Source: Government of Italy (English)
Vai al Contenuto Raggiungi il piè di pagina
24 Giugno 2025
The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, today responded to the points raised by the Senate following the general discussion on the official communications regarding the European Council meeting to be held on 26-27 June. The text of the official communications was delivered to the Senate during the session of Monday 23 June.
Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development
Published on June 24, 2025
Joint communiqué issued by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for the Armed Forces (Paris, 22 June 2025)
Following the meeting of the Defence and National Security Council (CDSN), at President Macron’s request, the Minister for the Armed Forces, M. Sébastien Lecornu, and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, M. Jean-Noël Barrot, announce that in addition to civilian air links, in particular chartered flights leaving Amman, military (A400M) flights are now being deployed to transport French nationals who so wish from Ben Gurion Airport in Israel to Cyprus, subject to Israeli authorization.
Since Friday 13 June, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’s teams have been working actively to lend assistance to our French nationals in the region. Teams at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ Crisis and Support Centre have answered more than 4,500 calls. The Crisis and Support Centre’s emergency numbers are still accessible at all times. They are posted on our embassies’ and consulates’ websites.
On Sunday 22 June, 160 French nationals, most of them in situations of emergency and vulnerability, accompanied by a doctor from the Ministry’s Crisis and Support Centre, are being repatriated from Jordan (Amman). Other flights will follow, in addition to direct or indirect commercial links leaving Amman (Jordan) and Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt).
On Monday 23 June at 4.00 p.m., an additional commercial flight from Amman is being put in place by Royal Jordanian at France’s request; it will enable 150 French nationals to return; for Tuesday 24 June, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is chartering a flight that will allow more than 150 nationals in vulnerable situations to return to France.
Security advice and emergency information are being updated in real time here: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/afrique-du-nord-moyen-orient/article/consignes-de-securite-a-destination-des-ressortissants-francais-au-proche-et
We remind all French people of the need to register on the Fil d’Ariane prior to any trip abroad: https://fildariane.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fildariane-internet/accueil
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The ceasefire between Israel and Iran unraveled within hours of its announcement, as both sides launched fresh attacks and accused each other of violations. Israeli officials confirmed a strike on a radar installation near Tehran in response to three missiles reportedly fired by Iran, one at 07:06 and two more at 10:25 local time, after the truce had taken effect.
Explosions were reported in Iran’s northern Mazandaran province, including the cities of Babol and Babolsar, prompting the activation of air defense systems. Tehran denied launching any new missiles, while Israel cited precise timings to assert Iranian non-compliance, resulting in conflicting narratives and casting doubt on the ceasefire’s enforceability. However, no further incidents were reported after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The ceasefire, brokered with Qatar’s mediation following intensive negotiations and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, had been announced by President Trump on June 23. Both Netanyahu and Iranian state media publicly acknowledged the agreement, raising initial hopes of de-escalation. However, the swift breakdown revealed fundamental disagreements over the scope and terms of the truce.
Trump, visibly frustrated, condemned both sides: “Iran did. Israel did, too. I’m not happy with Israel. Don’t go out first hour. Not happy with Iran, either.” In a pointed warning, he added, “DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!” Israeli officials later confirmed they had refrained from further attacks following Netanyahu’s call with the U.S. President.
The breakdown of the ceasefire coincides with the opening of the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, where the conflict has already overshadowed the alliance’s traditional focus on defense spending and unity. President Trump arrived at the summit just hours after announcing the truce, only to see it fall apart soon after. The renewed violence in West Asia has forced NATO leaders to address the region’s rapidly deteriorating security situation while continuing to grapple with ongoing challenges such as the war in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, regional air traffic is gradually resuming. Air India Express announced the restart of its services to West Asia from June 24, with flights resuming today on the Delhi, Muscat route, and additional services to Muscat, Riyadh, and Jeddah from Mumbai, Kozhikode, and Jaipur. Flights to and from major UAE cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, and Ras Al Khaimah,are scheduled to resume tomorrow.
Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Tuesday, 24 June 2025
Wiki Commons gary4now
Battambang (Agenzia Fides) – The government of Cambodia has confirmed that the Thai army unilaterally closed all border crossings with Cambodia on the night of June 23. According to the Thai army, border crossings in six Thai provinces bordering Cambodia have been closed, with few exceptions for students or people receiving medical treatment. All other human or vehicle traffic is currently prohibited. The closure is the latest in a series of reprisals that have intensified since the border incident on May 28, in which a Cambodian soldier was killed in gunfire in the so-called “Emerald Triangle,” a small green area on the border between Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.It is one of several disputed regions that both Thailand and Cambodia claim as part of their territory. The two armies accused each other of firing first. On June 7, the Thai army temporarily closed the border and then reduced its opening hours. On June 12, Cambodia announced the suspension of electricity imports and closed the international border at Daung, in Battambang province, for “security reasons.”Thailand and Cambodia are separated by a border approximately 820 kilometers long, which runs through several disputed territories. “This dispute has existed for more than a century and dates back to the time of the French colonial empire,” explains Bishop Enrique Figaredo, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang (Cambodia), in an interview with Fides.”The parties involved are basing their decision on a map from 1907, which France, which occupied Cambodia as a colonial power until 1953, first used to draw the border between the two countries. Thailand argues that the map is not binding. Cambodia has appealed to the International Court of Justice to determine the territorial ownership of four disputed territories. Thailand also does not agree to appeal to the Court,” the Prefect said.”It should be noted that this crisis,” he added, “is causing hardship and inconvenience for ordinary people. The border between Cambodia and Thailand is indeed very porous and is constantly crossed by a lively trade and workers. The closure of the border blocks the flow of people and goods, so vital to social, economic, and cultural life.” Bishop Figaredo says that many people in the province of Battambang, the territory of his apostolic prefecture, are affected by these flows. “The local people are experiencing this phase with great disappointment, surprise, and confusion,” he notes. “There are also hundreds of displaced people, people stuck on the other side of the border who cannot return home,” he says. The dispute has aroused nationalist sentiments in both countries. Thailand has banned tourists and Thai citizens from visiting or working in Poipet, a Cambodian city whose economy relies on the presence of eight casinos frequented almost exclusively by Thai citizens. In this context, Thailand has also included security measures to paralyze transnational criminal activities in the dispute with Cambodia, as declared by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.The measures against fraud centers were implemented in early 2025, when Thailand cut off electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to some areas of Myanmar where cyber fraud activities were taking place. Thailand and Cambodia jointly dismantled a fraud center that housed hundreds of trafficked foreign workers in the city of Poipet. Cyber fraud and so-called “scam cities” have spread throughout Southeast Asia, especially in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 24/6/2025)
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Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
New York City, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At All iGaming, we’ve meticulously tested over 100 crypto casinos to bring you the definitive list of the crypto casinos with no KYC for 2025, available here. Our evaluation focused on real-money & crypto play, scrutinizing payment processing, bonus fairness, licensing, and user experience. The result is a curated selection of the biggest crypto casinos that exceed industry standards.
This guide will help you find trusted no kyc crypto casinos for an exciting and secure gaming experience.
Listed Legit Crypto Casinos For 2025 & Exclusive Bonuses
Here’s our list of top performers:
>>> For The Full List Of Top Crypto Casinos, Visit All igaming
Why Choose Crypto Casinos?
Crypto casinos are transforming online gambling with their unique advantages, making them a top choice for players seeking the most trusted bitcoin casinos. Here’s why you should consider these platforms:
The online crypto casinos allow players to gamble with minimal personal information, ensuring a high level of privacy. This is particularly appealing to those who value discretion in their gaming activities.
Cryptocurrency transactions are processed in minutes, offering a significant advantage over traditional banking methods. Our tests found that the biggest online crypto casino’s average withdrawal times of under 10 minutes for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, compared to 24-48 hours for fiat-based platforms.
Crypto transactions typically have minimal fees, saving players money. During testing, we noted that the online Bitcoin casinos charge little to no withdrawal fees, unlike traditional casinos with high processing costs.
Unlike traditional casinos restricted by geography, crypto gambling sites are accessible worldwide, provided local laws permit. This makes them ideal for players in regions with limited gambling options.
Many crypto casinos use blockchain technology to offer provably fair games, allowing players to verify game outcomes. Our team found that top platforms display fairness mechanisms, enhancing trust in the crypto casino experience.
All iGaming’s Testing Method for Crypto Casinos
At All iGaming, we apply a rigorous testing process to ensure only the crypto casinos make our list. Here’s how we evaluate each platform:
We reviewed licensing details for over 100 crypto-gambling sites, discarding 10 that lacked verifiable regulatory information. The remaining platforms displayed valid licenses from reputable jurisdictions like Curacao or Malta, ensuring player protection.
Our testers evaluated 90 platforms by:
Of the tested platforms, 50 provided clear bonus terms before opt-in. These sites offered wagering requirements of 20x-35x and reasonable bet limits ($5-$10). Transparent bonus tracking reduced disputes, making these platforms stand out as the greatest Bitcoin casinos.
We tested withdrawal speeds across all platforms. Thirty processed payouts within 10 minutes, while five were delayed beyond 24 hours without explanation. The online crypto casinos verify identities upfront, ensuring smooth and fast withdrawals.
Top platforms introduced unique features like blockchain-based game trackers, achievement systems, and volatility filters. These additions enhanced gameplay, setting these crypto casinos apart from traditional platforms.
Regulatory Landscape for Crypto Casinos
The regulatory environment for crypto gambling is complex and varies significantly across jurisdictions. Unlike traditional online gambling, which is often subject to strict national regulations, crypto casinos operate in a more decentralized manner due to the nature of cryptocurrencies.
Here’s a detailed look at the regulatory landscape:
Players should always choose licensed platforms and stay informed about local laws to ensure a safe and legal gaming experience at crypto gambling sites.
Games at Crypto Casinos
The crypto currency casinos offer diverse game libraries that rival traditional platforms, ensuring there’s something for every player. Here’s an in-depth look at the game types available:
Slots are the cornerstone of crypto casinos, with libraries often exceeding 1,500 titles. Players can enjoy classic three-reel slots, modern video slots with immersive themes, and progressive jackpots offering massive payouts.
Popular titles include Book of Dead, Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and Mega Moolah. Many new crypto casinos feature exclusive slots with unique mechanics like Cluster Pays, Hold & Win, and cascading reels. These games often have RTPs between 95% and 97%, with clear volatility labels to aid bankroll planning.
Provably fair games are a hallmark of the biggest crypto casinos, leveraging blockchain technology to ensure transparency. Players can verify the randomness of each outcome, building trust. Popular provably fair games include:
Live dealer games bring the casino experience to your screen, powered by providers like Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play. These games feature professional dealers and high-definition streams, with bet ranges from $0.20 to $1,000. Common options include:
Table games remain a staple, offering strategic and fast-paced options. Common names include:
Many crypto casinos offer sports betting, allowing players to wager on events using cryptocurrencies. Popular sports include:
Bonuses and Promotions at Crypto Casinos
Bonuses are a key attraction at the crypto currency casinos, designed to attract and retain players. Here’s what you’ll find:
✔️Welcome Bonuses
Welcome bonuses typically offer a 100%-200% match on your first deposit, often up to 1 BTC, with free spins included. For example, a 100% match up to $1,000 doubles your deposit. Wagering requirements range from 20x to 40x, with these Bitcoin casinos applying wagering to the bonus only, not the deposit.
✔️Reload Bonuses
Reload bonuses reward subsequent deposits, typically offering 25%-100% matches up to $300. These bonuses often have wagering requirements of 30x-45x and may be tied to specific days or player activity.
✔️Cashback Offers
Cashback returns 5%-20% of net losses, often as real money or low-wager bonuses. The crypto casinos credit cashback automatically, with transparent loss calculations, enhancing player value.
✔️Free Spins
Free spins (10-200) are tied to specific slots, with spin values of $0.10-$0.50. Winnings are subject to 20x-45x wagering, and the Bitcoin casinos state eligible games up front.
✔️VIP Programs
VIP programs offer exclusive perks like higher betting limits, faster withdrawals, and personalized support. High rollers benefit from tailored bonuses and cashback, making these programs a draw for dedicated players.
Always read bonus terms to understand wagering requirements, bet limits, and eligible games.
>>> Get Matched With The Right Bonus Offers<<<
Withdrawals at Crypto Casinos
Fast withdrawals are a hallmark of the new online crypto casinos. Here’s what you need to know:
Top platforms complete KYC during registration, ensuring hassle-free payouts.
Tips for Playing at Crypto Casinos
Maximize your experience with these tips:
Responsible Gambling at Crypto Casinos
Responsible gambling is critical. The online crypto casinos offer tools like:
Set limits early to keep gambling fun and safe.
Final Verdict on Crypto Casinos Of 2025
Yes, if you choose wisely. The above-mentioned online crypto casinos in 2025 offer unmatched privacy, speed, and innovation, driven by blockchain technology and growing cryptocurrency adoption. Our testing at All iGaming identified platforms that excel in game variety, bonuses, and security. As cryptocurrencies become mainstream, new crypto casinos are poised to redefine online gambling with transparent systems and player-focused features.
However, always verify licensing and read terms carefully. With the right approach, crypto gambling sites provide a thrilling and secure experience. Play smart, stay safe, and enjoy the new crypto casinos!
FAQ’s
Yes, if licensed and transparent. Check for valid licenses and security measures.
Most process within minutes, with Bitcoin taking 10-30 minutes.
Many allow anonymous play, though large withdrawals may require KYC.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and various altcoins.
Reputable platforms use RNGs and provably fair systems.
Hidden terms or delayed payouts. Avoid casinos lacking clear licensing.
Contact
All iGaming
support@alligaming.com
18+ Only. Gambling carries risks. Play responsibly and check local laws.
Brand website:https://all-igaming.com/
Project Name: All iGaming
Full company Address: Oceanview Street 12, Sunnyville, Atlantis
Postal Code:7299
Media Contact:
Full Name -Max Fraser
Company website:https://all-igaming.com/
Email:support@alligaming.com
Attachment
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
New York City, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At All iGaming, we’ve meticulously tested over 100 crypto casinos to bring you the definitive list of the crypto casinos with no KYC for 2025, available here. Our evaluation focused on real-money & crypto play, scrutinizing payment processing, bonus fairness, licensing, and user experience. The result is a curated selection of the biggest crypto casinos that exceed industry standards.
This guide will help you find trusted no kyc crypto casinos for an exciting and secure gaming experience.
Listed Legit Crypto Casinos For 2025 & Exclusive Bonuses
Here’s our list of top performers:
>>> For The Full List Of Top Crypto Casinos, Visit All igaming
Why Choose Crypto Casinos?
Crypto casinos are transforming online gambling with their unique advantages, making them a top choice for players seeking the most trusted bitcoin casinos. Here’s why you should consider these platforms:
The online crypto casinos allow players to gamble with minimal personal information, ensuring a high level of privacy. This is particularly appealing to those who value discretion in their gaming activities.
Cryptocurrency transactions are processed in minutes, offering a significant advantage over traditional banking methods. Our tests found that the biggest online crypto casino’s average withdrawal times of under 10 minutes for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, compared to 24-48 hours for fiat-based platforms.
Crypto transactions typically have minimal fees, saving players money. During testing, we noted that the online Bitcoin casinos charge little to no withdrawal fees, unlike traditional casinos with high processing costs.
Unlike traditional casinos restricted by geography, crypto gambling sites are accessible worldwide, provided local laws permit. This makes them ideal for players in regions with limited gambling options.
Many crypto casinos use blockchain technology to offer provably fair games, allowing players to verify game outcomes. Our team found that top platforms display fairness mechanisms, enhancing trust in the crypto casino experience.
All iGaming’s Testing Method for Crypto Casinos
At All iGaming, we apply a rigorous testing process to ensure only the crypto casinos make our list. Here’s how we evaluate each platform:
We reviewed licensing details for over 100 crypto-gambling sites, discarding 10 that lacked verifiable regulatory information. The remaining platforms displayed valid licenses from reputable jurisdictions like Curacao or Malta, ensuring player protection.
Our testers evaluated 90 platforms by:
Of the tested platforms, 50 provided clear bonus terms before opt-in. These sites offered wagering requirements of 20x-35x and reasonable bet limits ($5-$10). Transparent bonus tracking reduced disputes, making these platforms stand out as the greatest Bitcoin casinos.
We tested withdrawal speeds across all platforms. Thirty processed payouts within 10 minutes, while five were delayed beyond 24 hours without explanation. The online crypto casinos verify identities upfront, ensuring smooth and fast withdrawals.
Top platforms introduced unique features like blockchain-based game trackers, achievement systems, and volatility filters. These additions enhanced gameplay, setting these crypto casinos apart from traditional platforms.
Regulatory Landscape for Crypto Casinos
The regulatory environment for crypto gambling is complex and varies significantly across jurisdictions. Unlike traditional online gambling, which is often subject to strict national regulations, crypto casinos operate in a more decentralized manner due to the nature of cryptocurrencies.
Here’s a detailed look at the regulatory landscape:
Players should always choose licensed platforms and stay informed about local laws to ensure a safe and legal gaming experience at crypto gambling sites.
Games at Crypto Casinos
The crypto currency casinos offer diverse game libraries that rival traditional platforms, ensuring there’s something for every player. Here’s an in-depth look at the game types available:
Slots are the cornerstone of crypto casinos, with libraries often exceeding 1,500 titles. Players can enjoy classic three-reel slots, modern video slots with immersive themes, and progressive jackpots offering massive payouts.
Popular titles include Book of Dead, Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and Mega Moolah. Many new crypto casinos feature exclusive slots with unique mechanics like Cluster Pays, Hold & Win, and cascading reels. These games often have RTPs between 95% and 97%, with clear volatility labels to aid bankroll planning.
Provably fair games are a hallmark of the biggest crypto casinos, leveraging blockchain technology to ensure transparency. Players can verify the randomness of each outcome, building trust. Popular provably fair games include:
Live dealer games bring the casino experience to your screen, powered by providers like Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play. These games feature professional dealers and high-definition streams, with bet ranges from $0.20 to $1,000. Common options include:
Table games remain a staple, offering strategic and fast-paced options. Common names include:
Many crypto casinos offer sports betting, allowing players to wager on events using cryptocurrencies. Popular sports include:
Bonuses and Promotions at Crypto Casinos
Bonuses are a key attraction at the crypto currency casinos, designed to attract and retain players. Here’s what you’ll find:
✔️Welcome Bonuses
Welcome bonuses typically offer a 100%-200% match on your first deposit, often up to 1 BTC, with free spins included. For example, a 100% match up to $1,000 doubles your deposit. Wagering requirements range from 20x to 40x, with these Bitcoin casinos applying wagering to the bonus only, not the deposit.
✔️Reload Bonuses
Reload bonuses reward subsequent deposits, typically offering 25%-100% matches up to $300. These bonuses often have wagering requirements of 30x-45x and may be tied to specific days or player activity.
✔️Cashback Offers
Cashback returns 5%-20% of net losses, often as real money or low-wager bonuses. The crypto casinos credit cashback automatically, with transparent loss calculations, enhancing player value.
✔️Free Spins
Free spins (10-200) are tied to specific slots, with spin values of $0.10-$0.50. Winnings are subject to 20x-45x wagering, and the Bitcoin casinos state eligible games up front.
✔️VIP Programs
VIP programs offer exclusive perks like higher betting limits, faster withdrawals, and personalized support. High rollers benefit from tailored bonuses and cashback, making these programs a draw for dedicated players.
Always read bonus terms to understand wagering requirements, bet limits, and eligible games.
>>> Get Matched With The Right Bonus Offers<<<
Withdrawals at Crypto Casinos
Fast withdrawals are a hallmark of the new online crypto casinos. Here’s what you need to know:
Top platforms complete KYC during registration, ensuring hassle-free payouts.
Tips for Playing at Crypto Casinos
Maximize your experience with these tips:
Responsible Gambling at Crypto Casinos
Responsible gambling is critical. The online crypto casinos offer tools like:
Set limits early to keep gambling fun and safe.
Final Verdict on Crypto Casinos Of 2025
Yes, if you choose wisely. The above-mentioned online crypto casinos in 2025 offer unmatched privacy, speed, and innovation, driven by blockchain technology and growing cryptocurrency adoption. Our testing at All iGaming identified platforms that excel in game variety, bonuses, and security. As cryptocurrencies become mainstream, new crypto casinos are poised to redefine online gambling with transparent systems and player-focused features.
However, always verify licensing and read terms carefully. With the right approach, crypto gambling sites provide a thrilling and secure experience. Play smart, stay safe, and enjoy the new crypto casinos!
FAQ’s
Yes, if licensed and transparent. Check for valid licenses and security measures.
Most process within minutes, with Bitcoin taking 10-30 minutes.
Many allow anonymous play, though large withdrawals may require KYC.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and various altcoins.
Reputable platforms use RNGs and provably fair systems.
Hidden terms or delayed payouts. Avoid casinos lacking clear licensing.
Contact
All iGaming
support@alligaming.com
18+ Only. Gambling carries risks. Play responsibly and check local laws.
Brand website:https://all-igaming.com/
Project Name: All iGaming
Full company Address: Oceanview Street 12, Sunnyville, Atlantis
Postal Code:7299
Media Contact:
Full Name -Max Fraser
Company website:https://all-igaming.com/
Email:support@alligaming.com
Attachment
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Digital technologies as bridge between law enforcement and public: topic in focus at OSCE roundtable discussion
OSCE expert roundtable on the use of new technologies by law enforcement for community outreach and public engagement hosted at the Permanent Mission of Finland to the OSCE in Vienna, 18 June 2025. (OSCE/Jeni Dimitrova) Photo details
To explore how police can harness new and emerging technologies to strengthen community outreach and public engagement, the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department brought together law enforcement and civil society representatives on 18 and 19 June for an expert roundtable discussion in Vienna.
In the digital era, law enforcement agencies worldwide are increasingly using tools such as social media and mobile technologies to connect with the public. Participants highlighted how such digital innovations are key to fostering trust, enhancing public safety, and bridging gaps between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
The roundtable discussion examined how these technologies can be used to reach diverse groups, from remote and underserved communities to youth for crime prevention efforts, as well as to enhance general public awareness and engagement.
Ethical considerations, privacy concerns, and equitable access were also topics that took center stage during the discussions. By addressing both opportunities and risks, participants reflected on strategies that can help develop and strengthen transparent, rights-respecting, and community-centered policing.
Key insights and recommendations from the discussions will be compiled into a short policy paper that will also contribute to a broader summary report to be published by the OSCE in late 2025.
This is the third event in the OSCE’s series of expert roundtable discussions on the use of new technologies by law enforcement. The paper of the first event in the series is available here.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CS Diagnostics Corp. (OTCQB: CSDX), based in Germany and USA and focused on innovation in Healthcare, today announced that Thomas Fahrhoefer, Chairman of the Group, and Mohammad Essayed, Chief Financial Officer, will present live at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on June 26th, 2025
DATE: June 26th
TIME: 12:30 PM ET
LINK: REGISTER HERE
Available for 1×1 meetings: June 27th to July 1st
This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.
It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.
Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.
Recent Company Highlights
About CS Diagnostics Corp.
CS Diagnostic Corp. is a global healthcare innovation company committed to advancing medical diagnostics through innovation and precision technology. With a strong foundation in research and a global vision, the company delivers cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. Its flagship products, CS – Protect Hydrogel and MEDUSA are designed to meet critical unmet needs in patient care and environmental protection.
About Virtual Investor Conferences®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.
Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
CONTACTS:
CS Diagnostics Corp
Mohammad Essayed
Chief Financial Officer
+971 52 861 1930
Mohammad.essayed@csdcorp.us
Virtual Investor Conferences
John M. Viglotti
SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
OTC Markets Group
(212) 220-2221
johnv@otcmarkets.com
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, June 24 /Xinhua/ — The strategy of Western countries in the conflict around Ukraine has suffered a defeat, now the West is no longer talking about the possibility of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield, but is begging for a ceasefire for Ukraine without additional conditions. This was stated on Tuesday by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at the 11th International Scientific and Expert Forum “Primakov Readings”.
“Remember how it all began? “Russia needs to be strategically defeated on the battlefield.” They shouted hysterically. After some time, the slogan changed, and they began to loudly declare that Russia should not win in Ukraine. And now they demand, ask, beg for an immediate ceasefire without preconditions,” said S. Lavrov.
“That is, the fiasco of Western strategy and tactics is obvious, but Europe is still trying,” he added.
According to him, Western countries, including Germany, are now trying to hide behind the alleged establishment of their own military production in Ukraine, but in reality they are supplying weapons there.
“They have now come up with a scheme according to which they will allegedly produce weapons on the territory of Ukraine,” said the Russian Foreign Minister. “Many observers have already cited facts that nothing like this will happen, this is simply a cover for supplying weapons from the same Germany and other European countries to the Ukrainian armed forces, referring to the fact that this is not support, not pumping up, but assistance in establishing their own production – and many such tricks are being implemented,” S. Lavrov emphasized. –0–
Source: Government of Iceland
Representatives of the countries that make up the Demining Capability Coalition met in Reykjavík last week.
Iceland and Lithuania are leading the work of the group, which supports training and the purchase of a variety of equipment for mine action in Ukraine. A total of 22 countries are part of the group, as well as twelve partners. Representatives of the Ukrainian government also attended the meeting.
“We are very proud to lead this extremely important project together with our Lithuanian friends, but in Ukraine, landmines cover a vast area and endanger the lives of innocent civilians, including children,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir. “This situation, of course, affects Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s illegal and bloody war of aggression, so this support from us and the allies is of great importance to the Ukrainian people.”
At the meeting, the Ukrainians reviewed the situation in their country and informed about where help is urgently needed. Plans for contributions from the member states were reviewed, both in terms of equipment they intend to provide as well as plans for training and contributions to a fund that both handles joint purchases of necessary equipment for bomb detection and disposal and finances training projects. The fund has been useful in purchasing important equipment. Donations to the fund have been successful this year, but it is hoped that more countries will contribute funds to it in order to achieve the goals that the group has set for itself this year.
The meeting also reported on a field visit that representatives of the group, including Iceland, undertook to Ukraine in the first week of June.
Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister
Note: All times local
8:20 a.m. The Prime Minister will depart for The Hague, the Netherlands.
10:15 a.m. The Prime Minister will arrive in The Hague, the Netherlands.
1:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson.
Note for media:
2:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs.
Note for media:
3:15 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof.
Note for media:
4:00 p.m. The Prime Minister will have an audience with Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.
Note for media:
5:15 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with leaders of Nordic countries.
Note for media:
7:25 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend the official welcome by Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.
Note for media:
Host broadcaster
7:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend a reception given by Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.
Closed to media
8:25 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a family photo with NATO Allies.
Note for media:
8:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend a dinner given by Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.
Note for media:
Host broadcaster
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
WISe.ART Launches Mayte Spínola’s “Galactic Christ” into Space Aboard SpaceX Mission Pioneering Space-Based Art NFTs and Digital Expression
Geneva, Switzerland, June 24, 2025 –WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces that WISe.ART, its secure NFT marketplace subsidiary has successfully launched Spanish artist Mayte Spínola’s digital artwork El Cristo Cósmico (“The Galactic Christ”) into low Earth orbit (LEO) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking another milestone in the company’s strategy to expand the frontier of digital expression through space technology.
The launch occurred at 23:11 CET on June 23, 2025, placing a WISeSat satellite carrying Spínola’s artwork into orbit. Tokenized as an NFT on the WISe.ART platform, the artwork is securely stored on the satellite using embedded hardware security modules and blockchain-based authentication protocols.
This mission is part of WISe.ART’s broader initiative to pioneer the use of space as a platform for artistic and personal expression. By combining secure satellite technology, blockchain infrastructure, and NFTs, WISe.ART is enabling artists, creators, and public figures to engage with audiences globally and now, extraterrestrially.
“Space is not only the next frontier for technology, it is a new medium for human expression,” said Carlos Moreira, Founder of WISeKey and WISe.ART. “Through WISeSat and WISe.ART, we are giving artists and celebrities a secure and visionary way to project their work and messages from orbit.”
This is not WISe.ART’s first milestone in space. In 2022, during a special ceremony at the NASDAQ headquarters in New York, WISe.ART minted and transmitted a space-based NFT featuring actress Brooke Shields, demonstrating the platform’s early commitment to combining celebrity expression, secure blockchain, and satellite communications.
Mayte Spínola, one of Spain’s most celebrated contemporary artists and founder of the Grupo Pro Arte y Cultura, shared her thoughts on the occasion: “Seeing my work orbiting Earth is deeply symbolic. It represents the union of art, science, and faith, transcending borders and reminding us that peace is a universal message.”
Technical details of the mission:
With this launch, El Cristo Cósmico becomes a space-hosted digital artifact, merging art, spirituality, and space technology. It showcases how WISe.ART is redefining the role of NFTs, offering creators new dimensions for secure global, and now orbital engagement.
About WISe.ART
WISe.ART is a full-service NFT platform designed for artists, collectors, and brands. It leverages WISeKey’s trusted cybersecurity technologies to ensure secure creation, trading, and verification of digital assets, with integrations into IoT, satellite systems, and post-quantum infrastructures.
About WISeKey
WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.
Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.
Disclaimer
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.
Press and Investor Contacts
| WISeKey International Holding Ltd Company Contact: Carlos Moreira Chairman & CEO Tel: +41 22 594 3000 info@wisekey.com Media Contact: |
WISeKey Investor Relations (US) The Equity Group Inc. Lena Cati Tel: +1 212 836-9611 lcati@theequitygroup.com |
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
CHICAGO and RALEIGH, N.C., June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Certificial, the pioneer of the Smart COI Network™ and the industry’s leading all-in-one Certificate of Insurance (COI) platform, and Applied Systems®, the leading global provider of cloud-based software for the insurance industry, today announced an exclusive integration to digitally connect Applied’s insurance agencies and brokers to Certificial’s vendor compliance network.
This strategic integration will enable Applied customers to seamlessly manage vendor management system COI requests directly within Applied Epic, enabling agencies to efficiently confirm coverages and issue the certificates for their clients. By eliminating manual back-and-forth and redundant uploads to third-party portals, agencies will benefit from increased operational efficiency and improved service delivery.
“The certificate issuance process between vendors and agencies has long been an inefficient challenge,” said Brian Giometti, SVP of Corporate Development, Applied Systems. “Integrating with Certificial allows us to bring efficiencies to our users while delivering transformative value to large-scale certificate holders.”
With this integration, Certificial’s Smart COI Network™ users gain greater visibility into their vendors’ insurance status, while Applied’s users benefit from centralized, automated workflows throughout the end-to-end policy lifecycle. This mutual advantage helps all parties reduce risk and build trust faster. Additionally, opting into the integration not only streamlines the COI intake process for Applied users but also enhances vendor credibility.
“Our integration marks a major step toward redefining how commercial insurance verification is handled as Applied continues to lead the way in enabling modern agency workflows, and we’re proud to work together to set a new standard for proof of insurance,” said Peter Teresi, co-founder and CEO of Certificial. “Many Smart COI Network™ members are increasingly focused on verifying vendor legitimacy in real time, and knowing that a vendor’s policies are active and validated dramatically reduces risk, and makes them far more attractive to do business with.”
Agencies using Applied Epic will be able to opt into the integration beginning in early July. Additional information on the opt-in process will be provided in the coming weeks on certificial.com/applied-enable-integration.
About Applied Systems:
Applied Systems is the leading global provider of cloud-based software that powers the business of insurance. Recognized as a pioneer in insurance automation and the innovation leader, Applied is the world’s largest provider of agency and brokerage management systems, serving customers throughout the United States, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. By automating the insurance lifecycle, Applied’s people and products enable millions of people around the world to safeguard and protect what matters most.
About Certificial:
Certificial is the leading, all-in-one Certificate of Insurance (COI) platform transforming the insurance verification process by using real-time data to ensure businesses have continuous, compliant coverage. With their patented end-to-end COI platform, Certificial combines certificate issuance and compliance management into one simple platform, eliminating risk, ensuring compliance, and reducing costs for every stakeholder in the COI process. Cofounded by the former Chief Technology Officer of ACORD and backed by top investors, Certificial is driving the future of digital insurance verification with the Smart COI Network™. For more information, please visit certificial.com.
Media Contact:
Certificial
Maddie Hirsch
Caliber Corporate Advisers
certificial@calibercorporate.com
773-899-6281
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silvaco Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SVCO) (“Silvaco” or the “Company”), a provider of TCAD, EDA software, and SIP solutions that enable innovative semiconductor design and digital twin modeling through AI software and automation, today announced a strategic R&D collaboration with Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (ISIT). The partnership aims to accelerate development of next-generation Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices using Silvaco’s industry-leading Power Devices Solution to perform Design Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO). This collaboration aligns with Fraunhofer ISIT’s role in the EU Chips Act initiative through its participation in the APECS pilot line (www.apecs.eu).
Fraunhofer ISIT’s Power Electronics division is at the forefront of developing and manufacturing cutting-edge device prototypes for high-performance power electronic and sensor systems. Fraunhofer ISIT will leverage Silvaco’s industry-leading design tools—including the Victory TCAD™ platform, Utmost IV™, and SmartSpice™—to perform Design Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) for power and sensor device development. Silvaco DTCO platform will enable accelerated prototyping in Fraunhofer ISIT’s post-CMOS process environment, which is set up to explore emerging processes for both GaN and MEMS technologies on 8-inch wafers. In addition, Silvaco’s Victory Design of Experiments™ (DOE) solution will streamline development workflows and support rapid innovation during the evaluation of novel process modules and emerging device concepts.
“This collaboration marks a significant step forward in strengthening Europe’s semiconductor capabilities and driving the global evolution of GaN devices,” said Eric Guichard, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and General Manager of Silvaco’s TCAD Division. “Institutes like Fraunhofer ISIT are instrumental in pushing the boundaries of innovation in device and process technology. By collaborating with Fraunhofer ISIT, we not only accelerate their development efforts but also enhance our own TCAD tools to meet the demands of future device design.”
“We are excited to expand our GaN design capabilities with Silvaco’s Victory products,” said Michael Mensing, Ph.D., Head of the Advanced Devices Group at Fraunhofer ISIT. “By using Silvaco’s advanced TCAD solutions, our teams can explore, understand, and optimize the performance of GaN devices with greater depth and efficiency. Especially during our current development of high voltage lateral and vertical GaN devices based on engineering substrates, like Qromis® Substrate Technology, we see many physical effects that require accurately calibrated process and device models.”
In addition to the active utilization of Silvaco’s tools in R&D and industry customer projects, Fraunhofer ISIT will train students at local universities in the utilization of Silvaco’s Victory TCAD™ platform to prepare the next generation of semiconductor device engineers.
About Silvaco Group, Inc.
Silvaco is a provider of TCAD, EDA software, and SIP solutions that enable semiconductor design and digital twin modeling through AI software and innovation. Silvaco’s solutions are used for semiconductor and photonics processes, devices, and systems development across display, power devices, automotive, memory, high performance compute, foundries, photonics, internet of things, and 5G/6G mobile markets for complex SoC design. Silvaco is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and has a global presence with offices located in North America, Europe, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. Learn more at silvaco.com.
About Fraunhofer ISIT
Fraunhofer ISIT develops and manufactures customer-specific components for power electronics and microsystems technology. Local and external industrial partners offer the potential for commercialization. Within the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD), Fraunhofer ISIT is the main location for 8-inch post-CMOS technologies, non-CMOS-compatible MEMS and GaN-on-X processing. The latter is specialized in the development of GaN sensor chiplets and advanced membrane transistors as well as the processing of emerging ceramic substrates.
Contacts
Media Relations:
Tiffany Behany, press@silvaco.com
Investor Relations:
Greg McNiff, investors@silvaco.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MIAMI, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wrap Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WRAP) (“Wrap” or, the “Company”), a global pioneer in innovative public safety technologies and services, today announced the appointment of Gerald “Jerry” Ratigan, seasoned finance executive, as the Company’s new Chief Financial Officer.
Mr. Ratigan brings over 20 years of experience leading financial strategy across public companies, capital markets, investment banking and performance-focused advisory roles. Mr. Ratigan’s background includes extensive work in both international and domestic publicly traded environments, where Mr. Ratigan has consistently driven financial modernization and organizational agility.
Mr. Ratigan has demonstrated exceptional ability in scaling finance operations, transforming reporting ecosystems and guiding companies through pivotal milestones—including M&A transactions and enterprise-wide digital transformations.
Mr. Ratigan’s diverse career spans Big Four public accounting, Fortune 500 audit leadership, and C-suite roles in high-growth sectors such as gaming, fintech, travel and entertainment. Most recently, Mr. Ratigan served as the Senior Vice President of Accounting and Controls—and later as Acting Chief Financial Officer—at The Gearbox Entertainment Company. In this role, Mr. Ratigan led financial operations through a critical phase that culminated in a successful acquisition by Take-Two Interactive.
Mr. Ratigan’s leadership encompassed building the finance function from the ground up, post-merger integration, ERP implementation, ESG reporting and consolidating multi-entity operations across geographies and currencies.
Prior to Gearbox, Mr. Ratigan served as Senior Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting at Entertainment Benefits Group (a Creative Artists Agency company), where Mr. Ratigan managed global accounting and audit operations. Mr. Ratigan also held Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Audit Executive roles at MoneyOnMobile, Inc. (MOMT), where Mr. Ratigan led public filings, investor communications and SEC compliance—supporting uplisting efforts and complex carve-outs related to divestitures.
Earlier in Mr. Ratigan’s career, Mr. Ratigan served as Director of SEC Financial Reporting at Prestige Cruise Holdings (acquired by Norwegian Cruise Line), overseeing public filings, XBRL tagging and IPO readiness. At Cooper Industries (later acquired by Eaton), Mr. Ratigan led internal audit efforts, implementing global audit strategies and streamlining post-acquisition integration.
Mr. Ratigan began his career at KPMG and Grant Thornton, quickly distinguishing with international assignments and national training roles. Mr. Ratigan’s global experience spans work in the U.S., Mexico, China, the U.K., India, Germany, Australia, Bahrain, Thailand and Sweden.
An advocate for ethics, compliance, and professional development, Mr. Ratigan currently serves on the Global Board of Directors for the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), contributes to COSO’s new corporate governance framework, and sits on the Global Advisory Board of The CFO Alliance, offering insight on capital markets and economic trends.
Mr. Ratigan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from the University of Miami and an MBA in Data Analytics from Louisiana State University–Shreveport. Mr. Ratigan is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Texas, a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and holds credentials in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA) and Production and Inventory Management (CPIM).
“Across every role, Jerry has brought a distinctive blend of technical excellence, operational leadership and strategic vision. His work has consistently aligned financial operations with long-term value creation, enabled agility in complex environments, and driven measurable outcomes that build stockholder confidence and enterprise growth. We believe Jerry’s operational experience in capital markets and public accounting make him the right choice to align Wrap’s financial operations with its long-term strategy,” said Scot Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of Wrap.
“This appointment emphasizes Wrap’s readiness for accelerating adoption and growing market interest. We believe Jerry’s leadership will help drive product scale, ensure accountability, and position Wrap to maximize the commercial opportunities of its expanding portfolio,” said Jared Novick, President and Chief Operating Officer of Wrap.
“I am both honored and inspired to join Wrap at this defining moment,” said Mr. Ratigan. “The Company is delivering powerful solutions at the intersection of technology, public safety and compassion. I look forward to contributing to our mission while advancing a disciplined financial strategy that strengthens our foundation and creates sustainable stockholder value.”
Louis Springer Elevated to Vice President of Finance to Support Financial Operational Scale
Louis Springer’s promotion from Corporate Development to Vice President of Finance reflects both Wrap’s deep bench of internal talent and its disciplined focus on scaling operations with continuity and precision. Over the past 18 months, Mr. Springer played a central role in enacting the operational elements of Wrap’s cost-cutting initiatives and supporting broader organizational change. We believe his background in financial services, investment banking, and public company capital markets further strengthens Wrap’s ability to align day-to-day financial operations with long-term stockholder value creation.
“Louis Springer has proven himself over the years with Wrap,” said Chief Executive Officer of Wrap, Mr. Cohen. “He’s earned his spot as Vice President of Finance and will continue to anchor our fiscal strategy under Mr. Ratigan’s leadership—bringing both stability and forward momentum that we believe benefits all stakeholders.”
About Wrap Technologies, Inc.
Wrap Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: WRAP) a global leader in innovative public safety technologies and non-lethal tools, delivering cutting-edge technology with exceptional people to address the complex, modern day challenges facing public safety organizations.
Wrap’s BolaWrap® 150 solution leads the world in pre-escalation and beyond, providing law enforcement with a safer choice for nearly every phase of a critical incident.
This innovative, patented device deploys a multi-sensory, cognitive disruption that leverages sight, sound and sensation to expand the pre-escalation period and give officers the advantage and critical time to manage non-compliant subjects before resorting to higher-force options. The BolaWrap® 150 is a not pain-based- compliance. It does not shoot, strike, shock, or incapacitate—instead, it helps officers strategically operate pre-escalation on the force continuum, reducing the risk of injury to both officers and subjects. Used by over 1,000 agencies across the U.S. and in 60 countries, BolaWrap® is backed by training certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), reinforcing Wrap’s commitment to public safety through cutting-edge technology and expert training.
Wrap Reality® VR is a fully immersive training simulator to enhance decision-making under pressure.
As a comprehensive public safety training platform, it provides first responders with realistic, interactive scenarios that reflect the evolving challenges of modern law enforcement. By offering a growing library of real-world situations, Wrap Reality® equips officers with the skills and confidence to navigate high stakes encounters effectively, leading to safer outcomes for both responders and the communities they serve.
WrapVision is an all-new body-worn camera and evidence management system built for efficiency.
Designed for efficiency, security, and transparency to meet the rigorous demands of modern law enforcement, WrapVision captures, stores and helps manage digital evidence, with operational security, regulatory compliance and superior video picture quality and field of view.
The WrapVision camera, powered by IONODES boasts cloud integration and adheres to Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance requirements and GSA schedule contracts requirements. Crucially, unlike many competitor devices manufactured overseas in foreign, non-compliant, and possibly hostile regions, WrapVision is built in North America, promoting unparalleled data integrity and reducing critical concerns over unauthorized access or foreign surveillance risks.
Trademark Information
Trademark Information Wrap, the Wrap logo, BolaWrap®, Wrap Reality® and Wrap Training Academy are trademarks of Wrap Technologies, Inc., some of which are registered in the U.S. and abroad. All other trade names used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective holders.
Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements – Safe Harbor Statement
This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should”, “believe”, “target”, “project”, “goals”, “estimate”, “potential”, “predict”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, and variations of these terms or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Moreover, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company’s control. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to: the Company’s expectations related to the appointment of the new Chief Financial Officer, the expected benefits of the acquisition of W1 Global, LLC, the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s listing standards; the Company’s ability to successfully implement training programs for the use of its products; the Company’s ability to manufacture and produce products for its customers; the Company’s ability to develop sales for its products; the market acceptance of existing and future products; the availability of funding to continue to finance operations; the complexity, expense and time associated with sales to law enforcement and government entities; the lengthy evaluation and sales cycle for the Company’s product solutions; product defects; litigation risks from alleged product-related injuries; risks of government regulations; the business impact of health crises or outbreaks of disease, such as epidemics or pandemics; the impact resulting from geopolitical conflicts and any resulting sanctions; the ability to obtain export licenses for counties outside of the United States; the ability to obtain patents and defend intellectual property against competitors; the impact of competitive products and solutions; and the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance its brand, as well as other risk factors mentioned in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and were based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.
Investor Relations Contact:
(800) 583-2652
ir@wrap.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MUNICH, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The solar technology company Sono Group N.V. (OTCQB: SEVCF) (hereafter referred to as “Sono Group” or “Sono”, parent company to Sono Motors GmbH or “Sono Motors”) today announced that George O’Leary, Managing Director and CEO, will present live at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on June 26th, 2025
DATE: June 26th
TIME: 2:30 – 3:00 pm ET
LINK: REGISTER HERE
Available for 1×1 meetings: June 26th
This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.
It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.
Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.
Recent Company Highlights
About Sono Group N.V.
Sono Group N.V. (OTCQB: SEVCF) and its wholly owned subsidiary Sono Motors GmbH are on a pioneering mission to accelerate the revolution of mobility by making every commercial vehicle solar. Our disruptive solar technology has been developed to enable seamless integration into all types of commercial vehicles to reduce the impact of CO2 emissions and pave the way for climate-friendly mobility. For more information about Sono Group N.V., Sono Motors, and their solar solutions, visit sonogroupnv.com and sonomotors.com. Follow us on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, BlueSky, Truth Social, and X.
About Virtual Investor Conferences®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.
Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
CONTACTS:
Sono Group N.V.
Press:
press@sonomotors.com | ir.sonomotors.com/news-events
Investors:
ir@sonomotors.com | ir.sonomotors.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sonogroupnv
Virtual Investor Conferences
John M. Viglotti
SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
OTC Markets Group
(212) 220-2221
johnv@otcmarkets.com
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. The words “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “estimate”, “aim”, “forecast”, “project”, “target”, “will” and similar expressions (or their negative) identify certain of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are statements regarding the intentions, beliefs, or current expectations of the Company and its subsidiary Sono Motors GmbH (together, the “companies”). Forward-looking statements involve inherent known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and could cause the companies’ actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, risks, uncertainties and assumptions with respect to: the Company’s ability to uplist to the Nasdaq Capital Market, including meeting the initial listing requirements; the Company’s ability to satisfy the conditions precedent set forth in its recent securities purchase agreement (“Securities Purchase Agreement”) and exchange agreement (“Exchange Agreement”) entered into with YA II PN, Ltd. (“Yorkville”); the timing of closing the transactions contemplated by the Securities Purchase Agreement and the Exchange Agreement; the impact of the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreement and Securities Purchase Agreement on the Company’s operating results; our ability to maintain relationships with creditors, suppliers, service providers, customers, employees and other third parties in light of the performance and credit risks associated with our constrained liquidity position and capital structure; our ability to comply with OTCQB continuing standards; our ability to achieve our stated goals; our strategies, plan, objectives and goals, including, among others, the successful implementation and management of the pivot of our business to exclusively retrofitting and integrating our solar technology onto third party vehicles; our ability to raise the additional funding required beyond the investment from Yorkville to further develop and commercialize our solar technology and business as well as to continue as a going concern. For additional information concerning some of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could affect our forward-looking statements, please refer to our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on our website at ir.sonomotors.com. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond our ability to control or estimate precisely, such as the actions of courts, regulatory authorities and other factors. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany together with First Ladies of Africa who are also their Ambassadors, Ministries of Health, Education, Communication & Gender, mark ‘International Women’s Day 2025’, through their impactful development programs, continuing their 13-year legacy of empowering women and girls.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of the Most Influential African Women for Six Consecutive Years (2019 – 2024) expressed, “Happy International Women’s Day to all the remarkable women and girls around the world!
Empowering girls and women is at the core of all our initiatives and programs at Merck Foundation. I recognize the immense potential of women to thrive, succeed and excel in any domain they choose, yet they often lack the conducive environment to fully realize their capabilities, especially in underserved communities.
Therefore, together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, we mark International Women’s Day every day since the last 13 years through our development programs and initiatives such as ‘More Than a Mother’, ‘Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement’, ‘Educating Linda’, and ‘STEM Program’.”
“Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education and change of mindset.
“I am thrilled to share that out of the 2,282 scholarships awarded across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, 1063 scholarships, that is nearly 50% have been granted to female medical graduates, empowering them to become future healthcare experts and leaders.
I am especially proud that we have awarded over 716 scholarships to young doctors, dedicated to advancing women’s health by strengthening reproductive, sexual health, and fertility care capacity.”
Merck Foundation CEO strongly believes that Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment.
“I am happy to share that through our “Educating Linda” Program, together with my dear sisters, our Ambassadors, we are supporting the education by providing over 950 scholarships for high performance and underprivileged African schoolgirls, empowering them to complete their studies and reach their full potential and also providing essential school items for thousands of schoolgirls in many African countries such as Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cabo Verde and more.
Moreover, we have benefitted thousands of girls through our awareness campaign through many initiates like the release of inspiring songs, children’s storybooks, animation films, TV Program and awards for best media, song, film & fashion designs, all aimed at promoting girl education today for women’s empowerment tomorrow”, emphasized Senator Rasha Kelej.
Merck Foundation also actively empowers women in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards that recognize and celebrate the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence.
“Our goal is to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to STEM,” emphasized Dr. Kelej.
Watch the Episodes of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” TV program on Supporting Girl Education:
Episode 2: https://apo-opa.co/3TJnIlf
Episode 11: https://apo-opa.co/3T5CQcE
Episode 14: https://apo-opa.co/4kUtgFA
Listen to Merck Foundation song about Supporting Girl Education here:
1. Watch, share & subscribe to the “Girl Can” song here, sung by two famous singers, Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/407Ntj9
2. Watch, share & subscribe the “Like Them” song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: https://apo-opa.co/4kV21e5
3. Watch, share & subscribe “Take me to School” song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls’ education: https://apo-opa.co/3ZGPClx
4. Watch share & subscribe “Tu Podes Sim” Portuguese song, which means “Yes, You Can” in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique in English here: https://apo-opa.co/4lhKJaL
5. Watch, share & subscribe “Brighter day” song by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng from Namibia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/3HWDu9W
Watch the Merck Foundation Animation Films to Support Girl Education :
Ride into to Future: https://apo-opa.co/4lhKTin
Jackeline’s Rescue: https://apo-opa.co/3ZKEFzv
Read the Merck Foundation storybook addressing the importance of Girl Education:
1. To read Educating Linda Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/44lkNEv
2. To read Jackline’s Rescue Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/4nhP6Ve
3. To read Ride into the Future Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/4k3zAJO
4. To read Not Who You Are Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/4k3zFNC
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613
+91 9319606669
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About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/40mEwlR), X (https://apo-opa.co/4ngMjLO), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3HVBxui), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4lkw0Mb), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4k8LPF5) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3FU9QSe).
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Source: Greenpeace Statement –
Exeter, UK – A scientific survey of two areas targeted for deep sea mining in the Pacific Ocean by The Metals Company has confirmed the presence of whales and dolphins, including sperm whales which are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The news comes as world governments are meeting in a few weeks at the International Seabed Authority (ISA), where the call for a moratorium on deep sea mining keeps growing.[1]
The survey, published today in the scientific journal Frontiers in Marine Science, was conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories from Greenpeace International’s ship, Arctic Sunrise. Researchers studied two exploration blocks held by The Metals Company in the Pacific’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone, known as NORI-d and TOML-e.[2][3]
Dr Kirsten Young, Lead Study Author, University of Exeter said: “We already knew that the Clarion-Clipperton Zone is home to at least 20 species of cetaceans, but we’ve now demonstrated their presence in two areas specifically earmarked for deep sea mining by The Metals Company.”
Following President Trump’s approval of a deep sea mining Executive Order in April 2025, The Metals Company applied to the US government to give TMC unilateral permission to commercially mine the international seabed in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. According to reports, this application covers the NORI-d area.[4] This move bypasses and undermines the International Seabed Authority, the UN regulator for deep sea mining, and has been met with strong criticism from governments around the world. Scientists have previously warned of “long lasting, irreversible” impacts of deep sea mining on the region.[5]
Cetaceans are known to be impacted by noise pollution caused by humans, and could be impacted by the significant noise created by deep sea mining operations. These operations would also generate sediment plumes, which could further impact cetacean populations by disrupting deep ocean food systems.
Dr Kirsten Young continued: “While more research is needed to build a complete picture of the impact of the noise and sediment plumes on cetaceans, it’s clear that deep sea mining operations will negatively impact ocean ecosystems in areas far out to sea where monitoring is particularly challenging.”
The survey provides a 13-day snapshot of cetacean activity in these two deep sea mining exploration areas. Using hydrophones, the research team confirmed 74 acoustic detections of cetaceans. This included a sperm whale, Risso’s dolphins and common dolphins.
Louisa Casson, Greenpeace International senior campaigner, said: “The confirmed presence of cetaceans, including threatened sperm whales, in areas that The Metals Company is targeting for deep sea mining is yet another clear warning that this dangerous industry must never be allowed to begin commercial operations. The only sensible course of action for governments at next month’s International Seabed Authority meeting is to prioritise agreeing on a global moratorium.”
Calls for a moratorium on deep sea mining grew at the recent UN Ocean Conference, with four new countries joining the group supporting a moratorium, bringing the total to 37.[6] The UN Secretary General also issued a strong call to stop this dangerous industry. Momentum against deep sea mining will now be carried forward at the July ISA meetings.
ENDS
Photos and video are available in the Greenpeace Media Library.
Notes:
[1 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
[3] This study in the Pacific is mirrored by another recent piece of research in the Arctic by Greenpeace Nordic and Greenpeace Germany. Researchers found cetaceans, including deep-diving and noise-sensitive sperm whales and northern bottlenose whales, in an area earmarked for future mining. If the Norwegian government proceeds with deep sea mining in the area, noise and pollution risk severe consequences. Greenpeace Nordic researchers are in the Arctic right now further documenting the presence of cetaceans in the area to expose the risks of deep sea mining and to champion the protection of the Arctic’s vulnerable marine life.
[4] The Metals Company applies to mine seabed after Trump executive order
[5] Whale warning as clock ticks towards deep sea mining
[6] https://deep-sea-conservation.org/solutions/no-deep-sea-mining/
Contact:
Sol Gosetti, Media Coordinator for the Stop Deep Sea Mining campaign, Greenpeace International: [email protected], +34 64686 3330
Greenpeace International Press Desk: [email protected], +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours)
Source: NATO
Increasing transatlantic defence industry production capacity is imperative to meet higher defence investment demand signals and support NATO’s enhanced deterrence and defence effectively.
Multinational capability delivery initiatives are a cost-effective way of acquiring capabilities at speed and scale, which some Allies would not be able to do alone.
This proven and valuable approach is gaining new momentum as Allies work to meet NATO’s newly agreed capability targets.
At the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum in The Hague on Tuesday (24 June 2025), Allies signed a number of new multinational projects and expanding existing ones. Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Türkiye and the United Kingdom committed to the joint acquisition, storage, transportation and management of stockpiles of defence critical raw materials, including through recycling existing products.
This High Visibility Project will help facilitate access to a sufficient supply of defence critical raw materials such as lithium, titanium and rare earth materials, which the Allied defence industry requires to deliver the capabilities needed to keep people safe. It will also help make NATO less vulnerable to supply shocks and reduce reliance on external providers. The project supports the implementation of NATO’s Defence Critical Supply Chain Security Roadmap, agreed by NATO Defence Ministers in June 2024.
The Multinational Multi Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) programme also reached a new milestone, with Denmark and Sweden joining this initiative. In addition, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space for the acquisition of two additional A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, raising the current fleet to 12 aircraft. Launched in 2012, the MMF programme is an example of effective NATO-EU collaboration, supported initially by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and currently managed by NSPA. The fleet provides participating nations with critical capabilities in air-to-air refuelling, strategic airlift, and aeromedical evacuation.
Estonia, Finland, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands and Sweden also broke new ground in supporting the further integration of new technologies in military operations, announcing the establishment of the first NATO Innovation Ranges. These are a key pillar of NATO’s Rapid Adoption Action Plan, which Allied Leaders are expected to endorse at the NATO Summit, and which aims to expedite innovation adoption, leverage new technologies at speed to deliver on capability targets, and increase production capacity through the inclusion of non-traditional suppliers in the defence industrial base. These ranges will enable Allies and NATO to test, refine, and validate new technological products in operationally realistic environments.
The NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPO), NSPA’s governing body, also signed a partnership agreement with Australia. The agreement will allow Australia’s participation in the full range of NSPA activities and services, including, but not limited to, the fields of acquisition, logistics, operational and systems support and services. This is an important milestone in NATO’s cooperation with partners around the globe.
At the signing ceremony, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska also praised the conclusion of several new framework contracts by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) since January 2025, worth 4.7 billion euros, for critical munitions sourced from across the Alliance.
Source: NATO
Increasing transatlantic defence industry production capacity is imperative to meet higher defence investment demand signals and support NATO’s enhanced deterrence and defence effectively.
Multinational capability delivery initiatives are a cost-effective way of acquiring capabilities at speed and scale, which some Allies would not be able to do alone.
This proven and valuable approach is gaining new momentum as Allies work to meet NATO’s newly agreed capability targets.
At the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum in The Hague on Tuesday (24 June 2025), Allies signed a number of new multinational projects and expanding existing ones. Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Türkiye and the United Kingdom committed to the joint acquisition, storage, transportation and management of stockpiles of defence critical raw materials, including through recycling existing products.
This High Visibility Project will help facilitate access to a sufficient supply of defence critical raw materials such as lithium, titanium and rare earth materials, which the Allied defence industry requires to deliver the capabilities needed to keep people safe. It will also help make NATO less vulnerable to supply shocks and reduce reliance on external providers. The project supports the implementation of NATO’s Defence Critical Supply Chain Security Roadmap, agreed by NATO Defence Ministers in June 2024.
The Multinational Multi Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) programme also reached a new milestone, with Denmark and Sweden joining this initiative. In addition, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space for the acquisition of two additional A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, raising the current fleet to 12 aircraft. Launched in 2012, the MMF programme is an example of effective NATO-EU collaboration, supported initially by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and currently managed by NSPA. The fleet provides participating nations with critical capabilities in air-to-air refuelling, strategic airlift, and aeromedical evacuation.
Estonia, Finland, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands and Sweden also broke new ground in supporting the further integration of new technologies in military operations, announcing the establishment of the first NATO Innovation Ranges. These are a key pillar of NATO’s Rapid Adoption Action Plan, which Allied Leaders are expected to endorse at the NATO Summit, and which aims to expedite innovation adoption, leverage new technologies at speed to deliver on capability targets, and increase production capacity through the inclusion of non-traditional suppliers in the defence industrial base. These ranges will enable Allies and NATO to test, refine, and validate new technological products in operationally realistic environments.
The NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPO), NSPA’s governing body, also signed a partnership agreement with Australia. The agreement will allow Australia’s participation in the full range of NSPA activities and services, including, but not limited to, the fields of acquisition, logistics, operational and systems support and services. This is an important milestone in NATO’s cooperation with partners around the globe.
At the signing ceremony, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska also praised the conclusion of several new framework contracts by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) since January 2025, worth 4.7 billion euros, for critical munitions sourced from across the Alliance.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, paid homage to the victims of the Air India Flight 182 tragedy at the Ahakista Memorial in Cork, Ireland, on Monday. The commemoration marked the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the Air India Kanishka flight, which claimed 329 lives on June 23, 1985.
Minister Puri signed the Visitors Book at the memorial and led a high-level delegation comprising senior legislators from Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Delhi. The delegation represented the Government of India at the solemn commemoration event hosted by the Mayor of County Cork, Councillor Joe Carroll.
The event was attended by the Prime Minister of Ireland, Micheál Martin, and Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree. Families of the victims also joined the ceremony, held in the coastal village of Ahakista, where debris from the ill-fated flight had been found.
Speaking at the event, Minister Hardeep Singh Puri laid a wreath at the memorial and paid tributes to the victims. “The bombing of Air India AI 182, an act of terrorism, was a stain on humanity,” he said. He also acknowledged the support extended by the people of Ireland during the aftermath of the tragedy. “We pay tribute to the community of Ahakista and the people of Ireland for the spirit with which they rose to the occasion in solidarity with the families of the victims,” the Minister noted.
Canadian Minister Gary Anandasangaree said, “The bombing of Air India Flight 182, 40 years ago, remains the single worst act of terrorism and mass murder in Canadian history.” Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin described the incident as “cruel and horrific,” stating that “the passing of time does not dim the scale of loss and that atrocity.”
As part of the visit, the Indian delegation also participated in a solemn ceremony organised at the Embassy of India in Dublin. The Minister addressed the gathering of victims’ families and members of the Indian diaspora, reiterating India’s unwavering support for the bereaved families.
Minister Puri emphasized the need for global unity in fighting terrorism. “India remains firm in its commitment to combating terrorism and calls for strong international cooperation and understanding on this global threat,” he said.
The Air India Flight 182, operating on the Montreal–London–Delhi route, was bombed mid-air by Canada-based Khalistani terrorist group Babbar Khalsa on June 23, 1985. The attack killed all 329 people on board, making it one of the deadliest aviation terror attacks in history.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Volta Finance Limited (VTA / VTAS)
May 2025 monthly report
NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION, OR PUBLICATION, IN WHOLE OR PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES
Guernsey, June 24, 2025
AXA IM has published the Volta Finance Limited (the “Company” or “Volta Finance” or “Volta”) monthly report for May 2025. The full report is attached to this release and will be available on Volta’s website shortly (www.voltafinance.com).
Performance and Portfolio Activity
Dear Investors,
In May, Volta Finance’s net performance reached +3.3% bringing the performance from August 2024 to date to +10.7%. Our investments in CLO Debt and CLO Equity recovered some of their post-liberation day volatility due to improved market sentiment.
May saw a more positive macroeconomic environment, helping markets recover most of the losses from the previous month. The 90-day tariff rollback from Washington towards China signaled a pause in the U.S. Both European and US Equity markets rose sharply, while credit indices showed a V-shaped recovery. U.S. 30-year Treasury yields rose above 5% for the first time since October 2023 after Moody’s downgraded the U.S. credit rating. Although yields fell back later in the month, this jump reminded investors of ongoing worries about fiscal health.
In terms of macroeconomic data, US inflation was encouraging as CPIs cooled to 2.3 % year-on-year while the euro-area inflation held at 2.2 %. Impacted by tariffs, the U.S. Q1 GDP contracted by an annualized 0.3 % due to pre-tariff stockpiling, while the Eurozone experienced growth of +0.3% quarter-on-quarter, supported by resilient demand in the Services industry. Labor markets also showed positive figures on both sides of the Atlantic, with the euro-area unemployment rate reaching a record-low of 6.2 % notably.
Credit markets performed strongly in May. The European High Yield index (Xover) was around 50bps tighter and closed 300bps. On the Loan side, Euro Loans closed almost 1pt up at 97.80px (Morningstar European Leveraged Loan Index) while US Loans closed c. 1 pt up at 96.70px. The primary CLO markets were active again, with levels tightening across the capital structure, notably with BBs in the Mid +500bps. In terms of performance, US BBs total returned +3% on the month. For comparison, US High Yield returned +1.7% in the same period while Euro High Yield was down +1.3% and Global Loans up +1.5%.
In terms of loan fundamentals, default rates remained steady at 4.4% in the US (including Liability Management Exercises) but we noticed an uptick in downgrades with 12% of B- exposures downgraded down to CCC category by S&P in the US loan market.
Due to ongoing uncertainties, we consciously decided not to fully reinvest our 16% cash position at the end of April. We ended May with c.10% of Volta’s NAV in cash, with capital deployment into €10.7m of CLO debt tranches as well as into our 2 warehouses. Our European CLO warehouse was converted into an effective CLO Equity at the end of the month. In addition, Volta Finance’s cashflow generation remained stable at €28.1m equivalent in interests and coupons over the last six months, representing close to 21% of May’s NAV on an annualized basis.
Over the month, Volta’s CLO Equity tranches returned +5.9%** while CLO Debt tranches returned +2.8% performance**. The dollar slipped to a six-week low against the Euro at $1.15 per Euro with very limited impact of our long dollar exposure in terms of performance (-0.02%). In this uncertain macroeconomic environment, we have kept our net long USD exposure at c.13% to limit the potential for margin calls.
As of end of May 2025, Volta’s NAV was €271.8m, i.e. €7.43 per share.
*It should be noted that approximately 0.24% of Volta’s GAV comprises investments for which the relevant NAVs as at the month-end date are normally available only after Volta’s NAV has already been published. Volta’s policy is to publish its NAV on as timely a basis as possible to provide shareholders with Volta’s appropriately up-to-date NAV information. Consequently, such investments are valued using the most recently available NAV for each fund or quoted price for such subordinated notes. The most recently available fund NAV or quoted price was 0.17% as at 30 April 2025, 0.07% as at 31 March 2025.
** “performances” of asset classes are calculated as the Dietz-performance of the assets in each bucket, taking into account the Mark-to-Market of the assets at period ends, payments received from the assets over the period, and ignoring changes in cross-currency rates. Nevertheless, some residual currency effects could impact the aggregate value of the portfolio when aggregating each bucket.
CONTACTS
For the Investment Manager
AXA Investment Managers Paris
François Touati
francois.touati@axa-im.com
+33 (0) 1 44 45 80 22
Olivier Pons
Olivier.pons@axa-im.com
+33 (0) 1 44 45 87 30
Company Secretary and Administrator
BNP Paribas S.A, Guernsey Branch
guernsey.bp2s.volta.cosec@bnpparibas.com
+44 (0) 1481 750 853
Corporate Broker
Cavendish Securities plc
Andrew Worne
Daniel Balabanoff
+44 (0) 20 7397 8900
*****
ABOUT VOLTA FINANCE LIMITED
Volta Finance Limited is incorporated in Guernsey under The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended) and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market for listed securities. Volta’s home member state for the purposes of the EU Transparency Directive is the Netherlands. As such, Volta is subject to regulation and supervision by the AFM, being the regulator for financial markets in the Netherlands.
Volta’s Investment objectives are to preserve its capital across the credit cycle and to provide a stable stream of income to its Shareholders through dividends that it expects to distribute on a quarterly basis. The Company currently seeks to achieve its investment objectives by pursuing exposure predominantly to CLO’s and similar asset classes. A more diversified investment strategy across structured finance assets may be pursued opportunistically. The Company has appointed AXA Investment Managers Paris an investment management company with a division specialised in structured credit, for the investment management of all its assets.
*****
ABOUT AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS
AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) is a multi-expert asset management company within the AXA Group, a global leader in financial protection and wealth management. AXA IM is one of the largest European-based asset managers with 2,800 professionals and €859 billion in assets under management as of the end of June 2024.
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This press release is published by AXA Investment Managers Paris (“AXA IM”), in its capacity as alternative investment fund manager (within the meaning of Directive 2011/61/EU, the “AIFM Directive”) of Volta Finance Limited (the “Volta Finance”) whose portfolio is managed by AXA IM.
This press release is for information only and does not constitute an invitation or inducement to acquire shares in Volta Finance. Its circulation may be prohibited in certain jurisdictions and no recipient may circulate copies of this document in breach of such limitations or restrictions. This document is not an offer for sale of the securities referred to herein in the United States or to persons who are “U.S. persons” for purposes of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or otherwise in circumstances where such offer would be restricted by applicable law. Such securities may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration from the Securities Act. Volta Finance does not intend to register any portion of the offer of such securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of such securities in the United States.
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This communication is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). The securities referred to herein are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.
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This press release contains statements that are, or may deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, “anticipated”, “expects”, “intends”, “is/are expected”, “may”, “will” or “should”. They include the statements regarding the level of the dividend, the current market context and its impact on the long-term return of Volta Finance’s investments. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Volta Finance’s actual results, portfolio composition and performance may differ materially from the impression created by the forward-looking statements. AXA IM does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements.
Any target information is based on certain assumptions as to future events which may not prove to be realised. Due to the uncertainty surrounding these future events, the targets are not intended to be and should not be regarded as profits or earnings or any other type of forecasts. There can be no assurance that any of these targets will be achieved. In addition, no assurance can be given that the investment objective will be achieved.
The figures provided that relate to past months or years and past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance or construed as a reliable indicator as to future performance. Throughout this review, the citation of specific trades or strategies is intended to illustrate some of the investment methodologies and philosophies of Volta Finance, as implemented by AXA IM. The historical success or AXA IM’s belief in the future success, of any of these trades or strategies is not indicative of, and has no bearing on, future results.
The valuation of financial assets can vary significantly from the prices that the AXA IM could obtain if it sought to liquidate the positions on behalf of the Volta Finance due to market conditions and general economic environment. Such valuations do not constitute a fairness or similar opinion and should not be regarded as such.
Editor: AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS PARIS, a company incorporated under the laws of France, having its registered office located at Tour Majunga, 6, Place de la Pyramide – 92800 Puteaux. AXA IMP is authorized by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers under registration number GP92008 as an alternative investment fund manager within the meaning of the AIFM Directive.
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Attachment
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
“Today’s FSB report, “Windsor Framework Realities” confirms from an objective business standpoint the worsening economic consequences of the Irish Sea border – the very border some stooped to lies to try and pretend was gone!
“The findings that 58% of those trading from GB to NI report impeding frictions and 34% of firms having stopped trading between GB and NI, confirms how much by design the Protocol is reorientating our economy away from its natural and essential GB alignment. When 78% of NI businesses responding to the FSB survey declare negative impacts from the Protocol, then if government cared anything for the integrity of the UK and its internal market, it would act.
“When taken with the NISRA figures on trade diversion, it is clear we are long past the point when HMG should be acting under Article 16 of the Protocol. But, sadly, this government is so beholden to the EU that it will readily sacrifice NI business in favour of placating Brussels.
“Things need not be as they are. There is a ready made solution in ‘mutual enforcement’, but Starmer and co care only about edging the whole UK back under Brussels’ control.”
June 24 2025 – The volatile developments across the Middle East—culminating in a dramatic US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran—underscore, yet again, a powerful and urgent truth: diversification isn’t optional. It’s a necessity.
Markets around the world have been on a knife’s edge for nearly two weeks, reacting sharply to every twist in the conflict.
Brent crude tumbled nearly 5% after Iran’s missile strike on the Al Udeid air base, interpreted by markets as a restrained signal rather than an escalation.
With confirmation of the ceasefire, European stocks have surged—Germany’s DAX jumped 2%, the French CAC 40 climbed 1.8%, and futures for the S&P 500 in the US are pointing higher. Yet energy stocks have taken a hit as oil prices slide.
Nigel Green, CEO of global financial advisory deVere Group, said the “whiplash” in prices across commodities, equities, and safe-haven assets is not just a response to geopolitics—it’s a “flashing red warning light” for investors with narrow allocations.
“The events of the past two weeks are a textbook case for true portfolio diversification,” he says.
“One day oil is spiking on nuclear fears, the next it’s plunging on de-escalation. Stocks swing wildly depending on headlines out of Tehran or Tel Aviv. You can’t build or preserve wealth if your investment strategy is overly concentrated in one region, sector, or asset class. That’s not a strategy; that’s a gamble.”
As the conflict escalated, oil prices spiked on fears of supply disruption. Brent crude surged above $72 before crashing back to near $68 following signs of restraint and the ceasefire announcement. Defence stocks rallied while Middle East-exposed emerging markets sank. Gold flirted with $2,400 as investors scrambled for safety.
Nigel Green says that for investors, this sequence of events should trigger immediate action.
“Every global investor must ask themselves today: Am I protected against geopolitical shocks? Do I have meaningful exposure to counter-correlated assets? Am I truly diversified across sectors, geographies, currencies, and asset classes?”
He adds: “Diversification doesn’t mean owning five different tech stocks or parking all your money in a single bond fund. It means uncorrelated positions across the risk spectrum—think gold, infrastructure, dividend-paying stocks, green energy, and alternatives like real estate and digital assets.”
Nigel Green also warns that while the ceasefire offers relief, it doesn’t remove risk.
“This truce is fragile. It’s politically brokered and militarily uneasy. One wrong move and tensions could flare again, dragging markets down with them. That’s the danger of relying too heavily on a single narrative or region in your portfolio.”
The deVere CEO notes that while markets may breathe a sigh of relief in the short term, the deeper issue is structural instability in a critical region for energy, security, and global trade routes.
“The Middle East remains a geopolitical powder keg, and history tells us that calm doesn’t last.
“What does last is a properly diversified portfolio, one that absorbs these shocks without falling apart.”
With global equities rallying and oil prices sliding, some investors may be tempted to lean back into familiar strategies. Nigel Green says this would be a critical mistake.
“When markets are jittery, many investors double down on what they know—often increasing risk without realising it. What’s needed now is a measured, deliberate shift into broader exposure.”
He concludes: “You diversify when the skies are clear, so that you’re protected when the storm breaks.
“But after what we’ve just seen in the Middle East, the need for real diversification isn’t hypothetical, it’s immediate.”
deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.
Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, June 24, 2025
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received a phone call on Tuesday from HE Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain Diego Martinez Belio.
During the phone call, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to other topics of mutual interest.
HE Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs expressed his country’s solidarity with the State of Qatar after the Iranian missile attack on Qatar’s Al-Udeid Air Base.
Source: Channel Islands – Jersey
Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC, and the Jersey Competent Authority, the Minister for Treasury and Resources, have succeeded in a landmark appeal before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
In a ruling handed down this morning, Jersey’s highest appellate court overturned the declaration made by the Court of Appeal last year under the Human Rights (Jersey) Law 2000 that the International Co-operation (Protection from Liability) (Jersey) Law 2018 is incompatible with human rights. This was the first declaration of incompatibility made by a Jersey court.
That Law, introduced in 2018, includes provisions that place limits on the costs and damages that can be awarded against public authorities in Jersey where public authorities have made decisions in good faith to fulfil a request from the authority of another country. The Court of Appeal had found that these provisions infringed Article 6(1) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) – ie the right to a fair trial in a civil case. However, the Attorney General and Jersey’s Competent Authority in tax information exchange cases have now succeeded, on appeal, in reversing that decision and other findings of the Court of Appeal.
Commenting on today’s judgment, Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC said: “I am pleased that the Judicial Committee has allowed this appeal and overturned the declaration of incompatibility. I explained at the hearing of the appeal that the matter was of great importance for Jersey and that the Court of Appeal’s decision was the first time that a declaration of incompatibility had been made by a court in Jersey. I am therefore also grateful to the Judicial Committee for providing authoritative guidance concerning applications for declarations of incompatibility under the Human Rights (Jersey) Law 2000 and whether legislation pursues a legitimate aim.”
Deputy Elaine Millar, Minister for Treasury and Resources, commented: “I also welcome this judgment. It is vital that Jersey has a robust domestic legal framework which enables the Island to comply with its international obligations – in this case Jersey’s obligations under the OECD Mutual Assistance Convention, which are important for our financial services industry – in a timely and effective way. The States Assembly enacted the 2018 Law to ensure that public authorities in Jersey should not be constrained by the threat of large, unexpected costs liabilities when they are acting to provide assistance in good faith to other countries.”
The Court of Appeal had made the declaration in proceedings brought by Imperium Trustees (Jersey) Limited to challenge a notice issued in 2022 by the office of the Comptroller of Revenue on behalf of the Minister as the Jersey Competent Authority to produce tax information, for exchange with the authorities of Belgium, concerning a Jersey law trust administered by Imperium.
The Judicial Committee has found, contrary to the Court of Appeal, that the essential nature of those underlying proceedings is a “tax matter” as the core issue to be resolved is the lawfulness of a notice to produce tax information, not one of the peripheral issues relating to confidentiality that were raised by Imperium.
In the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, tax matters form part of what is known as “the hard core of public authority prerogatives”, being areas of law involving the state’s exercise of its public authority, which fall outside the scope of what are considered “civil rights and obligations” within Article 6(1) ECHR.
As a result, Article 6(1) ECHR was found not to be engaged in the Imperium case, and this was sufficient for the Judicial Committee to uphold the whole appeal. The Judicial Committee chose, however, to make a number of further points in relation to the Court of Appeal’s wider decision and the procedure it had followed in the context of rights under the ECHR.
In particular, the Judicial Committee was critical of the declaration having been made in an abstract manner without any actual evidence of the infringement of the rights of the persons before the court, namely Imperium. The Board said it was not open for the Court to do so by reference to litigants and matters that were not before the Court.
The justices also took issue with how the majority of the Court of Appeal had approached the question of whether the 2018 Law pursued a legitimate aim. They approved the statement by Jersey Justice of Appeal James Wolffe KC, who had dissented on this point in the Court of Appeal, that the correct approach is to have regard to the Law’s underlying social purpose, to focus not on what the measure does but the reason why it was enacted. Therefore, it was permissible for the Court to look beyond the provisions of the Law itself; to examine materials such as the Projet de Loi and the speeches made by the Ministers and Scrutiny Panel members in the States Assembly as recorded in Hansard.
The judgment of the Judicial Committee is available here.
Eritrean nationals in Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Sweden, the United States, Russian Federation, South Sudan, Austria, and Finland have commemorated Martyrs Day with pride.
Eritrean communities in the Swiss cities of Geneva, Lausanne, Valais, Bern, Zurich, Chur, St. Gallen, Solothurn, Basel, Zug, Lucerne, Schaffhausen, and Ticino; Abu Dhabi and its environs in the UAE; Gothenburg, Sweden; Ohio, USA; Moscow, Russian Federation; Vienna, Austria; Aweil and Wau, South Sudan; as well as the Finnish cities of Helsinki, Jyvaskyla, Lahti, and Oulu commemorated Martyrs Day with patriotic zeal. Participants pledged to strengthen their engagement in supporting the Martyrs Trust Fund and the families of martyrs.
Nationals in Aweil, South Sudan, assumed responsibility for supporting 130 families of martyrs and contributed 3,500 US dollars. Nationals in Abu Dhabi and its environs contributed 5,150 Dirhams, while nationals in Finland contributed 2,830 Euros toward augmenting the Martyrs Trust Fund.
Nationals in Switzerland who had previously taken on the responsibility of supporting families of martyrs reaffirmed their commitment. Nationals in Canton Geneva and Canton Bern contributed 4,184 Swiss francs; Canton Schaffhausen, 1,320 Swiss francs; Canton St. Gallen, 2,920 Swiss francs; Canton Lausanne, 3,360 Swiss francs; Canton Lucerne, 5,000 Swiss francs; Canton Zurich, 5,565 Swiss francs; Canton Valais, 515 Swiss francs; and Canton Aargau, 500 Swiss francs. The Eritrean community in Biel/Bienne contributed 10,000 Swiss francs to the Martyrs Trust Fund.
Similarly, nationals in Bern contributed 5,000 Swiss francs in support of seven families of martyrs; nationals in Graubünden contributed 3,600 Swiss francs for five families; and nationals in St. Gallen contributed 10,800 Swiss francs in support of 15 families of martyrs.
Likewise, nationals residing in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, have pledged to assume responsibility for supporting 11 families of martyrs.
Events in all cities featured candlelight vigils and walkathon programs.
In related news, 114,000 Nakfa contributed by staff members of the Northern Red Sea Region administration and Foro sub-zone has been distributed to families of martyrs.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: OSCE convenes high-level Annual Security Review Conference to address the current security situation in the region
VIENNA, 24 JUNE 2025 – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) will hold a two-day Annual Security Review Conference (ASRC) in Vienna on 25 and 26 June 2025.
Organized this year by the Finnish 2025 OSCE Chairpersonship, the Conference will bring together diplomats and high-level officials from the capitals of the 57 OSCE participating States.
On 25 June, the opening session will feature keynote remarks by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen (remotely), OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, and the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Security Policy of Finland Outi Holopainen.
Journalists are invited to follow the livestream of the keynote segment of the opening session, beginning at 11:30 on Wednesday, 25 June 2025: www.osce.org/live
The ASRC is one of the OSCE’s main events for fostering dialogue on regional security challenges, providing an essential platform for comprehensive discussions on contemporary security threats facing Europe and the role of the OSCE in addressing them.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Germany 2025 early parliamentary elections: ODIHR election assessment mission final report
Germany’s parliamentary elections in February were competitive and professionally managed, despite logistical challenges due to tight deadlines. While fundamental freedoms were respected overall, the vibrant campaign was targeted by disinformation and foreign interference and marked by polarization.
Media coverage of the campaign was extensive and varied, allowing citizens to make an informed choice on election day. At the same time, several aspects of the electoral legislation were of concern and need further review. These relate to the criminalization of defamation, insufficient transparency and scope of campaign finance regulations, limited effectiveness of election dispute resolution and lack of efforts to promote women’s participation in political life.
These are some of the main conclusions from the final report, published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The report offers recommendations to bring elections in Germany closer in line with OSCE commitments and international standards for democratic elections.
Key recommendations include:
Aligning the legal framework with the commitments made by all OSCE states as well as international standards through an inclusive consultation process;
Increasing efforts to ensure women’s active participation in public and political life;
Addressing electoral violence proactively;
Strengthening freedom of expression by lifting criminal sanctions for defamation;
Ensuring timely and effective remedy for violations of election-related legislation;
Improving the campaign finance framework by establishing timely and transparent reporting and setting up an independent oversight body;
Enhancing the transparency and integrity of the electoral process by publishing detailed and disaggregated election results;
Guaranteeing the unrestricted access of citizen and international observers to the entire electoral process.
The ODIHR Election Assessment Mission to the 23 February early parliamentary elections started work on 10 February and remained in the country until 26 February.
The ODIHR mission also assessed the country’s efforts to implement previous recommendations through changes in legislation, procedures and practices. For Germany, the ODIHR mission evaluated the follow-up to recommendations from the 2017 and the 2021 parliamentary elections, and concluded that 1 recommendation had been fully implemented and 4 partially addressed, while others are still outstanding. A full list can be found on p. 32 of today’s report.
All 57 countries across the OSCE region have formally committed to follow up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations. The ODIHR Electoral Recommendations Database tracks the extent to which recommendations are implemented by states across the OSCE region.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Luca Bussotti, Professor at the PhD Course in Peace, Democracy, Social Movements and Human Development, Universidade Técnica de Moçambique (UDM)
Mozambique’s government, led by the Frelimo party, has long been planning celebrations for 2025. It is 50 years since independence, won after an anti-colonial war against Portugal led by the same party.
Something has gone wrong, however, especially in the past two years.
Since the country’s popular rapper Azagaia died in March 2023 and peaceful processions in his memory escalated into violent clashes with the police, space has opened up for the establishment of a social movement of young people. This has since turned into a political movement, taking on the name “Povo no Poder” (“People in Power”). At its head is a brilliant politician, Venâncio Mondlane.
Povo no Poder was also the name of Azagaia’s hit song, which had been the soundtrack to 2008 protests against rising energy costs.
The demonstrations in March 2023 marked a turning point for Mozambique. It was as if all the energy and indignation about a highly corrupt and increasingly authoritarian country that Azagaia had expressed through his songs had been passed on to previously fearful young people. Now they dared to challenge the police and army in the open and without any weapons.
In late 2024 Mozambicans took to the streets to protest against elections they claimed were rigged. Over 300 people were killed in demonstrations.
Efforts have been made to redress this serious wound. In preparation for the 50 years of independence Frelimo has been recalling key places and symbols in the liberation war, harking back to a time when they represented justice.
But attempts to evoke past glory and ideals are not resonating with ordinary Mozambicans. The mood in the country is subdued.
As a specialist in the politics of lusophone Africa, in particular Mozambique, based on years of research, I find it difficult to envision a future of peace and prosperity for the next 50 years. There are divisive elements at play across the country. The post-election crisis has its roots in widespread discontent. Mozambicans are also rising against the cost of living crisis.
The newly elected president, Daniel Chapo, opened the 50th anniversary celebrations on 7 April in Nangade, in Cabo Delgado province. This is one of the places where the armed struggle against the Portuguese began.
National symbolism has focused on the torch of national unity, travelling the length and breadth of Mozambique to arrive in Maputo at the historic Machava Stadium on 25 June, Independence Day, for a concluding public ceremony.
Not everyone has shared this attempt to patch up a country torn both politically and socio-economically.
Too much has been lost in the intervening decades.
In the initial period of independence Frelimo adopted socialist policies and attempted to promote free and universal social services, primarily healthcare and education. Back then, the ruling class, starting with the country’s first president, Samora Machel, didn’t enjoy any particular economic privileges.
The reality today is quite different.
Journalist and social activist Tomás Vieira Mário, one of the main critics of the current regime, has traced the stages of independent Mozambique’s history. He’s pointed out the contradiction between the initial thrust by many Mozambican common people towards the liberation movement and subsequent, authoritarian developments.
He concluded in an article that all that remained to unite Mozambicans was the
mere sharing of the same territorial space. And a lot of blood.
He was referring to the long war against Renamo from 1976 to 1992 and again from 2013 to 2019, ethnic questions that have never been resolved, and finally the armed attacks in Cabo Delgado of jihadist and ethnic nature.
For his part, renowned philosopher Severino Ngoenha has also underscored the importance of a justice system that is fair and inclusive, and not at the service of one political party.
The new opposition is coming not from Renamo or Frelimo but from the streets. Popular protests have taken place this year even in areas once considered Frelimo strongholds. In Gaza province, southern Mozambique, for example, there have been outbreaks of violence, demonstrating that the bipolar system that emerged from the 1992 peace accord now seems incapable of responding to the new demands of Mozambican society.
On the political level, efforts are being made to overcome the post-electoral crisis and its wounds through the establishment of an Inclusive Dialogue Commission. This is being chaired by jurist Edson Macuacua, who is a vice-minister in the Frelimo government.
The commission is made up of representatives from all major parties as well as three members of civil society. The eventual aim is radical reform of the state.
But there are serious doubts about the success of this ambitious project which I believe are legitimate. The big question, beyond any institutional and electoral reforms, is whether the Frelimo party-state will be able to change its political culture in the next elections, accepting any negative results and, therefore, the loss of power.
Efforts are being made on all fronts to obstruct Mondlane from gaining a political foothold. Mondlane wants to start a new party called the Anamalala (meaning “It will end”, or “Stop!”).
The name has been rejected by the Ministry of Justice because a Mozambican party cannot be named using a local language – in this case Emakhuwa.
On the judicial level, several trials are underway against Mondlane and his closest associates, which could result in convictions for inciting protesters to destroy public infrastructure during the post-election demonstrations. If convicted, he would be declared ineligible to run in elections scheduled for 2029.
Mozambique is among the six most unequal countries in the world and one of the poorest. According to World Bank data, 500,000 young people enter the labour market each year, with an average absorption capacity of about 25,000 in the formal sector, and 36% of young people unemployed in Maputo.
Meanwhile, the number of very rich is growing. Mozambique ranks 16th among African countries in terms of the number of millionaires, with 18% growth over the past 10 years.
This inequality puts national unity at risk.
The economic disparities between the capital, Maputo, and the rest of the country are increasingly evident.
Entire ethnic groups and territories are marginalised. Socio-economic and cultural divisions have been replicated in the case of discoveries of large natural resources in the north of the country. Large investments have been made in gas (Total and ENI-Exxon) and rubies in Cabo Delgado.
A new threat has arisen too: extremism. Islamist-motivated attacks have been occurring in Cabo Delgado since 2017. There was an attack recently on a military base in Macomia.
Efforts to encourage unity are coming from many quarters: from the promotion of inclusive dialogue; from a civic consciousness that has grown since 2023-2024; and from the country’s economic potential.
But social inequality remains. So do doubts about Frelimo’s willingness to make Mozambique a country where the winner governs without manipulating election results.
Luca Bussotti 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. Mozambique after 50 years of independence: what’s there to celebrate? – https://theconversation.com/mozambique-after-50-years-of-independence-whats-there-to-celebrate-259528