NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • PM Modi to unveil development projects worth around Rs 2,200 crore in Varanasi on August 2

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to gift a major developmental boost to his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, by inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of projects worth around Rs 2,200 crore on August 2. The initiatives span across infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, cultural preservation, urban development, and rural welfare, aiming at holistic urban transformation and improved quality of life for residents.

    The Prime Minister will address the public and unveil key infrastructure projects including the widening and strengthening of the Varanasi–Bhadohi road, Chhitauni–Shool Tankeshwar road, and the inauguration of a railway overbridge at Hardattpur to decongest the Mohan Sarai–Adalpura Road. He will also lay the foundation for road development projects across Dalmandi, Lahartara-Kotwa, Gangapur, and Babatpur, along with two new railway overbridges at Level Crossing 22C and Khalispur Yard.

    To enhance the region’s electricity infrastructure, PM Modi will launch the Smart Distribution Project and underground electrification works worth over Rs 880 crore.

    In a significant boost to tourism and cultural heritage, PM Modi will inaugurate redevelopment works at eight riverfront kuccha ghats, Kalika Dham, Rangildas Kutiya pond and ghat, and Durgakund. He will also lay the foundation stone for the restoration of Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple, redevelopment of Munshi Premchand’s ancestral home in Lamahi, development of Karkhiyaon – the birthplace of several freedom fighters – and the upgradation of museums and city facility centres in Sarnath, Rishi Mandvi, and Ramnagar zones.

    In line with environmental sustainability, the Prime Minister will launch the development of an urban Miyawaki forest at Kanchanpur and the beautification of Shaheed Udyan and 21 additional parks. Water purification and maintenance works will also be initiated at various historical kunds, including Ramkund and Mandakini.

    To bolster rural water access, PM Modi will inaugurate 47 rural drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

    As part of his commitment to strengthening education, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the upgradation of 53 schools within the municipal limits and lay the foundation stone for several educational infrastructure projects, including a new district library and rejuvenation of government high schools.

    In the health sector, PM Modi will inaugurate state-of-the-art facilities at Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, including robotic surgery and CT scan installations. He will also lay the foundation for a new Homoeopathic College and Hospital, and open an Animal Birth Control Centre and Dog Care Facility.

    For sports and law enforcement, a new synthetic hockey turf will be inaugurated at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Sports Stadium, while a 300-capacity Multipurpose Hall at PAC Ramnagar and Quick Response Team (QRT) Barracks will be unveiled.

    In a major announcement for farmers, the Prime Minister will release the 20th instalment of PM-KISAN, transferring over Rs 20,500 crore to more than 9.7 crore farmers across India. This will take the cumulative disbursement under the scheme to over Rs 3.90 lakh crore.

    To engage the youth and promote local talent, PM Modi will launch the registration portal for the upcoming Kashi Sansad Pratiyogita, covering competitions in sketching, painting, photography, sports, knowledge, and employment-related activities.

    The event will also witness the distribution of over 7,400 assistive aids to Divyangjan and elderly beneficiaries, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusivity and social welfare.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: This current state of war remains a choice that President Putin is making: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    This current state of war remains a choice that President Putin is making: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Fergus Eckersley, Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

    How is it that Russia can sit here and claim any sort of commitment to diplomacy, while at the same time ramping up missile and drone strikes on Kyiv?

    A six-year-old boy was amongst those killed last night by Russian missiles in Kyiv.

    The problem is that for all its words, the Russian state has geared itself for war.

    A war of aggression, a war of Russia’s own making.

    The government bolsters its legitimacy and suppresses opposition by stoking fears about external enemies.

    Russia’s economy is now highly dependent on military industrial production, with almost 40% of government spending on defence, more than 8% of GDP.

    And the President has defined himself politically as the man who can conquer so-called neo-Nazism in Ukraine, and the threat that he claims NATO poses to Russia.

    In reality, these are challenges of his own creation. 

    Ukraine is not ruled by neo-Nazis, and NATO does not pose a threat to Russia.

    NATO merely stands with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion.

    The consequences of a militarised Russian state are not limited to the appalling tragedies felt every day by Ukraine’s brave people.

    Russia itself has suffered over a million casualties as a result of its own war.

    The wider region is also directly dealing with the effects of Russia’s aggression. 

    And ultimately, we all are. Russia’s actions are an affront to the UN Charter principles and international law. 

    The very foundations of all of our peace and security. 

    The consequences for the wider international system are also clear. 

    While members of this Council discuss how to bring peace to Sudan, Russia tries to leverage access to a naval base. 

    While we discuss peace in Mali, Russia has pushed out the UN to secure advantage for its private military contractors. 

    While we discuss sanctions to prevent nuclear proliferation on the Korean peninsula, Russia tries to undermine those sanctions to access military supplies for its war machine.

    There is another pathway. 

    President Putin could accept the truth that there is no threat to Russia, not from Neo-Nazis and not from NATO. 

    He could choose to engage in good faith in a ceasefire and in peace talks based on the UN Charter.

    Until then, this state of war remains a choice that President Putin is making.

    We need to continue to show that there is no good outcome for Russia from its aggression, that we will remain staunch in our support for the defence of Ukraine, including through the provision of weapons systems in the face of relentless Russian attacks on critical national infrastructure and civilians.

    We must be vigilant in clamping down on any military industrial support for Russia, including by preventing the export of dual-use items.

    And we need to continue to demonstrate to Russia the economic costs of the choice it is making, and not give its militarised state a lifeline that it can feed on. 

    Ultimately, we must not let up in affirming the principles of the UN Charter.

    Every Member State at the UN has a responsibility in this, to support a peace process that only Russia, only Russia is currently rejecting.

    As President Trump has made clear, there is no reason for delay.

    Russia must make progress towards a meaningful peace immediately.

    But the world has seen Russia’s response. 

    That is why, as President Zelenskyy said, peace without strength is impossible.

    So it is now that we need to meet our responsibility to stand together and to demand that Russia immediately ceases its aggression and adheres to the call for a just and a lasting peace.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Business leaders back the UK Government’s Small Business Plan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Business leaders back the UK Government’s Small Business Plan

    Business leaders from across business representative organisations, small and large businesses have endorsed the launch of the UK Government’s new Small Business Plan.

    Business leaders from across business representative organisations, small and large businesses have endorsed the launch of the UK Government’s new Small Business Plan.

    Small businesses across the UK will benefit from the most comprehensive support package in a generation. From faster payments and easier access to finance, to cutting red tape and launching a new Business Growth Service, we’re backing businesses to thrive.

    Business Groups 

    Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Tina McKenzie, said: 

    Making sure businesses are paid on time, that our high streets thrive, and creating conditions in which everyone can start and succeed in business are crucial priorities for small businesses, communities and the economy. It’s very welcome that the Prime Minister has today made them his Government’s priorities. 

    I’m pleased that FSB and the Government have been able to work in lockstep on the bold and ambitious measures needed to tackle the scourge of late payment through legislation, and other pro-growth, pro-small business measures.  

    Today’s plan is an encouraging commitment from the Government to take the side of small businesses in the great growth challenge ahead. 

    Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain, said:  

    I am thrilled to see the Small Business Plan launched today, putting the nation’s smallest businesses at the heart of Government strategy where it should be. These job creators and economy builders will benefit from a huge boost to funding through the British Business Bank, a boost to skills, support for high streets and a long hoped for legislative backing for getting paid on time. We will not see economic growth without small business growth, so I am eager to get on and help the Government deliver on this agenda – and help small businesses regardless of their background start, grow and thrive. 

    Daniel Woolf, Enterprise Nation’s Head of Policy & Government Relations, said: 

    We welcome the Government’s new Small Business Plan as a serious attempt to reset the relationship between small firms and Government. Many of the commitments like digital adoption and access to affordable finance reflect the everyday challenges our members experience, and several directly align with recommendations Enterprise Nation has set out in recent policy work.   

    We’re particularly pleased to see a comprehensive approach to late payment reform, including shorter payment terms and stronger enforcement through the Small Business Commissioner. 90-day payment terms stop small businesses from investing and growing. 

    This is a strong foundation. Enterprise Nation looks forward to working with government to help ensure these policy ambitions turn into measurable outcomes for small businesses across the UK.  

    Philip Salter, Founder of The Entrepreneurs Network, said: 

    Small businesses are where opportunity begins – new jobs, new skills and new ideas. Practical help, such as being paid on time, easy access to advice and finance, and less administrative burden, makes a real difference. 

    In a world where online banking, accounting software and e-invoicing exist, it’s completely unacceptable that so many burgeoning startups see their growth stall due to late payments. At its worst, they can send perfectly good businesses to the wall – leaving Britain’s economy less dynamic and competitive. Founders in our network will hope the measures outlined today mean it is the beginning of the end for late payments.  

    Fiona Graham, Chief Operating Officer for Family Business UK said:  

    Family Business UK welcomes today’s publication of the Small Business Plan as a positive step towards creating a fairer and more resilient environment for small family-run firms.  We are pleased to see many of the areas highlighted by our members addressed in this plan. 

    Family businesses make up over 85% of all private sector firms in the UK and are deeply rooted in their communities. But like many small businesses, they are held back by red tape and limited access to finance and support – challenges that this plan rightly seeks to address. 

    The announcement of a Business Growth Service will give small family-run businesses the tools they need to grow, scale up and expand into international markets, as well as streamlining essential advice and support into one national platform. This will give small businesses peace of mind that support is readily available and easily accessible when they are looking to invest and grow. 

    We look forward to continuing to support small businesses as the initiatives in this plan are developed and rolled out.  We are also committed to working with DBT in the development of a future strategy to ensure that mid-sized businesses are also getting the bespoke support they need. 

    Liz Barclay, IoD Special Advisor for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and former Small Business Commissioner, said: 

    We welcome this commitment to ensuring that small businesses are paid on time and that larger suppliers are prevented from imposing unfair contractual payment terms beyond 60 days. This will give small and micro firms the certainty they need to invest, increase productivity, and grow.   

    We look forward to working with the government as the legislation takes shape, ensuring that there are no unintended consequences for businesses.  

    Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive Officer, Make UK, said: 

    Manufacturers across the country will welcome the Government’s decisive action to tackle late payments. For too long, delayed invoices have drained cashflow, delayed innovation, and damaged businesses, particularly the thousands of small and medium-sized firms for whom late payments are one of the most consistent challenges to their survival and success. 

    Today’s announcement rightly recognises that supporting manufacturing SMEs is essential to unlocking wider economic growth. The introduction of the toughest late payment laws in the G7 sends a clear signal that poor payment practices will no longer be tolerated. 

    These reforms, combined with new powers for the Small Business Commissioner, will help create a culture of fairness and accountability across supply chains. Coupled with real enforcement, this Small Business Plan will give manufacturers the confidence and certainty they need to innovate, grow, and create even more high-skill, high-paying jobs in the UK. 

    Alan Vallance, ICAEW Chief Executive, said:  

    The UK’s economy is made up of small businesses, with 99 per cent of the total business population, two-fifths of all private sector employment and over half of the nation’s business turnover. Small businesses are key to growth, and it’s important that they can operate in the best environment to propel them into the business stars of the future, creating more growth, employment and prosperity for all parts of the UK. 

    Chartered accountants are central to this story. As trusted business advisers, they provide expertise and acumen to allow small businesses to thrive and scale up, and often set up small businesses of their own. About 80 per cent of chartered accountancy firms are small businesses themselves, employing four employees or fewer. 

    The publication of the Small Business Strategy is an important development to help small businesses realise their potential. With its ambition on entrepreneurship, business advice, late payments and export potential, as well as its close links to the UK Modern Industrial Strategy and Professional and Business Services Sector Plan, it is clear that chartered accountants will make a strong contribution to its success. 

    Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said:  

    We welcome the Government’s Small Business Plan and the steps that it has put forward to support SMEs across the UK. The wider measures announced today on late payments and access to additional finance sit alongside a raft of new licensing measures that will slash red tape and support the hospitality sector, making it easier to open and operate hospitality venues, create jobs and grow the economy. 

    I’m personally very happy to have worked with Government to move us toward a new and improved licensing system that includes modernised planning and licensing rules, hospitality zones, and protections for existing venues. These can provide a real boost to the nation’s pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels. 

    We’ve worked on some of these issues for more than two decades so we now need swift implementation, while we keep up the momentum on outstanding issues, to deliver a bold, long term plan for the high streets and hospitality. 

    Vicks Rodwell, Managing Director at IPSE, The Self-Employed Association, said: 

    Late payments can force freelancers out of business, but obscenely long payment terms for work can put just as much of a strain on the self-employed. It’s hugely encouraging that the Prime Minister is determined to tackle both these issues with the measures in today’s plan” 

    It’s not right that freelancers can fall behind on their own bills, and even into debt, whilst the money they’ve earned sits in a bank account for months on end. 

    By clamping down on late invoices and long payment terms, government can tear down one of the biggest barriers to growth for freelancers and sole traders. 

    Millie Kendall MBE, CEO of British Beauty Council, said:  

    The beauty industry – encompassing hair, beauty, nails, barbering, spa and wellness – is made up of 95% small businesses and 78% micro-businesses, contributing more than £30bn to the UK GDP. The British Beauty Council welcomes the Government’s Small Business Plan which sees policy-makers put our businesses first. For years, the beauty sector has faced unique challenges when it comes to growth, this plan is a much needed step towards ensuring our industry – which bolsters social mobility and opportunities for underrepresented communities – can sustain growth. 

    Small Businesses  

    Elizabeth Vega OBE DUniv, Group CEO, Informed Solutions: 

    This Small Business Plan is the strongest and clearest we’ve seen in over a decade. It is a compelling way forward for the UK’s economy. 

    The Strategy reflects a truly collegiate and collaborative effort between government, policy experts, and the over 1,000 SMEs that contributed. 

    Having advocated for SME policy that supports economic growth and resilience for over 15 years, it’s been a pleasure to work alongside Minister Gareth Thomas, DBT policy teams, and the Small Business Growth Forum to shape a strategy with clear aims, ambitious objectives, and a holistic integrated approach to policy development. 

    I’m excited to now turn the shared ambitions in this Strategy into action, helping realise the UK’s full economic potential through SME growth and international trade. 

    Simon Groom, CEO of MagnifyB, said:  

    MagnifyB welcomes the UK Government’s action to tackle late payments, which will give small businesses the cash flow stability they need to thrive. Alongside this, there is a clear need to provide micro and small businesses with far more than just a repository of information, including a practical digital toolset to strengthen their operations and improve their chances of long-term success. We hope that the new Small Business Commissioner can be instrumental in bringing together ideas and championing the initiatives needed to make this support a reality. 

    Julianne Ponan MBE, Founder of Creative Nature, a small business that exports top 14 Allergen Free Baking Mixes and Snacks to 16 countries, said:  

    I’m delighted to see the government’s new SME Strategy recognising the critical role small businesses play both at home and globally. 

    From tackling late payments to simplifying access to growth advice and support, these measures are a lifeline for SMEs like mine who often face disproportionate challenges with limited resources. 

    I’m especially encouraged by the commitment to reduce administrative burdens by 25% and improve access to finance both are major barriers to growth for underrepresented founders, including women and ethnic minority entrepreneurs. The focus on revitalising the high street, digital skills, and exporting support shows that the government is listening to the needs of small businesses. 

    Charlie Shaw, owner of Flock and Herd butchers, said: 

    We’re proud to pay every supplier on time and once we receive an invoice, so it’s fantastic to see the government put the Small Business Plan into place tackling the big issue of late payments. We believe this is a fair and honest way to conduct business. It gives us a clear and current understanding of how our business is performing. Our relationships with our suppliers have been amazing and truly beneficial to all parties. 

    Richard Marshall, Founder and CEO of Pall Mall Barbers, said: 

    Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy — and they need access to affordable finance and a fairer tax system to plan and grow. That’s why I look forward to working with the Government to drive down costs on the high street, extend business rates relief, and improve access to finance so SMEs can invest, hire, and build with confidence.  

    Today’s announcement is about backing entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive — not just for today, but for the long term. 

    Large Businesses  

    Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King and co-chair of the Licensing Taskforce commented on the licensing response published today. He said:  

    As an industry we welcome the licensing proposals and see this as a positive and necessary step towards updating a planning and licensing system that, for too long, has limited hospitality’s ability to drive economic growth across the UK. I thank the industry and the Taskforce for the serious and meaningful recommendations that we have put forward to bring these proposals to fruition.

    It’s encouraging to see how the Government has worked at pace to take forward the proposals, particularly in areas that matter the most, including the introduction of a new National Licensing Policy Framework.

    Whilst licencing reform won’t offset the significant layered cost of doing business that the industry bears, they form part of wider changes to back the sector, which will support in unlocking opportunities for pubs to further invest in growth across the country.

    Steve Hare, Chief Executive Officer at Sage, said:  

    Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy – they drive growth, create jobs, and fuel innovation. But running a small business isn’t easy. From rising costs and late payments to time-consuming admin, the challenges are real and persistent. Today’s Strategy is a welcome step in the right direction. Giving small businesses better access to finance, helping them break into new markets, and supporting them to adopt the latest technology will go a long way in helping them grow and succeed. 

    Leigh Thomas, Vice President EMEA, Intuit, said:  

    Today’s Small Business Plan is a welcome and much needed initiative for entrepreneurs. Our data shows that with an average of £21,000 owed in unpaid invoices, more than half of our country’s small businesses are now facing cash flow pressures. These pressures can quickly escalate, forcing many small business owners to make difficult financial decisions to keep operations running. Improving payment practices will play a key role in strengthening small business stability, creating the conditions for growth. We look forward to collaborating on this to power prosperity for all. 

    James Holian, Head of Business Banking, NatWest, said:  

    We welcome the Government’s renewed focus on tackling late payments for small businesses. This is a long-standing challenge that we know can hold back growth and innovation, and NatWest is proud to have been recognised for several consecutive years by Good Business Pays for being a leading business in making fast payments to our suppliers.  

    As a leading lender to UK SMEs, we’re committed to playing our part—whether that’s through prompt payment practices, tailored financial support, or initiatives like our accelerator hubs – where this year we’re aiming to support 10,000 businesses for the first time. Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, and we’re proud to support them in building resilience and unlocking their full potential. 

    Tom Wood, Head of Business Banking, HSBC UK, said:  

    We welcome the additional support the Small Business Plan provides, SMEs are key to a strong and resilient economy and we must equip them with the tools to succeed at every stage of their growth journey. It is vital we all work together to deliver long-term, practical solutions, including more transparent and accessible financing to ensure long-term growth and economic stability. Recognising the challenges SMEs face, HSBC UK recently launched the Small Business Growth Programme, providing business owners with resources to help early-stage businesses grow with confidence. 

    Wider Civil Society Organisations 

    Terry Corby, Founder and CEO, Good Business Pays, said:  

    This is what we have been waiting for. The legislative changes the government are planning to tackle our late payment culture are a game-changer. It is no longer seen as good business practice to be making your suppliers wait for a long time to get paid. At Good Business Pays we have been asking for legislative action for five years and it’s great to see these changes to unfair practices being set out in laws. 

    Anthony Impey MBE, CEO of Be the Business, said:  

    A strategic approach is essential to unlock the huge potential of small and medium-sized businesses, and it’s key to driving the country’s productivity and growth. The Small Business Plan is an important step in achieving this.  

    Business Support Services 

    Nicki Clark, Chief Executive of UMi, said:  

    At UMi, we see first-hand the incredible impact small businesses have, but also the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis.  This Small Business Plan, including the launch of the Business Growth Service, is a positive step towards making it easier for small businesses to find and access the support and finance they need to survive and thrive.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces Nearly $11 Million for Great Trails State Program Projects in the Piedmont

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces Nearly $11 Million for Great Trails State Program Projects in the Piedmont

    Governor Stein Announces Nearly $11 Million for Great Trails State Program Projects in the Piedmont
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has awarded nearly $11 million to trail development and restoration projects in the Piedmont. The General Assembly authorized these funds as part of the Great Trails State Program. 

    “The Piedmont is known for its cities and world-class universities, but from Pilot Mountain to the Haw River, it’s also home to some of our state’s most amazing wildlife and natural wonders,” said Governor Stein. “This funding will spur local tourism and encourage more people to explore North Carolina’s incredible beauty.”

    “Trails bring outstanding benefits to both urban and rural communities, boosting tourism and economic development,” said Pamela B. Cashwell, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “This generous funding, made possible by the N.C. General Assembly, will help transform the state trails system in the Great Trails State.”

    The General Assembly established the Great Trails State Program in 2023, representing a historic investment of $25 million in North Carolina trails. The program offers matching grants to North Carolina local governments, public authorities, NC Regional Councils of Government, and nonprofit organizations. 

    These awards include projects at more than 70 local trails throughout the state, helping to solidify North Carolina as the Great Trails State. In the Piedmont, 37 local trail projects will benefit from $10,923,111 in Great Trails State Program funding, including improvements to the Haw River State Trail and maintenance on the American Tobacco Trail. Governor Stein previously announced more than $13 million in funding to create and restore trails in western and eastern North Carolina.

    “The 125 member organizations of the Great Trails State Coalition thank the North Carolina General Assembly for creating and funding the Great Trails State Program,” said Palmer McIntyre, director of the N.C. Great Trails State Coalition. “This visionary investment in all types of trails across the state will deliver transformative economic, health, and quality-of-life benefits for communities of all sizes. The Coalition will continue to work alongside N.C. State Parks to support this program.” 

    Local communities applied for grants to fund new trail development or to extend existing trails. This includes paved trails or greenways, natural surface trails, biking trails, equestrian trails, and any other type of trail the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources recognizes. Projects could include planning and feasibility studies, design and engineering, acquisition of land for trail development, trail construction, and maintenance of existing trails. Applicants were required to provide matching funds, based on their county tier designation. The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation received 89 applications requesting $28 million, and 79 projects were selected. More than $44.5 million was provided in matching funds for a total trails investment exceeding $69.3 million.

    Piedmont North Carolina grant recipients and amounts: 

    • Alamance County: Alamance County, $150,000 for HRST – Riverwide Enhancements
    • Alamance County: Alamance County, $190,000 for Shallow Ford Expansion and Enhancements
    • Cabarrus County: City of Concord, $500,000 for Concord McEachern Greenway Extension
    • Cabarrus County: City of Kannapolis, $145,000 for Irish Buffalo Creek Greenway Phase 2
    • Chatham County: Chatham County, $251,294 for Haw River State Trail Pegg Tract Improvements
    • Chatham County: Chatham County, $75,000 for Deep River State Trail Feasibility Study for Chatham County
    • Davidson County: City of Thomasville, $100,000 for Memorial Park Drive Greenway Expansion Design & Engineering
    • Durham County: City of Durham, $500,000 for American Tobacco Trail Maintenance
    • Durham County: Durham County, $500,000 for Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail Corridor Acquisition
    • Durham and Wake County: Triangle Land Conservancy, $137,092 for Old Creedmoor Trail System
    • Forsyth County: Piedmont Triad Regional Council, $500,000 for Piedmont Greenway: Triad Park/Reedy Fork Segment – Phases 1 and 2
    • Franklin County: Town of Franklinton, $500,000 for Franklinton Nature Preserve
    • Franklin County: Town of Louisburg, $100,000 for Joyner Park Trail Project
    • Granville County: Town of Butner, $500,000 for East Lyon Station Greenway Extension
    • Guilford County: Town of Summerfield, $500,000 for Bandera Farms Park Trails: Piedmont Greenway + Equestrian Trails
    • Harnett County: Harnett County, $230,538 for South River Road Greenway – Phase 1
    • Hoke County: City of Raeford, $175,480 for City Pond Trails and Park Design and Engineering
    • Johnston County: Town of Selma, $500,000 for Selma MST Nature Preserve Trail Phase I
    • Johnston County: Johnston County, $225,000 for Neuse River Trail – Talton Property
    • Orange County: Town of Chapel Hill, $399,000 for Construction of Tanyard Branch Trail Neighborhood Connector
    • Orange County: Orange County, $101,178 for Seven Mile Creek Natural Area Mountains-to-Sea Trail Expansion
    • Randolph County: City of Asheboro, $134,000 for North Asheboro Greenway Design and Engineering
    • Randolph County: Randolph County, $175,000 for DRST Harlan Creek Bridge Design/Engineering
    • Randolph County: Randolph County, $172,000 for Randleman Dam to Randleman Blueway/Paddleway
    • Randolph County: City of Archdale, $143,250 for Hope Valley Road Trail Extension
    • Rockingham County: Town of Mayodan, $251,185 for Farris Memorial Park Trail
    • Rockingham County: Rockingham County Tourism Development Authority, $298,872 for Hogan’s Creek Trail
    • Rowan County: Town of Spencer, $460,000 for Stanback Educational Forest – Rocky Branch Loop Trail
    • Union County: Village of Marvin, $491,925 for Marvin Loop Greenway Completion Project
    • Union County: Town of Waxhaw, $250,000 for Twelve Mile Creek Greenway – Prescot Connector
    • Wake County: Town of Holly Springs, $300,000 for Middle Creek to Camp Branch Greenway
    • Wake County: City of Raleigh, $350,000 for Forest Ridge Park Mountain Bike Trail Extension Project
    • Wake County: City of Raleigh, $400,000 for Marsh Creek Trail Corridor Planning & Feasibility Study
    • Wake County: Town of Apex, $200,000 for Design and Engineering for Reedy Branch Greenway
    • Wake County: Town of Wendell, $500,000 for Buffalo Creek Greenway Phase I
    • Wake County: Town of Morrisville, $417,297 for Sawmill Creek Greenway
    • Warren County: Warren County, $100,000 for Buck Spring Trail Accessibility Improvements 
    Jul 31, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: “We support the efforts currently being led by the United States in the region to get an immediate ceasefire”

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    Published on July 31, 2025

    Excerpts from the interview given by M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, to France 24 (New York, July 29, 2025)

    You consider the two-state solution to be the only way of achieving peace. So you’re confirming Emmanuel Macron’s desire to recognize a Palestinian State. Why do so only now? What’s changed?

    THE MINISTER – Because the two-state solution, which is the only one likely to bring peace and stability to the region, is in mortal danger, and the conditions had to be created for it to become credible again. That’s why around nine months ago we decided, with Saudi Arabia, to undertake an initiative to create momentum leading those involved – the Palestinian Authority and the region’s Arab countries, but also the whole international community – to make commitments. These commitments are crystallizing in New York today with a statement by the participating countries, which is historic and unprecedented in that the Arab countries – the countries of the region, of the Middle East – are, for the first time, condemning Hamas, condemning 7 October [attacks], calling for the disarmament of Hamas, calling for it to be excluded from participating in any way in Palestine’s governance and clearly voicing their intention to have normalized relations with Israel in the future and be part of a regional organization on the lines of ASEAN in Asia or the OSCE in Europe, alongside Israel and the future State of Palestine. This is a decisive step being taken, made possible by President Macron’s decision, among other things.

    And a moment ago, the United Kingdom announced that it’s going to recognize Palestine as well, if Israel doesn’t make certain commitments. Do you welcome this decision by Prime Minister Keir Starmer? Has momentum been created?

    THE MINISTER – I welcome it. Indeed, the United Kingdom has become part of the movement created by France to recognize the State of Palestine. With these crucial decisions announced by France and the UK, with the combined efforts of the whole international community gathered here in New York, we want to counter the cycle of violence and war and reopen the prospect of peace in the Middle East.

    The United States isn’t participating in the conference taking place in New York at the moment. Regarding your initiative to advocate for a two-state solution, it’s denouncing an unproductive, ill-timed initiative resembling a publicity stunt. Donald Trump also reckoned that the statement by President Macron a little earlier, last Thursday, doesn’t carry any weight. What’s your reply to him?

    THE MINISTER – Firstly, we support the efforts currently being led by the United States in the region to get an immediate ceasefire, the release of all Hamas’ hostages and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance. But to secure a ceasefire, we still have to sketch out what happens after the war and the political horizon that goes with it. That’s the goal of this UN conference that France is chairing with Saudi Arabia. And in the document we’ve just adopted, with the countries that were part of it, we’re mapping out a credible prospect that’s going to make a positive contribution to a ceasefire being reached in Gaza. Moreover, these efforts we’ve led, these concessions the various parties have made will, at some point, enable the United States to resume the Abraham Accords process that it began during President Trump’s first term. We hope this time will come. But in the meantime, it was obviously unthinkable to stand by and do nothing. (…)

    You said in New York that the two-state solution is the only possibility, that there’s no alternative. Given the situation on the ground for the moment, the two-state solution, as you’ve said yourself, is virtually dead. Isn’t there an alternative, though: for this Israeli Government gradually to bring the idea of any Palestinian State to a definitive end, annex the West Bank – in short, make “Greater Israel” a reality?

    THE MINISTER – You’re right, the alternative to the two-state solution is a state of permanent war. And what we’re seeing today is the two-state solution being threatened, on the one hand, by supporters of “Greater Israel”, who want to deny Palestinians the right to self-determination, and attacked, on the other, by supporters of Hamas or others, who believe Palestine extends from the River Jordan to the sea. Through the historic decision President Macron took, which the British Prime Minister has just taken and others will take, through the commitments being made in New York by the Arab countries today, we’re agreeing with everyone else, the side of peace against the side of war. We’re reopening the possibility of a peace that will involve the two States living side by side in peace and security, with security for Israel and the right of the Palestinians to have their own State.

    Yesterday, for the first time, two Israeli NGOs used the term genocide to refer to what’s happening in Gaza. Several countries have described what’s happening in the Palestinian enclave in that way. That’s the case with Spain and South Africa in particular. What’s France’s position today?

    THE MINISTER – The French Government has no position to take on the legal description of the facts. That’s up to the international courts. What I can say is that the situation in Gaza is disastrous. Gaza is now a death trap where, as I said yesterday from the United Nations General Assembly rostrum, bodies bear the scars of famine and minds are ravaged by terror. It’s unacceptable that in humanitarian distribution queues, women and children are targeted and shot down in cold blood. It’s outrageous and it must stop. That’s why the meeting which was held in Brussels today – or will be held in a few minutes’ time – is so important. It will lead the European Union to speak out so that the Israeli Government finally hears our expectations: access for humanitarian aid and an end to the militarized aid-distribution system, payment by the Israeli Government of the €2 billion due to the Palestinian Authority, an end to, and the abandonment of, the pernicious settlement plans in the West Bank, and in particular the E1 plan for 3,400 housing units, which would cut the West Bank in two and strike a fatal blow to the prospect of two States and to the emergence of a State of Palestine./.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ithaca Man Arrested for Enticement of a Minor and Distribution of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    David Pastorello was Pending Sentencing on State Charges for Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – David Pastorello, age 44, of Ithaca, New York, was arrested Tuesday evening and had his initial appearance on Wednesday on charges of enticement of a minor and distribution of child pornography. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    The complaint alleges that Pastorello sent text messages to a girl under the age of 12, repeatedly requesting that the child have sex with him. Pastorello also sent the victim indecent images of himself, in addition to two images constituting child pornography under federal law. Later, Pastorello entered the victim’s apartment without permission before fleeing. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    Prior to this offense, in May 2025, Pastorello was arraigned in Tompkins County Court for the New York State offense of possessing a sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old. In July 2025, just a few days prior to the incident that gave rise to the federal charges, Pastorello pled guilty in Cortland County Court to the New York State offense of disseminating indecent material to a minor. The Cortland County case was reset for sentencing. Pastorello was out on bond in both pending state cases.

    Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Thanks to the quick work of federal, state, and local law enforcement, children have been protected and a dangerous predator has been apprehended. Despite having committed other crimes relating to child sexual abuse, Pastorello was allowed by state authorities to be out of custody. His new crimes demonstrate how dangerously unwise that decision was. Pastorello will be held fully accountable for the federal offenses he has committed.”

    FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Pastorello, a repeat offender with an alarming criminal history, is a dangerous predator who is now facing serious federal charges. These charges would not have been possible without the incredible assistance and coordination provided by our partners from the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, Ithaca Police Department, and New York State Police. Our communities should know the FBI is committed to leveraging these strong partnerships to bring the full weight of the federal government down on these disturbing predators looking to harm our children.”

    Following the initial appearance, Pastorello was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending further proceedings.

    If convicted of enticement of a minor, Pastorello faces a maximum term of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and for distribution of child pornography, a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute(s) the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Pastorello would also be required to register as a sex offender if convicted.

    The FBI and New York State Police are conducting this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As protesters condemn Western media ‘complicity’, Gaza journalists struggle for survival

    Asia Pacific Report

    Protesters demonstrated outside several major US media outlets in Washington this week condemning their coverage of the genocide in Gaza, claiming they were to blame over misinformation and the worsening catastrophe.

    Banging pots and pans to spotlight the starvation crisis, they accused the media of “complicity in genocide”.

    Banners and placards proclaimed “Stop media complicity in genocide” and “US media manufactures consent for Israel’s crimes”, as the protesters demonstrated outside media offices that included NBC News and Fox News.

    But the irony was that while the protests appeared to have been ignored or overlooked by national media in the US – and certainly in New Zealand, they were strongly reported by at least one global news agency, Turkey’s Anadolu Agensi.

    The protests echoed a series of statements by various news media organisations, such as Agence France-Presse concerned about the safety of their journalists from both under fire and the risk of starvation, and media freedom advocacy groups.

    The Doha-based global television news network Al Jazeera, that has been producing arguably the best and most honest news coverage of Gaza and the occupied West Bank – which earned it being banned last year by both Israel and the Palestinian Authority from reporting inside their territory — called for global action to protect Gaza’s journalists.

    It said in a statement that Isael’s forced starvation of the besieged enclave that threatened Gaza’s entire population, including those “risking their lives to shed light on Israel’s atrocities”.

    Death toll passes 60,000
    On Tuesday this week, the world noted a grim milestone in Gaza, with the Health Ministry announcing that the death toll had surpassed 60,000 (this does not include the tens of thousands of people buried under the rubble and missing, presumed dead).

    Put in perspective, that is one in every 36 people in Gaza killed, and more than 90 people on average slaughtered every day.

    Also, 1157 people have been killed near the notorious Israel and US-backed Gaza “Humanitarian” Foundation food depots condemned as “death traps”, while 154 people have died from starvation, 89 of them children with the numbers rising.


    Israel’s genocide – ‘Everyone in Gaza is starving’       Video: Al Jazeera

    An episode of the weekly media watch programme, The Listening Post, took up the theme as well, criticising the failure of many high profile Western news services from adequately reporting the horror of Israel’s devastating and cruel policies.

    “When trying to stave off starvation becomes part of the job. What it means to be a Palestinian journalist in Gaza. The stories they are determined to tell, the incredible risks they are prepared to take,” said host Richard Gizbert when introducing the programme. He wasted no time firing a few caustic shots.

    Metropolitan police on watch for the pro-Palestinian protesters outside Fox News offices in Washington DC this week. Image: AA screenshot APR

    “What is unfolding in Gaza now has the appearance of a final solution, orchestrated by Israel and the United States, Israel’s other ally: The transformation of parts of the Gaza strip into starvation and concentration camps, a place where famine has been turned into a weapon of war,” he said.

    “Reporting on the reality of this genocide can amount to a death sentence. Palestinian journalists can easily identify with the suffering they are documenting since they too are going hungry.

    “They have been targeted because for [Israeli Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu, like other genocidal leaders before him, starving a population is much easier to do when no one is watching.

    An Al Jazeera reporter ducks for cover as bombs hit a building behind her in a live broadcast from Gaza . . . featured in The Listening Post’s starvation report. Image: AA screenshot APR

    Perpetrator ‘left out’
    “Across Western mainstream media, news outlets have been unable to ignore this story of mass starvation in Gaza. But in report after report, they have made a habit of leaving out a key detail – naming the perpetrators of the famine, Israel.

    “The missing actors, the sanitised language, the use of the passive grammatical voice, it is all part of the playbook for far too many international news outlets and that is exactly what the few Palestinian journalists still standing are out to tell the world.”

    Gizbert explained that “journalists in Gaza already have the world’s toughest assignment”:
    “Job one for almost 22 months now has been survival; job two, telling heartbreaking stories; documenting a genocide while under fire.”

    Hossam Shabat reports on his colleague Anas al-Sharif’s experience at Al Shifa hospital and the starvation of babies in Gaza. Image: Instagram/@hossam_shbat

    Like, for example, Al Jazeera Arabic’s Anas al-Sharif who was reporting live from outside Al Shifa medical complex when a woman behind him collapsed at the hospital’s gate.

    Al-Sharif, who had reported on the genocide of his own people for more than 650 days without rest or complaint, through Israeli occupation airstrikes, drone attacks, and countless “scenes resembling hell”, suddenly could not take it anymore.

    He broke down: “People are falling to the ground from the severity of hunger,” al-Sharif said through his tears. “They need one sip of water. They need one loaf of bread.”

    Al-Sharif has also been threatened by the Israeli military, accusing him of being a “Hamas militant”, an accusation strongly denied by Al Jazeera, denouncing what it called Tel Aviv’s “campaign of incitement” against its reporters in the Gaza Strip.

    Discredited for bias
    Many Western mainstream media – including BBC, CNN, Sky, ITN, and Australia’s public broadcaster ABC — have been repeatedly discredited for their “pro-Israel bias” by scores of journalists who have acted as whistleblowers about the actions of their own news organisations.

    According to a Declassified UK report, for example, the journalists working for a range of outlets from across the political spectrum have “painted a consistent picture of the obstacles faced by reporters who want to humanise Palestinians or scrutinise Israeli government narratives”. The US media is also under attack and has been putting up a lame defence.

    Last week, more than 100 aid groups warned of “mass starvation” throughout Gaza — predictably denied by Israeli government in the face of overwhelming evidence — with their staff severely impacted by shortages and serious implications for journalists already being threatened with targeting by the Israeli military.

    Israel faces growing global pressure over the enclave’s dire humanitarian crisis, where more than two million people have endured 22 months of war. UN Security Council member France has led a group of countries announcing that they plan to recognise the Palestinian state at the UN in September, with United Kingdom, Canada, Malta and Finland among those following with the total number now almost 150 of the 193 UN member states.

    A statement with 111 signatories, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Save the Children and Oxfam, warned that “our colleagues and those we serve are wasting away”. The groups called for an immediate negotiated ceasefire, the opening of all land crossings and the free flow of aid through UN-led mechanisms.

    Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh reported from Amman that the Israeli government had accused the UK of supporting the establishment of a “jihadi” state and of derailing efforts to reach a ceasefire.

    “But really,” she said, “the Israeli media, for example, is describing this as a political tsunami, a realisation of how significant the tide is, and how improbable it is to turn it back to countries withholding recognition because Israel said it doesn’t want it.”

    Calling for sanctions
    She also noted how 31 high-profile Israelis, including the former speaker of the Knesset, a former attorney general, and several recipients of Israel’s highest cultural award, were calling on world governments to impose crippling sanctions on Israel to stop the starvation of Palestinians in Gaza and their expulsion

    “This was taboo just a few days ago and has never really been done before, certainly not at this level of prominence of the signatories,” Odeh added.

    “Israel is starving Gazan journalists into silence,” says the CPJ. Image: CPJ screenshot APR

    The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) added its voice to the appeal by aid agencies to call for an end to Israel’s starvation of journalists and other civilians in Gaza, backing the plea for states to “save lives before there are none left to save.”

    In a statement on its website, the CPJ accused Israel of “starving journalists into silence”.

    “Israel is starving Gazan journalists into silence. They are not just reporters, they are frontline witnesses, abandoned as international media were pulled out and denied entry,” said CPJ regional director Sara Qudah.

    “The world must act now: protect them, feed them, and allow them to recover while other journalists step in to help report. Our response to their courageous 650 plus-days of war reporting cannot simply be to let them starve to death.”

    ‘Bearing witness’ videos
    Also, last week the CPJ launched a “bearing witness” series of videos from Gaza giving voice to the challenges the journalists have been facing. In the first video, Moath al Kahlout described how his cousin had been shot dead while awaiting humanitarian aid.

    As Israel partially eased its 11-week total blockade of Gaza that began in May, CPJ published the testimony of six journalists who described how “starvation, dizziness, brain fog, and sickness” had threatened their ability to report.

    Among highlights cited by the CPJ:
    • On June 20, Al Jazeera correspondent Anas Al Sharif — the journalist cited earlier in this article — posted online: “I am drowning in hunger, trembling in exhaustion, and resisting the fainting that follows me every moment . . .  Gaza is dying. And we die with it.”
    • Sally Thabet, correspondent for Al-Kofiya satellite channel, told CPJ that she fainted consciousness after doing a live broadcast on July 20 because she had not eaten all day. She regained consciousness in Al-Shifa hospital, where doctors gave her an intravenous drip for rehydration and nutrition. In an online video, she described how she and her three daughters were starving.
    • Another Palestinian journalist, Shuruq As’ad said Thabet had been the third journalist to collapse on air from starvation that week, and posted a photograph of Thabet with the drip in her hand.
    • During a live broadcast on July 20, Al-Araby TV correspondent Saleh Al-Natour said: “We have no choice but to write and speak; otherwise, we will all die.”

    Little of this horrendous state of affairs has made it onto the pages of newspapers, websites of the television screens in the New Zealand mainstream media which seems to have a pro-Israel slant and rarely interviews Palestinian journalists or analysts for balance.

    “Stop media complicity in genocide” says the protest banner in Washington DC. Image: AA screenshot APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Museveni’s Leadership Praised in the House

    Source: APO


    .

    Members of Parliament have backed a motion thanking President Yoweri Museveni for the State of the Nation Address, delivered to the House and country on June 5, 2025.

    Hon. Faith Nakut (NRM, Napak district) who moved the motion during the House sitting on Thursday, 31 July 2025, highlighted the President’s achievements, including support for small businesses and increased national revenue. Legislators including Hon. Dicksons Kateshumbwa (NRM, Sheema Municipality) and Hon. Jane Avur (NRM, Pakwach district), seconded the motion, citing economic growth, job creation, and macroeconomic stability.

    Annually, Parliament debates and passes a motion appreciating the President for the clear and precise exposition of government policy as contained in the address.

    The members praised the government’s initiatives, such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, for transforming lives and boosting the economy. The MPs also commended the President’s efforts in promoting women’s leadership and stabilizing fuel prices.

    “These interventions increased Ugandan participation in production and trade. More Ugandans are into business now,” Nakut said.

    She added that national revenue has grown from Shs5 billion in 1986 to Shs31.9 trillion, while electricity generation has increased from 156 to 2,052 megawatts. She also praised the stabilisation of fuel prices and investment in mineral processing, which she said had created jobs and boosted the economy.

    Hon. Dicksons Kateshumbwa (NRM, Sheema Municipality), highlighted the country’s economic growth.

    “In 1986, our economy was US$3.92 million. It is now projected to hit US$ 60.4 billion,” he said, noting that Uganda is expected to grow at 7 percent in the coming financial year.

    He credited the government’s wealth creation programmes such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and the Youth Livelihood Project for transforming lives.

    “Some people have touched a million shillings for the first time in their lives,” he said. On tourism, he cited growth in receipts from US$ 562 million in 2020 to US$ 1.4 billion in 2024, attributing the improvement to peace, infrastructure, and Uganda Airlines’ new international routes.

    Hon. Jane Avur (NRM, Pakwach District Woman Representative) also seconded the motion, commending the President for maintaining macroeconomic stability.

    “The Ugandan shilling has appreciated by 6.1 percent over the past year, and inflation is under control. Uganda has Africa’s second-lowest inflation rate over the past decade,” she said.

    Avur emphasised the importance of price stability, calling it a “crucial enabler of investment and economic predictability.”

    She also applauded export growth, noting a 26 percent increase to US$ 9.3 billion, and highlighted the impact on sectors like cosmetics, which employ over two million Ugandans, mostly women and youth.

    Speaker Anita Among welcomed the contributions, saying, “We have a stable economy. We have peace. And when you look at the development that is coming up, it is out of the exports and services that are creating jobs.”

    Hon. Hope Grania Nakazibwe (NRM, Mubende District) thanked the President for his role in promoting women’s leadership, noting that many women now hold key positions in government. “That came as a result of affirmative action,” she said, prompting applause from female MPs.

    Speaker Anita Among welcomed the contributions, emphasizing the importance of a stable economy and peace in driving development.

    The debate on the motion was deferred pending a statement in response to the President’s address from the Leader of Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President John Dramani Mahama Partakes in the 178th Independence Day Celebrations in Monrovia

    Source: APO


    .

    President John Dramani Mahama, on Saturday, joined President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the people of Liberia to celebrate their 178th Independence Day celebration in Monrovia. The event held at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia, Montserrado County, was attended by heads of states from the subregion including the Presidents of Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Guinea Bissau. There were also representatives of the governments of Cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Gambia. Liberia used the occasion to recognise ECOWAS member states that contributed troops to the multinational peacekeeping force, ECOMOG, which played a key role in ending the civil war as well as securing humanitarian corridors during the Liberian war. President Mahama received Ghana’s honour from the Liberian President on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces and the people of Ghana for the contribution of its gallant soldiers. President Boakai in a spirit of national reconciliation said Liberia must heal itself, unite for a common purpose and inspire all for a faster development of the country. He called on all his citizens to leverage on technology to transform Liberia. The celebration as on the theme “One people, one destiny, healing the past and building the future the ceremony reflected on the past, need for stock taking, reconciliation, a united national identity to rebuild a peaceful Liberia, endowed with rich natural resources”. The President was accompanied by the Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Lt. General William Agyapong and Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Stanislav Xoese Dogbe.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of Ghana in Liberia.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Introduces Bill to Ban Chinese and Iranian Nationals from Studying in the United States

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) is taking aggressive action to prevent students from countries that hate the U.S. from getting their foot in the door at American colleges and universities with his introduction of the Student Visa Integrity Act. Students from adversarial countries—such as China and Iran—would be prohibited from studying in the United States altogether. Senator Tuberville announced his new legislation on Mornings with Maria.

    “I was recently shocked to learn how many students from hostile countries like China and Iran are studying at our American universities—including in my home state of Alabama,” said Senator Tuberville. “We need to go on offense against countries who hate us and are desperate to try to take us down—as we saw with the violent, anti-American protests on our college campuses over the past few months. There is zero reason why we should be allowing students from countries that hate us to take the spot of a law-abiding American citizen at our elite colleges and universities. I’m proud to introduce the Student Visa Integrity Act to crack down on rampant abuse of student visas and to make our American Universities Prioritize Americans Again.”

    Complete text for the Student Visa Integrity Act can be found here. Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), Immigration Accountability Project, and Heritage Action endorsed Senator Tuberville’s legislation.

    “The Student Visa Integrity Act makes it clear: a student visa is a privilege, not a right.  Visas provide foreign nationals a special opportunity to study in the United States before returning home – not a free pass to exploit our laws or remain indefinitely in the country. FAIR is proud to support this bill and applauds Senator Tuberville for fighting to prevent student visa abuse, uphold our laws, and keep American communities safe,” said Joe Chatham, Director of Government Relations for FAIR.

    “The student visa program has been plagued with fraud and abuse for decades, and reforms are long overdue. The Student Visa Integrity Act of 2025 would help restore integrity to the program, ending open-ended ‘duration of status’ for foreign students, increasing penalties for program abuse, and closing significant national security loopholes exploited by our foreign adversaries. The Immigration Accountability Project is thankful to Senator Tuberville for introducing this vital effort,” said Grant Newman, Director of Government Relations for Immigration Accountability Project.

    “China and other adversarial countries pose a direct threat to the United States, our schools, educators, and our students. The Student Visa Integrity Act would protect American educational institutions from foreign influence. Heritage Action has worked tirelessly to promote legislation that protects our education system from destructive foreign adversaries. We are committed to this goal and applaud Senator Tuberville for introducing the Student Visa Integrity Act,” said Steve Chartan, Vice President of Government Relations for Heritage Action.

    BACKGROUND:

    Foreign students are currently tracked and monitored using the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This system was mandated by Congress after the 1993 World Trade Center Bombing where one of the people responsible was in the United States on an expired student visa. The system was finally implemented in 2003 and has received minimal updates since.

    Recent data shows that approximately 1.5 million international students are studying in the United States using F-1 or M-1 visas, which is more than DOUBLE the amount in 2012. Data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security also showed that during Fiscal Year 2023, an estimated 50,000 student or exchange visitor visa holders overstayed the completion of their program.

    The Student Visa Integrity Act would: 

    • Prohibit citizens from adversarial countries from studying in the U.S.
    • Require schools to disclose any dealings with the Chinese government
    • Prohibit foreign students from transferring schools or changing their major/program of study
    • Increase penalties for schools and officials found engaging in visa fraud by making convicted offenders eligible for prison time or to be disqualified from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program altogether
    • Require that foreign students have a definitive end date to prevent visa overstays and also require in-person interviews for some foreign students


    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Iranian president says country is on brink of dire water crisis

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian warned against excessive water consumption which he said was untenable for the country and could leave Tehran facing severe shortages by September, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Thursday.

    Faced with resource mismanagement and over-consumption, Iran has faced recurrent electricity, gas and water shortages during peak demand months.

    “In Tehran, if we cannot manage and people do not cooperate in controlling consumption, there won’t be any water in dams by September or October,” Pezeshkian said on Thursday.

    The country has faced drought conditions for the last five years according to the director of the Environmental Protection Organisation Sheena Ansari and the Meteorological Organisation recorded a 40% drop in rainfall over the last four months compared to a long-term average.

    “Neglecting sustainable development has led to the fact that we are now facing numerous environmental problems like water stress,” Ansari told state media on Thursday.

    Excessive water consumption represents a major challenge for water management in Iran, with the head of Tehran province’s water and wastewater company Mohsen Ardakani telling Mehr news agency that 70% of Tehran residents consume more than the standard 130 litres a day.

    Natural resource management has been a chronic challenge for authorities, whether it is natural gas consumption or water use, as solutions require major reforms, notably in the agricultural sector which represents as much as 80% of water consumption.

    On Wednesday, Pezeshkian rejected a government proposal to impose a day-off on Wednesdays or having a one-week holiday during the summer, saying that “closing down is a cover-up and not a solution to the water shortage problem”.

    In the summer of 2021, protests took place against water shortages in southwestern Iran.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Cricket’s great global divide: elite schools still shape the sport

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Habib Noorbhai, Professor (Health & Sports Science), University of Johannesburg

    If you were to walk through the corridors of some of the world’s leading cricket schools, you might hear the crack of leather on willow long before the bell for the end of the day rings.

    Across the cricketing world, elite schools have served as key feeder systems to national teams for decades. They provide young players with superior training facilities, high-level coaching and competitive playing opportunities.

    This tradition has served as cricket’s most dependable talent pipeline. But is it a strength or a symptom of exclusion?

    My recent study examined the school backgrounds of 1,080 elite men’s cricketers across eight countries over a 30-year period. It uncovered telling patterns.

    Read more: Cricket: children are the key to the future of the game, not broadcast rights

    Top elite cricket countries such as South Africa, England and Australia continue to draw heavily from private education systems. In these nations, cricket success seems almost tied to one’s school uniform.

    I argue that if cricket boards want to promote equity and competitiveness, they will need to broaden the talent search by investing in grassroots cricket infrastructure in under-resourced areas.

    For cricket to be a sport that anyone with talent can succeed in, there will need to be more school leagues and entry-level tournaments as well as targeted investment in community-based hubs and non-elite school zones.

    Findings

    South Africa is a case in point. My previous study in 2020 outlined that more than half of its national players at One-Day International (ODI) World Cups came from boys-only schools (mostly private).

    These schools are often well-resourced, with turf wickets, expert coaches and an embedded culture of competition. Unsurprisingly, the same schools tend to produce a high number of national team batters, as they offer longer game formats and better playing surfaces. Cricket’s colonial origins have influenced the structure and culture of school cricket being tied to a form of privilege.

    Read more: Elite boys’ schools still shape South Africa’s national cricket team

    In Australia and England, the story is not very different. Despite their efforts to diversify player sourcing, private schools still dominate. Even in cricketing nations that celebrate working-class grit, such as Australia, private school players continue to shape elite squads.

    The statistics say as much; for example: about 44% of Australian Ashes test series players since 2010 attended private schools, and for England, the figure is 45%. That’s not grassroots, it could be regarded as gated turf…

    Proportion of elite male cricketers by school type. Habib Noorbhai

    Yet not all countries follow this route. The West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka reflect very different models. Club cricket, informal play and community academies provide their players with opportunities to rise. These countries have lower reliance on private schools. Some of their finest players emerged from modest public schooling or neighbourhood cricketing networks.

    India provides an interesting hybrid. Although elite schools such as St. Xavier’s and Modern School contribute players, most national stars emerge from public institutions or small-town academies. The explosion of the Indian Premier League since 2008 has also democratised access, pulling in talent from previously overlooked and underdeveloped cities.

    In these regions, scouting is based on potential, not privilege.

    So why does this matter?

    At first glance, elite schools producing elite cricketers might appear logical. These institutions have the resources to nurture talent. But scratch beneath the surface and troubling questions appear.

    Are national teams truly reflecting their countries? Or are they simply echo chambers of social advantage?

    Read more: Cricket inequalities in England and Wales are untenable – our report shows how to rejuvenate the game

    In South Africa, almost every Black African cricketer to represent the country has come through a private school (often on scholarship). That suggests that talent without access remains potentially invisible. It also places unfair pressure on the few who make it through, as if they carry the hopes of entire communities.

    I found that in England, some county systems have started integrating players from state schools, but progress is slow. In New Zealand, where cricket is less centralised around private institutions, regional hubs and public schools have had more success in spreading opportunities. However, even there, Māori and Pasifika players remain underrepresented in elite squads.

    Four steps that can be taken

    1. One solution lies in recognising that schools don’t have a monopoly on talent. Cricket boards must increase investment in grassroots infrastructure, particularly in under-resourced areas. Setting up community hubs, supporting school-club partnerships and more regional competitions could discover hidden talent.

    2. Another step is to improve the visibility and reach of scouting networks. Too often, selection favours players from known institutions. By diversifying trial formats and leveraging technology (such as video submissions or performance-tracking apps), selectors can widen their net. It’s already happening in India, where IPL scouts visit the most unlikely of places.

    3. Coaching is another stumbling block. In many countries, high-level coaches are clustered in elite schools. National boards should consider optimising salaries as well as rotating certified coaches into public schools and regional academies. They should also ensure coaches are developed to be equipped to work with diverse learners and conditions.

    4. Technology offers other exciting possibilities too. Virtual simulations, motion tracking and AI-assisted video reviews are now common in high-performance centres. Making simplified versions available to lower-income schools could level the playing field. Imagine a township bowler in South Africa learning to analyse their technique using only a smartphone and a free app?

    Fairness in sport

    The conversation about schools and cricket is not just about numbers or stats. It is about fairness. Sport should be the great leveller, not another mechanism of exclusion. If cricket is to thrive, it needs to look beyond scoreboards and trophies. It must ask who gets to play and who never gets seen?

    Read more: Why is cricket so popular on the Indian sub-continent?

    A batter from a village school in India, a wicket-keeper from a government school in Sri Lanka or a fast bowler in a South African township; each deserves the chance to be part of the national story. Cricket boards, policymakers and educators must work together to make that possible.

    The game will only grow when it welcomes players from all walks of life. That requires more than scholarships. It requires a reset of how we think about talent. Because the next cricket superstar may not wear a crest on their blazer. They may wear resilience on their sleeve.

    – Cricket’s great global divide: elite schools still shape the sport
    – https://theconversation.com/crickets-great-global-divide-elite-schools-still-shape-the-sport-261709

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The African activists who challenged colonial-era slavery in Lagos and the Gold Coast

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Michael E Odijie, Associate Professor, University of Oxford

    When historians and the public think about the end of domestic slavery in west Africa, they often imagine colonial governors issuing decrees and missionaries working to end local traffic in enslaved people.

    Two of my recent publications tell another part of the story. I am a historian of west Africa, and over the past five years, I have been researching anti-slavery ideas and networks in the region as part of a wider research project.

    My research reveals that colonial administrations continued to allow domestic slavery in practice and that African activists fought this.

    In one study I focused on Francis P. Fearon, a trader based in Accra, the Ghanaian capital. He exposed pro-slavery within the colonial government through numerous letters written in the 1890s (when the colony was known as the Gold Coast).

    In another study I examined the Lagos Auxiliary, a coalition of lawyers, journalists and clergy in Nigeria. Their campaigning secured the repeal of Nigeria’s notorious Native House Rule Ordinance in 1914. That ordinance had been enacted by the colonial government to maintain local slavery in the Niger Delta region.

    Considered together, the two studies demonstrate how local campaigners used letters, print culture, imperial pressure points and personal networks to oppose practices that had kept thousands of Africans in bondage.

    The methods Fearon and the Lagos Auxiliary pioneered still matter because they show how marginalised communities can compel power‑holders to close the gap between laws and lived reality. They remind us that well‑documented local testimony, amplified trans-nationally, can still overturn official narratives, compel policy change, and keep institutions honest.

    Colonial ‘abolition’ that wasn’t

    West Africa was a major source of enslaved people during the transatlantic slave trade. The transatlantic trade was suppressed in the early 19th century, but this did not bring an end to domestic slavery.

    One of the principal rationales for colonisation in west Africa was the eradication of domestic slavery.

    Accordingly, when the Gold Coast was formally annexed as a British colony in 1874, the imperial government declared slave dealing illegal. And slave-dealing was criminalised across southern Nigeria in 1901. On paper these measures promised freedom, but in practice loopholes empowered slave-holders, chiefs and colonial officials who continued to demand coerced labour.

    On the Gold Coast, the 1874 abolition law was never enforced. The British governor informed slave-owners that they might retain enslaved persons provided those individuals did not complain. By 1890, child slavery had become widespread in towns such as Accra. According to the local campaigners, it was even sanctioned by the colonial governor. This led to some Africans uniting to establish a network to oppose it.

    The Niger Delta region of Nigeria had a similar experience. The colonial administration enacted the Native House Rule Ordinance to counteract the effects of the Slave-Dealing Proclamation of 1901 which criminalised slave dealing with a penalty of seven years’ imprisonment for offenders. The Native House Rule Ordinance required every African to belong to a “House” under a designated head. It went on to criminalise any person who attempted to leave their “House”. In the Niger Delta kingdoms such as Bonny, Kalabari and Okrika, the word “House” never referred to a single dwelling. Rather, it denoted a self-perpetuating, named corporation of relatives, dependants and slaves under a chief, which owned property and spoke with one voice. By the 1900s, “Houses” had become the primary units through which slave ownership was organised.

    Therefore, the Native House Rule Ordinance compelled enslaved people in Houses to remain with their masters. The masters were empowered to use colonial authority to discipline them. District commissioners executed arrest warrants against runaways. In exchange, the House heads and local chiefs supplied the colonial administration with unpaid labour for public works.

    African campaigners in Accra and Lagos organised to challenge what they perceived as the British colonial state’s support for slavery.

    Fearon: an undercover abolitionist in Accra

    Francis Fearon was an educated African, active in the Accra scene during the second half of the 19th century. He was highly literate and part of elite circles. He was closely associated with the journalist Edmund Bannerman. He regularly wrote to local newspapers, often expressing concerns about racism against Black people and moral decay.

    On 24 June 1890, Fearon sent a 63-page letter, with ten appendices, to the Aborigines’ Protection Society in London. That dossier would form the basis of several further communications. He alleged that child trafficking continued.

    As evidence, he transcribed the confidential court register of Accra and claimed that Governor W. B. Griffith had instructed convicted slave-owners to recover their “property”.

    Fearon’s tactics were audacious. He remained anonymous, relied on court clerks for documents, and supplied the Aborigines’ Protection Society with evidence. He pleaded with the society to investigate the colonial administration in the Gold Coast.

    Although the society publicised the scandal, subsequent narratives quietly effaced the African source.

    Lagos elites organise – and name the problem

    Like Fearon, Nigerian campaigners also wrote to the Anti-Slavery and Aborigines’ Protection Society. They denounced the colonial government in Nigeria for promoting slavery, but they did not remain anonymous.

    By this time, the Native House Rule Ordinance had prompted some enslaved people to flee the districts in which it was enforced. They sought refuge in Lagos. Through these arrivals, Lagosian elites learned of the ordinance. They unleashed a vigorous campaign against the colonial state.

    The principal figures in this movement included Christopher Sapara Williams, a barrister, and James Bright Davies, editor of The Nigerian Times. Others included politician Herbert Macaulay, Herbert Pearse, a prominent merchant, Bishop James Johnson and the Reverend Mojola Agbebi. Unlike Fearon’s lone-wolf strategy, they mounted a coordinated assault on the colonial administration. They drafted petitions, briefed sympathetic European organisations, and inundated local newspapers with commentary.

    Their arguments blended humanitarian indignation with constitutional acumen. They insisted that the ordinance contravened both British liberal ideals and African custom.

    After years of pressure the law was amended and then quietly repealed in 1914.

    Why these stories matter now

    Contemporary scholarship on abolition is gradually shifting from asking “what Britain did for Africa” to examining the role Africans played in ending slavery.

    Many African abolitionists who fought and lost their lives in the struggle against slavery have long gone unacknowledged. This is beginning to change.

    The two articles discussed here highlight the creativity of Africans who, decades before radio or civil-rights NGOs, used transatlantic information circuits. They exposed colonial governments that continued to rely on forced-labour economies long after slavery was supposed to have ended.

    They remind us that grassroots documentation can overturn official narratives. Evidence-based advocacy, coalition-building, and the strategic use of global media remain potent instruments.

    – The African activists who challenged colonial-era slavery in Lagos and the Gold Coast
    – https://theconversation.com/the-african-activists-who-challenged-colonial-era-slavery-in-lagos-and-the-gold-coast-261089

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The African activists who challenged colonial-era slavery in Lagos and the Gold Coast

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Michael E Odijie, Associate Professor, University of Oxford

    When historians and the public think about the end of domestic slavery in west Africa, they often imagine colonial governors issuing decrees and missionaries working to end local traffic in enslaved people.

    Two of my recent publications tell another part of the story. I am a historian of west Africa, and over the past five years, I have been researching anti-slavery ideas and networks in the region as part of a wider research project.

    My research reveals that colonial administrations continued to allow domestic slavery in practice and that African activists fought this.

    In one study I focused on Francis P. Fearon, a trader based in Accra, the Ghanaian capital. He exposed pro-slavery within the colonial government through numerous letters written in the 1890s (when the colony was known as the Gold Coast).

    In another study I examined the Lagos Auxiliary, a coalition of lawyers, journalists and clergy in Nigeria. Their campaigning secured the repeal of Nigeria’s notorious Native House Rule Ordinance in 1914. That ordinance had been enacted by the colonial government to maintain local slavery in the Niger Delta region.

    Considered together, the two studies demonstrate how local campaigners used letters, print culture, imperial pressure points and personal networks to oppose practices that had kept thousands of Africans in bondage.

    The methods Fearon and the Lagos Auxiliary pioneered still matter because they show how marginalised communities can compel power‑holders to close the gap between laws and lived reality. They remind us that well‑documented local testimony, amplified trans-nationally, can still overturn official narratives, compel policy change, and keep institutions honest.

    Colonial ‘abolition’ that wasn’t

    West Africa was a major source of enslaved people during the transatlantic slave trade. The transatlantic trade was suppressed in the early 19th century, but this did not bring an end to domestic slavery.

    One of the principal rationales for colonisation in west Africa was the eradication of domestic slavery.

    Accordingly, when the Gold Coast was formally annexed as a British colony in 1874, the imperial government declared slave dealing illegal. And slave-dealing was criminalised across southern Nigeria in 1901. On paper these measures promised freedom, but in practice loopholes empowered slave-holders, chiefs and colonial officials who continued to demand coerced labour.

    On the Gold Coast, the 1874 abolition law was never enforced. The British governor informed slave-owners that they might retain enslaved persons provided those individuals did not complain. By 1890, child slavery had become widespread in towns such as Accra. According to the local campaigners, it was even sanctioned by the colonial governor. This led to some Africans uniting to establish a network to oppose it.

    The Niger Delta region of Nigeria had a similar experience. The colonial administration enacted the Native House Rule Ordinance to counteract the effects of the Slave-Dealing Proclamation of 1901 which criminalised slave dealing with a penalty of seven years’ imprisonment for offenders. The Native House Rule Ordinance required every African to belong to a “House” under a designated head. It went on to criminalise any person who attempted to leave their “House”. In the Niger Delta kingdoms such as Bonny, Kalabari and Okrika, the word “House” never referred to a single dwelling. Rather, it denoted a self-perpetuating, named corporation of relatives, dependants and slaves under a chief, which owned property and spoke with one voice. By the 1900s, “Houses” had become the primary units through which slave ownership was organised.

    Therefore, the Native House Rule Ordinance compelled enslaved people in Houses to remain with their masters. The masters were empowered to use colonial authority to discipline them. District commissioners executed arrest warrants against runaways. In exchange, the House heads and local chiefs supplied the colonial administration with unpaid labour for public works.

    African campaigners in Accra and Lagos organised to challenge what they perceived as the British colonial state’s support for slavery.

    Fearon: an undercover abolitionist in Accra

    Francis Fearon was an educated African, active in the Accra scene during the second half of the 19th century. He was highly literate and part of elite circles. He was closely associated with the journalist Edmund Bannerman. He regularly wrote to local newspapers, often expressing concerns about racism against Black people and moral decay.

    On 24 June 1890, Fearon sent a 63-page letter, with ten appendices, to the Aborigines’ Protection Society in London. That dossier would form the basis of several further communications. He alleged that child trafficking continued.

    As evidence, he transcribed the confidential court register of Accra and claimed that Governor W. B. Griffith had instructed convicted slave-owners to recover their “property”.

    Fearon’s tactics were audacious. He remained anonymous, relied on court clerks for documents, and supplied the Aborigines’ Protection Society with evidence. He pleaded with the society to investigate the colonial administration in the Gold Coast.

    Although the society publicised the scandal, subsequent narratives quietly effaced the African source.

    Lagos elites organise – and name the problem

    Like Fearon, Nigerian campaigners also wrote to the Anti-Slavery and Aborigines’ Protection Society. They denounced the colonial government in Nigeria for promoting slavery, but they did not remain anonymous.

    By this time, the Native House Rule Ordinance had prompted some enslaved people to flee the districts in which it was enforced. They sought refuge in Lagos. Through these arrivals, Lagosian elites learned of the ordinance. They unleashed a vigorous campaign against the colonial state.

    The principal figures in this movement included Christopher Sapara Williams, a barrister, and James Bright Davies, editor of The Nigerian Times. Others included politician Herbert Macaulay, Herbert Pearse, a prominent merchant, Bishop James Johnson and the Reverend Mojola Agbebi. Unlike Fearon’s lone-wolf strategy, they mounted a coordinated assault on the colonial administration. They drafted petitions, briefed sympathetic European organisations, and inundated local newspapers with commentary.

    Their arguments blended humanitarian indignation with constitutional acumen. They insisted that the ordinance contravened both British liberal ideals and African custom.

    After years of pressure the law was amended and then quietly repealed in 1914.

    Why these stories matter now

    Contemporary scholarship on abolition is gradually shifting from asking “what Britain did for Africa” to examining the role Africans played in ending slavery.

    Many African abolitionists who fought and lost their lives in the struggle against slavery have long gone unacknowledged. This is beginning to change.

    The two articles discussed here highlight the creativity of Africans who, decades before radio or civil-rights NGOs, used transatlantic information circuits. They exposed colonial governments that continued to rely on forced-labour economies long after slavery was supposed to have ended.

    They remind us that grassroots documentation can overturn official narratives. Evidence-based advocacy, coalition-building, and the strategic use of global media remain potent instruments.

    Research for these articles was funded by the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No. 885418).

    – ref. The African activists who challenged colonial-era slavery in Lagos and the Gold Coast – https://theconversation.com/the-african-activists-who-challenged-colonial-era-slavery-in-lagos-and-the-gold-coast-261089

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Cricket’s great global divide: elite schools still shape the sport

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Habib Noorbhai, Professor (Health & Sports Science), University of Johannesburg

    If you were to walk through the corridors of some of the world’s leading cricket schools, you might hear the crack of leather on willow long before the bell for the end of the day rings.

    Across the cricketing world, elite schools have served as key feeder systems to national teams for decades. They provide young players with superior training facilities, high-level coaching and competitive playing opportunities.

    This tradition has served as cricket’s most dependable talent pipeline. But is it a strength or a symptom of exclusion?

    My recent study examined the school backgrounds of 1,080 elite men’s cricketers across eight countries over a 30-year period. It uncovered telling patterns.



    Read more:
    Cricket: children are the key to the future of the game, not broadcast rights

    Top elite cricket countries such as South Africa, England and Australia continue to draw heavily from private education systems. In these nations, cricket success seems almost tied to one’s school uniform.

    I argue that if cricket boards want to promote equity and competitiveness, they will need to broaden the talent search by investing in grassroots cricket infrastructure in under-resourced areas.

    For cricket to be a sport that anyone with talent can succeed in, there will need to be more school leagues and entry-level tournaments as well as targeted investment in community-based hubs and non-elite school zones.

    Findings

    South Africa is a case in point. My previous study in 2020 outlined that more than half of its national players at One-Day International (ODI) World Cups came from boys-only schools (mostly private).

    These schools are often well-resourced, with turf wickets, expert coaches and an embedded culture of competition. Unsurprisingly, the same schools tend to produce a high number of national team batters, as they offer longer game formats and better playing surfaces. Cricket’s colonial origins have influenced the structure and culture of school cricket being tied to a form of privilege.



    Read more:
    Elite boys’ schools still shape South Africa’s national cricket team

    In Australia and England, the story is not very different. Despite their efforts to diversify player sourcing, private schools still dominate. Even in cricketing nations that celebrate working-class grit, such as Australia, private school players continue to shape elite squads.

    The statistics say as much; for example: about 44% of Australian Ashes test series players since 2010 attended private schools, and for England, the figure is 45%. That’s not grassroots, it could be regarded as gated turf…

    Yet not all countries follow this route. The West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka reflect very different models. Club cricket, informal play and community academies provide their players with opportunities to rise. These countries have lower reliance on private schools. Some of their finest players emerged from modest public schooling or neighbourhood cricketing networks.

    India provides an interesting hybrid. Although elite schools such as St. Xavier’s and Modern School contribute players, most national stars emerge from public institutions or small-town academies. The explosion of the Indian Premier League since 2008 has also democratised access, pulling in talent from previously overlooked and underdeveloped cities.

    In these regions, scouting is based on potential, not privilege.

    So why does this matter?

    At first glance, elite schools producing elite cricketers might appear logical. These institutions have the resources to nurture talent. But scratch beneath the surface and troubling questions appear.

    Are national teams truly reflecting their countries? Or are they simply echo chambers of social advantage?



    Read more:
    Cricket inequalities in England and Wales are untenable – our report shows how to rejuvenate the game

    In South Africa, almost every Black African cricketer to represent the country has come through a private school (often on scholarship). That suggests that talent without access remains potentially invisible. It also places unfair pressure on the few who make it through, as if they carry the hopes of entire communities.

    I found that in England, some county systems have started integrating players from state schools, but progress is slow. In New Zealand, where cricket is less centralised around private institutions, regional hubs and public schools have had more success in spreading opportunities. However, even there, Māori and Pasifika players remain underrepresented in elite squads.

    Four steps that can be taken

    1. One solution lies in recognising that schools don’t have a monopoly on talent. Cricket boards must increase investment in grassroots infrastructure, particularly in under-resourced areas. Setting up community hubs, supporting school-club partnerships and more regional competitions could discover hidden talent.

    2. Another step is to improve the visibility and reach of scouting networks. Too often, selection favours players from known institutions. By diversifying trial formats and leveraging technology (such as video submissions or performance-tracking apps), selectors can widen their net. It’s already happening in India, where IPL scouts visit the most unlikely of places.

    3. Coaching is another stumbling block. In many countries, high-level coaches are clustered in elite schools. National boards should consider optimising salaries as well as rotating certified coaches into public schools and regional academies. They should also ensure coaches are developed to be equipped to work with diverse learners and conditions.

    4. Technology offers other exciting possibilities too. Virtual simulations, motion tracking and AI-assisted video reviews are now common in high-performance centres. Making simplified versions available to lower-income schools could level the playing field. Imagine a township bowler in South Africa learning to analyse their technique using only a smartphone and a free app?

    Fairness in sport

    The conversation about schools and cricket is not just about numbers or stats. It is about fairness. Sport should be the great leveller, not another mechanism of exclusion. If cricket is to thrive, it needs to look beyond scoreboards and trophies. It must ask who gets to play and who never gets seen?



    Read more:
    Why is cricket so popular on the Indian sub-continent?

    A batter from a village school in India, a wicket-keeper from a government school in Sri Lanka or a fast bowler in a South African township; each deserves the chance to be part of the national story. Cricket boards, policymakers and educators must work together to make that possible.

    The game will only grow when it welcomes players from all walks of life. That requires more than scholarships. It requires a reset of how we think about talent. Because the next cricket superstar may not wear a crest on their blazer. They may wear resilience on their sleeve.

    Habib Noorbhai 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. Cricket’s great global divide: elite schools still shape the sport – https://theconversation.com/crickets-great-global-divide-elite-schools-still-shape-the-sport-261709

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Speed camera trial for Victoria Road

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A speed enforcement camera is to be trialled on Victoria Road in St Budeaux, following concerns raised by local residents and ward councillors.

    The static camera, which will be installed near the tennis club and play area, will be used to enforce the existing 30mph speed limit in both directions over a six-month period.

    It is one of two being loaned free of charge to Devon and Cornwall Police by a new supplier on a temporary basis to test their operation.

    Victoria Road has been chosen as a suitable site to deploy one of the cameras as it has seen a number of collisions in recent years, some involving serious and fatal injuries and residents have been pressing the Council to introduce measures to tackle speeding and improve safety.

    It is hoped the camera will encourage greater speed limit compliance, as well as help reduce traffic noise along this busy route.

    Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “Victoria Road is part of our major road network and runs through a densely populated residential area. There have been a number of collisions there in recent years, some of which were speed-related and some that have resulted in fatalities.

    “Local residents have been raising their concerns about speeding traffic for some time and we are pleased to have been given the opportunity to trial this camera enforcement free of charge. I hope it helps to remind drivers of the limit in place and deter the more deliberate ‘racing’ we often see along this road.”

    The camera is expected to installed next week and will be fixed to a lamp column that will have yellow reflective banding. There will be warning signs on both approaches and it will operate in the same way as other standard speed cameras across the city (not as an average speed camera).

    If the trial is successful the police hope to purchase the camera, which will then remain on Victoria Road.

    The Council does not make any money from speed camera fines. Once police operating costs are met, any surplus from fines goes to Vision Zero and, by law, has to go into road safety measures.

    Vision Zero brings together local councils, emergency services, health trusts, National Highways, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety. Its vision is to cut the number of deaths and serious injuries to zero.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Penalty issued for breach of Russia Sanctions

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Penalty issued for breach of Russia Sanctions

    The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has imposed a £300,000 monetary penalty against Markom Management Limited (MML)

    The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has imposed a £300,000 monetary penalty against Markom Management Limited (MML) for a breach of UK financial sanctions imposed against Russia following the 2014 annexation of Crimea.

    The breach relates to MML’s involvement in the making of a payment of £416,590.92 to a designated person, who remains subject to an asset freeze under current Russia sanctions. This payment was in breach of the UK sanctions in force at the time in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

    MML gave instructions to make the payment from another company’s bank account with the knowledge that the recipient was a designated person, showing a disregard for proper sanctions and failure to have in place adequate compliance and controls procedures.

    As a result of this breach, OFSI imposed a penalty of £300,000 on MML.

    The imposition of this penalty highlights some key lessons for industry. All firms, regardless of their size, should take appropriate steps to understand and address their exposure to sanctions risks; have adequate sanctions processes to ensure compliance including to promptly identify as well as report suspected breaches of financial sanctions to OFSI; and be alert to the risks of making payments in haste. 

    The UK considers financial sanctions to be a vital foreign policy tool. They remain central to the UK’s efforts to hold Russia to account, place Ukraine on the strongest footing possible, and deter malign activity around the world.

    To date western sanctions have resulted in Russia’s oil and gas revenues falling every year since 2022 – losing over a third of its value in three years. Sanctions and the cost of Putin’s barbaric war are causing the Russian economy to stall – with the wealth fund hollowed out, inflation rising and government spend on defence and security spiralling.  

    This case is the latest in a series of monetary penalties announced over the past year. The UK will continue to prioritise sanctions enforcement, through public actions, such as monetary penalties, as well as actions which are not made public, such as warning letters and referrals to partner agencies and regulators.

    On the 22 July, OFSI launched a consultation on proposed changes aiming to improve the effectiveness of its enforcement processes. These proposals, if implemented, will double the value of penalties for the worst sanctions breaches, and potentially speed up the resolution of certain penalty cases.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian and Syrian Foreign Ministers Discuss Bilateral Relations

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 31 /Xinhua/ — Moscow and Damascus discussed bilateral relations and agreed to maintain regular political dialogue, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani.

    “During the conversation, issues of developing Russian-Syrian relations were discussed, including maintaining regular political dialogue and establishing bilateral practical cooperation in various areas,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on the agency’s website.

    The Russian side “emphasized the importance of resolving all problems on the domestic agenda by the Syrians themselves through a broad dialogue aimed at strengthening civil peace and national harmony, ensuring the protection of rights and taking into account the interests of all representatives of the multi-confessional Syrian society.”

    During the talks, as noted in the statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry, “a common position was expressed in favor of intensifying collective efforts in the interests of achieving sustainable stabilization of the situation” in the Middle East and North Africa.

    At a joint press conference following the talks, S. Lavrov said that the parties had agreed to conduct an “inventory of all existing agreements.” According to him, this process should be put on a regular basis. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul Calls to End Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

    Source: US State of New York

    ??The arrival of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Israel today must serve as a turning point for the crisis in Gaza. The reports that continue to emerge are harrowing, and I am calling for Israel to work with the United States and the international community to immediately ensure sustained humanitarian aid can reach civilians. Allowing innocent children to starve to death is simply unconscionable, and as a mother, my heart is broken by these images of famine.

    “I have always been a strong supporter of Israel. I visited Kfar Aza in the immediate aftermath of October 7th, mourned with families who had lost loved ones to the attacks by Hamas, and in the more than 600 days since, I have continued to advocate for the release of all hostages.

    “But support for the people of Israel also requires us to demand that the Israeli government do what is right. At the same time, we must continue to demand that Hamas release all hostages and finally bring an end to this conflict. This humanitarian crisis has gone on for too long, and it is time to secure a lasting peace that protects the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul Calls on DHS to Release UASI Funding

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul issued a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanding the release of funding for the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) through the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) following Monday evening’s mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan.

    UASI funding is critical to building intelligence analysis capacity within the NYPD, enabling surge capacity when new threats are identified, and allowing the NYPD to provide federal law enforcement partners with intelligence collection and analysis capacity during large National Special Security events. UASI also supports a wide array of security initiatives conducted by law enforcement and public safety agencies throughout Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk Counties

    Eliminating this funding — which totaled more than $156.1 million for New York in 2024 — would make New Yorkers less safe at a time when New York City remains a high-level target for acts of targeted violence. New York City, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, City of Yonkers, and Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties all received awards through this funding.

    The full text of the letter is below:

    Dear Secretary Noem:

    As Governor, my top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe. For decades, New York has partnered with the federal government, your agency specifically, to resource homeland security and counter terrorism efforts in New York City and across New York State.

    On Monday, it was once again apparent that New York City remains a high-level target for acts of targeted violence. Four New Yorkers lost their lives, including an NYPD officer, in Midtown Manhattan. The assailant responsible traveled from Nevada all the way to our nation’s largest metropolis to commit this heinous act.

    Your Department has long recognized that densely populated urban areas constitute a specific and unique target for acts of terrorism and targeted violence, and that there are unique needs and challenges to securing them safely. However, under your watch the Department of Homeland Security has failed to release the funding for the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).

    We know from public reporting that Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson sent a memo to the White House that you approved recommending the elimination of UASI. In that memo, the Acting Administrator admitted that eliminating this funding would result in “a less secure nation, especially at the border and in some of the nation’s most targeted cities, including Miami, Washington DC, and Dallas…”. New York City is this nation’s most targeted city when it comes to terrorism threats.

    Eliminating this funding — which totaled more than $553 million in 2024, $156.1 million of which went to New York — would make New Yorkers less safe, hamstring the NYPD’s efforts to confront terrorist threats, and reduce intelligence information sharing across local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. This funding has been critical to building intelligence analysis capacity within the NYPD, enabling surge capacity when new threats are identified, and allowing the NYPD to provide federal law enforcement partners with intelligence collection and analysis capacity during large National Special Security events — all goals that until recently we were confident our federal partners shared with us.

    On Monday, the same day as the latest targeted attack, your agency released several homeland security preparedness grants that we had expected to receive in May. However, you failed to also release UASI — the grant specifically designed to protect the nation’s highest urban terrorist targets.

    Further delays in the release of UASI will degrade our nation’s ability to protect our urban centers including our ability to keep New Yorkers safe. I urge you to fulfill your duty to protect all Americans and to release UASI funding immediately.

    Sincerely,
    Governor Kathy Hochul

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CISA Announces Release of Thorium for Malware Analysis

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON –Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with Sandia National Laboratories, released Thorium, an automated, scalable malware and forensic analysis platform that can integrate commercial, custom and open-source analysis tools and enable cyber defenders to quickly assess malware threats and index forensic analysis results into a unified platform.  

    Advanced persistent threats using malware continue to increase in volume and complexity. The analysis of malware and forensics must be done accurately and quickly to enable organizations to defend their networks. However, malware analysts across government, public and private sectors are challenged with vast amounts of malware and managing a long list of malware analysis tools with specific capabilities and not enough time & resources to effectively analyze the threat.  

    Thorium allows cyber defenders to integrate their preferred tools into a single platform that orchestrates customized & automated analysis workflows at scale, analyze large amounts of malware quickly, and to add & remove tools quickly as malware threats evolve. Thorium is configured to ingest over 10 million files per hour per permission group and schedule over 1,700 jobs per second, while maintaining a fast results query.  

    “The Thorium framework underscores CISA’s focus and commitment to provide valuable services and resources at scale that help government and critical infrastructure protect against cyber threats and strengthen their cybersecurity. By publicly sharing this platform, we empower the broader cybersecurity community to orchestrate the use of advanced tools for malware and forensic analysis,” said CISA Associate Director for Threat Hunting Jermaine Roebuck. “With our partners at Sandia National Laboratories, we are enabling analysts nationwide to contribute insights and benefit from shared knowledge. Scalable analysis of binaries as well as other digital artifacts further enables cybersecurity analysts to understand and address vulnerabilities in benign software.” 

    Cybersecurity teams with frequent file analysis workflows can use Thorium to:  

    • Integrate command-line tools as docker images (free and open-source software, commercial off-the-shelf, custom, etc.). With additional configuration, integrate virtual machine and bare-metal tools.
    • Filter tool results using tags and full-text search.
    • Control how submissions, tools, and results are accessible by using strict group-based permissions.
    • Scale with hardware using the power of Kubernetes and ScyllaDB to meet workload requirements.
    • Import and export tools for ease of sharing across cyber defense teams.    

    For more information and installation instructions, visit Thorium on CISA.gov. For more cybersecurity services offered by CISA, visit Free Cybersecurity Services & Tools.

    ###

    About CISA 

    As the nation’s cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.

    Visit CISA.gov for more information and follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Coface SA: Coface confirms its good start to the year and continues its strategic investments. Annualised return on tangible equity at 12.6%

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Coface confirms its good start to the year and continues its strategic investments. Annualised return on tangible equity at 12.6%

    Paris, 31 July 2025 – 5.35 p.m.

    • Turnover: €937m, up +2.3% at constant FX and perimeter
      • Trade Credit Insurance revenue up +1.7%; client activity up +1.8%
      • Client retention back up at near-record (94.0% vs. 92.8% in H1-24); pricing remained negative
        (-1.6%), in line with historical trends
      • Business Information growing again double-digit (+14.7% at constant FX); Debt Collection up +35.0%; Factoring down slightly by -1.5% due to lower interest rates
    • Net loss ratio at 40.1%, up 5.1 ppts; net combined ratio at 71.3%, up 7.9 ppts
      • Gross loss ratio at 37.8%, up 5.3 ppts year-on-year but improving slightly in Q2-25 relative to the previous quarter, showing good risk control
      • Net cost ratio up 2.8 ppts at 31.2%, reflecting past inflation as well as continued investments
    • Coface continues to strengthen its credit insurance business and is rolling out its data strategy:
      • Strengthening governance with the appointment of Joerg Diewald as Director of Information Services and Partnerships and Thibault Surer as head of a new technology division focused on data, connectivity and product innovation
      • Creation of a new Lloyd’s syndicate allowing Coface to offer AA solutions to its clients
      • Acquisition of Cedar Rose and Novertur International
    • Net income (Group share) at €124.2m, down 12.7% compared with the record set in H1-24. Annualised RoATE1at 12.6%
    • Estimated solvency ratio of 195%2, above the target range (155% – 175%)

    Unless otherwise indicated, changes are expressed by comparison with the results as at 30 June 2024.

    Commenting, Xavier Durand, CEO of Coface, said:
    “Coface generated net income of €62m in Q2-25, down from a record Q2-24. The number of bankruptcies worldwide has continued to rise steadily and is now well above pre-COVID levels. Through constant vigilance and flawless execution, we have contained the increase in the loss experience, with the uncertainties created by the increase in tariffs in the United States having probably yet to fully materialise.
    However, our revenues are growing, both in credit insurance and services. This growth is being driven by our investments, which have brought new business to a record level in insurance and services.
    These deliberate investments strengthen our distribution capabilities, the range of products and services available to our clients, and our risk analysis tools. Since the beginning of the year, we have made two acquisitions in information services, Cedar Rose and Novertur. We have also announced the launch of a Lloyd’s syndicate to offer AA solutions to some of our clients.
    Lastly, our solvency ratio remains high, at 195%.”  

    Key figures at 30 June 2025

    The Board of Directors of COFACE SA examined the consolidated financial statements at 30 June 2025 at its meeting of 31 July 2025. These statements were also previously reviewed by the Audit Committee at its meeting of 30 July 2025. These interim consolidated financial statements have been subject to limited review by the Statutory Auditors. The limited review report is being issued.

    Income statement items in €m H1-24 H1-25 Variation % ex FX*
    Insurance revenue 754.3 760.0 +0.8% +1.7%
    Other revenues 168.5 176.6 +4.9% +4.8%
    REVENUE 922.7 936.6 +1.5% +2.3%
    UNDERWRITING INCOME (LOSS) NET OF REINSURANCE 195.0 153.6 (21.2)% (20.3)%
    Investment income, net of management expenses,excluding finance costs 40.8 26.3 (35.4)% (36.0)%
    Insurance finance expenses (18.1) 6.7 (137.1)% (130.8)%
    CURRENT OPERATING INCOME 217.7 186.6 (14.3)% (14.1)%
    Other operating income and expenses (0.5) (0.6) +21.8% +12.2%
    OPERATING INCOME 217.2 186.0 (14.4)% (14.2)%
    NET INCOME (GROUP SHARE) 142.3 124.2 (12.7)% (12.7)%
             
    Key ratios H1-24 H1-25 Variation
    Loss ratio after reinsurance 35.0% 40.1% 5.1 ppts
    Cost ratio after reinsurance 28.4% 31.2% 2.8 ppts
    COMBINED RATIO AFTER REINSURANCE 63.4% 71.3% 7.9 ppts
             
    Balance sheet items in €m 2024 H1-25 Variation
    Total equity (Group share) 2,193.6 2,098,0 (4.4)%
      H1-24 H1-25    
    Solvency ratio 195%1 195%1 0 ppt

    * Excluding scope effect.
    1This estimated solvency ratio is a preliminary calculation made according to Coface’s interpretation of Solvency II regulations and using the Partial Internal Model. The final calculation may differ from this preliminary calculation. The estimated solvency ratio is not audited.

    1.   Revenue

    Coface posted consolidated turnover of €937m in the first half of 2025, up +2.3% at constant FX and perimeter compared with H1-24. On a reported basis (at current FX and perimeter), turnover was up +1.5%.

    Revenues from insurance activities (including Bonding and Single Risk) increased +1.7% at constant FX and perimeter, benefiting from a slight increase in client activity and the return to a record retention level at 94.0%. New business reached €76m, the highest since H1-20, driven by an increase in demand and benefiting from growth investments made by Coface.

    Growth in client activity had a positive impact of +1.8% in H1-25 against a backdrop of extreme political uncertainty, particularly in terms of tariffs, and modest economic growth. The price effect remained negative at -1.6% in H1-25, in line with long-term trends. This decrease is largely explained by a very low past loss experience, offset by today’s return to normal.

    Turnover from non-insurance activities was up +8.2% compared with H1-24. Factoring turnover fell -1.5% in H1-25 and -2.2% in Q2 25 on lower interest rates and weak client activity in Germany and Poland. Information services turnover continued to post double-digit growth, at +14.7%. Debt Collection commissions increased, from a still modest base, by +35% due to the increase in claims to be collected. Fee and commission were up +2.3%.

    Total revenue in €m
    (by invoicing region)    		 H1-24 H1-25 Variation % ex FX3
    Northern Europe 185.0 185.2 +0.1% +0.1%
    Western Europe 187.6 191.6 +2.1% +1.0%
    Central and Eastern Europe 87.0 83.9 (3.5)% (3.8)%
    Mediterranean & Africa 276.0 280.2 +1.5% +3.0%
    North America 88.7 87.7 (1.2)% +2.0%
    Latin America 38.2 41.5 +8.6% +17.5%
    Asia-Pacific 60.2 66.5 +10.5% +9.5%
    Total Group 922.7 936.6 +1.5% +2.3%

    In the Northern Europe region, turnover was up +0.1% at constant and current FX. The credit insurance business benefited from robust new business and a high retention rate. Factoring turnover was down -1.6%.

    In Western Europe, turnover rose +1.0% at constant FX (2.1% at current FX) on solid sales performances in services (+27%) and credit insurance, offsetting the loss of a contract with a financial institution.

    In Central and Eastern Europe, turnover was down -3.8% at constant FX (-3.5% at current FX) but improved significantly compared with the previous quarter (-6.9%). Credit insurance was negatively impacted by a non-recurring effect recorded in 2024, as well as the transfer of a major contract to the Asia-Pacific region.

    In the Mediterranean & Africa region, which is driven by Italy and Spain, turnover increased +3.0% at constant FX and +1.5% at current FX, the result of a high retention rate and a more dynamic economy overall.

    In North America, turnover rose +2.0% at constant FX (-1.2% on a reported basis). The region is benefiting from an improvement in new business. Reported figures have been adversely affected by the sharp fall in the US dollar since the beginning of the year.

    In Latin America, turnover was up +17.5% at constant FX and +8.6% at current FX. The region is benefiting from the persistently high level of local inflation, which is benefiting client activity.

    Turnover in the Asia-Pacific region was up +9.5% at constant FX and +10.5% at current FX, driven by a high retention rate, a rebound in client activity, and the transfer of a client from another region.

    2.   Result

    • Combined ratio

    The combined ratio after reinsurance stood at 71.3% in H1-25 (up 7.9 ppts year on year) and 74.0% in Q2-25, reaching a level close to the cycle average.

    (i)  Loss ratio

    The gross loss ratio stood at 37.8%, up 5.3 ppts year-on-year. This increase reflects the return to normal of the loss experience, offset by the reserve releases, which remain at a high level. The number of mid-sized claims increased but remains below long-term trends.

    The Group’s reserving policy remained unchanged. The amount of provisions related to the underwriting year, although discounted, remained in line with the historical average. The rigorous management of past claims enabled the Group to record 41.0 ppts of recoveries.

    The net loss ratio increased to 40.1%, up 5.1 ppts compared with H1-24, but close to the level reached in H1-23 (40.3%), in today’s more difficult economic environment.

    (ii)  Cost ratio

    Coface is pursuing its strict cost management policy while maintaining its investments, in accordance with the Power the Core strategic plan. Costs were up +7.0% in H1-25 at constant FX and perimeter and +6.3% at current FX.

    The cost ratio before reinsurance stood at 34.6% in H1-25, up 2.0 ppts year on year. This increase mainly resulted from cost inflation (0.6 ppt) as well as continued investments (2.3 ppts). Conversely, the improved product mix (information services, debt collection and fee and commission income) had a positive effect of -0.9 ppt. The trend in reinsurance commissions explains the remainder of the variation.

    • Financial income

    Income from financial investments was +€26.3m in the first half of the year. The total includes an FX effect of -€17.0m on financial assets, owing to the sharp fall in the dollar against the euro, as well as a negative impact of the application of IAS 29 (hyperinflation) in Turkey of -€6.7m.

    The portfolio’s current income (i.e. excluding capital gains, depreciation and FX) was €52.1m. The accounting yield4, excluding capital gains and fair value effect, was 1.6% in H1-25. The yield on new investments was 3.7%.

    Insurance finance expenses (IFE) were positive at €6.7m in H1-25. They include a significant FX gain (+€23.1m) on technical liabilities, which reflects the expense recorded on assets and partially on net loss.

    • Operating income and net income

    Operating income totalled €186.0m in H1-25, down 14.4%, approaching the level reached in H1-23.

    The effective tax rate in H1-25 was 25% (vs. 27% in H1-24).

    Overall, net income (Group share) was €124.2m, down 12.7% compared with H1-24, slightly below the result in H1-23 (€128.8m) in a more difficult economic environment.

    3.   Shareholders’ equity

    At 30 June 2025, Group shareholders’ equity was €2,098.0m, down €95.6m or -4.4% (€2,193.6m at 31 December 2024).

    The change is mainly due to positive net income of €124.2m, the dividend payment of -€209m, and the increase in unrealised capital gains (€21.9m).

    The annualised return on average tangible equity (RoATE) was 12.6% at 30 June 2025, down compared with the previous year, in line with the decline in net income.

    The solvency ratio stood at 195%5, stable compared with H1-24. It remains well above the Group’s target range (155%-175%).

    4.   Outlook

    The second quarter of 2025 was marked by the continued increase in tariffs announced by the United States. The US administration’s announcements of sharp increases alternated with deferments of varying duration and the signing of a few bilateral agreements. As things stand today, tariffs on imports from Europe should reach 15%.

    Some tariffs (automotive, metals) have already come into force and have had direct negative consequences on the trade flows of the goods concerned. Conversely, announcements of deferred tariffs triggered advance purchases, bolstering economic activity. Lastly, extreme uncertainty as to the final outcome of the tariff issue have led to a postponement of investments as well as the redirection of Chinese exports, particularly towards markets deemed more stable.

    This highly uncertain environment is impacting global trade and the health of companies in markedly different ways. During the second quarter, Coface downgraded the ratings of 23 sectors and 4 countries. Persistent inflationary pressures are preventing central banks from cutting rates for now. Demand is being supported solely by the maintenance of high public deficits and the continuation of an extremely strong investment cycle to foster the development of AI technology.

    Business failures have increased in 80% of advanced economies and are now at a decade high, 20% to 25% higher than in 2019.

    Coface’s expertise in risk management and services (information services, debt collection) is more relevant than ever in this context of rapid change. The company is resolutely pursuing its investments while they weigh on the cost ratio in the short term. Since the beginning of the year, Coface has announced two acquisitions (Cedar Rose and Novertur) as well as the creation of a Lloyd’s syndicate and a technology division.

    Conference call for financial analysts

    Coface’s H1-2025 results will be discussed with financial analysts during the conference call that will take place on Thursday 31 July at 6.00 p.m. (Paris time). It will be accessible:

    The presentation will be available (in English only) at the following address:
    http://www.coface.com/fr/Investisseurs/Résultats-et-rapports-financiers

    Appendices

    Quarterly results

    Income statement items in €m
    Quarterly figures    		 Q1-24 Q2-24 Q3-24 Q4-24 Q1-25 Q2-25   % % ex. FX*
    Insurance revenue 378.6 375.6 375.9 382.7 382.9 377.1   +0.4% +2.3%
    Other revenues 85.0 83.4 78.0 85.5 90.3 86.3   +3.5% +4.2%
    REVENUE 463.7 459.1 453.8 468.3 473.2 463.4   +0.9% +2.6%
    UNDERWRITING INCOME (LOSS)
    AFTER REINSURANCE    		 100.3 94.7 88.8 84.9 85.4 68.2   (27.9)% (25.5)%
    Investment income, net of management expenses, excluding finance costs 17.9 22.8 19.0 31.9 10.4 15.9   (30.3)% (29.5)%
    Insurance finance expenses (11.4) (6.7) (7.3) (17.1) (4.1) 10.8   (262.8)% (249.1)%
    CURRENT OPERATING INCOME 106.8 110.9 100.5 99.7 91.6 95.0   (14.3)% (12.9)%
    Other operating income and expenses (0.1) (0.5) (2.6) (5.5) (0.4) (0.3)   (43.9)% (48.0)%
    OPERATING INCOME 106.8 110.4 97.9 94.2 91.2 94.7   (14.2)% (12.7)%
    NET INCOME (GROUP SHARE) 68.4 73.8 65.4 53.4 62.1 62.1   (15.9)% (14.7)%
    Income tax rate 27.2% 26.8% 25.5% 36.2% 23.0% 26.3%   (0,5) ppt

    Cumulated results

    Income statement items in €m
    Cumulated figures    		 Q1-24 H1-24 9M-24 FY-24 Q1-25 H1-25   % % ex. FX*  
    Insurance revenue 378.6 754.3 1,130.2 1,512.9 382.9 760.0   +0.8% +1.7%  
    Other revenues 85.0 168.5 246.4 331.9 90.3 176.6   +4.9% +4.8%  
    TURNOVER 463.7 922.7 1,376.6 1,844.8 473.2 936.6   +1.5% +2.3%  
    UNDERWRITING INCOME (LOSS)
    AFTER REINSURANCE    		 100.3 195.0 283.8 368.7 85.4 153.6   (21.2)% (20.3)%  
    Investment income, net of management expenses, excluding finance costs 17.9 40.8 59.8 91.7 10.4 26.3   (35.4)% (36.0)%  
    Insurance finance expenses (11.4) (18.1) (25.4) (42.5) (4.1) 6.7   (137.1)% (130.8)%  
    CURRENT OPERATING INCOME 106.8 217.7 318.2 417.9 91.6 186.6   (14.3)% (14.1)%  
    Other operating income and expenses (0.1) (0.5) (3.1) (8.6) (0.4) (0.6)   +21.8% +12.2%  
    OPERATING INCOME 106.8 217.2 315.1 409.2 91.2 186.0   (14.4)% (14.2)%  
    NET INCOME (GROUP SHARE) 68.4 142.3 207.7 261.1 62.1 124.2   (12.7)% (12.7)%  
    Income tax rate 27.2% 27.0% 26.5% 28.7% 23.0% 24.7%   (2,3) ppt

    * Excluding scope effect.

    CONTACTS

    INVESTOR/ANALYST RELATIONS
    Thomas Jacquet: +33 1 49 02 12 58 – thomas.jacquet@coface.com
    Rina Andriamiadantsoa: +33 1 49 02 15 85 – rina.andriamiadantsoa@coface.com

    MEDIA RELATIONS
    Saphia Gaouaoui: +33 1 49 02 14 91 – saphia.gaouaoui@coface.com
    Adrien Billet: +33 1 49 02 23 63 – adrien.billet@coface.com

    FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2025
    (subject to change)
    9M-2025 results: 3 November 2025, after market close

    FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    This press release, as well as all of COFACE SA’s regulated information, can be found on the Group’s website: https://www.coface.com/investors

    For regulated information on Alternative Performance Indicators (APMs), please refer to our Interim Financial Report for H1-2025 and our 2024 Universal Registration Document (see 3.7 “Key financial performance indicators”).

      Regulated documents posted by COFACE SA have been secured and authenticated with the blockchain technology by Wiztrust.
    You can check the authenticity on the website www.wiztrust.com.
     

    COFACE: FOR TRADE
    As a global leading player in trade credit risk management for almost 80 years, Coface helps companies grow and navigate in an uncertain and volatile environment.
    Whatever their size, location or sector, Coface provides 100,000 clients across some 200 markets. with a full range of solutions: Trade Credit Insurance, Business Information, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Surety Bonds, Factoring.
    Every day, Coface leverages its unique expertise and cutting-edge technology to make trade happen, in both domestic and export markets.
    In 2024, Coface employed +5,200 people and recorded a turnover of ~€1.845 billion.

    www.coface.com

    COFACE SA is listed on Compartment A of Euronext Paris
    ISIN: FR0010667147 / Ticker: COFA

    DISCLAIMER – Certain statements in this press release may contain forecasts that notably relate to future events, trends, projects or targets. By nature, these forecasts include identified or unidentified risks and uncertainties, and they may be affected by many factors likely to give rise to a significant discrepancy between the real results and those stated in these statements. Please refer to chapter 5 “Main risk factors and their management within the Group” of the Coface Group’s 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with AMF on 3 April 2025 under the number D.25-0227 to obtain a description of certain major factors, risks and uncertainties likely to influence the Coface Group’s businesses. The Coface Group disclaims any intention or obligation to publish an update of these forecasts or to provide new information on future events or any other circumstance.

    1 RoATE = Return on average tangible equity.
    2 This estimated solvency ratio is a preliminary calculation made according to Coface’s interpretation of Solvency II regulations and using the Partial Internal Model. The final calculation may differ from this preliminary calculation. The estimated solvency ratio is not audited.
    3 Excluding scope effect.
    4 Book yield calculated on the average of the investment portfolio excluding non-consolidated investments.
    5 This estimated solvency ratio is a preliminary calculation made according to Coface’s interpretation of Solvency II regulations and using the Partial Internal Model. The final calculation may differ from this preliminary calculation. The estimated solvency ratio is not audited.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Euronext publishes Q2 2025 results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Euronext publishes Q2 2025 results

    Euronext’s diversified business drives all-time record results, supported by organic growth, favourable market conditions and disciplined capital allocation.

    Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 31 July 2025 – Euronext, the leading European capital market infrastructure, today publishes its results for the second quarter of 2025.

    • Q2 2025 revenue and income was up +12.8% to €465.8 million:

    Non-volume-related revenue and income represented 58% of total revenue and income and covered 161% of underlying operating expenses, excluding D&A1:

    • Securities Services revenues grew to €86.2 million (+6.5%), driven by increasing assets under custody, higher settlement activity and double-digit growth in value-added services;
    • Capital Markets and Data Solutions revenue grew to €165.4 million (+12.0%), driven by the continued commercial expansion of Advanced Data Solutions and the strong performance of Euronext Corporate and Investor Solutions and Technology Services, supported by the acquisition of Admincontrol. Like-for-like at constant currencies, revenue grew by +6.5%;
    • Net treasury income grew to €20.0 million (+45.1%), demonstrating the benefits of the Euronext Clearing expansion, high volatility and the internalisation of net treasury income from LCH SA following the derivatives clearing migration in Q3 2024.

    Volume-related revenue was driven by high market volatility in the second quarter:

    • FICC2Markets revenue grew to €87.7 million (+20.1%), driven by another record performance in fixed income trading and clearing and in FX trading;
    • Equity Markets revenue grew to €106.2 million (+9.5%), reflecting a strong quarter in cash equity trading and clearing further boosted by high volatility in the first part of the quarter.
    • Underlying operating expenses excluding D&A were at €168.4 million (+7.9%), in line with Euronext’s 2025 underlying costs guidance. This reflects a step-up in growth investments and the impact of acquisitions, partially offset by a strong cost discipline. Euronext’s underlying operating expense guidance excluding D&A of €670 million excludes Admincontrol, acquired on 13 May 2025.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was €297.3 million (+15.8%) and adjusted EBITDA margin was 63.8% (+1.6pt).
    • Adjusted net income was €204.4 million (+23.8%) and adjusted EPS was €2.02 (+27.0%), supported by received dividends .
    • Reported net income was €183.8 million (+29.7%) and reported EPS was €1.81 (+32.1%).
    • Net debt to adjusted EBITDA3was at 1.8x at the end of June 2025, in line with Euronext’s target range. This ratio reflects the impact of the acquisition of Admincontrol on 13 May 2025 and the dividend payment in May 2025.

    Key figures for the second quarter of 2025:

    in €m, unless stated otherwise Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % var % var l-f-l
    Revenue and income 465.8 412.9 +12.8% +10.5%
    Underlying operational expenses exc. D&A                         (168.4) (156.1) +7.9% +3.9%
    Adjusted EBITDA 297.3 256.8 +15.8% +14.4%
    Underlying EBITDA margin 63.8% 62.2% +1.6pts +2.2pts
    Net income4                          183.8 141.7 +29.7%  
    Adjusted net income4                         204.4 165.2 +23.8%  
    Adjusted EPS (basic, in €) 2.02 1.59 +27.0%  
    Reported EPS (basic, in €) 1.81 1.37 +32.1%  
    • Progress with the delivery of ‘Innovate for Growth 2027’:
      • Euronext has strengthened its development in the Nordics and in the UK with the acquisition of Admincontrol on 13 May 2025. This transaction improves the share of subscription-based revenue and is in line with its ambition to scale up the SaaS offering.
      • Euronext is expanding its footprint in the Nordics and in the power business with the acquisition of Nasdaq Nordic’s power futures business. The final regulatory approval for the acquisition has been granted. Euronext and Nasdaq are now focusing on the upcoming migration of open interest from Nasdaq Clearing to Euronext Clearing in Q1 2026.
      • Euronext partnerships with Euroclear5 and Clearstream6 on tri-party collateral management support the broader expansion of its repo clearing services across Europe. In July 2025, Euronext launched the first phase of a multi-year strategy7 to deliver a fully integrated, pan-European clearing model.
      • On 31 July 2025, Euronext announced the submission of a voluntary share exchange offer to acquire all shares of HELLENIC EXCHANGES-ATHEX STOCK EXCHANGE S.A. (“ATHEX”), in exchange for newly issued Euronext shares, at a fixed conversion rate of 20.000 ATHEX ordinary shares for each new Euronext share8,9. Based on Euronext’s closing price of €142.7 as of 30 July 2025, the proposed Offer values ATHEX at €7.14 per share and the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of ATHEX at approximately €412.8 million on a fully diluted basis. The Board of Directors of ATHEX is unanimously supportive of the Offer to ATHEX shareholders and entered into a cooperation agreement with Euronext.

    Stéphane Boujnah, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Managing Board of Euronext, said:
    “In the second quarter of 2025, Euronext achieved all-time record revenue and income of €465.8 million, driven by organic growth and acquisitions. This is the fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit topline growth. The strong performance reflects the strength of Euronext’s diversified business model, capable of capturing favourable market conditions and of generating non-volume-related revenue growth.

    We have continued to invest in growth, while we maintained a strong cost discipline. Euronext reached an adjusted EBITDA close to €300 million in Q2 2025, marking a significant +15.8% increase compared to Q2 2024. In Q2 2025, we reached record adjusted EPS of €2.02 per share. Our reported EPS grew by +32.1% compared to Q2 2024, to €1.81 per share.

    We continue to foster the integration and competitiveness of European capital markets via strategic initiatives. With a strong footprint in Italian repo, a growing list of government bond coverage, and the majority of key clearing members already connected, Euronext is well positioned to become the clearing house of choice for European repo.

    Europe shows an unprecedented commitment to establish a Savings and Investments Union, and Euronext is a key player in Europe to accelerate the delivery of this ambition. Since the beginning of the year, Euronext has continued to deploy capital to expand across Europe. We have expanded our presence in the Nordics with the acquisition of Admincontrol and will further strengthen our position with the migration of Nasdaq Nordic’s power futures to Euronext Clearing in Q1 2026.

    The contemplated acquisition of ATHEX would expand our integrated model across Europe to deliver the Savings and Investments Union. We are strongly committed to boosting the development and attractivity of Greek markets internationally and generating efficiencies and competitiveness across the Group.”

    Q2 2025 business highlights

    In €m Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % var % var l-f-l
    Revenue and income 465.8 412.9 +12.8% +10.5%
    Securities Services 86.2 80.9 +6.5% +3.9%
    Capital Markets and Data Solutions                           165.4 147.7 +12.0% +6.5%
    FICC Markets 87.7 73.0 +20.1% +20.9%
    Equity Markets 106.2 97.0 +9.5% +9.5%
    Net treasury income 20.0 13.8 +45.1% +45.1%
    Other income 0.3 0.4 -30.4% -31.1%
    • Non-volume-related revenue
      • Securities Services
    In €m Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % var % var l-f-l
    Revenue 86.2 80.9 +6.5% +3.9%
    Custody & Settlement 77.5 70.0 +10.8% +7.8%
    Other Post Trade 8.6 10.9 -21.1% -21.1%

    Revenue from Custody and Settlement in Q2 2025 was at €77.5 million, +10.8% compared to Q2 2024. This strong performance was driven by growing Assets under Custody, dynamic settlement instructions and continued double-digit growth in services, supported by the acquisition of Acupay. At the end of the quarter, Assets under Custody amounted to €7.34 trillion, up +4.5% compared to end of Q2 2024. Over 36.9 million instructions were settled via Euronext Securities during the second quarter of 2025, up +15.0% compared to the second quarter of 2024.

    Other Post Trade revenue, which includes membership fees and other non-volume-related clearing fees, was €8.6 million in Q2 2025. The -21.1% decrease compared to Q2 2024 stems from the internalisation of the net treasury income related to Euronext derivatives flows in September 2024, which are now integrated in the net treasury income line.

    • Capital Markets and Data Solutions
    In €m Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % var % var l-f-l
    Revenue 165.4 147.7 +12.0% +6.5%
    Primary Markets 46.5 45.5 +2.3% +2.5%
    Advanced Data Solutions 65.2 60.6 +7.5% +4.6%
    Corporate and Investor Solutions and Technology Services                             53.7 41.5 +29.2% +13.5%

    Primary Markets revenue was €46.5 million in Q2 2025, an increase of +2.3% compared to Q2 2024. The second quarter recorded slower equity listing activity explained by a volatile environment. Euronext sustained its leading position for equity listing with 6 new listings.

    Advanced Data Solutions revenue was €65.2 million in Q2 2025, up +7.5% compared to Q2 2024. This dynamic performance reflects the contribution of GRSS, strong appetite from retail and growing monetisation of diversified datasets.

    Corporate and Investor Solutions and Technology Services revenue grew by +29.2% in Q2 2025 to €53.7 million. This strong performance reflects the contribution of Admincontrol for half a quarter and double-digit growth of investor solutions and colocation services.

    • Net treasury income

    Net treasury income was at €20.0 million, +45.1% compared to Q2 2024. This reflect the benefit from the Euronext Clearing expansion and the internalisation of treasury income from LCH SA following the completion of the derivatives clearing migration, as well as higher cash collateral posted to the CCP due to the elevated market volatility.

    • Volume-related revenue
      • FICC Markets
    In €m Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % var % var l-f-l
    Revenue 87.7 73.0 +20.1% +20.9%
    Fixed income trading & clearing 51.7 39.2 +31.9% +31.9%
    Commodities trading & clearing 26.7 26.0 +2.7% +3.1%
    FX trading 9.3 7.8 +18.9% +25.2%

    Fixed income trading and clearing revenue reached €51.7 million in Q2 2025, up +31.9% compared to Q2 2024, driven by record fixed income trading activity supported by favourable market conditions.

    Commodities10 trading and clearing revenue reached €26.7 million in Q2 2025, up +2.7% compared to Q2 2024, reflecting record intraday power trading volumes and softer agricultural commodity trading and clearing.

    FX trading revenue was up +18.9%, at €9.3 million in Q2 2025, reflecting record trading volumes in April 2025, which outbalanced the negative currency impact of the USD.

    • Equity Markets
    In €m Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % var % var l-f-l
    Revenue 106.2 97.0 +9.5% +9.5%
    Cash equity trading & clearing 93.4 80.4 +16.2% +16.2%
    Financial derivatives trading & clearing 12.8 16.6 -22.9% -22.9%

    Cash equity trading and clearing revenue11 was €93.4 million in Q2 2025, up +16.2% compared to Q2 2024 driven by exceptional market volatility. Euronext recorded average daily cash trading volumes of €13.4 billion, up +21.2% compared to Q2 2024. Euronext reached solid average revenue capture on cash trading at 0.52 bps for the second quarter of 2025, despite higher volumes and larger average order size compared to Q2 2024. Euronext market share on cash equity trading averaged 63.5% in Q2 2025.

    Financial derivatives trading and clearing revenue was €12.8 million in Q2 2025, -22.9% compared to Q2 2024. This mostly reflects lower volatility and the decrease of the average clearing fees. Following the clearing migration, certain clearing fees are now reported in the line Other Post Trade revenues, and as such not fully comparable with Q2 2024.

    Q2 2025 financial performance

    In €m, unless stated otherwise Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % var % var l-f-l
    Revenues and income 465.8 412.9 +12.8% +10.5%
    Underlying operating expenses excl. D&A                        (168.4) (156.1) +7.9% +3.9%
    Adjusted EBITDA 297.3 256.8 +15.8% +14.4%
    Adjusted EBITDA margin 63.8% 62.2% +1.6pts +2.2pts
    Operating expenses excl. D&A (171.8) (162.9) +5.5% +1.6%
    EBITDA 293.9 249.9 +17.6% +16.2%
    Depreciation & amortisation (48.2) (47.9) +0.5% +1.0%
    Total expenses (220.0) (210.9) +4.3% +1.2%
    Adjusted operating profit 274.7 234.8 +17.0% +15.7%
    Operating profit 245.8 202.0 +21.7%  
    Net financing income / (expense) (5.7) 3.5 N/A  
    Results from equity investments 24.5 1.2 N/A  
    Profit before income tax 264.5 206.7 +28.0%  
    Income tax expense (68.1) (55.7) +22.3%  
    Minority interests (12.6) (9.2) +36.3%  
    Net income 183.8 141.7 +29.7%  
    Adjusted net income 204.4 165.2 +23.8%  
    Adjusted EPS (basic, in €) 2.02 1.59 +27.0%  
    Reported EPS (basic, in €) 1.81 1.37 +32.1%  
    Adjusted EPS (diluted, in€) 2.01 1.59 +26.4%  
    Reported EPS (diluted, in€) 1.81 1.36 +33.1%  
    • Q2 2025 adjusted EBITDA

    Underlying operating expenses excluding D&A1 were at €168.4 million (+7.9%). The increase compared to Q2 2024 reflects investments in growth and the impact of acquisitions performed in 2025, partially offset by cost discipline.
    As a result of a double digit growth in revenue, adjusted EBITDA for the quarter reached €297.3 million, up +15.8% compared to Q2 2024. This represents an adjusted EBITDA margin of 63.8%, up +1.6pts vs. Q2 2024. On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, adjusted EBITDA grew by +14.4% compared to Q2 2024.
    Q2 2025 non-underlying operating expenses excluding D&A amounted to €3.4 million, mostly related to the integration of recent acquisitions. As a consequence, reported EBITDA was at €293.9 million, up +17.6% compared to Q2 2024.

    • Q2 2025 net income, share of the parent company shareholders

    Depreciation and amortisation accounted for €48.2 million in Q2 2025, +0.5% more than Q2 2024. PPA related to acquired businesses accounted for €19.1 million. Adjusted operating profit was €274.7 million, up +17.0% compared to Q2 2024. Euronext reported a net financing expense of €5.7 million in Q2 2025, compared to €3.5 million net financing income in Q2 2024. The variation reflects decreasing interest rates, lower cash position after the redemption of the €500 million bond and the recognition of non-cash interest expense related to the convertible bonds.

    Income tax for Q2 2025 was €68.1 million. This translated into an effective tax rate of 25.7% for the quarter, compared to 27.0% in Q2 2024. The tax rate was positively impacted by the tax-exempt €24.5 million dividend received by Euroclear. Share of non-controlling interests amounted to €12.6 million, correlated with the strong performance of MTS and Nord Pool.

    As a result, the reported net income, share of the parent company shareholders, increased by +29.7%for Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024, to €183.8 million. This represents a reported EPS of €1.81 basic and €1.81 diluted. Adjusted net income, share of the parent company shareholders, was up +23.8% to €204.4 million. Adjusted EPS (basic) was €2.02 and adjusted EPS (diluted) was €2.01. The increase in EPS reflects higher profit and a lower number of outstanding shares over the second quarter of 2025 compared to Q2 2024. The weighted number of shares used over the second quarter of 2025 was 101,374,346 for the basic calculation and 102,130,793 for the diluted calculation, compared to 103,653,544 and 103,986,292 respectively over the second quarter of 2024. The difference in share count is due to the share repurchase programme executed by Euronext and the consideration of the convertible bonds under IAS 33.

    In Q2 2025, Euronext reported a net cash flow from operating activities of €135.0 million, compared to €111.5 million in Q2 2024, reflecting higher profit before tax and higher income tax paid in Q2 2025. Excluding the impact of working capital from Euronext Clearing and Nord Pool CCP activities, net cash flow from operating activities accounted for 52.3% of EBITDA in Q2 2025.

    Q2 2025 corporate highlights since publication of the first quarter 2025 results on 14 May 2025

    • Euronext received regulatory approval for the acquisition of Nasdaq Nordic power futures

    On 4 June 2025, Euronext received regulatory approval for the extension of Euronext Clearing to power derivatives under Article 15 of EMIR. With this final approval, all regulatory approvals for the acquisition of Nasdaq Nordic’s power futures business have been granted. Euronext and Nasdaq continue to focus on the upcoming migration of open interest from Nasdaq Clearing to Euronext Clearing in Q1 202612.

    • Partnership with Clearstream on collateral management

    On 16 June 2025, Euronext and Clearstream announced the start of a new partnership13 to advance the continued development of Euronext Clearing’s collateral management services across repo and other asset classes.
    As part of this initiative, Clearstream will serve as a triparty agent (TPA) for Euronext Clearing, facilitating advanced collateral management capabilities. Clients will benefit from automated, flexible and operationally streamlined solutions that enhance margin and balance sheet optimisation. Clearstream will act as an independent third party, handling the collateral selection, valuation and substitution to ensure compliance with eligibility criteria while minimising operational complexities. In addition, Clearstream will manage settlement and custody services, provide robust regulatory reporting, and support liquidity and risk management objectives. The go-live of this enhanced service offering is scheduled for November 2025.

    • Euronext successfully launched its inaugural convertible bonds issuance

    On 22 May 2025, Euronext announced the success of its offering of senior unsecured bonds due 2032 convertible into new shares and/or exchangeable for existing shares of the Company (“OCEANEs”) (the “Bonds”), by way of a placement to qualified investors only, for a nominal amount of €425 million (the “Offering”)14. The Bonds were issued with a denomination of €100,000 each (the “Principal Amount”), and will be convertible and/or exchangeable into new and/or existing shares of Euronext (the “Shares”) and will pay a fixed coupon at a rate of 1.50% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrear on 30 May and 30 November of each year (or on the following business day if this date is not a business day), and for the first time on 30 November 2025. The initial conversion price of the Bonds is set at €191.1654. Unless previously converted, exchanged, redeemed or purchased and cancelled, the Bonds will be redeemed at par on 30 May 2032 (or on the following business day if such date is not a business day) (the “Maturity Date”).

    • Euronext successfully migrated Italian markets to a harmonised clearing framework

    On 30 June 2025, Euronext completed the migration of the Italian derivatives and cash equity markets to its Core Clearing System. Euronext is now clearing all its financial derivatives, commodities and cash equities markets through a single, streamlined, harmonised clearing gateway. This important milestones delivers to Euronext Clearing clients further material operational and risk management efficiencies, which optimise their total cost of trading on Euronext markets.

    Corporate highlights since 1 July 2025

    • Euronext launched the first phase of its strategic multi-year Repo expansion initiative15

    On 8 July 2025, Euronext announced the launch of its initiative to expand access, improve collateral usage and position Euronext as a leading Central Counterparty (CCP) for European repo markets. As a cornerstone of Euronext’s strategic plan announced in November 2024, the Repo initiative sets in motion Euronext’s vision to build a fully integrated, pan-European post-trade infrastructure. Euronext now offers repo clearing for Spanish, Portuguese and Irish government bonds, alongside its established Italian offering. For the first time, international firms can join the platform with seamless onboarding and scalable settlement operations.

    • Euronext to launch voluntary share exchange offer for all ATHEX shares

    On 31 July 2025, Euronext announced the submission of a voluntary share exchange offer to acquire all shares of HELLENIC EXCHANGES-ATHEX STOCK EXCHANGE S.A. (“ATHEX”), in exchange for newly issued Euronext shares, at a fixed conversion rate of 20.000 ATHEX ordinary shares for each new Euronext share16,17. Based on Euronext’s closing price of €142.7 as of 30 July 2025, the proposed Offer values ATHEX at €7.14 per share and the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of ATHEX at approximately €412.8 million on a fully diluted basis. The Board of Directors of ATHEX is unanimously supportive of the Offer to ATHEX shareholders and entered into a cooperation agreement with Euronext.

    The combination between Euronext and ATHEX is in line with Euronext’s ambition to integrate European capital markets. The combined Group will foster harmonisation of European capital markets on a unified technology. Greek markets would benefit from increased visibility towards global investors as part of the leading single liquidity pool in Europe.

    Euronext expects the combination to deliver €12 million annual run-rate cash synergies by the end of 2028, with implementation costs related to these synergies expected at €25 million. The Offer is in line with Euronext’s investment criteria of ROCE > WACC in year 3 to 5 after the acquisition and is expected to be accretive for Euronext shareholders after delivery of synergies in year 1.

    The Offer is expected to be open for acceptance, subject to regulatory approvals, from Q4 2025. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

    Results Webcast

    A webcast will be held on Friday, 1 August 2025, at 09:00 CEST (Paris time) / 08:O0 BST (London time):

    For the live webcast go to: Webcast

    The webcast will be available for replay after the call at the webcast link and on the Euronext Investor Relations webpage.

    Contacts

    ANALYSTS & INVESTORS – ir@euronext.com

    Investor Relations        Aurélie Cohen                 

            Judith Stein        +33 6 15 23 91 97

    MEDIA – mediateam@euronext.com 

    Europe        Aurélie Cohen         +33 1 70 48 24 45 

            Andrea Monzani         +39 02 72 42 62 13 

    Belgium        Marianne Aalders         +32 26 20 15 01                 

    France, Corporate        Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella        +33 1 70 48 24 45                 

    Ireland        Catalina Augspach        +39 02 72 42 62 13                 

    Italy         Ester Russom         +39 02 72 42 67 56                 

    The Netherlands        Marianne Aalders         +31 20 721 41 33                 

    Norway         Cathrine Lorvik Segerlund        +47 41 69 59 10                 

    Portugal         Sandra Machado        +351 91 777 68 97                

    About Euronext 
    Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway and Portugal.
    As of June 2025, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal host nearly 1,800 listed issuers with €6.3 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices.
    For the latest news, go to euronext.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    Disclaimer

    This press release is for information purposes only: it is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided “as is”, without representation or warranty of any kind. The figures in this document have not been audited or reviewed by our external auditor. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext’s subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext. This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is available at www.euronext.com/terms-use.

    © 2025, Euronext N.V. – All rights reserved. 

    The Euronext Group processes your personal data in order to provide you with information about Euronext (the “Purpose”). With regard to the processing of this personal data, Euronext will comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation, “GDPR”), and any applicable national laws, rules and regulations implementing the GDPR, as provided in its privacy statement available at: www.euronext.com/privacy-policy. In accordance with the applicable legislation you have rights with regard to the processing of your personal data: for more information on your rights, please refer to: www.euronext.com/data_subjects_rights_request_information. To make a request regarding the processing of your data or to unsubscribe from this press release service, please use our data subject request form at connect2.euronext.com/form/data-subjects-rights-request or email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@euronext.com.

    Appendix

    The figures in this Appendix have not been audited or reviewed by our external auditor.

    Non-IFRS financial measures

    For comparative purposes, the company provides unaudited non-IFRS measures including:

    • Operational expenses excluding depreciation and amortisation, underlying operational expenses excluding depreciation and amortisation;
    • EBITDA, EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin.

    Non-IFRS measures are defined as follows:

    • Operational expenses excluding depreciation and amortisation as the total of salary and employee benefits, and other operational expenses;
    • Underlying operational expenses excluding depreciation and amortisation as the total of salary and employee benefits, and other operational expenses, excluding non-recurring costs;
    • Underlying revenue and income as the total of revenue and income, excluding non-recurring revenue and income;
    • Non-underlying items as items of revenue, income and expense that are material by their size and/or that are infrequent and unusual by their nature or incidence are not considered to be recurring in the normal course of business and are classified as non-underlying items on the face of the income statement within their relevant category in order to provide further understanding of the ongoing sustainable performance of the Group. These items can include:
      • integration or double run costs of significant projects, restructuring costs and costs related to acquisitions that change the perimeter of the Group;
      • one-off finance costs, gains or losses on sale of subsidiaries and impairments of investments:
      • amortisation and impairment of intangible assets which are recognised as a result of acquisitions and mostly comprising customer relationships, brand names and software that were identified during purchase price allocation (PPA);
      • tax related to non-underlying items.
    • Adjusted operating profit as the operating profit adjusted for any non-underlying revenue and income and non-underlying costs, including PPA of acquired businesses;
    • EBITDA as the operating profit before depreciation and amortisation;
    • Adjusted EBITDA as the adjusted operating profit before depreciation and amortisation adjusted for any non-underlying operational expenses excluding depreciation and amortisation;
    • EBITDA margin as EBITDA divided by total revenue and income;
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin as adjusted EBITDA, divided by total revenue and income;
    • Adjusted net income, as the net income, share of the parent company shareholders, adjusted for any non-underlying items and related tax impact.

    Non-IFRS financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable IFRS measures and should be read only in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements.

    Consolidated income statement

      Q2 2025 Q2 2024
    In € million, unless stated otherwise Underlying Non-
    underlying    		 Reported Underlying Non-
    underlying    		 Reported
    Revenues 465.8 – 465.8 412.9 – 412.9
    Securities Services 86.2 – 86.2 80.9 – 80.9
    Custody and Settlement 77.5 – 77.5 70.0 – 70.0
    Other Post Trade 8.6 – 8.6 10.9 – 10.9
    Capital Markets and Data Solutions 165.4 – 165.4 147.7 – 147.7
    Primary Markets 46.5 – 46.5 45.5 – 45.5
    Advanced Data Solutions 65.2 – 65.2 60.6 – 60.6
    Corporate and Investor Solutions
    and Technology Services    		 53.7 – 53.7 41.5 – 41.5
    FICC markets 87.7 – 87.7 73.0 – 73.0
    Fixed income trading and clearing 51.7 – 51.7 39.2 – 39.2
    Commodities trading and clearing 26.7 – 26.7 26.0 – 26.0
    FX trading 9.3 – 9.3 7.8 – 7.8
    Equity markets 106.2 – 106.2 97.0 – 97.0
    Cash equity trading and clearing 93.4 – 93.4 80.4 – 80.4
    Financial derivatives trading and clearing 12.8 – 12.8 16.6 – 16.6
    Net treasury income 20.0 – 20.0 13.8 – 13.8
    Other income 0.3 – 0.3 0.4 – 0.4
    Operating expenses excl. D&A (168.4) (3.4) (171.8) (156.1) (6.8) (162.9)
    Salaries and employee benefits (92.2) (1.1) (93.3) (79.9) (0.4) (80.2)
    Other operational expenses, of which (76.3) (2.2) (78.5) (76.2) (6.5) (82.7)
    System & Communication (26.5) (0.2) (26.7) (24.7) (1.1) (25.9)
    Professional services (17.7) (2.2) (19.9) (13.6) (4.4) (17.9)
    Clearing expense (0.2) – (0.2) (9.9) – (9.9)
    Accommodation (4.5) 0.1 (4.4) (4.1) (0.3) (4.4)
    Other operational expenses (27.3) – (27.4) (23.9) (0.7) (24.6)
    EBITDA 297.3 (3.4) 293.9 256.8 (6.8) 249.9
    EBITDA margin 63.8%   63.1% 62.2%   60.5%
    Depreciation & amortisation (22.6) (25.6) (48.2) (21.9) (26.0) (47.9)
    Total expenses (191.0) (29.0) (220.0) (178.0) (32.8) (210.9)
    Operating profit 274.7 (29.0) 245.8 234.8 (32.8) 202.0
    Net financing income/(expense) (5.7) – (5.7) 3.5 – 3.5
    Results from equity investment 24.5 – 24.5 0.1 1.2 1.2
    Profit before income tax 293.5 (29.0) 264.5 238.4 (31.7) 206.7
    Income tax expense (75.6) 7.5 (68.1) (64.0) 8.3 (55.7)
    Non-controlling interests (13.4) 0.8 (12.6) (9.2) (0.1) (9.2)
    Net income
    share of the parent company shareholders    		 204.4 (20.6) 183.8 165.2 (23.4) 141.7
    EPS (basic, in €) 2.02   1.81 1.59   1.37
    EPS (diluted, in €) 2.01   1.81 1.59   1.36

    Adjusted EPS definition

     In € million, unless stated otherwise Q2 2025 Q2 2024
    Net income reported                183.8                 141.7
    EPS reported (in €) 1.81 1.37
    Adjustments for non-underlying items included in:    
    Operating expenses exc. D&A (3.4) (6.8)
    Depreciation and amortisation (25.6) (26.0)
    Results from equity investments                   –                  1.2
    Non-controlling interest 0.8 (0.1)
    Tax related to adjustments                       7.5                       8.3
    Adjusted net income                 204.4                  165.2
    Adjusted EPS (in €)                     2.02                     1.59

    Consolidated comprehensive income statement

    In € million Q2 2025 Q2 2024
    Profit for the period 196.4 151.0
         
    Other comprehensive income    
    Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:    
    – Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations    (53.6) 15.2
    – Income tax impact on exchange differences on translation of foreign operations    7.4 (1.9)
    – Gains and losses on cash flow hedges    (2.2) –
    – Change in value of debt investments at fair value through other comprehensive income –    0.3
    – Income tax impact on change in value of debt investments at fair value through
    other comprehensive income    		    –    (0.1)
         
    Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:    
    – Change in value of equity investments at fair value through other comprehensive income    46.1 6.5
    – Income tax impact on change in value of equity investments at fair value through
    other comprehensive income    		 (0.4) (1.0)
    – Remeasurements of post-employment benefit obligations    1.9 1.9
    – Income tax impact on remeasurements of post-employment benefit obligations – (0.2)
    Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax (0.8) 20.8
    Total comprehensive income for the period 195.6 171.8
         
    Comprehensive income attributable to:    
    – Owners of the parent 184.0 162.5
    – Non-controlling interests 11.6 9.3

    Consolidated statement of financial position

    In € million 30 June 2025 31 March 2025
    Non-current assets    
    Property, plant and equipment 103.0 107.4
    Right-of-use assets 85.1 88.2
    Goodwill and other intangible assets18 6,586.7 6,096.5
    Deferred income tax assets 24.0 29.1
    Investments in associates and joint ventures 0.8 0.8
    Financial assets at fair value through OCI 403.1 357.0
    Other non-current assets 3.4 3.4
    Total non-current assets 7,206.2 6,682.4
         
    Current assets    
    Trade and other receivables 463.8 574.2
    Income tax receivable 32.2 17.5
    Derivative financial instruments 0.1 2.2
    CCP clearing business assets 348,903.3 341,647.6
    Other current financial assets 59.3 59.5
    Cash & cash equivalents 919.3 1,642.3
    Total current assets 350,378.1 343,943.3
    Total assets 357,584.2 350,625.7
         
    Equity    
    Shareholders’ equity 4,153.5 4,224.6
    Non-controlling interests 144.3 161.7
    Total equity 4,297.9 4,386.3
         
    Non-current liabilities    
    Borrowings 2,311.7 2,537.5
    Lease liabilities 69.8 71.7
    Other non-current financial liabilities 3.5 3.5
    Deferred income tax liabilities 488.4 495.1
    Post-employment benefits 21.2 23.0
    Contract liabilities 53.3 54.2
    Other provisions 7.1 7.0
    Total non-current liabilities 2,955.0 3,192.1
    Current liabilities    
    Borrowings 602.7 524.0
    Lease liabilities 22.2 21.9
    Other current financial liabilities1 103.5 –
    CCP clearing business liabilities 348,949.3 341,695.3
    Income tax payable 68.8 99.3
    Trade and other payables 422.5 526.5
    Contract liabilities 158.5 176.2
    Other provisions 3.7 4.1
    Total current liabilities      350,331.3 343,047.3
    Total equity and liabilities     357,584.2 350,625.7

    Consolidated statement of cash flows

    In € million Q2 2025 Q2 2024
    Profit before tax 264.5 206.7
    Adjustments for:    
    – Depreciation and amortisation 48.2 47.9
               – Share-based payments 5.6 2.9
    -Results from equity investments (24.5) –
    -Gain on sale of associate – (1.2)
    -Share of profit from associates and joint ventures – (0.1)
               – Changes in working capital (43.8) (67.9)
    Cash flow from operating activities 250.0 188.4
    Income tax paid (115.1) (76.9)
    Net cash flows from operating activities 135.0 111.5
         
    Cash flow from investing activities    
    Business combinations, net of cash acquired                                     (400.4) (38.5)
    Proceeds from sale of associate –                              0.9
    Purchase of current financial assets (0.4) (0.6)
    Redemption of current financial assets (0.2) 17.7
    Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                    (3.2)                               (5.0)
    Purchase of intangible assets (28.1) (15.8)
    Interest received                                     7.3 11.3
    Asset acquisitions (27.7) –
    Proceeds from sale of property, plant, equipment and intangible assets – (0.1)
    Dividends received from equity investments 24.5 –
    Dividends received from associates and joint ventures                                         – 0.1
    Net cash flow from investing activities (428.2) (30.0)
         
    Cash flow from financing activities    
    Proceeds from borrowings, net of transaction fees 846.2 –
    Repayment of borrowings, net of transaction fees (925.0) –
    Interest paid (29.2) (28.2)
    Payment of lease liabilities (3.4) (4.2)
    Transactions in own shares 0.0 (10.0)
    Withholding tax paid at vesting of shares (1.9) (1.2)
    Dividends paid to the company’s shareholders (293.4) (257.3)
    Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (18.2) (18.9)
    Net cash flow from financing activities (424.9) (319.6)
         
    Total cash flow over the period (718.1) (238.1)
    Cash and cash equivalents – Beginning of period 1,642.3 1,609.6
    Non-cash exchange gains/(losses) on cash and cash equivalents (4.9) 4.6
    Cash and cash equivalents – End of period 919.3 1,376.0

    Business indicators for the second quarter of 2025

    • Securities Services
    Custody and Settlement Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % var
    Number of settlement instructions over the period 36,946,162 32,114,794 +15.0%
    Assets under Custody (in €bn), end of period 7,344 7,030 +4.5%
    • Capital Markets
    Primary Markets Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % var
    Number of issuers on Equities – Euronext 1,766 1,862 -5.0%
    Number of issuers on Equities – SMEs 1,371 1,469 -7.0%
    Number of listed Funds 2,179 2,347 -7.0%
    Number of listed ETFs 4,322 3,885 +11.0%
    Number of listed Bonds 57,367 58,147 -1.0%
    Capital raised on primary and secondary market (in €m)      
    Number of new equity listings 13 17  
    Money raised – New equity listings (including over-allotment) 155 3,403 -95.0%
    Money raised – Follow-ons on equities 4,457 2,362 +89.0%
    Money raised – Bonds 316,817 304,686 +4.0%
    • FICC Markets
    Fixed income trading and clearing Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % var
    Number of trading days 62 63 –
    Transaction value (in €m, single counted)      
    MTS      
    ADV MTS Cash 59,182 36,287 +63.0%
    TAADV MTS Repo 612,821 448,618 +37.0%
    Other fixed income      
    ADV fixed income 1,588 1,689 -6.0%
    Number of transactions and lots cleared (double counted)      
    Bonds – Wholesale (nominal value in €bn) 8,571 6,918 +23.9%
    Bonds – Retail (number of contracts) 3,313,182 3,658,240 -9.4%
    Commodities trading and clearing Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % var
    Number of trading days 91 91 –
    Power volume (in TWh) – ADV Day-ahead Power Market 2.53 2.53 0.0%
    Power volume (in TWh) – ADV Intraday Power Market          0.56 0.36 +58.0%
    Derivatives volume (in lots)      
    Number of trading days 62 63 –
    Commodity 6,746,377 7,898,126 -14.6%
    Futures 6,473,697 7,197,681 -10.1%
    Options 272,680 700,445 -61.1%
    FX trading Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % var
    Number of trading days 65 65 –
    FX volume (in $m, single counted)      
    Total Euronext FX 2,025,494 1,783,772 +13.6%
    ADV Euronext FX 31,161 27,443 +13.6%
    • Equity Markets
    Cash equity trading and clearing Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % var
    Number of trading days 62 63 –
    Number of transactions (buy and sell) (reported trades included)      
    Total Cash Market 186,375,884 152,354,170 +21.5%
    ADV Cash Market 3,006,063 2,434,193 +23.5%
    Transaction value (€ million, single counted)      
    Total Cash Market 831,391 696,882 +19.3%
    ADV Cash Market 13,410 11,062 +21.2%
    Shares (number of transactions and lots cleared – single counted) 75,751,603 55,211,959 +37.2%
    Financial derivatives trading and clearing Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % var
    Number of trading days 62 63 –
    Derivatives Volume (in lots) – Equity 30,293,449 35,317,815 -14.2%
    Index 10,684,578 13,753,365 -22.3%
    Futures 6,465,795 7,760,863 -16.7%
    Options 4,218,783 5,992,502 -29.6%
    Individual Equity 19,608,871 21,564,450 -9.1%
    Futures 526,418 2,782,606 -81.1%
    Options 19,082,453 18,781,844 +1.6%

    1 Definition in Appendix – adjusted for non-underlying operating expenses excluding D&A and non-underlying revenue and income.
    2   Fixed income, commodities and currencies
    3 Last twelve months adjusted EBITDA. Net debt to last twelve months reported EBITDA ratio was at 1.9x.
    4 Share of the parent company shareholders
    5https://www.euronext.com/en/about/media/euronext-press-releases/euronext-announces-collaboration-euroclear-enhance-euronext
    6https://www.euronext.com/en/about/media/euronext-press-releases/euronext-and-clearstream-launch-partnership-further-strengthen
    7https://www.euronext.com/en/about/media/euronext-press-releases/euronext-launches-first-phase-its-strategic-multi-year-repo
    8https://www.euronext.com/en/about/media/euronext-press-releases/euronext-launch-voluntary-share-exchange-offer-for-all-athex-0
    9 Offer is subject to customary and regulatory approvals.
    10 Including revenue from power trading and clearing
    11 Including equities, ETFs, warrants and certificates
    12www.euronext.com/en/news/euronext-nasdaq-clearing-agreement-power-derivatives-transfer-set-for-march-2026.
    13 www.euronext.com/en/about/media/euronext-press-releases/euronext-and-clearstream-launch-partnership-further-strengthen
    14www.euronext.com/en/investor-relations/financial-information/news/euronext-announces-success-its-offering-bonds-due
    15 www.euronext.com/en/about/media/euronext-press-releases/euronext-launches-first-phase-its-strategic-multi-year-repo
    16 https://www.euronext.com/en/about/media/euronext-press-releases/euronext-launch-voluntary-share-exchange-offer-for-all-athex-0
    17 Offer is subject to customary and regulatory approvals.

    18 The Nasdaq Nordic transaction qualifies as an ‘asset acquisition’. The full purchase price, consisting of a fixed amount of US$35.0 million and a contingent consideration amount estimated at US$115.0 million, is allocated to customer relationships as an intangible asset. The Group has chosen to apply the liability approach that follows IFRIC 1 principles for recognition of the contingent consideration liability, whereby subsequent changes in the liability are adjusted against the carrying amount of the related asset.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pettersen Meets With Providers & Administrators at Planned Parenthood Arvada Health Center Following Trump’s Effort to Ban Medicaid-Covered Planned Parenthood Treatments

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

    SEE PICTURES FROM TUESDAYS EVENT

    LAKEWOOD – U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) visited the Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountain’s (PPRM) Arvada clinic to hear from providers and administrators about the impacts of Trump’s ban on Medicaid coverage for care at Planned Parenthood. The ban was part of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which specifically prohibited Medicaid recipients from using Planned Parenthood for their health care. PPRM therefore had to immediately notify around 15,000 patients, around 25% of their patient base, that they could no longer be treated at Planned Parenthood facilities, and were unable to offer an alternative for care. But on Monday, a federal judge ruled the federal government must allow Medicaid to reimburse Planned Parenthood for patient care.

    During the visit, Pettersen met with providers and administrators to discuss the real consequences of these changes, specifically, how individuals depend on these clinics for more than just reproductive services, and how these increased barriers, especially for rural and low-income individuals, could cause harm when they have access to few alternatives. In the first week alone, this local clinic had to notify 100 patients that they were unable to see them for their appointments that week. For many patients, Planned Parenthood is the only place they’ve ever known for getting the care they need. Pettersen also heard firsthand about the struggles PPRM has experienced with the chaotic implementation and judicial process around this ban. The Arvada clinic has 13 employees and the need for an additional provider, but the situation has created a difficult climate for hiring.

    “Trump not only handpicked the radical Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn Roe vs Wade, he has also stripped coverage for reproductive healthcare away for patients who rely on Medicaid through his “big ugly bill.”  Like so many women, I relied on Planned Parenthood for access to health care when I was uninsured. In many places, Planned Parenthood is the only option people have to access care and Donald Trump and the Republicans are leaving millions of Americans with nowhere to turn” said Rep. Pettersen.  “As a mom, I know there isn’t anything more personal than deciding if you want to start a family and nobody should make that decision for you, especially Donald Trump. I’m outraged by his cruelty and the impacts this will have on women for years to come. Women and Americans deserve so much better than this.”

    “This law was designed to punish people on Medicaid who rely on Planned Parenthood for life-saving reproductive and sexual health care. It’s a cruel and calculated attack on health equity, and it’s having real, devastating consequences for our patients across Colorado.  In just the first nine days after the law took effect, nearly 1,000 patients across our region were denied essential care. These are people who couldn’t pick up their birth control, missed time-sensitive abortion care services, or were turned away from cancer screenings and STI treatment. These aren’t just numbers—they’re our neighbors, our friends, and our family members. Republicans in Congress who voted for this heinous bill should be ashamed of themselves” said Adrienne Mansanares, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains. 

    Planned Parenthood is the nation’s largest abortion care provider, but they also provide basic care, including annual screenings, birth control, and other gynecological care. Each year, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains serves nearly 100,000 people at their 23 health centers in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Planned Parenthood estimates that 1 in 5 women have relied on Planned Parenthood for care at some point in their lives.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Committee Advances Multiple Bipartisan Hassan Bills, Including Bill to Strengthen Security at the Northern Border

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    WASHINGTON – The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted yesterday to advance multiple bipartisan bills introduced and led by U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), including a bill to strengthen security at the Northern Border, a bill to improve the federal response to terrorist acts, and a bill to reduce government waste.

    “Our government’s number one job is to keep people safe. The bipartisan bills that advanced yesterday represent commonsense ways that Congress can protect our national security and safeguard taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Hassan. “I will continue to stand up for Granite Staters and measures that keep our country safe, secure, and free.”

    Measures that advanced from the Homeland Security Committee included:

    • The Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act, introduced by Senators Hassan and Cramer (R-ND), which requires the Department of Homeland Security to regularly complete a new Northern Border Threat Analysis and update its Northern Border Strategy
    • The Reporting Efficiently to Proper Officials in Response to Terrorism (REPORT) Act, introduced by Senators Hassan and Lee (R-UT), which requires executive branch agencies to provide a report to Congress within a year of concluding a terrorist attack investigation, including any recommendations to improve national security and prevent any future attacks
    • The Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act, led by Senators Ernst (R-IA) and Hassan, which requires federal agencies to publicly report on projects that are more than five years behind schedule or cost more than $1 billion over their original estimate
    • The Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act, introduced by Senators Grassley (R-IA) and Peters (D-MI) and co-sponsored by Senator Hassan, which closes a loophole that foreign governments, including the Chinese government, have used to conceal their role in lobbying efforts
    • The Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, introduced by Senators Kennedy (R-LA) and Peters (D-MI) and co-sponsored by Senator Hassan, which requires agencies to share death certificate information across the federal government to help prevent Social Security and other payments from going to people who have passed away

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: On Medicaid’s 60th Anniversary, Hickenlooper Hammers Republicans’ Reckless Decision to Gut Medicaid, Strip Health Care from 15 Million Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    Hickenlooper: “They are making the people who suffer the most suffer more. That is not the America that I believe in.” 

    Hickenlooper helped introduce new legislation to repeal Republicans’ health cuts, protect rural hospitals, seniors’ nursing care

    WASHINGTON – Today, on Medicaid’s 60th anniversary, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor to call out the Republicans’ disastrous budget bill that slashes more than $1 trillion in funding for Medicaid and health care services to pay for tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. He also joined his Senate Democratic colleagues to introduce two new bills that would repeal the Republicans’ health care cuts in their “Big Beautiful Betrayal.”


    “They cut more than $1 trillion from Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and food stamps – the programs that help struggling Americans meet their most basic human need for food and health care. Again, just so they could pass the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in the history of our country,”     said Hickenlooper.

    Earlier this month, Republicans narrowly passed their extreme budget bill that will increase prices for Coloradans, lead to 15 million Americans losing their health care, increase the deficit by $4 trillion, and hand out tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans.

    Specifically, their bill slashed more than $1 trillion in Medicaid funding and failed to extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. As a result, an estimated 15 million people will lose health benefits.

    In his speech, Hickenlooper highlighted how these cuts to Medicaid will disproportionally hurt rural hospitals like Sunrise Monfort Community Health Clinic in Evans, Colorado.

    “Sunrise’s network of 14 rural health clinics serves 43,000 patients across a broad swath of Northern Colorado. [50%] of them are enrolled in either Medicaid or Medicare,” Hickenlooper continued. “They estimate that those cuts in Medicaid will force between 7,000-14,000 of their patients off of health care. That’s ¼ of their patients. Again, all because lawmakers in Washington had decided to give still bigger tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy.”

    Hickenlooper voted NO on the bill after Republicans voted down critical Democratic-led amendments to prevent cuts to Medicaid, extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, and safeguard small businesses and nursing homes from Medicaid cuts. He fought against the bill in the Senate and has continued to raise alarm about its impacts after Republicans passed it.

    Hickenlooper introduces bills to reverse health care cuts

    Today, Hickenlooper joined the entire Democratic caucus to introduce two new bills that would rollback the Republicans’ disastrous health cuts in their budget bill and protect health care for millions of Americans.

    The Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act would repeal all of the provisions in the health section of the Republicans’ dangerous bill. Specifically, it would prevent millions of Americans from losing their health care and rural health clinics from closure. The legislation would also extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax cuts which lower health care costs for millions of Americans. 

    The Restoring Essential Health Care Act would specifically repeal the provision in the Republicans’ reckless bill that defunds Planned Parenthood. The Republican provision restricts Medicaid reimbursements for organizations that offer abortion services, even though it is already illegal to use federal funding for abortion. This week a federal judge blocked the provision.

    To download a full video of Hickenlooper’s remarks, click HERE. A full transcript of his remarks is available below:

    “Mr. President,

    “The United States is the wealthiest country on earth.

    “I think it’s fair to say it’s the wealthiest country in the history of the world. Probably in the history of the solar system.

    “What we do with that wealth speaks volumes about who we are as a country.

    “And about the responsibility we feel to our fellow Americans. It defines us.

    “Earlier this month, Republicans passed, what I would call, a truly devastating budget bill that gives many of the wealthiest people in this country – many of whom don’t want a tax break – but gives many of the wealthiest people in this country and corporations a $4.5 trillion tax break.

    “That was their goal. They just needed to find a way to pay for it. Well actually, they only paid for a small part of it.

    “But in doing so they cut more than $1 trillion from Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and food stamps – the programs that help struggling Americans meet their most basic human need for food and health care.

    “Again, just so they could pass the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in the history of our country.

    “That speaks volumes about who this administration values.

    “But what does the bill mean for Americans?

    “Over time, 15 million Americans are going to lose their health care. Are likely to lose their health coverage. 241,000 of them live in Colorado. Hundreds and hundreds of hospitals around the country are at risk of closure, many of them in Colorado.

    “Take the Sunrise Monfort Community Health Clinic in Evans, Colorado.

    “We were there in May, and Sunrise’s network of 14 rural health clinics serves 43,000 patients across a broad swath of Northern Colorado. [50%] of them are enrolled in either Medicaid or Medicare.

    “And we spoke with their CEO back in May, and we were told point blank that gutting Medicaid… will force them to dramatically cut services.

    “They estimate that those cuts in Medicaid will force between 7,000-14,000 of their patients off of health care. That’s ¼ of their patients.

    “Again, all because lawmakers in Washington had decided to give still bigger tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy, and again many of whom don’t want or need tax cuts.

    “It’s nuts. 

    “The administration knew taking health care away from many Americans would be unpopular.

    “So they crafted and snuck in a provision to solve that: most of the Medicaid cuts won’t take place until 2027.

    “Why wait until 2027, you might ask? Well because it’s after the midterm elections at the end of 2026.

    “They basically gutted our social safety net system, and then they found a way to make sure that Republicans would be insulated from the immediate political costs, from their voters.

    “That’s why right now they’re building a massive public relations campaign to go out and sell the bill to Americans.

    “They, so far, completely deny that this bill is going to harm Americans in any way. Instead, they say it’s about government “efficiency” and cutting out waste, fraud, and abuse.

    “Well listen, I’m all for making government more efficient. When I was Mayor of Denver, we made the city smaller. We had a hiring freeze for 2 ½ years. We asked workers to do more with less and they did that. But we did it in increments and we worked to make sure that people knew how much they were valued, and that they could make a difference.

    “When I was Governor of Colorado, we balanced our budget every single year. We went through every board and regulation that we could find on the books – 24,500 rules and regulations. And we simplified or eliminated 11,000. We did all this without cutting services and without cutting resources that people rely on.

    “Now Republicans knew they were going way beyond “waste, fraud, and abuse” – that’s part of the reason it took 24 hours of voting and arm-twisting to pass this, what we call in my family, god-awful bill. They knew they were going to be hurting their constituents, and Americans.

    “The bill itself is a prime example of, what my grandfather used to call, a drunken spending spree –  it’s gonna cost the American people more than $4 TRILLION when you consider the interest payments on the national debt.

    “And none of the arguments that the Republicans have used have legs.

    “Ultimately, the bill isn’t just $1 trillion in cuts from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act – it really, through these rules and paperwork, creates new barriers to access. That means more paperwork, more hoops for families to jump through.

    “Under Trump’s Big Ugly Bill, government “efficiency” just means rolling out the red tape. Miles and miles of it.

    “And who pays the price?

    “Well, rural Coloradans are going to pay some price. People living in Cortez, Lamar, or Rifle will pay a price when their closest health care center closes.

    “Pregnant women who have to drive 50 miles to get to their closest hospital…

    “Kids who lose their health care because their parents had to navigate so much red tape to prove they do in fact meet the requirements will pay the cost.

    “Adult children who can’t provide sufficient “proof” that their full-time job is taking care of a disabled parent.

    “Now, listen to this. If you’re a single adult in Colorado, you don’t even qualify for Medicaid if you earn [more] than $1,735 a month. That means making less than $10.01 an hour.

    “If you make $10.02 an hour you already don’t qualify for Medicaid. So people making less than $10 an hour have to fill out reams of paperwork to demonstrate that they qualify.

    “They should be able to show their W2 and say ‘Hey, I’m making $9.50 an hour’ and that should be enough.

    “But somehow there’s a worry that people making less than $10 an hour should have to fill out all of this other paperwork. What kind of a bizarre world do we live in?

    “Bottom line: Republicans are cutting costs by punishing the poorest and most needy in our country when they can’t keep up. They are making the people who suffer the most suffer more.

    “That’s not the America that I believe in.

    “The Medicaid system isn’t perfect.

    “It exists in our country, because that country decided that no matter where you live, or how little money you make, working Americans deserve basic health care.

    “Who knows, someday we might get everyone covered. It’s a vow we need to make.

    “And certainly when we created Medicaid it was a vow we made to help take care of many of the neediest people in our country.

    “Because our country is measured not by how we treat the people at the very top, but how we treat large numbers of Americans who start at the bottom, striving for a better life.

    “That’s how our country should be measured.

    “And that’s the dream we are all chasing.

    “And ultimately, it’s the American people who will have the final word.

    “Thank you, Mr. President, I yield the floor.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Breaking the cycle of gender-based violence | Briser le cycle de la violence fondée sur le sexe

    Alberta’s government is investing in prevention-focused initiatives to stop violence before it starts. One-time grants totalling $720,000 will support three community-led programs that promote healthy relationships, emotional well-being and positive role modelling among men and boys. These programs help create the necessary conditions for healing and long-term safety.

    Gender-based violence affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds across Alberta. With two in three women and one in three men experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime, there is a clear need to support prevention efforts that include and engage men and boys.

    “Men and boys are key partners in our work to end gender-based violence and this funding strengthens programs that build safer communities for everyone. I am grateful to the front-line workers leading that change and helping to break the cycle of violence today.”

    Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

    This investment delivers on Priority 2: Prevent gender-based violence before it begins, as outlined in Building on Our Strengths: Alberta’s 10-Year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence. The strategy commits to supporting targeted prevention programs that engage and mobilize more men and boys as partners in stopping violence at its roots.

    “Ending gender-based violence means engaging everyone – especially men and boys. Through our federal government’s National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, we’re proud to support Alberta’s efforts to create safe, supportive spaces where healing is nurtured and violence is stopped before it starts.”

    Rechie Valdez, federal Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)

    These programs go beyond prevention, offering safe, supportive spaces where men and boys can heal, grow and reconnect with their communities after experiencing violence. Trusted community organizations will deliver these services to those at risk of experiencing or committing harm.

    “Preventing gender-based violence requires a collaborative approach including men. We are pleased to see the government support Men& now and in the future as part of its 10-Year Strategy. We look forward to using this investment to advance data-driven strategies to create a future free from domestic violence and abuse.”

    Kim Ruse, CEO, Fear is Not Love Society

    “Culturally rooted support for Indigenous men and boys is crucial to preventing gender-based violence. The Government of Alberta’s financial support of the I Am A Kind Man program helps Friendship Centres build capacity to be an essential catalyst for the development of respectful relationships founded on traditional values.”

    Joanne Mason, CEO, Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association

    “If we are going to be successful in preventing gender-based violence, we need to go upstream and stop the violence before it starts. This funding is supporting three rural Alberta communities to look closely at the social conditions that allow violence to take root – and identify how local leaders can help change those conditions to create safer, healthier communities.”

    Reave MacLeod, co-acting CEO, YWCA Banff

    In addition to this targeted grant, Alberta’s government continues investing more than $188 million in provincewide supports. This includes emergency shelters, safe transportation, legal assistance and other critical supports.

    Quick facts

    • Men and boys are  by gender-based violence both as victims and perpetrators, with one-third of Canadian men experiencing some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
    • The $720,000 investment expands three ongoing community-led initiatives that engage men and boys in violence prevention. The grant recipients are:
      • Fear is Not Love Society – $280,000 ($210,000 in 2024–25, $70,000 in 2025–26)
      • Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) – $200,000
      • Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Banff – $240,000
    • The grant includes $650,000 in federal funding for 2024–25 as part of the bilateral agreement under the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

    Related information

    • Alberta’s 10-Year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence

    Related news

    • Alberta takes action: Ending gender-based violence (May 13, 2025)

    L’Alberta fait progresser sa stratégie décennale, Bâtir sur nos forces, en investissant dans des programmes qui aident les hommes et les garçons à prévenir la violence fondée sur le sexe.

    Le gouvernement de l’Alberta investit dans des initiatives axées sur la prévention afin de stopper la violence avant qu’elle ne survienne. Des subventions ponctuelles totalisant 720 000 $ soutiendront trois programmes communautaires qui favorisent les relations saines, le bien-être émotionnel et les modèles positifs chez les hommes et les garçons. Ces programmes contribuent à créer les conditions nécessaires à la guérison et à la sécurité à long terme.

    La violence fondée sur le sexe touche des gens partout en Alberta, quels que soient leur âge, leur sexe et leurs origines. Puisque deux femmes sur trois et un homme sur trois subissent des violences sexuelles au cours de leur vie, il est essentiel de soutenir les efforts de prévention qui incluent et mobilisent les hommes et les garçons.

    « Les hommes et les garçons sont des partenaires clés dans le travail que nous menons pour mettre fin à la violence fondée sur le sexe, et ce financement renforce les programmes qui contribuent à bâtir des communautés plus sûres pour toutes et pour tous. Je suis reconnaissante envers le personnel de première ligne qui mène ce changement et qui contribue déjà à briser le cycle de la violence. »

    Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine

    Cet investissement répond à la priorité numéro 2, « Prévenir la violence fondée sur le sexe avant qu’elle ne survienne », telle que définie dans le document Bâtir sur nos forces : Stratégie décennale de l’Alberta pour mettre fin à la violence fondée sur le sexe. La stratégie s’engage à soutenir des programmes de prévention ciblés qui mobilisent davantage les hommes et les garçons et qui en font des partenaires pour enrayer la violence à sa source.

    « Mettre fin à la violence fondée sur le sexe signifie mobiliser tout le monde – en particulier les hommes et les garçons. Nous sommes fiers de notre Plan d’action national pour mettre fin à la violence fondée sur le sexe, qui soutient les efforts de l’Alberta pour créer des environnements sûrs et bienveillants, où la guérison est appuyée et où la violence est stoppée avant même qu’elle n’éclate. »

    Rechie Valdez, ministre fédérale des Femmes et de l’Égalité des genres et secrétaire d’État (Petites entreprises et Tourisme)

    Ces programmes vont au-delà de la prévention : ils offrent des environnements sûrs et bienveillants où les hommes et les garçons peuvent guérir, évoluer et se reconnecter à leur communauté après avoir vécu de la violence. Des organismes communautaires de confiance offriront ces services aux personnes à risque de subir ou de commettre des actes de violence.

    « Prévenir la violence fondée sur le sexe nécessite une approche collaborative dont les hommes font partie. Nous sommes heureux de voir le gouvernement soutenir Men& dès maintenant et dans l’avenir dans le cadre de sa stratégie décennale. Nous avons hâte d’utiliser ce financement pour faire progresser des stratégies éclairées par des données afin de créer un avenir sans violence ni abus. »

    Kim Ruse, directrice générale, Fear is Not Love Society

    « Pour prévenir la violence fondée sur le sexe, les hommes et les garçons autochtones ont absolument besoin d’un soutien enraciné dans leur culture. Le soutien financier du gouvernement de l’Alberta au programme I Am A Kind Man aide les centres d’amitié à renforcer leur capacité pour devenir ainsi un catalyseur essentiel au développement de relations respectueuses fondées sur les valeurs traditionnelles des Autochtones. »

    Joanne Mason, directrice générale, Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association

    « Si nous voulons réussir à prévenir la violence fondée sur le sexe, nous devons intervenir en amont et stopper la violence avant qu’elle ne survienne. Ce financement soutient trois communautés rurales de l’Alberta dans l’analyse des conditions sociales qui permettent à la violence de s’enraciner et dans l’identification des moyens par lesquels les chefs de file locaux peuvent changer ces conditions et créer ainsi des communautés plus sûres et plus saines. »

    Reave MacLeod, codirectrice générale intérimaire, YWCA Banff

    En plus de cette subvention ciblée, le gouvernement de l’Alberta continue d’investir plus de 188 millions de dollars dans des mesures de soutien mises de l’avant à l’échelle provinciale, notamment des refuges d’urgence, des services de transport sécurisés, de l’aide juridique et d’autres mesures essentielles.

    En bref

    • Les hommes et les garçons sont touchés par la violence fondée sur le sexe à la fois comme victimes et comme auteurs : un homme canadien sur trois subira en effet une forme de violence conjugale au cours de sa vie.
    • L’investissement de 720 000 $ permet d’élargir trois initiatives communautaires en cours qui mobilisent les hommes et les garçons dans la prévention de la violence. Les bénéficiaires sont les suivants :
      • Fear is Not Love Society – 280 000 $ (210 000 $ en 2024-2025, 70 000 $ en 2025-2026)
      • Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) – 200 000 $
      • Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Banff – 240 000 $
    • La subvention comprend 650 000 $ de financement fédéral en 2024-2025 dans le cadre de l’accord bilatéral du Plan d’action national pour mettre fin à la violence fondée sur le sexe.

    Renseignements connexes

    • Stratégie décennale de l’Alberta pour mettre fin à la violence fondée sur le sexe

    Actualités connexes

    • L’Alberta prend des mesures pour mettre fin à la violence fondée sur le sexe (13 mai 2025)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Federal and provincial governments invest in remediation of the Montague Mines site

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia, July 31, 2025 — The site of a former gold mine that operated approximately 100 years ago will be remediated after an investment of more than $33.4 million from the federal and provincial governments.

    An environmental site assessment confirmed the soil at Montague Mines, which was mined for gold from 1865 to 1940, is contaminated with mercury and arsenic. The contamination is primarily found in an area of approximately 363 acres where mine tailings were disposed. The goal of the project is to return the land and wetlands to a productive habitat similar to what it was before mining activities.

    The cleanup will include excavating contaminated soils to a depth of two metres and placing the soil in impermeable containment cells that will be constructed on site. The estimated volume of material expected to be contained within the cells is 120,000 m3. A treatment system will also be required to collect and treat any leachate from the constructed containment cells. Clean backfill will replace removed soil.

    A low-permeability cover will be placed on areas of the site with lower levels of contamination to keep precipitation from creating contaminated runoff. These areas will also be covered with clean backfill.

    Since 1991, provincial legislation in Nova Scotia requires mining companies to provide funds for reclamation — such as cash or bonds — before mining begins to cover full reclamation costs. This ensures sites can be effectively reclaimed even if a company defaults, preventing an abandoned or contaminated site. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: SCOR announces the availability of its 2025 Interim Financial Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release
    July 31, 2025 – N° 12

    SCOR announces the availability of its 2025 Interim Financial Report

    SCOR (“SCOR” or the “Company”) announces the availability and the filing with the French Autorité des marchés financiers of its Interim Financial Report for the period ended June 30, 2025.

    The 2025 Interim Financial Report is available in the “Regulated Information” section of the Company’s website at www.scor.com.

    Hard copies of the 2025 Interim Financial Report are also available at SCOR’s headquarters, located at the following address:

    SCOR SE
    5, avenue Kléber
    75795 Paris Cedex 16
    France

    *

    *         *

    SCOR, a leading global reinsurer

    As a leading global reinsurer, SCOR offers its clients a diversified and innovative range of reinsurance and insurance solutions and services to control and manage risk. Applying “The Art & Science of Risk,” SCOR uses its industry-recognized expertise and cutting-edge financial solutions to serve its clients and contribute to the welfare and resilience of society.

    The Group generated premiums of EUR 20.1 billion in 2024 and serves clients in more than 150 countries from its 37 offices worldwide.

    For more information, visit: www.scor.com

    		 Media Relations
    Alexandre Garcia
    media@scor.com

    Investor Relations
    Thomas Fossard
    InvestorRelations@scor.com

    Follow us on LinkedIn
     

    All content published by the SCOR group since January 1, 2024, is certified with Wiztrust. You can check the authenticity of this content at wiztrust.com.

    General

    Figures presented throughout the 2025 Interim Financial Report may not add up precisely to the totals in the tables and text. Percentages and percent changes are calculated on complete figures (including decimals); therefore, the 2025 Interim Financial Report might contain immaterial differences in sums and percentages due to rounding. Unless otherwise specified, the sources for the business ranking and market positions are internal.

    The 2025 Interim Financial Report does not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or a solicitation of an offer to buy SCOR securities in any jurisdiction.

    Forward-looking statements

    The 2025 Interim Financial Report includes forward-looking statements, assumptions, and information about SCOR’s financial condition, results, business, strategy, plans and objectives, including in relation to SCOR’s current or future projects.

    These statements may be identified by the use of the future tense or conditional mode, or terms such as “estimate”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “aim”, “expect”, “have the objective”, “intend to”, “plan”, “result in”, “should”, and other similar expressions.

    It should be noted that the achievement of these objectives, forward-looking statements, assumptions and information is dependent on circumstances and facts that may or may not arise in the future.

    No guarantee can be given regarding the achievement of these forward-looking statements, assumptions and information. These forward-looking statements, assumptions and information are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements, assumptions and information (including on objectives) may be impacted by known or unknown risks, identified or unidentified uncertainties and other factors that may significantly impact the future results, performance and accomplishments planned or expected by SCOR.

    In particular, it should be noted that the full impact of the economic, financial and geopolitical risks on SCOR’s business and results cannot be precisely assessed.

    Accordingly, all assessments, assumptions, and figures presented in the 2025 Interim Financial Report should be considered as estimates based on evolving analyses, and encompass a wide range of theoretical hypotheses, which are highly evolutive.

    Information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect SCOR’s business is set forth in the 2024 Universal Registration Document filed on March 20, 2025, under number n°D.25-0124 with the French Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) available on SCOR’s website www.scor.com and on the AMF’s website www.amf-france.org.

    In addition, such forward-looking statements, assumptions and information are not “profit forecasts” within the meaning of Article 1 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/980.

    SCOR does not undertake and has no obligation or intention to complete, update, revise or change these forward-looking statements, assumptions and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Financial information

    The Group’s financial information contained in the 2025 Interim Financial Report is prepared on the basis of IFRS and interpretations issued and approved by the European Union.

    Unless otherwise specified, prior-year balance sheet, income statement items and ratios have not been reclassified.

    The calculation of financial ratios (such as return on invested assets, regular income yield, return on equity and combined ratio) is detailed in the Appendices of the presentation related to the financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2025 which is available on SCOR’s website www.scor.com.

    The financial results for the first half of 2025 included in the 2025 Interim Financial Report have been subject to a limited review by SCOR’s statutory auditors. Unless otherwise specified, all figures are presented in Euros.

    Any financial data or figures for a period subsequent to June 30, 2025 are not to be construed as a forecast of the expected financials for these periods.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: Let’s Get Government Employees Closer to the People They Serve

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Joins RFD-TV to Discuss USDA Relocation & Trump Trade Deal
    Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Suzanne Alexander on RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to discuss the USDA coming to Kansas City as part of their relocation efforts, President Trump’s trade deals and their significance to American agriculture, and his legislation to bring farmers more clarity, the Clear Waters Act.

    Click HERE or on the image above to listen to Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    On USDA reorganization:
    “You know, the farmers and ranchers were the original conservationists, and we need to keep bragging on the USDA reorganization. Look, I’m excited to get government employees closer to the people that they serve. So, 4000 USDA employees here in DC, by the way, only 6% of them were working in the offices until January of this year, February of this year. So, we’re going to move about half of those out to the country, and one of those places is Kansas City. And what I’m excited about moving more workers to the Kansas City offices, number one, we get more Kansas City Chiefs fans. But beyond that, they’re going to be closer to my alma mater, Kansas State University, Iowa State University, Nebraska, really some of the strongest ag schools in America, and that’s going to help populate that USDA program there in Kansas City. It’s agriculture economics they focus on, as well as handing out the grants for agriculture research. So, I just think getting USDA workers closer to their customers has to be a good thing. So, I’m excited.”
    On USDA relocation pushback in Congress:
    “Look, I have a great deal of respect for Senator Klobuchar. She’s a good friend, but I we respectfully disagree. This has been well thought out. The first time I met Secretary Rollins in person, back in, goodness, it may have been November, December of last year, she talked about this reorganization. So, I think every member on that committee has had a chance to have her come in and talk about this. This isn’t half-baked. The Assistant Secretary, Steven Vaden, former Judge Vaden, international trade court judge is in charge of this plan. I think it’s well thought out. And again, I just don’t know what American is going to come up to me and say, “It’s not a good idea to move people out of Washington, DC.” I would take two-thirds of the Federal officers that are working here in DC and move them out to those flyover states. It’s just such a different culture here in Washington, DC – it is the swamp. I just think when you have USDA workers going to church, going to soccer games, going to a Kansas State football game together, that they’re going to just have a better product when it’s all said and done.”
    On the Clear Waters Act:
    “Yeah, think about Waters of the US. This has been going on since 1972. You get a Democrat president in office, and they expand what water the US has. And we get President Trump in office, and he tries to cut it back. But what our bill does is clarify this and give our farmers certainty. Look, your listeners understand that a pothole, that a pond, that is not a navigable stream. So, we clearly define what navigable streams are, that it needs to be a body of water that can continuously flow and touches one of those main navigable streams. Kansas only has three navigable streams, for instance, throughout the years. So, it just gives us some clarity. But I want to emphasize to anyone on the other side of this that farmers and ranchers are the best environmentalists. Those that are that are practicing modern precision agriculture are decreasing the drift from their fields by 90% using modern-day agriculture techniques. We’re decreasing 90% of the drip from those fields. But I just want to get the farmers, the ranchers, some certainty, our dairy farmers, people that have feed lots, we need certainty in this area. And look, we’re going to do our best to take care of the environment as well.”
    On the Dairy Pride Act:
    “Well, I think there’s a lot of fake products out there, right? And with all due respect to almond juice and some of the other juices out there, they’re not milk products. As far as I’m concerned. I don’t know why they’re in the milk portion of the grocery store, just like I don’t want plant-based protein sitting beside a hamburger born and raised and processed in Kansas. So, I think again, we just want customers to know what they’re drinking or eating. And almond juice is not milk. And by the way, we’re getting closer and closer to getting whole milk, there it is, whole milk back into schools as well.”
    On how Trump trade deals are benefiting American agriculture:
    “I’m just so ecstatic to see these chickens come home to roost, right? President Trump has used these tariffs to negotiate better trade deals, trade deals that I hope are going to let our grandchildren continue to work on our farms. Look, we’ve not sold a cheeseburger to Europe, a gallon of ethanol to England in my lifetime. So, beyond just the tariffs, what the President is doing is removing non-tariff barriers. And again, your listeners are educated. They understand what China [and] the EU does to keep American agriculture products out of those countries. So, by removing those, we’re going to sell more and more products. And I just, you know, there are lots of things we could talk about, but look at President Trump’s strategy here, how he’s boxing in China. Last night, he announced a deal with South Korea, but beyond that, the EU, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, Australia, basically, he’s boxed China in here. China was doing a lot of trans shipments. So, they would make, say, t-shirts or tennis shoes. They would send it to Vietnam and bring it into this country on Vietnam tariff levels. Well, President Trump wasn’t born yesterday, so he’s tightening up that portion, and we’ll get that China trade deal soon, hopefully before the fall. Fall crops need to be harvested.”

    MIL OSI USA News –