Category: Middle East

MIL-OSI Economics: IADC Suez University Chapter Organizes Petroleum Engineering Advancements & Knowledge Summit

Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

Headline: IADC Suez University Chapter Organizes Petroleum Engineering Advancements & Knowledge Summit

On 29 April, the IADC Suez University Student Chapter organized an impactful one-day event alongside the SPE Student Chapter at the British University in Egypt (BUE). The first-ever Petroleum Engineering and Advancements Summit, also known as PEAKS 2025, brought together students, professionals, and industry leaders.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with industry pioneers through expert-led sessions that delivered real-world knowledge and valuable technical insights. There were many technical sessions and live demonstrations, as well as opportunities for students to network in person with top energy companies. The event celebrated dedication and potential through exciting giveaways and competitions.

According to Ahmed Mobasher, IADC Suez University Treasurer:

“We’re incredibly proud of what we achieved together and grateful to every speaker, guest, and student who made it possible. We can’t wait to continue this journey and make the next edition of PEAKS even bigger. Here’s to the future of petroleum engineering — and to the bright minds who will lead it.”

MIL OSI Economics –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: MAGA’s ‘war on empathy’ might not be original, but it is dangerous

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Michael Cameron, PhD Candidate of English, Dalhousie University

During his most recent appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Elon Musk levelled a critique at empathy, calling it “the fundamental weakness of western civilization.”

If your first instinct is to brush this off as another example of Musk’s awkwardness, we suggest you think again. As journalist Julia Carrie Wong noted in The Guardian in April, Musk’s comments have appeared “amid a growing wave of opposition to empathy from across the American right.”

A diverse coalition of figures have taken up this “war on empathy,” including pastor Joe Rigney, conservative podcaster Allie Beth Stuckey and marketing professor Gad Saad.

Each has coined their own meme-able phrase: “The Sin of Empathy,” “Toxic Empathy” and “Suicidal Empathy,” respectively.

You may find a war on empathy perplexing — even downright dangerous — given that our contemporary global historical moment is one marked by climate-induced migration, rising political authoritarianism and a “relentless opposition” against LGBTQIA+ rights.

Doesn’t this moment call out for more empathy rather than less?

What is empathy anyway?

But first, we need to know what we are talking about.

Some recent criticisms of empathy have been premised on bad definitions. For instance, Albert Mohler, the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, recently claimed that empathy is “destructive” for immigration policy because “empathy means never having to say no.” This definition is not accurate.

Though a precise definition of empathy still eludes us, empathy is simply the ability to feel what someone else might be feeling. “Imagining yourself in another’s place,” writes neurologist Richard E. Cytowic, “is the basis of empathy.” Coming from a different angle, literary scholar Suzanne Keen defines empathy as “a vicarious, spontaneous sharing of affect” that “can be provoked… even by reading.”

The word “empathy” was coined in 1909. Previously, what we today call “empathy” fell under the name “sympathy.” For instance, writing in the 18th century, Scottish economist and philosopher Adam Smith described sympathy as the imaginative capacity to “enter as it were into [another’s] body, and become in some measure the same person.”

With the discovery of “mirror neurons,” modern neuroscience has in a sense validated Smith’s theories. As neuroscientist Christian Keysers explains: “The mirror system builds a bridge between the minds of two people,” showing that our brains are not only “deeply social” but also “magically connected to each other.”

Put simply, we are hardwired for empathy.

Sympathy and social contagion

In our research, we have explored literary depictions of self-destructive, suicidal and monstrous sympathies. We recognize some parallels between MAGA’s war on empathy and conceptual debates of the past, parallels at times interesting and worrisome.

During his appearance on Rogan’s podcast, Saad criticized Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s appeal to Trump for mercy on behalf of undocumented immigrants and those in the LGBTQIA+ community, suggesting it was indicative of the “parasitic idea” of open borders and an example of “suicidal empathy.”

A few months later, Canadian pop-psychologist Jordan Peterson echoed Saad and told Rogan that today’s political left is vulnerable to those who “parasitize empathy.”

This association between empathy and parasitic contagion is not at all new.

As literary scholar Mary Fairclough explains, in the 18th and 19th centuries, sympathy was “understood as a disruptive social phenomenon which functioned to spread disorder and unrest between individuals and even across nations like a ‘contagion.’”

As an example, Fairclough quotes the author Thomas De Quincey, who opined that “many a man has been drawn, by the contagion of sympathy with his own class acting as a mob, into outrages of destruction.”

The writer Mary Shelley literalized this notion of contagious sympathy in her 1826 novel The Last Man, which depicts a (perhaps uncomfortably familiar) plague pandemic. The novel paints sympathy as a method of mass control and societal dissolution just as contagious as the plague.

But unlike De Quincey, Shelley also celebrates sympathy as our most valuable and effective collective resource in times of crisis. This celebration is most notable in the character of Adrian, who devotes his life to “bring[ing] patience, and sympathy, and such aid as art affords, to the bed of disease.’”

The uses and abuses of empathy

Much as Shelley suggests for sympathy, research shows that empathy must be properly channelled so it isn’t used to divide and manipulate.

For example, research shows that empathy is not impartial. People tend to empathize more easily with those who share their racial or social background, and less with those who are perceived as different. In other words, racial prejudices may bias our instinctive empathetic responses.

At the same time, empathy has been linked to problematic practices like racial impersonation and colonial appropriation, where members of dominant groups claim to identify with marginalized people in ways that often reinforce power imbalances rather than dismantle them.

But MAGA’s approach to empathy is less a well-meaning critique than an all-out war and comes at the issues with a far less benevolent set of assumptions and goals. As Wong noted: “We are witnessing the construction of the ideological architecture to excuse violence and suffering on a mass scale.”

Consider what Musk said to Rogan regarding immigration:

“I believe in empathy, like I think you should care about other people, but you need to have empathy for civilization as a whole and not commit to a civilizational suicide.”

This comment is strikingly similar to the idea of “racial suicide” endorsed by eugenicist thinkers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Racial suicide was a concept rooted in the xenophobic fear that one’s own ethnic population would be replaced by another racialized population that happened to have a higher birth rate.

As the historian Rob Boddice notes, “eugenic morality” was “to be guided by sympathy construed as sympathy for the whole of society” rather than towards individuals. For the eugenicists, this ideology justified extreme measures, such as forced sterilizations and racial segregation. The horrors of eugenics and its influence on the Nazi Holocaust are well documented.

Despite these history lessons, Musk and his ilk, however, seem unperturbed and even enthusiastic about repeating history.

Much can be said about empathy’s potential limitations alongside its many virtues. But while MAGA supporters may have balked at her speech and her call for empathy, we would do well to remember the words of Bishop Budde:

“We should be merciful to the stranger, for we were once strangers in this land.”

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. MAGA’s ‘war on empathy’ might not be original, but it is dangerous – https://theconversation.com/magas-war-on-empathy-might-not-be-original-but-it-is-dangerous-255300

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice:

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Four in the Southern District of Indiana

May 7, 2025 – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

“Children are the foundation of our communities. It is not their burden to protect themselves; it is our absolute responsibility as adults to shield them from the egregious predators charged today,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the exceptional and tireless work of our law enforcement partners and AUSAs Tiffany Preston, Carolyn Haney, Samantha Spiro, and Jeremy Kemper, who are doing their part to execute Operation Restore Justice.”

“Behind every arrest during Operation Restore Justice was a child who was being exploited – who was suffering in silence,” said FBI Indianapolis Acting Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans. “These crimes are both heartbreaking and deeply disturbing and the FBI remains committed to identifying and investigating these cases and ensuring those who responsible for such heinous acts are held accountable. Our hope is that these children now have a chance to heal and to rebuild their lives in safety, free from fear and surrounded by the care and support they need.”

In the Southern District of Indiana, the following four individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes:

Defendant Name(s)	Offense(s) Charge
Raymond Robert Lapensee, Jr., 33, of Evansville	Possession of Sexually Explicit Material Involving Minors (3 Counts)
James Dean Collett, Jr, 29, of New Albany	Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Attempt (4 Counts) Possession of Child Pornography (2 Counts)
Eric Lee Dicken, 35, of Columbus	Possession of Child Pornography
Beau R. Thornburgh, 45, of Lebanon *Convicted sex offender	Possession of Child Pornography

Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, this effort and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

MIL Security OSI –

May 8, 2025

MIL-OSI Banking: Accreditation Updates for May 2025
Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

Headline: Accreditation Updates for May 2025

IADC welcomes these 4 newly-accredited training providers who have satisfactorily completed the approval process:

DIT
- ARABIAN MACHINERY AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT COMPANY – Al Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait Drilling Company – Kuwait, Ahmadi, Kuwait
RigPass
- Capstar Drilling, Inc. – Casper, Wyoming, US
- Cazen Servicios y Suministros Integrales – Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico
MIL OSI Global Banks –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank launches US$ 1 Billion Africa Film Fund to transform the continent’s creative industry

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

Afreximbank launches US$ 1 Billion Africa Film Fund to transform the continent’s creative industry The Fund will play a pivotal role in promoting the production and global distribution of high-quality films and TV series, further amplifying Global Africa’s cultural influence across the world KIGALI, Rwanda, May 7, 2025/APO Group/ — African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), through its development impact investment arm, the Fund for Export-Development in Africa (FEDA), has committed to spearhead the launch of the Africa Film Fund (‘the Fund’) as part of its Creative Africa Nexus Programme (CANEX). This transformative undertaking of up to US$1 billion is designed to revolutionize Global Africa’s film and creative industry. This move follows Afreximbank Group’s commitment at the CANEX Weekend (CANEX WKND 2024) in Algiers, Algeria, in October 2024, where the Bank announced plans to launch a private equity film fund through FEDA to support film production and distribution across Africa and empower African filmmakers to create globally appealing content. The Fund will play a pivotal role in promoting the production and global distribution of high-quality films and TV series, further amplifying Global Africa’s cultural influence across the world. In doing so, the Fund will be a catalyst to attract and direct crucial patient capital into Global Africa’s film and TV production industry, mobilising resources that would enable filmmakers and storytellers to produce world-class content that resonates globally. According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the African film and audiovisual industry generates an estimated US$5 billion in annual revenues and employs over 5 million people across the continent. However, the film industry on the continent has long faced challenges, including limited access to production facilities and equipment, a shortage of advanced post-production resources, and a lack of sufficient exhibition infrastructure—highlighted by fewer than 2,000 cinema screens and limited access to digital platforms. Afreximbank’s interventions through FEDA seek to address some of these issues and more. Professor Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank and Chairman of both the Boards of Directors of Afreximbank and FEDA commented: “Film is a cornerstone of the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme and the establishment of the Africa Film Fund is timely as it will help accelerate the growth of Africa’s creative sector, which has witnessed rapid growth but continues to face significant challenges including funding, scaling and accessing global markets.” Prof. Oramah added, “Through investments in the film sector, alongside initiatives such as the CANEX Shorts Awards, Afreximbank is committed to celebrating and amplifying a diverse range of African voices and experiences, thereby catalysing the creative industry and unleashing the creative industry’s potential to drive economic growth across Africa.” Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA, emphasized the Fund’s role in driving inclusive growth, stating that: “The Africa Film Fund is not merely about financing films – it is about building a thriving ecosystem that empowers Global Africa’s creative talent, fosters cultural exchange, and catalyses economic transformation. At FEDA, we are committed to ensuring this initiative delivers tangible impact with long-term and sustainable benefits.” Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice-President of Intra-African Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank, added: “This Fund will help unlock the full potential of Africa’s creative economy by giving African storytellers the platform, resources, and visibility they deserve. It reflects our belief that culture is not just a soft power, but a strategic asset for economic growth, youth empowerment, and regional integration.” Viola Davis, co-founder of JVL Media LLC and an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winning actress welcomed the initiative: “African stories are deeply human and universally powerful. This Fund is an invitation to the world to see Africa through the lens of its own creators — bold, unfiltered, and rich in truth. I am proud to be a part of this momentous step toward a more inclusive global film industry.” Boris Kodjoe, award winning actor and Managing Partner of FC Media Group, stated: “It has been a long-term dream of mine to be able to tell stories on a global scale. I am grateful and excited to partner with our friends at Afreximbank and FEDA in order to support quality content development and creation in Africa and beyond.” Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank. Media Contact: Vincent Musumba Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations) Email: press@afreximbank.com About FEDA: The Fund for Export Development in Africa (“FEDA”) is the impact investment subsidiary of Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com), set up to provide equity, quasi-equity, and debt capital to finance the multi-billion-dollar funding gap (particularly in equity) needed to transform the Trade sector in Africa. FEDA pursues a multi-sector investment strategy along the intra-African trade, value-added export development, and manufacturing value chain which includes financial services, technology, consumer and retail goods, manufacturing, transport & logistics, agribusiness, as well as ancillary trade enabling infrastructure such as industrial parks. To date, FEDA has invested more than US$590 million in companies and projects across its various fund initiatives, in sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, financial services, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, amongst others. About Afreximbank: African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

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MIL OSI Africa –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Bronze-age Britain traded tin with the Mediterranean, shows new study – settling a two-century debate

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Benjamin Roberts, Associate Professor in Later European Prehistory, Durham University

Bronze age tin ingot from Salcombe, England. Benjamin Roberts / Alan Williams

Tin was the critical mineral of the ancient world. It was essential to alloy with copper to make bronze, which for many centuries was the preferred metal for tools and weapons. Yet sources of tin are very scarce – and were especially so for the rapidly growing bronze age towns, cities and states around the eastern Mediterranean.

Though major tin deposits are found in western and central Europe and in central Asia, by far the richest and most accessible tin ores are in Cornwall and Devon in southwest Britain. Yet it has been difficult to prove that these British deposits were used as a source for people in the eastern Mediterranean. So for more than two centuries, archaeologists have debated about where bronze age societies obtained their tin.

In a new study published in the journal Antiquity, our team analysed the chemistry and different forms of particular elements in tin ores and artefacts from across Britain and Europe. These included tin ingots found at prehistoric shipwreck sites at Salcombe and Erme, southwest Britain, as well as in the Mediterranean.

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This revealed that tin ingots from three ancient shipwrecks discovered off the coast of Israel and one shipwreck found off the Mediterranean coast of France originated in southwest Britain. The shipwrecks found near Israel date to around 1300BC, while the wreck from France has been dated to around 600BC.

Small farming communities across Cornwall and Devon would have dug, washed, crushed and smelted the abundant tin ore from the alluvial deposits in the region. The heavy sand to gravel-sized tin ore is in a layer buried under soft layers of barren silt, sand and gravel.

The tin ore is eroded from hard rock mineral veins and deposited by streams and rivers. There was simply no need for any complex and difficult mining of hard rock here. The tin would then have been taken to coastal locations where it could be traded.

It’s probable that the tin was then moved by traders through France to the Mediterranean coast, where it was loaded onto ships. It would make its way through flourishing trade networks between the islands of Sardinia and Cyprus before reaching markets in the east Mediterranean. The tin’s value would have increased immensely as it progressed along this 2,485 mile (4,000km) journey.

Tin is the first commodity to have been exported across the entire European continent. It was produced and traded at a potentially vast scale, but is rarely found in archaeological sites due to corrosion. But what we do known is that by 1,300BC, virtually all of Europe and the Mediterranean had widespread and consistent access to bronze.

We know of more than 100 bronze age copper mines from Ireland to Israel and from Spain to the southern Urals in Russia. Yet these would have been just a small proportion of the copper mines active at the time.

Given that bronze was typically made from 90% copper and 10% tin, if the copper produced by each of these known mines had to be matched by 10% tin, then tens or even hundreds of tonnes of tin were being traded each year – perhaps across distances of thousands of miles.

St Michael’s Mount may be the site of the ancient island Ictis.
Alan Williams

The volume, consistency and frequency of the estimated scale in the tin trade is far larger than has been previously imagined and requires an entirely new perspective on what bronze age miners and merchants were able to achieve. It is no coincidence that it is around 1,300BC that technologies from the east, such as sophisticated systems for weighing items, as well as bronze swords, reached small farming communities living on the Atlantic coasts.

A millennium later, around 320BC, Pytheas the Greek, from Massalia (modern Marseilles), journeyed by land and sea to Britain, which was at the edge of the known world at the time. Pytheas wrote the earliest account describing the island and its inhabitants in a book which is now lost, but which has partially survived in snippets quoted by later classical authors.

Pytheas described how tin in southwest Britain was extracted and traded off a tidal island he called Ictis, before being taken across the sea and down the rivers of France to the mouth of the Rhone in only 30 days. In our research, we provide the first direct evidence for the tin trade Pytheas described. We show that tin from the Rochelongue shipwreck, off the south coast of France and dating to around 600BC, came from southwest Britain.

While we can establish the movement of tin across the seas, we know very little about the markets on land in which it was traded. We are now working with a team of archaeologists from Cornwall to excavate on the tidal island of St Michael’s Mount, which has long thought to have been the island of Ictis described by Pytheas.

A pan-continental tin trade continued in all periods after the bronze age and, in the absence of written records, our approach, using different methods of analysis, allows us to determine whether the tin came from Britain.

Historical records show that during the medieval period, tin from Cornwall and Devon enjoyed a virtual European monopoly, with production continuing until the last tin mine closed in 1998.

Today, tin is once again a critical and strategic mineral, this time for use in the electronics industry. As such it forms a vital part of the tools and weapons of the 21st century. Cornwall’s tin production is also set to soon restart, reviving a 4,000 year old industry.

Benjamin Roberts was PI on Project Ancient Tin which was funded by the Leverhulme Trust (Grant RPG-2019-333).

Alan Williams was the post doc on Project Ancient Tin which was funded by the Leverhulme Trust (Grant RPG-2019-333).

– ref. Bronze-age Britain traded tin with the Mediterranean, shows new study – settling a two-century debate – https://theconversation.com/bronze-age-britain-traded-tin-with-the-mediterranean-shows-new-study-settling-a-two-century-debate-256005

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Slams Far-Right Supreme Court’s Shameful Decision to Allow Enforcement of Trump’s Trans Military Service Ban

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

May 07, 2025

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today issued the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump Administration may start enforcing Donald Trump’s un-American, unjust trans military service ban while legal challenges to the ban are still ongoing:

“Absolutely shameful. Trump’s trans military service ban hurts our military readiness, makes our military’s recruitment challenges even worse and disrespects Americans who are brave enough to serve in uniform. This ruling from the far-right, Trump-appointed Supreme Court majority will make our military less lethal and Americans less safe—it just empowered Donald Trump to fire a servicemember who flew more than 60 combat missions, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Last month, Duckworth led 13 of her fellow Senate Democratic colleagues in condemning President Trump’s transgender military service ban for being a blatant violation of our brave servicemembers’ civil rights and weakening our national security. In the letter to Defense Secretary Hegseth, the lawmakers derided the ban for not only being discriminatory and based on false pretenses, but also for hurting our military readiness and exacerbating the ongoing military recruiting crisis in service of continuing hateful attacks against transgender Americans.

-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: More than 205 Alleged Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown
Source: Office of United States Attorneys

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, charge, and arrest alleged child sexual abuse offenders. The operation resulted in the arrests of 205 defendants in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

“Child exploitation offenses inflict lasting harm on the most vulnerable members of our society, and the proliferation of child sexual abuse material across the Internet repeats and amplifies that harm. Prosecuting child exploitation offenses has been and will always be a top priority for this Office, and we’re grateful for our law enforcement partners’ commitment to pursuing justice in these cases.” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky Paul McCaffrey.

“I’d like to commend FBI Louisville’s Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force on their dogged pursuit of perpetrators of child sexual abuse. While the FBI’s work to identify, investigate, and apprehend these predators never stops, our increased efforts over the last month during Operation Restore Justice resulted in removing some of our community’s most heinous criminals,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “FBI Louisville, in lockstep with our law enforcement partners, will continue to use every available resource to protect America’s most vulnerable populations, especially our children.”

In the Eastern District of Kentucky, nine defendants were charged with various child exploitation offenses. One of the indictments remains under seal. They include the following:
- Jason Back, 42, of Salyersville, Ky., was charged with online enticement of a minor.
- Jesus Chavez, 32, of Somerset, Ky., was charged with five counts of producing child pornography.
- Jordan A. Cobb, 33, of Salyersville, Ky., was charged with online enticement of a minor and cyberstalking of a minor.
- Austin Hawk, 25, of Pittsburg, Ky., was charged with transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity.
- Nathan Smith, 30, of Manchester, Ky., was charged with two counts of distribution of child pornography, one count of receiving child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
- Michael Moon, 47, of Annville, Ky., was charged with one count of receiving child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
- Timothy Ray Dale, 63, of Paris, Ky., was charged with one count of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
- Finley Wooton, 32, of Hyden, Ky., was charged with the attempted production of child pornography.
While the charges allege that these crimes were committed, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. Also, in many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice.

This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

Other online resources:

Electronic Press Kit

Violent Crimes Against Children

How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

-END-

MIL Security OSI –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Northern Arabian Gulf Chapter Sees Great Turnout for Annual Golf Tournament

Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

Headline: Northern Arabian Gulf Chapter Sees Great Turnout for Annual Golf Tournament

On Friday 25 April, the IADC Northern Arabian Gulf Chapter hosted its annual golf tournament at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain. There was a fantastic turnout with 52 participating teams, the highest amount in the event’s history. The tournament was followed by dinner and a prize awarding ceremony.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 7 May 2025 Departmental update Global Disability Summit marks pivotal moment in advancing health for all
Source: World Health Organisation

Inclusion must be a right and it should not be negotiable. WHO’s position starts from that and WHO has been working on disability for many years.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus / WHO Director-General

Leaders, advocates and experts from across the globe gathered in Berlin from 2–3 April 2025 for the Global Disability Summit to discuss the critical role that disability inclusion plays in building a more sustainable future.

The Summit, organized by the Governments of Germany and Jordan in collaboration with the International Disability Alliance, marked a pivotal moment in global health efforts to advance health equity for all.

The World Health Organization (WHO) was well represented at the Summit, as demonstrated by the participation of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, and Darryl Barrett, Technical Lead of the WHO Disability Programme.

Key outcomes from the Summit
- Announcement of a WHO Global Initiative on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities
Dr Tedros announced the launch of a WHO Global Initiative on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities. The Initiative will act as an essential mechanism to coordinate and prioritize collaborative efforts for better health for persons with disabilities. It will transform health systems and guide countries in developing and implementing policies that prioritize their health needs.
- Strategic discussions to drive progress
The Summit enabled crucial discussions between WHO and various partners, especially persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, on the most efficient ways to mainstream disability inclusion in health practices and systems. Partners proposed innovative strategies to leverage resources, expertise and networks to drive progress in health equity for persons with disabilities. The insights gained from the discussions will shape the objectives and structure of the global initiative, ensuring it effectively addresses the needs of persons with disabilities.
- High-level commitments
The Summit concluded with over 800 commitments made by countries and partners at all levels to promote disability inclusion. WHO endorsed the Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion and will continue to work with governments, organizations and stakeholders to advance disability inclusion in international development and humanitarian action. The health-related commitments, published on the Summit’s website, will serve as a roadmap to create more inclusive health systems.

The way forward

The Summit was a powerful platform that catalysed an unprecedented movement for a more inclusive health sector driven by and for persons with disabilities.

WHO will build on the conversations initiated with disability advocates and health sector stakeholders, and work actively towards the launch of the global initiative on health equity for persons with disabilities.

Dr Tedros added, “Universal health coverage cannot happen without including the 1.3 billion [persons with disabilities globally]. All countries have to mainstream inclusion in their policies. So that’s what we’re pushing for, and we will continue to do our best.”

To receive regular updates on WHO’s activities to advance disability inclusion in health systems, subscribe to the WHO Disability Programme Newsletter.

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MIL OSI United Nations News –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: TikTok in Egypt: where rich and poor meet – and the state watches everything

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gabriele Cosentino, Assistant Professor, American University in Cairo

After being released from detention in 2011, Egyptian engineer and activist Wael Ghonim told the media:

If you want to liberate a society, all you need is the internet.

He’d been taken into custody for his role in the revolution that toppled the regime of Hosni Mubarak. Part of the success of this unprecedented popular uprising was due to the role of social media in mobilising citizens around a common political cause.

In 2025, after a decade under the repressive government of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, it’s fair to say that little has remained of Ghonim’s vision. Social media use in Egypt is closely guarded by the authorities to detect signs of opposition. Citizens are routinely detained, even for the slightest criticism of the government.

In 2018 Egypt introduced a new law, apparently to curb the problem of online misinformation and disinformation. This law is, in reality, often used to stifle dissent. Egyptians today operate within unclear boundaries of what is permissible to say online. The result is widespread self-censorship for fear of arrest.

As a scholar of political communication and new media I’ve written books on global social media. I teach students about the social and political impact of digital and social media in Egypt. The video sharing platform TikTok is a frequent subject in my classes because it reveals both the liberating and the repressive effects of social media use in Egypt.

TikTok stands out for its ability to create viral videos and sudden micro-celebrities. This has made it a lightning rod for government crackdowns. But it has also connected people across socio-economic divides and bred a lively new cultural and political debate – one that’s not as easy for the government to police.

TikTok in Egypt

Since 2020, TikTok has become immensely popular in Egypt, with an estimated 33 million users over 18 years old.

While TikTok hasn’t taken on the explicit political dimension that Facebook or Twitter did over a decade ago, it has already become the theatre of a series of incidents that have landed its users in the crosshairs of the authorities. This has exposed political rifts and tensions.

Facebook was the prominent social media during the revolution. Sherif9282/Wikimedia Commons

Most of the incidents are related to the ability of TikTok to work as a “virality engine” – even users with few followers can gain a sudden and sometimes problematic celebrity.

But while Egyptian authorities have evidently been cracking down on TikTok users, there have been no concrete plans to ban the platform. In fact, some government branches have used it to advance their own initiatives. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, for example, signed an agreement with TikTok to launch the Egyptian TikTok Creator Hub, designed to educate youth on using social media responsibly.

Women targeted

Since 2020, Egyptian authorities have arrested TikTok users under charges ranging from the violation of family values to the spread of false information and allegations of belonging to terrorist organisations. Most of these TikTokers didn’t post explicit sexual or political content, making the charges against them appear exaggerated. These cases suggest the authorities are closely monitoring the platform, following strict moral and political considerations.

The most high profile cases have involved young women, most notably Haneen Hossam and Mawada Eladham, who were arrested in 2020 for violating family values. Article 25 of Egypt’s anti-cybercrime law states that content “violating the family principles and values upheld by Egyptian society may be punished by a minimum of six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine”. It leaves the definition of family values purposefully vague.

Observers have noted that this vagueness has allowed the law to be applied in a range of different cases. More than a dozen women have faced similar charges, endured pretrial detention and been handed lengthy prison sentences.

The arbitrary nature of many of the charges suggests a possible deeper motive: policing the presence of young women in digital spaces where they can gain influence and financial independence outside traditional family or work structures.

TikTok has given ordinary users in Egypt unprecedented visibility, in some cases allowing them to challenge social norms, often through humour. This appears to have unsettled authorities, who appear to have sought to send a message to the broader population.

Arrests

TikTok-related arrests have not been limited to family values. In 2022, three users were arrested for criticising rising food prices. They were charged with spreading fake news, despite the fact that inflation in Egypt was rising sharply.

In 2023, a parody skit of a fake jail visit by a TikToker went viral. The creators were arrested and charged with belonging to a terror organisation, spreading fake news and misusing social media.

Read more: Why some governments fear even teens on TikTok

Such arrests indicate that TikTok content that touches on politically sensitive matters, even in jest, is posing a new type of challenge for the Egyptian government. The state is particularly concerned with viral content that might bring attention to its poor human rights record. This includes notoriously bad conditions in jails.

‘Egypt’ and ‘Masr’

At the same time, the platform is proving able to connect people from very different social and economic backgrounds, as it is seen to do globally.

Egypt is very hierarchical. Small, affluent elite groups live in a separate and secluded socio-economic reality from the majority of the population. Thirty percent of Egyptians live under the poverty line.

On TikTok, the more privileged, cosmopolitan section of society is referred to as “Egypt”. The poor and disenfranchised are “Masr” (مصر), the Arabic word for Egypt.

TikTok is aimed at generating viral content more than it is a networking site, like Facebook, that’s based on pre-existing social connections. The result is a virtual common space where the two sides can interact in new ways. This engenders unique social and cultural dynamics also observed in other countries.

Read more: TikTok in Kenya: the government wants to restrict it, but my study shows it can be useful and empowering

“Egypt” watches “Masr” create all kinds of content – from singing and dancing routines to live begging. “Masr” gets to peek into the otherwise inaccessible world of the wealthy.

In the current climate of an economic crisis, this divide can be glaring. While most Egyptians are struggling with inflation, the cost of living and unemployment, the wealthy flaunt their lifestyles on TikTok.

When wealthy TikTokers post content complaining about relatively petty issues like a long wait for valet parking at a luxury restaurant or boast about their weekly allowance, it reveals their disconnect from the everyday hardships faced by the less privileged.

Users are able to comment freely on each other’s videos, sharing their unvarnished opinions. A student boasting about their weekly allowance of 3,000 EGP (US$60) might be told, “This is some people’s monthly salary.”

Political consequences

Since it first appeared in 2020, TikTok in Egypt has evolved from a platform mainly geared towards silly and entertaining content by teenagers. It’s become an outlet for people of all ages interested in gathering information, keeping abreast of current trends and events, and also a space for political engagement, especially on the issue of Palestine.

Read more: Young Nigerians are flocking to TikTok – why it’s a double-edged sword

There hasn’t been an obvious politicisation of TikTok in Egypt yet and there might never be, given the strict policing by authorities. But TikTok’s ability to expose divisions in Egyptian society and connect citizens across demographic cleavages could potentially have unexpected political consequences in the near future.

Shahd Atef contributed to the research for this article

– TikTok in Egypt: where rich and poor meet – and the state watches everything
– https://theconversation.com/tiktok-in-egypt-where-rich-and-poor-meet-and-the-state-watches-everything-253278

MIL OSI Africa –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Somalia’s exports are threatened by climate change and conflict: what 30 years of data tell us
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mohamed Okash, Founding Director, Institute of Climate and Environment, Simad University

In the sun-scorched lands of Somalia, farmers and livestock keepers have grown accustomed to the extremes of climate. In 2022, for example, the country suffered the longest drought in 40 years. This affected nearly half the national population of 18 million people. The following year, heavy and widespread flooding devastated the country’s farmlands and infrastructure.

For a country whose economy breathes through its agriculture and livestock sectors, these extremes have adverse implications. Over 70% of the population relies on farming, herding and pastoral activities for their livelihoods. Despite these climatic shocks, agriculture contributes about 60% of Somalia’s GDP. This is down slightly from 65% two decades ago.

The agricultural sector is diverse, yet fragile. It is made up of two primary components: crop cultivation (mainly sorghum, maize, sesame and fruit) and livestock rearing (camels, goats, sheep and cattle).

Somalia’s strongest export offerings have included livestock and animal products, such as hides and skins, along with sesame seeds, bananas and charcoal.

Livestock has been the cornerstone of exports for decades. It experienced strong growth from the early 2000s through the mid-2010s, but faced notable declines after 2017. This was a result of droughts, disease outbreaks and market disruptions. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman are among Somalia’s biggest trading partners.

Apart from extremes of climate, the agricultural sector continues to be affected by political instability and conflict. Some of this conflict stems from disputes over water and land. These are common, particularly during times of drought, when competition for natural resources sparks conflict between settled and nomadic pastoralists.

We are development researchers focused on the intersection of climatic vulnerability, conflict and economic resilience in fragile states. Our recent study set out to examine how the combined effects of climate change and conflict are shaping the country’s trade in agricultural and livestock products. We did this by analysing three decades (1985–2017). We analysed the long-term relationship between environmental stress, conflict events and the country’s export performance in key agricultural sectors.

We found that erratic rainfall, rising temperatures and conflict have significantly constrained Somalia’s agricultural and livestock export performance over the past decade. While exports have not collapsed entirely, their growth trajectory has been repeatedly disrupted.

Livestock exports, for instance, peaked in 2015–2016 at over US$530 million, but have since declined due to recurrent droughts, internal conflict and trade restrictions, including a partial import ban by Saudi Arabia in 2016.

Our analysis confirms that a 1% rise in average temperature reduces agricultural exports by approximately 8.37%. Further, a single-unit increase in internal conflict correlates with a 0.13–0.16% drop in both livestock and crop exports in the long run.

Although average rainfall boosts exports when available, its unpredictability creates volatility in both the short and long term. The study found that climatic shocks and ongoing conflict are deeply hurting Somalia’s agriculture and livestock exports.

What the data says

Our analysis, based on export figures, climate records and conflict datasets (including some from the World Bank), reveals a clear pattern: export performance rises with rainfall and declines with both rising temperatures and internal conflict.

Banana and sorghum production have dropped by over 50% in some regions since the 1990s. Once a key export crop, bananas have nearly disappeared from Somalia’s export portfolio. Sesame remains a strong export, but yields are becoming more unpredictable.

Heat stress, compounded by water scarcity, has reduced soil fertility and shortened growing seasons. Maize and groundnuts have been especially affected, with yields declining by up to 40% in recent drought years.

Many of these crops were once sold in regional markets. They are now primarily consumed locally – or not grown at all.

Overall, our research showed that Somalia’s competitiveness in global markets has weakened considerably. Livestock exports fell sharply during drought years, particularly 2011 and 2017.

At the same time, Somalia has started importing basic food items such as maize and flour, which it used to grow domestically. This dependency is both economically and nutritionally dangerous.

Falling production and exports

Our analysis shows that internal conflict significantly reduces both agricultural and livestock exports in the long run. It does so by limiting market access and closing vital export corridors.

This leads to a reliance on circuitous indirect trade routes through adjacent countries at the expense of the export economy. For example, livestock from southern Somalia can no longer reach key export ports due to insecurity.

Violence over resources – especially water and land – frequently flares up in the central and northern rangelands between agro-pastoralists and nomadic herders. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, between 2012 and 2023, conflict alone forced more than 1.6 million people from their homes. In some of the worst years, like 2017 and 2021, over 400,000 people were displaced from their communities.

The conflict has displaced rural populations. It has also fractured governance systems and access to international markets, making it harder for Somalia’s farmers and herders to survive.

Extreme droughts and floods have had a severe impact on yields.

When the rains are good, exports rise. But those rains are now unpredictable. Erratic precipitation patterns and higher temperatures have led to decreased crop yields and hampered livestock production. This is challenging the nation’s ability to sustain exports.

What needs to be done

In response to the challenges posed by climate change and conflicts over agricultural and livestock exports, Somalia needs strategic policy measures.

First, Somalia should broaden the range of products it exports. Diversification reduces the country’s vulnerability to fluctuations in the market for specific goods. It also minimises risks associated with climate-related and conflict-induced disruptions, and enhances overall economic resilience.

Second, the country must resolve internal conflicts which disrupt farming operations and displace rural communities.

Third, the authorities should facilitate market access. Establishing export processing zones can help meet global quality standards. This would reduce the reliance on intermediaries and ensure that producers receive a fair share of profits.

Finally, measures need to be taken to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture. The government needs to invest in climate-resilient farming systems, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and supporting farmers in adapting to changing climatic conditions. This adaptation should include:
- irrigation systems to reduce dependence on erratic rainfall
- drought-resistant and heat-tolerant crop varieties
- research, skills building and extension services to support local communities
- integrated pest management and sustainable land and soil management.
For Somalia, investing in agricultural exports is not merely an economic imperative. It is a development challenge that demands a multifaceted approach encompassing climate resilience, institutional strengthening and inclusive economic growth.

– Somalia’s exports are threatened by climate change and conflict: what 30 years of data tell us
– https://theconversation.com/somalias-exports-are-threatened-by-climate-change-and-conflict-what-30-years-of-data-tell-us-254146

MIL OSI Africa –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: TikTok in Egypt: where rich and poor meet – and the state watches everything

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gabriele Cosentino, Assistant Professor, American University in Cairo

After being released from detention in 2011, Egyptian engineer and activist Wael Ghonim told the media:

If you want to liberate a society, all you need is the internet.

He’d been taken into custody for his role in the revolution that toppled the regime of Hosni Mubarak. Part of the success of this unprecedented popular uprising was due to the role of social media in mobilising citizens around a common political cause.

In 2025, after a decade under the repressive government of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, it’s fair to say that little has remained of Ghonim’s vision. Social media use in Egypt is closely guarded by the authorities to detect signs of opposition. Citizens are routinely detained, even for the slightest criticism of the government.

In 2018 Egypt introduced a new law, apparently to curb the problem of online misinformation and disinformation. This law is, in reality, often used to stifle dissent. Egyptians today operate within unclear boundaries of what is permissible to say online. The result is widespread self-censorship for fear of arrest.

As a scholar of political communication and new media I’ve written books on global social media. I teach students about the social and political impact of digital and social media in Egypt. The video sharing platform TikTok is a frequent subject in my classes because it reveals both the liberating and the repressive effects of social media use in Egypt.

TikTok stands out for its ability to create viral videos and sudden micro-celebrities. This has made it a lightning rod for government crackdowns. But it has also connected people across socio-economic divides and bred a lively new cultural and political debate – one that’s not as easy for the government to police.

TikTok in Egypt

Since 2020, TikTok has become immensely popular in Egypt, with an estimated 33 million users over 18 years old.

While TikTok hasn’t taken on the explicit political dimension that Facebook or Twitter did over a decade ago, it has already become the theatre of a series of incidents that have landed its users in the crosshairs of the authorities. This has exposed political rifts and tensions.

Most of the incidents are related to the ability of TikTok to work as a “virality engine” – even users with few followers can gain a sudden and sometimes problematic celebrity.

But while Egyptian authorities have evidently been cracking down on TikTok users, there have been no concrete plans to ban the platform. In fact, some government branches have used it to advance their own initiatives. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, for example, signed an agreement with TikTok to launch the Egyptian TikTok Creator Hub, designed to educate youth on using social media responsibly.

Women targeted

Since 2020, Egyptian authorities have arrested TikTok users under charges ranging from the violation of family values to the spread of false information and allegations of belonging to terrorist organisations. Most of these TikTokers didn’t post explicit sexual or political content, making the charges against them appear exaggerated. These cases suggest the authorities are closely monitoring the platform, following strict moral and political considerations.

The most high profile cases have involved young women, most notably Haneen Hossam and Mawada Eladham, who were arrested in 2020 for violating family values. Article 25 of Egypt’s anti-cybercrime law states that content “violating the family principles and values upheld by Egyptian society may be punished by a minimum of six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine”. It leaves the definition of family values purposefully vague.

Observers have noted that this vagueness has allowed the law to be applied in a range of different cases. More than a dozen women have faced similar charges, endured pretrial detention and been handed lengthy prison sentences.

The arbitrary nature of many of the charges suggests a possible deeper motive: policing the presence of young women in digital spaces where they can gain influence and financial independence outside traditional family or work structures.

TikTok has given ordinary users in Egypt unprecedented visibility, in some cases allowing them to challenge social norms, often through humour. This appears to have unsettled authorities, who appear to have sought to send a message to the broader population.

Arrests

TikTok-related arrests have not been limited to family values. In 2022, three users were arrested for criticising rising food prices. They were charged with spreading fake news, despite the fact that inflation in Egypt was rising sharply.

In 2023, a parody skit of a fake jail visit by a TikToker went viral. The creators were arrested and charged with belonging to a terror organisation, spreading fake news and misusing social media.

Read more:
Why some governments fear even teens on TikTok

Such arrests indicate that TikTok content that touches on politically sensitive matters, even in jest, is posing a new type of challenge for the Egyptian government. The state is particularly concerned with viral content that might bring attention to its poor human rights record. This includes notoriously bad conditions in jails.

‘Egypt’ and ‘Masr’

At the same time, the platform is proving able to connect people from very different social and economic backgrounds, as it is seen to do globally.

Egypt is very hierarchical. Small, affluent elite groups live in a separate and secluded socio-economic reality from the majority of the population. Thirty percent of Egyptians live under the poverty line.

On TikTok, the more privileged, cosmopolitan section of society is referred to as “Egypt”. The poor and disenfranchised are “Masr” (مصر), the Arabic word for Egypt.

TikTok is aimed at generating viral content more than it is a networking site, like Facebook, that’s based on pre-existing social connections. The result is a virtual common space where the two sides can interact in new ways. This engenders unique social and cultural dynamics also observed in other countries.

Read more:
TikTok in Kenya: the government wants to restrict it, but my study shows it can be useful and empowering

“Egypt” watches “Masr” create all kinds of content – from singing and dancing routines to live begging. “Masr” gets to peek into the otherwise inaccessible world of the wealthy.

In the current climate of an economic crisis, this divide can be glaring. While most Egyptians are struggling with inflation, the cost of living and unemployment, the wealthy flaunt their lifestyles on TikTok.

When wealthy TikTokers post content complaining about relatively petty issues like a long wait for valet parking at a luxury restaurant or boast about their weekly allowance, it reveals their disconnect from the everyday hardships faced by the less privileged.

Users are able to comment freely on each other’s videos, sharing their unvarnished opinions. A student boasting about their weekly allowance of 3,000 EGP (US$60) might be told, “This is some people’s monthly salary.”

Political consequences

Since it first appeared in 2020, TikTok in Egypt has evolved from a platform mainly geared towards silly and entertaining content by teenagers. It’s become an outlet for people of all ages interested in gathering information, keeping abreast of current trends and events, and also a space for political engagement, especially on the issue of Palestine.

Read more:
Young Nigerians are flocking to TikTok – why it’s a double-edged sword

There hasn’t been an obvious politicisation of TikTok in Egypt yet and there might never be, given the strict policing by authorities. But TikTok’s ability to expose divisions in Egyptian society and connect citizens across demographic cleavages could potentially have unexpected political consequences in the near future.

Shahd Atef contributed to the research for this article

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

– ref. TikTok in Egypt: where rich and poor meet – and the state watches everything – https://theconversation.com/tiktok-in-egypt-where-rich-and-poor-meet-and-the-state-watches-everything-253278

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Somalia’s exports are threatened by climate change and conflict: what 30 years of data tell us
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mohamed Okash, Founding Director, Institute of Climate and Environment, Simad University

In the sun-scorched lands of Somalia, farmers and livestock keepers have grown accustomed to the extremes of climate. In 2022, for example, the country suffered the longest drought in 40 years. This affected nearly half the national population of 18 million people. The following year, heavy and widespread flooding devastated the country’s farmlands and infrastructure.

For a country whose economy breathes through its agriculture and livestock sectors, these extremes have adverse implications. Over 70% of the population relies on farming, herding and pastoral activities for their livelihoods. Despite these climatic shocks, agriculture contributes about 60% of Somalia’s GDP. This is down slightly from 65% two decades ago.

The agricultural sector is diverse, yet fragile. It is made up of two primary components: crop cultivation (mainly sorghum, maize, sesame and fruit) and livestock rearing (camels, goats, sheep and cattle).

Somalia’s strongest export offerings have included livestock and animal products, such as hides and skins, along with sesame seeds, bananas and charcoal.

Livestock has been the cornerstone of exports for decades. It experienced strong growth from the early 2000s through the mid-2010s, but faced notable declines after 2017. This was a result of droughts, disease outbreaks and market disruptions. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman are among Somalia’s biggest trading partners.

Apart from extremes of climate, the agricultural sector continues to be affected by political instability and conflict. Some of this conflict stems from disputes over water and land. These are common, particularly during times of drought, when competition for natural resources sparks conflict between settled and nomadic pastoralists.

We are development researchers focused on the intersection of climatic vulnerability, conflict and economic resilience in fragile states. Our recent study set out to examine how the combined effects of climate change and conflict are shaping the country’s trade in agricultural and livestock products. We did this by analysing three decades (1985–2017). We analysed the long-term relationship between environmental stress, conflict events and the country’s export performance in key agricultural sectors.

We found that erratic rainfall, rising temperatures and conflict have significantly constrained Somalia’s agricultural and livestock export performance over the past decade. While exports have not collapsed entirely, their growth trajectory has been repeatedly disrupted.

Livestock exports, for instance, peaked in 2015–2016 at over US$530 million, but have since declined due to recurrent droughts, internal conflict and trade restrictions, including a partial import ban by Saudi Arabia in 2016.

Our analysis confirms that a 1% rise in average temperature reduces agricultural exports by approximately 8.37%. Further, a single-unit increase in internal conflict correlates with a 0.13–0.16% drop in both livestock and crop exports in the long run.

Although average rainfall boosts exports when available, its unpredictability creates volatility in both the short and long term. The study found that climatic shocks and ongoing conflict are deeply hurting Somalia’s agriculture and livestock exports.

What the data says

Our analysis, based on export figures, climate records and conflict datasets (including some from the World Bank), reveals a clear pattern: export performance rises with rainfall and declines with both rising temperatures and internal conflict.

Banana and sorghum production have dropped by over 50% in some regions since the 1990s. Once a key export crop, bananas have nearly disappeared from Somalia’s export portfolio. Sesame remains a strong export, but yields are becoming more unpredictable.

Heat stress, compounded by water scarcity, has reduced soil fertility and shortened growing seasons. Maize and groundnuts have been especially affected, with yields declining by up to 40% in recent drought years.

Many of these crops were once sold in regional markets. They are now primarily consumed locally – or not grown at all.

Overall, our research showed that Somalia’s competitiveness in global markets has weakened considerably. Livestock exports fell sharply during drought years, particularly 2011 and 2017.

At the same time, Somalia has started importing basic food items such as maize and flour, which it used to grow domestically. This dependency is both economically and nutritionally dangerous.

Falling production and exports

Our analysis shows that internal conflict significantly reduces both agricultural and livestock exports in the long run. It does so by limiting market access and closing vital export corridors.

This leads to a reliance on circuitous indirect trade routes through adjacent countries at the expense of the export economy. For example, livestock from southern Somalia can no longer reach key export ports due to insecurity.

Violence over resources – especially water and land – frequently flares up in the central and northern rangelands between agro-pastoralists and nomadic herders. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, between 2012 and 2023, conflict alone forced more than 1.6 million people from their homes. In some of the worst years, like 2017 and 2021, over 400,000 people were displaced from their communities.

The conflict has displaced rural populations. It has also fractured governance systems and access to international markets, making it harder for Somalia’s farmers and herders to survive.

Extreme droughts and floods have had a severe impact on yields.

When the rains are good, exports rise. But those rains are now unpredictable. Erratic precipitation patterns and higher temperatures have led to decreased crop yields and hampered livestock production. This is challenging the nation’s ability to sustain exports.

What needs to be done

In response to the challenges posed by climate change and conflicts over agricultural and livestock exports, Somalia needs strategic policy measures.

First, Somalia should broaden the range of products it exports. Diversification reduces the country’s vulnerability to fluctuations in the market for specific goods. It also minimises risks associated with climate-related and conflict-induced disruptions, and enhances overall economic resilience.

Second, the country must resolve internal conflicts which disrupt farming operations and displace rural communities.

Third, the authorities should facilitate market access. Establishing export processing zones can help meet global quality standards. This would reduce the reliance on intermediaries and ensure that producers receive a fair share of profits.

Finally, measures need to be taken to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture. The government needs to invest in climate-resilient farming systems, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and supporting farmers in adapting to changing climatic conditions. This adaptation should include:
- irrigation systems to reduce dependence on erratic rainfall
- drought-resistant and heat-tolerant crop varieties
- research, skills building and extension services to support local communities
- integrated pest management and sustainable land and soil management.
For Somalia, investing in agricultural exports is not merely an economic imperative. It is a development challenge that demands a multifaceted approach encompassing climate resilience, institutional strengthening and inclusive economic growth.

This research is funded by SIMAD University in Mogadishu, Somalia.

This research is funded by SIMAD University in Mogadishu, Somalia.

– ref. Somalia’s exports are threatened by climate change and conflict: what 30 years of data tell us – https://theconversation.com/somalias-exports-are-threatened-by-climate-change-and-conflict-what-30-years-of-data-tell-us-254146
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update on UK – Turkey trade talks
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Update on UK – Turkey trade talks

UK and Turkey agree on date to relaunch talks for an upgraded free trade agreement
Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds and Minister of State for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander met today in London [Wednesday 7 May] with their Turkish counterparts, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat and Deputy Minister of Trade, Mustafa Tuzcu, to discuss how to grow the UK economy by boosting trade.

The UK and Turkey have a strong economic relationship, with trade between the two totalling around £28 billion in 2024, making Turkey the UK’s 16th largest trading partner, with UK companies already exporting £9.3 billion of goods and services to its growing market of 86 million people.

Ministers affirmed the importance and strength of the UK-Turkey trading bilateral relationship, committed to continue to pursue closer cooperation and increased trade and investment, and underlined the importance of defending free trade. 

They also confirmed their intention for the first round of Free Trade Agreement negotiations to take place by the end of July.

Ministers concluded the meeting by signing an upgraded Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) chapter, in the form of an amendment to the 2020 UK-Turkey Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This chapter closely aligns UK-Turkey TBT provisions with those found in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), reducing costs and making it easier for businesses to trade.

Background

The UK is the second largest services exporter in the world, but in 2024 only 34% of our exports to Turkey were services.

UK exports to Turkey directly supported around 57,100 jobs across the UK in 2020, more than 68% of which were in services.

More than 7,800 UK companies currently export goods to Turkey (2024).

Turkey’s economy is currently the 17th largest in the world. By 2050 is expected to be the 12th-largest in the world and the fourth largest in Europe.

The Turkish company, Eren Holding Group, recently invested £1 billion in the redevelopment of Shotton Mill in Deeside, North Wales. This investment is set to safeguard 147 jobs and create a further 220. The project is supported by nearly £13 million from the Welsh Government and £136 million from UK Export Finance.

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Published 7 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Indonesia’s ‘thousand friends, zero enemies’ approach sees President Subianto courting China and US

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Gilang Kembara, Research Fellow, Nanyang Technological University

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto participates in a panel discussion in Antalya, Turkey, on April 11, 2025. Photo by Ahmet Serdar Eser/Anadolu via Getty Images

For much of April and into May, a team of negotiators from Indonesia have been in Washington to discuss trading relations between the world’s largest economy and another forecast to be in the Top 5 within a generation.

The Southeast Asian nation was among those hit hard by the across-the-board tariffs announced on April 2, 2025, by President Donald Trump, with a proposed 32% levy on its exports to the U.S. Trump subsequently backpedaled, putting in place a 90-day pause on any additional tariffs beyond a new 10% minimum.

So far, Indonesia – whose-second largest export market is the United States – has signaled its intent to negotiate rather than respond with countermeasures like some other countries targeted by Trump, such as China and Canada.

Indonesia may even offer to relax protectionist policies aimed at boosting domestic manufactures as a concession. “People who have known me for a long time would say I’m the most nationalist person … but we have to be realistic,” said President Prabowo Subianto.

The issue of Trump’s tariff policy is a major early test for Subianto, a right-wing populist whose worldview was shaped by decades of military experience. He views Indonesia and its place in the broader world through a lens of realist power politics – wanting to ensure Indonesia possesses adequate hard military power and robust economic performance.

Through pushing both, Subianto hopes to ensure that Indonesia is not easily swayed by foreign influence and can avoid domestic discontent due to any economic malaise. His approach to ruling the nation of over 280 million people is driven by a desire to retain friendly relations with the United States and China, retaining close economic and security cooperation with both.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono at the State Department in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 2025.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Good neighbors, multilateral expansion

Since declaring independence from the Netherlands almost 80 years ago, Indonesia’s foreign policy has been tied to a doctrine of “Bebas dan Aktif,” or “Free and Active.”

Formulated by the country’s first president, Sukarno, at the onset of the Cold War, the policy intended to keep the country officially nonaligned from any major power bloc. While moving much closer to the West and the U.S. during the subsequent longtime authoritarian presidency of Suharto, Jakarta retained its official independent position in foreign policy.

Subianto served in the military during the reign of Suharto, who was also at one point his father-in-law.

As Indonesia’s leader, Subianto has pledged to enact a so-called foreign policy philosophy of “zero enemies, one thousand friends.” That approach stems from two main considerations. First, he seeks to secure economic agreements that will help fulfill his promise of 8% annual economic growth. Second, he aims to strengthen defense procurement and security cooperation to bolster Indonesia’s military position.

Toward multilateralism

As a part of his vision, Subianto has attempted to reframe some of the considerations that have long guided Jakarta’s foreign policy strategy.

For decades, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, has served as Indonesia’s collective security buffer, forming a crucial component of its “Mandala” – or concentric circles – foreign policy perspective. However, the current administration has thus far appeared indifferent to using the regional body as a source of projecting power, as underscored by Indonesia’s absence from the ASEAN informal consultations on conflict-ridden Myanmar in December 2024.

That is just one of several indications that Subianto is attempting to shift Indonesia’s role from a regional actor to an active global player.

A crucial development in that more assertive approach came with the country’s accession in January 2025 to the BRICS groups of nations, the first time a Southeast Asian nation has been admitted.

In a further bid to multilateral engagement, Indonesia has initiated plans to pursue membership in two transnational economic groupings: the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD, and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Much of this inclination toward multilateral engagement is rooted in Subianto’s worldview that can be summed up as this: “If you’re not at the table, you’re likely to end up on the menu.”

The crucial China and US relationships

And yet, despite Subianto’s broader multilateral ambitions, it is the U.S. and China that remain the critical relationships.

During the early weeks of his presidency, Subianto made China his first overseas bilateral visit. It resulted in agreements between China and Indonesia worth up to US$10 billion, primarily focused on green energy and technology.

The visit, which was especially notable given that Jakarta appeared to move closer to China’s position on conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea can be seen as part of a broader shift toward Beijing.

China’s massive population already serves as a lucrative export destination for Indonesian goods. Since 2016, China has been Indonesia’s biggest export market, beating out Japan and the U.S.

That shift is likely to pick up pace in light of Trump’s tariffs, with Jakarta seeking to offset the increasing cost of American trade. And though Jakarta has signaled neutrality regarding the wider U.S.-Chinese dispute, officials in Jakarta and Beijing agreed in mid-April to boost mutual defense cooperation in the South China Sea.

At the same time, the U.S. holds a particularly important place in Subianto’s mind. As a young soldier, Subianto spent time at military bases in the U.S., where he underwent special forces and counterterrorism training.

He was later subjected to a travel ban from the U.S. from 2000 to 2020 on account of myriad allegations of human rights abuses related to his time in Indonesia’s special forces unit, Kopassus, which led to his being forcibly discharged from the Indonesian military in 1998.

Yet the ban was rescinded after then-President Joko Widodo appointed Subianto to be Indonesia’s defense minister, and he was subsequently invited to Washington in 2020 during the first Trump administration.

Washington was Subianto’s second official presidential visit destination in November 2024. During his trip, Subianto met with President Joe Biden to discuss Indonesia-U.S. bilateral relations, regional security issues and various other global matters. Subianto also had a brief phone call with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his election victory.

That relationship with Trump is likely to be a crucial one now, especially given the stakes of the mutual trading relationship.

The U.S. is Indonesia’s second-biggest trading partner, after China. The value of trade between the two parties amounted to about $38.3 billion in 2024, with Indonesia exporting $28.1 billion to the U.S. while importing $10.2 billion. Seeking to avoid tariffs of 32%, an Indonesian trade delegation has been negotiating with Trump administration officials, signaling its intent to buy more American goods, make trade concessions and even lower local content requirements on Indonesian-made goods to allow more American-made components.

Promoting pragmatism

There are, of course, ongoing differences between Indonesia and the U.S. – not only the ongoing trade issue but also other areas, including the Israel-Hamas war. Indonesia, the largest majority Muslim country in the world, has been a staunch supporter of Palestinian rights and highly critical of Israeli policy.

Yet even here, Subianto seemingly is open to pragmatism, with reports that the Indonesian government is floating the idea of normalizing ties with Israel in a bid to ease entry into the OECD.

In a similar vein, one can expect that Subianto will opt for pragmatism in his dealings with Trump, prioritizing Indonesia’s security and defense cooperation with Washington, while sidestepping any issues that might divide them along the way.

Under Subianto, Indonesia is embarking on a foreign policy that stresses the importance of maintaining robust and active bilateral ties with the U.S. At the same time, it is strengthening its China relationship. And away from both, it is asserting its own independence through bolstering its position in numerous multilateral bodies.

How Subianto handles those various dynamics is likely to be a defining issue of his presidency.

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

– ref. Indonesia’s ‘thousand friends, zero enemies’ approach sees President Subianto courting China and US – https://theconversation.com/indonesias-thousand-friends-zero-enemies-approach-sees-president-subianto-courting-china-and-us-252219

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025

MIL-OSI: Best Online Casinos NJ (New Jersey): 7Bit Casino, Ranked as a Premier Choice Among NJ Players

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2cf9608b-01d0-40c9-a2c3-85704b318828

The MIL Network –

May 8, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Financial Times: The West’s shameful silence on Gaza – do more to restrain Benjamin Netanyahu

EDITORIAL: The Financial Times editorial board

After 19 months of conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and drawn accusations of war crimes against Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu is once more preparing to escalate Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

The latest plan puts Israel on course for full occupation of the Palestinian territory and would drive Gazans into ever-narrowing pockets of the shattered strip.

It would lead to more intensive bombing and Israeli forces clearing and holding territory, while destroying what few structures remain in Gaza.

This would be a disaster for 2.2 million Gazans who have already endured unfathomable suffering.

Each new offensive makes it harder not to suspect that the ultimate goal of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition is to ensure Gaza is uninhabitable and drive Palestinians from their land. For two months, Israel has blocked delivery of all aid into the strip.

Child malnutrition rates are rising, the few functioning hospitals are running out of medicine, and warnings of starvation and disease are growing louder. Yet the US and European countries that tout Israel as an ally that shares their values have issued barely a word of condemnation.

They should be ashamed of their silence, and stop enabling Netanyahu to act with impunity.

In brief remarks on Sunday, US President Donald Trump acknowledged Gazans were “starving”, and suggested Washington would help get food into the strip.

But, so far, the US president has only emboldened Netanyahu. Trump returned to the White House promising to end the war in Gaza after his team helped broker a January ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Under the deal, Hamas agreed to free hostages in phases, while Israel was to withdraw from Gaza and the foes were to reach a permanent ceasefire.

But within weeks of the truce taking hold, Trump announced an outlandish plan for Gaza to be emptied of Palestinians and taken over by the US.

In March, Israel collapsed the ceasefire as it sought to change the terms of the deal, with Washington’s backing. Senior Israeli officials have since said they are implementing Trump’s plan to transfer Palestinians out of Gaza.

On Monday, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said: “We are finally going to occupy the Gaza Strip.”

Netanyahu insists an expanded offensive is necessary to destroy Hamas and free the 59 remaining hostages. The reality is that the prime minister has never articulated a clear plan since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack killed 1200 people and triggered the war.

Instead, he repeats his maximalist mantra of “total victory” while seeking to placate his extremist allies to ensure the survival of his governing coalition.

But Israel is also paying a price for his actions. The expanded offensive would imperil the lives of the hostages, further undermine Israel’s tarnished standing and deepen domestic divisions.

Israel has briefed that the expanded operation would not begin until after Trump’s visit to the Gulf next week, saying there is a “window” for Hamas to release hostages in return for a temporary truce.

Arab leaders are infuriated by Netanyahu’s relentless pursuit of conflict in Gaza yet they will fete Trump at lavish ceremonies with promises of multibillion-dollar investments and arms deals.

Trump will put the onus on Hamas when speaking to his Gulf hosts. The group’s murderous October 7 attack is what triggered the Israeli offensive.

Gulf states agree that its continued stranglehold on Gaza is a factor prolonging the war. But they must stand up to Trump and convince him to pressure Netanyahu to end the killing, lift the siege and return to talks.

The global tumult triggered by Trump has already distracted attention from the catastrophe in Gaza. Yet the longer it goes on, the more those who remain silent or cowed from speaking out will be complicit.

This editorial was published by the London Financial Times under the original title “The west’s shameful silence on Gaza: The US and European allies should do more to restrain Benjamin Netanyahu” on May 6, 2025.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Business – Sustainability start-ups Krosslinker and Ayrton Energy secure S$1 million each in catalytic funding at The Liveability Challenge 2025 Grand Finale

Source: Eco-Business

The 2025 Grand Finale witnessed another record-breaking year, attracting more than 1,200 submissions from over 100 countries competing for the top prize in two tracks: Decarbonisation and Cool Earth.

Passive cooling using advanced aerogel technology and safe, cost-effective storage and transport to accelerate adoption of hydrogen as a clean fuel were the top winners at the Grand Finale.
The Liveability Challenge, was presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business. 

Singapore, 7 May 2025: Krosslinker and Ayrton Energy have emerged as the top winners at The Liveability Challenge (TLC) 2025 Grand Finale for their innovative solutions to drive decarbonisation and tackle climate challenges.

The two groundbreaking projects were the standouts among eight finalists, each securing a S$1 million grant in catalytic funding to help advance and scale their solutions sustainably.

The winner of the Cool Earth track was Singapore-based deep-tech start-up Krosslinker, which develops passive cooling technologies in the form of aerogel materials capable of reducing surface temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius and ambient temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius.

The winner of the Decarbonisation track was Canada-based Ayrton Energy, which develops technology for safe and cost-effective hydrogen storage and transport, and addresses infrastructure challenges that currently hinder the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy.

The two winners were selected after a competitive and rigorous judging session, where all eight finalists pitched their innovative solutions live to a judging panel at the Grand Finale, held at ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay as part of Ecosperity Week.

These pioneering climate solutions are integral in advancing progress towards the climate targets set under the Paris Agreement in 2015 – an urgent imperative as global temperatures reach dangerously new highs each year.

With rising heat, extreme weather events and ecological deterioration afflicting society and natural ecosystems, solutions must be mobilised to address these climate impacts while contributing to the global targets of reducing emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050.

This will require coordinated efforts across society, enabling regulatory frameworks and strategic investments to enable the large-scale deployment of innovative climate technologies.

Presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business, TLC was launched in 2018 as a platform to search for the most disruptive and innovative solutions that solve the pressing sustainability challenges of today.

Today, TLC is Asia’s largest sustainability solutions platform and since its first edition, has attracted thousands of applications globally, shortlisted and incubated 53 finalists, and deployed more than S$12 million in funding to help these startups, who have gone on to raise hundreds of millions more.

In its eighth edition, TLC searched for solutions across two tracks: Decarbonisation and Cool Earth. The Decarbonisation track seeks disruptive deep-tech solutions that provide scalable and impactful solutions to reduce carbon emissions across diverse industries. The Cool Earth track seeks groundbreaking innovations that specifically address the challenges posed by climate-induced extreme weather conditions.

The eight shortlisted finalist teams – Ayrton Energy, CatAmmon, Cetogenix, CO2Tech, D-CRBN, Eztia Corp, Krosslinker and SXD, Inc – represent various countries including Singapore, Australia, Belgium and the United States.

TLC’s strategic partners this year are Enterprise Singapore, OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund, TRIREC and Valuence Ventures. Amazon Web Services was the Tech for Good partner for the event.

“We are very happy and excited [to have secured this award], but this is just the beginning. We have a very big job to do to make sure that we develop solutions that equitably reach everybody and not just the tech-savvy community. Many thanks to Temasek Foundation for all the inspiring work that you have been doing, and to all our investors who have specially flown in for this event. To all the fellow finalists who keep inspiring us – it’s such amazing work to solve some of the most difficult challenges in this world and committing to a cause rather than building easy solutions,” said Dr Gayathri Natarajan, Co-founder and CEO of Krosslinker Private Limited.

“We’re really excited to be able to have this funding support and cement our position in Singapore and Southeast Asia. I’m very grateful to Temasek Foundation for believing in the tech that we’re building, and in our ability to decarbonise these hard-to-abate sectors. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my fantastic team of nerds, as I like to call them back home, as well as the support that we have from our investors both locally and internationally,” said Dr Brandy Kinkead, Chief Technology Officer of Ayrton Energy Inc.

“At Temasek Foundation, we believe in the urgency of supporting bold and deep-tech innovative solutions that can drive real progress in decarbonising our planet, and keeping our environment cool even with rising temperatures. Our catalytic funding reflects this important commitment – helping innovators move from promising innovations to operational prototypes with potential to scale. Beyond The Liveability Challenge, Temasek Foundation is growing our network of climate tech challenges across the region into China, Indonesia and Vietnam. By doing so, we aim to accelerate innovators’ paths to commercialisation and deliver real impact for both the people and the planet. Our heartiest congratulations to Krosslinker Private Limited and Ayrton Energy Inc on this exciting milestone,” said Heng Li Lang, Head of Climate and Liveability at Temasek Foundation.

“TLC has become a fixture in the global sustainability innovation ecosystem, providing a vital catalytic platform for promising start-ups with cutting-edge climate tech solutions from all over the world. By driving innovation, entrepreneurship, ecosystem collaboration and access to finance, it helps groundbreaking ideas move beyond the prototype stage to deliver real-world impact. In a world dangerously close to irreversible planetary thresholds, accelerating these solutions is no longer optional – it is critical,” said Jessica Cheam, Founder and CEO of Eco-Business.

In addition to the two S$1 million in grants (S$1 million for each winner), a total of S$400,000 in investment and grant opportunities were awarded to the finalists by TLC’s strategic partners [see Appendix A].

The Grand Finale also hosted an Innovation Dialogue where speakers Mark Gainsborough, Chairman, Seatrium; Magdalene Loh, Director, Urban Systems and Solutions, Enterprise Singapore; and Dr Dazril Phua, Chief Operating Officer, Nandina REM, identified the solutions needed to advance climate tech solutions and innovation in Singapore and globally – including ecosystem building, policy and financial support and public private partnerships.

Experts said that clear market signals and policy coherence were key to enabling climate technologies to scale. “Technology risk is (usually) the least of the problem. But is the market going to develop the way as expected and is there a supportive policy framework and regulation? Unfortunately, there are too many cases in the climate tech space where the market hasn’t developed as we expected because of an ever-changing policy and regulation landscape,” Mark Gainsborough, Chairman of Singapore-listed marine engineering company Seatrium, shared during the Innovation Dialogue.

Magdalene Loh, Director, Urban Systems and Solutions, Enterprise Singapore, noted that in addition to scaleability and exportability, climate tech solutions must be effectively priced to attract customers, and designed for easy integration into existing systems or processes.

“Today, many of the climate tech solutions that we’re seeing do need to interact with existing infrastructure – existing systems that clients would already be used to. How would these tech solutions integrate? Many times, you need the buy-in internally within the organisation, not just with the innovation team. There are different facets of the clients to [consider] to secure buy-in as well,” Loh said.

For more information, visit The Liveability Challenge website at  www.theliveabilitychallenge.org.

About Temasek Foundation 

Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond. Temasek Foundation’s programmes are made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, as well as gifts and contributions from other donors. These programmes strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science and protect the planet. 

For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg 

About Eco-Business 

Established in 2009, Eco-Business is Asia Pacific’s leading media organisation on sustainable development. Its independent journalism unit publishes high quality, trusted news and views that advance dialogue and enables measurable impact on a wide range of sustainable development and responsible business issues. Eco-Business is headquartered in Singapore, with a presence in Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and correspondents across major cities in Asia Pacific. Visit www.eco-business.com

Appendix A

Additional investment and grant opportunities:

Singapore’s Krosslinker Private Limited received S$100,000 from OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund to develop urban cooling solutions using zero energy aerogel coating.

Canada’s Ayrton Energy Inc received S$100,000 from TRIREC and S$100,000 from Valuence Ventures to develop safe hydrogen storage and transport which seamlessly integrates with existing liquid fuel infrastructure.

Australia’s CO2Tech received S$100,000 from Enterprise Singapore to develop a cost effective and compact CO2 capture solution which converts emissions into carbon-negative and valuable products.

Appendix B

Comments from our Strategic Partners:

Emily Liew, Assistant Managing Director, Innovation, Enterprise Singapore, said: “As the world races to address pressing environmental challenges, we need platforms such as The Liveability Challenge more than ever to uncover and support breakthrough climate innovations. Start-ups can leverage Singapore’s robust innovation ecosystem, infrastructure and strategic networks to validate and scale their climate solutions. Enterprise Singapore is committed to working with important partners such as Temasek Foundation to accelerate the development of innovative solutions for a sustainable future.”

Axel Tan, Venture Partner, OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund, said: “Climate tech startups are pioneering vital solutions for a more liveable planet, but they face steep challenges in scaling. At the OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund, we believe in backing these innovators by bridging capital, partnerships and purpose. Together with platforms like The Liveability Challenge, we can direct collective investment toward breakthrough technologies – accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more conscious and regenerative future.”

Andrew Wong, Director, TRIREC, said: “The Liveability Challenge is crucial as it catalyses breakthrough innovations urgently needed to tackle escalating climate crises. By matching catalytic capital with the most promising solutions in climate change, the Challenge accelerates the commercialisation of transformative technologies, especially in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment. This platform not only empowers innovators to scale their impact but also drives collective action toward a net-zero and a climate-resilient future worldwide. TRIREC looks forward to supporting ambitious climate founders.”

Andrew Hyung, General Partner, Valuence Ventures, said: “At a time when the world’s attention is pulled in many directions and the climate crisis is too often set aside, The Liveability Challenge brings much needed focus. It unites visionaries, doers and believers to shape a future we all deserve. By turning urgency into momentum and bold ideas into real solutions, this platform reminds us that hope backed by action can still change everything.”

Ashley Tan, International Head of Social Impact & Sustainability at Amazon Web Services (AWS), said: “We’re excited by the powerful sustainability solutions presented by winners Krosslinker Private Limited and Ayrton Energy Inc, and the other finalists. Together with Temasek Foundation and Eco-business, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is committed to making a positive environmental and social impact around the world. We will continue to provide the latest AI-driven technologies and bench of deep technical expertise to power innovative solutions in the cloud and solve the climate crisis’s most pressing decarbonisation and food security challenges of our time.”

Appendix C

Finalists for The Liveability Challenge 2025:

1. Ayrton Energy Inc (Canada)  

Solution: Safe hydrogen storage and transport that seamlessly integrates with existing liquid fuel infrastructure for scalable deployment that is up to 50 per cent lower cost 

2. CatAmmon (Israel) 

Solution: ”Cold” (400ºC) ammonia cracking, catalysed by Ruthenium – free, ceramic nanomaterials that achieves over 30 per cent reductions in cost for hydrogen generation 

 3.  Cetogenix (New Zealand)

Solution: Transforming urban waste into renewable natural gas, green ammonia and other circular bioeconomy products with carbon intensities 19 times less than those of fossil equivalents 

4.  CO2Tech (Australia) 

Solution: Cost effective and compact CO2 capture solution capable of converting emissions into carbon negative and valuable products  

5. D-CRBN (Belgium) 

Solution: Plasma-based CO2 recycling with a fossil price parity  

6. Eztia Corp (US)

Solution: Cooling wearables that absorb body heat, reducing skin temperature by 10°C  

7. Krosslinker Private Limited (Singapore)

Solution: Cooling cities 24/7 with a zero energy aerogel coating: passive, powerful and planet friendly 

8. SXD, Inc (US) 

Solution: SXD uses its patent-published AI to co-design and scale zero material waste garments, driving 10 times the material savings, approximately 80 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions and up to 55 per cent in cost savings.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

May 8, 2025

MIL-OSI: Greystone Housing Impact Investors Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

OMAHA, Neb., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On May 7, 2025, Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP (NYSE: GHI) (the “Partnership”) announced financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

Financial Highlights

The Partnership reported the following results as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2025:

Net income of $0.11 per Beneficial Unit Certificate (“BUC”), basic and diluted
Cash Available for Distribution (“CAD”) of $0.31 per BUC
Total assets of $1.54 billion
Total Mortgage Revenue Bond (“MRB”) and Governmental Issuer Loan (“GIL”) investments of $1.18 billion

The difference between reported net income per BUC and CAD per BUC is primarily due to the treatment of unrealized losses on the Partnership’s interest rate derivative positions. Unrealized losses of approximately $3.9 million are included in net income for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Unrealized losses are a result of the impact of decreased market interest rates on the calculated fair value of the Partnership’s interest rate derivative positions. Unrealized gains and losses do not affect our cash earnings and are added back to net income when calculating the Partnership’s CAD. The Partnership received net cash from its interest rate derivative positions totaling approximately $847,000 during the first quarter.

In March 2025, the Partnership announced that the Board of Managers of Greystone AF Manager LLC declared a regular quarterly distribution to the Partnership’s BUC holders of $0.37 per BUC. The distribution was paid on April 30, 2025, to BUC holders of record as of the close of trading on March 31, 2025.

Management Remarks

“We continue to evaluate investment opportunities despite continuing market volatility,” said Kenneth C. Rogozinski, the Partnership’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our successful Series B Preferred Units issuance provides low-cost, non-dilutive capital for us to deploy into accretive investment opportunities. In addition, the dedicated pool of capital that we have from the new BlackRock construction lending joint venture is a powerful tool for us to serve our affordable housing developer relationship base.”

Recent Investment and Financing Activity

The Partnership reported the following updates for the first quarter of 2025:

Advanced funds on MRB and taxable MRB investments totaling $21.5 million, offset by an MRB redemption of approximately $10.4 million.
Advanced funds on GIL and taxable GIL investments totaling $39.1 million.
GIL, taxable GIL, and property loan redemptions and paydowns totaling approximately $102.7 million.
Advanced net funds to joint venture equity investments totaling $5.6 million.
Received proceeds of $14.2 million upon sale of Vantage at Tomball, inclusive of return of capital and accrued preferred return.
Issued $20 million Series B Preferred Units with an annual distribution rate of 5.75% to an existing investor.

In May 2025, the managing member of Vantage at Helotes sold the property to a governmental entity who in turn leased the property to a non-profit entity. That non-profit entity financed its purchase of the leasehold interest by issuing tax-exempt and taxable bonds. The Partnership received gross proceeds of approximately $17.1 million, inclusive of the return of capital contributions and accrued preferred return. The Partnership expects to recognize investment income of approximately $1.8 million and a gain on sale of approximately $163,000 in the second quarter of 2025, before settlement of final proceeds and expenses. The Partnership expects to recognize approximately $0.08 of net income per BUC, basic and diluted, and CAD per BUC, based on the number of BUCs outstanding on the date of sale.

Investment Portfolio Updates

The Partnership announced the following updates regarding its investment portfolio:

All MRB and GIL investments are current on contractual principal and interest payments and the Partnership has received no requests for forbearance of contractual principal and interest payments from borrowers as of March 31, 2025
The Partnership continues to execute its hedging strategy, primarily through interest rate swaps, to reduce the impact of changing market interest rates.
Six joint venture equity investment properties have completed construction, with three properties having previously achieved 90% occupancy. Four of the Partnership’s joint venture equity investments are currently under construction or in development, with none having experienced material supply chain disruptions for either construction materials or labor to date.

Earnings Webcast & Conference Call

The Partnership will host a conference call for investors on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Partnership’s First Quarter 2025 results.

For those interested in participating in the question-and-answer session, participants may dial-in toll free at (877) 407-8813. International participants may dial-in at +1 (201) 689-8521. No pin or code number is needed.

The call is also being webcast live in listen-only mode. The webcast can be accessed via the Partnership’s website under “Events & Presentations” or via the following link:
https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=a4hicNZA

It is recommended that you join 15 minutes before the conference call begins (although you may register, dial-in or access the webcast at any time during the call).

A recorded replay of the webcast will be made available on the Partnership’s Investor Relations website at http://www.ghiinvestors.com.

About Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP

Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP was formed in 1998 under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act for the primary purpose of acquiring, holding, selling and otherwise dealing with a portfolio of mortgage revenue bonds which have been issued to provide construction and/or permanent financing for affordable multifamily, seniors and student housing properties. The Partnership is pursuing a business strategy of acquiring additional mortgage revenue bonds and other investments on a leveraged basis. The Partnership expects and believes the interest earned on these mortgage revenue bonds is excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes. The Partnership seeks to achieve its investment growth strategy by investing in additional mortgage revenue bonds and other investments as permitted by its Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, dated December 5, 2022 (the “Partnership Agreement”), taking advantage of attractive financing structures available in the securities market, and entering into interest rate risk management instruments. Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP press releases are available at www.ghiinvestors.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of statements that include, but are not limited to, phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “future,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, statements that describe objectives, plans, or goals also are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of the Partnership. The Partnership cautions readers that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, implied, or projected by such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: defaults on the mortgage loans securing our mortgage revenue bonds and governmental issuer loans; the competitive environment in which the Partnership operates; risks associated with investing in multifamily, student, senior citizen residential properties and commercial properties; general economic, geopolitical, and financial conditions, including the current and future impact of changing interest rates, inflation, and international conflicts (including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war) on business operations, employment, and financial conditions; uncertain conditions within the domestic and international macroeconomic environment, including monetary and fiscal policy and conditions in the investment, credit, interest rate, and derivatives markets; any effects on our business resulting from new U.S. domestic or foreign governmental trade measures, including but not limited to tariffs, import and export controls, foreign exchange intervention accomplished to offset the effects of trade policy or in response to currency volatility, and other restrictions on free trade; adverse reactions in U.S. financial markets related to actions of foreign central banks or the economic performance of foreign economies, including in particular China, Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom; the general condition of the real estate markets in the regions in which the Partnership operates, which may be unfavorably impacted by pressures in the commercial real estate sector, incrementally higher unemployment rates, persistent elevated inflation levels, and other factors; changes in interest rates and credit spreads, as well as the success of any hedging strategies the Partnership may undertake in relation to such changes, and the effect such changes may have on the relative spreads between the yield on investments and cost of financing; the aggregate effect of elevated inflation levels over the past several years, spurred by multiple factors including expansionary monetary and fiscal policy, higher commodity prices, a tight labor market, and low residential vacancy rates, which may result in continued elevated interest rate levels and increased market volatility; the Partnership’s ability to access debt and equity capital to finance its assets; current maturities of the Partnership’s financing arrangements and the Partnership’s ability to renew or refinance such financing arrangements; local, regional, national and international economic and credit market conditions; recapture of previously issued Low Income Housing Tax Credits in accordance with Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code; geographic concentration of properties related to investments held by the Partnership; changes in the U.S. corporate tax code and other government regulations affecting the Partnership’s business; and the other risks detailed in the Partnership’s SEC filings (including but not limited to, the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K). Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements.

If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes or if any of the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements proves to be incorrect, the developments and future events concerning the Partnership set forth in this press release may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date of this document. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our expectations and beliefs to change. The Partnership assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, unless obligated to do so under the federal securities laws.



GREYSTONE HOUSING IMPACT INVESTORS LP CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2025			2024
Revenues:
Investment income	$	21,878,167		$	19,272,345
Other interest income		2,288,165			3,003,838
Other income		958,825			94,471
Total revenues		25,125,157			22,370,654
Expenses:
Provision for credit losses		(172,000	)		(806,000	)
Depreciation		3,542			5,967
Interest expense		14,134,816			13,803,935
Net result from derivative transactions		3,036,137			(6,267,664	)
General and administrative		4,570,261			4,930,388
Total expenses		21,572,756			11,666,626
Other income:
Gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated entities		5,220			50,000
Earnings (losses) from investments in unconsolidated entities		(233,334	)		(106,845	)
Income before income taxes		3,324,287			10,647,183
Income tax benefit		(2,733	)		(1,198	)
Net income		3,327,020			10,648,381
Redeemable Preferred Unit distributions and accretion		(760,679	)		(767,241	)
Net income available to Partners	$	2,566,341		$	9,881,140

Net income available to Partners allocated to:
General Partner	$	25,611		$	98,311
Limited Partners – BUCs		2,483,685			9,725,097
Limited Partners – Restricted units		57,045			57,732
	$	2,566,341		$	9,881,140
BUC holders’ interest in net income per BUC, basic and diluted	$	0.11		$	0.42		*
Weighted average number of BUCs outstanding, basic		23,171,226			23,000,754		*
Weighted average number of BUCs outstanding, diluted		23,171,226			23,000,754		*

*	The amounts indicated above have been adjusted to reflect the distribution completed on April 30, 2024 in the form of additional BUCs at a ratio of 0.00417 BUCs for each BUC outstanding as of March 28, 2024 on a retroactive basis.

Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Measures – Cash Available for Distribution

The Partnership believes that CAD provides relevant information about the Partnership’s operations and is necessary, along with net income, for understanding its operating results. To calculate CAD, the Partnership begins with net income as computed in accordance with GAAP and adjusts for non-cash expenses or income consisting of depreciation expense, amortization expense related to deferred financing costs, amortization of premiums and discounts, fair value adjustments to derivative instruments, provisions for credit and loan losses, impairments on MRBs, GILs, real estate assets and property loans, deferred income tax expense (benefit), and restricted unit compensation expense. The Partnership also adjusts net income for the Partnership’s share of (earnings) losses of investments in unconsolidated entities as such amounts are primarily depreciation expenses and development costs that are expected to be recovered upon an exit event. The Partnership also deducts Tier 2 income (see Note 22 to the Partnership’s condensed consolidated financial statements) distributable to the General Partner as defined in the Partnership Agreement and distributions and accretion for the Preferred Units. Net income is the GAAP measure most comparable to CAD. There is no generally accepted methodology for computing CAD, and the Partnership’s computation of CAD may not be comparable to CAD reported by other companies. Although the Partnership considers CAD to be a useful measure of the Partnership’s operating performance, CAD is a non-GAAP measure that should not be considered as an alternative to net income calculated in accordance with GAAP, or any other measures of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP.

The following table shows the calculation of CAD (and a reconciliation of the Partnership’s net income, as determined in accordance with GAAP, to CAD) for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (all per BUC amounts are presented giving effect to the BUCs Distributions described in Note 22 of the condensed consolidated financial statements on a retroactive basis for all periods presented):

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2025			2024
Net income	$	3,327,020		$	10,648,381
Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, net		3,883,196			(4,604,215	)
Depreciation expense		3,542			5,967
Provision for credit losses ⁽¹⁾		(172,000	)		(806,000	)
Amortization of deferred financing costs		381,334			367,418
Restricted unit compensation expense		234,047			332,321
Deferred income taxes		1,227			2,998
Redeemable Preferred Unit distributions and accretion		(760,679	)		(767,241	)
Tier 2 income allocable to the General Partner ⁽²⁾		–			–
Recovery of prior credit loss ⁽³⁾		(16,967	)		(17,155	)
Bond premium, discount and acquisition fee amortization, net of cash received		25,220			(40,475	)
(Earnings) losses from investments in unconsolidated entities		233,334			106,845
Total CAD	$	7,139,274		$	5,228,844

Weighted average number of BUCs outstanding, basic		23,171,226			23,000,754
Net income per BUC, basic	$	0.11		$	0.42
Total CAD per BUC, basic	$	0.31		$	0.23
Cash Distributions declared, per BUC	$	0.37		$	0.368
BUCs Distributions declared, per BUC ⁽⁴⁾	$	–		$	0.07

⁽¹⁾	The adjustments reflect the change in allowances for credit losses under the CECL standard which requires the Partnership to update estimates of expected credit losses for its investment portfolio at each reporting date.

⁽²⁾	As described in Note 22 to the Partnership’s condensed consolidated financial statements, Net Interest Income representing contingent interest and Net Residual Proceeds representing contingent interest (Tier 2 income) will be distributed 75% to the limited partners and BUC holders, as a class, and 25% to the General Partner. This adjustment represents 25% of Tier 2 income due to the General Partner. There was no Tier 2 income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

⁽³⁾	The Partnership determined there was a recovery of previously recognized impairment recorded for the Live 929 Apartments Series 2022A MRB prior to the adoption of the CECL standard effective January 1, 2023. The Partnership is accreting the recovery of prior credit loss for this MRB into investment income over the term of the MRB consistent with applicable guidance. The accretion of recovery of value is presented as a reduction to current CAD as the original provision for credit loss was an addback for CAD calculation purposes in the period recognized.

⁽⁴⁾	The Partnership declared the distribution completed on April 30, 2024 in the form of additional BUCs equal to $0.07 per BUC for outstanding BUCs as of the record date of March 28, 2024.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Karen Marotta
Greystone
212-896-9149
Karen.Marotta@greyco.com

INVESTOR CONTACT:
Andy Grier
Investors Relations
402-952-1235

The MIL Network –

May 8, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Foreign Ministry: Egypt’s sovereignty over Suez Canal is beyond doubt

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) — Egypt’s sovereignty over the Suez Canal and its right to manage and operate the canal are beyond question, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

The Chinese diplomat made the statement at a regular departmental press conference, commenting at the request of journalists on a recent post by US President Donald Trump on the social platform Truth, in which he called for free transit of American commercial and military vessels through the Panama and Suez Canals, which provoked a strong protest from Egypt.

“China firmly supports the Egyptian government and people in safeguarding their sovereignty, legitimate rights and interests, and opposes any form of bullying in words or actions,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman stressed. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 8, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Tuesday, 6 May 2025 – Strasbourg – Final edition

Source: European Parliament

PV-10-2025-05-06

iPlPv_Sit

Minutes

Tuesday, 6 May 2025 – Strasbourg

Abbreviations and symbols

+	adopted
–	rejected
↓	lapsed
W	withdrawn
RCV	roll-call votes
EV	electronic vote
SEC	secret ballot
split	split vote
sep	separate vote
am	amendment
CA	compromise amendment
CP	corresponding part
D	deleting amendment
=	identical amendments
§	paragraph

IN THE CHAIR: Martin HOJSÍK
Vice-President

1. Opening of the sitting

The sitting opened at 09:02.

2. Request for an urgent decision (Rule 170)

The President had received two requests for urgent decisions in accordance with Rule 170(5):

– REGI Committee – Amending ERDF, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review ***I (COM(2025)0123 – C10-0063/2025 – 2025/0084(COD))

– EMPL Committee – European Social Fund (ESF+): specific measures to address strategic challenges ***I (COM(2025)0164 – C10-0064/2025 – 2025/0085(COD))

The votes on both requests would be taken on Wednesday 7 May 2025.

The agenda was amended accordingly.

3. A unified EU response to unjustified US trade measures and global trade opportunities for the EU (debate)

Council and Commission statements: A unified EU response to unjustified US trade measures and global trade opportunities for the EU (2025/2657(RSP))

Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Maroš Šefčovič (Member of the Commission) made the statements.

The following spoke: Jörgen Warborn, on behalf of the PPE Group, Iratxe García Pérez, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jordan Bardella, on behalf of the PfE Group, Nicola Procaccini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Valérie Hayer, on behalf of the Renew Group, Bas Eickhout, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Martin Schirdewan, on behalf of The Left Group, René Aust, on behalf of the ESN Group, Michał Szczerba, Kathleen Van Brempt, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Adam Bielan, Karin Karlsbro, Anna Cavazzini, Manon Aubry, Petr Bystron and Fabio De Masi.

IN THE CHAIR: Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS
Vice-President

The following spoke: Lukas Sieper, to put a question to Fabio De Masi, who answered it, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez, Bernd Lange, Anna Bryłka, Daniele Polato, Svenja Hahn, Saskia Bricmont, Lynn Boylan, Lukas Sieper, Eva Maydell, Brando Benifei, Enikő Győri, Jaak Madison, Benoit Cassart, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Pasquale Tridico, Željana Zovko, who also answered a blue-card question from Petras Gražulis, Yannis Maniatis, Isabella Tovaglieri, Rihards Kols, Ľubica Karvašová, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, Li Andersson, Angelika Niebler, Camilla Laureti, Sebastian Kruis, Kris Van Dijck, Barry Cowen, Isabella Lövin, Lídia Pereira, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Petra Steger, Adrian-George Axinia, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Raphaël Glucksmann, Jean-Paul Garraud, Marion Maréchal, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, Francisco Assis, Alexandr Vondra, Mika Aaltola, Evin Incir, Francesco Torselli, Jüri Ratas, Andi Cristea, Maria Walsh, Tonino Picula, Borja Giménez Larraz, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Nina Carberry, Salvatore De Meo, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Luděk Niedermayer, Ingeborg Ter Laak and Miriam Lexmann.

The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Francisco José Millán Mon, Maria Grapini, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Hilde Vautmans, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Marc Botenga, Kostas Papadakis, Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, João Oliveira, Ana Miranda Paz, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Lucia Annunziata, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Dariusz Joński.

The following spoke: Maroš Šefčovič and Adam Szłapka.

The debate closed.

4. CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles for 2025 to 2027 (debate)

Statements by Parliament: CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles for 2025 to 2027 (2025/2700(RSP))

The following spoke: Jens Gieseke, on behalf of the PPE Group, Mohammed Chahim, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jordan Bardella, on behalf of the PfE Group, Carlo Fidanza, on behalf of the ECR Group, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, on behalf of the Renew Group, Kai Tegethoff, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Per Clausen, on behalf of The Left Group, and Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group.

The debate closed.

(The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)

IN THE CHAIR: Younous OMARJEE
Vice-President

5. Resumption of the sitting

The sitting resumed at 12:05.

6. Voting time

For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.

6.1. CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles for 2025 to 2027 ***I (vote)

Amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631 to include an additional flexibility as regards the calculation of manufacturers’ compliance with CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles for the calendar years 2025 to 2027 [COM(2025)0136 – C10-0062/2025 – 2025/0070(COD)] – ENVI Committee

REQUEST FOR AN URGENT DECISION from the ECR Group, and jointly from the PPE, S&D and Renew groups (Rule 170(6))

Approved

The following tabling deadlines had been set:

– amendments: Wednesday 7 May 2025 at 13:00
– requests for separate votes and split votes: Wednesday 7 May 2025 at 19:00

Vote: 8 May 2025.

The following had spoken:

Ondřej Krutílek, on behalf of the ECR Group (author of the request), before the vote.

Detailed voting results

6.2. The protection status of the wolf (Canis lupus) ***I (vote)

The protection status of the wolf (Canis lupus) [COM(2025)0106 – C10-0044/2025 – 2025/0058(COD)] – ENVI Committee

REQUEST FOR AN URGENT DECISION from the ENVI Committee (Rule 170(6))

Approved

The following tabling deadlines had been set:

– amendments: Wednesday 7 May 2025 at 13:00
– requests for separate votes and split votes: Wednesday 7 May 2025 at 19:00

Vote: 8 May 2025.

The following had spoken:

Sebastian Everding, against the request, before the vote.

Detailed voting results

6.3. Amendments to the Capital Requirements Regulation as regards securities financing transactions under the net stable funding ratio ***I (vote)

Amendments to the Capital Requirements Regulation as regards securities financing transactions under the net stable funding ratio [COM(2025)0146 – C10-0059/2025 – 2025/0077(COD)] – ECON Committee

REQUEST FOR AN URGENT DECISION from the ECON Committee (Rule 170(6))

Approved

The following tabling deadlines had been set:

– amendments: Wednesday 7 May 2025 at 13:00
– requests for separate votes and split votes: Wednesday 7 May 2025 at 19:00

Vote: 8 May 2025.

Detailed voting results

6.4. Request for the waiver of the immunity of Petr Bystron (vote)

Report on the request for waiver of the immunity of Petr Bystron [2024/2047(IMM)] – Committee on Legal Affairs. Rapporteur: Pascale Piera (A10-0077/2025)

(Majority of the votes cast)

PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

Adopted (P10_TA(2025)67)

Detailed voting results

6.5. Request for the waiver of the immunity of Petras Gražulis (vote)

Report on the request for waiver of the immunity of Petras Gražulis [2024/2089(IMM)] – Committee on Legal Affairs. Rapporteur: Pascale Piera (A10-0078/2025)

(Majority of the votes cast)

PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

Adopted (P10_TA(2025)68)

Detailed voting results

6.6. Request for the waiver of the immunity of Grzegorz Braun (vote)

Report on the request for the waiver of the immunity of Grzegorz Braun [2024/2102(IMM)] – Committee on Legal Affairs. Rapporteur: Dainius Žalimas (A10-0081/2025)

(Majority of the votes cast)

PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

Adopted (P10_TA(2025)69)

Detailed voting results

6.7. Border regions’ instrument for development and growth (BRIDGEforEU) ***II (vote)

Recommendation for second reading on the Council position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a mechanism to resolve legal and administrative obstacles in a cross-border context [17102/1/2024 – C10-0057/2025 – 2018/0198(COD)] – Committee on Regional Development. Rapporteur: Sandro Gozi (A10-0058/2025)

The President informed the House that no proposals for rejection or amendment had been tabled in accordance with Rules 68 and 69 with regard to the Council’s position.

The Council position was therefore deemed approved.

The proposed act was thus adopted (P10_TA(2025)70)

The following had spoken:

Before the President’s announcement, Sandro Gozi (rapporteur), to make a statement under Rule 165(4).

Detailed voting results

6.8. Amending Regulation (EU) 2016/1011 as regards the scope of the rules for benchmarks, the use in the Union of benchmarks provided by an administrator located in a third country, and certain reporting requirements ***II (vote)

Recommendation for second reading on the Council position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2016/1011 as regards the scope of the rules for benchmarks, the use in the Union of benchmarks provided by an administrator located in a third country, and certain reporting requirements [05123/1/2025 – C10-0055/2025 – 2023/0379(COD)] – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteur: Jonás Fernández (A10-0060/2025)

The President informed the House that no proposals for rejection or amendment had been tabled in accordance with Rules 68 and 69 with regard to the Council’s position.

The Council position was therefore deemed approved.

The proposed act was thus adopted (P10_TA(2025)71)

Detailed voting results

6.9. European Union labour market statistics on businesses ***II (vote)

Recommendation for second reading on the Council position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on European Union labour market statistics on businesses, repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 530/1999 and Regulations (EC) No 450/2003 and (EC) No 453/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council [17082/1/2024 – C10-0054/2025 – 2023/0288(COD)] – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteur: Irene Tinagli (A10-0057/2025)

The President informed the House that no proposals for rejection or amendment had been tabled in accordance with Rules 68 and 69 with regard to the Council’s position.

The Council position was therefore deemed approved.

The proposed act was thus adopted (P10_TA(2025)72)

Detailed voting results

6.10. Amendments to the International Health Regulations contained in the Annex to Resolution WHA77.17 and adopted on 1 June 2024 *** (vote)

Recommendation on the draft Council decision inviting Member States to accept, in the interest of the European Union, the amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) contained in the Annex to Resolution WHA77.17 and adopted on 1 June 2024 [17046/2024 – COM(2024)0541 – C10-0005/2025 – 2024/0299(NLE)] – Committee on Public Health. Rapporteur: Adam Jarubas (A10-0064/2025)

(Majority of the votes cast)

DRAFT COUNCIL DECISION

Approved (P10_TA(2025)73)

Detailed voting results

6.11. Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers: application EGF/2024/003 BE/Van Hool – Belgium (vote)

Report on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers following an application from Belgium – EGF/2024/003 BE/Van Hool [COM(2025)0001 – C10-0056/2025 – 2025/0061(BUD)] – Committee on Budgets. Rapporteur: Janusz Lewandowski (A10-0080/2025)

(Majority of the votes cast)

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

Adopted (P10_TA(2025)74)

Detailed voting results

6.12. Protection of the European Union’s financial interests – combating fraud – annual report 2023 (vote)

Report on the protection of the European Union’s financial interests – combating fraud – annual report 2023 [2024/2083(INI)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Gilles Boyer (A10-0049/2025)

The debate had taken place on 5 May 2025 (minutes of 5.5.2025, item 19).

(Majority of the votes cast)

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

Adopted (P10_TA(2025)75)

Detailed voting results

6.13. Control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2023 (vote)

Report on the control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2023 [2024/2052(INI)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Ondřej Knotek (A10-0068/2025)

The debate had taken place on 5 May 2025 (minutes of 5.5.2025, item 21).

(Majority of the votes cast)

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

Adopted (P10_TA(2025)76)

Detailed voting results

(The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)

7. Resumption of the sitting

The sitting resumed at 12:28.

8. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.

9. A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world (debate)

Report on a revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world [2024/2051(INI)] – Committee on Budgets. Rapporteurs: Siegfried Mureşan and Carla Tavares (A10-0076/2025)

Siegfried Mureşan and Carla Tavares introduced the report.

The following spoke: Piotr Serafin (Member of the Commission).

The following spoke: Hilde Vautmans (rapporteur for the opinion of the AFET Committee), Barry Andrews (rapporteur for the opinion of the DEVE Committee), Dirk Gotink (rapporteur for the opinion of the CONT Committee), Damian Boeselager (rapporteur for the opinion of the ECON Committee), Romana Tomc (rapporteur for the opinion of the EMPL Committee), Michalis Hadjipantela (rapporteur for the opinion of the ENVI Committee), Christian Ehler (rapporteur for the opinion of the ITRE Committee), Aura Salla (rapporteur for the opinion of the IMCO Committee), Rosa Serrano Sierra (rapporteur for the opinion of the TRAN Committee), Dragoş Benea (rapporteur for the opinion of the REGI Committee), Stefano Bonaccini (rapporteur for the opinion of the AGRI Committee), Hannes Heide (rapporteur for the opinion of the CULT Committee), Loucas Fourlas (rapporteur for the opinion of the LIBE Committee), Sven Simon (rapporteur for the opinion of the AFCO Committee), Alexandra Geese (rapporteur for the opinion of the FEMM Committee), Karlo Ressler, on behalf of the PPE Group, Jean-Marc Germain, on behalf of the S&D Group, Julien Sanchez, on behalf of the PfE Group, Bogdan Rzońca, on behalf of the ECR Group, Fabienne Keller, on behalf of the Renew Group, Rasmus Nordqvist, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, João Oliveira, on behalf of The Left Group, Milan Uhrík, on behalf of the ESN Group, Danuše Nerudová, Gabriele Bischoff, Jana Nagyová, Johan Van Overtveldt, Lucia Yar, Rasmus Andresen, Alexander Jungbluth, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea and Jens Geier.

IN THE CHAIR: Roberts ZĪLE
Vice-President

The following spoke: Annamária Vicsek, who also answered a blue-card question from Gabriella Gerzsenyi, Ruggero Razza, Joachim Streit, Maria Ohisalo, Janusz Lewandowski, Sandra Gómez López, Dick Erixon, Anouk Van Brug, Hélder Sousa Silva, Dario Nardella, Fernand Kartheiser, Moritz Körner, who also answered a blue-card question from Rasmus Andresen, Georgios Aftias, Estelle Ceulemans, Laurence Trochu, Charles Goerens, Nina Carberry, René Repasi, Kristoffer Storm, Katri Kulmuni, Herbert Dorfmann, Victor Negrescu, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Andrey Novakov, Giuseppe Lupo, Antonella Sberna, Péter Magyar, Marcos Ros Sempere, Elena Nevado del Campo, Evin Incir, Thomas Bajada, Matjaž Nemec and André Rodrigues.

The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Lukas Sieper, Nikolina Brnjac, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Nils Ušakovs.

The following spoke: Piotr Serafin, Siegfried Mureşan and Carla Tavares.

The debate closed.

Vote: 7 May 2025.

10. Discharge 2023 (joint debate)

Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Commission, executive agencies and European Development Funds
Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section III – Commission, executive agencies and the ninth, tenth and eleventh European Development Funds [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0067/2024 – 2024/2019(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Niclas Herbst (A10-0074/2025)

Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Parliament
Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section I – European Parliament [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0068/2024 – 2024/2020(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Monika Hohlmeier (A10-0062/2025)

Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Council and Council
Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section II – European Council and Council [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0069/2024 – 2024/2021(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0052/2025)

Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Court of Justice of the European Union
Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section IV – Court of Justice [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0070/2024 – 2024/2022(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Cristian Terheş (A10-0050/2025)

Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Court of Auditors
Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section V – Court of Auditors [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0071/2024 – 2024/2023(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Dick Erixon (A10-0047/2025)

Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Economic and Social Committee
Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section VI – European Economic and Social Committee [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0073/2024 – 2024/2025(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0054/2025)

Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Committee of the Regions
Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section VII – Committee of the Regions [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0074/2024 – 2024/2026(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0046/2025)

Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Ombudsman
Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section VIII – European Ombudsman [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0075/2024 – 2024/2027(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0055/2025)

Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Data Protection Supervisor
Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0076/2024 – 2024/2028(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0053/2025)

Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European External Action Service
Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section X – European External Action Service [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0072/2024 – 2024/2024(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0069/2025)

Discharge 2023: European Public Prosecutor’s Office
Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office for the financial year 2023 [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0077/2024 – 2024/2029(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Tomáš Zdechovský (A10-0051/2025)

Discharge 2023: Agencies
Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Union Agencies for the financial year 2023 [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0078/2024 – 2024/2030(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Erik Marquardt (A10-0065/2025)

Discharge 2023: Joint Undertakings
Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the EU joint undertakings for the financial year 2023 [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0079/2024 – 2024/2031(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Michal Wiezik (A10-0056/2025)

Niclas Herbst, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Cristian Terheş, Dick Erixon, Monika Hohlmeier, Tomáš Zdechovský, Erik Marquardt and Michal Wiezik introduced the reports.

The following spoke: Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council), Piotr Serafin (Member of the Commission) and Tony Murphy (President of the Court of Auditors).

The following spoke: Michael Gahler (rapporteur for the opinion of the AFET Committee).

IN THE CHAIR: Martin HOJSÍK
Vice-President

The following spoke: Romana Tomc (rapporteur for the opinion of the EMPL Committee), Antonio Decaro (rapporteur for the opinion of the ENVI Committee), Gheorghe Falcă (rapporteur for the opinion of the TRAN Committee), Giuseppe Lupo (rapporteur for the opinion of the PECH Committee), Nela Riehl (rapporteur for the opinion of the CULT Committee), Sven Simon (rapporteur for the opinion of the AFCO Committee), Tomáš Zdechovský (rapporteur for the opinion of the LIBE Committee), Lina Gálvez (rapporteur for the opinion of the FEMM Committee), Dirk Gotink, on behalf of the PPE Group, Mohammed Chahim, on behalf of the S&D Group, Julien Sanchez, on behalf of the PfE Group, Marco Squarta, on behalf of the ECR Group, Olivier Chastel, on behalf of the Renew Group, Daniel Freund, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Jonas Sjöstedt, on behalf of The Left Group, Sarah Knafo, on behalf of the ESN Group, Kinga Kollár, Carla Tavares, Angéline Furet, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Gilles Boyer, Pasquale Tridico, Arno Bausemer, who also answered a blue-card question from Lukas Sieper, Céline Imart, José Cepeda, Anders Vistisen, Marion Maréchal, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Marit Maij, Nikola Bartůšek, Maciej Wąsik, Christophe Clergeau, Fabrice Leggeri, Gheorghe Piperea, Evin Incir and Tiago Moreira de Sá.

IN THE CHAIR: Pina PICIERNO
Vice-President

The following spoke: Fernand Kartheiser, Nils Ušakovs and Csaba Dömötör.

The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Sebastian Tynkkynen and Lukas Sieper.

The following spoke: Tony Murphy, Piotr Serafin, Adam Szłapka, Niclas Herbst, Monika Hohlmeier, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Cristian Terheş, Dick Erixon, Tomáš Zdechovský, Erik Marquardt and Michal Wiezik.

The debate closed.

Vote: 7 May 2025.

11. Protecting Greenland’s right to decide its own future and maintain the rule-based world order (debate)

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: Protecting Greenland’s right to decide its own future and maintain the rule-based world order (2025/2689(RSP))

Kaja Kallas (Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) made the statement.

The following spoke: Henrik Dahl, on behalf of the PPE Group, Christel Schaldemose, on behalf of the S&D Group, Anders Vistisen, on behalf of the PfE Group, Kristoffer Storm, on behalf of the ECR Group, Stine Bosse, on behalf of the Renew Group, Villy Søvndal, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Emma Fourreau, on behalf of The Left Group, Niels Flemming Hansen, Yannis Maniatis, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Urmas Paet, Ignazio Roberto Marino, Per Clausen, David McAllister, Niels Fuglsang, Morten Løkkegaard, Michael Gahler, Tonino Picula, Michał Szczerba, Mika Aaltola and Jüri Ratas.

The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Pernando Barrena Arza and Lukas Sieper.

The following spoke: Kaja Kallas.

The debate closed.

12. An urgent assessment of the applicability of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) with Cuba (debate)

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: An urgent assessment of the applicability of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) with Cuba (2025/2697(RSP))

Kaja Kallas (Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) made the statement.

The following spoke: Gabriel Mato, on behalf of the PPE Group, Leire Pajín, on behalf of the S&D Group, Hermann Tertsch, on behalf of the PfE Group (the President reminded the speaker of the rules on conduct), Arkadiusz Mularczyk, on behalf of the ECR Group, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, on behalf of the Renew Group, Ana Miranda Paz, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Irene Montero, on behalf of The Left Group, and Elena Nevado del Campo.

IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
Vice-President

The following spoke: Nacho Sánchez Amor, Nora Junco García, who also answered a blue-card question from Anthony Smith, Pernando Barrena Arza, Ľuboš Blaha, who also answered blue-card questions from Arkadiusz Mularczyk and Anthony Smith, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Francisco Assis, Mariusz Kamiński, Martin Sonneborn, Antonio López-Istúriz White and Francisco José Millán Mon.

The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Jaume Asens Llodrà, João Oliveira, Maria Zacharia, Leila Chaibi, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos, Kateřina Konečná and Lukas Sieper.

The following spoke: Kaja Kallas.

The debate closed.

13. The European Water Resilience Strategy (debate)

Report on the European Water Resilience Strategy [2024/2104(INI)] – Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety. Rapporteur: Thomas Bajada (A10-0073/2025)

Thomas Bajada introduced the report.

The following spoke: Jessika Roswall (Member of the Commission).

The following spoke: Michal Wiezik (rapporteur for the opinion of the AGRI Committee), Carmen Crespo Díaz, on behalf of the PPE Group, Christophe Clergeau, on behalf of the S&D Group, Mireia Borrás Pabón, on behalf of the PfE Group, Alexandr Vondra, on behalf of the ECR Group, Grégory Allione, on behalf of the Renew Group, Jutta Paulus, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group (the President reminded the House of the rules on conduct), Giorgos Georgiou, on behalf of The Left Group, Anja Arndt, on behalf of the ESN Group, Peter Liese, Annalisa Corrado, André Rougé, Anna Zalewska, Ana Vasconcelos, Tilly Metz, Emma Fourreau, Ingeborg Ter Laak, César Luena, Rody Tolassy, Claudiu-Richard Târziu, Emma Wiesner, Pär Holmgren, Dimitris Tsiodras, Heléne Fritzon, Mathilde Androuët, Paolo Inselvini, Jeannette Baljeu, Cristina Guarda, Lídia Pereira, Antonio Decaro, Esther Herranz García, Günther Sidl, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, András Tivadar Kulja, Stefan Köhler and Sander Smit.

The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Krzysztof Hetman.

IN THE CHAIR: Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUȚĂ
Vice-President

The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Viktória Ferenc, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ana Miranda Paz, Lukas Sieper, Kostas Papadakis and Maria Zacharia.

The following spoke: Jessika Roswall and Thomas Bajada.

The debate closed.

Vote: 7 May 2025.

14. 2023 and 2024 reports on Türkiye (debate)

2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Türkiye [2025/2023(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Nacho Sánchez Amor (A10-0067/2025)

Nacho Sánchez Amor introduced the report.

The following spoke: Marta Kos (Member of the Commission).

The following spoke: Isabel Wiseler-Lima, on behalf of the PPE Group, Yannis Maniatis, on behalf of the S&D Group, Nikola Bartůšek, on behalf of the PfE Group, Geadis Geadi, on behalf of the ECR Group, Malik Azmani, on behalf of the Renew Group, Vladimir Prebilič, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Giorgos Georgiou, on behalf of The Left Group, Tomasz Froelich, on behalf of the ESN Group, Emmanouil Kefalogiannis, Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, Afroditi Latinopoulou, Emmanouil Fragkos, Lucia Yar, Mélissa Camara, Özlem Demirel, Kostas Papadakis, Loucas Fourlas, Vivien Costanzo, Matthieu Valet, Tineke Strik, Jonas Sjöstedt, who also answered a blue-card question from Beatrice Timgren, Maria Zacharia, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Evin Incir, Silvia Sardone, Fidias Panayiotou, Łukasz Kohut, Andreas Schieder, Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Davor Ivo Stier, who also answered a blue-card question from Geadis Geadi, Reinhold Lopatka and Michalis Hadjipantela.

The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Costas Mavrides, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Sebastian Everding and Nikolas Farantouris.

The following spoke: Marta Kos.

IN THE CHAIR: Younous OMARJEE
Vice-President

The following spoke: Nacho Sánchez Amor.

The debate closed.

Vote: 7 May 2025.

15. Welcome

On behalf of Parliament the President welcomed a group of young people from Serbia who had taken their seats in the distinguished visitors’ gallery.

16. 2023 and 2024 reports on Serbia (debate)

Report on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Serbia [2025/2022(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Tonino Picula (A10-0072/2025)

Tonino Picula introduced the report.

The following spoke: Marta Kos (Member of the Commission).

The following spoke: Davor Ivo Stier, on behalf of the PPE Group, Kathleen Van Brempt, on behalf of the S&D Group, Kinga Gál, on behalf of the PfE Group, Stephen Nikola Bartulica, on behalf of the ECR Group, Helmut Brandstätter, on behalf of the Renew Group, Vladimir Prebilič, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Danilo Della Valle, on behalf of The Left Group, Michał Szczerba, Thijs Reuten, who also answered a blue-card question from Tomislav Sokol, António Tânger Corrêa, Cristian Terheş, Irena Joveva, Gordan Bosanac, Liudas Mažylis, Andreas Schieder, Annamária Vicsek, Matej Tonin, Thierry Mariani and Tomislav Sokol.

The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Loucas Fourlas, Matjaž Nemec, Kristian Vigenin and Sebastian Tynkkynen.

The following spoke: Marta Kos and Tonino Picula.

The debate closed.

Vote: 7 May 2025.

17. 2023 and 2024 reports on Kosovo (debate)

Report on the 2023 and 2024 Commission Reports on Kosovo [2025/2019(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Riho Terras (A10-0075/2025)

Riho Terras introduced the report.

The following spoke: Marta Kos (Member of the Commission).

The following spoke: Davor Ivo Stier, on behalf of the PPE Group, Elio Di Rupo, on behalf of the S&D Group, Matthieu Valet, on behalf of the PfE Group, Ivaylo Valchev, on behalf of the ECR Group, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, on behalf of the Renew Group, Thomas Waitz, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Merja Kyllönen, on behalf of The Left Group, Stanislav Stoyanov, on behalf of the ESN Group, Liudas Mažylis, Matjaž Nemec and Alexander Sell.

The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Thijs Reuten and Sebastian Tynkkynen.

The following spoke: Marta Kos and Riho Terras.

The debate closed.

Vote: 7 May 2025.

18. Explanations of vote

18.1. Written explanations of vote

Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.

19. Agenda of the next sitting

The next sitting would be held the following day, 7 May 2025, starting at 09:00. The agenda was available on Parliament’s website.

20. Approval of the minutes of the sitting

In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the beginning of the afternoon of the next sitting.

21. Closure of the sitting

The sitting closed at 22:29.

ATTENDANCE REGISTER

Present:

Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Alexandraki Galato, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Annunziata Lucia, Antoci Giuseppe, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Axinia Adrian-George, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barna Dan, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bausemer Arno, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beke Wouter, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benea Dragoş, Benifei Brando, Benjumea Benjumea Isabel, Beňová Monika, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Boßdorf Irmhild, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Bryłka Anna, Buchheit Markus, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Bullmann Udo, Burkhardt Delara, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, Bystron Petr, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Cârciu Gheorghe, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Cassart Benoit, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Christensen Asger, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Cisint Anna Maria, Clausen Per, Clergeau Christophe, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Demirel Özlem, Deutsch Tamás, Devaux Valérie, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Di Rupo Elio, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Donazzan Elena, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Dworczyk Michał, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Estaràs Ferragut Rosa, Everding Sebastian, Falcă Gheorghe, Falcone Marco, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fernández Jonás, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firea Gabriela, Firmenich Ruth, Fita Claire, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Furore Mario, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Galán Estrella, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Glück Andreas, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Grapini Maria, Gražulis Petras, Grims Branko, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Grossmann Elisabeth, Grudler Christophe, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guarda Cristina, Guetta Bernard, Győri Enikő, Gyürk András, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hauser Gerald, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hohlmeier Monika, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Hölvényi György, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kabilov Taner, Kalfon François, Kaliňák Erik, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kennes Rudi, Khan Mary, Kircher Sophia, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovařík Ondřej, Kovatchev Andrey, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Kyllönen Merja, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lakos Eszter, Lalucq Aurore, Lange Bernd, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Le Callennec Isabelle, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Leonardelli Julien, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Loiseau Nathalie, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Lucano Mimmo, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Madison Jaak, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Magyar Péter, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Mantovani Mario, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Maréchal Marion, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martusciello Fulvio, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Mato Gabriel, Mavrides Costas, Maydell Eva, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Mehnert Alexandra, Meimarakis Vangelis, Meleti Eleonora, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Milazzo Giuseppe, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Molnár Csaba, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Morano Nadine, Moratti Letizia, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mullooly Ciaran, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Nardella Dario, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nemec Matjaž, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Nica Dan, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Ohisalo Maria, Oliveira João, Olivier Philippe, Omarjee Younous, Ondruš Branislav, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Panayiotou Fidias, Papadakis Kostas, Pappas Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Paulus Jutta, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picierno Pina, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pietikäinen Sirpa, Pimpie Pierre, Piperea Gheorghe, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Popescu Virgil-Daniel, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Ressler Karlo, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Ridel Chloé, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sardone Silvia, Šarec Marjan, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schneider Christine, Schnurrbusch Volker, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Sidl Günther, Sienkiewicz Bartłomiej, Sieper Lukas, Simon Sven, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sommen Liesbet, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Squarta Marco, Staķis Mārtiņš, Stancanelli Raffaele, Ştefănuță Nicolae, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Storm Kristoffer, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strack-Zimmermann Marie-Agnes, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarczyński Dominik, Tarquinio Marco, Tarr Zoltán, Târziu Claudiu-Richard, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Teodorescu Georgiana, Teodorescu Måwe Alice, Terheş Cristian, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomac Eugen, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Topo Raffaele, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Tudose Mihai, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Ušakovs Nils, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, van den Berg Brigitte, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Overtveldt Johan, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vasile-Voiculescu Vlad, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Verougstraete Yvan, Veryga Aurelijus, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vigenin Kristian, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vind Marianne, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vozemberg-Vrionidi Elissavet, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Weimers Charlie, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Yoncheva Elena, Zacharia Maria, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zan Alessandro, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Zīle Roberts, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zovko Željana, Zver Milan

Excused:

Verheyen Sabine

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 8, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EP TODAY – Wednesday 7 May
Source: European Parliament

Securing a just peace in Ukraine

At 9:00, MEPs, Commission President von der Leyen and Polish Minister for EU Affairs Szłapka will discuss how the EU can contribute to achieving a just, sustainable, and comprehensive peace deal for Ukraine. The debate is set to focus on the EU’s political, financial and military support for Ukraine, and its role in efforts to secure a peace settlement that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is based on international law.

Viktor ALMQVIST

(+32) 470 88 29 42

Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS

(+32) 470 96 08 19

@EP_ForeignAff

@EP_Defence

Parliament to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe

To commemorate the end of World War II in Europe, a flag raising will take place on the WEISS esplanade at 10:30, followed by a wreath laying ceremony by Presidents Metsola and Costa and World War II veterans. At 11:30, President Metsola will address plenary, followed by statements by President Costa and three war veterans from Belgium and Poland.

Andreas KLEINER

(+32) 498 98 33 22

Estefania NARRILLOS

(+32) 498 98 39 85

@EuroParlPress

Parliament’s priorities for post-2027 long-term EU budget: vote on a resolution

At noon, MEPs are set to adopt a resolution outlining their vision and demands for the EU’s 2028-2034 budget. The draft text calls on the EU to deliver on the rising expectations of citizens for EU action and adopt a flexible post-2027 budget that reflects current geopolitical, economic, and environmental realities. A press conference with EP President Metsola and the two rapporteurs will take place at 14.00.

Eszter ZALÁN

(+32) 477 99 20 73

@EP_Budgets

In brief

Gas supply. In the early evening, MEPs and Commissioner Jørgensen will debate a proposal to prolong rules on gas storage refilling to address gas market speculation and bring down prices. The vote will take place on Thursday.

Iberian peninsula electricity blackout. In a debate at around 15:30, MEPs will discuss with Commissioner Jørgensen and Polish Minister Szłapka how to improve electricity grid resilience and interconnections in the wake of the recent blackout incident.

TikTok. MEPs and Commissioner McGrath will debate the fine against TikTok and the need to strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights on social media platforms, from round 20:30.

Malta’s ‘golden passport’ scheme. In the late afternoon, Parliament, Commissioner McGrath and Polish Minister Szłapka will debate the follow-up to the EU Court of Justice verdict that Malta’s citizenship by investment programme is illegal.

Erdoğan/Cyprus. In the evening, plenary will assess the illegal visit of President Erdoğan to the occupied areas of Cyprus in a debate with Commissioner Várhelyi.

Increase in food prices. Earlier in the afternoon, MEPs will discuss with Commissioner Kadis and Polish Minister Szłapka how high levels of retail food prices are affecting European consumers.

Human rights. In the evening, Parliament will debate the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania; the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia; and violations of religious freedom in Tibet. MEPs will vote on three separate resolutions on Thursday.

Votes

At noon, MEPs will vote, among other files, on:
- the management of the 2023 EU budget by the Commission and other EU institutions and agencies;
- the 2023 and 2024 reports on Türkiye, Serbia and Kosovo; and
- the European water resilience strategy.
Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming site and on EbS+.

For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter.

Find more information regarding plenary.
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel must immediately abandon any plans for annexation in Gaza and mass forcible transfer of Palestinians

Source: Amnesty International –

The Israeli government must immediately abandon its recently unveiled plans for expanded military operations including plans to annex territory and forcibly displace Palestinians in the occupied and besieged Gaza Strip, which would gravely violate international law, said Amnesty International today. 

Israel has continued to commit genocidal acts, fully aware of the irreversible harm being inflicted on Palestinians in Gaza. Any move by Israel to displace Palestinians to the south of the Gaza Strip and confine them into so-called “closed bubbles” or continue to impose inhumane conditions of life to push Palestinians out of Gaza, would amount to the war crime of unlawful transfer or deportation. If these actions are committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against the civilian population, they would also constitute crimes against humanity.

“After imposing two months of full siege on Gaza, Israel’s declared intentions to expand its already devastating military offensive, further entrench its unlawful occupation of the Gaza Strip, and forcibly displace Palestinians could inflict a final blow leading to the destruction of Palestinians in Gaza, who for months on end have been struggling to survive amid Israel’s ongoing genocide,” said Erika Guevara Rosas Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy, and Campaigns at Amnesty International.

Since October 2023, the world has witnessed repeated waves of forced displacement of Palestinians within Gaza under inhumane conditions. The manner in which these waves of displacement have been implemented have been key to Israel’s inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction. At the moment, nearly 70% of the Gaza Strip is under “evacuation orders” or designated as no-go zones.

Israel’s new plans indicate the authorities are planning a horrifying escalation by seizing territory, establishing a ‘sustained physical presence’ there and indefinitely displacing the majority of the population.

“These plans demonstrate Israel’s utter disregard for international law and its contempt for the rights of Palestinians. Amnesty International reiterates its unequivocal call on Hamas and other armed groups to immediately and unconditionally release civilian hostages. Israel appears to be using the release of the hostages, as a pretext to justify further crimes and violations against Palestinians and its continued genocide in the Gaza Strip, which some families of those still held in Gaza have denounced,” said Erika Guevara Rosas.

Israel’s plans to control and militarize humanitarian aid distribution will also undermine the independent and impartial delivery of essential assistance to a population in dire need. These plans have been widely condemned by UN agencies and humanitarian organizations, who have unanimously rejected any attempt to weaponize aid.

The ongoing siege which has completely blocked the entry of life-saving aid, including food, medicine and fuel, for more than two months is being used by Israel as a weapon of war and unlawful collective punishment. This is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, which strictly prohibits collective punishment and requires all parties to allow and facilitate the provision of impartial humanitarian assistance for civilians in need.

Any attempts to weaponize humanitarian aid, use it to coerce forced displacement, or establish discriminatory aid distribution zones would violate international law and must be rejected.

Erika Guevara Rosas Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy, and Campaigns at Amnesty International.

“Any attempts to weaponize humanitarian aid, use it to coerce forced displacement, or establish discriminatory aid distribution zones would violate international law and must be rejected,” said Erika Guevara Rosas.

“The international community must unequivocally reject these dangerous plans and pressure Israel to comply with its obligations under international law and ensure unhindered humanitarian aid access throughout Gaza.”

The majority of Palestinians in Gaza are descendants of those who survived the 1948 Nakba and have already suffered decades of displacement and dispossession by Israel while being denied their right of return. Israel’s latest plans risk compounding this historic injustice.

Israel must immediately stop its genocide in Gaza, end its unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory, in line with the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion of July 2024, and dismantle its system of apartheid against Palestinians.

Erika Guevara Rosas.

“Instead of pursuing policies that lead to further forced displacement and potentially to illegal annexation, Israel must immediately stop its genocide in Gaza, end its unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory, in line with the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion of July 2024, and dismantle its system of apartheid against Palestinians,” said Erika Guevara Rosas.

MIL OSI NGO –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Amnesty Media Awards: Public vote for new ‘People’s Choice Award’ launches today

Source: Amnesty International –

New category celebrates an individual journalist’s contribution to human rights reporting over the past year

Finalists, including Lyse Doucet, Owen Jones and Nesrine Malek, were nominated by Amnesty UK supporters

Vote now goes to public who can submit their choice here

Amnesty International UK has today (Wednesday 7th May) launched the public vote for a new category in the 2025 Amnesty Media Awards.

As the awards enter their 33rd year, the ‘People’s Choice Award’ has been established to give the public the opportunity to vote for the UK journalist they believe has made an outstanding contribution to human rights reporting over the past year.

A shortlist of ten journalists, as nominated by Amnesty supporters, will be put to a public vote, which will be open for two weeks (closing at midnight on Wednesday 21 May). Voters will also have the chance to win tickets to the awards ceremony.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced on Wednesday 4 June at the BFI Southbank and will be livestreamed on the night on the Amnesty Media Awards website.

To vote, click here.

Nominees and links to their bios

What Amnesty supporters said:

‘Owen has been one of the very few journalists who has had the courage to speak the truth about the Genocide in Gaza.’

What Amnesty supporters said:

‘In his reporting, he provides deeply insightful, yet clear, easily readable and straight-to-the point analysis.’

What Amnesty supporters said:

‘[Nesrine’s] knowledge and research on matters of global justice and conflict shine through every piece. She is unafraid to take a different view if that enables us to better understand the people at the heart of the stories. I just love her journalism.’

What Amnesty supporters said:

‘He is always at the centre of any major story and focussing on the human story within which always highlight human rights issues.’

What Amnesty supporters said:

‘[Their work is] informative, balanced and heroic.’

‘Committed to independent, truthful journalism.’

What Amnesty supporters said:

‘Lyse is incredibly brave and always at the forefront of news in war regions.’

What Amnesty supporters said:

‘Every column, every week is full of humanity, understanding and knowledge in a world of soundbites he is always detailed and shows huge knowledge and understanding.’

What Amnesty supporters said:

‘Outstanding, well researched, independent and honest journalism.’

What Amnesty supporters said:

‘Brave, truthful and good as it gets.’

2024: The deadliest year yet for journalists

Each year Amnesty’s Media Awards showcase the incredible work of journalists and other media workers who strive to expose injustices being perpetrated around the world – often at a great deal of personal risk.

However, press freedom is more under attack than ever. Disturbingly, last year was the deadliest year for journalists since records began three decades ago. In 2024, at least 124 journalists and media workers were killed. A staggering 70% of those were at the hands of the Israeli military in Gaza and Lebanon.  Other countries with high death tolls include Sudan, Pakistan, Mexico, Syria, Iraq and Haiti. Hundreds more languish in prison as a direct result of their work.*

Media workers across the world continue to operate under the threat of censorship, harassment, prosecution and worse, with many risking their lives to expose abuses and corruption.

Now, more than ever, it’s crucial we work to defend press freedoms and help enable journalists to continue doing their vital work.

MIL OSI NGO –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tender of 2-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on May 13

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tender of 2-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on May 13
A total of RMB1.5 billion 2-year RMB Bonds will be tendered. The Bonds will mature on May 17, 2027 and will carry interest at the rate of 1.71 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear.

Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk
Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE leads delegation to visit Qatar and Kuwait

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a business delegation to visit Qatar and Kuwait on May 10. The visit aims to further strengthen exchanges and connections with the Middle East region in areas such as finance, trade, investment, and innovation and technology (I&T), and to promote the latest advantages and opportunities in Hong Kong to local political and business communities.

Noting that the Middle East region is experiencing rapid development with abundant capital, Mr Lee said the region is actively seeking to diversify risks, particularly by channelling investments into China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR), aligning with the global economic shift towards the East. Qatar and Kuwait are both economically vibrant and fast-growing countries in the Middle East region. Qatar boasts the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita among the member states of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and serves as a crucial aviation hub in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Kuwait, currently the rotating President of the GCC, ranks third in GDP per capita among GCC member states and possesses one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds.

He highlighted that this marks his first time leading Mainland enterprises in addition to leaders from industry and commerce and professional sectors of Hong Kong in an outbound mission, aiming to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths under the “one country, two systems” principle in connecting the Mainland and the world. It also aims to give full play to Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” by deepening international exchanges and co-operation, acting as a bridge to serve enterprises in going global and attracting external investment. At the same time, it also demonstrates the complementary advantages of co-operation between Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises, creating synergies and providing comprehensive supply chain services.

The HKSAR Government officials joining the Business Delegation from Hong Kong and the Mainland led by the Chief Executive of the HKSAR include the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip; the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho; and the Director of Information Services, Mrs Apollonia Liu.

Members of the delegation include more than 50 representatives from the business community of Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises. This includes over 30 leaders from industry and commerce and professional sectors of Hong Kong and over 20 entrepreneurs from Mainland provinces such as Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong. The delegation spans fields including finance, industry and commerce, trade, infrastructure, I&T, energy, and transport and logistics.

Mr Lee will visit Qatar on May 11 and 12 and depart for Kuwait on the evening of May 12. During the visit, he will meet with local government leaders to enhance communication and establish collaborative consensus, enabling businesses to clearly understand the policy directions of co-operation between the HKSAR Government and the governments of both countries, and leading the promotion of cultural exchanges. He will also lead the delegation to visit facilities and enterprises to gain insights into the latest developments in such areas as finance, trade, and I&T, exploring new opportunities. He will also attend exchange events to introduce Hong Kong’s advantages and investment opportunities to the local business community.

Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on May 15. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Top 25 global banks post 9.4% revenue growth YoY in 2024 but profits under pressure, reveals GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

The world’s top 25 global banks reported 9.4% year-on-year (YoY) revenue growth in 2024 despite global economic pressures, with Sberbank Rossii, BBVA, and UBS Group standing out as key performers. However, profit margins were mixed, as many banks faced higher costs, regulatory tightening, and geopolitical uncertainty, highlighting the growing gap between revenue performance and overall financial health, finds GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Most of the top 25 banks reported YoY growth in their top-line performance, with Sberbank Rossii and BBVA emerging as top performers, posting a growth of 54% and 30.3%, respectively. UBS Group also registered a growth of 22.3%.

Murthy Grandhi, Company Profiles Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Sberbank Rossii emerged as the top performer in revenue defying broader geopolitical and macroeconomic pressures. The bank reported double-digit revenue growth, supported by a strong rebound in Russia’s domestic economy, stabilizing inflation, and high interest margins but its net income sharply declined into negative territory, reflecting the combined impact of macroeconomic instability, currency depreciation, and mounting operational constraints due to international sanctions.”

Similarly, BBVA achieved a 28.9% growth in interest income, driven by its geographic diversification, particularly in Mexico and Turkey, where interest margins widened significantly.

Another bank to deliver outstanding results was UBS Group, with revenue jumping 22.3% YoY, and a robust five-year CAGR of 17.4%—largely reflecting its landmark takeover of Credit Suisse. However, net income plummeted by over 80%, underscoring the short-term cost burdens and integration risks associated with the acquisition.

Top Chinese banks—ICBC, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and Bank of China—reported modest revenue and income growth. ICBC’s 2024 revenue marginally declined (-0.6% YoY), while Agricultural Bank posted the strongest five-year CAGR in assets among the Chinese peers (8.8%). Margin compression due to policy-induced rate caps and slower domestic economic growth weighed on profitability. Nonetheless, their asset bases continue to expand steadily, reflecting domestic dominance and strong government backing.

JPMorgan Chase led the revenue charts with an impressive $278.9 billion in 2024, representing a YoY growth of 16.5% and a five-year CAGR of 16.5%. The surge was underpinned by elevated net interest income amid sustained high rates and robust trading performance. Its net income reached $58.5 billion (18% YoY growth), with asset growth moderating to 3.3%, reflecting balance sheet prudence amid tightening regulations.

Bank of America and Citigroup also benefitted from the high-rate cycle. Citigroup notably recorded a 13.96% revenue CAGR, with 2024 revenues at $170.8 billion. However, asset contraction (-2.4% YoY) reflects restructuring and divestments in underperforming regions.

European banks, long plagued by negative rates and fragmented markets, appear to be rebounding. BNP Paribas and HSBC posted robust revenue CAGR of 13.1% and 14% respectively, supported by diversified global operations and cost rationalizations. Notably, Societe Generale and Credit Agricole recorded revenue CAGR above 17%, with net income rebounds of over 60% YoY, albeit from low bases. These turnarounds suggest successful strategic pivots and a more favorable interest rate environment in the Eurozone.

Grandhi concludes: “Looking ahead, global banks face a mixed landscape. Easing inflation could trigger interest rate cuts in the US and Europe, potentially impacting net interest margins. However, this may be offset by the revival in credit demand and easing capital costs. Regulatory tightening, especially in the US and China, will challenge profitability. Additionally, banks exposed to emerging markets must navigate currency volatility and political instability.

“Digital transformation and green financing will remain pivotal themes. Institutions investing in fintech partnerships, AI-led customer engagement, and ESG-aligned lending are likely to outperform.”

MIL OSI Global Banks –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Top 25 global banks post 9.4% revenue growth YoY in 2024 but profits under pressure, reveals GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

The world’s top 25 global banks reported 9.4% year-on-year (YoY) revenue growth in 2024 despite global economic pressures, with Sberbank Rossii, BBVA, and UBS Group standing out as key performers. However, profit margins were mixed, as many banks faced higher costs, regulatory tightening, and geopolitical uncertainty, highlighting the growing gap between revenue performance and overall financial health, finds GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Most of the top 25 banks reported YoY growth in their top-line performance, with Sberbank Rossii and BBVA emerging as top performers, posting a growth of 54% and 30.3%, respectively. UBS Group also registered a growth of 22.3%.

Murthy Grandhi, Company Profiles Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Sberbank Rossii emerged as the top performer in revenue defying broader geopolitical and macroeconomic pressures. The bank reported double-digit revenue growth, supported by a strong rebound in Russia’s domestic economy, stabilizing inflation, and high interest margins but its net income sharply declined into negative territory, reflecting the combined impact of macroeconomic instability, currency depreciation, and mounting operational constraints due to international sanctions.”

Similarly, BBVA achieved a 28.9% growth in interest income, driven by its geographic diversification, particularly in Mexico and Turkey, where interest margins widened significantly.

Another bank to deliver outstanding results was UBS Group, with revenue jumping 22.3% YoY, and a robust five-year CAGR of 17.4%—largely reflecting its landmark takeover of Credit Suisse. However, net income plummeted by over 80%, underscoring the short-term cost burdens and integration risks associated with the acquisition.

Top Chinese banks—ICBC, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and Bank of China—reported modest revenue and income growth. ICBC’s 2024 revenue marginally declined (-0.6% YoY), while Agricultural Bank posted the strongest five-year CAGR in assets among the Chinese peers (8.8%). Margin compression due to policy-induced rate caps and slower domestic economic growth weighed on profitability. Nonetheless, their asset bases continue to expand steadily, reflecting domestic dominance and strong government backing.

JPMorgan Chase led the revenue charts with an impressive $278.9 billion in 2024, representing a YoY growth of 16.5% and a five-year CAGR of 16.5%. The surge was underpinned by elevated net interest income amid sustained high rates and robust trading performance. Its net income reached $58.5 billion (18% YoY growth), with asset growth moderating to 3.3%, reflecting balance sheet prudence amid tightening regulations.

Bank of America and Citigroup also benefitted from the high-rate cycle. Citigroup notably recorded a 13.96% revenue CAGR, with 2024 revenues at $170.8 billion. However, asset contraction (-2.4% YoY) reflects restructuring and divestments in underperforming regions.

European banks, long plagued by negative rates and fragmented markets, appear to be rebounding. BNP Paribas and HSBC posted robust revenue CAGR of 13.1% and 14% respectively, supported by diversified global operations and cost rationalizations. Notably, Societe Generale and Credit Agricole recorded revenue CAGR above 17%, with net income rebounds of over 60% YoY, albeit from low bases. These turnarounds suggest successful strategic pivots and a more favorable interest rate environment in the Eurozone.

Grandhi concludes: “Looking ahead, global banks face a mixed landscape. Easing inflation could trigger interest rate cuts in the US and Europe, potentially impacting net interest margins. However, this may be offset by the revival in credit demand and easing capital costs. Regulatory tightening, especially in the US and China, will challenge profitability. Additionally, banks exposed to emerging markets must navigate currency volatility and political instability.

“Digital transformation and green financing will remain pivotal themes. Institutions investing in fintech partnerships, AI-led customer engagement, and ESG-aligned lending are likely to outperform.”

MIL OSI Economics –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank sees opportunities in the cotton sector as it hosts partnership’s steering committee

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

CAIRO, Egypt, May 7, 2025/APO Group/ —

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) recently hosted a two-day meeting of the Steering Committee of the Partenariat pour le Coton (PPC), a global platform established to support transformation and value addition in the cotton-textile-garment (CTG) sector in developing countries.

With an initial focus on the C4+ countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire), PPC aims to drive sustainable transformation and value addition in the CTG sector by enhancing economic returns, creating employment opportunities, and promoting economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Delivering the opening remarks at the meeting, held at Afreximbank Headquarters in Cairo from 28 to 29 April, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President for Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, noted that development of the cotton sector presents significant opportunities to enhance economic growth across Africa— contributing between 45 and 60 per cent of GDP and foreign exchange earnings in some countries. However, she highlighted a recent study by the Steering Committee which revealed that textile and garment manufacturing sector in some C4+ countries remains at a nascent stage.

“Therefore, to upgrade and integrate into the global cotton sector value chain, we must address a range of issues, including low yields and limited processing capacity, climate change and variability, market fluctuations, global cotton prices, weak infrastructure and inadequate access to modern technology,” added Mrs. Awani.

She emphasised that, as a member of the C4+ initiative, Afreximbank is committed to supporting African countries to move up the cotton value chain – transforming raw cotton into textiles and clothing. Working with strategic partners, Afreximbank aims to help establish modern textile and garment industries in C4+ countries and across the continent to realise the development aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Mrs. Awani noted that the Steering Committee’s deliberations were centred on mobilising capital and investment to transform the African cotton sector. She highlighted several financial and non-financial instruments that Afreximbank could deploy to support this goal, including project preparation funding, tailored financing and advisory solutions, debt and equity financing, export advisory services, SME support, insurance solutions, digital platforms to improve market access and compliance, and trade facilitation and investment promotion support.

“Through our active participation in the Partenariat pour le Coton, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting Africa’s drive for sustainable industrialisation and local value addition. By working alongside partners, we are helping unlock critical investments, strengthening technical capacity, and promoting sustainable practices across the cotton sector. The outcomes of this Steering Committee meeting represents an important step towards realising the C4+ countries’ vision of a globally competitive cotton-textile-garment industry. Afreximbank remains committed to championing initiatives that create jobs, boost trade and drive inclusive economic transformation,” Mrs. Awani informed participants during the meeting.

Emphasising the importance of the outcome in his opening remarks, Mr. Jean-Marie Paugam, Deputy Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), and Chairperson of the steering committee stated: ‘I hope that the discussions over these two days will yield concrete results for the industrialisation and local processing of cotton in partner countries. We will be able to report these results to WTO members at our next discussion on cotton, scheduled for the 14^th of May at the WTO, which will address all issues facing the cotton industry in the C4 and other developing countries.”

The meeting, which brought together key stakeholders working to advance sustainable industrialisation across Africa’s CTG value chain, also included the formal signing of an amendment to the Trust Fund Agreement between Afreximbank and UNIDO. This amendment reinforces Afreximbank’s US$ 80,230 grant to finance a baseline study critical to the development of the cotton-to-textile value chain under the PPC – delivered within a WTO-FIFA cooperation framework.

Participants included the Chairperson, Mr. Jean-Marie Paugam, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO); Mr. Gunther Berger, Managing Director at UNIDO; Ms. Alimatou Shadiya Assouman, Minister of Trade and Industry of Benin; and Mr. Eric Trachtenberg, Executive Director of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), among others. Also present were technical partners including Gherzi Textile Organization, which has supported the PPC process since the baseline study phase, and Otto Group Scan-Thor Group.

Membership of the PPC includes Afreximbank, WTO, UNIDO, ICAC, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), Better Cotton, FIFA, and the governments of the C4+ countries.

MIL OSI Africa –

May 7, 2025

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