring mechanisms and impact assessments therein; reiterates its call on the Commission to integrate ex ante human rights impact assessments into such agreements;

Rights of LGBTIQ+ persons

47. Deplores the human rights violations, including discrimination, persecution, violence and killings, against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) persons around the world; is extremely concerned by the spreading of hatred and anti-LGBTIQ+ narratives and legislation that target LGBTIQ+ persons and HRDs; calls for the adoption of policies that protect LGBTIQ+ people and give them the tools to safely report a violation of their rights, in line with the EU Guidelines to Promote and Protect the Enjoyment of all Human Rights by LGBTI Persons; expresses special concern over LGBTIQ+ people living under non-democratic regimes or in conflict situations, and calls for rapid response mechanisms to protect them as well as their defenders; reiterates its calls for the full implementation of the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 as the EU’s tool for improving the situation of LGBTIQ+ people around the world; calls for the use of the death penalty to be rejected under all circumstances, including any legislation that would impose the death penalty for homosexuality; calls for the EU and its Member States to further engage the countries with such legislation in reconsidering their position on the death penalty; notes further that the imposition of the death penalty on the basis of such legislation is arbitrary killing per se, and a breach of Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

Rights of persons with disabilities

48. Is concerned by the challenges to the full enjoyment of the rights of persons with disabilities; reiterates its calls for the EU to assist partner countries in the development of policies in support of carers of persons with disabilities; calls for the raising of social awareness and the combating of discriminatory behaviours against persons with disabilities; points to the additional complications faced by persons with disabilities in conflict situations and natural disasters, as they are more vulnerable to violence and often do not receive adequate support; urges all parties to conflict situations worldwide to take adequate measures to mitigate the risks to them as much as possible; emphasises the need to safeguard children with disabilities from any form of exploitation; calls for the EU, in its external policy, to make use of the strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030 as a tool to improve the situation of persons with disabilities, particularly concerning poverty and discrimination, but also problems with access to education, healthcare and employment, and participation in political life; encourages the EU to support partner countries in developing inclusive economic policies that promote accessible vocational training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, fostering their full and active economic participation;

Rights of elderly people

49. Reiterates its call for the EU and its Member States to develop new avenues to strengthen the rights of elderly people, taking into account the multiple challenges they face, such as age-based discrimination, poverty, violence and a lack of social protection, healthcare and other essential services, as well as barriers to employment; calls for the implementation of specific measures to combat the risk of poverty for older women through increased social support; underlines the work of the UN Open-ended Working Group on Ageing on a legally binding instrument to strengthen the protection of the human rights of older people and calls for the EU and its Member States to consider actively supporting that work; stresses the need for a cross-cutting intergenerational approach in EU policies, in order to build and encourage solidarity between young people and elderly people;

Right to equality and non-discrimination

50. Reiterates its condemnation of all forms of racism, intolerance, antisemitism, Islamophobia, persecution of Christians, xenophobia and discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation or gender identity; condemns the growing international threat of hate speech and speech that incites violence, including online; reiterates the crucial role of education and dialogue in promoting tolerance, understanding and diversity; calls for the adoption or the strengthening of mechanisms for reporting discriminatory behaviours as well as access to effective legal remedies, to help end the impunity of those who engage in this behaviour;

Right to life: towards the universal abolition of the death penalty

51. Reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty, which is irreversible and incompatible with the right to life and with the prohibition of torture, and a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment; stresses that the EU must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; notes that despite the trend in some non-EU countries to take steps towards abolishing the death penalty, significant challenges in this regard still exist; deplores the fact that in other non-EU countries the number of death sentences that have been carried out has reached its highest level in the last five years; reiterates its call for all countries to completely abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium on the use of the death penalty (sentences and executions) as a first step towards its abolition; urges, in this regard, the EU to intensify diplomatic engagement with countries that continue to practise the death penalty, encouraging dialogue and cooperation on human rights issues and providing support for the development of judicial reforms that could lead towards its abolition;

Right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief

52. Reiterates its concern regarding violations of the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief; is concerned about the worldwide increase in intolerance towards different religious communities; deplores the instrumentalisation of religious or belief identities for political purposes and the exclusion of persons belonging to religious and belief minorities and religious communities, including from political participation, as well as the destruction and vandalism of sites and works of art of cultural and historical value, in certain non-EU countries; stresses that the freedom to choose one’s religion, to believe or not to believe is a human right that cannot be punished; condemns, therefore, the existence and implementation of so-called apostasy laws and blasphemy laws that lead to harsh penalties, degrading treatment and, in some cases, even to death sentences; calls for the abolition of apostasy laws and blasphemy laws; stresses that the Special Envoy for the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU should be granted more resources so that he can efficiently carry out his mandate; highlights the need for the Special Envoy to continue to work closely and in a complementary manner with the EUSR for Human Rights and the Council Working Party on Human Rights; calls for the EU and its Member States to step up their efforts to protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, to raise these issues at UN human rights forums and to continue working with the relevant UN mechanisms and committees; calls for the EU to request and consolidate reports by EU delegations on the state of freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief;

53. Recalls that most of the drivers of violent conflicts worldwide involve minority grievances of exclusion, discrimination and inequalities linked to violations of the human rights of minorities, as observed by the UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues; stresses the need to mainstream the protection of the rights of minorities and for the development of protection mechanisms at the level of the UN; recalls the obligations of states to protect the rights of their national, ethnic, cultural, religious or linguistic minorities within their respective territories; calls on the Commission to support the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities worldwide, including this as a priority under the human rights and democracy thematic programme of the EU’s NDICI-Global Europe;

Right to freedom of expression, academic freedom, media freedom and the right to information

54. Emphasises the critical significance of freedom of expression and access to trustworthy and diverse sources of information for sustaining democracy and a thriving civic space; recalls that democracies can only function when citizens have access to independent and reliable information, making journalists key players in the safeguarding of democracy; is therefore seriously concerned about the increasing restrictions on freedom of expression in numerous countries worldwide, particularly for journalists, through censorship, enforced self-censorship, so-called foreign agents laws and the misuse of counter-terrorism or anti-corruption laws to suppress journalists and civil society groups; is concerned by the use of hate speech against journalists, both online and offline, leading to a deterrent effect; raises concerns, additionally, about the physical security of journalists and media workers and their being targeted in conflict zones; notes the number of journalists killed in conflict situations in 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, has increased alarmingly – by 85 % – since 2022;

55. Calls urgently for the EU to back trustworthy media and information outlets that promote the accountability of authorities and support democratic transitions, while stressing the need to preserve the principles of pluralism, transparency and independence; highlights the role played by fact checkers in the media landscape, ensuring that the public can trust the information they receive; is concerned that they are therefore major targets for attacks by illiberal regimes that originate and disseminate disinformation, propaganda and fake news; condemns the extensive use of SLAPPs to silence journalists, activists, trade unionists and HRDs globally; welcomes, in this context, the directive designed to shield journalists and HRDs from abusive legal actions and SLAPPs; encourages lawmakers in non-EU countries to develop legislation with the same goal, as part of broader efforts to promote and protect media freedom and pluralism; requests that attacks on media freedom, as well as the persistent and systematic erosion of the right to information, be taken into account in the EU’s monitoring of the compliance of international agreements;

56. Welcomes the Commission’s plan to finance initiatives that support journalists on legal and practical matters, including beyond the EU, through the European Democracy Action Plan; calls for the EU to strengthen its efforts to aid targeted journalists globally, recalling that independent journalists are on the frontline of the fight against disinformation, which undermines democracies; acknowledges the contribution to achieving this goal of programmes such as the now-defunct Media4Democracy and other EU-funded activities, including those of the European Endowment for Democracy; urges the EU to help make reliable news sources available to more people living in countries that restrict press freedom;

57. Remains deeply concerned by the deteriorating state of press freedom around the world; condemns the censorship of journalists, HRDs and CSOs through the application of so-called foreign agents laws, as well as other legislative and non-legislative measures adopted by authoritarian and illiberal regimes;

58. Reaffirms its commitment to protecting and promoting academic freedom as a key component of open and democratic societies; underlines the attacks to academic freedom not only by authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, but also by extreme and populist forces worldwide; calls for the development of benchmarks for academic freedom into institutional quality assurance within academic rankings, procedures and criteria;

59. Notes with concern that more than half of the world’s population lives within environments of completely or severely restricted levels of academic freedom, which has severe consequences for the right to education, the enjoyment of the benefits of scientific progress and the freedom of opinion and expression; urges the EU and its Member States to step up their efforts to halt censorship, threats or attacks on academic freedom, and especially the imprisonment of scholars worldwide; welcomes the inclusion of academics at risk in the EU Human Rights Defenders Mechanism; calls on the Commission to ensure continued high-level support for the Global Campus of Human Rights, which has provided a safe space for students and scholars who had to flee their countries for defending democracy and human rights;

Rights of indigenous peoples

60. Notes with regret that indigenous peoples continue to face widespread and systematic discrimination and persecution worldwide, including forced displacements; condemns arbitrary arrests and the killing of human rights and land defenders who stand up for the rights of indigenous peoples; stresses that the promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples and their traditional practices are key to achieving sustainable development, combating climate change and conserving biodiversity; urges governments to pursue development and environmental policies that respect economic, social and cultural rights, and that are inclusive of indigenous peoples and local populations, in line with the UN SDGs; reiterates its call for the EU, its Member States and their partners in the international community to adopt all necessary measures for the recognition, protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous people, including as regards their languages, lands, territories and resources, as set out in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the principle of free, prior and informed consent; calls on all states to ensure that indigenous peoples and local communities are included in the deliberations and decision-making processes of international climate diplomacy; encourages the Commission to continue to promote dialogue and collaboration between indigenous peoples and the EU;

Right to public participation

61. Deplores that the right to participate in free and fair elections is not respected in authoritarian, illiberal, and totalitarian regimes; highlights that these regimes conduct fake elections with the aim of entrenching their power, as they lack real political contestation and pluralism; is alarmed by current trends in electoral processes, such as the increasing decline in electoral participation and democratic performance or the growing disputes concerning the credibility of elections; highlights with deep concern the growing interference by some states in other countries’ elections through hybrid tactics; reaffirms the necessity of increasing political representation of women, young people and vulnerable groups and to guarantee the public participation of minorities; underlines that distrust in the electoral process can be exacerbated not only by irregularities but also by public statements, including from participants; emphasises that public perception of electoral process is as crucial as the process itself, as its manipulation can lead to polarisation or targeted attacks; calls on non-EU countries to reinforce their efforts to clearly communicate all the steps of their respective electoral processes and systems, as well as the existing accountability mechanisms in case of irregularities; calls on the EEAS and the Commission to analyse and report to Parliament their initiatives to tackle the challenges posed by articifical intelligence (AI) in electoral processes;

Human rights, business and trade

62. Stresses the role of trade as a major instrument to promote and improve the human rights situation in the EU’s partner countries; urges the Commission to improve coordination between the EU’s trade, investment and development policies and prioritise and promote the development of human rights through EU trade policies, including the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus; notes, however, that there has been little to no improvement in some of the countries concerned; stresses the responsibilities of states and other actors, such as corporations, to mitigate the effects of climate change, prevent their negative impact on human rights and promote appropriate policies in compliance with human rights obligations; deplores the detrimental effects of some excessive and exploitative business activities on human rights and democracy; welcomes the harmonisation resulting from the adoption of the Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence with binding EU rules on responsible corporate behaviour with regard to human, labour and environmental rights; further welcomes the Regulation on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market [12] and calls for its swift implementation at Member State level; calls for the implementation of the EU Ombudsman’s recommendation concerning the creation of a complaint-handling portal, within the framework of EU trade and financial instruments, and for the adaptation of the Commission’s Single Entry Point to allow for the submission of complaints regarding failures to comply with human rights clauses, which should be accessible, citizen-friendly and transparent; calls for the EU to continue its efforts to eliminate child labour, and forced and bonded labour; stresses the importance of remediation and access to justice measures that are in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, including financial and non-financial measures in consultation with the victims; calls on the Council to adopt an ambitious mandate for the EU to engage in the ongoing negotiations on the UN legally binding instrument on business and human rights as soon as possible;

63. Highlights that in many regions of the world, micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are often the driving force of local economies with an increasing number of women running them; underlines that MSMEs account for 90 % of businesses, 60 to 70 % of employment and 50 % of gross domestic product worldwide; highlights the importance of MSMEs in their contribution to the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the SDGs, namely those on the eradication of poverty and decent working conditions for all;

Human rights and digital technologies

64. Is concerned by the threat that AI can pose to democracy and human rights, especially if it is not duly regulated; highlights the need for oversight, robust transparency and appropriate safeguards for new and emergent technologies, as well as a human-rights based approach; welcomes the Council conclusions on Digital Diplomacy of 26 June 2023 to strengthen the EU’s role and leadership in global digital governance, in particular its position as a shaper of the global digital rulebook based on democratic principles; welcomes, in this regard, the adoption of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act which aims to harmonise the rules on AI for protecting human rights, and the advantages that AI can bring to human wellbeing; is deeply concerned about the harmful consequences of the misuse of AI and deepfakes, particularly for women and children; notes with concern the adverse effects of the ‘fake content industry’ on the right to information and press freedom, including the rapid development of AI and the subsequent empowerment of the disinformation industry [13]; condemns the use of new and emerging technologies, such as facial recognition technology and digital surveillance, as coercive instruments and their use in the increasing harassment, intimidation and persecution of HRDs, activists, journalists and lawyers; calls on the Council for the listing under the EUGHRSR of state and non-state actors that are engaging in these practices; notes with concern the rapid development of AI in military applications, as well as the potential development and deployment of autonomous systems that could make life-or-death decisions without human input;

65. Recalls that the international trade in spyware to non-EU countries where such tools are used against human rights activists, journalists and government critics, is a violation of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter;

66. Welcomes the adoption in May 2024 of the first Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, aimed at ensuring that activities within the entire life cycle of AI systems are fully consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law; reiterates the need for greater legislative attention to be paid to the profound changes arising from activities within the life cycle of AI systems, which have the potential to promote human prosperity, individual and social well-being, sustainable development, gender equality, and the empowerment of all women and girls, but also pose the risk of creating or exacerbating inequalities and incentivising cyber and physical violence, including violence experienced by women and individuals in vulnerable situations;

67. Stresses that the internet should be a place where freedom of expression prevails; considers, nevertheless, that the rights of individuals need to be respected; is of the opinion that, where applicable, what is considered to be illegal offline, should be considered illegal online; expresses concern for the growing number of internet shutdowns; highlights that internet shutdowns are often used by authoritarian regimes, among others, to silence political dissidence and curb political freedom; calls urgently for the EU to combat this alarming phenomenon, including considering allowing EU-based providers to offer safe communication tools to people who have been thereby deprived of online access; urges the EU to take a firm stance against any attempts by tech giants to circumvent or undermine national legal systems and independent court decisions, and to protect democratic principles and implement measures to maintain the integrity of elections, as well as to protect the right to information, especially during electoral periods;

° °

68. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the United Nations Security Council, the United Nations Secretary-General, the President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the European Union Heads of Delegation.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Each year, the European Parliament adopts three annual reports on the EU’s foreign, security and defence, and human rights policies.

The three reports are on:

• the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy – annual report 2024 (based on the report of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Policy to the European Parliament on the Common Foreign and Security Policy) – competence of the AFET Committee,

• Human Rights and Democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024 (based on the EU Annual report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World) – competence of the DROI Subcommittee, and

• the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy – annual report 2024 (based on the report of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Policy to the European Parliament on the Common Foreign and Security Policy) – competence of the SEDE Subcommittee.

These reports monitor and assess the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, including the EU policy on Human Rights and the Common Security and Defence Policy. They are a key component of the European Parliament’s contribution to EU foreign policy making, most notably in regard to the strengthened right of scrutiny conferred to the European Parliament by the Treaty of Lisbon. It is essential that the European Parliament responds to the annual reports issued by other institutions as soon as they are published.

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

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

Entity and/or person

European Partnership for Democracy/International Dalit Solidarity Network

Clean Clothes Campaign

Protection International

Race & Equality

FIDH – International Federation for Human Rights

International Partnership for Human Rights

Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies

Front Line Defenders

Save the Children

Avocats Sans Frontières

Center for Reproductive Rights

Reporters without Borders

End FGM European Network

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

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

ANNEX II: INDIVIDUAL CASES RAISED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT FROM DECEMBER 2023 TO JANUARY 2025

COUNTRY

Individual

BACKGROUND

ACTION TAKEN BY THE PARLIAMENT

AFGHANISTAN

Manizha Seddiqi Ahmad Fahim Azimi

Sediqullah Afghan, Fardin Fedayee Ezatullah Zwab

Manizha Seddiqi, Ahmad Fahim Azimi, Sediqullah Afghan, Fardin Fedayee and Ezatullah Zwab are human rights defenders who have been detained in Afghanistan.

In its resolution of 14 March 2024, the European Parliament:

– Condemns the arbitrary detention of human rights defenders, including Manizha Seddiqi, Ahmad Fahim Azimi, Sediqullah Afghan, Fardin Fedayee and Ezatullah Zwab;

– Calls for victims of violence against women and girls to be released from prison, where they are being held in inhumane conditions to the detriment of their mental and physical health.

ALGERIA

Boualem Sansal

French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal was detained on 16 November 2024 by the Algerian authorities, his whereabouts remained unknown for over a week, during which time he was denied access to his family and legal counsel; he was subsequently charged with national security-related offences under Article 87bis of the Algerian Penal Code, and he is awaiting trial.

In its resolution of 23 January 2025, the European Parliament:

– Condemns the arrest and detention of Boualem Sansal and calls for his immediate and unconditional release;

– Equally condemns the arrests of all other activists, political prisoners, journalists, human rights defenders and others detained or sentenced for exercising their right to freedom of opinion and expression, including journalist Abdelwakil Blamm and writer Tadjadit Mohamed, and calls for their release;

– Reiterates, as enshrined in the EU-Algeria Partnership Priorities, the importance of the rule of law in order to consolidate freedom of expression; stresses that renewing this agreement must be based upon continued and substantial progress in the aforementioned domains and underscores that all future disbursements of EU funds should consider the progress made in this regard.

AZERBAIJAN

Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu

Ilhamiz Guliyev

Ulvi Hasanli Sevinj Vagifgizi

Nargiz Absalamova

Hafiz Babali,

Elnara Gasimova Aziz Orujov

Rufat Muradli

Avaz Zeynalli

Elnur Shukurov

Alasgar Mammadli

Farid Ismayilov

Gubad Ibadoghlu, a political economist and opposition figure, was arrested by Azerbaijani authorities in July 2023 and remained in detention until 22 April 2024, when he was transferred to house arrest; his health has deteriorated significantly since his arrest, as a result of torture, inhumane detention conditions and refusal of adequate medical care, thus endangering his life.

Ilhamiz Guliyev, a human rights defender, was arbitrarily arrested on 4 December 2023 on dubious accusations of drug trafficking after he testified as whistleblower about the police tampering with evidence against government critics; he is facing up to 12 years in prison.

Tofig Yagublu, Akif Gurbanov, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev are political prisoners, and Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova, Hafiz Babali, Elnara Gasimova, Aziz Orujov, Rufat Muradli, Avaz Zeynalli, Elnur Shukurov, Alasgar Mammadli, Farid Ismayilov are human rights defenders and journalists.

In its resolution of 25 April 2024, the European Parliament:

– Urges Azerbaijan to immediately and unconditionally release Ilhamiz Guliyev; notes that Gubad Ibadoghlu has been released and placed under house arrest and calls on the authorities to lift the travel ban and drop all charges against him; calls on Azerbaijan to urgently ensure that he receives an independent medical examination by a doctor of his own choosing and to allow him to receive treatment abroad;

– Urges Azerbaijan to immediately and unconditionally release all other political prisoners, including Tofig Yagublu, Akif Gurbanov, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, human rights defenders and journalists Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova, Hafiz Babali, Elnara Gasimova, Aziz Orujov, Rufat Muradli, Avaz Zeynalli, Elnur Shukurov, Alasgar Mammadli, Farid Ismayilov, as well as EU and other nationals.

AZERBAIJAN

Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, Anar Mammadli, Kamran Mammadli, Rufat Safarov and Meydan TV

Political prisoner and 2024 Sakharov Prize finalist Gubad Ibadoghlu remains under house arrest; the European Court of Human Rights ruled that his health condition is critical, requiring hospitalisation and urgent heart surgery.

Civil society leader Anar Mammadli has been in pre-trial detention since April 2024 on bogus charges, with his health deteriorating due to denied healthcare.

In early December 2024, the Azerbaijani authorities arrested MeydanTV journalists Aynur Ganbarova, Aytaj Ahmadova, Khayala Agayeva, Natig Javadli and Aysel Umudova, and journalists Ramin Jabrayilzade and Ahmad Mukhtar; they also arrested Baku Journalism School deputy director Ulvi Tahirov, political leader Azer Gasimli and human rights defender Rufat Safarov; all face unfounded, politically motivated charges.

In its resolution of 19 December 2024, the European Parliament:

– Urges the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately end the crackdown on all dissident groups and unconditionally release and drop all charges against human rights defenders, journalists and political and other activists prosecuted under fabricated, politically motivated charges;

– Demands that the authorities immediately lift the travel ban on Ibadoghlu, unconditionally drop all charges against him and allow him to receive urgent treatment abroad; deplores the fact that Ibadoghlu was not allowed to attend the Sakharov Prize ceremony or connect remotely;

– Calls on Azerbaijan to lift undue restrictions on independent media by aligning its laws on the registration and funding of non-governmental groups and media with Venice Commission recommendations; demands that the authorities end the repression of MeydanTV, ToplumTV, Abaz Media and Kanal13;

– Calls for EU sanctions under its global human rights sanctions regime to be imposed on Azerbaijani officials responsible for serious human rights violations, including Fuad Alasgarov, Vilayat Eyvazov and Ali Naghiyev.

BELARUS

Marina Adamovich, Mikalai Statkevich Tatsiana Seviarynets, Pavel Seviarynets Daria Losik

Ihar Losik

Mikalai Kazlou

Ryhor Kastusiou Mikalai Statkevich Pavel Seviarynets

Marina Adamovich, wife of Mikalai Statkevich (political prisoner), Tatsiana Seviarynets, mother of Pavel Seviarynets (political prisoner), and earlier-arrested Daria Losik, wife of Ihar Losik (political prisoner), have suffered interrogations and detentions by the KGB.

Mikalai Kazlou, Ryhor Kastusiou, Mikalai Statkevich and Pavel Seviarynets, all political prisoners, face isolation, torture, denial of medical care and forced labour.

In its resolution of 14 December 2023, the European Parliament:

– Strongly condemns the recent wave of mass arrests in Belarus and urges the illegitimate Lukashenka regime to cease repression, especially any gender-based persecution, and reminds the regime of its international obligations;

– Calls for the immediate unconditional release and compensation of all more than 1 400 political prisoners, as well as their families and arbitrarily detained persons, while restoring their full rights.

BELARUS

Mikola Statkevich

Ales Bialiatski

Maria Kalesnikava Siarhei Tsikhanouski Viktar Babaryka Maksim Znak

Pavel Sevyarynets Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk

Andrzej Poczobut Ihar Losik

Former presidential candidate and 2020 Sakharov Prize laureate Mikola Statkevich has been imprisoned on politically motivated charges for 14 years; he is kept in solitary confinement under maximum security; his health is deteriorating and his lawyers and family have been denied information and contact for over 300 days.

Prominent Belarusian political prisoners, including Ales Bialiatski, Maria Kalesnikava, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Viktar Babaryka, Maksim Znak, Pavel Sevyarynets, Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, Andrzej Poczobut and Ihar Losik, have been subjected to similar isolation.

In its resolution of 8 February 2024, the European Parliament:

– Demands the immediate, unconditional release of Mikola Statkevich and all 1 500 political prisoners; calls for the withdrawal of all charges against them, their full rehabilitation and financial compensation for the damage suffered as a result of being deprived of liberty;

– Insists that the prisoners must receive proper medical assistance and access to lawyers, family, diplomats and international organisations, which can assess their condition and provide aid; regrets the inaction of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Belarus;

– Strongly condemns the unjustified, politically motivated sentences and continued repression of Belarusian democratic forces, civil society, human rights defenders, trade unionists, journalists, clergy, political activists and their family members.

CHINA

Ding Yuande

Ma Ruimei

On 12 May 2023 Falun Gong practitioners Mr Ding Yuande and his wife Ms Ma Ruimei were arrested without a warrant; Ms Ma was released on bail, but was then intimidated by police because of a rescue campaign launched by their son abroad.

Mr Ding was detained with no family visits for eight months; on 15 December 2023 he was sentenced to three years in prison with a CNY 15 000 fine.

In its resolution of 18 January 2024, the European Parliament:

– Strongly urges the PRC to immediately end the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and other minorities, including Uyghurs and Tibetans; demands the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Ding and all Falun Gong practitioners in China;

– Calls for the PRC to end domestic and transnational surveillance and control and the suppression of religious freedom; urges the PRC to abide by its obligations under international law and its own constitution to respect and protect human rights.

CHINA

Ilham Tohti

Gulshan Abbas

In 2014 Ilham Tohti was convicted of politically motivated charges of ‘separatism’ and sentenced to life imprisonment; he worked to foster dialogue between Uyghurs and Han Chinese; he was awarded the 2019 Sakharov Prize. Gulshan Abbas has been serving a 20-year sentence on fallacious terrorism-related charges relating to activities of her sister, a defender of the human rights of persecuted Uyghurs in the PRC.

Gulshan Abbas, is a Uyghur retired doctor, who was forcibly disappeared in retaliation of her sisters public criticism of the treatment of Uyghurs. She has received a 20-year sentence in 2020, for participating in a terrorist organisation.

In its resolution of 10 October 2024, the European Parliament:

– Strongly condemns the PRC’s violations of the human rights of Uyghurs and people in Tibet, Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China;

– Urges the PRC to immediately and unconditionally release Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas, as well as those arbitrarily detained in China and those mentioned by the EU during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council, guarantee their access to medical care and lawyers, provide information on their whereabouts and ensure family visiting rights; calls for the EU and the Member States to apply pressure in this respect at every high-level contact;

– Demands that the PRC authorities halt their repression and targeting of Uyghurs with abusive policies, including intense surveillance, forced labour, sterilisation, birth prevention measures and the destruction of Uyghur identity, which amount to crimes against humanity and a serious risk of genocide; calls for the closure of all internment camps;

– Strongly condemns the PRC for not implementing the recommendations of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); calls on the PRC to allow the OHCHR independent access to XUAR and invites the OHCHR to issue a comprehensive situational update and an action plan for holding the PRC accountable;

– Welcomes the EU’s forced labour regulation and insists on its full implementation; calls on businesses operating in the PRC, particularly in XUAR, to comply with their HR due diligence obligations.

CUBA

José Daniel Ferrer Garcia

Human rights defender and opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer García was detained on 11 July 2021 in the context of widespread protests in Cuba, and has been held in isolation since 14 August 2021; the Cuban regime has imprisoned, harassed and intimidated him for over a decade for his peaceful political activism; since March 2023, he has been held incommunicado and his family have received no information about his health and have been denied the right to visit him.

In its resolution of 19 September 2024, the European Parliament:

– The Cuban regime holds political prisoners in the most appalling conditions; whereas reports indicate that José Daniel Ferrer is in a critical condition and has been held without access to medical treatment, with inadequate food and in unsanitary conditions, which constitute forms of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment;

– The human rights situation in Cuba is alarming, particularly for dissidents, who are subjected to worrying levels of surveillance and arbitrary detention; whereas the number of political prisoners is unknown but reliable sources state that the regime holds over a thousand prisoners, including minors; whereas among the many political prisoners are Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Lizandra Gongora, whose health condition is critical;

– Urges the Cuban regime to immediately and unconditionally release José Daniel Ferrer and all persons politically and arbitrarily detained for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly;

– Condemns the torture and inhuman, degrading and ill-treatment perpetrated by the Cuban authorities against José Daniel Ferrer and the other political prisoners; calls for the families of victims of the regime’s persecution to be granted immediate access to them, pending their release, and for the victims to be given medical care.

CRIMEA

Iryna Danylovych, Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Amet Suleymanov

Crimean journalist and human rights defender Iryna Danylovych was abducted in 2022, accused of possessing explosives and sentenced to 6 years and 11 months of imprisonment; NGO activist Tofik Abdulhaziiev was arrested in 2019 and sentenced to 12 years in a maximum security prison on trumped-up charges, and since 2023 is being held in a prison some 2 700 km away from Crimea; citizen journalist Amet Suleymanov was sentenced to 12 years of prison in 2021.

In its resolution of 19 December 2024, the European Parliament:

– Condemns Russia’s continuous targeting of ethnic Ukrainians and systematic persecution of indigenous Crimean Tatars, which aims to erase their identity, heritage and culture, echoing, for the Crimean Tatars, the genocidal deportations of 1944; considers that Crimea’s future is tied to its recognition as the Crimean Tatars’ historic homeland;

– Condemns the persecution of journalists, civil society activists and human rights defenders and the deportation of civilians including political prisoners from Crimea to penitentiary institutions across Russia, contrary to international law;

– Demands the immediate and unconditional release of Iryna Danylovych, Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Amet Suleymanov and other political prisoners; calls for immediate medical care to be provided; denounces the upholding of verdicts against seriously ill individuals, which constitutes a blatant violation of international human rights standards; calls on the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN to establish the whereabouts of civilian detainees from Crimea.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Jean-Jacques Wondo

Jean-Jacques Wondo, a Belgian-Congolese security, military and political expert, was arrested following a failed coup on 19 May 2024, for which he was accused of being the ‘intellectual perpetrator’, on 13 September 2024, Wondo and 36 others were sentenced to death by a military court.

In its resolution of 23 January 2025, the European Parliament:

– Strongly condemns the sentencing to death of Wondo and others and the grave violations of their right to a fair trial;

– Urges the DRC Government to immediately overturn the death sentences, reinstate a moratorium on executions and take steps towards the full abolition of the death penalty;

– Expresses deep concern about Wondo’s deteriorating health, calls for him to be given immediate access to medical treatment and insists on his immediate release;

– Calls for systemic reforms to be implemented in the DRC to rebuild the judiciary into an independent, fair and efficient institution that guarantees due process and the protection of fundamental rights.

GREECE

George Karaivaz

George Karaivaz was a journalist who have been murdered on 9 April 2021.

In its resolution of 7 February 2024, the European Parliament:

– Is deeply concerned by the failure of law enforcement and the judicial authorities in Greece to make progress in the investigation into the murder of the Greek journalist George Karaivaz on 9 April 2021; notes that two suspects were arrested in April 2023, but otherwise there has not been any discernible activity in the police investigation; strongly urges the authorities to take all the necessary steps towards conducting a thorough and effective investigation, and to bring those involved in the murder, at any level, to justice; urges the authorities to request assistance from Europol.

HONG KONG

Andy Li

Joseph John

Andy Li, a pro-democracy activist and key witness in Jimmy Lai’s trial, allegedly confessed, under torture, to conspiracy and collusion with foreign entities.

Joseph John, a HK-Portuguese dual national, is the first extraterritorial application of the NSL to an EU citizen; John was arrested for allegedly posting anti-China social media content and committing, from Europe, incitement to ‘secession’, and was sentenced on 11 April 2024 to five years’ imprisonment.

In its resolution of 25 April 2024, the European Parliament:

– Urges the HK Government to immediately and unconditionally release Li, John, Lai, Kok Tsz-lun and all other pro-democracy representatives and activists detained for exercising their freedoms and democratic rights, and to drop all charges against them;

– Highlights the SNSO’s undermining of press freedoms; calls on the authorities to stop harassing and prosecuting journalists.

HONG KONG/ CHINA

Jimmy Lai

Jimmy Lai has been detained since 2020 on trumped-up charges; his trial started in 2023 after various delays; he denied these charges and faces life imprisonment; his British lawyer has been refused permission to represent him. Jimmy Lai a British national since 1996, is a Hong Kong media tycoon, and a known pro- democracy supporter. Political prisoners in HK endure difficult conditions, often affecting their health, throughout lengthy pre-trial detentions, as with 76-year-old Lai, who has diabetes and has been denied Communion in prison.

45 pro-democracy politicians, activists and journalists were sentenced for subversion, in the ‘Hong Kong 47’ case, for organising unofficial election primaries; their trials were the largest national security trials to date;

In its resolution of 28 November 2024, the European Parliament:

– Condemns the sentencing of pro-democracy activists on national security charges, in violation of international law; calls for the repeal of the NSL and the SNSO; denounces the degradation of basic freedoms in HK;

– Urges the HK Government to immediately and unconditionally release all pro-democracy activists, including Lai and Chung, and to drop all charges against them;

– Calls on the EEAS and the Member States to warn China that its actions in HK will have consequences for EU-China relations; calls on the Council to review its 2020 conclusions on HK and to impose targeted sanctions on John Lee and other HK and Chinese officials responsible for human rights violations, to revoke HK’s favourable customs treatment and review the status of the HK Economic Trade Office in Brussels; urges the Member States to file an ICJ case against China’s decision to impose the NSL on HK and Macau.

IRAN

Pakhshan Azizi and Wrisha Moradi

Kurdish activists, social worker Pakhshan Azizi and advocate for women’s rights Verisheh (Wrisha) Moradi were sentenced to death for ‘armed rebellion against the state’.

In its resolution of 23 January 2025, the European Parliament:

– Denounces the Iranian regime’s unrestrained repression of human rights, in particular the targeting of women activists; strongly condemns the death sentence against Pakhshan Azizi and Wrisha Moradi; demands that Iran immediately and unconditionally release all unjustly imprisoned human rights defenders and political prisoners, including Pakhshan Azizi, Wrisha Moradi and at least 56 other political prisoners on death row;

– Calls for the EU and its Member States to increase support for Iranian human rights defenders and expresses its full support and solidarity with Iranians united in the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement;

– Urges the Iranian authorities to immediately release, safely repatriate and drop all charges against EU nationals, including Olivier Grondeau, Cécile Kohler, Jacques Paris and Ahmadreza Djalali; strongly condemns Iran’s use of hostage diplomacy; calls for the EU and its Member States to undertake joint diplomatic efforts and work collectively towards their release;

– Strongly condemns the murder of Jamshid Sharmahd; urges the Islamic regime in Iran to provide details of the circumstances of his death and for his remains to be immediately returned to his family;

– Reiterates its call on the Council to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organisation and to extend EU sanctions to all those responsible for human rights violations, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i, Prosecutor-General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad and Judge Iman Afshari;

– Urges the Iranian authorities to provide the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran and the UN fact-finding mission with full, unimpeded access to enact their mandates.

KYRGYZSTAN

Temirlan Sultanbekov

Temirlan Sultanbekov is the leader of the Kyrgyzstan Social Democrats party (SDK), he and other party officials have been arrested for vote-buying allegations, with an audiotape of unknown origin serving as the primary evidence, for which the judicial authorisation is unclear and its connection with the detainees unknown.

In its resolution of 19 December 2024, the European Parliament:

– Urges the Kyrgyz authorities to immediately release Mr Sultanbekov and other party officials and adopt alternative measures to detention, while respecting their right to due process in line with the civil and political rights guaranteed under the Kyrgyz constitution and international obligations; calls on the authorities to ensure his safety and well-being;

– Urges the Kyrgyz government to halt its campaign of intimidation and legal persecution against opposition parties, independent media outlets and journalists; is concerned by the adoption of the Russian-style ‘foreign agents’ law; urges the Kyrgyz authorities to drop all charges against human rights defenders, including Makhabat Tazhibek Kyzy, Azamat Ishenbekov, Aktilek Kaparov and Ayke Beishekeeva, journalists from the Temirov Live and Ait Ait Dese channels.

RUSSIA

Alexei Navalny

Vladimir Kara-Murza

Yuri Dmitriev

Ilya Yashin

Alexei Gorinov

Lilia Chanysheva Ksenia Fadeeva, Vadim Ostanin

Daniel Kholodny Vadim Kobzev

Igor Sergunin

Alexei Liptser Viktoria Petrova Maria Ponomarenko Alexandra Skochilenko

Svetlana Petriychuk Evgenia Berkovich Dmitry Ivanov

Ioann Kurmoyarov Igor Baryshnikov Dmitry Talantov Alexei Moskalev

Oleg Orlov

Boris Kagarlitsky

Ivan Safronov

Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian political figure and the 2021 laureate of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, perished in a Siberian penal colony north of the Arctic Circle while serving a unfounded, politically motivated prison sentence. He had been in detention since 17 January 2021, the date on which he returned to Russia following medical rehabilitation after an attempted state-sponsored assassination using the internationally banned nerve agent Novichok; he had previously been detained and arrested many times and had been sentenced, on fabricated and politically motivated grounds, to long prison terms in evident attempts to stop his political activities and anti-corruption campaigns.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, Yuri Dmitriev, Ilya Yashin, Alexei Gorinov, Lilia Chanysheva, Ksenia Fadeeva, Vadim Ostanin, Daniel Kholodny, Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin, Alexei Liptser, Viktoria Petrova, Maria Ponomarenko, Alexandra Skochilenko, Svetlana Petriychuk, Evgenia Berkovich, Dmitry Ivanov, Ioann Kurmoyarov, Igor Baryshnikov, Dmitry Talantov, Alexei Moskalev, Oleg Orlov, Boris Kagarlitsky and Ivan Safronov are political prisoners.

In its resolution of 29 February 2024, the European Parliament:

– Strongly condemns the murder of Alexei Navalny; expresses its wholehearted condolences to his family, associates and colleagues, and to his countless supporters across Russia; expresses its full support to Yulia Navalnaya in her determination to continue the work started by Alexei Navalny with her support, and to the Anti-Corruption Foundation founded by Navalny, which is continuing its work under the new circumstances;

– Calls on the Russian authorities to drop all arbitrary charges and to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners and arbitrarily detained persons.

TAJIKISTAN

Abdullo Ghurbati Daler Imomali Zavqibek Saidamini Abdusattor Pirmuhammadzoda Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva Khushruz Jumayev Khurshed Fozilov

Manuchehr Kholiknazarov Buzurgmehr Yorov

Abdullo Ghurbati, Daler Imomali, Zavqibek Saidamini, Abdusattor Pirmuhammadzoda, Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva, Khushruz Jumayev and Khurshed Fozilov are journalists who have been sentenced to between seven and over 20 years in prison in retaliation for their coverage of social issues and human rights abuses, including in GBAO.

Manuchehr Kholiknazarov and Buzurgmehr Yorov are human rights lawyers who have been detained.

In its resolution of 18 January 2024, the European Parliament:

– Strongly condemns the ongoing crackdown, including anti-extremism legislation, against independent media, government critics, human rights activists and independent lawyers; condemns the closure of independent media and websites, including the online media outlets Pamir Daily News, New Tajikistan 2 and Akhbor.com;

– Condemns all politically motivated trials and the lack of fair and public hearings by independent courts; urges the authorities to stop persecuting journalists, immediately and unconditionally release those who have been arbitrarily detained and drop all charges against them, stop the persecution of lawyers defending government critics and release human rights lawyers Manuchehr Kholiknazarov and Buzurgmehr Yorov;

– Urges the government to ensure that detainees have access to adequate healthcare; calls for a thorough investigation into allegations of mistreatment in custody and forced confessions, and those responsible to be brought to justice.

TÜRKIYE

Bülent Mumay

Bülent Mumay is a Turkish journalist and coordinator of the Istanbul bureau of Deutsche Welle’s Turkish editorial office, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for social media posts about a pro-government company’s seizure of Istanbul Municipality’s subway funds during the AKP administration; his appeal was rejected, and his tweets removed.

In its resolution of 10 October 2024, the European Parliament:

– Condemns the sentence against Bülent Mumay, which follows a broader pattern of silencing critical journalism; calls on the Turkish authorities to drop the charges against Bülent Mumay, and all arbitrarily detained media workers and journalists, as well as political opponents, human rights defenders, civil servants and academics;

– Is deeply concerned about the ongoing deterioration of democratic standards in Türkiye, relentless crackdown on any critical voices and targeting of independent journalists, activists and opposition members amid frequent reports of legal intimidation, censorship and financial coercion as ways to suppress criticism and investigative journalism.

VENEZUELA

Rocío San Miguel

General Hernández Da Costa

Ronald Ojeda

María Corina Machado

Juan Freites

Luis Camacaro Guillermo Lopez Emil Brandt

Rocío San Miguel is a lawyer and human rights activist with Spanish nationality, who got kidnapped by the Venezuelan regime on 9 February 2024, and sentenced on politically motivated grounds of suspected conspiracy against Nicolás Maduro and his regime; she is currently being detained in El Helicoide prison, which is known for human rights abuses, including torture.

Hernández Da Costa has been a political prisoner since August 2018; on 19 February 2024, he was forcibly transferred to El Rodeo 1 prison, designed to detain political prisoners; an unknown number of prisoners, including some EU citizens, were also transferred; the general suffers from medical ailments that require constant treatment, which he is being denied.

Ronald Ojeda was a former political prisoner who escaped the Maduro regime, and got murdered in Chile.

Juan Freites, Luis Camacaro, Guillermo Lopez and Emil Brandt are four campaign coordinators working for the opposition to the regime’s presidential candidate, and have been detained on political grounds.

In its resolution of 14 March 2024, the European Parliament:

– Demands the immediate unconditional release of all political prisoners and arbitrarily detained persons, and the full restoration of their rights; exhorts the regime to cease its policy of repression and attacks on civil society and the opposition;

– Strongly condemns the Maduro regime for imprisoning hundreds of political prisoners;

– Calls on the international community to support a return to democracy in Venezuela, particularly in the light of the upcoming elections, in which the leader of the opposition to the regime, María Corina Machado, must be allowed to fully participate.

VENEZUELA

Maria Corina Machado

Juan Freites

Luis Camacaro Guillermo López

Maria Corina Machado was selected as the presidential candidate of the democratic opposition to the regime, winning with 92,35 % of the votes in the primary elections. She got a disqualification of 15 years.

For several months, members of María Corina Machado’s campaign team – including Juan Freites, Luis Camacaro and Guillermo López, who were unlawfully detained and have since been reported missing.

In its resolution of 8 February 2024, the European Parliament:

– Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all the arbitrarily arrested political and social leaders, including three campaign staffers of the presidential candidate of the opposition to the regime María Corina Machado, namely Juan Freites, Luis Camacaro and Guillermo Lopez;

– Strongly condemns the attempts to disqualify the presidential candidate of the democratic opposition to the regime, María Corina Machado, and others, such as Henrique Capriles, from holding public office;

– Urges the Venezuelan regime to immediately stop the persecution of the primary winner and thus fully legitimate candidate of the opposition to the regime, María Corina Machado, and other opposition politicians.

ANNEX III: LIST OF SAKHAROV PRIZE LAUREATES AND FINALISTS IMPRISONED AND DEPRIVED OF LIBERTY

Year of Sakharov Prize award	Name and surname	Laureate / Finalist	Country	Situation (Detention / house arrest / temporarily released)	Length of prison sentence	Start date of detention
2024	Gubad Ibadoghlu	Finalist	Azerbaijan	Under travel ban		A court rejected Ibadoglu’s appeal against the travel ban on 3/12/2024
2021	Alexei Navalny	Laureate	Russia	Deceased in prison on 16/2/2024	3,5 + 9 + 19 years	Last detained 17/2/21, last sentenced 4/8/23
2020	Siarhei Tsikhanouski Maryia Kalesnikava Mikola Statkevich Ales Bialiatski	Laureate Laureate Laureate Laureate	Belarus	Detention Detention Detention Detention	18 years 11 years 14 years 10 years	Detained 29/5/20, sentenced 14/12/21 Detained 07/9/20, sentenced 06/9/21 Last detained 31/5/20, last sentenced 14/12/21 Last detained 15/7/21, last sentenced 03/03/23
2020	Porfirio Sorto Cedillo, José Avelino Cedillo, Orbin Naún Hernández, Kevin Alejandro Romero, Arnold Javier Aleman, Ever Alexander Cedillo, Daniel Marquez and Jeremías Martínez Díaz	Finalists	Honduras	Detention	Unknown	1/9/2019, released on 24/2/2022, after a ruling by the Supreme Court of Honduras
2019	Ilham Tohti	Laureate	China	Detention	Unknown	23/9/2014
2018	Nasser Zefzafi	Finalist	Morocco	Detention	20 years	5/4/2019
2017	Dawit Isaak	Finalist	Eritrea	Incommunicado detention	Unknown	23/9/2001
2015	Raif Badawi	Laureate	Saudi Arabia	Released on 11/3/2022, since then under a 10-year travel ban	10 years	First sentenced on 17/12/2012, but announced on 30/3/2013
2012	Nasrin Sotoudeh Jafar Panahi	Laureate Laureate	Iran Iran	Detention, on temporary medical furlough since July 2021, arrested again 29/10/2023 and released 15/11/2023 Detained in 2022, released on 3/2/2023 after hunger strike	38 years 6 years	6/3/2019 (most recent) compelled in July 2022 to serve a 10-years old prison sentence
2011	Razan Zaitouneh	Laureate	Syria	Kidnapped in 2013. Presumptions of detention and death.		9/12/2013
2009	Memorial – Oleg Orlov	Laureate	Russia	Released on 1/8/2024 as part of a prisoner exchange with the US and Germany	2.5 years	Latest sentence in February 2024. Memorial as legal entity liquidated in January 2022.

ANNEX IV: LIST OF RESOLUTIONS

List of resolutions adopted by the European Parliament from December 2023 to January 2025 and related directly or indirectly to human rights violations in the world

Country/Region	Date of adoption in plenary	Title
Africa
Algeria	23.01.2025	The case of Boualem Sansal in Algeria
Democratic Republic of the Congo	23.01.2025	The case of Jean-Jacques Wondo
Gambia	25.04.2024	On the proposed repeal of the law banning female genital mutilation in The Gambia
Nigeria	08.02.2024	On the recent attacks on Christmas Eve in Plateau State in Nigeria
Sudan	18.01.2024	On the threat of famine following the spread of the conflict in Sudan
Tanzania	14.12.2023	On the Maasai Communities in Tanzania
Americas
Cuba	29.02.2024	On the critical situation in Cuba
Cuba	19.09.2024	The case of José Daniel Ferrer García in Cuba
Guatemala	14.12.2023	On the attempt at a coup d’état in Guatemala
Venezuela	08.02.2024	On further repression against the democratic forces in Venezuela: attacks on presidential candidate María Corina Machado
Venezuela	14.03.2024	On the case of Rocío San Miguel and General Hernández Da Costa, among other political prisoners in Venezuela
Venezuela	19.09.2024	Situation on Venezuela
Venezuela	23.01.2025	Situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025
Asia
Afghanistan	14.03.2024	On the repressive environment in Afghanistan, including public executions and violence against women
Afghanistan	19.09.2024	The deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”
Azerbaijan	25.04.2024	On Azerbaijan, notably the repression of civil society and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev
Azerbaijan	19.12.2024	Continued repression of civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, Anar Mammadli, Kamran Mammadli, Rufat Safarov and Meydan TV
Cambodia	28.11.2024	The shrinking space for civil society in Cambodia, in particular the case of the labour rights organisation CENTRAL
China	18.01.2024	On the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong in China, notably the case of Mr Ding Yuande
China	10.10.2024	The cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas
China/ Taiwan	24.10.2024	Misinterpretation of UN resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan
Hong Kong	25.04.2024	On the new security law in Hong Kong and the cases of Andy Li and Joseph John
Hong Kong/ China	28.11.2024	Hong Kong, notably the cases of Jimmy Lai and the 45 activists recently convicted under the national security law
Kyrgyzstan	19.12.2024	Human rights situation in Kyrgyzstan, in particular the case of Temirlan Sultanbekov
Tajikistan	18.01.2024	On Tajikistan: state repression against the independent media
Tibet	14.12.2023	On the abduction of Tibetan children and forced assimilation practices through Chinese boarding schools in Tibet
Middle East
Iran/Israel	25.04.2024	On Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel, the need for de-escalation and an EU response
Iran	08.02.2024	On the increased number of executions in Iran, in particular the case of Mohammad Ghobadlou
Iran	28.11.2024	The increasing and systematic repression of women in Iran
Iran	23.01.2025	Systematic repression of human rights in Iran
Iraq	10.10.2024	Iraq, notably the situation of women’s rights and the recent proposal to amend the Personal Status Law
Palestine	18.01.2024	On the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation
Palestine	14.03.2024	On the immediate risk of mass starvation in Gaza and the attacks on humanitarian aid deliveries
Europe and Eastern Partnership countries
Azerbaijan/Armenia	13.03.2024	On closer ties between the EU and Armenia and the need for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia
Azerbaijan/ Armenia	24.10.2024	Situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia
Belarus	14.12.2023	On the unknown status of Mikola Statkevich and the recent attacks on Belarusian politicians’ and activists’ family members
Belarus	08.02.2024	on the new wave of mass arrests in Belarus of opposition activists and their family members
Belarus	19.09.2024	The severe situation of political prisoners in Belarus
Belarus	22.01.2025	Actions to address the continued oppression and fake elections in Belarus
Crimea	19.12.2024	11th year of the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and the deteriorating human rights situation in occupied Crimea, notably the cases of Iryna Danylovych, Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Amet Suleymanov
Georgia	25.04.2024	On attempts to reintroduce a foreign agent law in Georgia and its restrictions on civil society
Georgia	09.10.2024	The democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
Georgia	28.11.2024	Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud
Greece	07.02.2024	On the rule of law and media freedom in Greece
Hungary	24.04.2024	On ongoing hearings under Article 7(1) TEU regarding Hungary to strengthen the rule of law and its budgetary implications
Hungary	18.01.2024	On the situation in Hungary and frozen EU funds
Moldova	09.10.2024	Strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration
Russia	29.02.2024	On the murder of Alexei Navalny and the need for EU action in support of political prisoners and oppressed civil society in Russia
Russia	08.02.2024	On Russiagate: allegations of Russian interference in the democratic processes of the European Union
Russia	25.04.2024	On new allegations of Russian interference in the European Parliament, in the upcoming EU elections and the impact on the European Union
Russia	25.04.2024	On Russia’s undemocratic presidential elections and their illegitimate extension to the occupied territories
Russia	14.11.2024	EU actions against the Russian shadow fleets and ensuring a full enforcement of sanctions against Russia
Russia	23.01.2025	Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine
Russia/ North Korea	28.11.2024	Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia
Serbia	08.02.2024	On the situation in Serbia following the elections
Slovakia	17.01.2024	On the planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications for the rule of law
Türkiye	10.10.2024	European Parliament resolution of 10 October 2024 on the case of Bülent Mumay in Türkiye
Cross-cutting issues
Children liberty	13.12.2023	On the situation of children deprived of liberty in the world
LGBTIQ rights	08.02.2024	On the implementation of the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025
Protection of journalists	27.02.2024	On the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on protecting persons who engage in public participation from manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedings
Human rights and democracy	28.02.2024	Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2023
Foreign and security policy	28.02.2024	Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2023
Media freedom	13.03.2024	On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market
Forced labour	23.04.2024	On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market
Right of abortion	11.04.2024	On including the right to abortion in the EU Fundamental Rights Charter
Due diligence	24.04.2024	On the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence and amending Directive
Fundamental rights	18.01.2024	On the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union – annual report 2022 and 2023
Hate speech	18.01.2024	On extending the list of EU crimes to hate speech and hate crime
Business and human rights	18.01.2024	On shaping the EU’s position on the UN binding instrument on business and human rights, in particular on access to remedy and the protection of victims
Freedom of scientific research	17.01.2024	On promotion of the freedom of scientific research in the EU
Citizens, equality, rights and values	16.01.2024	On the implementation of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme 2021-2027
Violence against women	24.04.2024	On the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating violence against women and domestic violence
Human beings traffic	23.04.2024	On preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the assessment of the implementation of Horizon Europe in view of its interim evaluation and recommendations for the 10th Research Framework Programme – A10-0021/2025

Source: European Parliament

MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

on the assessment of the implementation of Horizon Europe in view of its interim evaluation and recommendations for the 10th Research Framework Programme

(2024/2109(INI))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to Articles 179 to 188 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),

– having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union [1],

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1290/2013 and (EU) No 1291/2013 [2],

– having regard to Council Decision (EU) 2021/764 of 10 May 2021 establishing the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and repealing Decision 2013/743/EU [3],

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/819 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 on the European Institute of Innovation and Technology [4],

– having regard to Decision (EU) 2021/820 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 on the Strategic Innovation Agenda of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) 2021-2027: Boosting the Innovation Talent and Capacity of Europe and repealing Decision No 1312/2013/EU [5],

– having regard to Council Regulation (EU) 2021/2085 of 19 November 2021 establishing the Joint Undertakings under Horizon Europe and repealing Regulations (EC) No 219/2007, (EU) No 557/2014, (EU) No 558/2014, (EU) No 559/2014, (EU) No 560/2014, (EU) No 561/2014 and (EU) No 642/2014 [6],

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/697 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 establishing the European Defence Fund and repealing Regulation (EU) 2018/1092 [7],

– having regard to the Commission communication of 30 September 2020 entitled ‘A new ERA for Research and Innovation’ (COM(2020)0628),

_ having regard to the Commission communication of 22 October 2024 entitled ‘Implementation of the European Research Area (ERA) – Strengthening Europe’s Research and Innovation: The ERA’s Journey and Future Directions’ (COM(2024)0490),

– having regard to the Commission communication of 18 May 2021 on the Global Approach to Research and Innovation Europe’s strategy for international cooperation in a changing world (COM(2021)0252),

– having regard to its resolution of 6 April 2022 on a global approach to research and innovation: Europe’s strategy for international cooperation in a changing world [8],

– having regard to its resolution of 22 November 2022 on the implementation of the European Innovation Council [9],

– having regard to the Commission communication of 19 July 2023 entitled ‘EU Missions two years on: assessment of progress and way forward’ (COM(2023)0457),

– having regard to its resolution of 14 December 2023 on young researchers [10],

– having regard to its resolution of 17 January 2024 with recommendations to the Commission on promotion of the freedom of scientific research in the EU [11],

– having regard to the European Research and Innovation Area Committee Opinion of 26 June 2024 on Guidance for the next Framework Programme for Research & Innovation,

– having regard to the partnership evaluation reports published in 2024 on eight of the nine Knowledge and Innovation Communities, namely EIT Urban Mobility, EIT Climate-KIC, EIT Food, EIT InnoEnergy, EIT Health, EIT Manufacturing, EIT Raw Materials, and EIT Digital,

– having regard to the Report of the CERIS Expert Group of November 2024 entitled ‘Building resilience in the civil security domain based on research and technology’,

– having regard to European Court of Auditors Special Report 09/2022 of September 2022 entitled ‘Climate spending in the 2014-2020 EU budget– Not as high as reported’,

– having regard to the Commission communication of 19 January 2016 entitled ‘On the Response to the Report of the High Level Expert Group on the Ex Post Evaluation of the Seventh Framework Programme’(COM(2016)0005),

– having regard to Enrico Letta’s report of 17 April 2024 entitled ‘Much more than a market’,

– having regard to Mario Draghi’s report of 9 September 2024 entitled ‘The future of European competitiveness’,

– having regard to the report by the Commission Expert Group on the Interim Evaluation of Horizon Europe of 16 October 2024 entitled ‘Align, Act, Accelerate: Research, Technology and Innovation to boost European Competitiveness,

– having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A10-0021/2025),

A. whereas Horizon Europe (HEU) is the EU’s largest centrally managed funding programme and the largest publicly funded research and development (R&D) programme in the world; whereas Parliament initially proposed a budget of EUR 120 billion rather than the EUR 93.4 billion left after the revision of the multiannual financial framework;

B. whereas investments in R&D are essential for EU competitiveness, societal progress and innovation; whereas the report on the Future of European Competitiveness (the Draghi report) and the report by the Commission Expert Group on the Interim Evaluation of Horizon Europe (the Heitor report) recommended a budget for the 10th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) of EUR 200 billion and EUR 220 billion respectively;

C. whereas the FP must be founded on European values, scientific independence, freedom and excellence, as well as on high European ethical standards and a drive to improve European competitiveness as well as to address societal challenges;

D. whereas the Draghi report showed that Europe is a world leader in science and innovation with the second highest share of high quality scientific publications and the third highest share of patent applications globally; whereas the Draghi report also concluded that the value chain that goes from research to innovative products that improve citizens’ lives in the EU is less effective compared to the US and China in translating good research into successful businesses providing quality jobs, new products and services to European citizens, as illustrated by the persistent gap between the US and EU in innovation performance, and the closing gap between the EU and China; whereas the Draghi report highlights that Europe lags particularly when it comes to the scaling up of start-ups;

E. whereas Commissioner Zaharieva, in her hearing with Parliament, committed to fighting for an independent and simplified FP and expressed her support for an increased budget and more expert-driven governance;

F. whereas the Heitor report outlines that in the first three years of Horizon Europe, 7 474 SMEs (34 % of all participants) were participating in the programme and that more than half of Horizon Europe SMEs are new to EU research, development and innovation programmes; whereas the success rates of SME applications has strongly improved (up to 19.9 % from 12 % in Horizon 2020);

G. whereas the Letta report proposes the establishment of a ‘fifth freedom’ to encompass research, innovation and education as a new dimension of the single market, as the four original freedoms are fundamentally based on 20th-century theoretical principals;

H. whereas the Letta report’s ‘freedom to stay’ reiterates the importance of avoiding internal brain drain, and the Heitor report’s ‘Choose Europe’ initiative sets out to foster research careers and turn the current European brain drain into a ‘brain gain’ by 2035;

General observations on Horizon Europe and Research and Innovation (R&I)

1 Recalls that we are at a crucial moment for R&I, and that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe needs to put ‘research and innovation at the heart of our economy’ during the presentation to Parliament of her programme for her second term as president of the European Commission in July 2024;

2. Notes that the Draghi, Letta and Heitor reports consider R&I to be of central importance to achieving European competitiveness and stress the urgent need to act not to fall behind; stresses that a strong commitment is needed to achieve a future framework programme that constitutes a crucial contribution to the competitiveness of Europe and its overall welfare;

3. Recalls that the Draghi and the Heitor reports are a wake-up call for Europe to face global competition and the significant rise of Chinese science in recent years; welcomes the higher success rate of HEU compared to Horizon 2020 (H2020); appreciates HEU’s responsiveness in crises, such as COVID-19 and geopolitical challenges, but regrets not only the lack of additional funding but also the continuous funding cuts, which compromise original priorities;

4. Regrets that there have been negative experiences with the implementation of HEU because the shift from H2020 to HEU has mostly been experienced as an increase in complexity and bureaucracy; underlines that the success rates in some parts of the programme are still so low as to discourage potentially excellent applications, especially from researchers from research institutions with smaller budgets and SMEs; considers that strategic planning should lead to more substantial benefits for the quality of the programming and a strengthened commitment of all R&I stakeholders, which so far do not seem to have materialised sufficiently; believes that FP10 should be built on instruments under Horizon Europe that have proven to be effective and efficient;

5. Highlights the importance of an agile FP; notes that the Heitor report outlines the importance of responding to the fast-changing field of science and innovation and recommends a radical reform in engaging practitioners in the governance of the programme, notably through the two proposed new Councils as well as less prescriptive calls; recalls that the Draghi report notes that the current governance of the FP is slow and bureaucratic, that its organisation should be redesigned to be more outcome-based and evaluated by top experts and that the future FP should be governed by people with a proven track record at the frontier of research or innovation; notes that innovative ideas cannot always be predicted and programmed and underlines the need for sufficient funding that is not pre-programmed in order to tap the full potential of developing innovation;

6. Highlights the importance of having an FP based on excellence in order to ensure the participation of the best researchers in Europe through the whole programme; argues that one of the critical weakness of the EU R&I policy landscape is also linked to the lack of a meaningful, integrated and complementary approach between place-based and excellence-driven R&I activities, in particular between the FP and the R&I window of the cohesion policy, which are of the same order of magnitude in terms of the EU budget; notes that the scale-up and commercialisation of research results remains a big challenge in Europe;

7. Recalls the recommendation by the Heitor report to foster an attractive and inclusive European research, development and innovation ecosystem; recalls the recommendation by the Letta report to foster the development of a fifth freedom in the single market; recalls the observation of the Draghi report that the fragmentation of the EU innovation ecosystem is one of the root causes of Europe’s weak innovation performance; recalls that the Treaties situate the FP in the development of the European Research Area; is convinced that to maximise the impact of the framework programme, it needs to be embedded in a broader European research policy that ensures that Europe is an attractive location for research activities which attracts global talent, which effectively translates science into economic growth and societal progress, and which effectively addresses the innovation gap within the EU; considers that the upcoming European Research Area Act (ERA Act) should aim at achieving this Europe; recognises that there are still significant obstacles to ‘brain circulation’ among Member States, including the recognition of qualifications;

8. Insists on the absolute need for that Member States to adopt concrete commitments to reach a target of 3 % of GDP spending on R&D by 2030; notes that the EU is investing significantly less than other global powers, and that it has failed to reach the 3 % target for more than two decades, investing 2.24 % of its GDP in R&D in 2022, for example, compared to 3.5 % in the US; underlines that each year the EU under invests in R&D worsens the situation and deepens the gap with third countries; specifies that major discrepancies exist between the R&D intensity of the 27 EU Member States, with five reaching the 3 % spending target, while some others are below 1 %; recalls that, at less than 7 % of the total [12], the EU budget’s contribution to R&D spending is a very minor share of the overall public spending on R&D in the EU; notes that national spending for research should not be cut in response to the availability of EU research funding as alternative funding; highlights that a joint effort between European and national funding for research and innovation is needed; underlines as well the important role of private investment in research and innovation in order to complement public funding; regrets that European private investment in research, development and innovation is lagging behind that in China and the US, reaching 1.3 % of GDP in the EU, compared to 2.4 % in the US and 1.9 % in China; insists, therefore, on the vital role of EU intervention as a catalyst for R&D spending, and on the need for further coordination and alignment between national and EU R&D spending;

9. Insists on the vital role of long-term public funding to support excellent basic research, driven by scientific curiosity with the only aim of advancing scientific knowledge and without an obvious nor immediate benefit, sometimes characterised by serendipity;

10. Highlights recital 72 of the Horizon Europe Regulation, which states that in order to guarantee scientific excellence, and in line with Article 13 of the Charter, the programme should promote the respect of academic freedom in all countries benefiting from its funds; underlines that while several incidents regarding academic freedom took place in several countries benefiting from Horizon Europe funds, the Commission has not used this recital effectively to address specific problems; welcomes the commitment by the Commissioner responsible for start-ups, research and innovation, in her hearing with Parliament, to propose a legislative proposal on the freedom of scientific research; calls on the Commission to present such a legislative proposal in line with Parliament’s resolution of 17 January 2024;

11. Supports the high levels of climate spending in the first years of Horizon Europe; urges the Commission to stay on course to achieve the overall climate spending target of 35 % over the full lifetime of the programme;

12. Highlights that Horizon Europe is on track to meet its climate spending targets without, according to the Horizon Europe Programme Guide, considering the Do No Significant Harm principle in the evaluation of proposals, unless it was relevant for the content of the call; underlines that there is no legal obligation or legal basis for the horizontal application of either the Do No Significant Harm principle or the Do No Harm principle; welcomes the commitment by the Commissioner responsible for start-ups, research and innovation, in her hearing with Parliament, to assess the current approach and the new approach to the application of the Do No Significant Harm principle, including the legal basis for its application, and to share the assessment with Parliament; urges the Commission to report to Parliament, before the start of FP10, on the impact of the use of Do No (Significant) Harm under Horizon Europe, including an estimate of the associated costs of its implementation for the Commission and beneficiaries, and its impact on the simplification of project applications;

13. Considers that during the implementation of Horizon Europe, several major global events put thousands of researchers at risk, including in the EU’s neighbourhood, leading to significant spikes in applications by researchers at risk for an emergency placement in Europe; concludes, however, that under the current programme, the EU does not have sufficient funding available to support researchers at risk and that efforts by some Member States and NGOs are fragmented;

14. Affirms the importance of international cooperation for the advancement of science; is concerned in this regard that international cooperation has declined under Horizon Europe compared to Horizon 2020; encourages the Commission to seek and conclude other association agreements with third countries, restates [13] and emphasises that Parliament’s ability to give meaningful consent to international agreements specifically concerning the participation of countries referred to in Article 16(1)d of the Horizon Europe Regulation in EU programmes is impeded where such agreements do not provide for a structure that guarantees parliamentary scrutiny under a consent procedure for association to a specific EU programme;

15. Welcomes in particular the association of the UK and Switzerland to Horizon Europe as it recognises the fact that UK and Swiss science and innovation are an integral part of the European science and innovation ecosystem; restates its concern about the amended Protocol in 2023 and its provisions regarding the automatic rebate for the UK; emphasises that any international agreement on the association of Switzerland to EU programmes should fully respect the prerogative of Parliament to provide meaningful consent in line with its resolution on association agreements for the participation of third countries in Union programmes;

16. Takes note of the Commission white paper on options for enhancing support for research and development involving technologies with dual-use potential; considers that nearly all respondents to the public consultation on the white paper rejected option 3; emphasises that many respondents considered that the implications of options 1 and 2 were not clear enough to allow them to determine which option would be preferable; highlights that it is widely recognised that the current constellation requires improvement to ensure the efficient use of public funds and to boost Europe’s technological sovereignty; notes that Commissioner Zaharieva committed, in her hearing with Parliament, to continuing this evaluation, potentially through a new study to ensure the views expressed are representative of all stakeholders;

17. Notes that significant advances have been made in the framework of Horizon Europe with gender equality plans (GEPs) as an eligibility criterion and the gender dimension in the content of R&I as an award criterion by default across the programme; recognises that recent analyses confirm that the GEP eligibility criterion has had a catalytic effect;

Observations on competitiveness

18. Is deeply convinced that EU spending on science, research and innovation is the best investment in our common European future and for increasing competitiveness and societal progress, and successfully closing the innovation gap; agrees with Mr Draghi that all public R&D spending in the EU should be better coordinated at EU level, meaning properly aligning investments with the EU’s strategic priorities, focusing on funding initiatives that achieve relevant impact and create added value, and that a reformed and strengthened FP is crucial to achieving this; underlines that, in order to ensure real added value, R&D spending should also be better coordinated at national level between Member States; reiterates that the reformed fiscal rules exclude national funds used to co-finance EU programmes, and calls for this possibility to be put to full use in order to boost EU research funding;

19. Underlines the importance of standardisation activities to ensure that European companies can effectively capitalise on the competitive advantage from research and innovation;

20. Underlines the significant role of research and innovation across different industrial sectors that contributes to creating jobs and increasing European competitiveness compared to third countries;

21. Emphasises the importance of the European Innovation Council (EIC) for Europe’s competitiveness; highlights in this regard that investments under the EIC are bridging the ‘valley of death’ and lead to innovations of a disruptive nature that have breakthrough and scale-up potential; highlights also the unique proposition of the EIC Accelerator to provide tailor-made support for high-potential, non-bankable start-ups;

22. Welcomes the fact that 44 % of the Horizon Europe budget to date has contributed to the digital and industrial transitions, most notably by stimulating cooperation for technology development, which are fundamental for European competitiveness;

23. Strongly believes that, beyond their key role for long-term and sustainable competitiveness, applied research, development and innovation policies are instrumental to avoid, anticipate and cope with the main global and societal challenges;

Observations on technical implementation

24. Considers that administrative simplification stagnated under Horizon Europe given that 32 % of participants consider applying to Horizon Europe to be more burdensome than Horizon 2020, while nearly half of participants report no difference [14], is concerned about the ‘exploded cumulative transaction and administrative costs’[15]; notes that on average beneficiaries reported spending 6-10 % of their project budget on administrative costs, with 48 % reporting administrative costs of more than 10 %, including a 10 % share of beneficiaries reporting administrative costs of more than 20 %; deplores the fact that the time-to-grant under Horizon Europe is longer than it was under Horizon 2020, and that it exceeds the target of eight months set by the Commission [16]; insists on further administrative simplification, streamlining of the relevant procedures, cost cutting and a greater focus on applicants, and underlines that simplification must be for the benefit of the applicants, while ensuring that applications contain all the information needed for the evaluation of their excellence;

25. Recalls that the first full version of the Annotated Model Grant Agreement for Horizon Europe was published only in May 2024, more than three years after the start of the programme; notes that without a full version of this document, beneficiaries are not fully informed of the legal and financial conditions associated with signing a Grant Agreement; recalls that the first version of the Annotated Model Grant Agreement for Horizon 2020 was published before the official start of the programme; notes that the apparent cause of the delayed publication is the corporate approach to Model Grant Agreements which the Commission took for EU programmes under the current multiannual financial framework;

26. Notes that there are various opinions and experiences among different beneficiaries regarding the functionality of lump sums; recognises that some beneficiaries do not consider the introduction of lump-sum funding to be a simplification for them; underlines that the 2024 assessment of lump sum funding presents unclear data, which leaves important worries and questions unanswered, such as the uncertainty of the impact of an ex-post audit, while confirming other objections, such as the artificial increase of the number of work packages [17]; considers that this assessment confirms that lump-sum funding can be a simplification for some beneficiaries, but not for all [18];

27. Considers that the simplification offered by lump-sum funding consists of removing all obligations on actual cost reporting by beneficiaries to the Commission and removing financial ex-post audits for projects; welcomes the fact that this results in a lower error rate; underlines, however, that the error rate is a tool to ensure proper spending of public funds and not a goal in itself; warns, in that context, against putting at risk the quality of the spending of a highly successful programme by ramping up the use of lump sums too quickly;

28. Observes that the average size of consortia in Horizon Europe is significantly larger than in Horizon 2020 [19]; considers that consortia foster collaboration and that bigger consortia contribute to broader, and potentially more diverse, collaboration; underlines, however, that managing bigger consortia also requires more time and effort both in the proposal preparation phase and in the project implementation phase, which takes away resources from performing research; considers, furthermore, that more complex consortia are less attractive to join for newcomers, given the complexity and the resources as well as the experience needed to manage them;

29. Underlines the importance of an open and accessible programme with low thresholds for applying in order to ensure participation of newcomers as well as SMEs; underlines that more than half of SME participants in Horizon Europe are newcomers [20]; considers that administrative burdens, the time investments needed and the complexity of applications risk discouraging SMEs from participating in the programme [21]; notes that the simple, small and fast grants of the SME Instrument under H2020 were a magnet for newcomer SMEs [22];

30. Considers that the Commission has not succeeded in creating agile but strong management of HEU, which has led to complex implementation; expects that the interim evaluation report should address shortages and possible solutions;

Observations on Pillar 1

31. Recognises the importance of Pillar 1 in promoting scientific excellence and attracting highly-skilled research, through the European Research Council (ERC), and programmes such as the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA);

32. Welcomes the continued success of the ERC; underlines that its success is dependent on the independence of the Scientific Council; stresses that the last few years have shown that the presence of a capable and committed president of the Scientific Council with respected scientific credentials is essential for the functioning and independence of the ERC; notes that the bottom-up calls and independent governance of the ERC Scientific Council have proven highly effective;

33. Highlights the ability of both the ERC and the MSCA to attract scientific talent to Europe; notes the valuable contribution of the MSCA to European scientific leadership; notes with worry the low success rates in the MSCA;

34. Underlines that research projects funded under Pillar 1 should adhere to the principle of ‘high risk/high gain’; suggests clarifying evaluation criteria to strictly ensure the realisation of ‘high risk/high gain’ when evaluating research proposals; observes that ‘high risk’ also means employing new research methods;

35. Emphasises that research infrastructures, in particular digital research infrastructures, provide a vital platform for researchers and innovators across disciplines and sectors to share data, methods and expertise, fostering the development and application of new technologies to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty; welcomes, particularly in this regard, the progress made on the European Open Science Cloud and the European Museums Cloud;

Observations on Pillar 2

36. Emphasises that collaborative research is at the heart of the European framework programmes; recognises the importance of Pillar 2, which serves as a vital strategic tool, fostering pan-European collaboration by pooling resources and knowledge, and aligning public and private R&I agendas; notes that collaboration would not occur without EU funding at a similar rate, highlighting the unique added value of EU collaboration programmes, in particular for enabling Europe to address complex societal challenges and integrate businesses into critical, continent-wide value chains; considers that Pillar 2 has fostered research collaboration and has in particular been able to support joint research and innovation agendas for technology maturation through the joint undertakings, which contributes to the competitiveness of the EU;

37. Considers Pillar 2 a strategic tool for enabling pan-European collaboration and pooling of knowledge and resources, attracting private investments, and for bringing together public and private stakeholders across Europe to tackle complex societal challenges; believes it is important to continue support for these collaborations; acknowledges, however, the complexity of Pillar 2; believes that the implementation of this pillar remains too complex and should be improved, simplified and streamlined with a view to targeting results rather than solely addressing expenditure; notes that the number of instruments involved such as a multitude of partnerships, the complex, top-down administrative implementation of missions, and the many budgetary shifts have resulted in unnecessary complexity which discourages applicants, and especially newcomers, from participating; emphasises the importance of the accessibility of these instruments, particularly for SMEs from across all European regions, in order to enable participation for all excellent researchers and innovators as well as to foster the absorption capacities of companies; welcomes the announcement of the rebalancing in Pillar 2 towards a better equilibrium between the different types of R&I activities, from fundamental research to market-oriented innovation, as announced in the second strategic plan for Horizon Europe; notes in that context the conclusion in the European Research and Innovation Area Committee opinion on FP10 that the Cluster structure of Horizon Europe creates an unnecessary obstacle for participants looking for funding, in particular newcomers, as well as the conclusion of the Draghi report that ‘[t]he programme should consolidate the overall fragmented and heterogeneous activities’;

Observations on Pillar 3

38. Notes that scaling up and commercialising research outcomes remains Europe’s greatest challenge; recalls the decisive role of entrepreneurship, for instance in the commercial and economic exploitation of excellent applied research into breakthrough innovation;

39. Highlights that the European Innovation Council is filling a widely recognised investment gap for scale-up finance for break-through innovations [23]; takes note of the very low success rate under the EIC and considers this a confirmation of the relevance of EIC funding as well as a worrying signal of underfunding of the programme; welcomes that fact that the EIC was completed as an instrument by the introduction of transition activities because these complete the innovator’s journey from early idea to scale-up by facilitating technology maturation and validation; underlines the quality and relevance of the advice provided by the EIC Board and recalls in this regard the importance of expert advice to guide the implementation of the framework programme;

40. Considers that the EIC is a needed and excellent instrument in principle; agrees that streamlining and boosting the EIC, attracting private investments and supporting the commercialisation of research is at the core of Pillar 3, as confirmed by the Heitor report; regrets, however, that the Commission made some implementation decisions that led the EIC away from its intended purpose to help companies scale up; recognises that the EIC should have the flexibility to strategically maximise its potential to support breakthrough technology; firmly believes that the EIC can achieve its full potential if the legal and institutional setting of the programme is clarified and strengthened;

41. Regrets that not all of Parliament’s recommendations set out in its resolution of 22 November 2022 on the implementation of the European Innovation Council have been implemented, most notably the recommendation that a thorough assessment be made of ways to improve the EIC’s implementation, considering as an option the establishment of an independent EU body under Article 187 TFEU as the main entity responsible for implementing the EIC; regrets, moreover, that its recommendation to ensure the implementation of both the equity and grant components with direct coordination between the two components has been ignored;

42. Draws attention to the work of the programme managers in the EIC; strongly believes in the approach of strategic intelligence developed by experts with widely recognised expertise in the field to effective programming of strategic challenge-based calls; appreciates, in particular, the work done by programme managers to help projects find and realise added value by bringing together projects with a common interest;

43. Notes the generally positive assessments (in particular in terms of EU added value) made by independent experts of the Knowledge and Innovation Communities; notes that EIT KICs contribute to strengthening links between higher education and business as well as to closing the ‘skills gap’, and that synergies should be explored with the academies introduced in recent EU legislation (e.g. Net Zero Industry Act, Critical Raw Materials Act, Cybersecurity Package); highlights, moreover, that the EIT regional innovation scheme (RIS) activities contribute to reducing the European innovation capacity divide; recalls that more synergies to bridge the innovation divide should be created between the EIT and other actions such as the EU preparatory action entitled ‘Innovation for place-based transformation’ and believes that the EIT KICs could improve synergies within the framework programme (in pillar 3 activities and between pillars), and establish concrete synergies between excellence-driven and place-based innovation, for instance via the implementation of successors of R&I activities led by the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, such as the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) instrument;

44. Regrets to conclude, however, that the relevance of the EIT as a programme is questioned by several stakeholders, including some of its biggest beneficiaries; underlines that in principle the concept of knowledge and innovation communities is appreciated by stakeholders as a useful instrument for effective innovation ecosystem development and integration; considers that the two main concerns raised are the financial self-sustainability requirement for KICs [24] and the central management by the EIT organisation which is too bureaucratic and burdensome, and which creates governance difficulties for the KICs [25]; concludes that for many stakeholders the financial and other costs, including the high burden of participating in a KIC, outweigh the benefits of the relatively little funding support relevant for them;

45. Regrets that, although some efforts have already been made, synergies between the EIC, the EIT and the ERC are not sufficiently developed;

Observations on Part 4

46. Welcomes that participation of entities from widening countries has increased in HEU; acknowledges that the innovation divide persists, notwithstanding a slight decrease in the disparities in innovation performance across Europe, in spite of two decades of widening efforts; underlines, however, that the existence of this innovation gap in Europe has negative consequences for the EU as a whole given that it means available talent is left unused and economic disparities within the EU can be expected to grow; notes that this low participation can be partially explained by structural factors, including inadequate national public investment in R&D, which undermines the effectiveness of the national R&I systems, as reflected by low scores on the European Innovation Scoreboard; notes, furthermore, that there is a link between high levels of FP participation and high levels of national public investment in R&D; is strongly convinced that without national reforms, the innovation gap cannot be closed, regardless of the efforts made at European level, and refers to the European Court of Auditors Special Report 09/2022 on this matter; recognises that new and more effective mechanisms to increase widening are needed, but that financing for these actions should primarily come from the national level and be complemented by cohesion policy funds; calls on the Commission to ensure that the upcoming ERA Act lays down strong obligations for Member States to improve the functioning of their R&I system in order to eliminate subpar performance due to structural challenges;

47. Underlines the importance of the Seal of Excellence under Horizon Europe; considers that the Seal in part mitigates the persistent issue of underfunding in Horizon Europe, which significantly hampers the ability to adequately support all high-quality proposals; acknowledges furthermore that the Seal can contribute to improving the relative participation of researchers from widening countries; emphasises, however, that the Seal cannot be considered as a substitute for direct financial support, particularly because the Seal is not a guarantee for funding;

48. Notes that a thriving European innovation ecosystem requires strong and well-connected place-based innovation ecosystems and that a better connected European innovation ecosystem will be essential for enhancing the competitiveness of Europe, its resilience and strategic autonomy; recognises that collaboration among territorial ecosystems enables European regions to leverage their combined strengths to develop innovative solutions more efficiently; underlines that this collaboration also accelerates the commercialisation and scaling of technologies, bolstering the EU’s competitiveness also globally; recognises the vital role of public research organisations, including universities, as drivers of place-based innovation;

Observations on missions and partnerships

49. Highlights the science communication role of the missions and the need to strengthen this even further because this will bring research results closer to society and help address the challenge of distrust in R&I, while simultaneously helping gain societal approval for public investments in R&I; recalls that the Commission communication entitled ‘EU Missions two years on: assessment of progress and way forward’ did not constitute a positive assessment of the missions and concluded that missions had failed on core objectives such as crowding in external funding;

50. Recalls the fundamental role of partnerships in bringing together the Commission and private and/or public partners, and is of the opinion that they must receive continuous support with a defined target and scope; emphasises that public-private partnership governance structures should be streamlined and simplified to avoid unnecessary burdens and enhance focus on key priorities; considers the joint undertakings as very useful instruments to foster better coordination and alignment of research agendas across the EU, as well as to foster co-investment in R&D between the public and private sectors; notes with regret that the Joint Undertakings have not yet resulted in increased R&D spending by European industry overall;

Recommendations for the remaining part of Horizon Europe

51. Notes that no significant changes in the implementation of the missions have taken place since the publication of the communication; concludes that the current approach to missions is not sufficiently oriented towards fostering creative novel and R&I ideas to address challenges; believes mission-oriented programming should have objectives that can be reached through R&I, should be implemented through open calls for bottom-up ideas to achieve the mission, and should be managed through a portfolio approach building on the experience of the EIC programme managers; considers that mission-oriented programming should first and foremost be a novel approach to research programming which puts more emphasis on bottom-up research ideas, which fosters interdisciplinarity and in particular creates space for synergies between Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts (SSHA)-driven and technology-driven activities, to address problems; therefore calls on the Commission to pilot this approach in the remaining years of Horizon Europe by spending the majority of the funds allocated to the missions through openly formulated calls that invite proposals for R&I activities that can contribute to achieving a specific objective; encourages the Commission to consider whether it is appropriate to continue funding each mission under Horizon Europe and to find additional funding and support for the continuation of the missions in other parts of the EU budget and at national as well as regional level, where appropriate;

52. Supports the proposal in the Heitor report to set up an experimental unit under Horizon Europe to experiment with new implementation methods and instruments in order to foster real simplification for participants and to develop a more agile implementation of the programme; urges the Commission to launch, from 2025, a task force to improve the efficacy of the European Semester, in line with the EU’s share towards the 3 % target, as clearly described in the Draghi and Heitor reports and reiterated by European leaders in the Budapest Declaration on the New European Competitiveness Deal;

53. Insists that the Commission should continue the use of lump-sum funding under HEU, and apply it to beneficiaries for which the assessments show it to be clearly experienced as a simplification, such as SMEs and projects for which there is solid evidence that it is a genuine simplification; underlines in that regard that the intended ramping up of the use of lump sums for the 2026-2027 work programme remains questionable given the existing worries and unknowns regarding the impact of lump sums with regard to the simplification they offer to some beneficiaries and their impact on the quality of the projects funded; calls on the Commission to take all necessary steps to ensure sound and efficient use of EU funds before increasing the share of the Horizon Europe budget spend through lump sums in the last years of Horizon Europe and to explore the further improvement of the system to ensure lump-sum funding leads to genuine simplification for beneficiaries; supports the recommendation of the European Court of Auditors to define the scope of ex-post controls for lump-sum grants;

54. Supports the Heitor report’s urgent call to introduce a ‘Choose Europe’ co-funding line and to turn the current ‘European brain drain’ into a ‘brain gain’ by 2035, noting that this should be considered a major and unique opportunity for Europe in the current uncertain geopolitical context, in particular following the recent US election, and should therefore be implemented urgently from 2025;

55. Calls on the Commission to restore EIC autonomy and agility without delay in order to get rid of existing complex processes that lead to lower implementation; believes the EIC transition activities should be open to proposals based on results from any FP project, regardless of which programme part funded that project;

56. Urges the Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, to rely on recital 72 of the Horizon Europe Regulation to enforce more respect for academic freedom in the EU as well as in associated countries, in particular to use it as a basis to openly and directly address blatant violations of academic freedom by national governments;

57. Recommends that the use of the Do No (Significant) Harm principle should be accompanied by detailed guidance from the Commission on how compliance with the principle will be evaluated in the context of the specific call in which the principle is used;

Recommendations for the 10th Research Framework Programme (FP10)

58. Calls for FP10 to be a stand-alone EU programme, in the context of the upcoming discussion of the highly anticipated Competitiveness Fund, as announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her speech of 17 July 2024 in Strasbourg, dedicated to EU research and innovation excellence and strategic technology development, with a substantially higher budget appropriate for achieving the 3 % GDP spending target and sufficient to fund at least 75 % of the excellent [26] proposals submitted; recommends that FP10 focus on three core objectives:

(a) creating a European competition of ideas, and a funnel to accelerate the development from fundamental science to innovation scale-up, providing support for blue-sky and basic research as well as strengthening the deployment and exploitation of innovative solutions,

(b) supporting strategic research initiatives which require large-scale and European collaboration, as the programme’s ability to prioritise these initiatives will be of utmost importance for Europe’s ability to address the societal challenges it faces as well as for European industry and SMEs, including for technology maturation and fostering of European ecosystems, to address the competitiveness gap with our global competitors, focussing on the development of priority innovative advanced technologies and their translation into concrete applications of innovative products, processes and services,

(c) advancing the ERA, including by addressing the innovation gap in Europe;

59. Recommends that the Commission ensure user-oriented, science-led, effective and efficient implementation of the programme, including by:

(a) implementing an improved governance, inspired by the findings of the Heitor expert group and the Draghi report, addressing the need to improve the programme’s agility, which should:

i. be oriented towards facilitating the best science, technology development and innovation,

ii. contribute to EU priorities on the terms of science and innovation,

iii. be based on the principle of self-governance, through which recognised, independent specialists from the relevant field that act in the public interest can advise on how research and innovation can best contribute to the achievement of the policy priorities set by policymakers; recommends, as part of implementing this principle, setting up new Councils in line with the Heitor report to deliver expert advice on the strategic priorities of the programme as well as on the formulation of call texts to ensure their quality,

(b) including positions for programme managers for the EIC, comparable to programme managers at the American ARPA-style agencies, who are experts appointed from outside the Commission with a proven track record in the relevant field, appointed for a predefined period, as special advisers to the Commissioner responsible for research and innovation to ensure their seniority in the Commission, to manage strategic visionary portfolios of projects, fostering collaboration between projects where relevant across the whole programme for their mutual benefit and set out challenges based on strategic intelligence and with a view to fostering global leadership for Europe in specific areas of their field,

(c) implementing a radical simplification in the administrative work related to the application for and management of FP10 projects, following the proposal of the Heitor report to trust first and check later for the application system as well as keeping the information requested in applications to an absolute minimum – no information which is not absolutely necessary for a good qualitative evaluation of the scientific or innovative quality of a proposal should be included in the proposal stage,

(d) promoting synergies and coordinated programming and implementation with other programmes and sectoral policies in particular with the future new industrial policy and the next important projects of common European interest dealing with research, development and innovation at national and EU level;

60. Recommends that the GEPs as eligibility criteria for funding should be maintained in FP10 in their current form as a permanent and integral element of EU research funding requirements;

61. Recommends that the general objective on advancing the ERA should lead to the development of an excellent, unified and well-functioning European Research Area that attracts talent, integrates newcomers in existing networks and provides access to world leading research and technology infrastructures while remaining open for excellent research proposals irrespective of the supporting research institution and supports joint early research programmes with national funders; underlines that the forthcoming ERA Act needs to ensure increased national investments, national reforms and the elimination of barriers to the free movement of knowledge, technology and researchers, to create the conditions for FP10 to support the achievement of a well-functioning ERA;

62. Considers that the Research Infrastructures, COST and Teaming programmes should contribute to the achievement of this general objective; is convinced that FP10 should provide for an instrument for strategic investments in technology infrastructures; believes that the MSCA is a crucial instrument for achieving this objective as it facilitates the mobility across the EU and between sectors of the best and the brightest who are selected based on the excellence of their proposal; believes that, to further the integration of the ERA, participation of entities from areas with low research performance should be encouraged in the programme;

63. Firmly believes that FP10 should include a newly established European fellowship programme for researchers at risk, incorporating the lessons learnt from the ongoing preparatory action, to achieve this general objective;

64. Continues to support the knowledge triangle approach of the EIT to foster innovation in Europe; believes that a reformed and refocussed EIT should contribute to the achievement of this general objective, given its particular role of integrating the European innovation ecosystem;

65. Believes that in FP10 an expanded and interlinked ERC and EIC should be the engine for a European competition of ideas and that an increase of their budgets should be prioritised in the FP10 budget; recommends that these programmes be designed so that they create a European, bottom-up funnel for innovation to develop quickly from fundamental science to innovation scale-up;

66. Considers that the EIC can only succeed if it can (i) offer blended finance as a single project and (ii) act with the same predictability and agility as private actors on the venture capital market through a tailor-made legal entity for its implementation; underlines that the strengthened autonomy and self-governance of both the ERC and the EIC are crucial to achieving this; considers in this regard that new options must be investigated to ensure their independence and long-term stability, such as creating dedicated legal entities;

67. Considers that the expansion of the EIC and ERC should include increased funding for blue-sky, collaborative and early research projects; recommends this expansion to fund smaller projects and consortia in order to lower the barrier to participation, to increase the success rate and to encourage experimentation with new ideas and collaborations; considers that both the EIC Pathfinder and the ERC Synergy Grants have a role to play in this expanded space for bottom-up collaborative research; underlines that the EIC Pathfinder should continue to fund Challenges, but they should be reformed from Challenge-based calls to ARPA-style Challenges which leave space for bottom-up proposals while securing strategic technology development;

68. Urges the Commission to design FP10 such that it can effectively support strategic research, technology development and deployment initiatives, focussing on a limited number of priorities to support research-based competitiveness and the resilience of key sectors in the European economy as well as to address societal challenges with 2040 as the time horizon and which require cross-border collaboration due to the scale and complexity of the issue at hand; believes that these initiatives could take the form of (i) societal mission-oriented programmes which address socio-economic and/or ecological challenges, (ii) technology mission-oriented programmes to accelerate the development of strategic technologies in Europe, and (iii) joint undertakings to secure joint investments by the private sector, Member States and the EU;

69. Is furthermore convinced that a share of the budget of FP10 should remain available for higher Technology Readiness Level collaborative calls to support strategic collaboration not covered in the strategic initiatives, in particular this budget could be used for strategic calls developed by the programme managers to further develop an emerging ecosystem;

70. Emphasises that mission-oriented programmes under FP10 should be fundamentally differently organised than the current missions in Horizon Europe; calls on the Commission to implement mission-oriented programmes under FP10 that set objectives that can be reached through R&I, implemented through open calls for bottom-up ideas, fostering interdisciplinarity, including between SSHA-driven and technology-driven activities, to achieve the mission, and managed through a portfolio approach building on the experience of the pilot under Horizon Europe; underlines that the successful management of these mission-oriented programmes requires outstanding expertise on the topic of the missions rather than generic expertise;

71. Underlines that procedures for obtaining support under FP10 must align with companies’ realities; is of the opinion that, to this end, an industry-oriented application procedure, building on the experience of the Fast Track to Innovation from Horizon 2020, should be re-introduced under FP10, in particular where the programme aims to support strategic initiatives;

72. Is convinced that a strategic approach to international cooperation is more important than ever; believes that global collaboration in science is essential for the knowledge development of humanity, but cannot be pursued in a naive manner; recommends that the Commission develops a clear strategic policy framework for its decisions on international collaboration which includes (i) a clear policy on the association of third countries which recognises that association is a tool for political partnerships, (ii) a structured process for determining how open or closed FP10 projects need to be to foster the best possible research while also considering the strategic interests of the EU, and (iii) a plan to boost global collaboration through the programme;

73. Underlines the importance of FP10’s compliance with the Council recommendation on research security; calls on the Commission to include in the strategic approach whether the right balance between security and openness can be best achieved at the level of programmes, calls or selected projects; believes as well that, beyond the agility of the framework programme itself, delivering resilience must be mainstreamed to become an integral part of all the applied research, development and innovation activities of the next framework programme, in a differentiated manner depending on the topic and the type of activity; believes in particular that innovation activities close to the market must take into account the risk of increased dependency on third countries stemming from them, and the necessary enhanced strategic autonomy of the EU;

74. Recommends in principle maintaining the civilian nature of the next framework programme and leaving calls specifically for defence applications to the successor of the European Defence Fund; urges the Commission further to develop options to strengthen the synergies between civilian and defence R&D spending; calls on the Commission in particular to explore how the exploitation of dual-use potential can be maximised, especially through interventions after project selection rather than in call or programme definition; underlines that academic freedom includes the right of researchers to decide to what research and development they wish to contribute;

75. Recommends that the programme should recognise the role of interdisciplinary research in addressing societal challenges, also including a better integration of SSHA; reiterates the need for sufficient funding for research projects that address societal challenges and that fall within the area of SSHA;

76. Recommends the introduction of research actions in order to foster and encourage more lower Technology Readiness Level research and basic research;

77. Notes that the allocation of at least 35 % of Horizon Europe expenditure to climate objectives served the general EU objective of mainstreaming climate actions into its sectoral policies and funds; considers this an ambitious target to ensure that FP10 adequately funds science, research and innovation that support the EU climate objectives;

78. Underlines that any potential application of the Do No (Significant) Harm principle under FP10 should, in line with Article 33(2)d of the Financial Regulation, be set out in the FP10 legislation;

79. Recommends that the central role of standardisation in driving innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and ensuring impactful, market-ready solutions be recognised in FP10 by ensuring that costs associated with standardisation activities, where relevant in projects, are clearly recognised as eligible for reimbursement under the programme as well as by offering support to researchers in their standardisation activities;

80. Insists that rules regarding the association of third countries to FP10 should require that these associations can only be concluded through international agreements, which requires the consent of the Parliament for each specific association to a specific EU programme, including for the scope of that association;

81. Notes that FP10 should take into account the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a way to foster European research and development while identifying specific risks that may arise form an abusive use of AI in the scientific environment and the corresponding mitigation measures;

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82. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments of the Member States.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Clarification of Article 5 of the Artificial Intelligence Act regarding the deployment of remote biometric identification systems in publicly accessible spaces – E-002452/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
Article 3 (44) of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act defines the notion ‘publicly accessible spaces’.

These are locations where the general public can freely enter, often without restrictions. A school may be considered a publicly accessible space, depending on the circumstances. The premises outside the school yard should normally be considered publicly accessible.

Article 2(3) AI Act provides that the AI Act does not apply to AI systems for national security. According to the Court of Justice, it is for the Member States to define their essential security interests and to adopt appropriate measures.

However, the responsibility of Member States is limited to the primary interest in protecting essential functions of the State and fundamental interests of society and encompasses the prevention and punishment of activities capable of seriously destabilising the fundamental constitutional, political, economic or social structures of a country and, in particular, of directly threatening society, the population or the State itself, such as terrorist activities[1].

According to the settled case-law of the Court of Justice, the mere fact that a national measure has been taken for the purpose of protecting national security cannot render EU law inapplicable and exempt the Member States from their obligation to comply with the EU rules[2]. Ultimately in such cases it corresponds to the Court of Justice to provide for the interpretation of EU law.

The Commission will monitor the prohibitions and set up an AI Act Service Desk, which will answer questions of stakeholders on the application of the AI Act .

[1] ECJ Judgment of 6 October 2020, La Quadrature du Net and Others, C-511/18, C-512/18 and C-520/18, paragraph 135.

[2] ECJ Judgment of 6 October 2020, C-623/17 — Privacy International, paragraph 44.
Last updated: 26 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director-General of Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises Concludes Visit to Hangzhou and Shenzhen (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Director-General of Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises Concludes Visit to Hangzhou and Shenzhen (with photos)
Director-General of Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises Concludes Visit to Hangzhou and Shenzhen (with photos)
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The Director-General of Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), Mr Peter Yan, today (February 26) concluded his visit to Hangzhou and Shenzhen. The visit was aimed to foster collaboration and communication between Hong Kong with the enterprises in innovation and technology (I&T) sector in the two cities, and attract potential strategic enterprises to establish their presence in Hong Kong. Hangzhou has been actively developing I&T sector, as well as the cultural and creative sector that integrated I&T over recent years. Several enterprises have rapidly emerged as influential leaders in these fields. In addition to the recently globally-discussed large language model AI enterprises, these leading companies also include tech-driven creative enterprises, which have produced globally successful online games and animated films based on Chinese mythology, creating a new wave of enthusiasm. During the trip to Hangzhou, Mr Yan visited these leading enterprises and met with their founders and representatives. They discussed development trends in the industries of AI, tech-driven creative, robotics and spatial intelligence. They also explored on how enterprises in these industries could utilise Hong Kong as a base to expedite and enhance their efforts to expand overseas business. Mr Yan mentioned Hong Kong’s various advantages, including the Government’s commitment to I&T development, and its talent pool. As a global city, Hong Kong aligns with international standards and practices, thereby positioning itself as a connector and value-adder for mainland companies seeking to expand overseas. Strengthening cooperation between Hong Kong and I&T enterprises in Hangzhou is expected to facilitate industrial upgrading and technological innovation. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, mentioned today (February 26) in his 2025-26 Budget that in addition to the current four strategic sectors, including AI and data science, life and health technology, advanced manufacturing and new energy technology, and financial technology, the OASES will strategically attract to Hong Kong more cultural and creative enterprises that integrate I&T into their work. By leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantage as a convergence point of eastern and western cultures, these creative technology enterprises will be able to go globalised, thereby infusing the local creative industry with more technological innovation and fostering its robust development. ???Mr Yan also visited the Hanggang Technology Building, known as “China’s Silicon Valley,” to gain further insights into Hangzhou’s technology development. During his visit to Shenzhen, Mr Yan visited a local AI enterprise to understand the role of AI and data science in smart city development. He also discussed with them their intentions and plans for setting up or expanding business in Hong Kong. Mr Yan concluded his official visit to Shenzhen this evening and returned to Hong Kong.

Ends/Wednesday, February 26, 2025Issued at HKT 23:09

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mahakumbh 2025: A Spectacle of Faith, Unity, and Tradition

Source: Government of India

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

Mahakumbh 2025: A Spectacle of Faith, Unity, and Tradition

As the sacred waters settle, the echoes of devotion and grandeur leave an everlasting imprint on history

Posted On: 26 FEB 2025 7:22PM by PIB Delhi

Introduction

In a world marked by the hustle of modernity, few events hold the power to bring millions together in pursuit of something greater than themselves. The Maha Kumbh Mela, currently being held from 13 January 2025 to 26 February 2025, is a sacred pilgrimage that is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years. Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest peaceful gathering, draws millions of pilgrims who bathe in sacred rivers seeking to purify themselves from sins and attain spiritual liberation. The Maha Kumbh Mela is deeply embedded in Hindu mythology and represents one of the most significant gatherings of faith in the world. This sacred event rotates between four locations in India-Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj– each situated by a holy river, from the Ganges to the Shipra, the Godavari, and the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati in Prayagraj. The expected turnout of 45 crore devotees in 45 days was exceeded within a month, reaching 66 crores⁺ by the concluding day.

Attractions of Kumbh Mela 2025

Triveni Sangam: The sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, offering a deeply spiritual experience.
Ancient Temples: Hanuman Mandir, Alopi Devi Mandir, and Mankameshwar Temple, showcasing the city’s religious heritage.
Historical Landmarks: Ashoka Pillar, University of Allahabad, and Swaraj Bhawan, reflecting India’s rich history and colonial-era architecture.
Cultural Vibrance: Bustling streets, markets, local art, and cuisine providing a glimpse into the city’s life.
Kalagram: Kalagram, set up by the Ministry of Culture in Sector-7 of the Maha Kumbh district, is a vibrant cultural village showcasing India’s rich heritage. Designed around the themes of Craft, Cuisines, and Culture, it offered an immersive experience through performances, exhibitions, and interactive zones.
Akhara Camps: Spiritual hubs where sadhus and seekers engaged in meditation, discussions, and philosophical exchanges.
Immersive Digital Experiences: Inspired by Kumbh 2019, ten stalls facilitating the pilgrims with this experience were specially set up at prime locations in the Kumbh Mela to show videos of major events such as Peshwai, auspicious bathing days, Ganga aarti, etc.
Drone Show: A Grand Drone show was organised by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department featuring hundreds of drones creating vibrant shapes in the sky. Devotees were mesmerized by the divine depiction of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) and Gods drinking from the Amrit Kalash.
Cultural events at the Ganga Pandal: It saw renowned artists from across the country mesmerize devotees with grand presentations of music, dance, and art from 7th – 10th February. The main highlights of the event included performances by famous artists like Odissi dancer Dona Ganguly on 7th; renowned singer Kavita Krishnamurti and Dr. L. Subramaniam on 8th; Suresh Wadkar and Sonal Mansingh on 9th; and, on 10th, celebrated singer Hariharan. In addition, prominent artists from various Indian classical dance and music traditions made the evening musical and grand.
International Bird Festival: Held from February 16-18, 2025, showcasing over 200 migratory and local birds, including endangered species.

Key Rituals and Practices

Shahi Snan: The most significant ritual, where millions bathe at Triveni Sangam to cleanse sins and attain Moksha. Special dates like Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti witness grand processions of saints and Akharas, marking the official start of the Maha Kumbh.
Ganga Aarti: A visually stunning ritual where priests offer glowing lamps to the sacred river, evoking devotion.
Kalpavas: A month-long period of spiritual discipline where devotees renounce comforts, engage in meditation, and participate in Vedic rituals like Yajnas and Homas.
Prayers & Offerings: Dev Pujan honors deities, while rituals like Shraadh (ancestral offerings) and Veeni Daan (offering hair to the Ganges) symbolize surrender and purification. Acts of charity, such as Gau Daan (cow donation) and Vastra Daan (clothing donation), hold great merit.
Deep Daan: Thousands of lamps are floated on the river, creating a celestial glow that symbolizes devotion and divine blessings.
Prayagraj Panchkoshi Parikrama: A sacred journey around Prayagraj’s holy sites, reviving an ancient tradition and offering spiritual fulfillment.

History and Major Bathing Dates

The origins of the Kumbh Mela are rooted in Hindu mythology. According to the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) story in the ancient Hindu scriptures, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) fought over the Amrit (nectar of immortality). During this celestial battle, drops of the nectar fell at four locations—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik—where the Kumbh Mela is now held, with the Maha Kumbh occurring once every 144 years at Prayagraj. Historically, the Maha Kumbh Mela has been referenced since ancient times, with records dating back to the Maurya and Gupta periods. It received royal patronage from various dynasties, including the Mughals, and was documented by colonial administrators like James Prinsep. Over centuries, it evolved into a global spiritual and cultural phenomenon. Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, the Kumbh Mela symbolizes India’s enduring traditions, fostering unity, spirituality, and cultural exchange among millions worldwide.

The timing of each Kumbh Mela is determined by the astrological positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter, believed to signal an auspicious period for spiritual cleansing and self-enlightenment. The festival embodies a confluence of faith, culture, and tradition, attracting ascetics, seekers, and devotees alike. The event’s grandeur is marked by Shahi Snans (bathing rituals), spiritual discourses, and vibrant cultural processions that reflect India’s deep spiritual heritage.

Major bathing dates are:

Date	Bathing Occasion	Significance	Number of Devotees taking a dip (Approx.)
January 13, 2025	Paush Purnima	It serves as an unofficial inauguration of the Maha Kumbh Mela, signifying the commencement of this grand event. Additionally, Paush Purnima marks the initiation of Kalpvasa, a period of intense spiritual practice and devotion observed by pilgrims during the Maha Kumbh Mela.	1.5 crore
January 14, 2025	Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan)	Makar Sankranti signifies the sun’s transition to its next astronomical position in accordance with the Hindu calendar. This auspicious day marks the initiation of charitable donations at the Maha Kumbh Mela. Pilgrims traditionally make contributions based on their own volition and generosity.	3.5 crore
January 29, 2025	Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan)	Mauni Amavasya is a day steeped in significance, as it is believed that the celestial alignments are most propitious for the sacred act of bathing in the holy river. It commemorates a profound event when Rishabh Dev, revered as one of the first sages, broke his protracted vow of silence and immersed himself in the purifying waters of the Sangam. As a result, Mauni Amavasya draws the largest congregation of pilgrims to the Kumbh Mela, making it a momentous day of spiritual devotion and purification.	5 crore
February 3, 2025	Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)	Basant Panchami symbolizes the transition of seasons and celebrates the arrival of the Goddess of Knowledge, Saraswati, in Hindu mythology.	2.33 crore
February 12, 2025	Maghi Purnima	Maghi Purnima is renowned for its connection with the veneration of Guru Brahaspati and the belief that the Hindu deity Gandharva descends from the heavens to the sacred Sangam.	2 crore
February 26, 2025	Maha Shivratri	Maha Shivaratri holds deep symbolism as it marks the final holy bath of the Kalpvasis, and it is intrinsically connected to Lord Shankar.	1.3 crore

Key Infrastructure Development

Temporary City Setup: Maha Kumbh Nagar had been transformed into a temporary city with thousands of tents and shelters, including super deluxe accommodations like the IRCTC’s “Maha Kumbh Gram” luxury tent city which offers deluxe tents and villas with modern amenities.
Roads and Bridges:

Renovation of 92 roads and beautification of 17 major roads
Construction of 30 pontoon bridges using 3,308 pontoons.

Signage for Navigation: A total of 800 multi-language signages (Hindi, English, and regional languages) were installed to guide visitors.
Public Utilities: Over 2,69,000 checkered plates had been laid for pathways. Mobile toilets and robust waste management systems ensured hygiene.

Medical Facilities at Maha Kumbh

The Maha Kumbh 2025 witnessed an extensive medical setup to ensure the well-being of millions of devotees. With over 2,000 medical personnel deployed across the Mela area, the Uttar Pradesh government implemented high-tech healthcare services in every sector. From minor treatments to major surgeries, all medical needs were addressed efficiently.

Key Medical Arrangements:

Central Hospital at Parade Ground:
- 100-bed capacity
- OPD, ICU, and emergency care
- Conducted over 10,000 treatments and multiple successful deliveries
Additional Hospitals:
- 23 hospitals with a total capacity of 360 beds
- Two sub-central hospitals (25 beds each)
- Eight sector hospitals (20 beds each)
- Two infectious disease hospitals (20 beds each)
Medical Services Expansion During Amrit Snan & Magh Purnima:
- 133 ambulances deployed, including seven river ambulances and one air ambulance
- Medical Observation Rooms at key railway stations for emergencies
- First aid posts with trained staff at multiple locations
SRN Hospital and Other City Hospitals on High Alert:
- 250 beds reserved at SRN Hospital
- Blood bank stocked with 200 units
- Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital prepared with:
  - 40-bed trauma center
  - 50-bed surgical ICU
  - 50-bed medicine ward
  - 10-bed cardiology ward and ICU
Medical Teams and Emergency Readiness:
- 300 specialist doctors deployed at the Super Specialty Hospital
- Expert doctors from AIIMS Delhi and BHU remained on high alert
- 150 AYUSH medical personnel provided alternative treatments
Advanced Facilities and AI Integration:
- ECG services and Central Pathology Lab conducting 100+ tests daily
- 50+ free diagnostic tests available for pilgrims
- AI-driven translation technology enabled doctors to communicate in 22 regional and 19 international languages
Affordable Medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras:

Five Jan Aushadhi Kendras set up in Mahakumbh Nagar, including one in Kalagram
Established under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
Provided affordable and quality medicines to pilgrims throughout the Mela
Part of a nationwide network of 15,000+ Jan Aushadhi centers, with 62 centers in Prayagraj
Contributed to the national target of ₹2,000 crore in medicine sales, with ₹1,500 crore already achieved.

The entire medical infrastructure was continuously monitored by senior officials to ensure smooth operations, cleanliness, and quick emergency responses. These arrangements played a crucial role in managing the healthcare needs of millions at the Maha Kumbh 2025.

AYUSH at Maha Kumbh

The Ayush OPDs, clinics, stalls, and wellness sessions emerged as major attractions for devotees and visitors at Maha Kumbh 2025, Prayagraj. The Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the National Ayush Mission, Uttar Pradesh, provided free healthcare services to both domestic and international pilgrims. With a strong focus on traditional healing systems, Ayush services received widespread participation, reinforcing the global trust in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Naturopathy.

Key Highlights of Ayush Services:

Extensive Healthcare Support: Over 1.21 lakh devotees availed Ayush services during the festival.
Dedicated Ayush OPDs: A team of 80 doctors across 20 OPDs provided 24×7 medical services, addressing both common and chronic conditions.
International Participation: Foreign devotees also accessed Ayush OPD consultations and wellness therapies.
Yoga Therapy Sessions: Daily therapeutic yoga sessions were conducted from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM at designated camps in the Sangam area and Sector-8, led by experts from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi.
Integrated Healthcare: Over 7 lakh pilgrims received medical care, including:
- 4.5 lakh treated at 23 allopathic hospitals
- 3.71 lakh pathology tests conducted
- 3,800 minor and 12 major surgeries successfully performed
Specialist Involvement: Experts from AIIMS Delhi, IMS BHU, and international specialists from Canada, Germany, and Russia contributed to providing world-class healthcare.
Traditional Treatments: 20 AYUSH hospitals offered treatments in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Naturopathy to over 2.18 lakh pilgrims.
Holistic Wellness: Services such as Panchakarma, yoga therapy, and health awareness campaigns were well-received, enhancing the overall well-being of attendees.

Security Measures

Security at Maha Kumbh 2025 had been strengthened through a seven-tier system with AI-powered surveillance, a vast deployment of personnel, and emergency response mechanisms. Over 50,000 security personnel, including paramilitary forces, 14,000 home guards, and 2,750 AI-based CCTV cameras, had been deployed. Enhanced measures included drone and underwater surveillance, cyber security, and river safety. Fire safety infrastructure had been expanded with specialized vehicles and firefighting stations. Lost and Found centers used digital registration and social media updates to reunite missing persons with their families.

Key Security Measures

Surveillance and Law Enforcement

AI & Drone Monitoring: 2,750 AI-powered cameras, drones, anti-drones, and tethered drones for real-time tracking.
Underwater Drones: First-time deployment for 24/7 river surveillance, operating up to 100 meters deep.
Checkpoints & Intelligence Squads: Screening at multiple entry points, hotel and vendor inspections, and patrols.
Seven-Tier Security System: Layered protection from the outer perimeter to the inner sanctum.

Fire Safety Measures

₹131.48 crore allocated for fire safety, ensuring the deployment of:
- 351 firefighting vehicles.
- 50+ fire stations and 20 fire posts.
- Four Articulating Water Towers (AWT) equipped with thermal cameras, reaching 35 meters in height.
- Over 2,000 trained fire personnel.
- Fire safety equipment installed in all tent settlements.

Emergency & Disaster Response

Multi-Disaster Response Vehicles: Equipped with lifting bags (10-20 tonnes), rescue tools, and victim location cameras.
Remote-Controlled Life Buoys: Deployed for immediate water rescue operations.
Incident Response System (IRS): Ensures swift emergency handling through a coordinated command structure.

Enhanced River Security

3,800 Water Police personnel deployed, including 2,500 currently on duty and 1,300 additional personnel before the event.
11 FRP Speed Motor Boats and four Anaconda motorboats with built-in changing rooms for patrol.
Three Water Police Stations & Two Floating Rescue Stations operating 24/7.
Four Water Ambulances equipped with medical facilities stationed along the river.
Deep-Water Barricading: An 8-km stretch secured to prevent accidents.
Equipment Deployment: 100 diving kits, 440 lifebuoys, and over 3,000 life jackets.

Overall Deployment & Infrastructure

Security Forces: 10,000+ police personnel, NDRF, SDRF, CAPF, PAC, and bomb disposal squads.
Prayagraj Police Infrastructure:
- 57 permanent police stations.
- 13 temporary police stations.
- 23 security checkpoints.
- 8 zones, 18 security sectors.
700+ boats with police and disaster response personnel stationed along the rivers.
Mock Drills & Inspections: Conducted by police and ATS teams for security preparedness.

CRPF’s Role in Maha Kumbh 2025

24/7 Security: Personnel deployed at ghats, Mela grounds, and key routes.
Use of Modern Technology: Vigilant monitoring to handle emergencies effectively.
Guidance & Assistance: Helping devotees navigate massive crowds with a polite approach.
Disaster Management: Rapid response team on high alert for crises.
Humanitarian Efforts: Assisting in reuniting lost children and elderly with their families.

Cyber Security at Maha Kumbh

More than 65 crore devotees have visited the Maha Kumbh Nagar. To ensure that such a large number of devotees are well-informed, the Uttar Pradesh government had decided to utilize every platform, including print, digital, and social media. Cyber experts have been actively monitoring online threats and investigating gangs exploiting platforms such as AI, Facebook, X, and Instagram. A mobile cyber team was also deployed for large-scale public awareness campaigns.

Special cyber security arrangements were initiated to safeguard devotees from across the globe:

Deployment of 56 dedicated cyber warriors and experts for cyber patrolling.
Establishment of a Maha Kumbh cyber police station to counter cyber threats like fraudulent websites, social media scams, and fake links.
40 Variable Messaging Displays (VMDs) installed in both the fair area and the commissionerates for raising awareness about cyber threats.
Formation of a dedicated helpline number, 1920, and promotion of verified government websites.

Ease of Making Payments at Maha Kumbh

Seamless Digital Banking Services: Ensuring convenience, safety, and security for millions of devotees and pilgrims.
Service Infrastructure: Service counters, mobile banking units, and customer assistance kiosks at five key locations.
Daak Sevaks: Trusted Daak Sevaks offering doorstep banking services for cash withdrawals via Aadhaar-linked accounts through AePS (Aadhaar ATM).
‘Banking at Call’ facility: Pilgrims can dial 7458025511 to access banking services anywhere within Maha Kumbh.
Empowering Digital Transactions: Enabling local vendors and businesses to accept digital payments through DakPay QR Cards, fostering a cashless ecosystem.
Awareness Campaigns: Educating pilgrims and vendors through trained professionals, Daak Sevaks, hoardings, and digital demonstrations and assisting with account openings, transactions, and queries.
Memorabilia Offer: Free printed photographs for visitors as a keepsake.

Railway Transportation at Maha Kumbh

Maha Kumbh 2025, necessitated extensive preparations by Indian Railways to ensure seamless transportation, safety, and infrastructure readiness. Indian Railways has undertaken massive operational, infrastructural, and security measures to handle the unprecedented influx of devotees at Prayagraj and adjoining regions.

1. Operational Measures To manage the surge in passengers, Indian Railways has implemented the following measures:

Special Train Services: Over 1,000 special trains are being introduced on high-demand routes to Prayagraj from various parts of India.
Increased Train Frequencies: Regular trains operating on critical routes have been augmented to handle additional passengers.
Reservation System Enhancements: Tatkal and special booking counters have been set up to facilitate smooth ticketing.
Dedicated Help Desks: Information booths and inquiry counters have been increased at major railway stations to assist pilgrims.

2. Security and Crowd Management Given the large congregation, security measures have been significantly bolstered:

Deployment of RPF and GRP Personnel: More than 10,000 personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) have been deployed at key stations.
CCTV Surveillance: High-resolution CCTV cameras have been installed across railway stations and inside trains for real-time monitoring.
Drone Surveillance: Drones are being used for crowd monitoring and quick response to emergencies.
AI-Based Crowd Management Systems: Advanced AI-based predictive modeling is being used to monitor crowd density and prevent stampedes.

3. Infrastructure Development To accommodate the increased footfall, major infrastructural upgrades have been carried out:

Expansion of Platforms: Stations in Prayagraj and nearby regions have undergone expansion to handle additional trains.
New Foot Over Bridges (FOBs): Additional FOBs have been constructed to ease passenger movement.
Enhanced Lighting and Signage: Railway stations have been equipped with improved lighting and digital signboards for better navigation.
Escalators and Lifts: Stations have been upgraded with escalators and lifts for the convenience of elderly and differently-abled passengers.

4. Passenger Amenities and Digital Initiatives To ensure a comfortable experience for devotees, Indian Railways has introduced several passenger-friendly initiatives:

Additional Waiting Rooms and Rest Areas: Temporary waiting halls with adequate seating, clean drinking water, and sanitation facilities have been established.
Food and Water Distribution: Special food counters and kiosks have been set up to provide hygienic meals and drinking water.
Digital Ticketing and Mobile App Services: The Indian Railways app has been upgraded with real-time train tracking, ticket booking, and emergency services information.
Public Announcement Systems: High-quality PA systems have been installed for timely announcements regarding train arrivals and departures.

5. Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response To mitigate risks and handle emergencies effectively, Indian Railways has implemented:

Quick Response Teams (QRTs): Deployed at key stations to handle medical emergencies and crowd control.
Onboard Medical Facilities: Special medical coaches have been added to long-distance trains.
Fire Safety Measures: Fire extinguishers and emergency exits have been reviewed and upgraded in railway coaches and stations.
Coordination with Local Authorities: Continuous coordination with local police, healthcare units, and disaster management teams to handle contingencies.

Bus Transportation at Maha Kumbh

The Uttar Pradesh government had deployed 1200 additional buses on 12 February 2025, supplementing the 3050 already allocated for Maha Kumbh 2025. Special shuttle services had also been arranged to enhance intra-city transportation.

Buses were available every 10 minutes at four temporary bus stations.
750 shuttle buses were operating every 2 minutes for intra-city connectivity.
Measures taken to prevent overcrowding and ensure smooth pilgrim movement.

Air Transportation for Maha Kumbh

Prayagraj Airport underwent significant modernization to support the large influx of devotees during the Maha Kumbh Mahotsav from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Expansion efforts improved connectivity, capacity, and passenger services, ensuring a seamless travel experience. To ensure seamless travel for tourists attending the Maha Kumbh, the Ministry of Tourism had partnered with Alliance Air to enhance air connectivity to Prayagraj from multiple cities across India.

Flight Operations & Connectivity

81 new flights were introduced in January 2025 to accommodate pilgrims.
The total number of flights increased to 132, providing around 80,000 monthly seats.
Direct connectivity expanded from 8 cities in December 2024 to 17 cities, while connecting flights reached 26 cities, including Srinagar and Visakhapatnam.
The Union Civil Aviation Minister directed airlines to regulate airfares, especially for peak days like the Shahi Snan (January 29, February 3) and other major bathing days (February 4, 12, and 26).

Passenger and Flight Traffic

The airport witnessed 30,172 passengers and operated 226 flights within a week.
For the first time, over 5,000 passengers traveled through the airport in a single day.
Night flights were introduced, providing 24/7 connectivity—a historic first in the airport’s 106-year history.

Infrastructure Expansion

The terminal area expanded from 6,700 sq. m. to 25,500 sq. m.
The old terminal was reconfigured to accommodate 1,080 peak-hour passengers, while a new terminal handled 1,620 passengers.
Parking capacity increased from 200 to 600 vehicles.
Check-in counters rose from 8 to 42, and baggage scanning machines (XBIS-HB) increased from 4 to 10.
Aircraft parking bays grew from 4 to 15, while conveyor belts increased from 2 to 5.
Taxi tracks and airport gates were expanded from 4 to 11.

Enhanced Passenger Experience

Boarding bridges increased from 2 to 6 for smoother passenger movement.
New lounges, a childcare room, and additional F&B counters were introduced.
The UDAN Yatri Café was established for affordable food options.
Meet-and-greet services were launched for differently-abled passengers.
Prepaid taxi counters and city bus services were introduced in collaboration with the UP Government.

Safety & Medical Facilities

Security infrastructure was strengthened with additional aerobridges and door-framed metal detectors.
Ambulances and air ambulance services were deployed to handle medical emergencies.
Arriving pilgrims were given a floral welcome, enhancing their spiritual journey.

Ensuring Food Availability and Safety

The Union Government and Uttar Pradesh government have taken multiple measures to provide affordable food and ensure food safety at Maha Kumbh 2025. Subsidized rations, free meals, and stringent food safety protocols are in place to cater to millions of devotees.

Subsidized Ration Distribution by NAFED

Quality ration at affordable prices distributed across Prayagraj.
Over 1000 metric tons of rations provided.
20 mobile vans ensure delivery across Maha Kumbh.
Orders via WhatsApp/call on 72757 81810 for doorstep delivery.
Subsidized items:
- Wheat flour & rice (10 kg packets).
- Moong, masoor, and chana dal (1 kg packets).

Free Meal Distribution & Cooking Gas Arrangements

20,000 people served free meals daily.
25,000 new ration cards issued for Maha Kumbh.
35,000+ gas cylinders refilled and 3,500 new connections issued.
5,000 gas cylinders refilled daily to support food preparation.

Food Safety Measures by FSSAI & UP Government

5 zones & 25 sectors monitored for food hygiene.
56 Food Safety Officers (FSOs) deployed across the fair.
10 Mobile Food Testing Labs (Food Safety on Wheels) conducting on-the-spot food safety tests.
Hotels, dhabas & stalls regularly inspected for hygiene compliance.
Public health lab in Varanasi testing food samples from Maha Kumbh.

Awareness & Public Engagement

FSSAI’s interactive pavilion educating visitors on food safety.
Nukkad Natak performances & live quizzes promoting hygiene awareness.
Adulteration checks & training sessions for vendors and food businesses.

Cleanliness and Sanitation

The Swachh Maha Kumbh Abhiyan has set a benchmark for environmental stewardship, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable pilgrimage experience.

Sanitation Infrastructure

10,200 sanitation workers and 1,800 Ganga Sevadut deployed for cleanliness.

Waste Management Initiatives

22,000 sanitation workers ensuring litter-free fairgrounds.
Water treatment initiatives to maintain clean river water for bathing.
Strict plastic ban and use of biodegradable cutlery.
Thousands of bio-toilets and automated garbage disposal units installed.

Major Bathing Days and Cleanliness Efforts

Basant Panchami (Feb 14, 2025):
- 2.33 crore devotees took a dip in the Triveni Sangam.
- 15,000 sanitation workers and 2,500 Ganga Seva Doots deployed.
- Special cleaning of akhada paths and ghats.
- Quick Response Teams (QRTs) ensured swift waste removal.
Magh Purnima (Feb 24, 2025):
- Over 2 crore devotees participated.
- Overnight cleaning drive restored ghats and fairgrounds.
- Special cleaning vehicles and cesspool operations maintained sanitation.

Sanitation and Waste Disposal System

12,000 FRP toilets with septic tanks.
16,100 prefabricated steel toilets with soak pits.
20,000 community urinals installed.
20,000 trash bins and 37.75 lakh liner bags for waste collection.
Special sanitation teams clearing waste post-major rituals.

Miyawaki Forests: A Green Initiative

119,700 saplings of 63 species planted in 2023-24 across 34,200 sqm.
Buswar dumping yard transformed into a green zone with 27,000 saplings.
Species planted: Mango, neem, peepal, tamarind, tulsi, gulmohar, and medicinal plants.

Public Participation and Awareness

Swachhata Rath Yatra promoting cleanliness.
Street plays, musical performances, and public address systems spreading awareness.
Waste disposal initiatives: Segregation at source and organized garbage collection.

River Cleaning with Trash Skimmer Machines

Two machines remove 10-15 tons of waste daily from Ganga and Yamuna.
Machine capacity: 13 cubic meters, covering a 4 km stretch of the river.
Waste disposal at Naini plant, plastic sent for recycling, and organic waste composted.

Welfare of Sanitation Workers

Sanitation colonies with housing and amenities.
Primary schools for workers’ children under Vidya Kumbh initiative.
Proper food, accommodation, and timely wages ensured.

Water Supply

A large-scale arrangement for clean and pure drinking water has been made for millions of pilgrims coming from across the country and abroad at the Maha Kumbh:

233 Water ATMs installed across the Mela area, operational 24/7.
RO (Reverse Osmosis) purified water provided to pilgrims.
Over 40 lakh pilgrims benefited from these Water ATMs between January 21 and February 1, 2025.
Initially, water was available at ₹1 per liter via coins or UPI payments, but now it is completely free.
Each ATM is equipped with sensor-based monitoring to detect faults.

SIM-based technology ensures connectivity with the administration’s central network.
Each ATM dispenses 12,000 to 15,000 liters of RO water daily.
On-site operators ensure smooth functioning and quick resolution of technical issues.

Pilgrims must refill bottles instead of using plastic, reducing waste.
Water supply arrangements focus on cleanliness and sustainability.
Technical teams monitor ATMs to ensure uninterrupted service.

International Bird Festival

This festival blended science, nature, and culture, inspiring conservation efforts and sustainable development.

Date & Venue: February 16-18, 2025, in Prayagraj.
Bird Species: Over 200 migratory and local birds, including endangered species.
Objective: Promote environmental conservation and biodiversity awareness.

Festival Highlights

Bird Watching & Awareness
- Rare birds like Indian Skimmer, Flamingo, and Siberian Crane.
- Thousands of migratory birds from Siberia, Mongolia, Afghanistan, and other regions.
- Eco-tourism plan for devotees, featuring expert-led bird walks and nature walks.
Competitions & Activities
- Photography, painting, slogan writing, debates, and quizzes.
- Prizes worth ₹21 lakhs (₹10,000 to ₹5 lakhs).
Expert Insights
- Ornithologists, environmentalists, and conservation experts in technical sessions.
- Discussions on bird migration, habitat protection, climate change impact.
Cultural & Educational Programs
- Street plays, art exhibitions, and cultural performances on biodiversity.
- Student participation in conservation activities for hands-on learning.

List of Notable Personalities at Maha Kumbh

Various well-known personalities visited Prayagraj to take a dip in the holy Triveni Sangam. These include:

Hon. President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
Home Minister Shri Amit Shah
Defense Minister Shri Rajnath Singh
Governor of Uttar Pradesh Smt. Anandiben Patel
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath & Cabinet Ministers
Chief Ministers:
- Rajasthan – Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma
- Haryana – Shri Nayab Singh Saini
- Manipur – Shri N. Biren Singh
- Gujarat – Shri Bhupendra Patel
Union Ministers:
- Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
- Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal
- Shri Shripad Naik
Members of Parliament:
- Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi
- Shri Anurag Thakur
- Smt. Sudha Murthy
- Shri Ravi Kishan
Sports & Entertainment Personalities

Olympic Medalist Saina Nehwal
Cricketer Suresh Raina
International Wrestler Khali
Renowned Poet Kumar Vishwas
Choreographer Remo D’Souza
Bollywood Actress Katrina Kaif
Bollywood Actress Raveena Tandon

Kalagram

Kalagram, set up by the Ministry of Culture in Sector-7 of the Maha Kumbh district, is a vibrant cultural village showcasing India’s rich heritage. Designed around the themes of Craft, Cuisines, and Culture, it offers an immersive experience through performances, exhibitions, and interactive zones. The space brings together traditional arts, folk performances, digital storytelling, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit for devotees and tourists. The exhibition featured performances by nearly 15,000 artists from different parts of the country.

Key Highlights of Kalagram

Grand Entrance: 635 ft wide, 54 ft high façade depicting 12 Jyotirlingas and Lord Shiva consuming Halahal.
Massive Stage: 104 ft wide and 72 ft deep, themed on Char Dham.
Performances: 14,632 artists perform daily on multiple stages.
Anubhuti Mandapam: 360° immersive experience narrating the descent of Ganga.
Aviral Shashwat Kumbh: Digital exhibition by ASI, NAI, and IGNCA on Kumbh’s history.
Food Zone: Offers satvik cuisine from different regions and Prayagraj’s local delicacies.
Sanskriti Aangans: Handicrafts and handlooms by 98 artisans from seven Zonal Cultural Centres.

International Tourism at Maha Kumbh

The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj emerged as a global phenomenon, attracting foreign tourists, travel writers, and spiritual seekers from various countries. The Uttar Pradesh government and the Ministry of Tourism implemented extensive initiatives to facilitate international participation, promote cultural exchange, and position the event on the world tourism map.

International Participation and Tourism Initiatives

A group of British travel writers visited the Maha Kumbh on February 25–26, 2025, exploring religious, historical, and cultural sites in Prayagraj.
Special plans were executed to provide accommodation, guided tours, digital information centers, and cultural programs for foreign visitors.
The delegation also visited Prayagraj Fort, Anand Bhawan, Akshayavat, Alfred Park, and the Sangam area, along with trips to Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Lucknow.

Foreign Tourists and Cultural Engagement

Pilgrims and tourists from South Korea, Japan, Spain, Russia, the United States, and other nations participated in the festival.
Many engaged with local guides at the Sangam Ghat to understand the spiritual and cultural significance of the event.
A visitor from Spain described the experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Foreign devotees actively participated in the rituals and ceremonies, with many international sadhus and sanyasis taking the holy dip.

Maha Kumbh as a Global Cultural Brand

The event was promoted as part of the “Brand UP” vision, highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s potential for tourism and investment.
The Uttar Pradesh government engaged with global tourism and hospitality stakeholders at international fairs to foster sustainable tourism and investment opportunities.
The strategic engagement aimed to enhance India’s reputation as a land of spirituality and innovation.

Promotion at International Tourism Fairs

Maha Kumbh 2025 was showcased at FITUR in Madrid, Spain (January 24–28, 2025) and ITB Berlin, Germany (March 4–6, 2025).
Special 40-square-meter pavilions were set up to display Uttar Pradesh’s cultural heritage and attract global tourists.
VVIP lounges facilitated B2B and B2C interactions, ensuring international collaborations.
Promotional materials in multiple languages helped reach a diverse global audience.

Digital Maha Kumbh and Global Engagement

The event’s official website saw 33 lakh visitors from 183 countries in the first week of January.
Visitors from 6,206 cities worldwide accessed the platform, with India, the United States, Britain, Canada, and Germany leading the traffic.
The technical team managing the site reported a surge in global traffic, with millions of daily users exploring content on Maha Kumbh’s history and spiritual significance.
The digital initiative ensured seamless access to information, enabling visitors to focus on the spiritual aspects of the festival without logistical challenges.

Incredible India Pavilion and Tourist Services

On January 12, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism set up the Incredible India Pavilion, a 5,000 sq. ft. immersive space at Maha Kumbh.
The pavilion facilitated foreign tourists, scholars, researchers, journalists, photographers, and the Indian diaspora.
The Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Poll allowed visitors to vote for their favorite tourism destinations in India.
A dedicated toll-free Tourist Infoline (1800111363 or 1363) was launched, operating in 10 international languages and Indian regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Assamese, and Marathi.

Luxury Accommodation and Travel Packages

The Ministry of Tourism collaborated with UPSTDC, IRCTC, and ITDC to provide curated tour packages and luxury accommodations.
ITDC set up 80 luxury accommodations at Tent City, Prayagraj, while IRCTC introduced luxury tents for the convenience of international tourists.
A digital brochure detailing the tour packages was widely circulated through Indian Missions and India Tourism Offices to reach a broader audience.

Through these extensive efforts, Maha Kumbh 2025 successfully established itself as a global spiritual and cultural event, reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s identity as a premier destination for religious tourism and international investment.

Key Exhibitions at Maha Kumbh

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 featured a vast array of exhibitions designed to showcase India’s rich cultural, artistic, and spiritual heritage. These exhibitions provided visitors and pilgrims with a unique opportunity to engage with the traditions, crafts, and historical narratives of India.

1. Kumbh Gram (Sector 7) Exhibitions

A specially curated space in Sector 7 of Kumbh Gram hosted several exhibitions reflecting the diverse aspects of India’s heritage, handicrafts, tourism, and disaster preparedness. These included:

Khadi Gramodyog Exhibition: Displaying the significance of khadi and village industries, promoting indigenous craftsmanship and self-reliance.
One District One Product (ODOP) Pavilion: Showcasing district-specific products from Uttar Pradesh, supporting local artisans and businesses.
Uttar Pradesh Darshan Mandapam: A visual journey through the major cultural and religious sites of Uttar Pradesh.
Incredible India Kala Gram: Featuring a vast collection of artistic works that celebrated India’s folk and traditional art forms.
Chhattisgarh Exhibition: Presenting the unique cultural and traditional aspects of Chhattisgarh, including tribal art and crafts.
Uttar Pradesh Tourism Exhibition: Highlighting major tourist destinations within Uttar Pradesh, encouraging travel and exploration.
North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) Pavilion: Dedicated to promoting the region’s diverse cultural performances, arts, and heritage.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Exhibition: Educating visitors on disaster preparedness, resilience, and emergency response mechanisms.

2. ‘Bhagwat’ Exhibition at Allahabad Museum

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the ‘Bhagwat’ exhibition at the Allahabad Museum, an initiative that showcased a remarkable collection of miniature paintings inspired by the Bhagwat. The exhibition presented intricate depictions of significant events from the Bhagwat, offering visitors a deep insight into India’s spiritual and artistic traditions.

3. ‘Aviral Shashvat Kumbh’ Exhibition

This exhibition provided a historical perspective on the Kumbh Mela, tracing its origins and evolution over centuries. Featuring artifacts, digital displays, and informational posters, ‘Aviral Shashvat Kumbh’ aimed to educate visitors on the enduring legacy of this grand festival and its role in India’s spiritual landscape.

The exhibitions at Maha Kumbh 2025 not only enhanced the spiritual experience of pilgrims but also served as a window into India’s rich cultural heritage. Through a blend of traditional artistry, historical retrospectives, and interactive showcases, these exhibitions played a crucial role in making Maha Kumbh 2025 an enriching and memorable event for millions of attendees.

Telecom at Maha Kumbh: BSNL

Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) played a crucial role in strengthening the communication infrastructure at the Maha Kumbh 2025, ensuring reliable connectivity for millions of pilgrims, administrative officials, security forces, and volunteers. A dedicated customer service center was set up in the Mela area, where visitors received on-site assistance, complaint resolution, and uninterrupted communication services.

Pilgrims from different parts of the country were provided with free SIM cards from their respective circles. If any pilgrim lost or damaged their SIM card, they did not need to return to their home state, as BSNL had arranged for SIM cards from all circles across the country to be available in the Mela area. This service was provided free of charge, allowing devotees to stay connected with their families throughout the event.

BSNL established a camp office at Lal Road, Sector-2, from where all communication services were managed. There was a significant increase in demand for fiber connections, leased line connections, and mobile recharges during the Kumbh, and BSNL ensured the availability of SIM cards from different states, benefiting both pilgrims and security personnel.

To guarantee uninterrupted communication, BSNL activated a total of 90 BTS towers in the Mela area:

30 BTS towers operating on the 700 MHz 4G band
30 BTS towers on the 2100 MHz band
30 BTS towers with 2G-enabled connectivity

Additionally, BSNL provided several advanced communication services, including:

Internet leased lines
Wi-Fi hotspots
High-speed internet (FTTH)
Webcasting
SD-WAN services
Bulk SMS services
M2M SIMs
Satellite phone services

Through these initiatives, BSNL ensured seamless communication throughout the Mahakumbh 2025, supporting both the public and the administrative machinery in managing the grand event efficiently.

Akharas at Maha Kumbh

In Maha Kumbh 2025, the Akharas played a significant role, representing various traditions and sects of Sanatan Dharma. The word ‘Akhara’ originates from ‘Akhand,’ meaning indivisible. These religious institutions have existed since the 6th century during the time of Adi Guru Shankaracharya and have been the custodians of spiritual practices and rituals at the Kumbh Mela.

A total of 13 Akharas participated in this Maha Kumbh, including the Kinnar Akhara, Dashnam Sannyasini Akhara, and Mahila Akhara, symbolizing gender equality and a progressive outlook. The grand processions and sacred rituals of the Akharas were among the main attractions of the event, inspiring millions of devotees toward spiritual growth, discipline, and unity.

These institutions not only preserved the spiritual and cultural values of Sanatan Dharma but also embraced modern sensibilities by promoting inclusivity and equality. The presence of the Akharas at Maha Kumbh fostered unity across caste, religion, and cultural diversity, making the event a symbol of spiritual and cultural enrichment.

Green Maha Kumbh: A National-Level Environmental Discussion

The Green Maha Kumbh was held on January 31, 2025, as a significant platform to promote environmental awareness alongside cultural and spiritual traditions. The event brought together over 1,000 environmental and water conservation experts from across the country. It was organized as part of the Gyan Maha Kumbh – 2081 series by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas.

The discussions at the Green Maha Kumbh focused on:

Issues related to nature, the environment, water, and cleanliness.
Maintaining the balance of the five elements of nature.
Sharing best practices in environmental conservation and cleanliness.
Strategies to engage devotees in sustainability efforts during Maha Kumbh.

Experts from various fields shared their insights and experiences on tackling environmental challenges and implementing eco-friendly solutions. Additionally, the discussions explored ways to raise awareness among visitors about environmental protection, promoting initiatives that ensured a cleaner and greener Maha Kumbh. The event reinforced the vision of an environmentally responsible Maha Kumbh, setting a precedent for sustainable practices in future religious gatherings.

Netra Kumbh

Maha Kumbh 2025 witnessed several record-breaking initiatives, with a significant focus on healthcare and social welfare. One of the most remarkable efforts was the Netra Kumbh, a massive eye care initiative aimed at combating vision impairment. Spanning 10 acres in Sector 5 near Nagvasuki, the event set new benchmarks in eye testing and spectacle distribution, striving to secure a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Record-Breaking Eye Tests & Spectacles: Over 5 lakh people underwent eye tests, and 3 lakh spectacles were distributed.
Daily OPD & Facilities: The Netra Kumbh had 11 hangars, offering 10,000 consultations daily with specialists and optometrists.
Previous Achievement: The earlier Netra Kumbh secured a place in the Limca Book of Records.
Aim for Guinness World Record: The 2025 event sought to surpass previous achievements and enter the Guinness Book of World Records.
Eye Donation Camp: Encouraged donations to help reduce blindness, addressing corneal issues affecting over 15 million people in India.

BHASHINI in Maha Kumbh

At Maha Kumbh 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) successfully leveraged BHASHINI, a revolutionary initiative under the Digital India program, to overcome language barriers and enhance communication. By offering multilingual access in 11 Indian languages, BHASHINI transformed information dissemination, navigation, emergency response, and governance, ensuring a seamless experience for millions of pilgrims. Additionally, the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot, powered by AI, provided real-time assistance, making Maha Kumbh 2025 more accessible and technologically advanced than ever before.

BHASHINI’s Role in Maha Kumbh 2025:

Real-Time Information Dissemination: Announcements, event schedules, and safety guidelines were translated into 11 Indian languages, enabling pilgrims to stay informed regardless of their native language.
Simplified Navigation: BHASHINI’s speech-to-text, text-to-speech tools, and multilingual chatbot, integrated with mobile applications and kiosks, assisted devotees in finding their way.
Accessible Emergency Services: The CONVERSE feature helped pilgrims communicate with the 112-emergency helpline in their native languages, in collaboration with the UP Police.
E-Governance Support: Authorities used BHASHINI to effectively communicate regulations, guidelines, and public service announcements to a diverse audience.
Lost and Found Assistance: BHASHINI’s Digital Lost & Found Solution enabled visitors to register lost or found items using voice inputs, with real-time translations simplifying the process.

Kumbh Sah’AI’yak Chatbot:

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this AI-powered, multilingual, voice-enabled chatbot played a crucial role in assisting pilgrims.
Powered by advanced AI technologies like Llama LLM, it provided real-time navigation and event-related information.
BHASHINI’s language translation enabled the chatbot to function in Hindi, English, and nine other Indian languages, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

Akashvani’s Kumbhvani

In a significant initiative to keep devotees and pilgrims informed, Akashvani’s Kumbhvani News Bulletins were broadcasted live through the public address system in Mahakumbh Nagar in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The first Kumbhvani News Bulletin was aired on public address system today i.e. 18.01.2025 at 8:30 am. The Kumbhvani news bulletins were broadcasted three times a day, at 8:30-8:40 am, 2:30-2:40 pm, and 8:30-8:40 pm, providing updates on various activities related to the Mahakumbh Mela. Additionally, devotees could also tune in to Kumbhvani news bulletins on 103.5 MHz frequency in Prayagraj.

References

https://pib.gov.in/EventDetail.aspx?ID=1197&reg=3&lang=1

https://www.instagram.com/airnewsalerts/p/DE3txwqIpRQ/

Click here to see PDF:

Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

(Release ID: 2106476)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal to Chair Post-Budget Industry Meet on February 27, 2025
Source: Government of India

Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal to Chair Post-Budget Industry Meet on February 27, 2025

Major Maritime initiatives to be announced in Mumbai

Posted On: 26 FEB 2025 7:25PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal will chair a high-level industry consultation in Mumbai on February 27, 2025 (Thursday). The event will bring together industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to discuss key maritime sector announcements from Union Budget 2025 and their impact on India’s maritime growth.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), including the Secretary (MoPSW), port authorities, all subordinate organisations, Consulate Generals of major maritime nations, maritime associations, and major maritime industry stalwarts will participate in discussions on modernising maritime infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and promoting sustainability in the sector.

Strategic Dialogue on Budget-2025
- Establishment of the ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund (MDF): This fund aims to support long-term investments in the sector, with the government contributing 49% and the remaining 51% mobilised from ports and private sector investments.
- Introduction of the Revamped Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP 2.0): With an outlay of ₹18,090 crore, this policy will strengthen domestic shipyards and enhance their global competitiveness.
- Large ships are classified as infrastructure assets to facilitate long-term, low-cost financing.
New Maritime Initiatives-2025
- Global Maritime India Summit and Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue: The Union Minister will announce the dates for these significant events aimed at strengthening India’s global maritime leadership.
- Major maritime initiatives: The Union Minister will also announce initiatives aimed at further strengthening India’s position as a global maritime leader.
Technical Sessions on Shipbuilding & Shipbreaking

The event will feature focused discussions on shipbuilding and shipbreaking policies:
- Session 1: Key Union Budget announcements on shipbuilding, including financial assistance policies led by industry leaders and government representatives.
- Session 2: Financial and policy support for shipbuilding clusters, shipbreaking regulations, and capital assistance for infrastructure development.
- Session 3: Future strategies for shipbuilding, incentives for industry growth, and expansion of shipbreaking operations.
Key Attendees

The event will see participation from leading organisations, including:
- All major Industry Associations like FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, PHCCI, FIEO, etc.
- All major Maritime related Associations like INSA, ICCSA, MASSA, CSLA, CFSAI, Shipyards Association of India, etc.
- All major, international and national, shipping lines, Port & Terminal Operators, Shipyards, Freight forwarders, Stevedores, Cruise & Ferry operators, etc.
- Major PSUs associated with ports and shipbuilding like those of Defence, MoPNG, etc.
- Domestic and Foreign Banks, Financial Institutions and Funds.
***

G.D. Hallikeri / Henry

(Release ID: 2106477) Visitor Counter : 69

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Innovation Saskatchewan Invests More Than $1 Million in Research and Development Projects Focused on Sustainable Technologies
Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on February 26, 2025

Innovation Saskatchewan is investing $1.09 million in four industry-led research and development (R&D) technologies through the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) and Agtech Growth Fund (AGF).

These dual R&D grant programs advance commercialization of game-changing technologies in agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing and health care and help bring them to market.

“Saskatchewan companies continue to develop impactful technological solutions for critical industry challenges in our core sectors,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Warren Kaeding said. “Funding programs like SAIF and AGF help accelerate made-in-Saskatchewan innovations to reach new global markets, driving economic and employment growth in communities across the province.”

SAIF and AGF funding will support four innovative companies from the Spring 2024 cohort:
- EcoLoop Sustainable Technologies – Developing a process that eliminates chemicals found in firefighting foams from soil and water while producing a material that can be used as a fertilizer. ($450,000 in SAIF support)
- Greenwave Innovations – Developing a data-driven platform that automates industrial equipment monitoring, eliminating waste and unnecessary costs. ($255,000 in SAIF support)
- Archetype Global 3D ($250,000 in SAIF support) – Developing an easy-to-assemble concrete 3D printer that produces building materials faster than current models on the market.
- BetterCart Analytics ($135,000 in AGF support) – Developing an advanced AI-driven price analytics platform that that reduces food costs in the supply chain from distributor to customer.
The announcement took place in Saskatoon at Co.Labs, Saskatchewan’s first tech incubator and one of Innovation Saskatchewan’s funded Tech Partners. The incubator has successfully supported over 200 startups that have generated more than $85 million in revenue and $50 million in private investment, making it a foundational support in Saskatchewan’s startup ecosystem.

“Investments into startup companies have a huge impact on the local ecosystem,” Co.Labs Executive Director Jonathan Lipoth said. “These grants make new technologies possible and create opportunities for disruptive companies to make their mark. There’s great upside in investing into our local technology companies.”

Steven Siciliano, founder and CEO of Environmental Material Science (EMS), a spring 2023 AGF recipient and Co.Labs Co.Lead company, described the impact the two programs have had on the development of the company’s signature agriculture product – a novel soil monitoring sensor. Both the company and product will soon be marketed as LiORA by EMS.

“The AGF funding and support from Innovation Saskatchewan is critical to the development of LiORA by EMS,” Siciliano said. “The LiORA product provides real-time estimates of carbon sequestration and nitrogen losses due to nitrous oxide emissions. AGF support allowed us to enhance the product to incorporate new nutrient sensors into the LiORA package so that the agriculture sector can obtain real time estimates of carbon and nitrogen efficiency. “

Since 2012, SAIF has committed over $15.7 million in 61 projects, resulting in more than $52.4 million in private investment, $8.5 million in federal investment, $106 million in post-project investment and 288 per cent return on investment (ROI). Similarly, since AGF launched in 2020, the program has invested over $4.5 million in 24 projects, resulting in more than $19.5 million in private investment, $3 million in federal investment, $41.4 million post-project investment and 398 per cent ROI.

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For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –
February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Promote American Businesses in Competition with China

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced bipartisan legislation to help American businesses compete with Communist China. The Strengthening Exports Against China Act would incentivize economic growth by eliminating barriers for American businesses competing directly with China in emerging industries like artificial intelligence and semiconductors. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Representatives Young Kim (R-Calif.) and Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio).
“The Chinese Communist Party provides massive subsidies and financing for businesses in emerging industries. To remain competitive, the United States needs to do more to support innovative businesses here at home,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “My bipartisan legislation will support more American businesses directly competing with China to help them make breakthroughs in AI, critical mineral mining and processing, and other transformational areas.”
“It’s time for fair competition on the global stage,” said Senator Rounds. “We must level the playing field for U.S. exporters when they’re up against firms backed by the Chinese Communist Party’s opaque financing. The Strengthening Exports Against China Act would allow the Export Import Bank to increase export financing and insurance support to U.S. firms that export products in direct competition with China.”
The Export-Import Bank (EXIM) creates American jobs by promoting and financing exports. The China and Transformational Exports Program (CTEP) was established on a bipartisan basis in 2019 to counter Chinese export subsidies and financing while advancing U.S. innovation and export competitiveness in 10 Transformation Export Areas, including AI, 5G, energy efficiency, and semiconductors. Unfortunately, the CTEP is struggling to scale up due to the rules governing EXIM financing. Under current law, if EXIM projects reach or exceed a two percent default rate, the Bank must immediately freeze all lending. This default rate cap poses a significant challenge to EXIM’s ability to support U.S. exporters in emerging, less established fields. The Strengthening Exports Against China Act would eliminate the default rate cap for exporters covered by the CTEP program to help them better compete directly with PRC rivals.
The full text of the legislation can be found here.
Senator Cortez Masto has led efforts in Congress to strengthen our national security and supply chains. She has consistently blocked burdensome taxes on mining and wrote important provisions of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bolster Nevada’s critical mineral supply chain. She’s also introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the domestic supply chain for rare-earth magnets, which are critical components of cell phones, computers, defense systems, and electric vehicles, but are almost exclusively made in China.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Calls on USDA to Provide Answers for Bird Flu Response Amid Employee Terminations

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) sent a letter to Brooke Rollins, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), demanding critical answers on recent terminations and the Department’s response to bird flu outbreaks. Cortez Masto’s letter comes after last week’s reports that the Trump Administration fired several USDA employees involved in bird flu response efforts. While the USDA has stated that it’s actively working to reverse these ill-advised firings, the Trump Administration has not been transparent about the impacts it poses to ongoing federal response efforts for recent bird flu outbreaks in Nevada and across the country.
“Reports on the firing of employees at USDA’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) could severely impact or delay efforts to detect, track, research, and respond to the spread of bird flu variants,” wrote Cortez Masto.
Cortez Masto asked that the following information about the terminations be made public no later than March 11, 2025:
The USDA’s strategic vision to combat current and future HPAI outbreaks.
The specific positions of terminated employees, including their roles and responsibilities as it relates to your strategic vision and coordination with federal, state, and municipal officials.
The total number of USDA employees who have been terminated by the Trump Administration, including any positions in Nevada, and a status update on those who have successfully been rehired.
Analysis on how these terminations, rehires, and the ongoing hiring freeze or buy-out offers have impacted bird flu response, coordination with impacted states and municipalities, and efforts to fill key vacant positions – including those in Nevada.
A detailed assessment of ongoing work to fill open positions, as well as the impacts that these firings and rehirings will have on future recruitment at USDA.
The full text of the letter can be found here.
Senator Cortez Masto has pushed multiple Departments under the Trump Administration for detailed, public information regarding the impacts of President Trump’s federal funding freeze, hiring freeze, and terminations on Nevada – including to the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Nuclear Security Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: Republicans vote to take away health care from more than 10 million Californians to pay for tax cuts for billionaire

Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

February 26, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar spoke on the House floor ahead of House passage of the Republican Budget, which will cut $880 billion from Medicaid to help pay for tax giveaways for billionaires and corporations.

CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: I rise in opposition to this Republican Budget. House Democrats came to Congress ready to work with our Republican colleagues to lower the cost of eggs, take on price gouging, expand the Child Tax Credit, build more housing—and put the pocketbooks of working families first.

This is what the American people told us was their top priority and these are the issues that drive our Caucus. Instead, Madam Chair, they have turned their attention to the only policy priority that they really care about: ensuring billionaires pay less.

My constituents can’t afford eggs at the local grocery store while my Republican colleagues are fighting amongst themselves about who to hand out tax breaks to—corporations or individuals. Tesla pays zero dollars in federal taxes while teachers and firefighters in San Bernardino are paying more than their fair share. Here is the reality, Madam Chair, my Republican colleagues are going to take away health care from more than 10 million Californians to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.

This is not going to make the cost of eggs cheaper or housing less expensive. But it is going to put children and seniors who need health care at risk. House Democrats believe that the people who work for a living ought to get a little breathing room and the wealthy and well-connected shouldn’t get special treatment. The Republican Budget is not good for the economy, it’s not good for the country and it’s a betrayal of the middle class. I urge a NO vote.

Watch Chairman Aguilar’s speech here.

###

Previous Article

MIL OSI USA News –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: We should care more about emerging infectious diseases, and the tools we need to fight them

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Idowu Olawoye, Postdoctoral Associate, Microbiology & Immunology, Western University

A patient undergoing infusion therapy. Treatment failure can happen when a disease adapts to become resistant to antibiotics. (Unsplash/Olga Kononenko)

Throughout human history, disease outbreaks have emerged and re-emerged. What’s different now is that with global travel, outbreaks can move quickly among and between populations.

A familiar example would be the COVID-19 pandemic and how it disrupted the world as we know it today. During this period, a lot of technological advancements were achieved during a short time such as vaccine roll-out and also tracking of variants globally.

Since this pandemic, we have been constantly reminded of the threat that emerging infectious diseases pose, as well as new strains of existing microbes, and even infections that may eventually become untreatable. This should also serve as a constant reminder of the need to continue developing the tools and technology to fight them.

Infectious disease outbreaks since COVID-19

In 2022, shortly after the worst of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic had passed, the world was rocked by another infectious disease outbreak, which was soon classified as a public health emergency of international concern.

The culprit was mpox, then known as the monkeypox virus.

Unlike SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, this was not a novel virus but had been identified in laboratory monkeys in Denmark as far back as 1958. The first human cases were documented in 1970 among children in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Since then, there have been multiple reported outbreaks of mpox, the majority of them limited to Africa. This includes a 2022 global outbreak that caused about 250 deaths, representing a fatality rate of 0.2 per cent.

An ongoing outbreak started in 2023 in Central Africa, claiming about 900 lives with a fatality rate of five per cent.

According to the World Health Organization, the two most recent mpox outbreaks were primarily driven by sexual transmission or body contact. There is currently no treatment approved by the FDA for mpox.

In early 2024, an avian influenza outbreak resurfaced in the United States when the viral infection that typically affects birds was detected in dairy cows for the first time. It has since spread to about 973 cattle in 17 states, and there have been about 70 human cases among people associated with farm animals.

Recently, a respiratory outbreak known as hMPV has been overwhelming hospitals in Northern China, with children, adolescents and senior citizens being at most risk. The origin of this outbreak is not yet known.

Untreatable sexually transmitted infection

Microscopic image of the bacteria that causes gonorrhea.
(NIAID), CC BY

Gonorrhoea is a widely known sexually transmitted infection (STI). Approximately 80 million people were infected by this bacterium in 2020. Though most cases remain treatable, an untreatable form of gonorrhoea is becoming more prevalent, threatening victims with infertility or even cancer.

Treatment failure can happen when a disease adapts to become resistant to antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance has significant implications for global health, including massive financial implications for health care.

An emerging STI threat

Other, uncommon but difficult to treat STIs are emerging. One is called Mycoplasma genitalium, the causative agent for non-gonococcal urethritis — a typically painful infection of the tube that carries urine from the bladder.

Read more:
Antimicrobial resistance now hits lower-income countries the hardest, but superbugs are a global threat we must all fight

With symptoms similar to gonorrhoea, it can lead to infertility, increased susceptibility to HIV, failed pregnancy, cancer of the cervix and more. Yet, it is often misdiagnosed due to it being understudied and its complexity.

This understudied bacterium is naturally resistant to many antibiotics due to its unique structure, making it notoriously difficult to treat.

The WHO works to control the spread of gonorrhoea infections that are resistant to antibiotics through surveillance. My own research is adopting a similar strategy for M. genitalium, by using genomic surveillance to improve our knowledge of the infection and the improved ability to detect antibiotic resistance.

What is genomic surveillance?

Genomic surveillance uses next-generation sequencing technology to identify specific strains of pathogens circulating during an outbreak. This can also determine what genetic characteristics makes some strains more aggressive than others.

This technique was used effectively during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and helped identify variants quickly.

Genomic surveillance can help us understand what we are facing, allowing us to tackle emerging threats more quickly and efficiently. It can help us develop sensitive, rapid diagnostic tools to detect drug resistance, especially for bacteria that are difficult to study in the lab, such as Mycoplasma genitalium, which is an extremely slow-growing and challenging bacteria.

With the continuing emergence of untreatable infections and new disease outbreaks, genomic sequencing can help meet emerging threats even in regions that lack adequate infrastructure where these tend to occur frequently.

This can be achieved through implementing affordable, user friendly diagnostic tools or developing effective vaccines for endemic regions. An example is the COVID-19 self-test kit that can be used at home. This is one of the key areas my research is also trying to accomplish: improving diagnostics in health care and making them accessible.

Pathogens are constantly evolving to become resistant to treatment in the perpetual battle between humans and infectious diseases.

To get the upper hand, we need to continue developing technology, including rapid and sensitive tools for identifying resistant bacteria and innovative methods for halting the spread of untreatable infections before they become serious pandemics.

Idowu Olawoye receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Western Research at the University of Western Ontario.

– ref. We should care more about emerging infectious diseases, and the tools we need to fight them – https://theconversation.com/we-should-care-more-about-emerging-infectious-diseases-and-the-tools-we-need-to-fight-them-248427

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: Mavenir and OXIO Powering the Next Generation of MVNOs

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

RICHARDSON, Texas, Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider building the future of networks, today announced that it has been selected by OXIO, a leading Telecom-as-a-Service (TaaS) company, for Packet Core, IMS and next generation messaging solutions to support borderless MVNOs and embedded connectivity use cases on a global scale.

Mavenir has deployed a packet core that enables 4G and 5G user connectivity with an open, cloud-native, container-based solution, accompanied by Mavenir’s messaging platforms enabling revenue growth from valuable A2P and B2C segments. Mavenir’s MAVcore® functions are implemented as microservices running in containers, using open APIs to integrate with 3rd party platforms and observability frameworks. This allows network operators to roll-out services faster, increase efficiency, and reduce downtime.

OXIO’s cloud-native, programmable TaaS platform helps businesses to build and launch mobile services quickly and without limitations. Mavenir will help OXIO customers deliver and monetize a full suite of connectivity and messaging services.

This is Mavenir’s first deal with OXIO and signals the intention to expand into further markets across the Americas with the mission to deploy worldwide. Mavenir’s products are deployed over the Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cloud enabling OXIO for flexible, fast and cost-efficient multi-countries deployment.

Adil Belihomji, Chief Technology Officer at OXIO, added: “We are a cloud-native platform, and we share that approach with Mavenir. The quality and flexibility of their services across Packet Core, IMS and Messaging will ensure a best-in-class experience for our customers as they launch new telecom services worldwide.”

Antonio Correa, Senior RVP Southern Europe, Caribbean & Latin America at Mavenir, said: “OXIO is a true innovator, and a driver of real change in the telecom industry. This first deal with OXIO will demonstrate the value that we can bring to their offering – and our cloud-native approach enables Mavenir solutions to be replicated in any geographies with rapid go-to-market times.”

About Mavenir
Mavenir is building the future of networks today with cloud-native, AI-enabled solutions which are green by design, empowering operators to realize the benefits of 5G and achieve intelligent, automated, programmable networks. As the pioneer of Open RAN and a proven industry disruptor, Mavenir’s award-winning solutions are delivering automation and monetization across mobile networks globally, accelerating software network transformation for 300+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com

Meet Mavenir at Mobile World Congress 2024, Barcelona, Mar 3-6, 2025.
To explore Mavenir’s latest innovations and learn more about how Mavenir is delivering the Future of Networks – Today, visit us in Hall 2 (Stand 2H60) at #MWC25.

About OXIO
OXIO is building the global network of the future as the first telecom-as-a-service (TaaS) platform, founded Our technology-first approach to telecom unlocks innovation and possibility while delivering actionable insights for customer-obsessed companies competing in a data-driven world. OXIO is headquartered in New York with offices in Mexico City and Montreal. For more information, visit oxio.com. To learn more about current openings, visit oxio.com/careers/.

Mavenir PR Contact:
Emmanuela Spiteri
PR@mavenir.com

The MIL Network –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: News 02/26/2025 Blackburn, Schatz Introduce Bill to Strengthen U.S.-Taiwan Partnership, Safeguard U.S. from Communist China’s Security Threats

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) introduced the Taiwan Travel and Tourism Coordination Act to keep Americans safer by establishing robust security screenings for those traveling to the U.S. from Asia, open new markets for American industry, and strengthen the economic partnership between the U.S. and Taiwan:
“Not only does the Chinese Communist Party present a threat to Taiwan, but Communist China’s campaign for global dominance also presents a clear threat to U.S. interests,” said Senator Blackburn. “We need to secure our homeland by requiring Customs and Border Protection officers to inspect those who are traveling to the U.S. from airports in Asia, and the Taiwan Travel and Tourism Coordination Act would move us one step closer to achieving enhanced security at foreign airports. This legislation would also help identify opportunities to strengthen our economic partnership with Taiwan and increase collaboration between our two countries.”
“Taiwan is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific, and boosting our ties strengthens both Taiwan and the United States. This bill would help unlock more economic opportunities for the people of Taiwan, Hawai‘i, and our entire country,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
BACKGROUND
Taiwan is the United States’ vital trading partner and ally in the Indo-Pacific region and is increasingly under threat from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). To combat this threat to our interests, we must assist our allies in stabilizing their economies and growing their national industries.
Travel and tourism play a crucial role in a nation’s economic security, yet this sector in Taiwan faces pressure and coercion from the CCP. With strategic efforts proposed in this bill, the United States and Taiwan can turn these challenges into opportunities to strengthen our relations and our tourism industries.
The CCP’s campaign for global dominance presents a clear threat to both Taiwan and U.S. interests as well. To secure our homeland, we must establish “pre-clearance” facilities in Asia. Pre-clearance is the strategic stationing of Customs and Border Protection personnel at designated foreign airports to inspect travelers prior to boarding U.S.-bound flights, and it is incredibly important to enhance security, increase collaboration, and streamline travel. Notably, there is no pre-clearance facility in Asia, despite there being an annual average of over 4 million travelers from the continent.
TAIWAN TRAVEL AND TOURISM COORDINATION ACT
Specifically, the Taiwan Travel and Tourism Coordination Act would require the federal government to:
Identify opportunities for enhanced travel between the U.S. and Taiwan;
Facilitate events and coordination between the travel and tourism industry partners in the United States and Taiwan;
Coordinate with Taiwan and other agencies on the safety and security of international visitors both at home and abroad; and
Conduct a feasibility study on establishing a pre-clearance facility in Taiwan.
Click here for bill text.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Greatest threat to UN Peacekeeping is divisions between nations, says UN Peace Operations Chief

Source: United Nations 2

The two-day event was an opportunity to highlight the importance of women in peacekeeping, and delegates also discussed the current challenges to peacekeeping, and how the UN and Member States can work together to adapt to the new realities of today’s geopolitical landscape.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length

UN News: What is the biggest threat to peacekeeping in the next 20 years, and how can we prepare for it today?

Jean-Pierre Lacroix: The biggest challenge is divisions between our member states, because we rely on their strong and united political support.

Unfortunately, that unity is less certain today. When they encounter challenges and difficulties existing peacekeeping missions cannot always count on strong and united support from Member States, including host governments.

Another critical point is that peacekeeping operations are deployed to support political efforts. But for those political efforts to succeed, we need a united, committed, and strong international community.

The nature of conflicts has evolved. There are more non-state actors, including private security companies. The drivers of conflicts are increasingly transnational, whether they are terrorism, organized crime, or the impact of climate change.

Although we cannot control the level of unity among our Member States, we must work on addressing the evolving nature of conflicts and improving our ability to respond effectively.

UN India/ Shachi Chaturvedi

The Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations (USG DPO, Jean-Pierre Lacroix takes a look at the ‘Make in India’ exhibition on the sidelines of the conference.

UN News: How can peacekeeping stay ahead of the threats posed new technology, such as AI, cyber attacks and drones?

Jean-Pierre Lacroix: That is a critical objective, and the reason we have launched a strategy for the digital transformation of peacekeeping, which aims to improve situational awareness, enhance the safety and security of our peacekeepers and counter misinformation, which is currently being weaponized in many peacekeeping settings.

However, to achieve this we need to improve digital literacy among our staff, which will require significant efforts in terms of training and enhancing their level of preparedness. We cannot do that alone as the UN Secretariat, we need to work with our partners.

UN News: From frontlines to leadership roles, what do you think would it take for women to be the face of UN peacekeeping?

Jean-Pierre Lacroix: We are doing better when it comes to the number of women serving in peacekeeping, and the proportion of women has been constantly improving.

However, we want to have more female officers in senior positions, such as Force Commander and Deputy Force Commander. Not many armed forces have women at this kind of level, but India is doing a lot to achieve that and is providing more female officers.

We also have to look at how we make the peacekeeping environment welcoming for both women and men. This includes practical issues such as facilities, and a lot of effort is being made to improve the quality of our camps and their suitability for women as well as for men.

© UN Photo/ Gema Cortes

Captain Sandra Hernandez Vega (right) in Timbuktu, Mali (file)

There is also a psychological dimension to this, ensuring that all peacekeepers, men and women, do their best to make the work environment welcoming to all, and certainly to women. We are working on this, but I think it’s also a shared responsibility that we have with the troop- and police-contributing countries.

UN News: How can we improve the advancement of women in peacekeeping?

Jean-Pierre Lacroix: First of all, it is UN policy to empower women. Having more female peacekeepers generates a better work environment and they become role models for other women. I believe that we have a better record of conduct and discipline when we have more women in peacekeeping.

It’s particularly important to have more women in peacekeeping when it comes to building trust with communities, and that is something that has been regularly emphasized.

However, their role is not limited to community engagement. For example, we have female officers who are helicopter pilots and basically every task that we have in peacekeeping is open to women as well as to men.

UN News: How do you think the countries of the Global South can play a more active role in peacekeeping?

Jean-Pierre Lacroix: The majority of the peacekeepers that we deploy come from the Global South, including India, which is one of the biggest contributors. Their role is critically important, not only in terms of numbers but also in other areas.

India, for example, is helping with all efforts currently being carried out to improve peacekeeping, from safety and security to how we use digital technology. Of course, this includes improving the number of women in peacekeeping, enhancing how performance assessments are carried out, and other areas.

I think there is a wealth of experience in the Global South which we really want to take advantage of so that we continue to adapt and address current challenges: we need to make sure that tomorrow’s peacekeeping operations remain relevant.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Landmark EU Data Boundary for the Microsoft Cloud completed
Source: Microsoft

Headline: Landmark EU Data Boundary for the Microsoft Cloud completed

At Microsoft, we remain committed to enabling European businesses to thrive by providing the tools and support necessary to drive their success and give our customers throughout the European Union more control over their data. To fulfill these goals, today Microsoft is announcing that it has completed the EU Data Boundary for the Microsoft Cloud, an industry-leading solution that stores and processes public sector and commercial customer data in the EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

With the completion of the boundary, our European commercial and public sector customers are now able to store and process their customer data and pseudonymized personal data for Microsoft core cloud services — including Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and most Azure services — within the EU and EFTA regions. In addition, Microsoft will store professional services data from technical support interactions for the core cloud services within the EU and EFTA regions.

This milestone is the culmination of a massive, multi-year engineering effort across hundreds of Microsoft product teams and thousands of developers around the globe. The EU Data Boundary reflects Microsoft’s commitment to delivering unmatched cloud services that support European transparency, protect privacy, and enhance customer control. It’s a reflection of our commitment to Europe and is part of a wide range of residency capabilities and solutions we provide to our customers.

The EU Data Boundary has been delivered to our customers in three phases:
- Microsoft launched Phase 1 in January 2023, enabling the storage and processing of customer data for core services, including most of the Microsoft Cloud suite of online services: Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Azure.
- Phase 2, launched in January 2024, expanded the scope of the EU Data Boundary to include pseudonymized personal data, ensuring even data that is pseudonymized to prevent direct identification remains within these regions.
- Phase 3, with the completion of the EU Data Boundary in February 2025, ensures that when customers in the EU and EFTA request technical support for services such as Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and Dynamics 365, the professional services data provided by customers (such as logs) and generated by Microsoft (such as support case notes) are now stored within the EU and EFTA regions. For certain Azure services, additional customer action may be required to obtain the professional services data storage commitment, which is documented here.
Building on decades of commitment to Europe

Microsoft’s dedication to Europe spans more than 40 years. Over the past 16 months, we have invested more than $20 billion in AI and cloud infrastructure across the continent to expand our local options and meet growing demand.

In addition, Microsoft offers a suite of solutions to provide our customers with greater control over their data’s location and to fulfill Microsoft’s fundamental principles and approach to transparency, accountability, and data protection:
- Across our products, Microsoft offers more granular controls over the location of Microsoft 365 customer data through Microsoft 365 Advanced Data Residency.
- Our Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty enables specific public sector customers to build and digitally transform Azure workloads while meeting sovereignty, compliance, security, and policy requirements.
- We continually innovate to meet customer needs and lead in transparency and accountability through our European Cloud Principles.
Taken together, these efforts reflect our ongoing focus on supporting Europe’s innovation, growth, and technology needs as the region moves into an increasingly digital future.

Advancing global cybersecurity with the Microsoft Cloud

Microsoft is deeply committed to cybersecurity, prioritizing the protection of our customers and the broader global digital ecosystem. Through the Secure Future Initiative (SFI), Microsoft integrates security into every aspect of our operations, from product design to daily practices. This global effort is essential in combating increasingly complex cyberattacks, ensuring a safer digital environment for our European customers and organizations worldwide.

In limited security instances that require a coordinated global response, essential data may be transferred with robust protections that safeguard customer data. In these circumstances, Microsoft provides transparent information and implements comprehensive security measures, including encryption, strict access controls, and other resilient protections. This global intelligence allows Microsoft to provide real-time alerts and security response mitigation, ensuring customers remain protected no matter where a threat originates. Customers can learn more at: What is the EU Data Boundary?

At Microsoft, we believe cloud technology can be innovative, secure, and built to honor European values. The EU Data Boundary for the Microsoft Cloud is another example of how we are working to empower European organizations with the solutions and tools they need to grow and thrive in a modern, secure cloud environment.

While our products and services continue to be compliant with EU regulations, we are dedicated to listening to our customers in all parts of the world—and will continuously evolve to go beyond compliance where necessary to meet our customers’ unique needs.

Learn more about the EU Data Boundary for the Microsoft Cloud.

Tags: data privacy, EU, European Union
MIL OSI Economics –
February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Boilermakers promote union workforce at 2025 PowerGen expo

Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers promoted the union workforce in February in its fourth sponsorship of PowerGen. The event is an annual information and networking conference attended by 7,500 power generation professionals representing some of the world’s most prominent employers and contractors in the industry.

The Boilermakers sponsorship of the 2025 event in Dallas included a highly visible booth in the exhibit hall to showcase Boilermaker expertise. The goal of the union’s presence at PowerGen is to secure work opportunities across the U.S. and Canada.

Boilermaker representatives engaged with industry pros at the booth, highlighting what sets Boilermakers apart—from rigging, welding and mechanical aptitude to the union’s reputation for getting jobs done right the first time and delivering with excellence.

Industry events like PowerGen serve as key networking opportunities, said Johnny Baca, Director of the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund. In some cases, the events reconnect the union with former Boilermakers who now run contracting firms, equipment companies and major energy projects.

“These relationships create valuable pathways to put Boilermakers to work across the evolving power sector,” he said. “The Boilermaker alumni network is a powerful tool that must be consistently leveraged to ensure the next generation of Boilermaker hands get their fair share of opportunities.”

Beyond staffing the exhibit hall booth, Boilermaker representatives attended critical discussions offered at the event, including new trends in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), union job growth and the future of power generation. Key topics included carbon capture, coal, natural gas, geothermal and the resurgence of nuclear energy—all of which present major opportunities for Boilermaker man-hours.

“As data centers and AI-driven energy demands surge, the Boilermakers are positioned at the forefront of emerging energy technologies,” Baca said. “Whether it’s traditional power generation, renewable expansion or advanced industrial applications, the battle never stops to ensure union Boilermakers are on site to lead the way.”

The Boilermakers union began as a PowerGen sponsor in 2018. PowerGen describes itself as the “premier networking and business hub for power generation professionals and solution providers…bringing together power producers, utilities, EPCs, consultants, OEMs, and large-scale energy users.”

MIL OSI USA News –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: EXL announces speaker roster for AI in Action virtual event
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS), a global data and AI company, has unveiled the agenda for its third annual AI in action global event series, featuring keynotes with leaders from EXL, Google, and AWS, as well as a lineup of more than 20 industry CIOs and AI experts.

Themed “Driving the Shift to Scalable AI,” the three virtual events will provide actionable strategies to help businesses deploy scalable and reliable AI solutions that deliver measurable outcomes. AI in action brings together industry leaders, real-world demonstrations, and panel discussions to bridge the gap between AI proof-of-concepts and enterprise-wide implementation. Registration is complimentary and is open now for all sessions: March 5 (Americas), March 13 (EMEA) and March 20 (APAC) by registering here.

Key speakers and agenda items include:
- Moderator – John Gallant, enterprise consulting director at CIO.com, will moderate EXL’s AI in action events across the globe. John is a well-known thought leader in the technology industry.
- Keynote sessions –
  - Rohit Kapoor, EXL’s chairman and chief executive officer will host two keynote sessions.
    
    Accelerating business outcomes with data, AI and human expertise with Kevin Ichhpurani, president, global partner ecosystem at Google Cloud.
    
    Scaling business growth: Real-world strategies using agentic AI with Rahul Pathak, vice president of data and AI go to market at AWS.
- Client panels – Industry leaders from the world’s leading banks, insurance, health and utilities companies will share how they are scaling Ai for measurable impact. The group of panelists for the March 5 event include:
  - Panel: Staying ahead in the age of AI: Practical lessons from visionary leaders with Sarthak Pattanaik, head of artificial intelligence, BNY; Dak Liyanearachchi, chief data and technology officer, NRG Energy; and Ashish Atreja, founder of VALID.AI and professor and former chief information and chief digital health officer at UC Davis Health.
  - Panel: From data to AI, and AI to data: The evolving symbiosis will include Preetha Sekharan, vice president, digital incubator, Unum; Randy Huang, vice president, chief data scientist for U.S. business, Prudential Financial; and Sidd Kuckreja, chief technology officer, TruStage.
- Real-world demonstrations – EXL will demonstrate how its latest data and AI-led solutions are transforming workflows across core business functions in insurance, finance, healthcare, and more in the following demonstrations:
  - Delivering measurable impact with large language models: will Experience how ECL’s domain-specific LLM is transforming businesses across industries by integrating agentic AI with generative AI, predictive models and automation.
  - Driving innovation through AI-powered code modernization: we’ll showcase real-world stories of how Code Harbor accelerates development with pre-built APIs, SDKs, and agentic AI capabilities, enabling seamless integration, scalable solutions, and measurable business impact.
  - Leveraging the synergy of AI and machine learning in debt collections: Experience how the power of GenAI and machine learning are transforming debt collections with an omnichannel approach that engages customers, understands their situation and offers personalized payment options.
“The true value of data AI lies in its scalability—its ability to integrate seamlessly and deliver tangible business outcomes at scale,” said Vishal Chhibbar, executive vice president, international growth markets and chief growth officer at EXL. “AI in action will provide organizations with the tools, expertise and strategies needed to harness the full potential of data and AI.”

This virtual event is ideal for enterprise decision-makers across industries who are determined to drive innovation and growth through cutting-edge data and AI advancements.

Registration Now Open
Registration for the AI in action event is free and available by registering here. Don’t miss the chance to gain firsthand insights from industry leaders and EXL experts. Visit the AI in action website to secure your spot.

Americas event is March 5, 2025, from 10-11:30 a.m. ET.
EMEA event is March 13, 2025, from 1-2:30 p.m. GMT.
APAC event is March 20, 2025, from 12-1:30 p.m. AEDT.

About EXL

EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and AI company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and capital markets, retail, communications and media, and energy and infrastructure, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have approximately 59,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

Contacts
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The MIL Network –
February 27, 2025

MIL-OSI: WENDEL: 2024 Full-Year Results: a very active year, a dual model in place, strong value creation & a growing return to shareholders

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

2024 Full-Year Results: a very active year, a dual model in place, strong value creation & a growing return to shareholders

Fully diluted¹ Net Asset Value per share of €185.7,
representing a +16.9% year-over-year value creation, adjusted for the dividend paid

Dividend boosted at €4.7 per share, up +17.5% year-over-year

Strong portfolio rotation: more than €2 billion of capital reallocation

Significant expansion of the Asset Management platform in Europe and US, and development of our dual business model towards more recurring cash flows and growth

Fully diluted Net Asset Value²as of December 31, 2024: €185.7 per share, up +14.4%

Value creation of +16.9%³ over 2024, adjusted for the €4 dividend paid in May 2024 reflecting:
- The increase in Bureau Veritas’ share price (+28.3% YoY) on the back of the quality of its LEAP | 28 strategic plan
- The changes in the valuation of unlisted assets, on a like-for-like basis, in line with their respective operating performances and multiples, and active management of private principal investments to create long term value through repositioning and accretive bolt-ons (Stahl, Scalian, and CPI).
- The strong growth of IK Partners’ FRE to €69.9 million, above estimates (€60 million). IK Partners’ AuM up +24% in 2024, totaling €13.8 billion, with €3.4 billion raised.

Delivering strong and recurring returns to shareholders, in line with the strategic roadmap published in 2023

Ordinary dividend of €4.70 per share for 2024, up +17.5% compared to 2023, to be proposed at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on May 15, 2025, representing slightly above 2.5%⁴ of NAV and a 4.8%⁵ yield vs share price as of February 21, 2025. This dividend level takes into account the first partial integration of Asset management activities into Wendel in 2024, which will be mechanically higher in 2025.
€100 million share buyback launched in October 2023 completed in July 2024. €92.5 million share bought back in 2024.

Very active investment activity & capital allocation

Principal Investments:
- €2.3 billion proceeds and value crystallization
- €0.7 billion invested including €0.6 billion in Globeducate
Asset Management:
- €0.4 billion invested for the acquisition of 51% of IK Partners
- $1.13 billion will be invested in equity to acquire 75% of Monroe Capital, as announced on October 22, 2024 (closing expected in the first quarter of 2025)

Strong financial structure and committed to remain Investment Grade

Debt maturity of 3.6 years with an average cost of 2.4%
LTV ratio at 7.2%⁶ as of December 31, 2024, and 22.9%⁷ on a pro forma basis taking into account future investment commitments in IK Partners funds and the acquisition of Monroe Capital.
Pro forma total liquidity of €1.2⁸ billion as of December 31, 2024, including €0.4 billion in cash and €875 million in committed credit facility (fully undrawn)

Reappointment of Wendel’s Executive Board

On February 26, 2025, Wendel’s Supervisory Board decided to reappoint the members of the Executive Board. Laurent Mignon has been reappointed Chairman of the Executive Board and David Darmon, Member of the Executive Board, Deputy CEO, for a period of four years ending to April 6, 2029

Net income, Group share at €293.9 million, showing a strong increase

The net income from operations rose from €711 million to €753.7 million, up 6%.
Net income, group share, at €293.9 million in 2024, compared with €142.4 in 2023, due to the disposal of Constantia Flexibles in 2024.

Laurent Mignon, Wendel Group CEO, commented:

“2024 was a very active year for Wendel and its portfolio companies. Fully diluted net asset value growth, adjusted for the €4 dividend paid in 2024, was 16.9%, driven in particular by the good share price and operational performance of Bureau Veritas and the strong growth of our new third-party asset management business.

We continued to execute our strategic plan, as detailed in 2023, with determination, rigour and financial discipline.

In 2024, we further improved our cash flow generation and value creation profile, notably with the announced acquisition of Monroe Capital, which will give us critical mass to develop our third-party asset management platform. We also focused on premium assets in our principal investments activites, highlighted by the acquisition of Globeducate in October 2024.

These value-creating and recurring cash flow generating transformations now enable us to propose a dividend that is 17.5% higher than last year, reaching 4.70 euros for the financial year 2024.Our transition to a dual model is now well grounded, with top partners in asset management such as IK Partners in private equity and Monroe Capital in private credit, bringing third-party assets under management to more than 33 billion euros.The priorities of Wendel’s teams are to create value on existing assets, to successfully build the private asset management platform around IK Partners and Monroe Capital, and to maintain a solid financial structure.

I would like to thank the members of the Supervisory Board for their renewed full support, as well as the Wendel teams who are skillfully accompanying our value-creating transformation.

In 2025, Wendel’s teams will pursue the roadmap defined two years ago, supporting our principal investments companies in their value creation process, building the third-party asset management platform through the successful integration of Monroe Capital, the continued development of IK Partners as well as the implementation of commercial synergies between the two entities, and continuing to have an agile management of our balance sheet to seize the right opportunities, while maintaining a solid financial structure. We are confident that the development of this dual model will continue to create more value and more recurring returns for our shareholders.”

Wendel’s net asset value as of December 31, 2024: €185.7 per share on a fully diluted basis

Wendel’s Net Asset Value (NAV) as of December 31, 2024, was prepared by Wendel to the best of its knowledge and on the basis of market data available at this date and in compliance with its methodology.

Fully diluted Net Asset Value was €185.7 per share as of December 31, 2024 (see detail in the table below), as compared to €162.3 on December 31, 2023, representing an increase of +14.4% since the start of the year and + 16.9% restated from the dividend paid in 2024. Compared to the last 20-day average share price as of December 31, the discount to the December 31, 2024, fully diluted NAV per share was -49.6%.

Bureau Veritas contributed very positively to Net Asset Value, as end of December 2024, its 20-day average share price was up strongly YTD (+32.5%). IHS Towers (-28.0%) and Tarkett (+15.4%) share price impacts were negligible given the weight of Bureau Veritas in NAV. Total value creation per share of listed assets was therefore +€25.9 on a fully diluted basis over the course of 2024.

Unlisted asset contribution to NAV was negative over the course of the year with a total change per share of -€4.9 reflecting selective assets’ operational performances offsetting the good performance from CPI.

Asset management activities were consolidated and accounted in the NAV for the first time at the end of June following the acquisition of IK Partners. There is no sponsor money included in the NAV yet, as no capital has been called. IK Partners’ valuation is up by €6.0 per share, driven by strong performance and positive market multiples evolution.

Cash operating costs, Net Financing Results and Other items impacted NAV by -€1.0, as Wendel benefits from a positive carry. The impact of year-to-date share buyback activity would be +€1.4 per share as of December 31, 2024.

Total Net Asset Value creation per share amounted to €27.4 in 2024.

Fully diluted NAV per share of €185.7 as of December 31, 2024

(in millions of euros)			12/31/2024		12/31/2023
Listed investments	Number of shares	Share price ⁽¹⁾	3,793	3,867
Bureau Veritas	120.3m/160.8m	€29.5/€22.2	3,544	3,575
IHS	63.0m/63.0m	$3.2/$4.4	192	251
Tarkett		€10.5/€9.1	57	40
Investment in unlisted assets ⁽²⁾			3,612	4,360
Asset Management Activities ⁽³⁾			616	–
Other assets and liabilities of Wendel and holding companies ⁽⁴⁾			174	6
Net cash position & financial assets ⁽⁵⁾			2,407	1,286
Gross asset value			10,603	9,518
Wendel bond debt			-2,401	-2,401
IK Partners transaction deferred payment			-131	–
Net Asset Value			8,071	7,118
Of which net debt			-124	-1,115
Number of shares			44,461,997	44,430,554
Net Asset Value per share			€181.5	€160.2
Wendel’s 20 days share price average			€93.5	€79.9
Premium (discount) on NAV			-48.5%	-50.1%
Number of shares – fully diluted			42,466,569	43,302,016
Fully diluted Net Asset Value, per share			€185.7	€162.3
Premium (discount) on fully diluted NAV			-49.6%	-50.7%

(1)   Last 20 trading days average as of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023.
(2)   Investments in unlisted companies (Globeducate, Stahl, Crisis Prevention Institute, ACAMS, Scalian and Wendel Growth as of December 31, 2024. As of Dec 31,2023 also included Constantia Flexibles and excluded Globeducate). Aggregates retained for the calculation exclude the impact of IFRS16.
(3)   IK Partners’ activity, no sponsor money at this stage.
(4)   Of which 1,995,428 treasury shares as of December 31, 2024, and 1,128,538 treasury shares as of December 31, 2023
(5)   Cash position and financial assets of Wendel & holdings.

Assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the euro have been converted at exchange rates prevailing on the date of the NAV calculation.
If co-investment and managements LTIP conditions are realized, subsequent dilutive effects on Wendel’s economic ownership are accounted for in NAV calculations. See page 246 of the 2023 Registration Document.

Wendel’s Principal Investments’ portfolio rotation

In 2024, Wendel has realized a total of €2.3 billion in disposals for its own account and has invested c.€0.7 billion, reflecting the acceleration of the diversification of its investment portfolio, in line with the strategy announced a few months ago:

Wendel announced on January 4, 2024, that it had completed the sale of Constantia Flexibles, generating total net proceeds⁹ for Wendel of €1,121 million for its shares, i.e. a valuation over 10% higher than the latest NAV on record before the announcement of the transaction (as at March 31, 2023).
Wendel announced on April 5, 2024, that it had successfully completed the sale of 40.5 million shares in Bureau Veritas, representing c.9% of the Company’s share capital, for total proceeds of approximately €1.1 billion. The transaction was carried out at a price of €27.127, or a discount of 3% from the previous day’s share price.
Wendel Growth realized its investment in Preligens, a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) for aerospace and defence, generating net proceeds to Wendel of c.€14.6 million, translating into a gross IRR of 28%¹⁰. In addition, Wendel Growth announced on June 11, 2024, the acquisition of a minority stake in YesWeHack through an equity investment of €14.5 million.
Wendel reinvested €43.7m in Scalian upon the acquisition of Mannarino on June 21, 2024. This Canadian company is a leading engineering services specialist for advanced technology R&D for the aviation sector, primarily in North America, with recognized expertise in safety-critical embedded software and systems.
On October 16, 2024, Wendel completed the acquisition of c.50% of Globeducate, one of the world’s leading bilingual K-12 education groups, from Providence Equity Partners. Wendel invested €607 million of equity, at an Enterprise Value of c.€2 billion¹¹, to join Providence, and both firms will now own c.50% of the group.

Wendel’s Asset Management platform evolution

Acquisition of Monroe Capital dramatically expands Wendel’s Asset Management platform and rebalances its business model towards more recurring cash flows and growth

Wendel announced on October 22, 2024 that it had entered into a definitive partnership agreement including the acquisition of 75% of Monroe Capital LLC (“Monroe Capital” or “the Company”) for $1.13 billion, and a sponsoring program of $800 million to accelerate Monroe Capital’s growth, and will invest in GP commitment for up to $200 million.

For Wendel, the acquisition of a controlling stake in Monroe Capital, a private credit market leader focused on the U.S. lower middle market that has established an outstanding track record, would represent a significant and transformational advancement of the strategy it announced in March 2023 to develop its third-party asset management platform to complement its longstanding Principal Investment business.

With IK Partners and Monroe Capital, Wendel’s third party asset management platform will reach more than €33 billion in AUM¹², and should generate, on a full year basis, c.€ 455 million revenues, c.€160 million pre-tax FRE (c.€100 million in pre-tax FRE (Wendel share) in 2025. Wendel’s objective is to reach €150 million (Wendel share) in pre-tax FRE in 2027.

Third Party Asset Management value creation and performance

2024 performance

Over 2024, IK Partners had particularly strong activity, generating a total of €163.3 million in revenue, up 31% YoY, and a strong growth of FRE to €69.9 million. Total Assets under Management (€13.8 billion, of which €3 billion of Dry Powder¹³) grew by 24% since the beginning of the year, and FPAuM¹⁴ (€10.1 billion) by 33%. Over the period, €3.4 billion of new funds were raised (IK X, IK PF III, IK SC IV and IK CV I) and 11 exits have been announced, for over €1.6 billion.

Sponsor money invested by Wendel

Wendel committed €500 million in IK Partners funds, of which €300 million in IK X. These commitments have not yet been called as of December 31, 2024.

Principal Investment companies’ value creation and performance

Figures post IFRS 16 unless otherwise specified.

Listed Assets: 36% of Gross Asset Value

Bureau Veritas’ LEAP | 28 strategy delivers outstanding results in 2024; Confident 2025 outlook

(full consolidation)

Revenue in 2024 amounted to €6,240.9 million, a 6.4% increase year-on-year. The organic increase was 10.2% (including 9.6% in the fourth quarter) benefiting from robust underlying trends across businesses and geographies.

Adjusted operating profit increased by 7.1% to €996.2 million. This represents an adjusted operating margin of 16.0% up 11bps on a reported basis and up 38 bps at constant currency.

Bureau Veritas posted a record free cash flow of €843.3 million (+27.9% year-on year). As of December 31, 2024, adjusted net financial debt was €1,226.3 million, i.e. 1.06x EBITDA, compared with 0.92x at December 31, 2023.

In line with LEAP I 28 plan focused portfolio strategy and through active portfolio management, in 2024 Bureau Veritas completed: i) the acquisition of 10 bolt-on companies for a total annualized revenue of c. €180 million; ii) the divestment of its Food testing business and of a technical supervision business on construction projects in China (c. € 165 million in annualized combined revenue). Bureau Veritas ended the year with its inclusion in the CAC 40, the benchmark index of the Paris stock exchange. This achievement underscores the Group’s consistent operational success and marks a significant milestone in Bureau Veritas’ remarkable journey.

2025 outlook

Building on a strong 2024 momentum, a robust opportunities pipeline, a solid backlog, and a strong underlying market growth, and in line with LEAP | 28 financial ambitions, Bureau Veritas expects to deliver for the full year 2025:

Mid-to-high single-digit organic revenue growth;
Improvement in adjusted operating margin at constant exchange rates;
Strong cash flow, with a cash conversion¹⁵ above 90%.

For further details: group.bureauveritas.com

IHS Towers – IHS Towers will report its FY 2024 results in March 2025

Tarkett reported its annual results on February 20, 2025

For more information: https://www.tarkett-group.com/en/investors/

Unlisted Assets: 34% of Gross Asset Value

(in millions)	Sales		EBITDA			Net debt
	2023	2024	2023 including IFRS 16	2024 including IFRS 16	Δ	End of December including IFRS 16
Stahl	€913.5	€930.2	€204.0	€206.9	+1.4%	€383.8
CPI	$138.4	$150.1	$68.6	$74.0	+7.8%	$378.2
ACAMS	$102.9	$102.1	$24.6	$25.1	+2.0%	$165.0
Scalian	€539.9	€533.4	€63.9	€59.8	-6,3%	€345.6
Globeducate⁽¹⁾	na	€352.2	na	€84.2	na	na

(1) Globeducate acquisition was completed on October 16^th, 2024. Globeducate fiscal year ends in August, and figures shown are last twelve months at the end of August 2024. Indian operations are deconsolidated and accounted for by the equity method due to the absence of audited figures for the year ending in August-24.

Stahl – Total sales up +1.8% in 2024 despite market challenges in the automotive and luxury goods end-markets. Strong EBITDA margin of 22.2%. In 2024, Stahl completed its transformation into a pure-play specialty coatings formulator for flexible materials.

(Full consolidation) 

Stahl, the world leader in specialty coatings for flexible materials, posted total sales of €930.2 million in the full year of 2024, representing a total increase of +1.8% versus 2023.

Organically, sales were slightly down -1.1%, in a context of tougher markets in automotive and luxury goods, while FX contributed -1.5%. Acquisitions contributed positively (+4.4%) to total sales variation.

Full Year 2024 EBITDA¹⁶ amounted to €206.9 million (+1.4% vs. 2023), translating into a strong EBITDA margin of 22.2%, thanks to a disciplined margin and fixed costs management, as well as a good diversification across geographies and segments.

Net debt as of December 31^st, 2024, was €383.8 million¹⁷, versus €329 million at the end of 2023 and leverage stood at 1.7x¹⁸.

On November 18, 2024, Stahl announced the sale of its Wet-end leather chemicals division, that marks an important step in the Group’s strategic journey. The proposed sale completes Stahl’s transformation into a pure-play specialty coatings formulator for flexible materials. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in H1 2025.

Pro forma for the sale of the Wet-end leather chemicals business and the acquisition of Weilburger Graphics GmbH, 2024 sales would amount to c.€ 759 million, EBITDA to c.€180 million (i.e., a 23.7% margin) and leverage would stand at an estimated 1.6x. These transactions strengthen Stahl’s growth profile, with the company now better positioned for faster growth, and have an accretive impact on its EBITDA margin.

Crisis Prevention Institute reports +8.5% revenue and +7.8% EBITDA growth

(Full consolidation)

CPI recorded 2024 revenues of $150.1 million, up +8.5% compared to 2023, or +8.4% organically (FX impact was +0.1%), resulting from strong growth in the consumption of training materials, signifying active training of broader staff throughout the Company’s primary customers in educational, healthcare and human services settings. In addition, the Company benefitted from continued growth in its Enterprise segment, a core strategic focus targeting large health systems.

Full Year 2024 EBITDA was $74.0 million¹⁹, reflecting a margin of 49.3%. EBITDA was up +7.8% vs. last year while margins are stable (49.6% in 2023), despite investments to scale in International markets.

As of December 31, 2024, net debt totaled $378.2 million²⁰, or 4.6x EBITDA as defined in CPI’s credit agreement, following the c. $100 million dividend payment to Wendel in April of 2024. Given current leverage, CPI repriced its Term Loan and received a 50bps interest rate stepdown, or a c. $1.4 million annual savings.

On January 21^st, 2025, CPI announced the acquisition of Verge, a Norwegian leader in behaviour intervention and training. This acquisition extends CPI’s presence in the Nordics, and enhances CPI’s ability to support professionals worldwide, leveraging Verge’s innovative techniques to address challenging behaviours, aggression and violence.

ACAMS – Total sales stable and improved 24.6% margin amid strong transformation momentum

(full consolidation)

ACAMS, the global leader in training and certifications for anti-money laundering and financial crime prevention professionals, generated 2024 revenue of $102.1 million, down 0.8% vs. 2023. The results for 2024 reflected continued growth and market expansion in North America and Europe, largely offset by soft sales in the Asia-Pacific region and from exhibition spend at certain conferences early in the year, slower sales to non-banking customers at consultancies and governments.

EBITDA²¹ in 2024 was $25.1 million, up 2% vs. 2023, and reflecting a margin of 24.6%, up 70 bps year-over -year.

As of December 31, 2024, net debt totaled $165.0 million²², slightly up from $155.8 million at the end of 2023, which represents 6.7x EBITDA leverage as defined in ACAMS’ credit agreement, with ample room relative to the 9.5x covenant level.

This past year has been pivotal in the Company’s transformation, with the addition of CEO Neil Sternthal who joined from Thomson Reuters in early 2024 and subsequently made several additions to the senior leadership team, and shifted focus to core growth with large enterprise customers, product and market expansion including the introduction of its Certified Anti-Fraud Specialist certification (CAFS), and key investments in the technology platform. These critical investments are all geared toward advancing the impact of the Company’s mission of combating financial crime, accelerating its strategy and further developing its position as a technology-enabled provider of trusted information, data and analytics for the anti-financial crime (AFC) community.

Management expects the significant changes will, over time, create a more robust platform for the global AFC community and a more scalable, consistent business model with accelerated growth for ACAMS.

ACAMS anticipates modest growth in 2025 as the recent changes take hold with improved growth toward the end of the year and into 2026.

Scalian – Slight decrease of total sales of -1.2% in 2024, in the context of continued market growth slowdown. EBITDA margin rate at 11.2%, down c. 60 bps, mainly due to lower utilization rate and the marked slowdown in certain sectors (automotive in Germany and civil aeronautics). Acquisition of Dulin in January 2024 and Mannarino in June 2024.

(Full consolidation since July 2023.) 

Scalian, a European leader in digital transformation, project management and operational performance consulting, reported total sales of €533.4 million as of December 31, 2024, a -1.2% decrease vs. 2023. The slowdown is spread across several sectors, particularly automotive in Europe and Aeronautics (supply chain disruptions). Sales are down -4.0% organically and benefited from a positive scope effect of +2.8%.

Scalian generated an EBITDA²³ of €59.8 million in 2024. The EBITDA margin rate stood at 11.2%, down c. 60 bps vs. 2023, mainly explained by lower utilization rate, partially offset by strict SG&A control.

As of December 31, 2024, net debt²⁴ stood at €345.6 million (leverage of 6.46x²⁵ EBITDA).

In 2024, Scalian announced the acquisition of Dulin Technology in January, a Spanish-based consulting firm specializing in cybersecurity for the financial sector, and Manarinno in June, a Canadian-based company that is a leading engineering services specialist with a unique know-how in advanced technology R&D for the aviation sector.

Globeducate – Total sales up +10%²⁶over LTM as of August 2024 Year-end. Strong EBITDA margin at 23.9%²⁷in line with expectations.

(Accounted for by the equity method. Globeducate acquisition was completed on October 16^th, 2024. Globeducate fiscal year ends in August, and figures shown below are last twelve months at the end of August 2024 and first 3 months of the Globeducate year (September – November). Indian operations are deconsolidated and accounted for by the equity method due to the absence of audited figures for the year ending in August-24).

Globeducate, one of the world’s leading bilingual K-12 education groups, posted total sales of €352.2 million¹ for the full year ending in August 2024, representing a total increase of +10% year on year.

EBITDA² for the year ending in August amounted to €84.2 million, translating into a strong EBITDA margin of 23.9%, in line with expectations. This solid financial performance was fueled by a combination of organic and external growth.

Over the first quarter of Globeducate’s fiscal year (September – November), Globeducate completed 3 acquisitions: Olympion School in Cyprus, and Ecole des Petits and Battersea in the UK.

Net debt as of November 30^th, 2024, was €490 million²⁸ and leverage³ stood at 6.2x.

Consolidated Accounts

On February 26, 2025, Wendel’s Supervisory Board met under the chairmanship of Nicolas ver Hulst and reviewed Wendel’s consolidated financial statements, as approved by the Executive Board on February 21, 2025. The audit procedures by the statutory auditors on the consolidated financial statements are underway. The audit report would be released mid-March 2025.

Wendel Group’s consolidated net sales²⁹ totaled €8,063.5 million, up +13.1% overall and up +8.4% organically. FX contribution is -3.9% and scope effect is +8.6%.

The overall contribution of Group portfolio companies to net income from operations, Group share amounted to €274.1 million, down -24.3% year on year impacted by the disposal of Constantia and the sale of 25% of the stake in Bureau Veritas. Net income from operation, Group share, was €232.7 million, down -5.8%.

Financial expenses, operating expenses and taxes at Wendel SE level totaled €63.0 million (of which €22.4 million non-cash), down -45.4% from the €115.3 million (of which €25.3 million non-cash) reported in 2023. Operating expenses are slightly down and financial expenses are positive with a positive carry of cash generating €35.6 million. 2024 is impacted by a goodwill depreciation of €188.2 million, mainly related to Scalian and the Stahl’s wet-end division, which is in the process of being sold.

Net income Group share €293.9 million strongly up vs.€142.4 million in 2023, reflecting a €418.6 million capital gain group share from the disposal of Constantia Flexibles in H1 2024.

ESG achievements

Non-financial ratings: Wendel improves its CSA rating from S&P, confirms its inclusion in the DJSI World and Europe.

For the sixth year in a row, Wendel has been included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class (previously Dow Jones Sustainability Indices) World and Europe indices, making it one of the top 10% of companies in terms of sustainability in the Diversified Financials category. With a score of 76/100 in its category, Wendel is well above the average for its sector (26/100). This rating places Wendel in the top 1% of its sector “FBN Diversified Financial Services and Capital Markets”

Through the review of the Corporate Sustainability Assessment questionnaire, S&P Global assesses the ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) performance of listed companies in different industries since 1999. The top 10% of companies with the best performance in terms of sustainability, according to criteria defined for each industry, are included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices (previously Dow Jones Sustainability Indices).

New ESG roadmap 2024-2027

In 2024, Wendel defined a new ESG roadmap, approved by the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board, notably to take into account the Group’s recent strategic developments, including the new third-party asset management activity (IK Partners and Monroe Capital acquisitions).
This roadmap includes five priorities: Governance & Business Ethics, Reliability of extra-financial information, Health & Safety, Climate change & adaptation, Parity.

These five priorities will apply to all Wendel’ investment activities, encompassing both principal investment and third-party asset management. The detailed policies and action plans of the roadmap will be presented in the sustainability report included in the Group’s 2024 Universal Registration Document.

Renewal of the Executive Board of Wendel

On 26 February 2025, the Supervisory Board of Wendel decided to renew the appointments of Laurent Mignon and David Darmon as Chairman of the Executive Board of Wendel and Member of the Executive Board and Group Deputy CEO of Wendel, respectively, for a period of four years until 6 April 2029, with effect from 7 April 2025.

Renewal of the appointments of members of the Supervisory Board

At the General Meeting of 15 May 2025, it will be proposed to the shareholders that Nicolas ver Hulst, Priscilla de Moustier, Bénédicte Coste and François de Mitry be reappointed as members of the Supervisory Board for a further four-year term. If the renewal of their mandate is approved, Nicolas Ver Hulst will remain chairman of the Supervisory Board, Priscilla de Moustier and Bénédicte Coste will continue their roles on the Governance and Sustainable Development Committee, and François de Mitry will continue his role on the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.

Agenda

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Q1 2025 Trading update – Publication of NAV as of March 31, 2025 (post-market release)

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Annual General Meeting

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

H1 2025 results – Publication of NAV as of June 30, 2025, and condensed Half-Year consolidated financial statements (post-market release)

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Q3 2025 Trading update – Publication of NAV as of September 30, 2025 (post-market release)

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

2025 Investor Day.

About Wendel

Wendel is one of Europe’s leading listed investment firms. Regarding its principal investment strategy, the Group invests in companies which are leaders in their field, such as ACAMS, Bureau Veritas, Crisis Prevention Institute, Globeducate, IHS Towers, Scalian, Stahl and Tarkett. In 2023, Wendel initiated a strategic shift into third-party asset management of private assets, alongside its historical principal investment activities. In May 2024, Wendel completed the acquisition of a 51% stake in IK Partners, a major step in the deployment of its strategic expansion in third-party private asset management and also announced in October 2024 the acquisition of 75% of Monroe Capital. Pro forma of Monroe Capital, Wendel manages more than 33 billion euros on behalf of third-party investors, and c.7.4 billion euros invested in its principal investments activity.

Wendel is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris.

Standard & Poor’s ratings: Long-term: BBB, stable outlook – Short-term: A-2 since January 25, 2019

Wendel is the Founding Sponsor of Centre Pompidou-Metz. In recognition of its long-term patronage of the arts, Wendel received the distinction of “Grand Mécène de la Culture” in 2012.

For more information: wendelgroup.com

Appendix 1: 2024 Consolidated sales and results

2024 consolidated net sales

(in millions of euros)	2023	2024	Δ	Organic Δ
Bureau Veritas	5,867.8	6,240.9	+6.4%	+10.2%
Stahl⁽¹⁾	913.5	930.2	+1.8%	-1.1%
Scalian⁽²⁾	126.8	533.4	n.a.	n.a.
CPI	128.0	138.8	+8.4%	+8.4%
ACAMS⁽³⁾	91.6	93.7	+2.4%	-0.6%
IK Partners⁽⁴⁾	n.a.	126.5	n.a.	n.a.
Consolidated sales	7,127.6	8,063.5	+13.1%	+8.4%

(1) Acquisition of ICP Industrial Solutions Group (ISG) since March 2023 (sales’ contribution of €89.7M vs €89.1M in 2023) and acquisition of Weilburger since September 2024 (sales’ contribution of €18.2M).

(2) Scalian, which had a different reporting date to Wendel (refer to 2023 consolidated financial statements – Note 2 – 1.” Changes in scope of consolidation in 2023″), realigns its closing date with Wendel group. Consequently, 2024 sale’s contribution correponds to 12 months’ sales between January 1st 2024 and December 31st 2024. Last year’s contribution corresponds to 3 months’ sales between July 1st 2023 and September 30 2023.

(3) The sales include a PPA restatement for an impact of -€0.6M (vs -€3.4M as of 12M 2023). Excluding this restatement,the sales amount to €94.2M vs. €95.2M as of 12M 2023. The total growth of +2.4% include a PPA effect of +3,3%.

(4) Contribution of eight months of sales

2024 net sales of equity-accounted companies

(in millions of euros)	2023	2024	Δ	Organic Δ
Tarkett ⁽⁵⁾	3,363.1	3,331.9	-0.9%	-0.4%
Sales (Equity method) ⁽⁶⁾	3,363.1	3,331.9	-0.9%	-0.4%

(5)Selling price adjustments in the CIS countries are historically intended to offset currency movements and are therefore excluded from the
“organic growth” indicator

(6) Due to the recent acquisition date of the Globeducate group, its contribution is not yet included in Group sales.

2024 consolidated results

(in millions of euros)	2023	2024
Contribution from asset management	–	42.3
Consolidated subsidiaries	826.3	774.4
Financing, operating expenses and taxes	-115.3	-63.0
Net income from operations⁽¹⁾	711.0	753.7
Net income from operations, Group share	*246.9*	*232.7*
Non-recurring income/loss	-60.4	532.3
Impact of goodwill allocation	-120.4	-107.9
Impairment	0.7	-188.2
Total net income⁽²⁾	530.9	989.9
Net income, Group share	142.4	293.9

(1) Net income before goodwill allocation entries and non-recurring items.

(2) -€85.2M of change in fair value for IHS recognized through OCI and €784M of capital gain on the Bureau Veritas bloc accounted for through equity.

2024 net income from operations

(in millions of euros)	2023			2024	Change
Total contribution from asset management: IK Partners			n/a	42.3	n/a
Bureau Veritas	594.0			643.3	+8.3%
Stahl	90.3			100.2	+11.0%
Constantia Flexibles	115.2			–	n/a
CPI	20.7			22.2	+7.2%
ACAMS	0.0			-0.7	n/a
Scalian	-2,8			-6.2	n/a
Tarkett (equity accounted)	8.8			15.6	+76.2%
Total contribution from Group companies		826.3		774.4	-6.3%
of which Group share	362.1			274.1	-24.3%
Operating expenses net of management fees			-72.5	-72.2	-0.4%
Taxes	-1.5			-4.0	+169.8%
Financial expenses	-15,9			35.6	n/a
Non-cash operating expenses	-25.3			-22.4	-11.4%
Net income from operations	711.0			753.7	+6.0%
of which Group share	246.9			232.7	-5.8%

Appendix 2: Fully diluted Net Asset Value bridge over 2024

Appendix 3: Conversion from accounting presentation to economic presentation

Please refer to table 7.1 of the consolidated statements.

Appendix 4: Glossary

AUM (Assets under Management): Corresponding – for a given fund – to total investors’ commitment (during the fund’s investment period) or total invested amount (post investment period)
FRE (Fee-Related Earnings) : Earnings generated by recurring fee revenues (mainly management fees). It excludes earnings generated by more volatile performance-related revenues.
GP (General Partner): Entity in charge of the overall management, administration and investment of the funds. The GP is paid by management fees charged on assets under management (AuM)

1 Fully-diluted NAV per share assumes all treasury shares are cancelled and a complementary liability is booked to account for all LTIP related securities in the money as of the valuation date.

2 Fully diluted of share buybacks and treasury shares.

3 Including the €4.0 per share dividend paid in 2024.

⁴ Dividend payout calculated on the basis of fully-diluted NAV at the end of December 2024.

5 Based on Wendel’s share price of €97.15 as of February 21, 2025.

6 Including sponsor money commitment in IK (€-500m).

7 Including sponsor money commitment in IK (€500m) and proforma of IK Partners transaction deferred payment (€-131m), Monroe Capital 100% acquisition (including estimated earnout and put on 25% of residual capital, i.e €-1.6bn) and GP commitments in Monroe Capital ($-200m for 2025).

8 €2.4bn of cash as of December 31, 2024, restated from sponsor money commitment in IK (€-500m), IK Partners transaction deferred payment (€-131m), Monroe Capital 100% acquisition (including estimated earnout and put on 25% of residual capital, i.e €1.6bn) and GP commitments in Monroe Capital’s new strategies (c. $-200m for 2025).

9 Net proceeds after ticking fees, financial debt, dilution to the benefit of the Company’s minority investors, transaction costs and other debt-like adjustments.
10 Gross IRR of 28%. Net IRR of 26%.
11 EV including IFRS 16 impacts. Excluding IFRS 16, EV stands at c.€1.86 billion.
12 As of end of December 2024

13 Commitments not yet invested

14 Fee Paying AuM

15 (Net cash generated from operating activities – lease payments + corporate tax)/adjusted operating profit

16 EBITDA including IFRS 16 impacts, EBITDA excluding IFRS 16 stands at €201.0m.

17 Including IFRS 16 impacts. Net debt excluding the impact of IFRS 16 was €364.4m.

18 Leverage as per credit documentation definition.

19 Recurring EBITDA post IFRS 16. Recurring EBITDA pre IFRS 16 was $72.8m

20 Post IFRS 16 impact. Net debt pre IFRS 16 impact was $375.2m.

21 EBITDA including IFRS 16. EBITDA excluding IFRS16 stands at $24.0m

22 Including IFRS 16 impacts. Net debt excluding the impact of IFRS 16 was $164.2m.

23 EBITDA including IFRS 16 impact. Excluding IFRS 16, EBITDA stands at €50.9 m. Mannarino taken into account for 6 months.

24 Net debt including IFRS 16 impact. Excluding IFRS 16, net debt stands at €314.9 m.

25 As per credit documentation (pre IFRS 16)

26 Excluding Indian activities. Indian estimated revenue stands at €25 m.

27 EBITDA including IFRS 16 impacts and excluding Indian activities. Indian estimated EBITDA stands at €9.8 m.

28 As per credit documentation definition.

29 Consolidated sales will be published only for Full Year and Interim results. For Q1 & Q3, sales by companies/activities will continue to be commented on an individual basis

Attachment

Wendel_EN_FY 2024

The MIL Network –

February 27, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: 26 February 2025 Departmental update WHO champions data quality for stronger HIV programmes

Source: World Health Organisation

WHO, in collaboration with The Global Fund, UNAIDS and partners, has published a new technical brief on HIV data quality management and improvement. This technical brief underscores the critical role of accurate and reliable data in enhancing HIV programmes and health outcomes, while also highlighting the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in this domain.

Since 2018, WHO has been at the forefront of efforts to enhance data quality, partnering with countries and stakeholders to conduct over 40 data quality assessments across the six WHO regions. These efforts have not only bolstered programme impact but have also supported evidence-based decision-making, optimized service delivery, procurement and supply chain management. It has also enabled accurate tracking of progress and outcomes.

Enhancing programmes through improved data quality

Implementing robust data quality assessment and improvement activities is crucial for strengthening data systems and enhancing programmatic impact. WHO and partners have developed comprehensive data quality assessment tools and guidance, such as this newly published brief, the 2024 data quality assessment implementation tool for HIV treatment, or the 2024 module for assessing and strengthening the quality of viral load testing data.

“Investing in data quality is essential to ensure value for money, boost efficiency, inform data-driven decisions and amplify impact of HIV programmes,” said Dr Meg Doherty, Director of WHO Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes. “This technical brief is a vital resource for national HIV programmes, implementing partners, and funders. By prioritizing data quality, learning from country experiences and embracing digital solutions, HIV programmes can achieve greater impact and sustainability.”

Lessons learnt and success stories from countries

The technical brief showcases successful practices and lessons learned from countries, illustrating the importance of tailored approaches to data quality management. While every country needs to adapt the key principles outlined in the brief to their situation, the good practice examples can serve as inspiration for other countries facing similar challenges.

Embracing the future with digital solutions

Looking ahead, integration of artificial intelligence and other digital solutions is poised to further enhance data quality and utilization in a cost-effective manner. These advancements which are highlighted in the technical brief offer new avenues for improving data accuracy, reducing manual errors, and boosting the overall efficiency of health data systems. By leveraging digital innovations, HIV programmes can ensure sustainable and impactful responses.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: ThoughtSpot Appoints Brad Roberts as Chief Financial Officer to Drive Growth and Scalability in the AI Era

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ThoughtSpot, the AI-native Intelligence Platform, has announced the appointment of Brad Roberts as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This strategic appointment to the leadership team underscores ThoughtSpot’s commitment to building a trusted AI company that drives industry innovation in the era of AI and agentic analytics.

Roberts, a seasoned executive finance leader, brings over thirty years of experience in the technology industry, having served as a CFO and interim CFO for high growth technology companies including Addepar and Panorama Education, among others. He also spent nearly a decade at Synopsys, supporting and managing growth from $400M to $1.3B in his tenure and another decade in the technology practice of strategy consulting firm, Bain & Company.

“Brad exemplifies the financial leadership that is crucial as we accelerate our growth and solidify our position as a leader in AI-powered analytics intelligence,” said Ketan Karkhanis, Chief Executive Officer at ThoughtSpot. “His experience is not only valuable, it becomes an asset to our roadmap at ThoughtSpot as we take advantage of the AI opportunity in front of us and build ThoughtSpot 3.0, powering the autonomous enterprise and leveraging agentic AI for all.”

As AI redefines business intelligence, trust becomes a key catalyst for future buying decisions. Roberts’ leadership, in collaboration with the executive team, will be instrumental in empowering customers to confidently leverage ThoughtSpot’s intelligence platform and positions ThoughtSpot to take advantage of the moment and continue their leadership position in AI-driven intelligence.

“ThoughtSpot is uniquely positioned to drive transformational change across customers using agentic AI for management insights and process efficiencies.The opportunity ahead enables us to evolve from a high-growth company into an industry-defining leader,” said Brad Roberts, Chief Financial Officer at ThoughtSpot. “Ketan and the leadership team have set a bold and urgent vision, providing a clear path forward for my role. Finance will be a strategic enabler, fueling innovation, expanding our product portfolio, and powering the next phase of ThoughtSpot’s evolution.”

Roberts joins ThoughtSpot after posting significant fiscal growth in Fiscal Year 2024, closing with 40% year-over-year SaaS growth and more than doubling its monthly active users. ThoughtSpot also unveiled a significant expansion to the company’s artificial intelligence capabilities with the launch of Spotter, an agentic AI analyst, followed by the launch of Analyst Studio, a creator space that empowers data teams to get data ready for AI and analytics.

In the last year, ThoughtSpot has appointed several leaders, including Ketan Karkhanis as Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Quadri as Chief Customer Officer, Anthony Lee-Masis as Chief Information Security Officer, and Francois Lopitaux as SVP and General Manager of Emerging Technologies and Products.

Roberts holds an MBA from Harvard Business School as well as bachelor’s degrees from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton Business School and the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

About ThoughtSpot
ThoughtSpot is the AI-native Intelligence Platform for every enterprise. Our mission is to create a more fact-driven world by empowering everyone to explore any data, ask any question, and uncover actionable insights faster—leading to growth, better business outcomes, and efficiency in their organizations. With ThoughtSpot’s intuitive natural language search, every user can confidently generate answers from their business data at every point of decisioning. The platform’s unified capabilities, along with our agentic AI analyst, Spotter, enable users to create precise, transparent, personalized, and actionable insights with enterprise grade trust, security, and scale. Accessible via the web and mobile app, ThoughtSpot ensures intelligent decision-making happens seamlessly, wherever and whenever needed. For developers, ThoughtSpot Embedded offers a low-code solution to integrate AI-powered analytics directly into products and services, driving data monetization and boosting user engagement for customers. Industry leaders like NVIDIA, Hilton Worldwide, Capital One and Huel rely on ThoughtSpot to transform how their employees and customers take advantage of data to create better business outcomes. Try ThoughtSpot today and experience the new era of analytics.

PR Contact:
Lindsay Noonan
Director of Communications, ThoughtSpot
press@thoughtspot.com

The MIL Network –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: Defiance ETFs’ QTUM, Quantum Computing ETF, Earns 5-Star Morningstar Rating and Surpasses $1 Billion in AUM

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MIAMI , Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Defiance ETFs, a pioneer in thematic investing, is proud to announce that its QTUM – Defiance Quantum Computing ETF has achieved two significant milestones: a prestigious 5-star Overall Morningstar Rating™ and assets under management (AUM) exceeding $1 billion. These accomplishments underscore QTUM’s position as a leader in providing investors with targeted exposure to the rapidly evolving quantum computing sector. The 5-star Morningstar Rating, based on risk-adjusted returns as of January 31, 2025, places QTUM among the top-performing funds in its technology category, evaluated against 262 peers over a three-year period.

Launched in September 2018, QTUM tracks the BlueStar Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index, offering access to a diversified portfolio of global companies at the forefront of quantum innovation. With holdings including industry trailblazers like D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS), IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), and Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI), QTUM has capitalized on the surging demand for computational power driving the AI age.

“We’re thrilled to see QTUM earn a 5-star Morningstar Rating and break the $1 billion AUM barrier,” said Sylvia Jablonski, CEO of Defiance ETFs. “This dual achievement is a testament to the vision we had when we launched QTUM—to give investors a front-row seat to one of the most disruptive technological shifts of our time. Quantum computing isn’t just the future; it’s the now”

The quantum computing market is projected to grow exponentially, with estimates suggesting a valuation of $90 billion to $170 billion by 2040¹, driven by its ability to solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical computing. QTUM’s success reflects this momentum, offering a compelling option for investors seeking to tap into this high-growth sector without the risks of single-stock exposure.

For more information on QTUM, including current holdings and performance data, visit www.defianceetfs.com/qtum.

About Defiance ETFs
Founded in 2018, Defiance ETFs is a leading issuer of thematic, leveraged, and income-focused exchange-traded funds.

^1. Source: bcg.com The Long-Term Forecast for Quantum Computing Still Looks Bright, July 18, 2024.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change at any time and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.

The Funds’ investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company. Please read it carefully before investing. A hard copy of the prospectus can be requested by calling 833.333.9383.

Morningstar Disclaimer: The Morningstar Rating™ for funds, or “star rating,” is calculated for managed products with at least a three-year history. The top 10% of products in each category receive 5 stars. The Overall Morningstar Rating is derived from a weighted average of performance figures associated with its three-, five-, and 10- year (if applicable) Morningstar Rating metrics. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. ©2025 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Funds are not actively managed and would not sell a security due to current or projected under performance unless that security is removed from the Index or is required upon a reconstitution of the Index. A portfolio concentrated in a single industry or country may be subject to a higher degree of risk. The value of stocks of information technology companies are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition.

The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, so it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers. Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks including risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability. This risk is magnified in emerging markets. Small and mid-cap companies are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than securities of large-cap companies.

The possible applications of quantum computing are only in the exploration stages, and the possibility of returns is uncertain and may not be realized in the near future.

The “BlueStar Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index™”, “BQTUM™ Index” (collectively “Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index”), is the exclusive property and a trademark of BlueStar Global Investors LLC d/b/a BlueStar Indexes® and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by Defiance ETFs LLC. Products based on the Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by BlueStar Global Investors, LLC or BlueStar Indexes®, and BlueStar Global Investors, LLC and BlueStar Indexes® makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in such product(s). It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

QTUM is distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

Contact Information

David Hanono
info@defianceetfs.com
833-333-9383

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d994faf-766a-4a4d-8949-39f33c321b95

The MIL Network –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: How Microsoft adaptive cloud offerings help deliver more reliable and secure energy
Source: Microsoft

Headline: How Microsoft adaptive cloud offerings help deliver more reliable and secure energy

As utilities adapt to increasing electrification, grid modernization, and the expansion of distributed energy, traditional operational technology (OT) environments are being pushed beyond their limits. At the same time, utilities and energy providers must navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, from data sovereignty requirements in Europe to cybersecurity mandates like North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

While cloud adoption is accelerating, many OT systems, such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Energy Management Systems (EMS), Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), and Outage Management Systems (OMS), require hybrid architectures to ensure operational continuity, compliance, and secure integration with real-time grid control.

The challenge is clear: how do energy providers unlock the full potential of the cloud while helping to ensure mission-critical operations remain secure, resilient, and interoperable with legacy infrastructure?

Microsoft for energy and resources

Drive innovation to achieve net zero and deliver safe, reliable, equitable energy for a sustainable future.

Adaptive cloud: The bridge between IT, OT, and AI-powered intelligence

The Microsoft adaptive cloud approach provides a seamless, scalable, and secure framework for unifying on-premises, edge, and cloud environments. Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all migration to the cloud, the Microsoft adaptive cloud integrates IT and OT seamlessly, bringing together on-premises control systems and edge intelligence with cloud-scale analytics. Instead of forcing a binary choice between on-premises versus cloud, adaptive cloud supports energy providers to:
- Integrate on-premises systems with cloud-driven intelligence while meeting global compliance and sovereignty requirements.
- Utilize complex AI algorithms and real-time data streaming to unlock operational efficiencies, increase resilience, and enhance reliability.
- Strengthen cybersecurity with built-in Zero Trust protections and industry-aligned security frameworks.
- Support edge computing for localized grid control while harnessing the cloud’s computational power.
At Microsoft, we’re working with energy leaders around the world to implement this adaptive cloud approach that unites and integrates siloed teams, distributed sites, and operational systems into a unified model for operations, security, applications, and data. With a foundation built on Microsoft Azure and spanning more than 60 public cloud regions, our approach supports energy providers to utilize cloud-native and AI capabilities across the enterprise while bringing together IT and OT systems to accelerate energy production and help teams manage increasingly complex environments more efficiently.

Meeting growing demand while driving critical efficiencies

As population growth and rapidly changing markets continue driving demand for energy, industry leaders are faced with immense pressure to not only provide secure, equitable, and sustainable energy, but to optimize every aspect of business for continued growth. The Microsoft adaptive cloud environment sets the stage for critical improvements that help energy companies keep up with demand without overextending their own resources. These improvements include:
- Secure integration of cloud AI with critical OT systems. Many grid control systems such as SCADA, EMS, and DERMS must interact with real-time operational data while helping to ensure security and compliance. The Microsoft adaptive cloud supports these systems to securely connect to cloud-based AI and analytics without disrupting mission-critical workflows.
- Enhanced security. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats makes security a non-negotiable priority. Supporting an adaptive cloud-based environment is a critical step in improving security measures and allowing quick responses, helping to ensure that energy systems are protected against evolving cyber threats. Real-time OT and IT threat detection is an imperative going forward.
- Faster data analytics. Energy operators require high-speed decision-making, but traditional OT systems often rely on static models that struggle to adapt to real-time fluctuations. Running enterprise systems in Azure facilitates faster, more informed decision-making based on real-time data and supports cloud-based, high-speed analytics that ingest, process, and visualize terabytes of operational data from the grid. These data-driven insights can be applied to predictive maintenance, which helps reduce unplanned downtime and mitigates related operational expenses. Applying AI capabilities on top of analytics can supercharge the value of enterprise data, saving time and empowering decision-makers with actionable information.
- Compliance with global regulatory and data sovereignty requirements. Energy companies navigate a complex web of regional regulations, including:
  
  NERC CIP (North America)—critical infrastructure protection for utilities
  
  GDPR (European Union)—data privacy and protection regulations
  
  Schrems II Ruling (European Union)—restrictions on data transfers from the EU to third countries
  
  ISO 27001 & IEC 62443—international cybersecurity frameworks for industrial control systems
With hybrid capabilities in Azure, utilities can process sensitive data on-prem or within sovereign cloud regions while still using cloud-scale AI and automation.
- Edge computing for low-latency control and decision-making. Certain grid operations require millisecond response times, making local processing at the substation or field level critical. Adaptive cloud allows real-time decision-making at the grid edge while still syncing with cloud-based AI for broader optimization.
- Increased scalability and flexibility. An adaptive cloud also supports energy providers to remain agile with changing demands and adopt new technologies that can easily integrate with current infrastructure investments.
Global energy leaders unlock new value with Azure

Microsoft collaborates with energy customers to unearth insights that help them make better, faster decisions and optimize efficiencies across the enterprise. For many, that starts with introducing cloud solutions that make it easier to collect and organize data. But data regulations, legacy on-premises systems, and a growing number of applications to manage are just a few challenges that pop up along the way. Below are two recent examples of how Microsoft has worked with energy leaders to address these and other challenges.

Uniper: Standardizing IT and OT with a hybrid cloud strategy

Uniper, the world’s largest power generation company, wanted to introduce cloud solutions but faced strict regulations around where certain applications could operate depending on the type of data involved, making it difficult for the IT team to manage all applications in a uniform, secure way. Their solution:
- Microsoft Azure Arc and Microsoft Azure Monitor created a single dashboard for managing applications across cloud and on-premises environments.
- Microsoft Azure Stack HCI allowed hybrid use of cloud services while helping to ensure compliance with European data regulations.
With this adaptive cloud strategy, Uniper can now manage IT and OT environments in a standardized way, launch new services faster, and optimize performance without disrupting critical infrastructure. This translates to launching orders more quickly, bringing new services to market faster, and building new systems with just a few clicks.

Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA): AI-powered edge intelligence for industrial operations

EGA is another energy leader that turned to Azure to pave a path for sustainable, scalable infrastructure. EGA’s on-premises environment couldn’t deliver the level of flexibility needed to manage increasingly complex and data-intensive operations with scalable computing infrastructure. EGA needed a hybrid cloud approach to support real-time AI and analytics across its energy-intensive operations. To address this challenge, the company deployed a hybrid environment managed by Azure Arc. The new environment allowed EGA to connect private cloud services through on-premises datacenters—which host operational data, quality control data, environmental and energy data, and supply chain and market data—with the public cloud. This helped optimize latency, support advanced AI and automation solutions, and offer sustaining commercial savings by applying intelligence at the edge. It also streamlined processing for massive amounts of real-time readings from sensors, machinery, and production lines.

Using an adaptive cloud approach went a long way in helping EGA accelerate industrial AI use cases and improve production processes. The company experienced 10 to 13 times faster AI response time, lower latency, and 86% cost savings associated with AI image and video use cases. They also developed and trained a model on 100,000 images to define and differentiate between what makes a good anode and what makes a bad one, ultimately helping to improve the overall quality of their aluminum production.

An adaptive cloud approach to power a sustainable energy future

As enterprises from across all industries aim to reduce their carbon footprint through more efficient, sustainable practices, there’s little doubt that all eyes are on the energy industry to lead the way. Microsoft is proud to be recognized as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant for Distributed Hybrid Infrastructure (DHI), placing Microsoft Furthest and Highest in Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute. Microsoft offers an adaptive cloud approach and can help energy companies make real progress toward a resilient and sustainable future by setting the stage for significant value-adds like improved data management and generative AI capabilities. Collectively, these improvements help strengthen security posture, simplify management of applications, improve operational performance, and, critically, reduce carbon footprint.

By partnering with Microsoft, global energy providers can:
- Unify IT and OT systems across on-premises, edge, and cloud for seamless integration.
- Meet global regulatory and compliance requirements while maximizing cloud capabilities.
- Enhance cybersecurity with real-time threat detection and Zero Trust protections.
- Scale AI and analytics to energy infrastructure, reduce downtime, and improve efficiency, reliability, and resilience.
By embracing adaptive cloud, energy providers can future-proof their operations, strengthen cybersecurity, and build the resilient energy systems of tomorrow—without compromising compliance, security, or operational continuity.

We’re here to support customers and partners along the way, as we all look to accelerate the energy transition and build a sustainable energy future for the next generation.

Explore more energy solutions and resources

Learn more about Microsoft for energy and resources.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Bilal Khursheed

Worldwide Power and Utilities Leader, Energy and Resources Industry, Microsoft

With nearly two decades at the forefront of the Power and Utilities (P&U) industry, Bilal Khursheed holds the role of Worldwide Power & Utilities Leader at Microsoft, leading its go-to-market strategy for P&U. Renowned for merging innovation with tangible results, Bilal drives Microsoft’s global P&U vision and dedicates his expertise championing sustainability and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.

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MIL OSI Economics –
February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero to Step Down from the Commission and Retire from Federal Service

Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

With the fulfillment of her term, and the nomination of Brian Quintenz to succeed her, Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero will step down from the Commission upon Mr. Quintenz’s confirmation, and retire from federal service. Commissioner Goldsmith Romero said, “It’s been a tremendous privilege to serve in the federal government for 23 years. Following my wonderful tenure at the SEC and as the Special Inspector General for TARP at the Department of the Treasury, it has been a joy to be a CFTC Commissioner and serve alongside my fellow Commissioners and the CFTC staff. History has shown how sound regulation plays a critical role in U.S. financial markets being the envy of the world, and I am honored to have played a part in promoting U.S. markets and protecting investors and customers.” “I congratulate my friend and fellow Commissioner, Christy Goldsmith Romero, on her retirement from decades of dedicated federal service” said Acting Chairman Caroline Pham. “Throughout her distinguished career, she has worked tirelessly to protect the American public and address risks in banking and financial services. I have appreciated her notable accomplishments towards our shared goal of supporting the CFTC’s robust enforcement program—to hold those who break the law accountable and deter bad actors from causing harm to our markets. In particular, Christy has been a thought leader in combatting fraud and addressing cybersecurity in new technologies such as AI and blockchain as sponsor of the CFTC’s Technology Advisory Committee. I will miss her partnership and collegiality on the Commission.”Commissioner Goldsmith Romero is a well-regarded, trusted, and internationally recognized leader in financial regulation and oversight. She has served as a Presidential appointee since 2012, was twice unanimously confirmed by the Senate, has testified before Congress 14 times, and was recently nominated to be the FDIC Chairman and Board Member. Her work has received substantial media coverage, and she is a sought-after speaker. Commissioner Goldsmith Romero led the CFTC during a time of expansion of derivatives markets and amid geopolitical uncertainty. Her overriding priority has been to ensure that markets work well—that they remain vibrant, resilient and have integrity. She has visited farmers, agricultural and energy providers, and critical mineral providers, and met with exchanges, trading platforms, clearing houses, banks and brokers.During her term, Commissioner Goldsmith Romero prioritized risk management, focusing on the Commission’s mission to promote market resilience. Her work led to increased surveillance to ensure prices for food and fuel were not artificially increased by fraud or manipulation. She led the drafting of the CFTC’s first proposed rule on cyber resilience for banks and brokers, which garnered a unanimous Commission vote. She spoke about resilience to climate risk, given the impact of severe climate events on agricultural and energy markets. Commissioner Goldsmith Romero built on her career-long enforcement record of combating fraud and other illegality and of advancing investor and customer protection. She changed the CFTC’s routine practice of settling all cases without requiring defendants to admit their misconduct and called for stricter penalties for recidivism and violations of anti-money laundering laws. She proposed the creation of a National Financial Fraud Registry, and advocated that Congress define “retail customer” for derivatives markets.Commissioner Goldsmith Romero has been a leader at the CFTC on future of finance issues. She promoted responsible innovation and competition in the CFTC’s regulation of trading of digital assets and engaged with technology innovators. She sponsored the CFTC’s Technology Advisory Committee, to which she added technology experts in cryptocurrency, stablecoins, blockchain, digital identity, AI, fintech, and cybersecurity. The committee examined emerging technology and cyber resilience and released first-of-its-kind reports on “Decentralized Finance” and “Responsible AI in Financial Markets.”Commissioner Goldsmith Romero was the first AANHPI lawyer to serve as a CFTC Commissioner and the first LGBTQIA+ Commissioner. She thanks President Biden for her nomination, the U.S. Senate for its unanimous confirmation, and her current and former staff and CFTC for their outstanding public service.About Commissioner Goldsmith RomeroCommissioner Goldsmith Romero was sworn in as a CFTC Commissioner on March 30, 2022, after being nominated by President Biden and unanimously confirmed by the Senate. In June 2024, President Biden nominated her to be the FDIC Chairman and Board Member (nomination returned by the Senate in January 2025).Prior to becoming a CFTC Commissioner, she served for 12 years at the Department of Treasury, including for a decade as the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), after being nominated by President Obama and unanimously confirmed by the Senate. She continued to serve in that position throughout President Trump’s administration and the beginning of President Biden’s administration. There, she led a nationwide law enforcement and audit watchdog office conducting oversight over TARP, the government’s response to the financial crisis that covered banks, derivatives, housing, the automotive industry and insurance. She testified before Congress and served as a non-partisan Congressional resource on the U.S. financial system, the global financial crisis and TARP. SIGTARP returned more than $11 billion to taxpayers and other victims, a 27 times return on investment. SIGTARP developed a unique ability to find hidden fraud in banks. SIGTARP investigations led to criminal charges against 465 defendants (including 75 bankers sentenced to prison and 121 homeowner scammers sentenced to prison), as well as civil charges by the DOJ, the SEC & others against 25 entities including large financial institutions.Commissioner Goldsmith Romero served for six years at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including as counsel to two SEC Chairs, Christopher Cox (R) and Mary Schapiro (I), after serving on the staff of the Enforcement Division. She also was an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center teaching a class on the SEC and securities regulation, and at the University of Virginia Law School teaching classes on cryptocurrency regulation and federal oversight. Prior to joining the SEC, she worked at national law firms including Jenner & Block, Snell and Wilmer, and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, and served a federal clerkship.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: The Republican Budget is going to take health care away from millions of working Americans to pay for billionaire tax cuts

Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – February 25, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu were joined by House Budget Committee Ranking Member Brendan Boyle and Rep. Veronica Escobar for a press conference on the Republican budget scheme that betrays working families by cutting Medicaid to pay for tax breaks to billionaires.

CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Good morning. Pleased to be joined, as always, with Vice Chair Ted Lieu and also Ranking Member Brendan Boyle of the Budget Committee and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar of the Budget Committee, as well.

Folks, Donald Trump’s first month has been a disaster. The only president less popular than Donald Trump in the first month of his second term is Donald Trump in the first month of his first term. People are angry that Trump and Republicans broke their promise to lower costs on day one, and the Trump-endorsed Republican Budget does nothing to bring down the costs of gas, groceries, housing, rent or utilities. It is yet another reminder of Republicans’ only priority, which is lowering taxes for billionaires.

The Republican Budget is going to take health care away from millions of working Americans—and even children—to pay for a tax cut that Elon Musk and Republican billionaire donors asked for. Now, some of our friends on the other side of the aisle will say this is just a procedural step. Please don’t hold this vote against me. Here’s the truth: this vote doesn’t just open the door for Medicaid cuts, it guarantees them. Republicans are hiding because they’re terrified of voting against Trump’s endorsed budget, but their constituents are banging down their doors and demanding answers on why they care more about reducing costs for billionaires instead of working families.

Our challenge to House Republicans is, after you pass this budget today, which cuts Medicaid by $880 billion, go home and have a town hall with your constituents, see how they feel about what you just did. If you’re going to rip away health care from people, then you ought to be able to defend your vote directly to them, but that would require the House Republican Conference growing a spine, so we’ll see. Next Vice Chair Ted Lieu.

VICE CHAIR LIEU: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar. It’s an honor to be here with Brendan Boyle and Veronica Escobar on the Budget Committee

At the beginning of Donald Trump’s term, shortly after the inauguration, Donald Trump was at plus six approval. Reuters has been tracking Donald Trump’s approval and disapproval for the first 30 days, and they recently released a poll showing that Donald Trump is now at minus seven. So less than one month, that’s a swing of 13 points. And why are Trump’s numbers free-falling? One reason is because Trumponomics sucks. His indiscriminate tariffs are increasing prices and increasing inflation. Firing people who work on the bird flu, or cutting funding for folks who work on bird flu is going to increase egg prices. And by the way, a lot of places you can’t even get eggs.

And nowhere is the harm of Trumponomics more exemplified than the Republican Budget. This GOP Budget is going to cut $880 billion of Medicaid to then fund huge tax cuts for the super-wealthy and for billionaires. And what does $880 billion in Medicaid look like? It means the shutting down of community health clinics, the shutting down of hospitals, the shutting down of nursing homes, and approximately two-thirds of nursing home patients are paid for by Medicaid. This is going to have a huge impact on the middle class, on the poor, all so that billionaires can get even richer. We’re asking everyone to stand up and oppose this Republican Budget betrayal.

I’m so honored now to introduce the Ranking Member of our Budget Committee, the great Brendan Boyle from Philadelphia, home of the Super Bowl-winning Eagles.

RANKING MEMBER BOYLE: I did not pay Ted to introduce me in that way, but I appreciate it. Brendan Boyle, Congressman, proudly of Philadelphia, and also the Ranking Member of the Budget Committee.

Let’s be clear: the Republican budget represents the Republican betrayal of the middle class. It cuts at least one and a half trillion dollars, including at least $880 billion from Medicaid, in order to partially pay for trillions of dollars in tax cuts, most of which go to the richest 1% of Americans. It also increases the deficit and the national debt to the tune of $4 trillion. Even a number of House Republicans have come out upon reading the bill and recognized this fact. And by the way, this is from the same crowd that for the last four years, did nothing but shed crocodile tears over the national debt. So, you can see why this is such a Republican betrayal of the middle class. It betrays the very folks who voted for Donald Trump in order to bring down costs at the supermarket. We haven’t seen one second spent on that subject. What we have seen is that, yet again, the top priority for my Republican colleagues is to cut and slash government programs, most especially Medicaid, in order to finance tax cuts for the richest 1%. And let’s be clear about it, because there are some on the other side who are attempting to confuse people. This absolutely guarantees Medicaid cuts that would amount to the largest cuts to Medicaid in American history, all to deliver tax cuts for the richest 1%.

With that, I’m happy to yield to a great Budget Committee Member, my friend, Veronica Escobar.

REP. ESCOBAR: Thank you, Chairman. Thank you, Vice Chair. Thank you, Ranking Member. Buenos días. It’s my privilege to be here standing with great champions for hard working American families.

I think it’s really important for us to remember what happened last year. Last year, the American people went to the polls and overwhelmingly told candidates and told incumbents, ‘we want you to focus on the cost of living. We want you to lower our everyday costs. We want you to tackle inflation.’ Where are we today? We are seeing inflation increase. We are seeing costs go up, and the American people need our help.

This budget not only doesn’t help hard working Americans, this budget will devastate hard working Americans in a way that is absolutely a betrayal of the middle class. This budget will make Americans sicker, poorer, and this budget will make their lives more challenging. You cannot make the kind of deep cuts that this budget resolution unlocks without harming the people who are depending on us to make their lives better. And as my colleagues mentioned in Medicaid alone, in the cuts that will have to happen as a result of this resolution, we are going to see Americans have their premiums, their Affordable Care Act premiums, double. Does that make their lives better? Does that make things more affordable? We are going to see families who have a loved one who is disabled lose their benefits. Does this make their lives better? Does this make the cost of living more affordable for them? We are going to see families who have a loved one in a nursing home have to figure out the future for their elderly parent or grandparent, because Medicaid cuts will impact them. Will that make their lives better or more affordable? When community hospitals close, when community clinics close, will that make people’s lives better or more affordable? Absolutely not.

And there will also be an impact on local economies. We have data that shows for every dollar spent on SNAP, that means $1.50, that means it impacts the local economy by $1.50. By removing the support that the American people look to us to guarantee, we are not just going to hurt everyday Americans. We’re going to hurt economies around the country at a time when Americans want us to do the opposite.

Let every Republican considering voting in favor of this terrible budget explain to their constituents how this improves their lives or makes their lives better. I’ll tell you who it does, whose life it does improve – those billionaires who will be able to buy another yacht because of these tax cuts; another jet because of these tax cuts; another luxury home because of these tax cuts. But go talk to Thomas Massie also, about what this will do to the debt, and he’ll tell you what it’ll do to the debt. Thank you.

Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: TopLine Financial Credit Union Members and Employees Provide Warmth to Those in Need This Winter

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, held their fourth annual Winter Gear Drive during the month of January benefitting local non-profits, Avenues for Youth, Karen Organization of Minnesota, MORE Community Services and YMCA of the North Youth and Family Services. TopLine members and employees generously donated winter gear items of youth and adult size jackets, boots, gloves, hats, scarves, socks and more to help bring warmth to those in need in our local communities.

Employees were able to participate by donating winter gear items and money in exchange for a “Foundation Friday/Saturday” sticker, allowing them to wear jeans to work. TopLine and community members could also purchase items from an Amazon Wishlist or Target Registry and have them delivered directly to TopLine, and in return delivered to the charitable partners. When the program ended TopLine employees and members had donated over 493 winter gear items and $1,191 in cash to assist local individuals and families.

“We are dedicated to meeting the needs identified by our nonprofit partners through various donation drives,” said Mick Olson, President and CEO of TopLine. “We are grateful for the generosity of our donors who have supported youth, adults, and families in our communities by donating coats, hats, mittens, scarves, and other warm winter items. We deeply appreciate our nonprofit partners who handle the distribution of all collected items.”

Avenues for Youth provides emergency shelter, short-term housing and supportive services for homeless youth in a safe and nurturing environment. There are over 6,000 homeless youth in Minnesota each night. Avenues shelters in Brooklyn Park and Minneapolis help over 300 youth. Visit www.avenuesforyouth.org.

Karen Organization of Minnesota provides refugees with resources and programs to remove barriers and achieve economic, social and cultural well-being. Visit https://mnkaren.org.

MORE Community Services provides refugees and immigrants with education and support, helping them achieve economic and social independence today and for generations to come. Visit more-empowerment.org.

The YMCA of the North Youth and Family Services is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit https://www.ymcanorth.org/impact.

TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesota’s 9^th largest credit union, with assets of over $1.1 billion and serves over 70,000 members. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit financial cooperative offers a complete line of financial services from its ten branch locations — in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Francis and in St. Paul’s Como Park — as well as by phone and online at www.TopLinecu.com or www.ahcu.coop. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and Wright counties in Minnesota and their immediate family members, as well as employees and retirees of Anoka Hennepin School District #11, Anoka Technical College, Federal Premium Ammunition, Hoffman Enclosures, Inc., GRACO, Inc., and their subsidiaries. Visit us on our Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about the credit union’s foundation, visit www.TopLinecu.com/Foundation.

CONTACT:
Vicki Roscoe Erickson
Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
TopLine Financial Credit Union
verickson@toplinecu.com | 763.391.0872

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/569e6412-d235-42f2-b3a7-82b07a9a58f4

The MIL Network –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: Signature Systems, Inc. Announces Slate Of New Features For Casino POS

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WARMINSTER, Pa., Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Signature Systems, Inc. (SSI), the award-winning hospitality technology provider known for their point-of-sale,PDQ POS, is proud to announce the release of “The Multi-Revenue Center Update.” This new software revision, numbered 3.5.383, gives operators of facilities that contain multiple food & beverage operations the ability to place orders and accept payment for any of those operations wirelessly. Guests can place, pay for and receive orders for any restaurant on premises without the need to leave their seat.

With the new Multi-Revenue Center Update, staff can easily select any of their locations with one tap and take orders from a wireless POS tablet. Patrons at slot machines, tables, sportsbooks or at other locations can place orders for their favorite food and beverage items and have it delivered to them without taking their eyes off of the game.

Contained in this update is the new virtual table functionality, which allows staff to easily create or transfer tabs for guests who are not at a pre-programmed location, like a set table or bar seat. This functionality also grants the ability to easily track customers who move locations, like from a table to a bar, or from a bar to a sportsbook without needing to close out and create a new tab.

“The gaming industry is modernizing, using data and technology to enhance guest’s experiences, increasing retention,” said John White, EVP/CIO of Signature Systems Inc. “We’re modernizing along with them and, with this software update, casinos can take another big step forward. Multiple revenue centers from any POS removes a pre-existing limit to guest enjoyment and helps operators use hardware more efficiently.”

Included in the software update is also the much-anticipated SMS Waitlist feature. Which allows for hosts and other staff to quickly add guests to a waitlist and be notified via SMS text message when their table is ready. This new functionality removes the need for special notification devices to hand to guests on the waitlist or additional software subscriptions.

“When designing software for these environments, it’s crucial to consider the experiences of both guests and staff,” Said Justin Andrews, Lead Software Engineer at Signature Systems, Inc. “By improving operational efficiency and the speed of interaction, we can increase revenue and boost customer satisfaction.”

About Signature Systems (SSI)

With deep roots in food and beverage, Signature Systems, Inc. (SSI), is a 35-year tenured technology solutions provider whose signature product is PDQ POS, a top rated, all-concept point of sale management system. SSI differentiates itself from all others by virtue of its all-in-one, custom solution sets; all-in-house, domestic teams (including development, live 24x7x365 support, and data/cyber security); and all-in-accountability for prompt, accurate issue resolution.

Products & services include natively integrated enterprise reporting w/mobile app, natively integrated Delivery Toolkit mobile app, natively integrated custom online ordering, 3rd party delivery fulfillment,

an array of guest empowerment solutions including self-serve kiosks with multiple tenders, full PCI DSS compliance, comprehensive menu management, value-added integrations, expert project management, onsite training and education, and much more. Learn more at PDQpos.com and

SSIpos.com, for all casino/hospitality-based restaurants, bars, and retail.

SSI is the proud winner of the 2022 Innovation Award from Gaming & Leisure^©.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0ec5b944-1695-4254-9a84-d09811651780

The MIL Network –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko: The IT industry has become one of the fastest growing in the Russian economy

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko presented the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State” at the National Center “Russia”.

“Over the past five years, the IT industry has become one of the fastest growing in the Russian economy. Its contribution to the country’s GDP has almost doubled, and the number of specialists has increased by one and a half times – today almost a million people work in this area. These figures show that the industry is actively developing. And the national project “Data Economy” is the next step in the digital development of Russia. We make technologies accessible to everyone: from residents of megacities to residents of the most remote corners of the country. The key focus is the development of solutions that work on the basis of accumulated data, and the creation of technological tools that allow increasing the efficiency of any task. First of all, this is artificial intelligence, robots, the Internet of Things and others. At the same time, we pay special attention to security: we form a legal environment that not only protects against cyber threats, but also creates conditions for the development of innovations,” said Dmitry Grigorenko.

The Deputy Prime Minister outlined the key goals and results of the national project “Data Economy” by 2030.

Within the framework of the federal project “Internet Access Infrastructure”, a domestic low-orbit satellite group of 292 satellites will be launched, which will provide 100% Internet coverage of the entire territory of Russia and the world. This will allow even the most remote regions of the country to be connected to the network.

The federal project “Digital platforms in social sectors” is aimed at introducing a platform model of interaction between citizens, businesses and the state. By 2030, industry platforms such as “My School”, “Universities”, “Science”, “Safe Environment” and “Smart City” will be created. All schools and colleges will be equipped with IT infrastructure and Wi-Fi, and 634 thousand teachers will receive domestic tablets.

The federal project “Digital Public Administration” provides for the complete digitalization of public administration and the transition to 100% paperless document flow. This will simplify processes and increase the efficiency of government agencies.

As part of the federal project “Domestic Solutions,” by 2030, 100% of cellular network equipment and software will be produced in Russia, which will strengthen the country’s technological independence.

The Federal Project “Artificial Intelligence” provides for the introduction of AI technologies in the economy, social sphere and public administration. One of the key tasks will be the provision of personalized government services based on the principle of “life situations”. This means that citizens and businesses will no longer have to fill out applications or visit departments – at least 100 services will be provided proactively, based on the analysis of data and user preferences. For example, if a person changes their place of residence, the system itself will offer to issue the necessary documents or update information. This approach will make interaction with the government more convenient and effective.

The Federal Project “Information Security” provides for the creation of a security infrastructure for the Russian Internet. By 2030, an assessment of the security of 100% of key state information systems will be conducted.

The federal project “Advanced Developments” is aimed at developing quantum and telecommunication technologies. In particular, it is planned to increase the power of a quantum computer from 50 to 300 qubits.

Within the framework of the federal project “State Statistics”, a digital analytical platform (GIS “TsAP”) will be created for collecting, processing and analyzing large volumes of data in real time. This will allow 100% automation of the provision of official statistics.

The federal project “Personnel for Digital Transformation” will ensure the training of qualified IT specialists. By 2030, with the participation of businesses, at least 250 thousand students will be trained, and the total number of employees in the IT industry will grow to 1.4 million people.

These initiatives are aimed at ensuring the technological sovereignty of the country, digitalization of economic and social sectors, improving the quality of life of citizens and the efficiency of governance based on big data.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung 2025 Bespoke AI Appliances Now Available to Reserve

Source: Samsung

Samsung Electronics America is introducing a new line of Bespoke AI appliances this spring, with advanced AI-powered features that offer greater personalization and connectivity in your home. You can reserve a new 2025 Bespoke AI appliance now through March 24 and receive a $100 credit toward your pre-order purchase. With the reserve offer, you will automatically be entered for a chance to win a $5,000 Samsung credit to be used on new Bespoke AI appliances.1

Samsung debuted its first-ever suite of Bespoke AI appliances in 2024, introducing innovative products that integrate advanced AI technology with powerful connectivity and thoughtful design to help automate everyday tasks at home. The 2025 Bespoke AI line builds on these capabilities to offer a new level of AI-powered convenience that makes cooking, cleaning and doing laundry easier than ever. With seamless SmartThings integration2, AI sensors and cameras, and intuitive AI Home3 LCD touchscreen displays on more Samsung appliances, you can effortlessly monitor and manage your connected home from anywhere and multi-task with ease.
The AI camera in Samsung’s new Bespoke 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with 9” AI Home LCD Screen keeps tabs on the food you store and remove, automatically updating your SmartThings grocery list when items are running low and sharing alerts when you should use ingredients because they are approaching the end of the produce’s freshness dates.4 And with the touchscreen display, it’s easy to look up recipes that incorporate the food you have on hand and send cooking instructions directly to your Bespoke Wall Oven with 7” AI Home. The Bespoke Wall Oven also has an AI camera that will recognize meals and suggest how to cook them, automatically optimizing cook times and temperatures, so you can focus on other things.

In the laundry room, Samsung is introducing exciting new Bespoke AI Laundry Combo models, offering even more options to consumers looking for a format that works in a small space without compromising on performance or style. Like Samsung’s other 2025 Bespoke AI appliances, the new Bespoke AI Laundry Combos and the new Bespoke Front Load Washer and Dryer with AI Home are all equipped with 7” LCD touchscreen displays that enable convenient operation and seamless multi-device experiences across your Samsung appliances. You can even check on the status of dinner cooking in your Bespoke AI Wall Oven while you start a new load of laundry.
Bespoke AI appliances can also automatically optimize performance according to your habits and personal needs, and routine maintenance reminders and service alerts make it easy to care for them, giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing they will run smoothly and reliably for years to come.5
For more information and to reserve your new 2025 Bespoke AI appliance, visit Samsung.com.

MIL OSI Economics –

February 27, 2025

Category: Machine Learning

MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

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

ANNEX II: INDIVIDUAL CASES RAISED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT FROM DECEMBER 2023 TO JANUARY 2025

ANNEX III: LIST OF SAKHAROV PRIZE LAUREATES AND FINALISTS IMPRISONED AND DEPRIVED OF LIBERTY

ANNEX IV: LIST OF RESOLUTIONS

MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

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Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal to Chair Post-Budget Industry Meet on February 27, 2025

Major Maritime initiatives to be announced in Mumbai