NewzIntel.com

Category: Eurozone

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    PM call with Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez this evening, following today’s historic agreement to secure the future of Gibraltar.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez this evening, following today’s historic agreement to secure the future of Gibraltar. 

    Prime Minister Sánchez congratulated the Prime Minister on his leadership, adding that his government had succeeded where others had failed. 

    Both leaders also agreed that this development unlocks huge opportunity to advance the bilateral relationship between the UK and Spain, on behalf of the British and Spanish people.

    They looked forward to meeting in person soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Lankford Introduce Bill to Stop Funding ‘Gender Transition’ Procedures

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced the Stop Funding Genital Mutilation Act, which would prohibit federal funding from Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from going towards gender transition procedures at any age:

    “Texas taxpayers should not be forced to foot the bill for dangerous and often debilitating ‘gender transition’ procedures that are driven by radical ideology masquerading as health care,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m proud to introduce this commonsense legislation to stop federal dollars from funding Democrats’ woke agenda and defend Texas values and Texas families.”

    “Before they can vote, drive, or get a tattoo, some children are pushed into irreversible gender-transition procedures with no proven long-term health benefit,” said Sen. Lankford. “These treatments can cause lasting harm, and taxpayers should not be forced to fund them.”

    Background:

     A recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) review of gender dysphoria medical interventions “highlights a growing body of evidence pointing to significant risks—including irreversible harms such as infertility—while finding very weak evidence of benefit.”

    Nearly 30 states have laws or policies that limit access to gender transition procedures for minors, including Texas. Texas prohibits health care providers from prescribing, administering or dispensing hormone or puberty blocking medications or providing gender transition surgeries to minors. Other countries have begun putting limits on these procedures over concerns about the long-term effects. In 2024, NHS England began limiting access to puberty blockers as “routine treatment” for children under 18. Finland, Sweden, and Denmark have also limited access to these procedures for minors.

    The Stop Funding Genital Mutilation Act would prohibit CHIP and Medicaid federal funds from being used to provide gender transition procedures at any age. It makes exceptions for those needing puberty blocking drugs or medical procedures for medically necessary reasons, including medically verifiable sex development disorders or injury from previous gender transition procedures.

    The legislation builds on President Trump’s Executive Order, signed on January 28, 2025, which called for cutting federal funding for gender transition procedures for minors and directs federally run insurance programs, including Medicaid, to stop covering these services.

    The legislation aligns with language included in the House’s version of Pres. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, and Sen. Cornyn will fight to include this priority in the Senate’s version.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Were the first kings of Poland actually from Scotland? New DNA evidence unsettles a nation’s founding myth

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darius von Guttner Sporzynski, Historian, Australian Catholic University

    An illustration from a 15th-century manuscript showing the coronation of the first king of Poland, Boleslaw I. Chronica Polonorum by Mathiae de Mechovia

    For two centuries, scholars have sparred over the roots of the Piasts, Poland’s first documented royal house, who reigned from the 10th to the 14th centuries.

    Were they local Slavic nobles, Moravian exiles, or warriors from Scandinavia?

    Since 2023, a series of genetic and environmental studies led by molecular biologist Marek Figlerowicz at the Poznań University of Technology has delivered a stream of direct evidence about these enigmatic rulers, bringing the debate onto firmer ground.

    Digging up the dynasty

    Field teams have now opened more than a dozen crypts from the Piast era. The largest single haul came from Płock Cathedral in what is now central Poland.

    The exhumed bones were dated between 1100 and 1495, matching written records. Genetic analysis showed several individuals were close relatives.

    “There is no doubt we are dealing with genuine Piasts,” Figlerowicz told a May 2025 conference.

    The Poznań group isolated readable DNA from 33 individuals (30 men and three women) believed to span the dynasty’s full timeline.

    Surprise on the Y chromosome

    The male skeletons almost all carry a single, rare group of genetic variants on the Y chromosome (which is only carried and passed down by males). This group is today found mainly in Britain. The closest known match belongs to a Pict buried in eastern Scotland in the 5th or 6th century.

    These results imply that the dynasty’s paternal line arrived from the vicinity of the North Atlantic, not nearby.

    Mieszko I, the first Piast ruler documented in written sources.
    Jan Matejko, c. 1893 (via Wikimedia)

    The date of that arrival is still open: the founding clan could have migrated centuries before the first known Piast, Mieszko I (who died in 992), or perhaps only a generation earlier through a dynastic marriage. Either way, the new data kill the notion of an unbroken local male lineage.

    Yet genetics also shows deep local continuity in the wider population. A separate survey of Iron Age cemeteries across Poland, published in Scientific Reports, revealed that people living 2,000 years ago already shared the genetic makeup seen in early Piast subjects.

    Another project that sequenced pre-Piast burials drew the same conclusion: local Poles were part of the broader continental gene pool stretching from Denmark to France.

    In short, even if the Piasts were exotic rulers, they governed a long-established community.

    A swamp tells its tale

    While the DNA work progressed, another Poznań team dug into the history of the local environment via samples from the peaty floor of Lake Lednica near Poznań, the island-ringed stronghold often dubbed the cradle of the Piast realm.

    Their study of buried pollen, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows an abrupt switch in the 9th century: oak and lime pollen plummet, while cereal and pasture indicators soar. Traces of charcoal and soot point to widespread fires.

    The authors call the shift an “ecological revolution”, driven by slash-and-burn agriculture and the need to feed concentrated garrisons of soldiers guarding local trade routes carrying amber and slaves.

    Modelling boom and bust

    Using this environmental data, historians and complexity scientists constructed a feedback model of population, silver paid as tribute to rulers, and fort-building. As fields expanded, tributes rose; as tributes rose, chiefs could hire more labour to clear more forest and build forts.

    The model reproduces the startling build-out of ramparts at Poznań, Giecz and Gniezno around 990. It also predicts collapse once the silver stopped flowing.

    Pollen data indeed show the woodlands recovered to some extent after 1070, while archaeological surveys record abandoned hamlets and shrinking garrisons.

    The early Piast state rode a resource boom as the Piasts controlled part of the amber and slave trade routes that linked the shores of the Baltic Sea to Rome.

    The impact of Mieszko’s conversion to Christianity on that lucrative trade remains subject to scholarly debate.

    Reconciling foreigners and locals

    How do these strands fit together? Evidence of a Scottish man in the Piast paternal line does not necessarily imply a foreign conquest. Dynasties spread by marriages as well as by swords.

    For example, Świętosława (the sister of the first Piast king, Bolesław the Brave), married the kings of both Denmark and Sweden, and her descendants ruled England for a time. The networks of Europe’s nobility were highly mobile.

    Conversely, the stable genetic profile of ordinary folk suggests that, whoever sat on the ducal bench, most people remained where their grandparents had farmed.

    The broader research engine

    None of this work happens in isolation. Poland’s National Science Centre has bankrolled a 24-person team across archaeology, palaeoecology and bioinformatics since 2014, generating 16 peer-reviewed papers and a public database of ancient genomes.

    Conferences at Lednica and Dziekanowice now bring historians and molecular biologists to the same table. The methodological pay-off is clear: Polish labs can now process their own ancient DNA rather than exporting it to Copenhagen or Leipzig.

    What still puzzles researchers

    Three questions remain. First, does that British-leaning male line really start with a Pict? The closest known match to the Piasts may change as new burials are sequenced.

    Second, how many commoners carried the same genetic variant? Spot samples from Kowalewko and Brzeg hint that it was rare among locals, but the data set is small.

    Third, why did the silver dry up so fast? Numismatists suspect a shift in Viking routes after 1000 AD, yet the matter is far from settled.

    A balanced verdict

    Taken together, the evidence paints a nuanced picture. The Piasts were probably not ethnic Slavs in the strict paternal sense, yet they ruled, and soon resembled, an overwhelmingly Slavic realm.

    Their meteoric rise owed less to outsider brilliance than to the chance alignment of fertile soils, cheap labour, and an export boom in amber and captives.

    As geneticists conduct more DNA sequencing of remains, such as those of princes in crypts at Kraków’s Wawel castle, and palaeoecologists push their lakebed pollen samples back to 7th century, we can expect further surprises.

    Darius von Guttner Sporzynski receives funding from the National Science Centre, Poland as a partner investigator in the grant ‘The “Chronicle of the Poles” by Bishop Vincentius of Cracow also known as Kadłubek. First critical Latin-English Edition.’ (2022/47/B/HS3/00931).

    – ref. Were the first kings of Poland actually from Scotland? New DNA evidence unsettles a nation’s founding myth – https://theconversation.com/were-the-first-kings-of-poland-actually-from-scotland-new-dna-evidence-unsettles-a-nations-founding-myth-258579

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and African First Ladies mark World Hypertension Day 2025 by launching their Annual Awards for Best Media, Fashion, Song, and Film to raise awareness on hypertension, diabetes and importance of healthy lifestyle

    Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World Hypertension Day 2025’ in partnership with Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia through their “Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program, by reinforcing its commitment to improving cardiovascular and diabetes care across Africa, and beyond.

    Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation stated, “At Merck Foundation we observe “World Hypertension Day” by expanding access to quality and equitable care in Hypertension, Diabetes, Endocrinnology and Cardiovascular preventive care, which are all co-related, by providing scholarships for young doctors from across Africa and beyond.

    “Together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, and partners like Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have till today provided more than 860 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries, of One-Year Online PG Diplomas and Two-Year Online Master’s Degrees in Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Cardiology, and Obesity & Weight Management, as well as One-Year Clinical Cardiovascular Care and Clinical Diabetes Onsite Fellowship Programs in India, a special 3-month Diabetes Mastercourse in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish languages.

    What is special about these scholarships is that they have been provided not only to doctors from capital cities, but also to those from across the country — ensuring wider geographic coverage of healthcare capacity. We remain committed to continuing our efforts to improve healthcare capacity and access to hypertension and diabetes care.”

    Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 2270 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

    Dr. Dzifa Ahadzi, Merck Foundation alumnus from Ghana shares, “I have completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology and currently pursuing MSc in Cardiology. Being a practicing cardiologist, this program has provided me with the opportunity to consolidate my knowledge and apply current advances in cardiovascular care to my clinical practice. Since completing the PG Diploma in Cardiology, I have been involved in establishing a Heart Failure clinic in my hospital that caters to the needs of a diverse population of Heart Failure patients including women with Postpartum cardiomyopathy and Cardio-oncology patients.

    I am extremely grateful to Merck Foundation for the support and exposure it has provided me. It has inspired me and helped me to improve cardiovascular care amongst the population that I serve.”

    Merck Foundation scholarships are of great value, given that as per WHO data, the African region has the highest prevalence of hypertension, with approximately 27% of adults affected.

    Therefore, Merck Foundation has launched several community awareness programs to emphasize on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about diabetes and hypertension prevention, early detection and management.

    Merck Foundation, together with The First Ladies of Africa has launched a storybook and its adapted animation Film “Mark’s Pressure”.

    “I believe early education is key to building a healthier community. Through our storybook and animation film “Mark’s Pressure”, we aim to instill healthy habits in children and youth — like reducing salt and sugar, eating well, exercising, and avoiding smoking. I believe that this is the only way to to prevent and manage hypertension and diabetes, which are major risk factors for many serious complications and illnesses.”

    Watch the “Mark’s Pressure” Animation Film here:

    https://apo-opa.co/45pQuid

    Moreover, Merck Foundation’s pan African TV program “Our Africa” conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation has episodes dedicated to raising awareness about Diabetes and Promoting Healthy Lifestyle.

    Watch the Episodes here:

    https://apo-opa.co/4jMij7M

    https://apo-opa.co/43VGaf9

    “Our Africa” TV Program has been broadcasted on National and Prime TV stations of many African countries like Burundi, Botswana, Ghana, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia and is currently on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4jMijEO), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4jPaTkd), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/43XKSco) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4l3tpX8)] and Merck Foundation [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/445Av6G), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3SMH2Ok), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/403N1Cb) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3HD4xXz)].

    Additionally, Merck Foundation together with African First Ladies, also launches annually, their Awards for best Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, Musicians/ Singers, and new potential talents in these fields from African countries to Promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

    1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

    Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

    2. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

    Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

    3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

    Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

    4. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

    Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

    Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to:

    submit@merck-foundation.com

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

    Contact:
    Mehak Handa
    Community Awareness Program Manager 
    Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
    Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

    Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/445Av6G
    X: https://apo-opa.co/403N1Cb
    YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3HD4xXz
    Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3SMH2Ok
    Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4l5X9CL
    Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4jMiwrA
    Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
    Download Merck Foundation App: www.Merck-Foundation.com/MF_StoreRedirection

    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/445Av6G), X (https://apo-opa.co/403N1Cb), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3SMH2Ok), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3HD4xXz), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4l5X9CL) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4jMiwrA).

    The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maricopa Man Sentenced to 44 Years in Prison for Second-Degree Murder of a Tohono O’Odham Police Officer

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Carlos Maximilliano Galvan, 44, of Maricopa, Arizona, was sentenced on June 4, 2025, by United States District Judge James A. Soto to 44 years in prison. Galvan previously pleaded guilty to one count of Second-Degree Murder.

    On August 27, 2020, Tohono O’odham Police Officer Bryan Brown responded to a 911 call from the Desert Diamond Casino in Why, Arizona, about an individual who had crashed his vehicle into a handicapped parking sign outside of the casino. The individual then reportedly assaulted two casino employees by striking the truck they were sitting in with his vehicle. When Officer Brown arrived at the scene, he got out of his police cruiser and was confronted by Galvan, who approached him aggressively while brandishing a broken bottle. As Officer Brown stepped around his vehicle to avoid Galvan, Galvan jumped into the police cruiser and drove toward Officer Brown and a United States Border Patrol Agent who had arrived at the scene to assist. The Border Patrol Agent was able to move out of the way, but Galvan struck Officer Brown with the police cruiser, killing him.

    While fleeing from the scene of the murder, Galvan drove the police cruiser across the center lane of the highway and intentionally hit the vehicles of two Border Patrol Agents who were on their way to the scene to assist law enforcement.  

    “The FBI will not waiver in our commitment to ensure those who commit acts of violence against members of law enforcement will be held accountable and punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said FBI Phoenix Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarod Brown. “Today is for Officer Bryan Brown, and his loved ones and colleagues. We hope this sentence brings a degree of comfort to Officer Brown’s family and colleagues.”

    “The defendant attacked not just Officer Brown, but our entire system of justice,” said United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “Disrespect for law enforcement escalates, as it did here with a deadly consequence, which is why any assault on a law enforcement officer cannot be tolerated. Our great sorrow goes out to Officer Brown’s family, loved ones, and fellow officers. He demonstrated the ultimate dedication to duty, and we honor him.”   

    The FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson Office conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Kreamer Hope, Alicia Renee Quezada, and Rui Wang, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-20-01566-TUC-JAS
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-091_Galvan

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dutch-Italian cocaine trafficking route intercepted

    Source: Eurojust

    The Italian authorities were investigating a criminal group based in southern Sardinia, composed of eight individuals who were importing large quantities of cocaine from the Netherlands. The drugs were loaded into vehicles with hidden compartments at the bottom. After hiding the cocaine, the vehicles were driven to Italy, where the drugs were sold to local traffickers in Sardinia. During the investigation, over 20 kilograms of pure cocaine were seized, and three couriers were arrested.

    The cooperation with the Netherlands has started four years ago on the basis of mutual legal assistance on both police and judicial level. It culminated in an action day on 11 June, which took place simultaneously in Italy and the Netherlands. During the action day, two suspects were arrested in Italy and one in the Netherlands. In Italy, EUR 3 million and 90 properties were seized, along with bank accounts and vehicles. In the Netherlands parts of the EUR 600 000 profits of the Dutch suspect were seized.

    Eurojust coordinated the international cooperation in the cross-border investigation, ensuring that four European Investigation Orders were executed to gather information and continue the investigation into the criminal network. The Agency supported the action day on 11 June by preparing the European Arrest Warrant executed in the Netherlands.

    The following authorities carried out the operation:

    • Italy: Cagliari Public Prosecutor’s Office – Anti-Mafia District Directorate; Guardia di Finanza di Cagliari – GICO (Organised Crime Investigation Unit – Anti-Drug Section)
    • Netherlands: Public Prosecutor’s Office Zeeland-West-Brabant; Centre for International Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Zeeland-West-Brabant; Police Zeeland-West-Brabant

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Software République unveils “vision 4rescue”, an integrated technological ecosystem for the next-gen of Emergency Services

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Software République unveils “vision 4rescue”,
    an integrated technological ecosystem for the next-gen of Emergency Services

    • In response to the increasing frequency and intensity of emergencies and natural disasters, Software République introduces “vision 4rescue,” designed to enhance the efficiency of emergency response during critical situations.
    • This ecosystem, comprising 20 interconnected solutions, aims to better integrate the various technologies used by emergency services for faster and more coordinated interventions.
    • For this innovative ecosystem, Software République has joined forces with 3 firefighter/emergency units as well as 4 other technological partners.

    Viva Technology, Paris – June 11, 2025 – For the 2025 edition of Viva Technology, Software République, a group of 7 European companies1 that combine their expertise towards an intelligent, secure and durable mobility, has partnered with three firefighter units2 to unveil “vision 4rescue,” a system of interconnected technological solutions aimed at increasing the efficiency and improving the coordination of rescue and emergency services.

    In France, natural disasters have increased fivefold in fifteen years, with two-thirds of municipalities now likely to experience some kind of major natural disaster3. Faced with more frequent, intense, and complex interventions (natural disasters, industrial hazards, urban accidents, or emergency medical interventions), emergency and rescue professions need to adapt to increasing challenges. This adaptation is all the more necessary given an aging population, growing urbanization, and an increasingly strained healthcare system, where personal assistance now accounts for over 80% of emergency services’ operational activity (4 million interventions per year4). These growing challenges call for new solutions to risk management, intervention methods, as well as the transformation of equipment and technologies used.

    Making a Difference:
    ​    A Technological Ecosystem serving Emergency Services and Populations

    To be more effective, a key factor is removing the technological barriers between the different services used by emergency teams. Whether it involves vehicles, video surveillance cameras, or communication systems, emergency services now need seamless integration among all these devices. “vision 4rescue” offers a system of integrated, interconnected, and secure technologies to address this challenge.

    By combining their expertise and leveraging a deep and comprehensive understanding of the Emergency services requirements, the partners have designed an ecosystem of nearly 20 interconnected solutions to:

    Anticipate with precision emergencies through enhanced field vision and real-time analysis of multi-source data.

    Act more effectively at every stage of the emergency and rescue intervention, with tailored, accessible, and integrated devices.

    Communicate more efficiently with emergency teams and with the public through more direct, faster, and targeted messaging, thereby enhancing collective resilience and the ability to respond effectively.

    Interconnected Equipment: A Decisive Lever for Emergency Response

    “vision 4rescue” includes several pieces of equipment designed to collect and share as much information as possible:

    • Long-range drones (Thales) and short-range drones (Parrot): Equipped with cameras and onboard communication systems, they provide precise surveillance of emergency zones, collecting and sharing information.
    • Connected urban furniture (JCDecaux) serves as a direct communication interface with the population and plays a sentinel role. The short-range drone can use the take-off / landing platform facilitating the incident diagnosis by the emergency services.
    • Renault 4 E-Tech electric vehicle (Renault Group): Tailored to emergency needs, acting as a mobile command center close to the operations.

    In addition to these three pieces of equipment, electronic sensor networks (STMicroelectronics) are used in both urban (urban furniture, traffic lights, etc.) and rural environments (forests, near watercourses, etc.) to detect anomalies.

    Next-Generation Technological Solutions

    Software République integrates a system of technologies into “vision 4rescue” a set of technologies that makes it a unique and comprehensive ecosystem, capable of adapting operational responses in real time to the most complex and simultaneous situations. These include:

    Modeling, simulation, and detection solutions:

    • Dassault Systèmes connects virtual twins of physical and digital systems in a collaborative virtual world to simulate complex risk scenarios, explore prevention plans, and orchestrate the optimal deployment of resources.
    • Cybersecure AI platforms (Thales) manage autonomous drone operations and orchestrate tactical missions, analyzing multi-source data (drones, satellites, etc.) in real time to better detect risks and anticipate their evolution – even from mobile, decentralized command centers like the R4.
    • The Flux Vision (Orange) analysis tools and mission planning tools (HawAI.tech) optimize drone flight paths taking into account all mission constraints.
    • A crisis management solution (Atos) integrates prevention plans, monitoring, and simulation data to organize emergency responses.

    Solutions to enhance responsiveness:

    • A V2X – vehicle to everything – solution (Orange) enables real-time communication between the vehicle and its environment.
    • A tactical communication tool (Atos) connects vehicles, field teams, and drones to maximize data collection, enhanced via AI, and shared in real time.
    • To transmit vital information to firefighters under stress in complex environments, Peripheral uses peripheral vision.
    • Embedded AI and electronic components (STMicroelectronics) optimize equipment responsiveness, reduce latency, and ensure high data security while incorporating energy-saving solutions for greater autonomy and durability.

    Guaranteed connectivity under all circumstances:

    • Hybrid networks and devices (Orange), including onboard 5G network and a connected SOS backpack, along with ultra-light Wi-Fi mesh technology (Green Communications) with embedded resilience applications, ensure communication between emergency teams during critical operations where traditional infrastructure is unavailable.
    • An emergency communication system (Thales) integrated into long-range drone or the R4, geolocates mobile phones in risk zones and sends alert messages to which civilians can respond if needed.
    • A communication solution compliant with the C-ITS (Cooperative Intelligent Transport System) international standard ensures native interoperability and secure exchanges between vehicles and road infrastructure (Atos).

    Key Partnerships

    For this project, Software République and its seven members (Atos, Dassault Systèmes, JCDecaux, Orange, Renault Group, STMicroelectronics, and Thales) partnered with three firefighter units and four other technology partners: Parrot, HawAI.tech, Peripheral, and Green Communications.

    Presentation at VivaTech

    At VivaTech (June 11 to 14, 2025), Software République will showcase “vision 4rescue” (Stand G18, Hall 1.1), highlighting several real-world use cases:

    • Forest Fire
    • Flood
    • Urban Emergency

    1Atos, Dassault Systèmes, JCDecaux, Orange, Renault Group, STMicroelectronics et Thales

    2Brigade des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris, la Fédération Nationale des Sapeurs-Pompiers et le SDIS 78

    3Source Ministère de la Transition Ecologique

    4Source Ministère de l’Intérieur

    About ​ Software République

    The Software République is defined as an open innovation ecosystem dedicated to intelligent, secure, and sustainable mobility. It was created in April 2021 by six founding members: Atos, Dassault Systèmes, Orange, Renault Group, STMicroelectronics and Thales. In March 2024, JCDecaux became the seventh partner member.

    The Software République builds collective businesses focused on tomorrow’s mobility through its unique horizontal collaboration model. The ecosystem stands out for its innovative approach, combining established companies and start-ups from different backgrounds to bring to market products and services that meet the new challenges of the connected vehicle, the smart city and energy. These projects are based on the complementary expertise of its partners in data analysis, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, connectivity, and virtual twins, and on the ambition to invent a new model of innovation while keeping people and the environment at the heart of its motivations.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: What family firms like Rothschild can teach Canadian businesses about resilience

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Liena Kano, Professor, Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary

    The Gunnersbury Estate, which was purchased by merchant and financier Nathan Mayer Rothschild in 1835, is seen in London in 2022. (Shutterstock)

    Family businesses constitute a vital component of Canada’s economic landscape. They make up 63 per cent of privately held firms, employ nearly seven million people and generate about $575 billion a year.

    While Canadian family-run businesses express international ambitions, their overseas engagement tends to be more conservative compared to their non-family counterparts.

    In today’s turbulent economic environment — marked by geopolitical tensions, technological disruption and shifting trade patterns — international competitiveness is more important than ever.

    Around the world, family firms have shown remarkable resilience in the face of external shocks. Some of the world’s longest-standing corporations are family-owned, having endured world wars, revolutions, natural disasters and pandemics. For Canadian family firms aspiring to expand abroad, such examples offer both inspiration and insight.

    Among such long-standing multinationals is Rothschild, a centuries-old European family-run investment bank. Our case study of Rothschild, based on historical analysis, highlights how the family’s enduring relationships, reliable routines and long-term goals gave it significant advantages in international business.

    At the same time, however, families can contribute unique biases, especially “bifurcation bias” — a tendency to favour family resources over equally or more valuable non-family ones. Our study reveals that bifurcation bias can compromise a firm’s international trajectory, especially in distant and complex markets.

    A brief history of Rothschild

    Mayer Amschel Rothschild was a German-Jewish banker and the founder of the Rothschild banking dynasty.
    (Wikimedia Commons)

    Initially a merchant business, the firm was founded in the late 18th century by Mayer Amschel Rothschild, a Frankfurt Jew.

    Rothschild and his wife, Guttle, had 10 children, including five sons: Amschel, Salomon, Nathan, Carl and James.

    In 1798, Rothschild sent Nathan to Manchester, England, which initiated the firm’s growth in that country and a transition from merchant operations to financial transactions.

    By the 1820s, Rothschild became a multinational bank, with Amschel, Salomon, Nathan, Carl and James leading banking houses in Frankfurt, Vienna, London, Naples and Paris, respectively.

    Bonuses and burdens of family bonds

    Nathan Mayer Rothschild was sent to Manchester in 1798.
    (Wikimedia Commons)

    In the 19th century, the Rothschild’s strategy of relying on family members initially worked well for the firm.

    The five Rothschild brothers corresponded in a coded language and shared a common pool of resources at a time when shared balance sheets were uncommon in international banking.

    Their close familial bonds allowed the brothers to move information, money and goods across international borders with a speed and reach that wasn’t accessible to competitors. Rivals, by contrast, had to worry about protecting sensitive information and enforcing commitments.

    This internal cohesiveness safeguarded the Rothschild’s business, facilitated transactions and allowed them to maintain resilience through the periods of significant political upheaval: the Napoleonic wars, revolutions and, ultimately, the First World War, which interrupted economic and social progress in Europe.

    However, this same over-reliance on family became a disadvantage when Rothschild expanded into the United States.

    Missed opportunity and bifurcation bias

    The Rothschilds showed an interest in the American market as early as the 1820s. However, their repeated attempts to send family members to the U.S to expand operations failed, as none were willing to stay, preferring the comforts of European life.

    August Belmont was a German-Jewish immigrant to New York City in 1837 as an agent of the Rothschild bank in Frankfurt.
    (Shutterstock)

    Since they were unable to establish a family-based anchor in the country, the Rothschilds appointed an agent, August Belmont, to run the U.S. operations on their behalf in 1837.

    However, Belmont wasn’t given the authority to exercise entrepreneurial judgment, make investments or enter into deals. He also didn’t have unrestricted access to capital, was never entrusted with an official Rothschild mandate or acknowledged as a full-fledged partner.

    The Rothschilds were unwilling to delegate such decisions to someone who was not a direct male descendant of the founder, Mayer Amschel Rothschild.

    This failure to use Belmont as a link between the family — with its successful experiences, capabilities, routines and connections in Europe — and the American market — with its growing opportunities and the valuable networks Belmont had begun to develop — ultimately prevented Rothschild from replicating its success in the U.S.

    The Rothschilds were eventually eclipsed by the Barings and JP Morgan banks in America. Both competitors followed a different path in the market by opening full-fledged U.S. subsidiaries under their corporate brands with significant funds and decision-making autonomy.

    Escaping the trap of bifurcation bias

    Bifurcation bias does not always have an immediate negative impact. In fact, biased governance practices remained inconsequential for the Rothschilds — as long as there were enough capable family heirs available to lead the bank’s dispersed operations.

    In the short- to medium-term, the family’s connections, time-tested routines and mutual reliability built a well of resilience that sustained the bank through the 19th century, one of the most volatile political periods in European history.

    But as a firm’s international ambitions outgrow the size of the family, bifurcation bias can damage competitiveness, both in international markets and at home.

    At some point, family firms must shift from emotional, biased decision-making to efficient governance systems, which may involve incorporating non-family managers and selecting resources, locations and projects that do not carry emotional significance.

    A Cargill factory building in Wroclaw, Poland in 2020. American business executive William Wallace Cargill founded the Cargill company as an Iowa grain storage business in 1865.
    (Shutterstock)

    Many successful family firms implement tools in their governance systems to detect and eliminate biased behaviour. For instance, family-owned multinationals such as Merck (Germany), Cargill (U.S.) and Tata Group (India) have checks and balances that prevent decision-makers from thinking only in family terms.

    The most successful strategies to safeguard against bifurcation bias invite outside scrutiny into corporate decision-making: appointing non-family CEOs, establishing independent boards, hiring consultants and granting partners decision-making powers.

    Lessons for family firms

    Today, as the global business environment faces arguably unprecedented volatility, firms are seeking to build resilience to survive the turbulence.

    While multi-generational family firms must learn to guard against bifurcation bias to thrive in international markets, their demonstrated ability to withstand external shocks offers valuable lessons for other companies.

    How can non-family firms emulate the Rothschild’s success and longevity? The Rothschild case teaches us the value of having a shared organizational language, setting long-term goals, maintaining stable routines and placing a strong emphasis on brand reputation.

    These strategies can help any company, family-owned or not, build resilience during volatile times.

    Liena Kano receives funding from SSHRC.

    Alain Verbeke receives funding from SSHRC.

    Luciano Ciravegna receives funding from INCAE Business School, where he leads the Steve Aronson Endowed Chair.

    Andrew Kent Johnston 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. What family firms like Rothschild can teach Canadian businesses about resilience – https://theconversation.com/what-family-firms-like-rothschild-can-teach-canadian-businesses-about-resilience-254279

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The silent killer: We need better risk governance to beat extreme heat | GP 2025

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Extreme heat is no longer a seasonal inconvenience. It’s a systemic, cross-cutting threat, silently claiming lives, stressing economies, overwhelming cities, and widening inequalities. Yet it remains one of the least governed climate hazards.

    At a high-level special event on extreme heat risk governance at the 2025 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025, leaders from governments, international agencies, labour unions, academia, and the humanitarian sector came together to discuss how better governance can protect people’s lives from the “silent killer.”

    “Extreme heat is the deadliest of all climate-related hazards,” said the World Meteorological Organization’s Director-General Celeste Saulo. “Yet it remains the least recognized and least managed.”

    The crisis is heating up

    Between 2000 and 2019, extreme heat caused an estimated 489,000 deaths annually. Heat takes its toll on global productivity, with International Labour Organisation estimates showing that in low- and middle-income economies in particular, the costs of injuries from excessive heat in the workplace can reach around 1.5 per cent of national GDP. And these risks are intensifying.

    “This is not just a health crisis. It is an economic, labour and governance crisis,” said Dr. Saulo.

    Despite this, as of 2023 only half of national meteorological services were issuing extreme heat warnings, and just 26 countries had dedicated heat-health early warning systems, WMO reported. 

    Urbanisation is compounding the threat. Cities are warming up twice as fast as the global average, and 68% of the global population projected to live in urban centres by 2050.

    From a reactive to a systemic approach

    Much of the current global approach to heat is reactive: authorities issue warning during events, the respond to spikes, and measure the toll on communities and economies. But the impacts cascade across sectors – disrupting health, labour, agriculture, education, and energy – and this requires a systemic governance response.

    “Heat is a systemic and pervasive risk,” said Dr. Pramod Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India. “It cuts across public health, economic stability, and ecological resilience.”

    The problem is not technical, but a lack of effective plans and policies to implement live-saving measures.

    “Most of the extreme heat impact is predictable,” said IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain. “If something is predictable, it’s preventable.”

    Responses need be rapid, and taken at the level of local communities, using cross-sectoral partnerships.

    Lessons in local leadership

    Examples from several countries demonstrate how integrated governance can work:

    • India first developed a local plan in Ahmedabad and now has 250+ cities and districts with operational heat action plans (HAPs).
    • France, after a devastating heatwave in 2003, launched a multi-ministry effort to integrate adaptation and risk communication. Stakeholders were asked to imagine life under a +4°C scenario, and then develop local and national resilience strategies around this likely reality.
    • The Philippines has developed a real-time “iHeatMap” platform and set up a cross-sectoral national task force to manage health, food, energy, and water impacts during heat events.

    To guide cities in improving heat governance, the Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative has developed a resource package on urban extreme heat risk management, which gives practical recommendations to help local and national governments create urban heat strategies.

    “We are learning through lived experience,” said Senator Rosa Galvez of Canada – such as the 2021 heat dome in British Columbia, which lasted 27 days and resulted in 618 deaths. “But we must understand that we cannot adapt forever.”

    Protecting the poorest

    “Poor people can’t afford poor design—especially on a heating planet,” said the International Labour Organization’s Mia Seppo.

    To address this imbalance, we need climate-informed finance that protects workers and promotes inclusive infrastructure investment.

    “Financial strategies must align with just transition principles,” Ms. Seppo said. “Climate risk must be integrated into investment decisions.”

    “Any development project should have a heat risk element,” said Dr. Mishra. “Projects should include protection for both users and workers. Construction companies, for instance, must provide heat protection for labourers.”

    Benoît Faraco, France’s Ambassador for Climate Negotiations for Decarbonized Energies and for the Prevention of Climate Risks, said that regulatory levers and standards can drive climate-resilient investment and avoid maladaptive pathways.

    “Standards and regulation play an important role in prevention. You cannot build a hospital or school as if climate change was not happening; it’s your job in the design to integrate mitigation and adaptation strategy,” he said. “If you let the market do things on heatwaves, people run to buy air conditioning systems, and during peak electricity demand this results in more fossil fuel use. It’s misadaptation.”

    A global framework for local action

    To facilitate coordinated approaches to extreme heat, UNDRR, WMO, WHO and the Global Heat Health Information Network are developing a Common Framework for Extreme Heat Risk Governance. This initiative aims to align actors across sectors, and to support national and subnational entities in integrating extreme heat into their DRR, climate, health, and urban strategies.

    The Common Framework is designed to support the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat, which outlines eight essential course corrections:

    • Accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources.
    • Enhance investments in sustainable, low-carbon energy systems to mitigate heat-related risks.
    • Promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, such as drought-resistant crops and sustainable irrigation.
    • Strengthen food supply chains to withstand heat-induced disruptions.
    • Integrate urban planning with heat mitigation measures, including green infrastructure and shaded areas.
    • Prioritize nature-based solutions that enhance resilience across sectors.
    • Implement national heat action plans, including early warning systems.
    • Establish heat-safe working conditions and policies.

    These actions form the foundation of effective heat governance and call for integrated leadership across all sectors of society, at all levels of government.

    “We must mainstream heat into both climate and disaster governance. We must embrace a multi-hazard approach,” Dr. Saula said. “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We need to align, scale and accelerate.”

    Every extreme heat death is preventable

    Closing the special event, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction Kamal Kishore said we should aim for zero heat-related deaths next heat season.

    “We have the science. We know what to do. Now we must act – urgently, together, and at all levels,” he said.

    We can start by making schools safer against extreme heat.

    “One of my dreams is that in five years we will have 100,000 heat-resilient schools in all heat-prone areas,” Mr. Kishore said. “It’s not rocket science. We know what it takes to build heat-resilient schools in terms of built environment. We know how to incorporate green spaces and water bodies in schools. We know what kind of awareness children need to have to deal with heat waves.”

    The Common Framework will provide tools to make schools, homes, and workplaces safer from the heat – but political will, coordinated governance, and community-centred approaches will determine whether the world beats the heat or succumbs to it.

    We need to act for heat resilience today. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: From coast to community: Local leaders drive early warning action at UN Ocean Conference

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Nice, France, 9 June 2025 – As climate extremes intensify and sea levels rise, coastal communities are sounding the alarm – not about distant threats, but about dangers already unfolding. At the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, a side event titled “From Coast to Community: Building Resilience Through Early Warnings” put the spotlight a critical mission: ensuring that every person on Earth is protected by Early Warnings for All (EW4All) by 2027. Co-hosted by the UN Office for Partnerships, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the event brought together ministers, mayors, scientists, and UN leaders.Their message was clear: early warnings save lives – but only if they are inclusive, trusted, and locally led.

    The call: early warnings must be inclusive, trusted and locally led

    Opening the session, Annemarie Hou, Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships, underscored that nearly half the world still lacks access to basic early warning systems- She emphasized that early warnings are not just about sensors and satellites, – they are about people, institutions, leadership, and action at every level. From coastlines to city halls, from community organizers to data scientists, everyone has a role to play. 

    “Sea levels are rising. Storms are intensifying. Lives and livelihoods are hanging in the balance. And when disaster strikes without warning, the results are brutal. That’s not just a gap – that’s an injustice.” – Annemarie Hou, UN Office for Partnerships

    Jamaica: Reaching people where they are

    H.E. Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Foreign Minister, shared how the country is integrating smart technologies and community engagement into its early warning systems. With 70% of the population living within five kilometers of the coast, Jamaica has installed flood gauges, hurricane detection systems, and 15 early warning siren towers – covering 95% of the population. 

    “We’ve partnered with mobile networks to deliver real-time alerts and even used TikTok to reach people where they are. Early warnings must be accessible, relatable, and trusted.” – Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jamaica

    Jamaica’s approach is grounded in legislation, with early warnings embedded in both its Disaster Risk Management Act and Climate Change Policy Framework.

    WMO: The physics of urgency

    Prof. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, delivered a sobering message: science is clear, and the window for action is closing. Greenhouse gas concentrations are at record highs, and the last decade has been the hottest on record. She emphasized that adaptation and coastal resilience are no longer optional – they are essential. Early warnings are a cornerstone of that resilience, but they must be timely, actionable, and globally supported.

     “We cannot negotiate with the laws of physics. Every fraction of a degree matters. Early warnings work – but only if they work for everyone, everywhere.” – Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, WMO

    UNDRR: Local leadership is not optional – It’s essential

    Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, emphasized that early warnings are central to achieving the Sendai Framework’s goals. He reminded the audience that while 108 countries report having multi-hazard early warning systems, 85 still do not. He outlined three priorities: empower local leadership, bridge science and community knowledge, and embed early warnings into broader systems of resilience. He also called for simplified, accelerated financing to support small island states and vulnerable communities. 

    “If we fail on early warnings, we fail on reducing disaster losses. Local actors are not waiting – they are innovating. They deserve investment and political support.” – Kamal Kishore, UNDRR

    Local leadership in action: Voices from the frontlines

    Moderated by Pulitzer Center journalist Delger Erdenesanaa, the panel showcased how cities and communities are turning global goals into local action: 

    – Thabani Nyawose, Speaker of Council, Durban, South Africa, shared how community-based early warning systems saved lives during the devastating 2022 floods. In Quarry Road informal settlement – home to 1,000 residents – not a single life was lost, thanks to a locally managed alert system linked to the South African Weather Service. 

    – Dr. Jérôme Aucan, Head of PCCOS, described how Pacific Island nations are building resilience through decades of investment in ocean modeling, risk knowledge, and regional cooperation. In Tuvalu, early warning data informed over $50 million in adaptation investments and supported legal advocacy at the International Court of Justice. 

    – Rym Nadia Benzina Bourguiba, President of La Saison Bleue, emphasized the power of inclusive dialogue and South-South cooperation. Her organization has mobilized thousands of students and citizens across Africa and the Mediterranean through education, cleanups, and regional summits. 

    – Patricia Desouza, UN Resident Coordinator in Cabo Verde, described how the UN is helping transform early warnings into daily tools for dignity and security. In Mozambique, early alerts triggered evacuation protocols that protected over 3 million people. In Cabo Verde, early warnings are now embedded in agriculture, water governance, and national policy planning.

    A Call to Action: Urgency, Innovation, and Equity

    Closing the session, Prof. Dwikorita Karnawati, Head of Indonesia’s BMKG, called for harnessing AI, big data, and IoT to make early warnings smarter and more accessible. She emphasized that innovation must be paired with capacity building and local ownership. 

    “We must move from managing disasters to managing risk. Early warnings are the bridge.” – Dwikorita Karnawati, BMKG Indonesia

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mashatile’s office rebuffs claims of misuse of State funds for ’extravagant’ overseas trips

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Mashatile’s office rebuffs claims of misuse of State funds for ’extravagant’ overseas trips

    The Office of the Deputy President has released a statement denying allegations of misusing State funds related to Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s international travel. 

    This statement follows extensive media coverage from various news outlets and public speculation on the matter. 

    “Categorically, the Office and the Deputy President have not, as seems to be suggested, misused State funds or been extravagant in financing the costs of the Deputy President’s international travel,” the statement read on Tuesday evening. 

    According to the Presidency, the matter was first raised after a written parliamentary inquiry from Action SA, which prompted detailed disclosures regarding travel expenses.

    “In light of such an expected phenomenon, the Deputy President replied to the question in full and also provided specific details, which include correct figures and breakdown of individual costs by members of the delegation supporting the Deputy President.” 

    The Deputy President’s Office has stressed that all international trips undertaken are in his official capacity, representing the South African government, as directed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

    “Moreover, the majority of these strategic international visits are aimed at strengthening existing bilateral, political, economic and diplomatic relations between South Africa and visited countries.” 

    Mashatile has engaged in several significant international working visits since taking office on 3 July 2024, including trips to Ireland, the United Kingdom and Japan, with further planned visits to France. 

    The Office has provided a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses associated with these trips, stressing that many figures circulated in the media are inflated. 

    News24 recently reported that the Deputy President’s recent trip to Japan in March cost R2.3 million, with R900 000 covering accommodation for him and his wife.

    However, the Presidency stated that the Japan visit was particularly highlighted for its strategic relevance, marking the first high-level engagement between South Africa and Japan in a decade, coinciding with the 115th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

    During the Japan working visit, the country’s second-in-command was accompanied by various Ministers. 

    The Presidency believes that the visit was advantageous for South Africa’s African Agenda, especially considering the current overlap of South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) chairship and Japan’s upcoming hosting of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in August.

    “This presents a unique opportunity for South Africa to communicate its own and the continent’s position and priorities to Japan, and the expected support and role that Japan could play in this regard.”

    In addition, the Deputy President’s Office stated that the claims of exorbitant costs for certain officials have been disputed, and that the actual expenditure is significantly lower.

    “Regrettably, some of the figures presented by the media are significantly blown out of proportion and do not accurately reflect the cost of the trips. For example, one media liaison officer, referred to by TimesLive as the ‘most expensive supporting official’, is said to have cost R580 582 for Japan alone, when in fact, the total cost for that official is less than R66 000, including flights and accommodation.” 

    The Office has reassured the public that the Deputy President’s travels are conducted with fiscal responsibility and in alignment with South Africa’s commitment to global relations and investment.

    “In terms of the travel policy in the Presidential Handbook, transport for the President and Deputy President during travel outside South Africa is the responsibility and for the account of the State.” 

    In addition, the Office mentioned that the financial responsibilities for the visits, which include travel, accommodation, and other miscellaneous expenses, are typically shared between the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and other participating departments. 

    “In all these visits, the Office of the Deputy President has insisted on the most cost-effective provisions for the Deputy President and his delegations and has therefore not misused or extravagantly used State funds, as alluded.” – SAnews.gov.za

    Gabisile

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Blue Card scheme in the EU – E-001405/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Directive (EU) 2021/1883[1] applies to all Member States except Ireland and Denmark, in accordance with Protocol No 21[2] and Protocol No 22[3], annexed to the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    Consequently, Denmark is not bound by EU legislation in the area of legal migration (opt-out), while Ireland has chosen to not opt-in to the directive.

    Directive (EU) 2021/1883 harmonises the conditions of entry and residence for third-country nationals for the purpose of highly qualified employment.

    Member States are required to put in place the necessary procedures in line with the relevant provisions of the directive and they remain competent to assess applications for an EU Blue Card. In all instances, in accordance with Article 79(5) of the TFEU, Member States retain the right to determine the number of admissions of third-country nationals seeking work in their territory.

    Regarding family reunification, Directive 2003/86/EC[4] applies, subject to some specific derogations. Article 4 of that directive enumerates the family members who are entitled to family reunification subject to compliance with the conditions laid down in this directive.

    These are the Blue Card holder’s spouse as well as minor dependent children, including adopted children. In addition, Member States may choose to authorise the entry and residence of other family members, including dependent ascending relatives, adult unmarried children, unmarried or registered partners with their dependent children in compliance with the conditions laid down in Directive 2003/86/EC.

    • [1] Directive (EU) 2021/1883 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2021 on the conditions of entry to and residence in the Union of third-country nationals for the purpose of highly qualified employment, and repealing Council Directive 2009/50/EC, OJ L 382, 28.10.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2021/1883/oj.
    • [2] Consolidated version of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Protocol (No 21) on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, p. 295, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/treaty/tfeu_2016/pro_21/oj.
    • [3] Consolidated version of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Protocol (No 22) on the position of Denmark, OJ C 326, 26.10.2012, p. 299, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/treaty/tfeu_2012/pro_22/oj.
    • [4] Council Directive 2003/86/EC of 22 September 2003 on the right to family reunification, OJ L 251, 3.10.2003, p. 12.
    Last updated: 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Alleged degrading treatment and gender-based abuses against activists at the hands of Italian police in Brescia, Italy – E-001068/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Member States are responsible for maintaining law and order and safeguarding internal security, and any action by national authorities, including national police officers, remains the responsibility of the Member State concerned, Italy in this instance.

    The Commission attaches great importance to the respect for the procedural rights of suspects and accused persons. Based on proposals by the Commission, the EU has, since 2010, adopted six Directives, aiming at a high level of fair trial rights[1]. They cover important procedural rights, including the right of access to a lawyer without undue delay after deprivation of liberty.

    Another key priority of the Commission is the rights of victims of crime. The 2012 Victims’ Rights Directive[2] provides for a set of rights to all victims of crime, including victims of crime committed by police officers, notably the right to be recognised and treated in a respectful, sensitive, tailored, professional and non-discriminatory manner.

    In 2023, the Commission adopted a proposal for a revision of the Victims’ Rights Directive which aims to further strengthen the rights of all victims of crime, notably the most vulnerable victims.

    Member States should promote and apply their law enforcement rules of conduct in full respect of their European and international human rights obligations.

    According to these obligations, national authorities should investigate individual cases of reported police misconduct and ensure access to justice.

    • [1] Directive 2010/64/EU on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings; Directive 2012/13/EU on the right to information in criminal proceedings; Directive 2013/48/EU on the right of access to a lawyer in criminal proceedings and in European arrest warrant proceedings, and on the right to have a third party informed upon deprivation of liberty and to communicate with third persons and with consular authorities while deprived of liberty; Directive (EU) 2016/343 on the strengthening of certain aspects of the presumption of innocence and the right to be present at the trial; Directive (EU) 2016/800 on procedural safeguards for children who are suspects and accused in criminal proceedings; Directive (EU) 2016/1919 on legal aid for suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings and for requested persons in European arrest warrant proceedings.
    • [2] Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA, OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 57.
    Last updated: 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Denunciation of statements by the President of Azerbaijan in support of the illegal separatist entity in Cyprus and the intention to recognise it – E-001498/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission (HR/VP) has repeatedly refuted actions and statements aimed at upgrading the international status of the so-called, internationally not recognised, ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’, which undermine efforts of the United Nations Secretary General to create an environment conducive to settlement talks.

    The EU recognises only the Republic of Cyprus as a subject of international law, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

    The EU expects the same from its partners, who need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states within the framework of all international and regional fora, and to refrain from taking any steps that run contrary to this principle.

    This message has been clearly conveyed to the Azerbaijani authorities and the EU will continue to raise it at all levels in its political dialogue with Azerbaijan, as it was the case during HR/VP visit to Baku on 25 April 2025.

    The EU has monitored with concern developments since the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) Summit in Samarkand, in November 2022, regarding the acceptance of the Turkish Cypriot Community as an observer to this organisation.

    A s tatement of the European External Action Service Spokesperson was issued, expressing a clear position about these developments[1]. The EU has actively and continuously expressed these preoccupations to the members of the OTS, at all levels.

    This has been done through HR/VP statements, lately in July (after the informal OTS Summit in Azerbaijan)[2] and November 2024 respectively[3].

    The EU remains fully committed to ensuring that the above-mentioned UNSC resolutions and generally recognised principles and norms of international law, particularly with respect to the sovereignty, independence and integrity of states, are fully upheld.

    • [1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/cyprus-statement-spokesperson-observer-status-turkish-cypriot-secessionist-entity-organisation_en?s=230.
    • [2] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/node/443430_fr.
    • [3] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/ots-statement-hrvp-josep-borrell-attempts-legitimise-turkish-cypriot-secessionist-entity_en.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Proposal for revision of Directive 2014/45/EU — Eliminates the possibility of exceptions to motorcycle IPOs – P-002245/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002245/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sérgio Humberto (PPE), Sebastião Bugalho (PPE), Paulo Cunha (PPE), Ana Miguel Pedro (PPE), Hélder Sousa Silva (PPE), Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral (PPE)

    The Commission has proposed a revision of Directive 2014/45/EU that removes the exemption from mandatory periodic inspections on motorcycles with an engine displacement of more than 125 cm³, making inspections mandatory in the Member States. It has calculated that some 10 % of road accidents may be caused by technical defects. The purpose of the revised version is to standardise rules, improve road safety and reduce pollutant emissions.

    Some countries have adopted different approaches tailored to their circumstances, including other road safety measures such as upgrades to infrastructure and the provision of education on safe driving practices. Portugal has opted for alternative measures that adapt policies to its specific road-infrastructure and administrative needs.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.In the proposal for a directive, the Commission states that 10 % of accidents are caused by technical defects. What studies did the Commission base that figure on?
    • 2.With regard to the stakeholders it consulted, does the Commission not share the view that the bias was towards industrial associations, to the detriment of associations of users of two-wheeled vehicles?
    • 3.At a time when the Commission is taking steps to cut red tape and simplify, does it not consider that this proposal for a directive goes in the opposite direction by imposing more rules and obstacles to movement without a proper impact assessment having been carried out?

    Submitted: 4.6.2025

    Last updated: 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Oral question – ‘Choose Europe for Science’ plan and intrusion of wokism at universities – O-000021/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for oral answer  O-000021/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 142
    Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Galato Alexandraki (ECR), Christophe Bay (PfE), Barbara Bonte (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Anna Bryłka (PfE), Marie Dauchy (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR), Anne-Sophie Frigout (PfE), Tomasz Froelich (ESN), Angéline Furet (PfE), Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal (PfE), Catherine Griset (PfE), Jorge Martín Frías (PfE), Fernand Kartheiser (NI), Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE), Fabrice Leggeri (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Tiago Moreira de Sá (PfE), Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), Philippe Olivier (PfE), Gilles Pennelle (PfE), Pascale Piera (PfE), Pierre Pimpie (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Volker Schnurrbusch (ESN), António Tânger Corrêa (PfE), Dominik Tarczyński (ECR), Hermann Tertsch (PfE), Rody Tolassy (PfE), Laurence Trochu (ECR), Sebastian Tynkkynen (ECR), Matthieu Valet (PfE), Séverine Werbrouck (PfE), Ondřej Knotek (PfE)

    On 5 May 2025, President Emmanuel Macron launched the ‘Choose Europe for Science’ initiative at the Sorbonne amphitheatre to make France and Europe more attractive to researchers and entrepreneurs[1]. This initiative foresees an additional investment of EUR 100 million[2]. For her part, Commission President Von der Leyen proposed EUR 500 million to make Europe a ‘pole of attraction’. The 2030 target is to increase investment in R&D to 3% of GDP. Behind this plan is mainly the desire to attract researchers fleeing the United States, where budget cuts have been decided by the Trump administration, with the aim of countering the influence of wokism in American universities[3].

    • 1.What specific actions does the Commission intend to take to combat wokism and to re-establish universities as places of knowledge and excellence?
    • 2.How will the announced funds be used? To what extent will they primarily benefit European researchers and students in order to improve their working conditions?

    Submitted: 10.6.2025

    Lapses: 11.9.2025

    • [1] Launch of “Choose Europe for Science” at the Sorbonne, Élysée, 5 May 2025, URL: https://www.elysee.fr/en/emmanuel-macron/2025/05/05/launch-of-choose-europe-for-science-at-the-sorbonne
    • [2] Emmanuel Macron annonce un nouvel investissement de 100 millions d’euros pour séduire les chercheurs étrangers [Emmanuel Macron announces a new investment of EUR 100 million to attract foreign researchers], Le Monde, 5 May 2025, URL: :https://www.lemonde.fr/sciences/article/2025/05/05/emmanuel-macron-annonce-un-nouvel-investissement-de-100-millions-d-euros-pour-seduire-les-chercheurs-etrangers_6603132_1650685.html
    • [3] Choose Europe for Science : pour les scientifiques américains, un accueil en France dans des universités délabrées [Choose Europe for Science: American scientists welcomed to France amid dilapidated universities], Libération, 4 May 2025, URL: https://www.liberation.fr/sciences/choose-europe-for-science-pour-les-scientifiques-americains-un-accueil-en-france-dans-des-universites-delabrees-20250504_QGTCYN5GDJAFTFL7J3OSK3J74I/

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US abuse of tariffs has resulted in global retaliation – Chinese Ambassador to Russia

    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 11 (Xinhua) — The unilateral imposition of customs duties by the United States has caused widespread opposition around the world, not only causing systemic damage to the American economy, but also seriously damaging the international reputation of the United States, as a result of which the process of “de-Americanization” is taking place at an accelerated pace in many countries around the world, according to an article by China’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Russia Zhang Hanhui published in the Argumenty i Fakty newspaper.

    The article notes that dissatisfaction with the government’s tariff policy continues to grow in the United States. It is noted that, according to polls, most Americans believe that the government’s economic policy will lead to a recession in the short term, since, on the one hand, the tariff burden significantly reduces the profits of enterprises and exacerbates the difficulties of doing business, and on the other hand, the abuse of duties has led to a sharp increase in the cost of living for the American population.

    Zhang Hanhui notes that the abuse of tariffs has caused discontent and resistance among US allies. The introduction of “mirror tariffs” has seriously damaged the US’s international reputation and deepened its rift with its allies. “A wave of boycotts of American goods is growing around the world. Following the “Buy Canadian” movement that began in Canada in February 2025, tens of thousands of people in Sweden, Denmark, France and other countries have called on social media to “not buy American goods,” while many Europeans have canceled subscriptions to Netflix, Disney and other American platforms,” the article states.

    According to the diplomat, the main victims of the US tariffs are the countries of the Global South, as the abuse of tariffs deprives these countries of economic sovereignty. Such a policy is outright “neocolonialism,” the ambassador said.

    The US tariff policy encourages the countries of the Global South to unite, accelerate the deepening of cooperation with each other and economic relations with other countries. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Zhang Hanhui recalls, said that the BRICS countries have the right to create a trading system completely independent of the US dollar.

    “China has repeatedly said that tariff and trade wars cannot be won, and that protectionism will ultimately harm the interests of all parties and will not find support,” the article says.

    According to the diplomat, China is ready to deepen cooperation and interaction with developing countries and emerging market countries together with Russia, strengthen coordination and cooperation within the framework of such mechanisms as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. China is ready to “unite to counter economic blackmail by the United States, resolutely defend the common interests of the countries of the Global South, protect international justice and the international free trade system, and promote the construction of a more just and rational global governance system,” Zhang Hanhui emphasized. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Spending review delivers big boosts for health and defence – but Rachel Reeves is focused on investment

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Linda Yueh, Fellow in Economics/Adjunct Professor of Economics, University of Oxford

    UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered the government’s spending review, setting out its plans and priorities for the next three years. The aim of the review is of course to allocate spending over that time period – but this government is keen for economic growth and so has directed the funds to try to boost GDP. This approach could work but is particularly challenging in an uncertain global environment.

    The parameters of the UK’s fiscal policy were set in the budget last October and the spring statement in March when the chancellor confirmed her fiscal rules, which allowed borrowing only for investment. Day-to-day spending on public services like the NHS and schools has to be met by tax revenues.

    As a result of an earlier tweak to the fiscal rules, public investment – spending on things like roads and hospitals – will total about £113 billion from now until nearly the end of this parliament.

    Many investors and creditors will have been looking out for this boost, as the UK has lagged behind comparable economies partly due to its lower levels of investment. The announcements have the potential to bring in private funding if more investors see an opportunity to benefit from increased economic growth, particularly if the UK’s relatively high energy costs are also addressed.

    Also in line for government investment is social and affordable housing. The announcement of £39 billion for this sector in England was a centrepiece of Reeves’ announcement. Coupled with planning reforms, the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) judged in March that this could indeed boost growth.

    There will be more money for social housing – £39 billion over ten years in England.
    Irene Miller/Shutterstock

    In terms of day-to-day spending, health and defence received the biggest increases among government departments because of, respectively, pressures on the NHS arising from COVID-19 and the ageing population, and from geopolitical challenges like the war in Ukraine.

    Both departments, though, also have the potential to raise economic growth. Rates of economic inactivity (people who aren’t in paid work, for example) in the UK have not fallen back to their pre-COVID levels as they have in other major economies such as the US, France and Germany. Improving health services, cutting waiting lists and widening access to mental health support could help get more people back to work, which would boost employment and support growth.

    And on defence, spending in this area has the potential (depending greatly on the type of spend) to create technology that could eventually boost the nation’s productivity. GPS, for example, was developed by the US Department of Defense, as were many innovations now used in smartphones. Boosting UK defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027 and investing in technology has the potential to unlock advances in equipment for the UK.

    Who loses out?

    This is not to say that increasing the settlements to other government departments would not support growth too. But some of those departments, including the Home Office, Foreign Office and transport, are now facing cuts in real terms to their spending. And they may find themselves under even more pressure should GDP growth slow.

    This is because of the chancellor’s fiscal rule about funding current spending from taxes. This would mean cuts if these receipts fall as a result of slowing growth, since Reeves has very little “fiscal headroom” (spare cash) to ensure she can meet her rules – only £9.9 billion.

    But the reverse may also prove to be true. Should investment in research and development (£22.6 billion per year by 2029‑30), renewable energy and infrastructure, alongside planning reforms, increase GDP growth, then the chancellor may find that she has more funding to allocate to day-to-day departmental spending to support public services.

    However, it takes time for investment to generate growth. OBR forecasts only expect increased growth of around 1.7% to 1.8% in the second half of this parliament. But those growth forecasts pre-date the US president Donald Trump’s tariffs announced in April, which are causing turmoil in global trade.

    This is why it is even more important for the UK to raise domestic economic growth through investing in people, technology and productivity. To govern is to choose, as the saying goes, and the government will hope that these are the right trade-offs to have made in order to grow during such shaky times. Despite the uncertain global picture, the chancellor has laid some promising foundations. Now the challenge will be delivering the growth.

    Linda Yueh 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. Spending review delivers big boosts for health and defence – but Rachel Reeves is focused on investment – https://theconversation.com/spending-review-delivers-big-boosts-for-health-and-defence-but-rachel-reeves-is-focused-on-investment-258746

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: E-bikes are becoming e-waste – here’s how to reduce the environmental cost

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Yvonne Ryan, Associate Professor in Environmental Science, University of Limerick

    Electric e-bikes make cycling easier, faster and more accessible. They are already playing an important role in reducing the environmental impact of transport, particularly when they replace a trip in a private car.

    But when you scrap an e-bike, you also have to scrap its battery. And these batteries can be particularly dangerous and tricky to dispose of. This means the growth of e-bikes is leading to at least one related environmental problem: a rise in electronic or e-waste.

    The sector needs stronger regulations to encourage it to cut its waste. This includes encouraging bikes to be designed to be easier to repair or recycle, and establishing universal standards that allow parts to work across different brands and models, so components can be reused instead of thrown away.

    However, e-bikes often fall between legislative cracks, and their exclusion from the priority products under the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, introduced in 2024, was unfortunate.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    At the University of Limerick in Ireland, colleagues and I have been researching the environmental impact of e-bikes. We’re interested in their full lifecycle, from metals in rocks to extraction, manufacturing, years of use and eventual disposal – to see if there are ways to reduce the materials they use.

    We interviewed retailers and people who work in waste management. They expressed concerns about online sales of lower-quality e-bikes with easily broken components, as well as the high turnover rates of e-bikes.

    E-bike rental services like this one in Dublin, Ireland are growing fast.
    Brendain Donnelly / shutterstock

    Using data from the fleet of e-bikes loaned out at our university, we noted issues with design and compatibility of components. Bike tyres, for instance, have become increasingly non-standard and specialised.

    Additive manufacturing, such as 3D printing, may become more important for bike retailers and repairers, who could use it to “print” themselves replacements nuts, screws or even seats. This may be particularly needed in island states such as Ireland, where there are often delays in sourcing parts.

    But first, the e-bikes must be of sufficient quality to be repaired. Then, to create the replacement parts, people will need to access the necessary data – digital files with precise designs of objects such as a bicycle tyre or handlebar.

    Keeping e-bikes in use

    New business models are emerging. Some companies are lending e-bikes to their employees, with a management company taking care of maintenance and repair.

    There are also a growing number of mobile e-bike repair services, and specialist training for e-bike repair and retail through manufacturer platforms like Bosch and Shimano.

    E-bike brands are shifting from a focus on selling bikes towards offering ongoing services. For example, e-bike retailer Cowboy offers a subscription to mobile bike mechanics, and VanMoof partners with authorised repair services. But while these models work well in big towns and cities, they may not be suitable for rural and smaller urban areas.

    Care needs to be taken to ensure that consumers are not disadvantaged or locked out from repair options. In the US, e-bike manufacturers have been requesting exceptions to laws designed to make products easier to repair – while urging that the public should not be allowed to access data needed to make repairs.

    E-bikes can be hard to spot

    On the waste handling side, some of the innovations that have made e-bikes more accessible are also creating new problems.

    For example, e-bikes have evolved to be sleeker and sometimes indistinguishable from regular bikes. This makes it easier for them to end up in regular waste management facilities that aren’t equipped for electronic waste. If a lithium-ion battery inside an e-bike still holds charge and gets crushed or shredded, it can start a fire.

    But this is a problem we can solve. Computer vision and other AI technologies could help to recognise e-bikes and batteries at waste management facilities. QR codes on bike frames could be used to provide information on the entire product lifecycle, including repair manuals and service history – just like the EU’s proposed product passports.

    Consumer awareness, choice and education are key. While it’s up to consumers to initiate the maintenance and repair of e-bikes, policymakers need to ensure these options are available and affordable, and that consumers are aware of them.

    Retailers need support to embed “repair and reuse” in their business models. This includes cycle-to-work schemes for people to buy e-bikes, as well as better access to insurance and legal protections for selling refurbished e-bikes, and a workforce with the skills to repair these bikes.

    Across the world, bike libraries and “try before you buy” schemes are helping consumers make better decisions, as people can test an e-bike before committing. Moving away from traditional ownership – especially for expensive e-bikes – could make active mobility more accessible.

    Policies that drive sales, such as grants and incentives for new bike purchases, can work against efforts to reduce waste. We need more policies that support refurbished and repaired e-bikes.

    The e-bike sector is one with great potential to improve both environmental and public health. But to realise these benefits, we need to focus on making them last longer and use less resources.

    Yvonne Ryan 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. E-bikes are becoming e-waste – here’s how to reduce the environmental cost – https://theconversation.com/e-bikes-are-becoming-e-waste-heres-how-to-reduce-the-environmental-cost-258367

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Foreign Minister strengthens relationship with Italy

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has concluded a constructive visit to Italy, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. 

    Mr Peters and Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met in Rome overnight and confirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship that New Zealand and Italy share.   

    “New Zealand and Italy are long-standing partners,” Mr Peters says. “We have agreed to work more closely together, in order to expand strategic and trade and economic relations.

    “We work closely in Antarctica and have shared interests in supporting the rules-based international order and multilateral system, including cooperation on human rights and UN reform,” Mr Peters says. 

    Mr Peters signed an arts, science and sport arrangement with Minister Tajani, which supports cooperation between New Zealand and Italy in these areas. 

    While in Rome, Mr Peters also met:

    • a range of Italian businesses with investment and commercial interests in New Zealand; and
    • Elizabeth Dibble, the Director-General of the Multinational Forces and Observers (MFO), the international peace monitoring organisation in the Sinai which New Zealand has supported since its inception in 1982. 

    Mr Peters now travels to Jakarta, to attend the annual Indonesia-New Zealand Joint Ministerial Commission meeting.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Canadian Online Casinos That Are Making Waves in the 2025 Gambling Scene – Findings Released by All iGaming

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Online gambling is growing fast, but for Canadian players, picking a safe and trustworthy casino is about more than just flashy bonuses. All iGaming, a trusted name in gambling reviews, provides expert insights to help you navigate Canada’s best online casinos with confidence. 

    This guide shows how All iGaming evaluates top platforms, ensuring you make informed decisions for a safe and exciting gaming experience.

    >>Check Out the List of Top Canadian Online Casinos, Ranked by All iGaming!<<

    Why All iGaming is Your Trusted Guide for the Online Casinos in Canada

    All iGaming is dedicated to delivering transparency and player-focused insights. Every platform undergoes a thorough review to meet high standards of safety, fairness, and quality. Unlike generic review sites, All iGaming provides in-depth, unbiased assessments of the best online casinos in Canada, spotlighting strengths and areas for growth.

    Whether you’re seeking the best Canadian online casino, a site with minimal identity checks, or a real money online casino in Canada, All iGaming equips you with the knowledge to choose wisely and enjoy peace of mind.

    How All iGaming Ranks the Most Trusted Online Casinos in Canada

    All iGaming uses a detailed, player-first approach to identify top-tier options among the top online casinos in Canada. Each platform is evaluated based on key factors that shape your gaming journey. Here’s how we break it down:

    • Licensing and Compliance: Only legitimate platforms licensed by respected authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority, the Curaçao eGaming, or the Kahnawake Gaming Commission qualify for our list of the best online casinos in Canada. All iGaming verifies licensing details to ensure compliance with strict regulations, safeguarding Canadian players from unreliable operators and ensuring a trusted online casino in Canada.
    • Fairness and Game Integrity: The top online casinos in Canada prioritize fair gameplay. All iGaming reviews game algorithms and Return to Player (RTP) rates to confirm unbiased outcomes across slots, table games, and live dealer experiences. We highlight Canadian gambling sites that use random number generators (RNGs) certified by independent auditors for a fair, transparent experience.
    • Transaction Efficiency: Fast and secure banking is essential for any casino online in Canada. All iGaming tests deposit and withdrawal speeds, ensuring support for popular payment methods like Interac, credit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill), and even cryptocurrencies where available. We prioritize platforms with strong security, such as SSL encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA), for a legitimate online casino in Canada.
    • Bonus Transparency: Hidden terms can ruin a bonus experience. All iGaming examines wagering requirements, bonus limits, and eligibility rules to recommend the best online casinos in Canada with clear, player-friendly offers—think deposit matches, free spins, or cashback deals that enhance your play at a real money online casino in Canada.
    • Game Variety: A rich, diverse library is a hallmark of the best Canadian online casino. All iGaming assesses selections from top providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, and Evolution Gaming, ensuring a mix of slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, and live dealer games with solid RTPs for Canadian casinos online.
    • Platform Usability: Seamless navigation and device compatibility matter. All iGaming tests mobile responsiveness, site design, and ease of use to ensure the best online casinos in Canada deliver smooth gameplay on desktops, tablets, and smartphones—perfect for players on the go at a casino online in Canada.
    • Customer Support Quality: Reliable support is non-negotiable. All iGaming evaluates 24/7 availability through live chat, email, or phone, ensuring the best online casinos in Canada offer prompt, professional help to resolve issues quickly and keep your gaming smooth at a trusted online casino in Canada.
    • Privacy Options: For players valuing discretion, All iGaming identifies Canadian gambling sites with minimal or no Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, balancing privacy with regulatory standards for a secure, anonymous experience at the best online casinos in Canada.

    >>Ready To Compare The Top Online Casinos? Check Out Our Guide<<

    The Importance of Choosing The Best Online Casino in Canada

    With so many options, selecting a reputable platform from the best online casinos in Canada is vital to avoid scams, unfair games, or slow payouts. All iGaming’s careful reviews guide Canadian players to licensed, secure platforms that prioritize safety and fairness. By choosing verified Canadian casinos online, you can focus on the thrill of gaming without worrying about hidden risks.

    Beyond Reviews: All iGaming’s Educational Tools for Canadian Players

    All iGaming goes further, offering resources to elevate your journey at the best online casinos in Canada:

    • Guides to understand bonuses and sidestep common pitfalls
    • Insights into RNGs and fairness in online gaming
    • Tips for secure payment management and transaction safety
    • Warnings about the dangers of unlicensed platforms
    • Updates on trends shaping Canadian casinos online
    • Strategies for responsible play, like setting budgets and time limits

    >>Find Top Offers at the Best Canadian Casinos on All-iGaming!<<

    Navigating Online Gambling Regulations with All iGaming

    All iGaming ensures every recommended platform is among the best online casinos Canada operates under credible licenses and strict standards. Key benchmarks include:

    • Robust Data Security: SSL encryption and secure account protocols protect your personal and financial data at a legitimate online casino in Canada.
    • Transparent Game Fairness: Certified RNGs ensure unbiased outcomes, a staple of trusted online casinos in Canada.
    • Clear Transaction Policies: Straightforward rules for deposits, withdrawals, and bonuses bring clarity to your experience at a casino online in Canada.
    • Responsible Gambling Tools: Features like self-exclusion, deposit limits, and time trackers promote safe play at the top online casinos in Canada.
    • Independent Audits: Regular third-party checks confirm ongoing compliance for Canadian gambling sites.

    All iGaming also provides clear guides on KYC rules, tax responsibilities, and regional laws, helping Canadian players understand the legal side of online casino Canada platforms.

    Why Online Casinos Are Transforming Gambling: Insights from All iGaming

    The best online casinos in Canada are reshaping the gaming world with unique advantages:

    • Transparency

    Certified RNGs and clear game mechanics build trust at the best Canadian online casino.

    Fast transactions via Interac, e-wallets, and other methods mean quick deposits and withdrawals at a real money online casino in Canada.

    Many platforms offer low or no KYC options, enabling discreet play with robust security at trusted online casinos in Canada.

    • Global Access

    The best online casinos in Canada welcome players worldwide, bypassing traditional banking limits for seamless access to a Canadian online casino.

    >>Ranked Online Casinos with Fast Payouts – Check the List on All-iGaming!<<

    Emerging Trends in Online Gambling for 2025

    The industry is evolving fast, and All iGaming keeps Canadian players ahead with insights into what’s new for the best online casinos in Canada.

    • Decentralized Platforms and Web3 Advances

    Decentralized platforms, powered by blockchain tech like Ethereum, are on the rise. These offer transparency and control, with smart contracts automating payouts. All iGaming tracks these innovations, ensuring recommended Canadian casinos online use cutting-edge tech for fairness and security.

    • NFT and Play-to-Earn Features

    Some of the best online casinos in Canada are rolling out NFT rewards and play-to-earn models, letting players earn digital assets or tokens. All iGaming reviews these options, confirming they add real value without sacrificing safety at a legit online casino in Canada.

    • AI-Powered Gaming Experiences

    Artificial intelligence is enhancing the best online casinos in Canada with tailored game suggestions, dynamic bonuses, and better support. All iGaming evaluates AI-driven platforms to ensure they boost player satisfaction while keeping terms clear for a casino online in Canada.

    >>Check Out The Best Online Gambling Sites by All-iGaming For 2025<<

    Tips for Selecting a Trusted Online Casino in Canada

    All iGaming shares practical advice to enhance your experience at the best online casinos Canada:

    • Check Licensing: Opt for platforms licensed by reputable bodies for guaranteed safety at a trusted online casino in Canada.
    • Focus on Fairness: Choose sites with certified RNGs for unbiased games at the best Canadian online casino.
    • Review Bonuses: Look for fair wagering rules and clear terms before claiming offers at a real money online casino Canada.
    • Test Support: Ensure 24/7 customer service is available for fast help at Canadian casinos online.
    • Prioritize Security: Select platforms with SSL encryption and 2FA for secure play at a legit online casino in Canada.
    • Value Privacy: Consider low-KYC options for discreet gaming without compromising standards at the best online casinos Canada.

    Conclusion: Trust All iGaming for Smarter Gambling in Canada

    The world of online gambling is thrilling yet complex. All iGaming simplifies your search for the best online casinos in Canada with expert reviews, real-time updates, and player-focused guidance. Whether you’re after the best Canadian online casino, a licensed real money online casino Canada, or a privacy-friendly casino online Canada, All iGaming is your go-to partner for a safe, rewarding experience in 2025 and beyond.

    About All iGaming

    All iGaming is a trusted, independent resource for online gambling, delivering impartial reviews of the best online casinos in Canada based on rigorous, player-centric evaluations. Committed to responsible gaming, the platform provides educational tools, self-assessment resources, and expert advice to foster healthy, balanced play at Canadian gambling sites.

    >>Browse the Top Online Casinos Canada, According to All iGaming Ratings!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Are Online Casinos Canada Safe to Use?

    All iGaming recommends only licensed platforms among the best online casinos Canada, ensuring strict standards like SSL encryption, 2FA, and independent audits. Always check a site’s licensing and security before playing at a trusted online casino in Canada.

    2. What Are Fair Games at Online Casinos?

    Fair games rely on certified RNGs to deliver unbiased outcomes. All iGaming ensures that recommended Canadian casinos online offer transparent mechanics and competitive RTP rates for a legit online casino in Canada.

    3. What Payment Methods Do Online Casinos Canada Support?

    Top platforms typically accept Interac, credit cards, e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill, and sometimes cryptocurrencies. All iGaming tests transaction speed and security for each method at a casino online Canada.

    4. What Should I Look for in an Online Casino Bonus?

    Consider bonuses with reasonable wagering requirements, clear terms—including minimum deposit amounts and game restrictions—and valuable offers such as deposit matches, free spins, or cash back. All bonuses featured in iGaming reviews are carefully assessed to ensure they’re fair, transparent, and player-friendly at the best online casinos in Canada.

    5. Can I Play at Online Casinos Anonymously?

    Yes, some of the best online casinos in Canada offer low or no KYC options for discreet play. All iGaming highlights platforms that balance privacy and compliance for a secure casino online Canada experience.

    6. How Do I Stay Safe While Gambling Online in Canada?

    All iGaming recommends using a dedicated payment method for gambling, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for added account security, and always double-checking your payment details before making any transactions. To promote responsible play, it’s also wise to set personal budgets and use features like deposit limits.

    7. What Are Decentralized Platforms, and Are They Reliable?

    Decentralized platforms run on blockchain, using smart contracts for transparent payouts. All iGaming evaluates these for security, fairness, and licensing to ensure trustworthiness.

    >>Find Your Perfect Canadian Online Casino, Recommended by All iGaming!<<

    Disclaimer

    This article is for informational purposes only. While we aim to provide accurate, relevant insights, we do not endorse or guarantee the legitimacy of any listed platforms among the best online casinos in Canada. Online gambling carries financial risk and may face legal restrictions in some regions. Ensure compliance with Canadian laws before playing at a Canadian online casino. We promote responsible gaming and urge caution. Verify platform details and consult legal advisors before making decisions at Canadian gambling sites.

    Email:support@alligaming.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Game-Changing Crypto Casinos Recognized in All iGaming’s 2025 Gambling Report! (Expert Findings)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Crypto casinos and Bitcoin casinos are taking over in 2025 with fast transactions, top privacy, and epic features. Ready to dive in? All iGaming has your back with real reviews and tips on the best crypto casinos.

    Check out the perks, risks, and safety hacks at All iGaming.com and start your crypto gaming adventure!

    ▶️ The Rise of Crypto Casinos: Insights from All iGaming

    Crypto casinos have leveraged blockchain technology to deliver an easy and secure gaming experience. Unlike traditional casinos that rely on fiat currencies and banking systems, the best crypto casinos allow players to deposit, wager, and withdraw using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and others.

    This shift has fueled a global boom in crypto gambling, with the market seeing over $26 billion in bets placed with digital currencies in Q1 2025, nearly double the volume from Q1 2024. Industry projections estimate the crypto gambling market will reach $55.3 billion by 2032, reflecting growing player demand. The appeal of Bitcoin casinos and other crypto platforms lies in their ability to address common pinpoints in traditional gambling, such as slow payouts, high fees, and privacy concerns.

    >>VISIT ALL IGAMING.COM FOR THE BEST CASINO PICKS—CHECK IT OUT NOW!

    All iGaming, a leading authority in online gambling, provides comprehensive reviews of these platforms, helping players navigate the crowded market with confidence. All iGaming.com is a one-stop destination for discovering top crypto casinos, understanding their features, and accessing educational resources to enhance your gaming experience.

    ▶️ Top Reasons Players Prefer Crypto Casinos: All iGaming’s Experts Take

    The popularity of the best crypto casinos among players stems from several unique advantages that set them apart from traditional online casinos. All iGaming highlights these benefits in their detailed analyses, ensuring players understand why crypto casinos are a game-changer in 2025.

    Advantages of Crypto Casinos

    1. Speedy Transactions: One of the biggest draws of Bitcoin casinos is their lightning-fast transaction times. Blockchain technology enables near-instant deposits and withdrawals, often processed within minutes, compared to days for traditional banking methods. This efficiency ensures players can access their winnings quickly.
    2. Enhanced Privacy: Crypto casinos prioritize player anonymity, often requiring only an email or crypto wallet address to register. Many top crypto casinos offer no-KYC (Know Your Customer) options, allowing players to gamble without sharing personal details, which is ideal for those who value discretion.
    3. Lower Fees: Cryptocurrency transactions typically incur minimal fees compared to credit cards or bank transfers, maximizing players’ funds. This cost-effectiveness is a key reason why the best crypto casinos are favored by budget-conscious gamblers.
    4. Provably Fair Games: Blockchain’s transparency allows players to verify game outcomes, ensuring fairness and building trust. Many Bitcoin casinos offer provably fair games like Crash, Plinko, and Dice, which are audited for integrity.
    5. Global Accessibility: Top crypto casinos operate without geographical restrictions, accepting players from around the world. This inclusivity makes them appealing to those in regions with limited access to traditional gambling platforms, though players must check local laws.
    6. Innovative Features: Crypto casinos often integrate cutting-edge technology, such as AI-driven game recommendations, blockchain-based loyalty programs, and crypto-exclusive games, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

    >>WANT CRYPTO CASINO FUN? VISIT ALL IGAMING FOR EXPERT RECOMMENDATIONS!

    All iGaming’s reviews emphasize these advantages, showcasing how best crypto casinos cater to modern players’ needs. Their platform provides detailed comparisons of platforms, helping users identify those that excel in speed, privacy, or game variety.

    Disadvantages of Crypto Casinos

    While Bitcoin casinos offer numerous benefits, they also come with challenges that players should consider. All iGaming ensures transparency by highlighting these drawbacks in their evaluations.

    1. Limited Regulation: Some top crypto casinos operate in jurisdictions with lax oversight, increasing the risk of scams or unfair practices. Players must prioritize licensed platforms to ensure safety.

    All iGaming addresses these concerns by offering guides on safe gambling practices, crypto wallet setup, and how to identify reputable platforms. Their commitment to player education ensures you can enjoy the best crypto casinos while minimizing risks.

    ▶️ How Players Use Crypto Casinos

    The use of top crypto casinos has skyrocketed in 2025, driven by a diverse player base ranging from crypto enthusiasts to traditional gamblers seeking faster, more private alternatives. All iGaming’s insights reveal how players engage with these platforms:

    • High Rollers: Wealthy players are drawn to Bitcoin casinos for their high deposit and withdrawal limits, often in the tens of thousands of dollars. These platforms cater to VIPs with exclusive bonuses and personalized rewards.
    • Privacy Seekers: Players in regions with strict gambling laws or those who prioritize anonymity flock to no-KYC’s best crypto casinos, which allow them to play without identity verification.
    • Tech-Savvy Gamblers: Younger, crypto-native players embrace top crypto casinos for their blockchain-based features, such as provably fair games and decentralized platforms.
    • Casual Players: Even casual gamblers are exploring Bitcoin casinos for their low fees, fast payouts, and exciting game libraries, including slots, live dealer games, and crypto-exclusive titles.

    All iGaming’s platform provides tailored recommendations for each player type, ensuring everyone from beginners to high rollers can find a suitable best crypto casino. Their reviews cover game variety, bonus structures, and user experience, helping players make informed choices.

    >>FIND THE BEST CRYPTO CASINO FOR YOU – CHECK OUT ALL IGAMING’S TOP LIST!

    ▶️ How to Play Safely at Crypto Casinos: All iGaming’s Guide

    Safety is paramount when gambling online, especially in the crypto space where scams and unregulated platforms exist. All iGaming offers expert advice on how to identify and play at secure top crypto casinos. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

    1. Verify Licensing and Regulation: Always choose Bitcoin casinos licensed by reputable authorities, such as Curaçao, Malta, or Anjouan. Licensing ensures player protection, secure transactions, and fair play. All iGaming lists only licensed platforms in their reviews.
    2. Check Security Features: Look for the best crypto casinos with SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and regular security audits to safeguard your funds and data. All iGaming evaluates these measures for every platform they review.
    3. Read Detailed Description on All iGaming: Before signing up, consult All iGaming.com for unbiased reviews of top crypto casinos. Experts test every aspect, from payout speeds to customer support, ensuring you choose a trustworthy platform.
    4. Understand Bonuses: Many Bitcoin casinos offer generous welcome bonuses, but high wagering requirements can be restrictive. All iGaming breaks down bonus terms, helping you select offers with fair conditions.
    5. Set Up a Secure Crypto Wallet: Use a reputable crypto wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Trust Wallet) to store and transfer funds. All iGaming provides tutorials on wallet setup and secure transactions.
    6. Practice Responsible Gambling: Set deposit limits, take breaks, and use self-exclusion tools if needed. All iGaming promotes responsible gambling with resources and links to support organizations.

    By following these steps, players can enjoy top crypto casinos with confidence, knowing their funds and data are secure. All iGaming’s comprehensive guides make it easy to find safe platforms and start playing responsibly.

    >>GET STARTED WITH THE TOP CRYPTO CASINOS – VISIT ALL IGAMING TODAY!

    ▶️ The Role of All iGaming in Your Crypto Casino Journey

    Navigating the world of Bitcoin casinos can be overwhelming, but All iGaming simplifies the process with its player-centric approach. As an independent authority, All iGaming is dedicated to empowering players with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the crypto gambling space. Their platform, All iGaming.com, offers:

    • Expert Reviews: In-depth analyses of best crypto casinos, covering licensing, security, game variety, and bonuses.
    • Educational Content: Guides on cryptocurrency basics, safe gambling practices, and maximizing bonuses.
    • Transparency: Clear insights into each platform’s strengths and weaknesses, ensuring players make informed decisions.
    • Responsible Gambling Tools: Resources to promote healthy gaming habits, including self-assessment tools and support links.

    All iGaming’s rigorous evaluation process ensures that only the top crypto casinos make their list, giving players peace of mind. Whether you’re seeking a no-KYC platform, a casino with massive bonuses, or one with thousands of games, All iGaming has you covered.

    ▶️ The Future of Crypto Casinos

    The best crypto casinos are set to dominate the online gambling industry in 2025 and beyond, driven by advancements in blockchain and AI. Blockchain innovations, like decentralized platforms and enhanced provably fair games, are building trust and attracting new players. AI is transforming Bitcoin casinos with personalized experiences, from tailored game recommendations to dynamic bonuses.

    All iGaming stays ahead of these trends, assessing how new technologies impact player satisfaction. Their reviews highlight platforms that embrace innovation without compromising safety or fairness, ensuring you’re always at the forefront of the crypto gambling revolution.

    ▶️ Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Crypto Casinos with All iGaming

    The world of top crypto casinos in 2025 offers endless possibilities for players seeking fast, private, and rewarding gaming experiences. From lightning-fast payouts to provably fair games, Bitcoin casinos are redefining online gambling. However, with great opportunity comes responsibility—players must prioritize safety, verify licensing, and practice responsible gambling to fully enjoy these platforms.

    All iGaming is your trusted partner in this journey, providing expert reviews, educational resources, and a commitment to transparency. Visit All iGaming.com to discover the best crypto casinos, compare features, and start playing with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a crypto newbie, All iGaming has all the information you need to thrive in the exciting world of crypto gambling.

    ▶️ Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What makes crypto casinos different from regular online casinos?

    Crypto casinos, highlighted by All iGaming, use blockchain technology to power fast, private transactions with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, unlike traditional casinos that rely on fiat money and slower banking systems. They also offer unique games and provably fair mechanics you won’t find elsewhere.

    1. How does All iGaming pick the best crypto casinos?

    All iGaming dives deep into each platform, checking for solid licensing, top-notch security, diverse game options, and player feedback. Their expert team tests everything to ensure only the cream of the crop makes it to their recommended list at All iGaming.com.

    1. Can I win big with small crypto bets?

    Absolutely! Many crypto casinos recommended by All iGaming feature low-entry games and progressive jackpots, giving you a shot at big wins even with modest bets. Check their reviews for platforms with the best odds.

    1. What if I lose my crypto wallet access?

    If you lose access, recovery depends on your wallet’s security setup. All iGaming advises using wallets with strong backup options like seed phrases. Visit All iGaming.com for tips on securing your crypto funds.

    1. Are there exclusive bonuses for crypto players?

    Yes! All iGaming’s recommended crypto casinos often offer special bonuses like higher deposit matches or free spins for crypto users.

    >>WANT TO WIN? CHECK OUT THE TOP CRYPTO CASINOS NOW!

    Disclaimer: Online gambling carries financial risks and may be illegal in some regions. Always verify local laws and gamble responsibly. All iGaming provides informational content but does not endorse the legitimacy of listed platforms.

    Email: support@alligaming.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AVAILABILITY OF THE 2024-2025 UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AVAILABILITY OF THE 2024-2025 UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT

    Bernin (Grenoble), France, June 11, 2025 – Soitec (Euronext Paris) announces the filing today of its 2024-2025 Universal Registration Document in European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers – AMF) under number D.25-0439.

    The 2024-2025 Universal Registration Document is made available to the public in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and a French and English version is available for consultation on the Company’s website (www.soitec.com under Investors section – Regulated Information – Financial reports and results & other regulated releases). A French version is also available on the website of the AMF (www.amf-france.org).

    The 2024-2025 Universal Registration Document, comprising the annual financial report, notably contains:

    • the management report, the consolidated and statutory financial statements and related Statutory Auditors’ reports, the information on the fees paid to the Statutory Auditors and the declaration by the person responsible for the Universal Registration Document ;
    • the Board of Directors’ report on corporate governance;
    • the description of the share buyback program ;
    • the sustainability report;
    • the explanatory notes and the draft resolutions submitted to the approval of the Annual General Meeting of July 22, 2025.

    *****

    Agenda

    First-quarter 2025-2026 revenue: July 22, 2025, after market close.

    Annual General Meeting: July 22, 2025.

    *****

    About Soitec

    Soitec (Euronext – Tech Leaders), a world leader in innovative semiconductor materials, has been developing cutting-edge products delivering both technological performance and energy efficiency for over 30 years. From its global headquarters in France, Soitec is expanding internationally with its unique solutions, and generated sales of 0.9 billion Euros in fiscal year 2024-2025. Soitec occupies a key position in the semiconductor value chain, serving three main strategic markets: Mobile Communications, Automotive and Industrial, and Edge and Cloud AI. The company relies on the talent and diversity of more than 2,200 employees, representing 50 different nationalities, working at its sites in Europe, the United States and Asia. Nearly 4,300 patents have been registered by Soitec.

    Soitec, SmartSiC™ and Smart Cut™ are registered trademarks of Soitec.

    For more information: https://www.soitec.com/en/ and follow us on LinkedIn and X: @Soitec_Official

    *****

    Media Relations: media@soitec.com

    Investor Relations: investors@soitec.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Orange Middle East and Africa and risingSUD join forces to facilitate the establishment and development of startups in the South of France

    At the Viva Technology trade show in Paris, Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) (www.Orange.com), represented by its CEO Jérôme Hénique, and risingSUD, represented by its President Bernard Kleynhoff, signed a strategic partnership to support the establishment and growth of African startups in the Orange Digital Center network in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, in the South of France.

    This three-year partnership aims to bring together innovation ecosystems in Africa, the Middle East, and the South of France. Specifically, startups from the Orange Digital Center network will benefit from tailored support from the teams at risingSUD, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region’s economic attractiveness and development agency, to establish themselves in the South of France. They will thus join a dynamic region that is already home to 500,000 companies, including global leaders and startups that are inventing the world of tomorrow.

    With this partnership, OMEA strengthens its support for the internationalization of startups from Africa and the Middle East and reaffirms its commitment to developing the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystems. Deployed in 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East and eight countries in Europe, the Orange Digital Center network is a free and accessible ecosystem for all. It brings together, in one place, digital skills training for young people, support for project leaders, incubation, acceleration, and startup financing.

    In 2024 alone, risingSUD supported the establishment of 14 African companies in the South of France, including the startup from the Orange Digital Center in Tunisia, Guépard, which opened an office in Marseille. This partnership will allow more startups from Africa and the Middle East to benefit from risingSUD’s expertise, ranging from project development to access to financing and networking with international partners. It will also facilitate access for talent and startups from the South region to the Orange Digital Centers network.

    ​​​Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, commented: “This partnership with risingSUD marks a key step in our ambition to promote African innovation internationally. It is a continuation of the support we offer startups through our Orange Digital Centers. By facilitating their establishment and acceleration in France, particularly in the South region, we are giving young African companies the means to accelerate their growth.”

    Bernard Kleynhoff, President of risingSUD and President of the Economic and Digital Development, Industry, Export, Attractiveness and Cybersecurity Commissions of the Sud Region, added: “Thanks to its strategic position, its historical trade flows and its commitment to innovation, the South of France is a natural bridge between Europe, Africa and the Middle East. It is now the leading French region for hosting African investment projects. This partnership opens up new economic opportunities and constitutes a real springboard for the development of businesses on both sides of the Mediterranean.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: New group to drive down business costs

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    11th June 2025

    • The Cost of Business Advisory Forum met today for the first time
    • Group chaired by Former Labour Court Judge Kevin Foley, and Vice Chaired by Mr. Ronan Byrne, Manager of Bloomfield Hotel

    The Inaugural meeting of a new Department of Enterprise-led group to examine the costs involved in running a business held its first meeting today. 

    The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke has established the new group with the aim of reducing the cost of running a business, and addressing delays which can impact the operation of businesses in Ireland. For the first time, regulators will be directly in the room to hear from business owners and representatives themselves.

    The Forum brings together business owners, retailers, tourism operators, accounting professionals and representative groups—alongside regulators and state agencies—to look at the structural issues that are driving up costs and the steps that could be taken to mitigate them.  

    “I’ve been looking forward to the first meeting of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum, and hearing directly from the people who run businesses, employ our citizens and keep our economy strong. I believe it is important for our regulators, our Government Departments and our decision-makers to hear directly from this key cohort, the people that are at the coal face when we implement policy and regulations.

    “I want to thank Mr. Kevin Foley, former Chair of the Labour Court, and Mr. Ronan Byrne, General Manager of Bloomfield Hotel for agreeing to be our Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, respectively. This Forum is about balance and reflecting all sectors of business, and ensuring all voices are heard in this important discussion.

    “After our initial meeting, each subsequent session will focus on a specific theme, like licensing, infrastructure, or regulatory fees, with the relevant regulators invited to attend and respond. The goal is to create a space where businesses can speak directly to decision-makers about the real-world impact of rules and charges—and identify areas to make practical changes.”

    ENDS

    Notes to Editors

    Group includes representatives from:

    • American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham)
    • Chambers Ireland
    • Chartered Accountants Ireland
    • Irish Business Employers Confederation (IBEC)
    • Irish Exporters Association
    • Irish Farmers Association (IFA)
    • Irish Small and Medium Enterprises (ISME)
    • Irish Tax Institute
    • Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC)
    • Retail Excellence Ireland
    • Small Firms Associations (SFA)
    • Central Bank 
    • Coimisiún na Mean
    • Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg)
    • Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)
    • Companies Registration Office
    • Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
    • Eirgrid
    • Enterprise Ireland 
    • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    • ESB Networks
    • Fáilte Ireland
    • Gas Networks Ireland
    • Health & Safety Authority
    • IDA Ireland
    • Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)
    • Office of the Revenue Commissioners
    • Immigration Service Delivery

    Back to Department News

    Back to Top

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for delegation led by Chair Battistel of French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for delegation led by Chair Battistel of French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group

    • Date：2025-06-09
    • Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    June 9, 2025  

    No. 204  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on June 9 to welcome a delegation led by Marie-Noëlle Battistel, Chair of the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group. He extended appreciation to the French Parliament for its staunch support and close friendship with Taiwan.

     

    In his speech, Minister Lin congratulated Ms. Battistel on her election as chair of the Taiwan Friendship Group earlier this year and thanked the French Parliament for its long-standing and cross-party support of Taiwan, including the overwhelming endorsement in a resolution in 2021 supporting Taiwan’s international participation, the passage of the seven-year Military Programming Law in 2023 supporting freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait, and its enthusiastic response to sending a joint letter to the director-general of the World Health Organization in May backing Taiwan’s bid. Minister Lin noted that Europe’s support for Taiwan was crucial, that Taiwan-France relations continued to grow and thrive, and that there was great potential to deepen collaboration between Taiwan and France in key technological domains and innovative industries. He expressed hope that the two sides would further contribute to global prosperity and development through closer exchanges and cooperation in the future.

     

    In her speech, Chair Battistel said that she was honored to serve as chair of the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group and emphasized that she would continue to lead the group in its steadfast support of Taiwan, in line with French values and global common interests. She indicated that China’s threats and attempts to suppress Taiwan had had wide-ranging impacts on the world and urged democratic countries to jointly support Taiwan. She added that she believed Taiwan’s participation in international organizations was pivotal and that the entire international community stood to benefit from Taiwan’s knowledge and experience.

     

    This is the second delegation from the French National Assembly to visit Taiwan this year, following a visit in May by Guillaume Kasbarian, former French Minister of Civil Service and member of the National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group. 

     

    At the invitation of Minister Lin, Professor Lee Hahn-ming of the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, along with Wu Min-hsuan, CEO of Doublethink Lab, attended the luncheon and exchanged views with the delegation on such issues as how Taiwan and France could jointly cope with the use of artificial intelligence by foreign forces to manipulate information. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: CIC – Notice of Early Redemption (ISIN code: FR0000584377)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RELEASE, PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (SEE “DISCLAIMER” BELOW).

    Paris, June 11th 2025

    Notice of Early Redemption

    To : (i)      The Noteholders of the below mentioned Notes;
    (ii)      Euronext Paris
    (iii)      Fiscal Agent.

    Dear Sirs,

    Crédit Industriel et Commecial S.A.,
    Issuance of F 500 000 000 (€76 224 508),
    Undated Subordinatede Notes
    With the Isin code: FR0000584377 (the ‘’Notes’’);

    Crédit Industriel et Commercial S.A., (formerly “Compagnie Financière de Crédit Industriel et Commercial’’) is the issuer (the “Issuer’’) of the Notes.

    In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Notes (the ‘’Conditions’’), the Issuer hereby gives notice that it is exercising in whole its right to redeem the Notes pursuant to the provision Redemption (‘’Remboursement’’) of the Listing Particulars (“Issuer Call Option”) of the Notes.

    We, the Issuer, instruct you as Fiscal Agent, to authorise the French Central Securities Depository to cancel the Notes redeemed on 21 July, 2025 (“Early Redemption Date”).

    For the purposes of the Issuer Call:

    (i) the Issuer Call Date will be 21 July, 2025; and
    (ii) the Optional Redemption Amount(s) or Early Redemption Amount excluding accrued interest is: 769.87 euros per Denomination.

    Unless otherwise defined in this notice, capitalised terms used in this notice shall have the meaning given to them in the Listing Particulars (‘’Note d’Information’’) dated June, 1987, as applicable, relating to the Notes.

    Yours faithfully,

    For and on behalf of

    Crédit Industriel et Commercial S.A.,

    By Eric CUZZUCOLI

    Duly authorized

    DISCLAIMER
    This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase, or the solicitation of an offer to sell, the Instruments in the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan or in any other jurisdiction, including France. The distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this press release comes are required to inform themselves and observe any such restrictions. No communication may be distributed to the public in any jurisdiction in which registration or approval is required. No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction where such action would be required; CIC disclaims any liability for any violation by any person of such restrictions.

    Contacts
    Corporate Communications and Press Relations Department: +33 (0)1 53 48 26 00 – compresse@cic.fr
    Investor Relations: bfcm-web@creditmutuel.fr

    About CIC
    CIC is a leading bank in France and internationally, and the bank of one in three businesses in France. It provides nearly 5.5 million customers with a French network of nearly 1,800 branches and 20,000 employees, as well as international branches in 37 countries. In order to meet the needs of all economic players and to build up a constantly efficient offer on a daily basis, it combines financial, insurance, telephony and cutting-edge technological services with a high level of financial solidity backed by that of its parent company, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale. For more information, visit cic.fr

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Summary of Bigbank AS Webinar: Introduction to the Public Offering of Subordinated Bonds

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On 11 June 2025, Bigbank AS held a webinar introducing the public offering of its subordinated bonds in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

    During the webinar, Bigbank AS Management Board members Martin Länts and Argo Kiltsmann presented an overview of the Bigbank Group, including the Group’s financial results and the terms and conditions of the subordinated bond offering.

    The webinar recording is available at: https://youtu.be/89x1Kgen_tk.

    Further information about the public offering of subordinated bonds is available at: https://investor.bigbank.eu.

    Bigbank AS would like to thank all participants for attending!

    Bigbank AS (www.bigbank.eu), with over 30 years of operating history, is a commercial bank owned by Estonian capital. As of 30 April 2025, the bank’s total assets amounted to 2.9 billion euros, with equity of 274 million euros. Operating in nine countries, the bank serves more than 170,000 active customers and employs over 550 people. The credit rating agency Moody’s has assigned Bigbank a long-term bank deposit rating of Ba1, along with a baseline credit assessment (BCA) and an adjusted BCA of Ba2.

    Argo Kiltsmann
    Member of the Management Board
    Telephone: +372 5393 0833
    Email: argo.kiltsmann@bigbank.ee
    www.bigbank.ee

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Agreement protects sovereignty and economic security of Gibraltar

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Agreement protects sovereignty and economic security of Gibraltar

    Political agreement reached that will protect British sovereignty, UK military autonomy and secure Gibraltar’s economic future.

    • UK, alongside the Government of Gibraltar, reaches a political agreement with the EU which will protect British sovereignty, UK military autonomy and secure Gibraltar’s economic future. 

    • Agreement resolves the last major unresolved issue from Brexit, avoiding the need for checks on people and goods crossing the Gibraltar-Spain border to support prosperity in the region. 

    • Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, central to the agreement as Foreign Secretary visits Gibraltar this morning. 

    The UK Government has today [11 June] reached a political agreement with the EU which will secure Gibraltar’s economy, provide certainty for people and businesses in Gibraltar and protect British sovereignty. 

    This government inherited a situation which left Gibraltar’s economy and way of life under threat. Gibraltar was not included in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement negotiated by the previous UK government following Brexit. Instead, the previous government began negotiations in 2021 to reach a deal which has remained unresolved until today. 

    Approximately 15,000 people – over half of Gibraltar’s workforce – cross the land border between Spain and Gibraltar every day. Without a new agreement, the EU’s incoming system of entry and exit controls would have introduced a ‘hard border’ under which every individual passport was checked.    

    Today’s agreement provides a practical solution to avoid the need for onerous checks and long delays at the border which would have proved ruinous for Gibraltar’s economy – costing hundreds of millions a year and placing pressure on the UK taxpayer for fiscal support, underlining the government’s commitment to economic stability under the Plan for Change.  

    The Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, has been central to the negotiations from the start and today’s agreement has his full backing.  

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: 

    This government inherited a situation from the last government which put Gibraltar’s economy and way of life under threat. Today’s breakthrough delivers a practical solution after years of uncertainty.  

    Alongside the Government of Gibraltar, we have a reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar’s economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. 

    I thank the Chief Minister and his Government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK’s commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as the Rock itself.” 

    Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo said: 

    I’m delighted we have finalised a conclusive political agreement which will bring legal certainty to the people of Gibraltar, its businesses and to those across the region who rely on stability at the frontier. 

    I have worked hand in glove with the UK government throughout this negotiation to deliver the deal Gibraltar wants and needs – one that will protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty. 

    Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed cooperation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it’s time to finalise the Treaty.

    As the only UK overseas territory which shares a border with the EU, today’s political agreement provides a practical solution for the unique situation faced by the people of Gibraltar whose livelihoods depend on a fluid border.  

    Under the agreement, there will be:  

    • A clause agreed by all sides which makes explicitly clear that the final Treaty does not impact sovereignty.    

    • A fluid border between Gibraltar and Spain, without checks on people crossing.  

    • Dual border control checks for arrivals by air at Gibraltar airport, carried out by Gibraltar and Spanish officials. Immigration and law and order in Gibraltar will remain the exclusive responsibility of Gibraltar’s authorities. Spanish officials will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of the Schengen Area, in a model similar to French police operating in London’s St Pancras station.   

    • A bespoke goods and customs model for products entering Gibraltar across its land border, avoiding the need for onerous checks.  

    • Full operational autonomy of the UK’s military facilities in Gibraltar, which play a vital role in protecting regional security and important trade routes.  

    • The opportunity for flights to operate from Gibraltar airport to EU destinations, increasing Gibraltar’s connectivity to the continent and improving its prosperity.  

    The agreement clears the way for finalisation of a UK-EU Treaty Text on Gibraltar, which all parties have committed to complete as quickly as possible.   

    Background

    • Gibraltar is a UK overseas territory located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula that was formally ceded to the United Kingdom from Spain in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht.   

    • The people of Gibraltar expressed their overwhelming desire to remain British in referenda in 1967 (99%) and 2002 (98%).  

    • Negotiations for a UK-EU Treaty on Gibraltar began in October 2021 under the previous UK government.  

    • The final Treaty will be subject to ratification by the UK and Gibraltar parliaments.  

    • The UK Strategic Defence Review set out the importance of maintaining the UK military presence in Gibraltar, including for maritime force protection operations, upholding the sovereignty of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, as well as providing a base at a strategic location at the western entrance to the Mediterranean to provide critical support to UK—and allied— military objectives.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-EU Agreement in Respect of Gibraltar: Joint statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UK-EU Agreement in Respect of Gibraltar: Joint statement

    A joint statement from the UK, European Commission, Spain and Gibraltar following talks today (11 June) in Brussels.

    European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, together with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo, met in Brussels on Wednesday 11 June.

    Building on significant progress achieved in the previous political meetings in 2024 and on intensive work of the negotiating teams since then to solve outstanding issues, today’s discussions resulted in a conclusive political agreement on the core aspects of the future Agreement between the EU and the UK in respect of Gibraltar. The future Agreement is without prejudice to the respective legal positions of Spain and the United Kingdom with regard to sovereignty and jurisdiction.

    The main objective of the future Agreement is to secure the future prosperity of the whole region. This will be done by removing all physical barriers, checks and controls on persons and goods circulating between Spain and Gibraltar, while preserving the Schengen area, the EU Single Market and Customs Union. This will bring confidence and legal certainty to the lives and well-being of the people of the whole region by promoting shared prosperity and close and constructive relations between the Gibraltar and Spanish authorities.

    In the area of persons, the Parties agreed to establish dual Gibraltar and Schengen border checks at Gibraltar port and airport – to be carried out in full cooperation between the EU and UK/Gibraltar authorities, removing all checks at the crossing point between Gibraltar and La Linea for the many thousands of people who travel across daily in both directions. For the EU, full Schengen checks will be carried out by Spain. For the UK, full Gibraltar checks will continue to be carried out as they are today.  They also agreed arrangements for visas and permits and close cooperation between the police and law enforcement authorities.

    In the area of goods, the Parties agreed on the principles underpinning the future customs union between the EU and Gibraltar, providing for strong cooperation between the respective customs authorities and removing checks on goods. There is also agreement on the principles of indirect taxation to be applied in Gibraltar, including on tobacco – that will avoid distortions and contribute to the prosperity of the whole region.

    Other important areas of the future EU-UK Agreement include level playing field commitments on State aid, taxation, labour, environment, trade and sustainable development, anti-money laundering, and transport – including the airport; the rights of frontier workers and social security coordination. Specific cooperation will also be included in environmental matters. The creation of an appropriate financial mechanism to promote cohesion and support training and employment in the region has also been agreed.

    Today’s agreement has been reached in a shared commitment to European security.

    The way is now clear for negotiating teams swiftly to finalise the full legal text and proceed with the respective internal procedures leading to the signature and ratification of the future Agreement.

    The Parties are confident that this Agreement will support prosperity and bring confidence, legal certainty, and stability to the lives and well-being of the people of the whole region.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –