NewzIntel.com

Category: Middle East

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: BRICS Financial Track: First Meeting in 2025 Held

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    Deputy central bank governors and finance ministers of the BRICS countries in Cape Town, South Africa, identified key areas of cooperation. The meeting was hosted by Brazil, which holds the presidency of the group this year.

    The agenda also included priorities that were previously set during the Russian presidency. In particular, the meeting participants confirmed their readiness to discuss the most pressing issues on the payment agenda: the possibilities of using national currencies in settlements, prospects for ensuring the interoperability of the financial markets of the BRICS countries, as well as cooperation in the field of information security. The central banks of the association’s countries in 2025 will also focus on issues of transitional financing and the development of financial technologies.

    The results of the meeting set the vector for further work of the relevant departments of the BRICS countries, and will also be taken into account during the upcoming summit of the association.

    The meeting took place at the Group of Twenty (G20) with the participation of representatives from all countries of the association: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, as well as the new BRICS member, Indonesia.

    Preview photo: hxdbzxy / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23415

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: ‘Little or no regard’ shown to people fleeing conflict and persecution – immigration stats

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Thousands of people including Afghans, Iranians and Eritreans refused protection

    Responding to new Government statistics released today (27 February) showing a significant number of people refused asylum, Steve Valdez-Symonds, Amnesty International UK’s Refugee and Migrant Rights Director, said:

    “Today’s data show the Home Office is now deciding protection claims with over 40,000 decisions made in the last quarter of 2024.                                        

    “However, thousands of people, including Afghans, Iranians and Eritreans, are being refused asylum with the risk of creating a new backlog of people wrongly placed in limbo – albeit at the end of a badly functioning system rather than at the start of a system that wasn’t functioning at all.

    “As with the Border Security Bill – being considered by MPs this afternoon – this data starkly demonstrates the Government remains committed to an impossible and callous strategy of deterrence and penalty for refugees and victims of modern slavery who seek safety in the UK.

    “It is simply not enough to remove some of the last administration’s worst policies while keeping others that also violate international law obligations and show little or no regard to the realities of people made vulnerable to the cruel exploitation of smuggling gangs. The Government must immediately change course and address the needs and rights of people fleeing conflict and persecution.”

    View latest press releases

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Lebanon: New government must prioritize critical need for human rights protections

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the vote of confidence in the new Lebanese government passed by the country’s parliament today, Kristine Beckerle, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said:

    “Today’s vote marks a crucial opportunity for Lebanon to break with the shortcomings of past governments and place human rights at the centre of much-needed reforms.

    “Today’s vote marks a crucial opportunity for Lebanon to break with the shortcomings of past governments and place human rights at the centre of much-needed reforms” – Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa

    “In the past five years alone, government failings led to an unprecedented financial and economic crisis and one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. Yet, the Lebanese people have yet to see any justice or accountability.

    “More recently, the escalation in hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel resulted in mass displacement and thousands of civilian casualties. Israeli military attacks, some of which may amount to war crimes, killed healthcare workers, journalists, and civilians. Justice will remain elusive as long as Lebanon fails to join the International Criminal Court.

    “The new government must go beyond rhetoric and prove its commitment to human rights by taking decisive steps to address these and other longstanding issues. This includes ending the crisis of impunity by enabling independent and transparent investigations into the Beirut port explosion. It also means pursuing accountability for grave violations committed on and from its territory by joining the ICC and ensuring reparation for victims of violations.

    “We further call on the new government to reinforce social and economic rights protections, including through the establishment of a universal social protection scheme. It also must take meaningful steps to safeguard free expression, combat gender-based violence and discrimination, and protect the rights of all individuals, including migrants, refugees, and detainees.”

    Background

    On 9 January 2025, Lebanon’s Parliament elected a new president, Joseph Aoun, after a more than two-year presidential vacancy. On 13 January 2025, President Aoun designated the former president of the International Court of Justice and Lebanon’s former ambassador to the United Nations, Nawaf Salam, to form and lead a new cabinet of ministers.

    The government’s ministerial statement, presented to Parliament by Prime Minister Salam, pledged to “rescue, reform, and rebuild” the crisis-hit country. The statement promised an “independent judiciary that is immune to interference… and plays its role in ensuring rights and safeguarding freedoms,” including preventing obstruction of investigative judges’ work, particularly in the Beirut port explosion investigation. The government also committed to economic reforms and advancing rights, including access to health care, social security, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

    The ministerial statement, however, is non-binding and only presented government plans in key areas, for example to address the country’s ongoing financial and economic crisis, at a general level. Amnesty International examined the devastating impact the financial and economic crisis on people’s socio-economic rights, and put forward specific recommendations for reform, in a recent report.  It now falls to the new government to develop plans to implement human rights-based reforms and put those plans into practice.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: Masafer Yatta community in occupied West Bank under imminent threat of ‘relentless land grab’ by settlers – new briefing

    Source: Amnesty International –

    2024 was the worst year for settler violence across the occupied West Bank

    Violent settler attacks rose from an average of two a day in 2022 to four a day in 2024

    Spike in state-backed settler violence due to new military seizure orders and failure to prevent and punish settler attacks

    ‘Once they broke our door and beat our children with their rifles’ – Hadeel Jabareen, resident

    ‘Israel is deliberately creating a coercive environment that as a result drives Palestinians like those in the Shi’b Al-Butum off their land’ – Erika Guevara Rosas

    The Palestinian community of Shi’b Al-Butum in Masafer Yatta is at imminent risk of forcible transfer due to increasing state-backed settler attacks, as well as home demolitions, restrictions on access to land and illegal settlement expansion by the Israeli authorities, Amnesty International said today.

    The herding community, home to some 300 Palestinians, is one of the 12 communities that make up the area of Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, and that for decades has been subjected to growing state-backed settler attacks and oppressive measures by the Israeli authorities. Since 7 October 2023 the situation has significantly worsened. Unless measures are immediately taken to hold violent settlers accountable, stop home demolitions and the expansion of nearby settlements, this community – like others in the area – will be forcibly displaced.

    Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, said:

    “The situation of the Shi’b Al-Butum community is a microcosm of what Palestinians, in particular herding and Bedouin communities, are facing across most of the occupied West Bank. Settlers trespass on their land, vandalise and steal their property, harass and physically assault them with total impunity.

    “Through the cumulative impact of decades of occupation and apartheid, including violence, institutionalised discrimination and illegal settlement expansion, Israel is deliberately creating a coercive environment that as a result drives Palestinians like those in the Shi’b Al-Butum off their land. Unlawful transfer –the forced removal of civilians against their will – is a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and amounts to a war crime.

    “Deeply entrenched impunity for settler violence and the longstanding failure of the international community to act to halt the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements or to end Israel’s occupation are facilitating the unlawful transfer of Palestinian communities. Instead of continuing to enable Israel’s relentless land grab, with devastating consequences for Palestinians, world leaders must press Israel to end its unlawful occupation and dismantle its system of apartheid against Palestinians.”

    The spike in state-backed settler violence along with measures by the Israeli authorities have resulted in the forced displacement of Palestinians across the West Bank. These include implementation of new military seizure orders, a sharp increase in the destruction of Palestinian property as well as the participation in, support for, or failure to prevent and punish settler attacks against Palestinians.

    According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 2024 was the worst year for settler violence across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since the organisation began keeping records 20 years ago. Between 7 October 2023 and 31 December 2024, OCHA documented 1,860 incidents of settler violence that led to the displacement of over 300 families (1,762 people, including 856 children). OCHA also recorded a rise in the number of violent settler attacks in the West Bank from an average of two a day in 2022 to four a day in 2024. Israeli human rights organisations, including Yesh Din and Haqel, have also documented the failure of Israeli law enforcement to protect Palestinian residents in the unlawfully occupied West Bank.

    Amnesty has documented how the intensification of the coercive environment created by Israel, including through state-backed settler violence, has already led to the forcible transfer of the herding community of Zanuta, in the south Hebron Hills. Shi’b Al-Butum is now facing a similar fate.

    Evidence of forcible transfer in Zanuta

    Amnesty visited the abandoned site of Zanuta, previously home to some 250 people, including 100 children in March and conducted interviews with five community members who previously lived in Zanuta, who said the frequency and violence of settler attacks against them intensified following the Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, forcing the entire community to leave.

    They described how settlers from a nearby outpost, Meitarim Farm, have regularly attacked and harassed them since 2021. Despite the fact that such outposts are also considered illegal under Israeli law, settlers also built structures and began herding their sheep on Zanuta’s farming land, causing damage to the crops.

    After 7 October 2023 residents said settler attacks escalated occurring almost daily leading many Palestinians to leave. On several occasions, settlers set property on fire or pumped sewage water into farming land.

    Hadeel Jabareen, said:

    “Settlers attacked us at our home more than once after 7 October 2023. Once they broke our door and beat our children with their rifles. They broke the windows as we were sleeping.”

    The community was fully displaced by 22 October 2023. The Israeli Supreme Court ordered that the residents of Zanuta be allowed to return to their community in July 2024. However, after some families returned in August 2024, settler attacks resumed swiftly, forcing the residents to leave once again. The last families left Zanuta on 18 October 2024.

    Adel A-Tal, former resident, said:

    “The settlers were armed and kept attacking us. We were the last family there. Everyone else had left, so we had to leave as well, for the safety of our children and livestock. We were afraid, it was terror.”

    Shi’b Al-Butum: a community at risk

    Amnesty also documented a rise in Israeli settler violence targeting Palestinian shepherds in grazing areas surrounding Shi’b Al-Butum since 7 October 2023 who now risk a similar fate to Zanuta. Amnesty interviewed six people from the community and verified 38 videos of the attacks.  Residents told Amnesty that settlers from the nearby outpost of Mitzpe Yair and the settlement of Avigayil harass and attack them almost on a daily basis. Avigayil is one of 10 outposts the Israeli security cabinet retroactively “legalised” in February 2023.

    The residents described how settlers regularly approach herders threatening them, using abusive language and often falsely reporting to Israeli law enforcement that Palestinians stole their sheep.  Similar incidents have been reported in other communities in the South Hebron Hills area and elsewhere in the West Bank.

    Instead of protecting Shi’b Al-Butum’s Palestinian herders, the Israeli military ordered them not to use these areas, confining them to their village where there is not enough food for their flocks. This has placed a huge financial burden on many shepherds who cannot afford to buy animal feed all year round and are forced to sell some of their sheep, their main source of livelihood, to make ends meet.

    One shepherd, Khalil Jabarin, told Amnesty:

    “No one dares to go herd outside the village anymore. They took everything they wanted, but it’s still not enough for them…they want us to leave. They come here and tell me that I have no land here and that I should go to Yatta [a nearby Palestinian city].”

    Residents described how in particular, since early September 2024, one settler from Mitzpe Yair outpost regularly enters the village at any hour of the day or night, armed with a gun and dressed in military uniform. He walks around, takes photos and vandalises property, especially agricultural land and structures. In videos recorded by the residents, he is seen destroying gates and fences around their agricultural lands. As a result, community members live in constant fear.  In other videos, verified by Amnesty armed settlers are seen walking around the community or speeding through on their motorbikes to intimidate Palestinians.

    Iman Jabarin, who resides in the community and has seven children, said:

    “We don’t feel safe at home. We don’t have security or safety, not me, nor my children or my husband.”

    In a video verified by Amnesty from 19 July this year, a group of eight settlers, accompanied by one soldier, attacked members of the Najjar family who were sitting outside their house. According to the family, the settlers beat them with sticks as the soldier stood by. Video footage also shows the soldier pointing his gun at the Palestinian family, then shooting in the air. Two members of the family were hospitalised for their injuries. One of them, 64-year-old Wadha Najjar, said ongoing impunity for such attacks means they have no hope of justice within the Israeli legal system.

    Israeli authorities have also carried out demolitions of Palestinian homes and property in Shi’b Al-Butum. On 22 November 2023, Israeli forces demolished eight structures in the community due to lack of Israeli building permits, which are virtually impossible to obtain. According to OCHA, demolitions caused the displacement of 19 Palestinians from Shi’b Al-Butum, including 11 children. On 8 July 2024, Israeli forces demolished two residential structures citing lack of permits, displacing 14 people. According to Israeli organisation Peace Now!, which monitors settlement expansion, Israeli planning authorities did not approve a single building permit or appeal for residential purposes for Palestinians in Area C of the West Bank. 

    Settlers above the law

    Settlers continue to enjoy near-total impunity for the violence they perpetrate against Palestinians. Yesh Din, an Israeli human rights group, found that around 94% of police investigations into settler violence against Palestinians across the West Bank between 2005 and 2024 concluded with no indictment. These numbers back Palestinian residents’ conviction that the Israeli law-enforcement system is designed to privilege the interests of settlers at their expense.

    International inaction has also allowed Israeli settlement policies and settler violence to thrive and has entrenched impunity. On 21 January, President Donald Trump revoked all US sanctions on violent Israeli settlers. The very existence of all Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) – regardless of their status under Israeli law – flagrantly violates international law, yet states have repeatedly failed to stop their expansion or to ensure protection for the occupied population in the OPT. Even after the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion of July 2024 declared Israel’s presence in the OPT unlawful and called for its dismantling with 12 months, states have failed to act.

    In addition to Shib al-Butum, nine other communities in Masafer Yatta are at imminent risk of forced displacement as the Israeli military declared their villages part of a military training zones. The plight of these communities, and their struggle to remain on their ancestral lands are featured in the documentary “No Other Land“, recently nominated for the Oscars.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Türkiye: Acquittal of Taner Kılıç after eight-year ordeal comes amid new wave of repression of rights defenders 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The case of Taner Kılıç, who has finally been acquitted after a judicial process that has lasted almost 8 years, is a stark example of the Turkish authorities’ politically motivated attempts to criminalize human rights defenders, said Amnesty International.

    Taner Kılıç, a refugee rights lawyer and former Chair of Amnesty International’s Türkiye section, was arrested in June 2017 and detained in prison for more than 14 months. Despite a complete absence of any credible evidence, in July 2020, he was convicted of “membership of a terrorist organisation” and sentenced to more than six years in prison. The end of the almost eight year ordeal for Taner Kılıç comes amid a new wave of detentions in which rights defenders, journalists, political activists and others have been targeted. 

     Taner Kılıç’s tenacity and resilience, coupled with our determination to undo this injustice, demonstrates that when we come together, we can move mountains  

    His acquittal follows the Court of Cassation’s rejection of the prosecution’s appeal against its previous decision to overturn Taner’s baseless conviction.  

    “Today, as we mark the end of Taner’s agonizing ordeal, our feelings are bittersweet. The cruelty inflicted on Taner – the years stolen from him and his family – can never be forgotten. His tenacity and resilience, coupled with our determination to undo this injustice, demonstrates that when we come together, we can move mountains,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General who spoke with Taner by video call today. 

    “For me this nightmare that has gone on for almost eight years is finally over. My imprisonment for more than a year has caused great trauma to my family. This unfair trial was like a sword of Damocles hanging not just over me but over the head of the entire human rights community in Türkiye. While it was for the prosecution to prove my guilt, this case went on for years despite my repeatedly proving my innocence,” said Taner Kılıç. 

    “The ordeal has created huge uncertainty in my life. The only thing I was sure of throughout this process was that I was right and innocent, and the support from all over the world gave me strength. I thank each and every one who stood up for me.” 

    In May 2022, the European Court of Human Rights reaffirmed that the authorities in Türkiye did not have “any reasonable suspicion that Taner Kılıç had committed an offence” when they remanded him in pre-trial detention for over 14 months in 2017/18. It found that his imprisonment on terrorism-related charges was “directly linked to his activity as a human rights defender”.  

    For me this nightmare that has gone on for almost eight years is finally over 

    In November 2022, the Court of Cassation in Turkey ruled to overturn the conviction of Taner Kılıç on the grounds that the investigation was “incomplete”. The trial court agreed with the Court of Cassation ruling in June 2023, but the prosecutor appealed the decision, insisting that Taner Kılıç’s conviction should stand. With this latest and final decision, the Court of Cassation rejected the prosecution’s appeal, ending the ordeal for the human rights defender.  

    “Taner’s protracted prosecution is emblematic of how Turkish courts have been weaponized to silence critical voices and of the ongoing crackdown by Turkish authorities on rights and freedoms and those who defend them. The flagrant miscarriage of justice he was subjected to for so long is sadly just one of many. But we will take strength from Taner’s acquittal in our fight against the curtailing of human rights in Türkiye, and on behalf of those who refuse to be silenced by the authorities’ threats,” said Agnès Callamard.

    The acquittal comes amid a crackdown in which more than 1,600 people have reportedly been investigated for their alleged links to the Peoples’ Democratic Congress, a platform for civil society organizations and political parties. Last week, at least 50 people were detained in several provinces and 30 among them unlawfully remanded in prison on ‘terrorism’ related allegations after being questioned about their peaceful activities dating from more than a decade ago. 

    Background 

    Taner Kılıç is a founding member of Amnesty International Türkiye. Over the last 20 years, he has played a crucial role in defending human rights as part of the organization and the wider human rights community in Türkiye. See here for more about his prosecution.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: Masafer Yatta community in occupied West Bank under imminent threat of forcible transfer

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The Palestinian community of Shi’b Al-Butum in Masafer Yatta is at imminent risk of forcible transfer due to increasing state-backed settler attacks, as well as home demolitions, restrictions on access to land and illegal settlement expansion by the Israeli authorities, Amnesty International said today.

    This herding community, home to some 300 Palestinians, is one of the 12 communities that make up the area of Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, and that for decades has been subjected to growing state-backed settler attacks and oppressive measures by the Israeli authorities. Since 7 October 2023 the situation has significantly worsened. Unless measures are immediately taken to hold violent settlers accountable, stop home demolitions and the expansion of nearby settlements, this community – like others in the area – will be forcibly displaced.

    “The situation of the Shi’b Al-Butum community is a microcosm of what Palestinians, in particular herding and Bedouin communities, are facing across most of the occupied West Bank. Settlers trespass on their land, vandalize and steal their property, harass and physically assault them with total impunity,” said Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns.

    “Through the cumulative impact of decades of occupation and apartheid, including violence, institutionalized discrimination and illegal settlement expansion, Israel is deliberately creating a coercive environment that as a result drives Palestinians like those in the Shi’b Al-Butum off their land. Unlawful transfer –the forced removal of civilians against their will – is a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and amounts to a war crime.”

    “The situation of the Shi’b Al-Butum community is a microcosm of what Palestinians, in particular herding and Bedouin communities, are facing across most of the occupied West Bank,”- Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns

    Since 7 October 2023, a spike in state-backed settler violence along with measures by the Israeli authorities have resulted in the forced displacement of Palestinians across the West Bank. These include implementation of new military seizure orders, a sharp increase in the destruction of Palestinian property as well as the participation in, support for, or failure to prevent and punish settler attacks against Palestinians.

    According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 2024 was the worst year for settler violence across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since the organization began keeping records 20 years ago. Between 7 October 2023 and 31 December 2024, OCHA documented 1,860 incidents of settler violence that led to the displacement of over 300 families (1,762 people, including 856 children). OCHA also recorded a rise in the number of violent settler attacks in the West Bank from an average of two a day in 2022, to four a day in 2024.

    Israeli human rights organizations, including Yesh Din and Haqel, have also documented the failure of Israeli law enforcement to protect Palestinian residents in the unlawfully occupied West Bank.

    Amnesty International has documented how the intensification of the coercive environment created by Israel, including through state-backed settler violence, has already led to the forcible transfer of the herding community of Zanuta, in the south Hebron Hills. Shi’b Al-Butum is now facing a similar fate.

    Evidence of forcible transfer in Zanuta

    Amnesty International visited the abandoned site of Zanuta, previously home to some 250 people, including 100 children, in March 2024. The organization also conducted interviews with five community members who previously lived in Zanuta, who said the frequency and violence of settler attacks against them intensified following the Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, forcing the entire community to leave.

    They described how settlers from a nearby outpost, Meitarim Farm, have regularly attacked and harassed them since 2021. Despite the fact that such outposts are also considered illegal under Israeli law, settlers also built structures and began herding their sheep on Zanuta’s farming land, causing damage to the crops.

    After 7 October 2023 residents said settler attacks escalated occurring almost daily leading many Palestinians to leave. On several occasions, settlers set property on fire or pumped sewage water into farming land.

    “Settlers attacked us at our home more than once after 7 October 2023. Once they broke our door and beat our children with their rifles. They broke the windows as we were sleeping,” said Hadeel Jabareen.

    The community was fully displaced by 22 October 2023. The Israeli Supreme Court ordered that the residents of Zanuta be allowed to return to their community in July 2024. However, after some families returned in August 2024, settler attacks resumed swiftly, forcing the residents to leave once again.

    The last families left Zanuta on 18 October 2024.

    “The settlers were armed and kept attacking us. We were the last family there. Everyone else had left, so we had to leave as well, for the safety of our children and livestock. We were afraid, it was terror,” said former resident, Adel A-Tal.

    Shi’b Al-Butum: a community at risk

    Amnesty International has also documented a rise in Israeli settler violence targeting Palestinian shepherds in grazing areas surrounding Shi’b Al-Butum since 7 October 2023 who now risk a similar fate to Zanuta. The organization interviewed six people from the community and verified 38 videos of the attacks.

    Residents told Amnesty International that settlers from the nearby outpost of Mitzpe Yair and the settlement of Avigayil harass and attack them almost on a daily basis since 7 October 2023. Avigayil is one of 10 outposts the Israeli security cabinet retroactively “legalized” in February 2023.

    The residents described how settlers regularly approach herders threatening them, using abusive language and often falsely reporting to Israeli law enforcement that Palestinians stole their sheep.  Similar incidents have been reported in other communities in the South Hebron Hills area and elsewhere in the West Bank.

    Instead of protecting Shi’b Al-Butum’s Palestinian herders, the Israeli military ordered them not to use these areas, confining them to their village where there is not enough food for their flocks. This has placed a huge financial burden on many shepherds who cannot afford to buy animal feed all year round and are forced to sell some of their sheep, their main source of livelihood, to make ends meet.

    One shepherd, Khalil Jabarin, told Amnesty:“No one dares to go herd outside the village anymore. They took everything they wanted, but it’s still not enough for them…they want us to leave. They come here and tell me that I have no land here and that I should go to Yatta [a nearby Palestinian city].”

    Residents described how in particular, since early September 2024, one settler from Mitzpe Yair outpost regularly enters the village at any hour of the day or night, armed with a gun and dressed in military uniform. He walks around, takes photos and vandalizes property, especially agricultural land and structures. In videos recorded by the residents, he is seen destroying gates and fences around their agricultural lands. As a result, community members live in constant fear.  In other videos, verified by Amnesty International, armed settlers are seen walking around the community or speeding through on their motorbikes to intimidate Palestinians.

    Iman Jabarin, who resides in the community and has seven children, said: “We don’t feel safe at home. We don’t have security or safety, not me, nor my children or my husband.”

    In a video verified by Amnesty International from 19 July 2024, a group of eight settlers, accompanied by one soldier, attacked members of the Najjar family who were sitting outside their house. According to the family, the settlers beat them with sticks as the soldier stood by. Video footage also shows the soldier pointing his gun at the Palestinian family, then shooting in the air. Two members of the family were hospitalized for their injuries. One of them, 64-year-old Wadha Najjar, said ongoing impunity for such attacks means they have no hope of justice within the Israeli legal system.

    Israeli authorities have also carried out demolitions of Palestinian homes and property in Shi’b Al-Butum. On 22 November 2023, Israeli forces demolished eight structures in the community due to lack of Israeli building permits, which are virtually impossible to obtain. According to OCHA, demolitions caused the displacement of 19 Palestinians from Shi’b Al-Butum, including 11 children. On 8 July 2024, Israeli forces demolished two residential structures citing lack of permits, displacing 14 people. According to Israeli organization Peace Now!, which monitors settlement expansion, Israeli planning authorities did not approve a single building permit or appeal for residential purposes for Palestinians in Area C of the West Bank. 

    Settlers above the law

    Settlers continue to enjoy near-total impunity for the violence they perpetrate against Palestinians. Yesh Din, an Israeli human rights group, found that around 94% of police investigations into settler violence against Palestinians across the West Bank between 2005 and 2024 concluded with no indictment. These numbers back Palestinian residents’ conviction that the Israeli law-enforcement system is designed to privilege the interests of settlers at their expense.

    “Instead of continuing to enable Israel’s relentless land grab, with devastating consequences for Palestinians, world leaders must press Israel to end its unlawful occupation and dismantle its system of apartheid against Palestinians”- Erika Guevara Rosas

    International inaction has also allowed Israeli settlement policies and settler violence to thrive and has entrenched impunity. On 21 January, President Donald Trump revoked all US sanctions on violent Israeli settlers. The very existence of all Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) – regardless of their status under Israeli law – flagrantly violates international law, yet states have repeatedly failed to stop their expansion or to ensure protection for the occupied population in the OPT. Even after the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion of July 2024 declared Israel’s presence in the OPT unlawful and called for its dismantling with 12 months, states have failed to act.

    “Deeply entrenched impunity for settler violence and the longstanding failure of the international community to act to halt the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements or to end Israel’s occupation are facilitating the unlawful transfer of Palestinian communities, which is a war crime. Instead of continuing to enable Israel’s relentless land grab, with devastating consequences for Palestinians, world leaders must press Israel to end its unlawful occupation and dismantle its system of apartheid against Palestinians,” said Erika Guevara Rosas.

    In addition to Shib al-Butum, nine other communities in Masafer Yatta are at imminent risk of forced displacement as the Israeli military declared their villages part of a military training zones. The plight of these communities, and their struggle to remain on their ancestral lands are featured in the documentary “No Other Land“, recently nominated for the Oscars.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI: Wojciech Podobas Increases Stake in Thinca Co., Ltd. (TSE: 149A) to 6.00% Following Tokyo Visit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Thinca Co., Ltd. (TSE: 149A), the developer and provider of the communication platform Kaikura, is pleased to announce that Voytek Podobas (Wojciech Jakub Podobas), founder of Podobas Global Investments, a major shareholder holding over 5% of the company’s shares, visited Thinca’s Tokyo headquarters. During his visit, he met with CEO Takahiro Ejiri and CFO Yusuke Ishikawa.

    Mr. Podobas, a seasoned global investor known for his strategic investments in high-growth companies, has been actively supporting Japan’s emerging software sector. Through this visit, he gained deeper insight into Thinca Co., Ltd. (TSE: 149A)‘s vision and strategy, reinforcing his confidence in the company’s long-term growth potential. Following the visit, Mr. Podobas increased his stake, raising his ownership to 6.00%.

    As a publicly traded company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Thinca Co., Ltd. (TSE: 149A) continues to attract strategic investors who recognize the value of its expanding business model. Thinca expresses its deep gratitude for Mr. Podobas’s continued support and remains committed to strengthening its market leadership. His growing involvement reflects a strong endorsement of Thinca’s innovation-driven approach and global potential.

    Voytek Podobas  commented on his visit: “Currently, I am involved in approximately ten investment projects, many of which focus on Japan’s software sector. After evaluating every software-related company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Thinca’s business stands out, and I highly appreciate its future growth potential. I find many similarities between Thinca and a highly successful Swedish SaaS company I previously invested in.”

    “I am confident that Thinca’s Kaikura service has immense potential to reshape Japan’s business communication landscape. By seamlessly integrating multiple communication tools, it enhances efficiency while respecting Japan’s business culture. Furthermore, the company’s innovative use of AI-driven features makes it a standout player in Japan’s rapidly evolving SaaS industry.”

    “This visit allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Thinca’s vision, reaffirming my investment decision. I am particularly impressed by the professionalism and innovative mindset of the Thinca team. Their pursuit of excellence aligns with Japan’s Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement. I am excited to support Thinca’s next phase of growth.”

    About Kaikura
    Kaikura is a next-generation communication platform that centralizes interactions across various channels, including phone calls, emails, web conferences, and SMS. Since its launch in August 2014, Kaikura has been adopted by over 2,700 companies across more than 5,200 locations. The platform has received multiple industry awards, including recognition as the “2023 Winter Leader” in the CTI category of the ITreview Grid Award and the “Most Customizable” SaaS in the Call Center System category of the BOXIL SaaS AWARD Winter 2023.

    For more information, users can visit the official Kaikura website: https://kaiwa.cloud/

    Japan’s software market is currently undergoing rapid transformation, with Thinca Co., Ltd. at the forefront of this digital evolution. As businesses across Japan accelerate their digitalization efforts, Kaikura is leading the way with cutting-edge AI-powered features designed to optimize workflows, enhance customer interactions, and automate communication management. The company has recently introduced advanced AI-driven call analysis, automated transcription, and real-time sentiment tracking, further solidifying Kaikura’s position as a game-changing SaaS solution. As Voytek Podobas and other global investors continue to recognize Thinca’s potential, the company remains committed to driving innovation in Japan’s enterprise software industry.

    Contact

    Caesar Tabota
    CPaper Media LLC
    office@podobas.global

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9071bea6-ba77-44a9-891e-9203d49df4b5

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Use of Paragon Solutions spyware against journalists and civil society representatives – E-000600/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000600/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Pina Picierno (S&D), Giorgio Gori (S&D), Camilla Laureti (S&D), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Marc Angel (S&D), Birgit Sippel (S&D), Elisabetta Gualmini (S&D), Irene Tinagli (S&D), Kristian Vigenin (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Alex Agius Saliba (S&D), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Alessandro Zan (S&D), Maria Grapini (S&D)

    Several newspapers[1][2][3] revealed on 31 January 2025 that WhatsApp had informed more than 100 journalists and civil society representatives worldwide that they had been attacked by spyware developed by the Israeli company Paragon Solutions. Also among the victims is Francesco Cancellato, director of the online newspaper Fanpage.it.

    This attack allowed hackers to illegally gain full access to victims’ devices, collecting sensitive data and intercepting private communications on the encrypted platform.

    In the light of these events, can the Commission answer the following questions:

    • 1.What measures will the Commission take to launch an investigation to ascertain the extent of this violation?
    • 2.Will it launch an investigation to ascertain who is responsible and take action against the perpetrators?
    • 3.What measures will it take to protect press freedom and journalists from such cyber attacks given the violations of Directive 2009/136/EC, Directive (EU) 2018/1972, Regulation (EU) 2024/1083, Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and Directive 2013/40/EU?

    Submitted: 10.2.2025

    • [1] https://www.fanpage.it/attualita/giornalisti-presi-di-mira-dallo-spyware-israeliano-paragon-spiato-anche-il-direttore-di-fanpage-it/.
    • [2] https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/spiato-software-militare-israeliano-fondatore-ong-mediterranea-AGim5PjC?refresh_ce&nof.
    • [3] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jan/31/italian-journalist-whatsapp-israeli-spyware.
    Last updated: 27 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy Secretary-General, Trip Announcement & other topics – Daily Press Briefing

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

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

    – Deputy Secretary-General
    – Trip Announcement
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Sudan
    – Sudan / Zamzam camp
    – Somalia
    – Syria
    – Central African Republic
    – Police Week

    DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
    The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, is in Cape Town, in the Republic of South Africa, representing the Secretary-General at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting. She also attended the Finance in Common Summit of National Development Banks.
    In her remarks, Ms. Mohammed conveyed the UN’s support for South Africa’s G20 presidency and stressed the importance of G20 action to shepherd the global economy and improve prospects for sustainable development. She called for proactive steps to support developing countries overwhelmed by debt service, to expand development finance, and to create a stronger global financial safety net that protects all countries. She also stressed the need for strengthening tax systems, and making them fairer and more efficient.
    Ms. Mohammed also met with ministers and principals of international financial institutions and development banks ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, that will take place in Sevilla, in Spain in July. She will be back in New York tomorrow.

    TRIP ANNOUNCEMENT
    The Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, will be travelling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo from tomorrow [27 February] until 1 March. He will first go to Kinshasa, where he will engage with Congolese authorities as well as international partners, to discuss the ongoing situation in the eastern part of the country and the next steps in implementing Resolution 2773 – which was adopted last week.
    He will then head to the East and travel to Beni, in North Kivu, where he will engage with provincial authorities, as well as with the newly- appointed Force Commander for the peacekeeping force, Lt. Gen. Ulisses De Mesquita Gomes, and as well, of course, with peacekeepers deployed in the Beni area. He will be there to assess first-hand recent developments and will also visit UN Peacekeeping positions.
    On 1 March, he will go to Entebbe, in Uganda, where he will pay a visit to MONUSCO personnel who were evacuated to Uganda from Goma last month, following the advances of the M23.
    And as we mentioned – Mr. Lacroix is currently wrapping up his visit to New Delhi, in India, where he attended an international conference on Women, Peace and Security, hosted by the Government of India to address barriers and discuss solutions to women’s participation in peacekeeping efforts.
    While in India, Mr. Lacroix also discussed the future of peacekeeping with Indian senior government officials and visited the National War Memorial.

    DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
    Staying in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs say they are alarmed by escalating violence and insecurity in recent days in the city of Uvira, about 100 kilometers south of South Kivu’s provincial capital Bukavu.
    Clashes and rising violence in Uvira put local communities and humanitarian workers in extreme danger, with our humanitarian partners reporting multiple incidents of looting and sexual violence.
    Elsewhere in South Kivu, humanitarian assessments over the last ten days indicate that more than 10,000 displaced people have returned from Idjwi island in Lake Kivu – due to dire conditions there – they returned to villages in the areas of Minova and Kalehe. More than 100,000 people had fled to the island since late January.
    Our partners also report that people have been returning to parts of North Kivu, where a recent assessment found that 80,000 people have returned to villages in the territory of Masisi, about 80 kilometers northwest of Goma. Infrastructure in these villages was largely destroyed by recent fighting, and returnees urgently need humanitarian assistance. Ongoing clashes in Masisi also expose people to risks of violence and rights violations.
    For its part, our colleagues at the UN Children’s Fund said today they are deeply worries by the significant increase in reports of grave violations committed against children in parts of the eastern DRC. They say the number of incidents has tripled since the end of January.
    The data collected reveals that cases of sexual violence have risen by more than two and a half times, abductions have increased sixfold, killing and maiming is up sevenfold, and attacks on schools and hospitals have multiplied by 12.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=26%20February%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhHe98GuD9U

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ensuring accountability and strategic impact of EU aid on Lebanon’s humanitarian and security situation – E-002549/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In 2013 , the Council designated the military wing of Hezbollah under the EU sanctions regime to combat terrorism[1]. The EU position has not changed since then. Designations under this regime require a decision by the Council acting unanimously[2].

    The EU welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, the election of Mr Aoun as President, and supports the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as sole security actor.

    The restoration of Lebanon’s sovereignty requires the deployment of LAF in the south, where they must become the only military force present.

    The EU is supporting the LAF through the European Peace Facility with a new assistance measure worth EUR 60 million for 2025, in addition to the previous EUR 22 million.

    The EU also insists on the full respect and implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701[3], including the call for disarmament of all armed groups.

    The international community has the duty to contribute to bringing back peace in Lebanon that will ensure a long-term stability, for the sake of the Lebanese people and the whole region.

    The EU ensures that its funding is channelled through partners that meet the highest standards of accountability and transparency and are subject to rigorous pre-assessment procedures.

    Partners receiving EU funding are expected to uphold strict ethical and professional standards. They are required to establish effective and efficient internal control systems and robust risk-management mechanisms.

    These measures ensure that EU resources are utilized for their intended purposes and in compliance with EU regulations .

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32013R0714
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02001R2580-20190709
    • [3] http://unscr.com/en/resolutions/1701
    Last updated: 27 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Beamr to Discuss How AI Revolutionizes the Video Industry at NVIDIA GTC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Beamr CEO, Sharon Carmel, will present at GTC a session titled: “The Future of Video Compression is AI-Driven” on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 9 AM PT

    Herzliya Israel, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beamr Imaging Ltd. (NASDAQ: BMR), a leader in video optimization technology and solutions, today announced that Sharon Carmel, Chief Executive Officer, will present a talk at NVIDIA GTC, titled, “The Future of Video Compression is AI-Driven.” GTC is a global AI conference for developers and business minds shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and accelerated computing.

    At GTC, Beamr will showcase how AI algorithms reshape video quality and usability and improve the efficiency of video workflows. Carmel will present AI capabilities, such as image enhancement, searchability and other content analysis options that enrich content and enable improved monetization. Beamr uses NVIDIA technology, including the NVIDIA DeepStream SDK for streaming analytics, NVENC, an encoder integrated into NVIDIA GPUs, and the NVIDIA CUDA Toolkit for GPU-accelerated applications.

    “Beamr’s unique positioning as a GPU-accelerated video service empowers AI-driven processes, allowing our customers to optimize video workflows and add AI-driven capabilities with a single process,” said Carmel. He added: “We recognize that video as we know it is transforming into AI video, and our vision is to enable companies with extensive video operations the ability to automatically and scalably embrace this revolution.”

    Beamr’s video optimization technology — integrated with NVENC and available on NVIDIA T4 Tensor Core, RTX 4000 Ada Generation for Data Centers, L4e, L40 and L40S Tensor Core GPUs — aims to accelerate video AI workflows and enhance video pre-training, training and inference capabilities in AI pipelines. NVENC SDK 12.1 added an API that allows external control and enables users to tightly integrate hardware encoders for AVC and HEVC video formats. In addition, it supports AOMedia Video 1 (AV1), an efficient emerging video format.

    “AI continues to drive the modernization of broadcasting, streaming and user-generated content,” said Richard Kerris, vice president of media and entertainment at NVIDIA. “Beamr’s showcase at GTC will demonstrate how the company’s latest solutions, powered by NVIDIA technology, will enable high-quality, scalable video optimization.”

    Learn more about how The Future of Video Compression is AI-Driven at GTC.

    About Beamr

    Beamr (Nasdaq: BMR) is a world leader in content-adaptive video optimization and modernization. The company serves top media companies like Netflix and Paramount. Beamr’s inventive perceptual optimization technology (CABR) is backed by 53 patents and won the Emmy® award for Technology and Engineering. The innovative technology reduces video file size by up to 50% while guaranteeing quality.

    Beamr Cloud is a high-performance, GPU-based video optimization and modernization service designed for businesses and video professionals across diverse industries. It is conveniently available to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) customers. Beamr Cloud enables video modernization to advanced formats such as AV1 and HEVC, and is ready for video AI workflows. For more details, please visit https://beamr.com/

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this communication may include, among other things, statements about Beamr’s strategic and business plans, technology, relationships, objectives and expectations for its business, the impact of trends on and interest in its business, intellectual property or product and its future results, operations and financial performance and condition. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including, but not limited to, the risks detailed in the Company’s annual report filed with the SEC on March 4, 2024 and in subsequent filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. 

    Investor Contact:

    investorrelations@beamr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Outbrain Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Reports another quarter of accelerated growth and profitability, achieved Q4 guidance on Ex TAC gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA, and generated strong cash flow

    Closed acquisition of Teads in February 2025; Combined company operating under the name Teads

    NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Outbrain Inc. (Nasdaq: OB), which is operating under the new Teads brand, announced today financial results for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Key Financial Metrics:

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
    (in millions USD)   2024       2023     % Change     2024       2023     % Change
    Revenue $ 234.6     $ 248.2       (5 )%   $ 889.9     $ 935.8       (5 )%
    Gross profit   56.1       53.2       5  %     192.1       184.8       4  %
    Net (loss) income   (0.2 )     4.1       (104 )%     (0.7 )     10.2       (107 )%
    Net cash provided by operating activities   42.7       25.5       67 %     68.6       13.7       399  %
                                   
    Non-GAAP Financial Data*                              
    Ex-TAC gross profit   68.3       63.8       7  %     236.1       227.4       4  %
    Adjusted EBITDA   17.0       14.0       21  %     37.3       28.5       31  %
    Adjusted net income (loss)   3.5       4.3       (20 )%     4.1       (3.9 )     205  %
    Free cash flow   37.6       21.0       79  %     51.3       (6.5 )   NM

    _____________________________

    NM Not meaningful

    * See non-GAAP reconciliations below

    “Continued momentum in our growth areas helped drive accelerated growth and profitability, with a record level of cash flow” said David Kostman, CEO of Outbrain.

    “A few weeks post closing of our merger with Teads, I am even more excited about combining the category-leading branding and performance capabilities of Outbrain and Teads into one of the largest Open Internet platforms. We believe the new Teads will better serve enterprise brands and agencies, as well as mid-market and direct response advertisers, by delivering elevated outcomes from branding to performance across curated, quality media environments from digital to CTV,” added Kostman.

    Recent Developments

    On February 3, 2025, we completed the acquisition of Teads, for total value of approximately $900 million, comprised of $625 million in cash and 43.75 million shares of Outbrain common stock. The combined company will operate under the name Teads.

    In connection with the acquisition:

    • On February 3, 2025, entered into a credit agreement with Goldman Sachs Bank, U.S. Bank Trust Company, and certain other lenders, which provided, among other things, for a new $100.0 million super senior secured revolving credit facility maturing on February 3, 2030, which may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
    • On February 11, 2025, completed the private offering of $637.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 10.0% senior secured notes due 2030 at an issue price of 98.087% of the principal amount in a transaction exempt from registration. The proceeds were used, together with cash on hand, to repay in full and cancel a bridge credit facility used to finance the cash consideration paid at closing.
    • Terminated the existing revolving credit facility with the Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank & Trust Company, dated as of November 2, 2021.
    • We expect to realize approximately $65 million to $75 million of annual synergies in 2026 with further opportunities for expanded synergies. Of this amount, approximately $60 million relates to cost synergies, including approximately $45 million of compensation-related expenses, with approximately 70% of the estimated compensation-related synergies already actioned in February.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Business Highlights:

    • Continued acceleration of year-over-year growth of Ex-TAC gross profit, improvement in Ex-TAC gross margin, and growth in Adjusted EBITDA.
    • Fifth consecutive quarter of year-over-year RPM growth.
    • Strong initial reception of our Moments offering, launched in Q3 and live on over 40 publishers, including New York Post, NewsCorp Australia, RTL and Rolling Stone.
    • Continued growth in advertiser spend on Outbrain DSP (previously known as Zemanta), by approximately 45% in FY 2024, as compared to the prior year.
    • Continued supply expansion outside of traditional feed product representing approximately 30% of our revenue in Q4 2024, versus 26% in Q4 2023.
    • Premium supply competitive wins include Penske Media (US) and Prensa Ibérica (Spain), and renewals including Spiegel (Germany), Il Messaggero (Italy), and Grape (Japan).

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

    • Revenue of $234.6 million, a decrease of $13.6 million, or 5%, compared to $248.2 million in the prior year period, including net unfavorable foreign currency effects of approximately $1.8 million.
    • Gross profit of $56.1 million, an increase of $2.9 million, or 5%, compared to $53.2 million in the prior year period. Gross margin increased 250 basis points to 23.9%, compared to 21.4% in the prior year period.
    • Ex-TAC gross profit of $68.3 million, an increase of $4.5 million, or 7%, compared to $63.8 million in the prior year period, as lower revenue was more than offset by our Ex-TAC gross margin improvement of approximately 340 basis points to 29.1%, compared to 25.7% in the prior year period.
    • Net loss of $0.2 million, compared to net income of $4.1 million in the prior year period. Net loss in the current period includes acquisition-related costs of $3.6 million, net of taxes.
    • Adjusted net income of $3.5 million, compared to adjusted net income of $4.3 million in the prior year period.
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $17.0 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $14.0 million in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA included net unfavorable foreign currency effects of approximately $0.8 million.
    • Generated net cash provided by operating activities of $42.7 million, compared to $25.5 million in the prior year period. Free cash flow was $37.6 million, as compared to $21.0 million in the prior year period.
    • Cash, cash equivalents and investments in marketable securities were $166.1 million, comprised of cash and cash equivalents of $89.1 million and short-term investments in marketable securities of $77.0 million as of December 31, 2024.

    Full Year 2024 Financial Results:

    • Revenue of $889.9 million, a decrease of $45.9 million, or 5%, compared to $935.8 million in the prior year period, including net unfavorable foreign currency effects of approximately $2.4 million.
    • Gross profit of $192.1 million, an increase of $7.3 million, or 4%, compared to $184.8 million in the prior year period, including net unfavorable foreign currency effects of approximately $1.3 million. Gross margin increased 190 basis points to 21.6% in 2024, compared to 19.7% in 2023.
    • Ex-TAC gross profit of $236.1 million, an increase of $8.7 million, or 4%, compared to $227.4 million in the prior year period, including net unfavorable foreign currency effects of approximately $1.3 million.
    • Net loss of $0.7 million, including net one-time expenses of $4.8 million, compared to net income of $10.2 million, including net one-time benefits of $14.1 million in the prior year. See non-GAAP reconciliations below for details of one-time items.
    • Adjusted net income of $4.1 million, compared to adjusted net loss of $3.9 million in the prior year.
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $37.3 million, compared to $28.5 million in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA included net unfavorable foreign currency effects of approximately $1.2 million.
    • Generated net cash provided by operating activities of $68.6 million, compared to net cash provided $13.7 million in the prior year. Free cash flow was $51.3 million, compared to a use of cash of $6.5 million in the prior year.

    Share Repurchases:

    There were no share repurchases during the three months ended December 31, 2024. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased 1,410,001 shares for $5.8 million, including related costs, under our $30 million stock repurchase program authorized in December 2022. The remaining availability under the repurchase program was $6.6 million as of December 31, 2024.

    2025 Full Year and First Quarter Guidance

    The following forward-looking statements reflect our expectations for 2025, including the contribution from Teads.

    For the first quarter ending March 31, 2025, which includes the results for the legacy Outbrain business plus the addition of operating results for legacy Teads beginning on February 3, 2025, we expect:

    • Ex-TAC gross profit of $100 million to $105 million
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $8 million to $12 million

    For the full year ending December 31, 2025, we expect:

    • Adjusted EBITDA of at least $180 million

    The above measures are forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures for which a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is not available without unreasonable efforts. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below. In addition, our guidance is subject to risks and uncertainties, as outlined below in this release.

    Conference Call and Webcast Information

    Outbrain will host an investor conference call this morning, Thursday, February 27 at 8:30 am ET. Interested parties are invited to listen to the conference call which can be accessed live by phone by dialing 1-877-497-9071 or for international callers, 1-201-689-8727. A replay will be available two hours after the call and can be accessed by dialing 1-877-660-6853, or for international callers, 1-201-612-7415. The passcode for the live call and the replay is 13750872. The replay will be available until March 13, 2025. Interested investors and other parties may also listen to a simultaneous webcast of the conference call by logging onto the Investors Relations section of the Company’s website at https://investors.outbrain.com. The online replay will be available for a limited time shortly following the call.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In addition to GAAP performance measures, we use the following supplemental non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends, and allocate our resources: Ex-TAC gross profit, Ex-TAC gross margin, Adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, adjusted net income (loss), and adjusted diluted EPS. These non-GAAP financial measures are defined and reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measures below. These non-GAAP financial measures are subject to significant limitations, including those we identify below. In addition, other companies in our industry may define these measures differently, which may reduce their usefulness as comparative measures. As a result, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant as a substitute for revenue, gross profit, net income (loss), diluted EPS, or cash flows from operating activities presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    Because we are a global company, the comparability of our operating results is affected by foreign exchange fluctuations. We calculate certain constant currency measures and foreign currency impacts by translating the current year’s reported amounts into comparable amounts using the prior year’s exchange rates. All constant currency financial information that may be presented is non-GAAP and should be used as a supplement to our reported operating results. We believe that this information is helpful to our management and investors to assess our operating performance on a comparable basis. However, these measures are not intended to replace amounts presented in accordance with GAAP and may be different from similar measures calculated by other companies.

    The Company is also providing fourth quarter and full year guidance. These forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures are calculated based on internal forecasts that omit certain amounts that would be included in GAAP financial measures. The Company has not provided quantitative reconciliations of these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures because it is unable, without unreasonable effort, to predict with reasonable certainty the occurrence or amount of all excluded items that may arise during the forward-looking period, which can be dependent on future events that may not be reliably predicted. Such excluded items could be material to the reported results individually or in the aggregate.

    Ex-TAC Gross Profit

    Ex-TAC gross profit is a non-GAAP financial measure. Gross profit is the most comparable GAAP measure. In calculating Ex-TAC gross profit, we add back other cost of revenue to gross profit. Ex-TAC gross profit may fluctuate in the future due to various factors, including, but not limited to, seasonality and changes in the number of media partners and advertisers, advertiser demand or user engagements.

    We present Ex-TAC gross profit, Ex-TAC gross margin (calculated as Ex-TAC gross profit as a percentage of revenue), and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Ex-TAC gross profit, because they are key profitability measures used by our management and board of directors to understand and evaluate our operating performance and trends, develop short-term and long-term operational plans, and make strategic decisions regarding the allocation of capital. Accordingly, we believe that these measures provide information to investors and the market in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors. There are limitations on the use of Ex-TAC gross profit in that traffic acquisition cost is a significant component of our total cost of revenue but not the only component and, by definition, Ex-TAC gross profit presented for any period will be higher than gross profit for that period. A potential limitation of this non-GAAP financial measure is that other companies, including companies in our industry, which have a similar business, may define Ex-TAC gross profit differently, which may make comparisons difficult. As a result, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant as a substitute for revenue or gross profit presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    Adjusted EBITDA

    We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before gain on convertible debt; interest expense; interest income and other income (expense), net; provision for income taxes; depreciation and amortization; stock-based compensation; and other income or expenses that we do not consider indicative of our core operating performance, including but not limited to, merger and acquisition costs, regulatory matter costs, and severance costs related to our cost saving initiatives. We present Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental performance measure because it is a key profitability measure used by our management and board of directors to understand and evaluate our operating performance and trends, develop short-term and long-term operational plans and make strategic decisions regarding the allocation of capital, and we believe it facilitates operating performance comparisons from period to period.

    We believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors. However, our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP information of other companies. Adjusted EBITDA should be considered as a supplemental measure and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any measures of our financial performance that are calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted Diluted EPS

    Adjusted net income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income (loss) excluding items that we do not consider indicative of our core operating performance, including but not limited to gain on convertible debt, merger and acquisition costs, regulatory matter costs, and severance costs related to our cost saving initiatives. Adjusted net income (loss), as defined above, is also presented on a per diluted share basis. We present adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted EPS as supplemental performance measures because we believe they facilitate performance comparisons from period to period. However, adjusted net income (loss) or adjusted diluted EPS should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income (loss) or diluted earnings per share reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    Free Cash Flow

    Free cash flow is defined as cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures and capitalized software development costs. Free cash flow is a supplementary measure used by our management and board of directors to evaluate our ability to generate cash and we believe it allows for a more complete analysis of our available cash flows. Free cash flow should be considered as a supplemental measure and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any measures of our financial performance that are calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements generally relating to possible or assumed future results of our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, plans and objectives, and statements relating to our recently completed acquisition of Teads S.A., a public limited liability company(société anonyme) incorporated and existing under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (“Teads”). You can generally identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “foresee,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions or are not statements of historical fact. We have based these forward- looking statements largely on our expectations and projections regarding future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors including, but not limited to: the ability of Outbrain to successfully integrate Teads or manage the combined business effectively; our ability to realize anticipated benefits and synergies of the acquisition, including, among other things, operating efficiencies, revenue synergies and other cost savings; our due diligence investigation of Teads may be inadequate or risks related to Teads’ business may materialize; unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the acquisition; the outcome of any securities litigation, stockholder derivative or other litigation related to the acquisition; our ability to raise additional financing in the future to fund our operations, which may not be available to us on favorable terms or at all; the volatility of the market price of our common stock and any drop in the market price of our common stock following the acquisition; our ability to attract and retain customers, management and other key personnel; overall advertising demand and traffic generated by our media partners; factors that affect advertising demand and spending, such as the continuation or worsening of unfavorable economic or business conditions or downturns, instability or volatility in financial markets, and other events or factors outside of our control, such as U.S. and global recession concerns, geopolitical concerns, including the ongoing war between Ukraine-Russia and conditions in Israel and the Middle East, tariffs and trade wars, supply chain issues, inflationary pressures, labor market volatility, bank closures or disruptions, the impact of challenging economic conditions, political and policy changes or uncertainties in connection with the new U.S. presidential administration, and other factors that have and may further impact advertisers’ ability to pay; our ability to continue to innovate, and adoption by our advertisers and media partners of our expanding solutions; the success of our sales and marketing investments, which may require significant investments and may involve long sales cycles; our ability to grow our business and manage growth effectively; our ability to compete effectively against current and future competitors; the loss or decline of one or more of our large media partners, and our ability to expand our advertiser and media partner relationships; conditions in Israel, including the sustainability of the recent cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and any conflicts with other terrorist organizations; our ability to maintain our revenues or profitability despite quarterly fluctuations in our results, whether due to seasonality, large cyclical events, or other causes; the risk that our research and development efforts may not meet the demands of a rapidly evolving technology market; any failure of our recommendation engine to accurately predict attention or engagement, any deterioration in the quality of our recommendations or failure to present interesting content to users or other factors which may cause us to experience a decline in user engagement or loss of media partners; limits on our ability to collect, use and disclose data to deliver advertisements; our ability to extend our reach into evolving digital media platforms; our ability to maintain and scale our technology platform; our ability to meet demands on our infrastructure and resources due to future growth or otherwise; our failure or the failure of third parties to protect our sites, networks and systems against security breaches, or otherwise to protect the confidential information of us or our partners; outages or disruptions that impact us or our service providers, resulting from cyber incidents, or failures or loss of our infrastructure; significant fluctuations in currency exchange rates; political and regulatory risks in the various markets in which we operate; the challenges of compliance with differing and changing regulatory requirements; the timing and execution of any cost-saving measures and the impact on our business or strategy; and the risks described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 2023, in our definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on October 31, 2024 and in subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as an indication of future performance. We cannot assure you that the results, events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur, and actual results, events, or circumstances could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation and do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    About The Combined Company

    Outbrain Inc. (Nasdaq: OB) and Teads combined on February 3, 2025 and are operating under the new Teads brand. The new Teads is the omnichannel outcomes platform for the open internet, driving full-funnel results for marketers across premium media. With a focus on meaningful business outcomes, the combined company ensures value is driven with every media dollar by leveraging predictive AI technology to connect quality media, beautiful brand creative, and context-driven addressability and measurement. One of the most scaled advertising platforms on the open internet, the new Teads is directly partnered with more than 10,000 publishers and 20,000 advertisers globally. The company is headquartered in New York, with a global team of nearly 1,800 people in 36 countries.

    Media Contact

    press@outbrain.com

    Investor Relations Contact

    IR@outbrain.com

    (332) 205-8999

    OUTBRAIN INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (In thousands, except for share and per share data)
     
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
      (Unaudited)
    Revenue $ 234,586     $ 248,229     $ 889,875     $ 935,818  
    Cost of revenue:              
    Traffic acquisition costs   166,247       184,425       653,731       708,449  
    Other cost of revenue   12,277       10,572       44,042       42,571  
    Total cost of revenue   178,524       194,997       697,773       751,020  
    Gross profit   56,062       53,232       192,102       184,798  
    Operating expenses:         ​    
    Research and development   9,434       8,369       37,080       36,402  
    Sales and marketing   25,736       25,254       97,498       98,370  
    General and administrative   18,357       13,899       70,162       58,665  
    Total operating expenses   53,527       47,522       204,740       193,437  
    Income (loss) from operations   2,535       5,710       (12,638 )     (8,639 )
    Other income (expense), net:              
    Gain on convertible debt   —       —       8,782       22,594  
    Interest expense   (699 )     (965 )     (3,649 )     (5,393 )
    Interest income and other income, net   1,522       2,060       9,209       7,793  
    Total other income, net   823       1,095       14,342       24,994  
    Income before income taxes   3,358       6,805       1,704       16,355  
    Provision for income taxes   3,525       2,748       2,415       6,113  
    Net (loss) income $ (167 )   $ 4,057     $ (711 )   $ 10,242  
                   
    Weighted average shares outstanding:              
    Basic   49,767,704       50,076,364       49,321,301       50,900,422  
    Diluted   49,767,704       50,108,460       52,709,356       56,965,299  
                   
    Net income (loss) per common share:              
    Basic $ 0.00     $ 0.08     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.20  
    Diluted $ 0.00     $ 0.08     $ (0.11 )   $ (0.06 )
    OUTBRAIN INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In thousands, except for number of shares and par value)
     
      December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
      (Unaudited)    
    ASSETS:      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 89,094     $ 70,889  
    Short-term investments in marketable securities   77,035       94,313  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowances   149,167       189,334  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   27,835       47,240  
    Total current assets   343,131       401,776  
    Non-current assets:      
    Long-term investments in marketable securities   —       65,767  
    Property, equipment and capitalized software, net   45,250       42,461  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets, net   15,047       12,145  
    Intangible assets, net   16,928       20,396  
    Goodwill   63,063       63,063  
    Deferred tax assets   40,825       38,360  
    Other assets   24,969       20,669  
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 549,213     $ 664,637  
           
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable $ 149,479     $ 150,812  
    Accrued compensation and benefits   19,430       18,620  
    Accrued and other current liabilities   113,630       119,703  
    Deferred revenue   6,932       8,486  
    Total current liabilities   289,471       297,621  
    Non-current liabilities:      
    Long-term debt   —       118,000  
    Operating lease liabilities, non-current   11,783       9,217  
    Other liabilities   16,616       16,735  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 317,870     $ 441,573  
           
    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:      
    Common stock, par value of $0.001 per share − one billion shares authorized; 63,503,274 shares issued and 50,090,114 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024; 61,567,520 shares issued and 49,726,518 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023   64       62  
    Preferred stock, par value of $0.001 per share − 100,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023   —       —  
    Additional paid-in capital   484,541       468,525  
    Treasury stock, at cost − 13,413,160 shares as of December 31, 2024 and 11,841,002 shares as of December 31, 2023   (74,289 )     (67,689 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (9,480 )     (9,052 )
    Accumulated deficit   (169,493 )     (168,782 )
    TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   231,343       223,064  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 549,213     $ 664,637  
    OUTBRAIN INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (In thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
      (Unaudited)
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:              
    Net (loss) income $ (167 )   $ 4,057     $ (711 )   $ 10,242  
    Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:              
    Gain on convertible debt   —       —       (8,782 )     (22,594 )
    Stock-based compensation   3,974       2,988       15,461       12,141  
    Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment   1,658       1,720       6,312       6,915  
    Amortization of capitalized software development costs   2,477       2,372       9,758       9,633  
    Amortization of intangible assets   850       853       3,409       4,154  
    Provision for credit losses   55       1,931       3,006       8,008  
    Non-cash operating lease expense   1,305       1,092       5,130       4,453  
    Deferred income taxes   (664 )     (1,478 )     (5,095 )     (4,312 )
    Amortization of discount on marketable securities   (396 )     (729 )     (2,235 )     (3,604 )
    Other   665       (483 )     47       (717 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:              
    Accounts receivable   4,471       (16,939 )     35,905       (12,946 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   9,291       2,409       18,412       843  
    Accounts payable and other current liabilities   18,867       27,127       (11,696 )     (1,228 )
    Operating lease liabilities   (1,223 )     (1,018 )     (5,092 )     (4,297 )
    Deferred revenue   555       1,524       (1,496 )     1,621  
    Other non-current assets and liabilities   945       51       6,228       5,434  
    Net cash provided by operating activities   42,663       25,477       68,561       13,746  
                   
    CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:              
    Acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired   —       (77 )     (181 )     (389 )
    Purchases of property and equipment   (2,712 )     (2,257 )     (7,380 )     (10,127 )
    Capitalized software development costs   (2,321 )     (2,243 )     (9,913 )     (10,107 )
    Purchases of marketable securities   (34,436 )     (44,658 )     (90,602 )     (131,543 )
    Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities   31,068       35,228       175,325       221,878  
    Other   (15 )     (63 )     (96 )     (72 )
    Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities   (8,416 )     (14,070 )     67,153       69,640  
                   
    CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:              
    Repayment of long-term debt obligations   —       —       (109,740 )     (96,170 )
    Payment of deferred financing costs   (598 )     —       (1,099 )     —  
    Treasury stock repurchases and share withholdings on vested awards   (210 )     (5,270 )     (6,600 )     (18,521 )
    Principal payments on finance lease obligations   —       (353 )     (263 )     (1,830 )
    Payment of contingent consideration liability up to acquisition-date fair value   —       —       —       (547 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (808 )     (5,623 )     (117,702 )     (117,068 )
                   
    Effect of exchange rate changes   (1,400 )     564       634       (1,004 )
                   
    Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 32,039     $ 6,348     $ 18,646     $ (34,686 )
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash — Beginning   57,686       64,731       71,079       105,765  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash — Ending $ 89,725     $ 71,079     $ 89,725     $ 71,079  
    OUTBRAIN INC.
    Non-GAAP Reconciliations
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)
     

    The following table presents the reconciliation of Gross profit to Ex-TAC gross profit and Ex-TAC gross margin, for the periods presented:

    ​ Three Months Ended December 31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31,
    ​   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Revenue $ 234,586     $ 248,229     $ 889,875     $ 935,818  
    Traffic acquisition costs   (166,247 )     (184,425 )     (653,731 )     (708,449 )
    Other cost of revenue   (12,277 )     (10,572 )     (44,042 )     (42,571 )
    Gross profit   56,062       53,232       192,102       184,798  
    Other cost of revenue   12,277       10,572       44,042       42,571  
    Ex-TAC gross profit $ 68,339     $ 63,804     $ 236,144     $ 227,369  
                   
    Gross margin (gross profit as % of revenue)   23.9 %     21.4 %     21.6 %     19.7 %
    Ex-TAC gross margin (Ex-TAC gross profit as % of revenue)   29.1 %     25.7 %     26.5 %     24.3 %

    The following table presents the reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA, for the periods presented:

    ​ Three Months Ended December 31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31,
    ​   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net (loss) income $ (167 )   $ 4,057     $ (711 )   $ 10,242  
    Interest expense   699       965       3,649       5,393  
    Interest income and other income, net   (1,522 )     (2,060 )     (9,209 )     (7,793 )
    Gain on convertible debt   —       —       (8,782 )     (22,594 )
    Provision for income taxes   3,525       2,748       2,415       6,113  
    Depreciation and amortization   4,985       4,945       19,479       20,702  
    Stock-based compensation   3,974       2,988       15,461       12,141  
    Regulatory matter costs   —       —       —       742  
    Acquisition-related costs   5,469       —       14,256       —  
    Severance and related costs   —       361       742       3,509  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 16,963     $ 14,004     $ 37,300     $ 28,455  
                   
    Net (loss) income as % of gross profit   (0.3 )%     7.6 %     (0.4 )%     5.5 %
    Adjusted EBITDA as % of Ex-TAC Gross Profit   24.8 %     21.9 %     15.8 %     12.5 %

    The following table presents the reconciliation of net income (loss) and diluted EPS to adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted EPS, respectively, for the periods presented:

    ​ Three Months Ended December 31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31,
    ​   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net loss (income) $ (167 )   $ 4,057     $ (711 )   $ 10,242  
    Adjustments:              
    Gain on convertible debt   —       —       (8,782 )     (22,594 )
    Regulatory matter costs   —       —       —       742  
    Acquisition-related costs   5,469       —       14,256       —  
    Severance and related costs   —       361       742       3,509  
    Total adjustments, before tax   5,469       361       6,216       (18,343 )
    Income tax effect   (1,844 )     (97 )     (1,438 )     4,234  
    Total adjustments, after tax   3,625       264       4,778       (14,109 )
    Adjusted net income (loss) $ 3,458     $ 4,321     $ 4,067     $ (3,867 )
                   
    Basic weighted-average shares, as reported   49,767,704       50,076,364       49,321,301       50,900,422  
    Restricted stock units   793,713       32,096       519,729       —  
    Adjusted diluted weighted average shares   50,561,417       50,108,460       49,841,030       50,900,422  
                   
    Diluted net income (loss) per share – reported $ —     $ 0.08     $ (0.11 )   $ (0.06 )
    Adjustments, after tax   0.07       0.01       0.19       (0.02 )
    Diluted net income (loss) per share – adjusted $ 0.07     $ 0.09     $ 0.08     $ (0.08 )

    The following table presents the reconciliation of net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to free cash flow, for the periods presented:

      Three Months Ended December 31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 42,663     $ 25,477     $ 68,561     $ 13,746  
    Purchases of property and equipment   (2,712 )     (2,257 )     (7,380 )     (10,127 )
    Capitalized software development costs   (2,321 )     (2,243 )     (9,913 )     (10,107 )
    Free cash flow $ 37,630     $ 20,977     $ 51,268     $ (6,488 )

    Teads
    Non-IFRS Reconciliations
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)

    The below information is presented for informational purposes only. The acquisition of Teads closed in February 2025. Therefore, its results are not included in Outbrain Inc.’s consolidated results of operations for any periods in 2024. The following is a summary of Teads’ non-IFRS financial measures, as calculated based on Teads’ historical financial statements, which we may publicly present from time to time, and which differ from US GAAP. Non-IFRS financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, Teads’ historical financial results prepared in accordance with IFRS. The financial information set forth below for the three months and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 is preliminary and is subject to change. Actual financial results may differ from these preliminary estimates due to the completion of Teads’ annual audit and are subject to adjustments and other developments that may arise before such results are finalized.

    Ex-TAC Gross Profit is defined as gross profit plus other cost of revenue. The following table presents the reconciliation of Ex-TAC Gross Profit to gross profit for the periods presented:

    ​ Three Months
    Ended
    March 31,
    2024    		   Three Months
    Ended
    June 30,
    2024    		   Three Months
    Ended
    September 30,
    2024    		   Three Months
    Ended
    December 31,
    2024    		   Twelve Months
    Ended
    December 31,
    2024
    ​ (in thousands)
    Revenue $ 125,372     $ 153,734     $ 149,376     $ 188,953     $ 617,435  
    Traffic acquisition costs   (46,939 )     (55,716 )     (59,085 )     (69,091 )     (230,831 )
    Other cost of revenue(a)   (26,387 )     (26,721 )     (26,865 )     (26,441 )     (106,414 )
    Gross profit   52,046       71,297       63,426       93,421       280,190  
    Other cost of revenue(a)   26,387       26,721       26,865       26,441       106,414  
    Ex-TAC Gross Profit $ 78,433     $ 98,018     $ 90,291     $ 119,862     $ 386,604  

    __________________________________
    (a) Other cost of revenue for Teads is subject to accounting policy alignment with Outbrain, with no impact to Ex-TAC Gross Profit included in the above table.

    Teads defines Adjusted EBITDA as profit (loss) for the year/period before income tax expense, finance costs, other financial income and expenses, depreciation and amortization, other expenses and income (capital gains, non-recurring litigation, restructuring costs) and share-based compensation. This may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Further, this measure should not be considered as an alternative for net income as the effects of income tax expense, finance costs, other financial income and expenses, depreciation and amortization, other expenses and income (such as severance costs, and merger and acquisition costs) and share-based compensation excluded from Adjusted EBITDA do affect the operating results. Teads believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful supplementary measure for evaluating the operating performance of Teads’ business. The following table provides a reconciliation of profit (loss) for the period to Adjusted EBITDA, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, for the periods presented:

    ​ Three Months
    Ended
    March 31,
    2024    		   Three Months
    Ended
    June 30,
    2024    		   Three Months
    Ended
    September 30,
    2024    		   Three Months
    Ended
    December 31,
    2024    		   Twelve Months
    Ended
    December 31,
    2024
    ​ (in thousands)
    (Loss) profit for the period   (36,551 )     23,323       32,933     $ 46,158     $ 65,863  
    Finance Costs   250       277       532       117       1,176  
    Other financial (income) and expenses   20,531       (12,432 )     (20,529 )     (19,967 )     (32,397 )
    Provision for income taxes   716       10,800       10,597       17,637       39,750  
    Depreciation and amortization   3,180       3,350       3,277       3,027       12,834  
    Share-based compensation   25,612       5,760       (3,284 )     (134 )     27,954  
    Severance costs   281       520       398       394       1,593  
    Merger and acquisition costs   323       763       (125 )     4,929       5,890  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 14,342     $ 32,361     $ 23,799     $ 52,161     $ 122,663  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement on Occupied Palestinian Territories

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement on Occupied Palestinian Territories

    UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council during the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Delivered by Eleanor Sanders, Human Rights Ambassador.

    High Commissioner, thank you for your update.

    Back on 7 October 2023, Israel suffered the worst terror attack in its history at the hands of Hamas: the hostages have suffered an unbearable trauma. 

    The people of Gaza, so many of whom have lost their lives, homes or loved ones, have also experienced a living nightmare.

    We’ve been crystal clear. Palestinian civilians must be permitted to return to their communities and rebuild. It is for Palestinians to determine the future of Gaza. And international humanitarian law must be respected.

    In the West Bank, the UK is deeply concerned at the expansion of Israel’s war aims and operations. Civilians must be protected.

    But let me be clear, the UK is opposed to the existence of item 7. The UK wants to see all countries face appropriate scrutiny of their human rights record but opposes the disproportionate focus of this item. 

    Mr President,

    The UK has urged all parties to sustain the ceasefire deal, implement the agreement in full, and support efforts to move to phase two and a sustainable peace.

    Indeed, let me reaffirm, once again, our support for a credible pathway towards a peaceful future for both Palestinians and Israelis, based on a two-state solution where they live side-by-side in peace, dignity and security. 

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Statement at the UN HRC on Occupied Palestinian Territories

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UK Statement at the UN HRC on Occupied Palestinian Territories

    UK Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sander’s statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    High Commissioner, thank you for your update.

    Back on 7 October 2023, Israel suffered the worst terror attack in its history at the hands of Hamas: the hostages have suffered an unbearable trauma. 

    The people of Gaza, so many of whom have lost their lives, homes or loved ones, have also experienced a living nightmare.

    We’ve been crystal clear. Palestinian civilians must be permitted to return to their communities and rebuild. It is for Palestinians to determine the future of Gaza. And international humanitarian law must be respected.

    In the West Bank, the UK is deeply concerned at the expansion of Israel’s war aims and operations. Civilians must be protected.

    But let me be clear, the UK is opposed to the existence of item 7. The UK wants to see all countries face appropriate scrutiny of their human rights record but opposes the disproportionate focus of this item. 

    Mr President,

    The UK has urged all parties to sustain the ceasefire deal, implement the agreement in full, and support efforts to move to phase two and a sustainable peace.

    Indeed, let me reaffirm, once again, our support for a credible pathway towards a peaceful future for both Palestinians and Israelis, based on a two-state solution where they live side-by-side in peace, dignity and security. 

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Axi Recognised With ‘Best Workplace 2025’ Award by Xref Engage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi announced that it has been recognised with the Best Workplace 2025 award by Xref Engage. The latest award builds on the broker’s previous recognition by Voice Project, where Axi won the ‘Best Workplace’ award for two consecutive years in 2020 and 2021.

    Rajesh Yohannan, CEO at Axi, shared his excitement for the company’s newest recognition: “This award is a testament to the strong culture we’ve built together—one grounded in innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. At Axi, we continually invest in creating a safe and respectful environment where everyone can express their opinion and be heard, and thrive and succeed, and we’re incredibly proud to see our efforts reaffirmed.”

    Founded in 2007, the Australian-based broker has grown from a two-person startup to a highly respected global group of companies, with over 400 staff members from 45+ nationalities across nine offices worldwide: Australia, Singapore, United Kingdom, Cyprus, Dubai, Philippines, Malaysia, India, and Vanuatu.

    The latest accolade follows a series of other notable achievements for Axi. In 2024, the broker was recognised with the ‘Innovator of the Year’ award at the 2024 Dubai Forex Expo and was recently named ‘Most Innovative Proprietary Trading Firm’ by Finance Feeds. Additionally, the broker was also named Best Broker (MENA), Most Trusted Broker (LatAm), Most Reliable Broker (Europe), and Best Introducing Broker Programme (Asia) for 2024 by Global Forex Awards.

    About Axi

    Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more.

    For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cccccb40-307b-4f21-bcf2-1af3f88de766

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Threats, political repatriations and kidnap dominate the crisis management landscape, according to Willis

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 26% of all incidents reported by clients last year to Alert:24 – the in-house risk advisory and crisis support service provided by Willis, a WTW business – were related to threats against individuals or client assets. Closely following, at 21% each, were emergency political repatriations of employees or family members and kidnaps for ransom, according to its latest Crisis Management Annual Review.

    In a record year for the number of elections in 2024, incumbents in many of the world’s leading democracies faced significant declines in vote share, with nearly 80% losing ground compared to previous elections. The trend was driven by poor economic performance, with high inflation being a major concern for voters. While some incumbents formed minority coalitions to stay in power, many were ousted. The year saw significant protests and political turmoil in both free and authoritarian countries.

    Looking ahead to 2025, rising populism, divisive rhetoric, and socio-economic tensions will drive continued violence and unrest in Europe, but the security agenda will remain dominated by terrorism threats and geopolitical challenges. Acts of violence directed against European officials surged in 2024, a trend which is expected to continue in 2025. Terrorism in North America and Europe will highly likely continue to stem from lone-wolf actors inspired by radical ideologies and involve low sophistication tactics and techniques.

    Civil unrest and political violence are also a possibility amid growing social tensions in the US.

    In Asia-Pacific, the threat of active assailant incidents has come to the fore over the past year and will remain a trend to watch.

    Other key takeaways include:

    • Persistent trends: In the US, the number of active assailant attacks remains higher than the pre-COVID-19 average, with a continued prevalence of workplace violence and mass shootings. The threat of lone-wolf terrorism also persists, with radicalization taking place online. In Latin America, organized crime continues to be pervasive, with highly operational criminal enterprises often intertwining with political structures to advance their interests and destabilize democratic institutions. Consequently, there has been a surge in kidnapping, in particular express kidnappings, with notifications to the Crisis Support Team for this type of incident originating in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico.
    • Sustained level of conflict: Overall, client incident notifications reduced by 21% in 2024 in comparison to the prior year, reflecting a 2023 characterized by a sustained level of conflict and catastrophes. While major events, such as the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the Sudanese Civil War, continue to fuel demand for risk mitigation services to protect operations, assets and personnel in affected areas, no new crises of a similar scale have emerged in 2024.
    • Regional distribution of incidents: Africa led the tally with 27% of total incidents reported to Alert:24 by clients, all of them in Sub-Saharan Africa, with no single country accounting for a disproportionate share. Latin America was not far behind, more than doubling its share of incidents from 13% to 24%. Haiti was particularly notable as it accounted for approximately 20% of the events in Latin America, after not having registered any incidents during the previous year. Europe saw a reduction of total incidents from 14% to 8%.

    Overall, the past few years have seen instances of political unrest that have significantly impacted the shape of global commerce. Much uncertainty lies ahead across the world, as even just one event could have resounding global trade repercussions. Those organizations able to quickly identify and rapidly respond to changes in political risks to their global supply chains are likely to have a competitive advantage over their peers.

    Jo Holliday, global head of crisis management, said: “We continue to see clients impacted by a wide range of incident types across a broad geographical footprint, impacting both their people and physical assets. Looking ahead, political instability and the consequences of it are likely to continue and those clients that accurately assess, manage and then act on it are likely to navigate the volatile risk environment more effectively. Combining relevant insight and research, risk identification and quantification analytics as well as proactive crisis management is crucial for companies looking to ensure stability and resilience and are key to navigating these challenging times effectively.”

    The report can be downloaded here.

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.

    Learn more at wtwco.com.

    Media contact

    Sarah Booker:
    Sarah.Booker@wtwco.com / +44 7917 722040

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic at the forum of rectors of leading Russian and Iranian universities

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The University of Tehran hosted the 7th Forum of Rectors of Universities of the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was attended by more than 50 university leaders, representatives of scientific organizations and government agencies of the two countries. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University was represented by the Director of the Institute of Power Engineering Viktor Barskov and Associate Professor of the SPbPU Institute of Power Engineering, a graduate of the Iranian Shahid Beheshti University and SPbPU Mehdi Basati Panah.

    The forum participants were welcomed by Iranian Minister of Science Simo Sarraf Hossein and Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky.

    The partners discussed strategies for developing academic and scientific cooperation. In his speech at the session “Exact and Natural Sciences, Agriculture”, Viktor Barskov highlighted priority areas for cooperation: joint research in the field of sustainable energy, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. He also touched upon student and teacher exchange programs, the creation of joint specialized courses, and the organization of summer and winter schools on innovative technologies.

    During the discussions, Mehdi Basati Panah proposed expanding the format of the event to “BRICS” to include universities from other developing countries. This, he said, would enhance international knowledge exchange and open up new opportunities for joint projects.

    The Polytechnic University actively cooperates with 8 Iranian universities. The SPbPU delegation held talks with Iranian universities, including the University of Tehran, the Iranian University of Science and Technology (IUST) and the Sharif University of Technology, where they discussed cooperation in energy between the Gas Turbine Institute and the Institute of Power Engineering of SPbPU. The parties also expressed their intention to participate in joint research projects, the development of specialized training courses for students and student exchange programs in the field of engineering.

    The Polytechnic delegation held talks with the Mayor of Tehran, Dr. Zakani, and members of the Energy Committee of the Iranian Parliament to discuss potential areas of cooperation between SPbPU and Tehran municipal institutions, focusing on urban development and technological innovation.

    Developing a partnership between our universities is not just a step towards academic progress, but also an important contribution to solving global challenges such as energy transition, noted Viktor Barskov. Mehdi Basati Panah added that his personal experience of studying in Russia and Iran demonstrates the effectiveness of such partnerships.

    The forum became an important step for the implementation of new projects and expansion of educational opportunities for students and researchers of both countries.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Diamond Mining Drives Angola’s Economic Growth Agenda

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

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 27, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Angola is aiming to increase diamond production to 17.53 million carats by 2027 as part of its National Development Plan 2023–2027, planning to leverage mining revenues to boost food security, employment creation and poverty reduction. 

    The country expects diamond revenue to rise from $1.4 billion in 2024 to $2.1 billion in 2025, increasing the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP. With over 24 operational diamond mines, 54 exploration projects and strong governmental support for industry expansion, Angola’s diamond sector presents an opportunity for economic transformation. 

    The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier event for the mining sector – will showcase lucrative diamond prospects in both well-established and emerging markets across Africa, including in Angola. 

    Unlocking Angola’s Untapped Potential 

    Recent discoveries, project launches and foreign investments underscore Angola’s potential as a global diamond mining powerhouse. According to state diamond firm ENDIAMA, the country holds over 732 million carats (https://apo-opa.co/4gU61Zy) of untapped diamond reserves valued at more than $140 billion. To capitalize on these resources, ENDIAMA will launch a diamond production and processing pilot at the Luachimba facility in 2025, reinforcing the sector’s contribution to sustainable development. Additionally, mine development and feasibility studies at the Xamacanda facility are underway as ENDIAMA seeks to expand independent production. 

    Strategic Investments and Global Partnerships 

    In November 2024, Maden International Group, a subsidiary of the Sovereign Fund of the Sultanate of Oman, entered the Angolan market by acquiring stakes in Catoca and Luele Mines from Russia’s Alrosa. The milestone introduces fresh capital and expertise, potentially unlocking Angola’s greater diamond production and GDP expansion. Further affirming Angola’s potential, De Beers announced in October 2024 the discovery of eight new diamond project targets as part of its ongoing exploration activities. The discovery follows a strategic partnership with ENDIAMA, Angola’s National Agency of Mineral Resources, Sodiam and the Institution of Geologists in Angola, to conduct airborne surveys, drilling and testing of new kimberlite targets. Angola is also assessing new diamond and critical mineral prospects in partnership with Rio Tinto. 

    High-Grade Diamond Discoveries 

    In August 2024, Lucapa Diamond Company discovered a 176-carat diamond at the Lulo Mine – one of the world’s largest – marking the fifth diamond over 100 carats found at the site in 2024. The discovery underscores Angola’s potential for high-grade diamond production, following 20 significant discoveries at Lulo in 2022. 

    Amid these market developments, AMW represents an ideal platform for global investors and mining stakeholders to connect with Angolan regulatory authorities and projects to explore the country’s vast diamond potential. AMW will facilitate investment discussions, deal signings and strategic partnerships, reinforcing Angola’s position as one of the world’s highly attractive diamond investment destinations. 

    African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2025 conference (https://apo-opa.co/4ieTYqQ) from October 1 -3. in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Bybit Receives In-Principle Approval to Establish Virtual Asset Platform in the United Arab Emirates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is proud to announce that it has received its In-Principle Approval (IPA) to set up as a Virtual Asset Platform Operator in UAE from the Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), dated on Feb 18, 2025. Bybit is also in the final steps to receive its fully operational license soon. This milestone marks a significant step in Bybit’s ongoing mission to provide a secure, stable, and compliant platform for crypto traders in the region.

    This IPA underscores Bybit’s commitment to upholding the highest regulatory and compliance standards as it works toward full operational approval from the SCA. This authorization moves Bybit closer to offering a broad range of digital asset services to both retail and institutional clients in the UAE. Bybit’s progress in UAE follows its existing regulatory approvals in the Middle East, further solidifying its commitment to compliance in key financial hubs.

    Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, commented on this milestone:

    “We are honored to have received the IPA from SCA. This approval marks a crucial step in our journey to providing secure and transparent crypto trading solutions. Bybit remains dedicated to working hand-in-hand with regulators to foster a compliant and innovative digital asset ecosystem to both retail and institutional investors in the UAE.”

    The UAE has emerged as a leading global hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation, supported by progressive regulatory frameworks that align with Bybit’s vision of bridging traditional finance with digital assets. Bybit remains committed to adhering to global compliance standards, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) protocols, ensuring a safe and trusted trading environment.

    Beyond UAE, Bybit continues to secure regulatory approvals worldwide, expanding its presence in key jurisdictions such as India, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, etc, further reinforcing its regulatory commitment. These licenses enable Bybit to expand its reach while maintaining the highest security and compliance standards for its users worldwide.

    #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk /

    About Bybit

    Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

    For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

    For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

    Contact
    Head of PR
    Tony Au
    Bybit
    tony.au@bybit.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d1e76bf0-610d-49d7-96b0-205a12a6828d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Subsea 7 S.A. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Luxembourg – 27 February 2025 – Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Børs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY, ISIN: LU0075646355, the Company) announced today results of Subsea7 Group (the Group, Subsea7) for the fourth quarter and full year which ended 31 December 2024. Unless otherwise stated the comparative period is the full year which ended 31 December 2023.   

    Highlights 

    • Full year Adjusted EBITDA of $1,090 million, up 53% on the prior year, equating to a margin of 16%
    • Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $315 million, up 29% on the prior year period, equating to a margin of 17%
    • Robust free cash flow of $408 million in the fourth quarter, leading to a reduction in net debt (including lease liabilities) of $256 million compared to the third quarter
    • Fourth quarter order intake of $2.3 billion, a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2
    • A high-quality backlog of $11.2 billion implies over 80% visibility on 2025 revenue guidance and supports the outlook for Adjusted EBITDA margin expansion to 18 to 20%
    • Dividend of approximately $350 million proposed, subject to shareholder approval, for payment in two equal instalments in 2025
      Fourth Quarter Year Ended
    For the period (in $ millions, except Adjusted EBITDA margin and per share data) Q4 2024
    Unaudited    		 Q4 2023
    Unaudited    		 2024
    Audited    		 2023
    Audited
    Revenue 1,869 1,631 6,837 5,974
    Adjusted EBITDA(a) 315 245 1,090 714
    Adjusted EBITDA margin(a) 17% 15% 16% 12%
    Net operating income 126 55 446 105
    Net income/(loss) 26 (11) 217 10
             
    Earnings per share – in $ per share        
    Basic 0.07 (0.06) 0.68 0.05
    Diluted(b) 0.07 (0.06) 0.67 0.05
             
    At (in $ millions)      

    2024
    31 Dec

    		  

     2023
    31 Dec
    Backlog(a)     11,175 10,587
    Book-to-bill ratio(a)     1.2x 1.2x
    Cash and cash equivalents     575 751
    Borrowings     (722) (845)
    Net debt excluding lease liabilities(a)     (147) (94)
    Net debt including lease liabilities(a)     (602) (552)

    (a) For explanations and reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Backlog, Book-to-bill ratio and Net debt refer to the ‘Alternative Performance Measures’ section of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

    (b) For the explanation and a reconciliation of diluted earnings per share refer to Note 7 ‘Earnings per share’ to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

    John Evans, Chief Executive Officer, said:

    Subsea7 delivered another strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2024, building on the momentum already achieved over the past two years. With a quarterly Adjusted EBITDA of $315 million and a full year result of approximately $1.1 billion, we exceeded the top end of the guidance range we set out a year ago. 

    During the quarter we recorded order intake of $2.3 billion, resulting in a year end backlog of $11.2 billion. With $5.8 billion for execution in 2025 we are confident in the Group’s ability to generate strong Adjusted EBITDA and cash flow in the year ahead.

    Interactions with clients remain constructive and high tendering activity continues to support our positive outlook. Against this backdrop the Board of Directors has proposed that in 2025, we return approximately $350 million in the form of a cash dividend. Since 2012, Subsea7 has returned approximately $2.5 billion to shareholders and this year’s commitment underscores our commitment to capital discipline and focus on delivering for all our stakeholders.

    Fourth quarter project review
    During the fourth quarter, Subsea7 continued to execute a portfolio of major projects in Brazil, where Seven Vega was active on the Mero 3 project, while Seven Cruzeiro installed umbilicals and Seven Merlin provided support. The pipelay support vessels (PLSVs) also achieved high utilisation. In the US, Seven Navica installed risers at Sunspear, and Seven Seas worked at Shenandoah and Cypre. Seven Borealis, Seven Pacific and Seven Arctic were active in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Angola. Finally, in Norway, we made good progress in the fabrication of pipelines and bundles for the Yggdrasil project at our Vigra and Wick spoolbases.

    The Renewables business performed strongly and delivered an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 21%. Seaway Alfa Lift and Seaway Strashnov were active on the Dogger Bank B project, installing monopiles and transition pieces. Having achieved good and predictable cycle times for monopile installation, our scope is nearing completion and we will mobilise to the Dogger Bank C project in April. During the quarter our cable lay activities centred on Taiwan where we were active on the Yunlin, Zhong Neng and Hai Long projects. In the US, Seaway Aimery installed cables at the Revolution project. Utilisation of the heavy transportation vessels was high.

    Fourth quarter financial review
    Revenue was $1.9 billion an increase of 15% compared to the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA of $315 million equated to a margin of 17%, up from 15% in Q4 2023. This reflected another strong quarter of double-digit margins in Renewables and a robust performance in Subsea and Conventional.

    Depreciation, amortisation and impairment charges were $189 million, resulting in net operating income of $126 million compared to $55 million in the prior year period. Net finance costs of $19 million and a net foreign exchange loss of $67 million, resulted in net income for the quarter of $26 million compared with a net loss of $11 million in the prior year period.

    Net cash generated from operating activities in the fourth quarter was $487 million, including a $251 million improvement in net working capital, equating to a cash conversion of 1.6 times. Net cash used in investing activities was $69 million mainly related to purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. Net cash used in financing activities was $271 million including lease payments of $59 million. Overall, cash and cash equivalents increased by $135 million to $575 million at 31 December 2024 and net debt was $602 million, including lease liabilities of $455 million.

    Fourth quarter order intake was $2.3 billion comprising new awards of $1.8 billion and escalations of $0.5 billion resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2 times. Backlog at the end of December was $11.2 billion, of which $5.8 billion is expected to be executed in 2025, $3.4 billion in 2026 and $2.0 billion in 2027 and beyond.

    Commitment to shareholder returns
    At the Annual General Meeting on 8 May 2025, the Board of Directors will propose that shareholders approve a cash dividend of NOK 13.00 per share, equating to approximately $350 million, payable in two equal instalments in May and November 2025. This represents a year-on-year increase of 40% in returns to shareholders and is equivalent to an approximate yield of 7% related to the cash dividend.

    Outlook
    We anticipate that revenue in 2025 will be between $6.8 billion and $7.2 billion, while the Adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to be within a range from 18% to 20%. We continue to expect margins to exceed 20% in 2026, based upon our firm backlog of contracts and the prospects in our tendering pipeline.

    Driven by structural factors including economic development and energy security, the outlook for long-term energy demand growth remains positive. Subsea7’s exposure to both the hydrocarbon and renewable sectors leaves the Group well placed to benefit from this structural energy trend. Our focus on late-cycle, long-duration developments adds resilience to our strategy, while our track record for project execution and strong balance sheet support a market-leading position that benefits the Group, our customers and our shareholders.

    Proposed Combination of Subsea7 and Saipem
    On 23 February 2025, Subsea 7 S.A. announced an agreement in principle on the key terms of the proposed merger with Saipem S.p.A. In accordance with the memorandum of understanding signed between Saipem S.p.A. and Subsea 7 S.A., Subsea 7 S.A. shareholders will receive 6.688 Saipem S.p.A. shares for each Subsea 7 S.A. share held, and an extraordinary dividend for an amount equal to €450 million will be distributed immediately prior to completion. Subsea 7 S.A. and Saipem S.p.A. shareholders will own 50% each of the issued share capital of the combined company. The completion of the proposed combination is anticipated to occur in the second half of 2026, following completion of confirmatory due diligence, the approval of the final terms of the proposed combination by the Board of Directors of Subsea 7 S.A. and Saipem S.p.A., the execution of a satisfactory merger agreement, and relevant corporate and regulatory approvals.

    Kristian Siem, Chairman of the Board of Directors and the largest shareholder of Subsea7, as well as the management of Subsea7 share a conviction that there is compelling logic in creating a global leader in energy services, particularly considering the growing size of clients’ projects. Saipem and Subsea7 are highly complementary in terms of market offerings and geographies. The combination would enhance value for shareholders, clients and other stakeholders, both in the current market and in the long term.

    Conference Call Information
    Date: 27 February 2025
    Time: 12:00 UK Time, 13:00 CET
    Access the webcast at subsea7.com or https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/aexdnm2p/
    Register for the conference call https://register.vevent.com/register/BIec54517b2a53403badecf6512dc8b41a

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy awards prestigious feedstock allocation for joint project between Sipchem and LyondellBasell

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AL KHOBAR, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and HOUSTON, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sipchem and LyondellBasell (LYB) have been awarded a feedstock allocation from the Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia supporting a joint feasibility study for a world-scale mixed feed cracker complex combined with a diversified derivative portfolio. Sipchem and LYB will assess the viability and optimal structure for the project, which will be advanced on a 60% (Sipchem) | 40% (LYB) ownership basis. The allocation lays the foundation for both parties to define the technical, financial and commercial configuration for the project. Construction of the joint project would result in the manufacturing of petrochemical products and derivatives to serve customers both within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and global export markets while creating several thousand local job opportunities.

    With cost-advantaged feedstocks, world-scale assets, leading technologies, and proximity to key international markets, the joint project has the potential to create lasting value. The project will benefit from LYB’s technologies to produce differentiated grades of polyethylene and polypropylene, including the Catalloy product line of elastomeric polyolefins.

    Sipchem and LYB will jointly explore carbon management solutions including the use of low emission technologies, in support of the parties’ and the Kingdom’s net zero ambitions. 

    “Our partnership with LyondellBasell marks an important milestone in our pursuit of ambitious goals for sustainable growth and the strengthening of our position within the petrochemical market locally and globally,” said Abdullah Al-Saadoon, Sipchem chief executive officer. “Through this collaboration, we will leverage the latest cutting-edge, energy-efficient technologies, significantly contributing to our environmental objectives and enhancing the sustainability of our operations. We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Energy for its unwavering support of the petrochemical industry, which has been instrumental in enabling us to achieve our shared goals. We are enthusiastic about advancing this project and are committed to delivering high-quality products that will drive the development of the industrial sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” 

    “This feedstock allocation is a vital step in our collaboration with Sipchem,” said Peter Vanacker, LyondellBasell chief executive officer. “As we move forward with our joint study, with a long-term partnership in mind, we further strengthen our commitment to Saudi Arabia. Thank you to the Ministry of Energy for their support and collaboration as we build on our successful partnership. We look forward to being a larger part of the Kingdom’s thriving economy, which continues to grow and provide numerous opportunities for development and innovation.”

    About LyondellBasell

    We are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) ― a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world’s largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn. 

    About Sipchem

    Sipchem, officially known as Sahara International Petrochemical Company (TASI: SIPCHEM) ― a Saudi-based leading innovator in the petrochemical sector, founded in 1999. The company provides high-quality chemical and polymer products that serve diverse industries, including construction, automotive, electronics, and packaging. With a strong focus on sustainability, Sipchem integrates energy efficiency, waste reduction, and advanced technologies into its operations to support a circular economy and minimize its environmental impact. Through continuous investment in research and development, Sipchem delivers innovative solutions that address evolving global needs and contribute to long-term growth. For more information, please visit www.Sipchem.com or follow @SipchemGlobal on LinkedIn.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

    The statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, our ability to meet the requirements of the allocation award; the results of the feasibility study described in this release; future investment decisions and the successful development, construction and operation of the proposed facilities described in this release; our ability to implement our strategy and successfully align our asset base with that strategy; and general economic conditions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and globally. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com on the Investor Relations page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. There is no assurance that any of the actions, events or results of the forward-looking statements will occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on our results of operations or financial condition. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and are based on the estimates and opinions of management of LyondellBasell at the time the statements are made. LyondellBasell does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions change, except as required by law. 

    NEWS INQUIRIES:

    Phone: +1-713-309-4791

    Email: nick.facchin@lyondellbasell.com

    Or

    Phone: +966 13 801 9385

    Email: dokelly@sipchem.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Virgin Australia’s deal with Qatar has been given the green light. Travellers should be the winners

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chrystal Zhang, Associate Professor, Aerospace Engineering & Aviation, RMIT University

    Petr Podrouzek/Shutterstock

    Treasurer Jim Chalmers has given the green light for Qatar Airways to buy a 25% stake in Virgin Australia, as part of a strategic alliance. The deal will shake up the Australian aviation market.

    The announcement follows a detailed assessment by the Foreign Investment Review Board, and a draft determination to authorise the deal by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

    The deal allows Qatar Airways to buy the 25% stake from the US private equity firm Bain Capital, and makes an eventual initial public offering of Virgin more likely. It also allows Virgin to operate regular services from some of Australia’s major capital cities to Doha.

    Chalmers said the agreement will be subject to enforceable conditions, including retaining Australians on the board of Virgin and protecting consumer data.

    The ACCC has previously said the tie-up would boost competition and benefit consumers.

    The announcement comes on the same day as competitor Qantas posted its latest half-year earnings, showing statutory profits up 6% on the same period last year. So, will Australian flyers be the ultimate winners?

    Getting Australians around the world

    For many Australian travellers, getting where they want to go around the world has long meant making a stopover, especially if travelling to Europe.

    Currently, Qantas does operate direct flights between Perth and three cities in Europe: London, Paris and Rome.

    Doha’s Hamad International Airport is an important global aviation hub.
    Light Orancio/Shutterstock

    However, other international carriers – including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airways and some Chinese carriers – all provide connecting flights via an international hub airport.

    Doha’s Hamad International Airport is one such hub, and Qatar Airways currently flies from there to more than 170 destinations.

    At the heart of this new partnership is what’s called a “wet lease arrangement”. Virgin will be able to use both the aircraft and crew of Qatar Airways to operate its own flights.

    That will allow Virgin to compete as if it were an established international carrier, because it provides access to Qatar’s international network. It should also mean streamlined transit procedures, minimal waiting times, and better baggage handling.

    This deal is expected to create 28 new weekly return services to Doha, from Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane. Having additional flights to this hub by Virgin will give travellers many more options for getting around the world.

    More competition for Qantas

    The agreement will greatly expand Virgin’s international reach and make it more competitive with Qantas. Virgin had to scale back its international footprint after it went into receivership in 2020.

    Qantas will continue to be a major player in flying Australians to Europe. It has also recently added more direct flights from Perth to European destinations.

    But we may be seeing signs of more robust competition pressures already. In its profit announcement on Thursday, Qantas outlined a plan for cabin upgrades for its Boeing 737s as it awaits delivery of new Airbus aircraft.

    Virgin will offer international flights through a ‘wet lease’ arrangement with Qatar.
    Seth Jaworski/Shutterstock

    Turning things around

    Virgin Australia has come a long way since entering voluntary administration in April 2020. After being sold to Bain Capital, the airline restructured its cost base, fleet and commercial functions.

    With a focus on cutting costs and improving its Velocity frequent flyer program, Virgin has since been able to bounce back from the brink and win back market share.

    That success means Virgin is now better positioned to return to international markets and compete with Qantas there, too.

    It will give the airline’s owners more confidence in handing over to a new chief executive and preparing the ground for a long-delayed initial public sharemarket offering that would see Virgin return to the Australian Securities Exchanges (ASX).

    Chrystal Zhang 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. Virgin Australia’s deal with Qatar has been given the green light. Travellers should be the winners – https://theconversation.com/virgin-australias-deal-with-qatar-has-been-given-the-green-light-travellers-should-be-the-winners-251025

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What’s the difference between burnout and depression?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gordon Parker, Scientia Professor of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney

    Yuri A/Shutterstock

    If your summer holiday already feels like a distant memory, you’re not alone. Burnout – a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion following prolonged stress – has been described in workplaces since a 5th century monastery in Egypt.

    Burnout and depression can look similar and are relatively common conditions. It’s estimated that 30% of the Australian workforce is feeling some level of burnout, while almost 20% of Australians are diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives.

    So what’s the difference between burnout and depression?

    Depression is marked by helplessness and burnout by hopelessness. They can have different causes and should also be managed differently.

    What is burnout?

    The World Health Organization defines burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” resulting from excessively demanding workload pressures. While it is typically associated with the workplace, carers of children or elderly parents with demanding needs are also at risk.

    Our research created a set of burnout symptoms we captured in the Sydney Burnout Measure to assist self-diagnosis and clinicians undertaking assessments. They include:

    • exhaustion as the primary symptom

    • brain fog (poor concentration and memory)

    • difficulty finding pleasure in anything

    • social withdrawal

    • an unsettled mood (feeling anxious and irritable)

    • impaired work performance (this may be result of other symptoms such as fatigue).

    People can develop a “burning out” phase after intense work demands over only a week or two. A “burnout” stage usually follows years of unrelenting work pressure.

    What is depression?

    A depressive episode involves a drop in self-worth, increase in self-criticism and feelings of wanting to give up. Not everyone with these symptoms will have clinical depression, which requires a diagnosis and has an additional set of symptoms.

    Clinically diagnosed depression can vary by mood, how long it lasts and whether it comes back. There are two types of clinical depression:

    1. melancholic depression has genetic causes, with episodes largely coming “out of the blue”

    2. non-melancholic depression is caused by environmental factors, often triggered by significant life events which cause a drop in self-worth.

    When we created our burnout measure, we compared burnout symptoms with these two types of depression.

    Burnout shares some features with melancholic depression, but they tend to be general symptoms, such as feeling a loss of pleasure, energy and concentration skills.

    We found there were more similarities between burnout and non-melancholic (environmental) depression. This included a lack of motivation and difficulties sleeping or being cheered up, perhaps reflecting the fact both have environmental causes.

    Looking for the root cause

    The differences between burnout and depression become clearer when we look at why they happen.

    Personality comes into play. Our work suggests a trait like perfectionism puts people at a much higher risk of burnout. But they may be less likely to become depressed as they tend to avoid stressful events and keep things under control.

    Excessive workloads can contribute to burnout.
    tartanparty/Shutterstock

    Those with burnout generally feel overwhelmed by demands or deadlines they can’t meet, creating a sense of helplessness.

    On the other hand, those with depression report lowered self-esteem. So rather than helpless they feel that they and their future is hopeless.

    However it is not uncommon for someone to experience both burnout and depression at once. For example, a boss may place excessive work demands on an employee, putting them at risk of burnout. At the same time, the employer may also humiliate that employee and contribute to an episode of non-melancholic depression.

    What can you do?

    A principal strategy in managing burnout is identifying the contributing stressors. For many people, this is the workplace. Taking a break, even a short one, or scheduling some time off can help.

    Australians now have the right to disconnect, meaning they don’t have to answer work phone calls or emails after hours. Setting boundaries can help separate home and work life.



    Read more:
    Australians now have the right to disconnect – but how workplaces react will be crucial

    Burnout can be also be caused by compromised work roles, work insecurity or inequity. More broadly, a dictatorial organisational structure can make employees feel devalued. In the workplace, environmental factors, such as excessive noise, can be a contributor. Addressing these factors can help prevent burnout.

    As for managing symptoms, the monks had the right idea. Strenuous exercise, meditation and mindfulness are effective ways to deal with everyday stress.

    Regular exercise can help manage symptoms of burnout.
    alexei_tm/Shutterstock

    Deeper contributing factors, including traits such as perfectionism, should be managed by a skilled clinical psychologist.

    For melancholic depression, clinicians will often recommend antidepressant medication.

    For non-melancholic depression, clinicians will help address and manage triggers that are the root cause. Others will benefit from antidepressants or formal psychotherapy.

    While misdiagnosis between depression and burnout can occur, burnout can mimic other medical conditions such as anemia or hypothyroidism.

    For the right diagnosis, it’s best to speak to your doctor or clinician who should seek to obtain a sense of “the whole picture”. Only then, once a burnout diagnsois has been affirmed and other possible causes ruled out, should effective support strategies be put in place.

    If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

    Gordon Parker receives funding from the University of of NSW.

    – ref. What’s the difference between burnout and depression? – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-burnout-and-depression-250043

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What’s the difference between burnout and depression?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Gordon Parker, Scientia Professor of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney

    Yuri A/Shutterstock

    If your summer holiday already feels like a distant memory, you’re not alone. Burnout – a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion following prolonged stress – has been described in workplaces since a 5th century monastery in Egypt.

    Burnout and depression can look similar and are relatively common conditions. It’s estimated that 30% of the Australian workforce is feeling some level of burnout, while almost 20% of Australians are diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives.

    So what’s the difference between burnout and depression?

    Depression is marked by helplessness and burnout by hopelessness. They can have different causes and should also be managed differently.

    What is burnout?

    The World Health Organization defines burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” resulting from excessively demanding workload pressures. While it is typically associated with the workplace, carers of children or elderly parents with demanding needs are also at risk.

    Our research created a set of burnout symptoms we captured in the Sydney Burnout Measure to assist self-diagnosis and clinicians undertaking assessments. They include:

    • exhaustion as the primary symptom

    • brain fog (poor concentration and memory)

    • difficulty finding pleasure in anything

    • social withdrawal

    • an unsettled mood (feeling anxious and irritable)

    • impaired work performance (this may be result of other symptoms such as fatigue).

    People can develop a “burning out” phase after intense work demands over only a week or two. A “burnout” stage usually follows years of unrelenting work pressure.

    What is depression?

    A depressive episode involves a drop in self-worth, increase in self-criticism and feelings of wanting to give up. Not everyone with these symptoms will have clinical depression, which requires a diagnosis and has an additional set of symptoms.

    Clinically diagnosed depression can vary by mood, how long it lasts and whether it comes back. There are two types of clinical depression:

    1. melancholic depression has genetic causes, with episodes largely coming “out of the blue”

    2. non-melancholic depression is caused by environmental factors, often triggered by significant life events which cause a drop in self-worth.

    When we created our burnout measure, we compared burnout symptoms with these two types of depression.

    Burnout shares some features with melancholic depression, but they tend to be general symptoms, such as feeling a loss of pleasure, energy and concentration skills.

    We found there were more similarities between burnout and non-melancholic (environmental) depression. This included a lack of motivation and difficulties sleeping or being cheered up, perhaps reflecting the fact both have environmental causes.

    Looking for the root cause

    The differences between burnout and depression become clearer when we look at why they happen.

    Personality comes into play. Our work suggests a trait like perfectionism puts people at a much higher risk of burnout. But they may be less likely to become depressed as they tend to avoid stressful events and keep things under control.

    Excessive workloads can contribute to burnout.
    tartanparty/Shutterstock

    Those with burnout generally feel overwhelmed by demands or deadlines they can’t meet, creating a sense of helplessness.

    On the other hand, those with depression report lowered self-esteem. So rather than helpless they feel that they and their future is hopeless.

    However it is not uncommon for someone to experience both burnout and depression at once. For example, a boss may place excessive work demands on an employee, putting them at risk of burnout. At the same time, the employer may also humiliate that employee and contribute to an episode of non-melancholic depression.

    What can you do?

    A principal strategy in managing burnout is identifying the contributing stressors. For many people, this is the workplace. Taking a break, even a short one, or scheduling some time off can help.

    Australians now have the right to disconnect, meaning they don’t have to answer work phone calls or emails after hours. Setting boundaries can help separate home and work life.



    Read more:
    Australians now have the right to disconnect – but how workplaces react will be crucial

    Burnout can be also be caused by compromised work roles, work insecurity or inequity. More broadly, a dictatorial organisational structure can make employees feel devalued. In the workplace, environmental factors, such as excessive noise, can be a contributor. Addressing these factors can help prevent burnout.

    As for managing symptoms, the monks had the right idea. Strenuous exercise, meditation and mindfulness are effective ways to deal with everyday stress.

    Regular exercise can help manage symptoms of burnout.
    alexei_tm/Shutterstock

    Deeper contributing factors, including traits such as perfectionism, should be managed by a skilled clinical psychologist.

    For melancholic depression, clinicians will often recommend antidepressant medication.

    For non-melancholic depression, clinicians will help address and manage triggers that are the root cause. Others will benefit from antidepressants or formal psychotherapy.

    While misdiagnosis between depression and burnout can occur, burnout can mimic other medical conditions such as anemia or hypothyroidism.

    For the right diagnosis, it’s best to speak to your doctor or clinician who should seek to obtain a sense of “the whole picture”. Only then, once a burnout diagnsois has been affirmed and other possible causes ruled out, should effective support strategies be put in place.

    If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

    Gordon Parker receives funding from the University of of NSW.

    – ref. What’s the difference between burnout and depression? – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-burnout-and-depression-250043

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 02.26.2025 Sen. Cruz, Rep. Roy Reintroduce RESULT Act to Increase Access to Life-Saving Medical Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas-21) reintroduced the bicameralReciprocity Ensures Streamlined Use of Lifesaving Treatments (RESULT) Act. The legislation increases access to drugs, devices, and other medical therapies already approved in other trusted countries, facilitating access to life-saving treatments for Americans.
    Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “Washington bureaucracy and regulations far too often interfere with the healthcare decisions of patients and their doctors.  The RESULT Act will facilitate access to life-saving drugs, devices, and medical treatments that are already proven safe and effective in other trusted countries, empowering patients to access the medications they need to improve their health. I’m proud to be advancing it, and I call upon my colleagues to expeditiously take it up and pass it.”
    Sen. Lee said, “Americans should have access to the very best medicines and treatments in the world, without government bureaucrats standing in the way. This legislation will strengthen medical freedom, increase healthcare options for patients, and allow the most brilliant innovations from our trusted allies across the globe to help countless families in the United States.”
    Rep. Roy said, “Waiting for a pencil-pusher in Washington to green-light medications that are already approved in other trusted countries is the epitome of the bureaucratic nightmare that has plagued our healthcare system. This bill would cut through a wall of red tape that separates Americans from getting the care that they need, which means prioritizing their healthcare freedom.”
    This legislation was also cosponsored by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah).
    Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas-21).
    Read the bill text here.
    BACKGROUND
    The RESULT Act amends the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to allow for reciprocal approval of drugs, devices and biologics approved in certain trusted countries, including the UK, EU member countries, Israel, Australia, Canada, and Japan. Sen. Cruz previously introduced the bill in 2023 and 2021.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 4BC Brisbane, Breakfast with Peter Fegan

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    PETER FEGAN:  Now, you’ll remember last year we reported it here on 4BC and it made headlines nationally, the states were officially put on notice by the Federal Government. The states were saying, show me the money and the Federal Government was simply saying, well, prove what it’s worth. Federal Transport Minister Catherine King told state premiers if they wanted cash, they needed good business cases. It’s pretty smart politics, really. The good news is we’ve passed the test here in Brisbane. Today, we’ll be handed a cheque for $200 million, and it includes funding for one of Brisbane’s oldest icons. The Federal Transport Minister, Catherine King, joins me on the line. Minister, great to have your company this morning.

    CATHERINE KING: So lovely to be with you, Peter. It’s a beautiful day here in Brisbane.

    PETER FEGAN: Now, one of our landmarks, our most famous landmarks, will be getting some cash. Can you reveal it on the program please?

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah. So we’re working with the Brisbane City Council to start to investigate what the cost of and scope of work that are needed to restore and to future maintenance of what is obviously the most iconic bridge, one of the most iconic bridges in the country, apart from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, of course. But it’s- you know, it’s a landmark. And so we’re putting in alongside Brisbane City Council together, $5 million to really get that work done, to see what is it that we’re going to need to do. It’s going to need more cash into the future. But this is really starting the process of working with the council to look at what do we need to make sure this bridge stays there into the future and is as strong as it possibly can be, and we keep it there for many, many generations to enjoy.

    PETER FEGAN: Now, there was also $1 million that’s been put aside to investigate a bridge from West End to Toowong. Well, Minister, I’m going to do you a favour here this morning. I’m going to save you that $1 million, and I’m going to say this, just build it because we’ve wanted it for so long. 

    CATHERINE KING: [Laughs] Well, unfortunately we have to work out the cost of these things first. And part of what you do with the business case and the planning is you do the geotech work. You have a look at what services need to be moved so that you can then- the city council can come to me and say, well, look, we need this amount of money to actually build it. So that’s really just the start of the process. And I was at the opening, obviously, of Kangaroo Point Bridge. I’ve seen hundreds and hundreds of people have been using that. We want to see people being able to access all parts of the city. And so this is again, just working with the Brisbane City Council, doing that planning work, finding out how much- you know, we really need to understand how much it costs and then sort of getting on with it once we’ve got that understanding.

    PETER FEGAN: Minister, no more footbridges. We need cars to go across. We drive here in Brisbane. We don’t get transport, unfortunately.

    CATHERINE KING: Well, we do lots of things. I think people catch buses.

    PETER FEGAN: [Laughs]

    CATHERINE KING: So obviously, there’s the Brisbane Metro [indistinct], there’s people do that. People will cycle. I’ve seen people everywhere doing that. I’ve seen people walking across footbridges and then I’ve obviously seen- in terms of lots of cars as well. Everyone does all of those things. But cars are obviously pretty important here in Queensland.

    PETER FEGAN: Minister, I found this one very interesting, being somebody that grew up in the western suburbs of Brisbane, plenty of people listening to me from the west this morning, they’ll find this interesting. $78.5 million towards cost pressures on the Moggill Road Corridor upgrade project, replacing Indooroopilly roundabout with an overpass over Moggill Road. Now that’s great, but what about the Moggill Road corridor in particular? And then that’s further out towards Moggill. And I’m talking about land that had been put aside. Government land, Crown land that’s been put aside since Malcolm Fraser’s days. And yet people that live out in those western suburbs are still struggling to get to work, because we haven’t used that parcel of land. Can you give a guarantee that one day we may use it?

    CATHERINE KING: What again, we do is work in partnership with councils. So obviously Brisbane City Council is in a really unique position across the country that it has such a substantial road and obviously public transport network that it has to fund and build itself. So we work closely with Brisbane City Council and also state governments. They bring projects forward to us in budget and we make considerations of those. We’ve got to do the planning work first, make sure we understand it, but know if the council or the state government want to bring that forward. I, of course, will give it due consideration in the budget process.

    PETER FEGAN: $7.2 billion upgrade to fix the Bruce Highway. I think this is the most contentious topic here in Queensland. And I got to say, Minister, when it comes to the election, this will be one of the most divisive topics and I think you’ll either win or lose votes here. $7.2 billion upgrade to fix the Bruce, right? That’s one hell of an obligation to Queenslanders in particular. But I’ve got to say this, Minister, we are reluctant to believe either government, particularly this Labor Government at the moment, because it was this government that had turned its back on the Bruce and had switched the funding arrangement around. $7.2 billion sounds fantastic. I’ve got to say, on behalf of all Queensland, Minister, we just need to get on with it. We need this highway to be safe.

    CATHERINE KING: Absolutely. And that’s why, you know, the earliest possible opportunity we did, we’ve made the announcement at that $7.2 billion. Money will flow this year and every subsequent year.  We’ve said we’ll get it done in eight years. We’ve asked the Queensland Government to deliver that …

    PETER FEGAN: [Talks over] But it’s been 50.

    CATHERINE KING: … then obviously [indistinct].

    PETER FEGAN: 50 or 60 years, Minister. It’s 50 or 60 years and not one government can fix it.

    CATHERINE KING: Well, this Government has made the single biggest contribution to the Bruce Highway ever. And this is a Labor Government that has done that. And if you look back when we were last in office, prior to that, it was the then infrastructure minister, now Prime Minister, who then made the single biggest commitment to this.

    This is a Labor legacy, and we are absolutely committed to making the Bruce Highway safer. We’ve been in government obviously two and a half years. And I do want to make it really clear, no money has ever been cut from the Bruce Highway. What we have said is-

    PETER FEGAN: But the funding agreement- the funding- hang on, Minister, the funding agreement, that’s not true. The funding agreement was an 80/20 split…

    CATHERINE KING: [Talks over] That’s true…

    PETER FEGAN: … and you- but you changed that. So that’s funding cutting. Hang on, Minister, you changed that. It was an 80/20 split, but you say no funding has ever been cut. If you change- if you go from 80/20 to 50/50, that to me- I’m not a mathematician, but that’s a 30 per cent cut in funding.

    CATHERINE KING: So no, it isn’t. And so I want to make that really clear. I think there’s some confusion about that and been a bit of mischief about that. So first thing is not a single dollar has been cut from the Bruce Highway. In fact, the commitment that we’ve got, there’s $10 billion that has already been spent on the Bruce Highway. That has remained, and then we’ve put in an additional 7.2 billion. We’ve recognised on the Bruce Highway, in particular because of the safety concerns, 41 deaths just last year alone, that we will continue to fund that on an 80/20 basis.

    But what we did announce is that because the Commonwealth is now increasingly funding suburban roads, public transport and has stepped into the space of the state governments, largely, we’re now on other roads, particularly across the country, now requiring the state to also step up its commitment. We’re not dropping any of our funding. There’s still $125 billion worth of Commonwealth funding going to states and territories. We’re not dropping that. We’re just asking the states to step up with their contribution as well. So it’s not a cut to our funding. We’re asking the states to step in in the same way we’re stepping in on suburban roads now, but generally were 100 per cent of the state to fund.

    PETER FEGAN: It’s bang on quarter after eight. My guest this morning is the Federal Transport Minister, Catherine King. $200 million being announced today in funding for our roads here in Brisbane and in the South East. Minister, I’ve got to say this. It’s smart politics to ask the states to present you a case study because money is really, really tight, particularly on a federal level. So I like it. I think it’s good politics, and I think that that’s what the states should have to do. The reason I’m asking you about this, though, is because we need a really nice, new shiny stadium here in Queensland and particularly in Brisbane. We’ve got the Olympics coming. Now, if there was a case study put forward by David Crisafulli for a brand-new stadium, you’d be on board, wouldn’t you?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, the thing that we have put money towards, so there’s $3.5 billion capped from the Commonwealth going into the Olympics. We have said the Commonwealth’s contribution will go towards the Brisbane Arena. $2.5 billion is going towards that, we think, will leave a really significant legacy for an entertainment venue here in the heart of Brisbane – really necessary. We’ve also said we will 50/50 share the minor venues. Obviously, the Queensland Government is undertaking a review of those venues at the moment, but the Commonwealth has done- we’ve done the work, we’ve done the business case, the work is ready to go on the Brisbane Arena and that remains- you know, remains there on the table to build that arena for Brisbane. We think it’s needed and it will leave a great legacy for the community.

    PETER FEGAN: Let’s hope they’re listening, because it’s next month that we announce whether we’re going to get a new stadium or not. Before I let you go, Minister, what did you make of today’s announcements? I want to get your thoughts on this because your government has approved a deal between Virgin and Qatar Airways. Now, this is a deal that would see Qatar be able to invest in Virgin. It means there’s going to be more Qatar flights. It means we can spread our wings a little bit. Should hopefully cheapen flight prices here in Australia. But I’ve got to think back, if my memory serves me correctly, it was you that clipped Qatar’s wings in the first place.

    CATHERINE KING: So what we’ve had announced today is that the Treasurer has approved the Foreign Investment Review Board’s decision that Qatar Airways, the Qatari government, can invest in Virgin, and that obviously allows Virgin to do a number of things in terms of it going forward. Obviously, Bain Capital is wanting to withdraw and have Qatar now come in as the major investor. What it’s allowed us also to do is ensure that there are some Australians on the board of Virgin to make sure that we’ve got that in place and that they’re in fact opportunities to train Australian pilots, as again, Qatar has been granted through Virgin some wet leases to increase its flights, its international flights and create that competition. And I think that’s a good thing.

    PETER FEGAN: Before I let you go, we’ve got some breaking news. The election, 12 April. Is that right?

    CATHERINE KING: [Laughs] Very nice try there. What a sneaky way to do it, you cheeky thing.

    PETER FEGAN: [Laughs] I should have just – I shouldn’t have laughed.

    CATHERINE KING: You should have just- I know, I nearly believed you then. You just got me. I’ve got three brothers who do that to me all the time.

    PETER FEGAN: What would you have said, though?

    CATHERINE KING: I don’t know, I have absolutely no idea. [Indistinct] to the Prime Minister, but very cheeky. You nearly got me.

    PETER FEGAN: Good on you, Minister. We’ll chat again very soon.

    CATHERINE KING: Lovely to talk to you, Peter.

    PETER FEGAN: There she is. That’s the Federal Transport Minister, Catherine King.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Tech – Bridgetown Research raises $19M from Lightspeed and Accel to deploy AI business research agents

    Source: Stockwood Strategy

    Bridgetown Research is building the first AI agents focussed on research and analysis using primary and secondary data for verticals including private equity, consulting and strategy

    Seattle, Washington – February 26, 2025: Strategic business decisions have traditionally been expensive and slow for a fundamental reason: they don’t happen enough. This means companies lack both historical data to learn from and experts who have seen enough similar cases. Bridgetown Research is changing that. Today, the AI decision science startup announced $19 million in Series A funding led by Lightspeed and Accel, with participation from a leading research university.
     
    Bridgetown Research has developed AI agents that autonomously execute research. Most notable amongst these agents are voice bots trained to recruit and interview industry experts, gathering primary data that can be analyzed alongside alternative data sourced from their partners.
     
    Founded by Harsh Sahai, who previously led machine learning teams at Amazon before leading strategy engagements at McKinsey & Co., Bridgetown Research was born from a simple observation: the majority of business analyses are a permutation of a small number of automatable tasks. The founding team, comprising former professionals from McKinsey, Bain, Amazon, and leading tech startups, brings together extensive experience across strategy consulting and technology.
     
    “We are excited to be a catalyst for change. We are working with multiple private equity firms, management consulting firms, and corporate teams to help make strategic decisions better and faster. This in turn is driving up demand for advisory and information services downstream. We enable $10+ of advisory and information services revenue for every $1 we make. Together with leading institutions, we’re building something bigger than ourselves—an ecosystem where everyone thrives,” commented Harsh Sahai, CEO & founder of Bridgetown Research.
     
    While many AI solutions focus on searching and summarizing information using LLMs, real world business decisions require much more than synthesising the open web. They need proprietary data such as primary data from experts and customer surveys, along with frameworks to understand markets, what Harsh Sahai calls “ontologies”. Moreover, outputs need to be repeatable and auditable for a business to use them to make decisions with tens of millions of dollars at stake. Bridgetown Research is the only player using agents to gather primary data and systematically find patterns in it to generate original insights.
    “AI is causing widespread disruptions across many enterprise functions, and Bridgetown Research is riding that wave by assisting executives in making important strategic decisions. We are pleased to see Bridgetown serving several marquee customers, with users likening its platform to having a team of top-tier consultants at their fingertips. We are excited to partner with Harsh, who, with his background as an ace AI research scientist turned management consultant, blends a unique combination of skills and insight needed to imagine this whole new category of applied AI,” said Anagh Prasad, Investor at Accel.

    Bridgetown Research started with a focus on private equity deal screening diligence. Multiple top-tier PE & VC firms already use Bridgetown Research for deal screening and deeper commercial diligence. They’re able to screen their pipeline much faster with initial analysis taking 24 hours instead of weeks without Bridgetown enabling teams to focus on actual decision making instead of research and analysis. For other customers Bridgetown has enabled voice of customer conversations that cover hundreds of respondents in parallel, and within days.
     
    Ishaan Preet Singh, Investor at Lightspeed added “Companies are built on the quality of strategic decisions, and the research and analysis behind it. Bridgetown Research enables the smartest executives and investors to make these decisions with an order of magnitude more information, and at a pace that was earlier impossible. Harsh and Bridgetown are already creating immense value for their customers, but are still just scratching the surface of the leverage that AI can create.”

    As global markets become increasingly complex, the demand for efficient and effective decision-making tools continues to rise. With this funding round, Bridgetown Research plans to invest further in training its AI agents to perform a broader set of analyses across a broader range of domains, and deepening industry partnerships to enhance access to domain-specific intelligence.

    About Bridgetown Research
    Bridgetown Research builds AI agents for decision research. Its voice agents and web crawlers find and clean data, while its analyses agents produce repeatable, auditable, and reliable analyses. The team consists of computer scientists, econometricians, software engineers, investors and business consultants, working across geographies. For more information please visit https://www.bridgetownresearch.com/

    About Accel
    Accel is a global venture capital firm that aims to be the first partner to exceptional teams everywhere (Facebook, Flipkart, etc.), from inception through all phases of private company growth. Accel has been operating in India since 2008, and its investments include companies like BookMyShow, Browserstack, Flipkart, Freshworks, FalconX, Infra.Market, Chargebee, Clevertap, Cure Fit, Musigma, Moneyview, Mensa Brands, Myntra, Moglix, Ninjacart, Swiggy, Stanza Living, Urban Company, Zetwerk, and Zenoti, among many others. We help ambitious entrepreneurs build iconic global businesses. For more, visit: www.accel.com
     
    About Lightspeed
    Lightspeed is a global multi-stage venture capital firm focused on accelerating disruptive innovations and trends in the Enterprise, Consumer, Health, and Fintech sectors. Over the past two decades, the Lightspeed team has backed hundreds of entrepreneurs and helped build more than 500 companies globally including Affirm, Acceldata, Carta, Cato Networks, Darwinbox, Epic Games, Faire, Innovaccer, Guardant Health, Mulesoft, Navan, Netskope, Nutanix, Physics Wallah, Razorpay, Rubrik, Sharechat, Snap, OYO Rooms, Ultima Genomics, Zepto and more. Lightspeed and its global team currently manage $25B in AUM across the Lightspeed platform, with investment professionals and advisors in the U.S., Europe, India, Israel, and Southeast Asia. www.lsip.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hamas hands over bodies of 4 Israeli hostages to ICRC in Gaza

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages on Wednesday night to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a source with Hamas told Xinhua.

    Al-Qassam Brigades handed over the bodies to the ICRC team, and the team will deliver them to the Israeli army through Kerem Shalom crossing in the southern Gaza Strip, the source said.

    In return, Israel is expected to release more than 600 Palestinian detainees, including women and children, as part of the first phase of the agreement.

    Hundreds of Palestinian families of the prisoners have already gathered in Gaza Strip and the West Bank to welcome their freed relatives, witnesses said.

    The exchange follows an agreement between Hamas and Israel, brokered by Egypt, to resolve the dispute over the delayed release of Palestinian prisoners.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Russian, US officials to meet for work of embassies

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Russian and U.S. officials will meet in Türkiye’s Istanbul on Thursday to discuss issues concerning the operation of their two countries’ embassies, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced in Doha on Wednesday at a press conference.

    Lavrov said the meeting would focus on creating better conditions for diplomatic missions in both countries and addressing rows over staffing levels and properties of the missions.

    The agenda for the upcoming meeting, as explained by Lavrov, indicates that the two sides will first seek to remove technical barriers to diplomatic relations before moving toward other ambitious goals.

    The top Russian diplomat also emphasized Moscow’s efforts to end the conflict with Ukraine, noting that dialogue between concerned parties would contribute to achieving a ceasefire.

    Lavrov arrived Tuesday night in Doha for a visit, as part of his Middle East working trip. Following his meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Lavrov stated that their discussions focused on the latest developments in the Middle East, particularly in the Palestinian territories and Syria.

    “We have emphasized to the United Nations the need to lift sanctions on Syria, as they are harming the Syrian people. We know that the current Syrian administration is ready to cooperate and stabilize the situation in the country in a balanced manner,” Lavrov said.

    He also warned that the displacement of Palestinians would turn the regional situation into a ticking time bomb.

    In addition, the talks between Lavrov and the emir touched on bilateral relations and cooperation in energy and investment, according to a statement by the Emiri Diwan, the administrative office of the Qatari emir.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel begins to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A released Palestinian prisoner gestures while getting off a bus in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Photo]

    Israeli authorities on Thursday began releasing more than 600 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails as part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, according to Palestinian sources.

    Palestinian sources told Xinhua that buses carrying the prisoners departed from Ofer Prison in the central West Bank, heading toward a reception center in the Beitunia area.

    The Hamas-linked Prisoners’ Information Office said that the seventh and eighth batches of prisoner releases were merged, bringing the total number to 642.

    This release is part of the first phase of the deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, with support from the United States. Hamas described this release as the largest so far under the ceasefire arrangement.

    “We are witnessing one of the achievements of the Palestinian people with the release of the seventh and eighth batches of prisoners, which is the largest so far within the ceasefire agreement arrangements,” Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said in a press statement.

    He added that Hamas prioritizes the release of Palestinian prisoners in any exchange deal. He also noted that the group had responded to mediators’ requests regarding new mechanisms for exchanging bodies, ensuring Israel’s commitment to the process.

    On Tuesday, Hamas announced it had resolved a dispute over the delayed release of Palestinian prisoners, which was originally scheduled for last Saturday. The resolution followed talks between a Hamas delegation and Egyptian officials in Cairo.

    The delay occurred after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded assurances from mediators that there would be no repeat of what he described as “provocative military parades” organized by Hamas during previous handover operations, which he considered “insulting to the rights of Israeli hostages.”

    MIL OSI China News –