Category: Scandinavia

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Largest Ukraine trade mission boosts UK defence partnerships

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Largest Ukraine trade mission boosts UK defence partnerships

    Largest multinational Ukraine trade mission boosts defence partnerships for British business

    • The UK led its largest-ever trade mission to Ukraine, with 51 defence companies taking part.
    • The mission brought together UK industry and likeminded European nations to secure contracts and boost high-skilled jobs across the UK.
    • Trade missions help strengthen national security, the foundation of the Plan for Change, and open up opportunities for our world class defence sector.

    A record 51 UK and international companies joined the fifth UK-Ukraine trade mission in Kyiv this week, making it the largest British-led trade delegation to Ukraine to date.

    Participating companies from across the defence economy specialising in areas like uncrewed systems and military goods are securing contracts which will boost high-skilled jobs in regions across the country, supporting the government’s Plan for Change.

    This week’s mission brought together leading UK defence firms to deepen cooperation with Ukrainian industry and partners from Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Latvia. This collaboration is vital in demonstrating a united multinational industrial front with European allies, scaling up support for Ukraine’s defence needs and strengthening supply chain resilience with international partners.

    This latest mission is a significant step in the UK’s 100 Year Partnership with Ukraine, reinforcing the UK’s long-term support for Ukraine’s defence, security and recovery and drawing on the collective industrial capacity and capability of European allies.

    Defence is a key growth sector in the Government’s upcoming modern Industrial Strategy and a prime example of how Government and industry can work together to aid our allies and boost UK security.

    Lord Coaker, Defence Minister said:

    Working with the Netherlands, Norway, and Ukraine we’re building resilient supply chains, putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position to achieve a just and lasting peace for years to come.

    The UK is continuing to lead the way on support for Ukraine, from military support to leading the Ukraine Defence Contact Group where since the UK took the chair nearly £23bn has been pledged in military support for Ukraine.

    Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS said:

    It is a privilege for industry to lead the UK in engagement both within Ukraine and with our Ukrainian counterparts. Indeed, this week’s trade mission – the most multinational of its kind to date – has been nothing but inspiring.

    The UK defence industry’s support to Ukraine is unwavering and stands ready to increase production capacity, develop innovative new capabilities, and build a resilient ecosystem. 

    Continued collaboration, both with our government counterparts and international allies, is pivotal as illegal Russian aggression continues to intensify. We will continue to deepen our industrial ties and fulfil our moral duty to the Ukrainian people.

    Marte Gerhardsen, Norwegian State Secretary said:

    European allies needs to stand together with Ukraine for as long as it takes. We work closely with Ukraine the UK and other European countries. The Russian aggression against Ukraine continues, and the need to rapidly strengthen Ukrainian and European defence capabilities are apparent.

    The security situation demands that we innovate and adapt. We need to ensure that our industries can meet the growing demands from our governments and armed forces.

    One of the purposes of the visit is to facilitate the establishment of projects and collaborations by more Norwegian companies in Ukraine. I am pleased to see how Norwegian companies work with Ukrainian partners to scale up productions.

    The mission follows the new UK-EU Security & Defence Partnership that was agreed on Monday, which could lead to significant opportunities for the UK’s world-leading defence industries, generating more high-skilled jobs across all regions of the UK.

    By joining forces with our European partners, the UK is strengthening its own defence industry while contributing directly to Ukraine’s long-term resilience.

    Background:

    • JEF nations represented on this mission include: Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and Latvia
    • DBT and MOD working closely together through the cross-government Task Force HIRST to drive increases in UK, Ukrainian and allies’ industrial capacity to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as domestic military resilience. It has recently secured a £1.6bn deal for air defence missiles for Ukraine.
    • The UK is fully committed to working with allies to step up support to ensure Ukraine remains in the strongest possible position, which is why £4.5 billion of military support will be provided this year – more than ever before.
    • Defence already supports 434,000 jobs and is an engine for growth. The Government’s new Defence Industrial Strategy will make sure national security and a high-growth economy are aligned and delivering on our promise to crack down on waste and boost Britain’s defence industry.
    • This week’s mission builds on the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Oslo Summit held earlier this month, highlighting the UK’s growing cooperation with European partners on defence and security.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coordinated action to take down the most dangerous malware variants

    Source: Eurojust

    This week’s actions follow the largest ever operation against botnets from May 2024, Operation Endgame. This year during Endgame 2.0, the measures targeted the successor groups of malware taken down by the authorities and other relevant variants: Bumblebee, Lactrodectus, Qakbot, DanaBot, HijackLoader, Trickbot, and WarmCookie. As these variants are at the beginning of the cyberattack chain, disrupting them damages the entire ‘cybercrime as a service’ ecosystem. 

    The malware taken down this week is known as ‘initial access malware’. It is used for initial infection, helping cybercriminals to enter victims’ systems unnoticed and load more malware onto their devices, such as ransomware. 

    Due to the global nature of cybercrime, cross-border investigations are key for taking action against disruptive cybercrimes. Since 2024, Eurojust has provided essential support to ensure effective judicial cooperation. Coordination by Eurojust ensured that authorities could exchange information and align their investigative efforts. Europol supported the operation from the outset, providing coordination, operational and analytical support, cryptocurrency tracing, and facilitating the real-time exchange of information between the various partners involved.

    ©BKA, Germany, 2024.

    German, French, Dutch, Danish, British, American and Canadian authorities joined forces from 19 to 22 May to take action against the world’s most dangerous malware variants and the perpetrators behind them. In total 37 suspects were identified and international arrest warrants were obtained against 20 individuals criminally charged. Over 300 servers worldwide were taken down and 650 domains were neutralised. During the action week, EUR 3.5 million in cryptocurrency was seized making the total cryptocurrency seized during Endgame EUR 21.2 million. 

    Operation EndGame will now continue with follow up actions announced on the dedicated website from the international coalition. Several key suspects behind the malware operations are now subject to international and public appeals. The German authorities will publish eighteen of them on the EU Most Wanted list as of 23 May.

    The following authorities carried out the operation:

    • Germany: German Federal Criminal Police Office; Public Prosecutor; General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cybercrime Office; German Federal Office for Information Security
    • France: PPO Paris section J3 (Cybercrime Unit); BL2C (Cybercrime unit Préfecture de Police); OFAC (National Office against Cybercriminality)
    • Netherlands: Netherlands Public Prosecution Service (National Office); Netherlands Police
    • Denmark: National Special Crime Unit – NSK; NC3 | High Tech Crime
    • United Kingdom: National Crime Agency
    • United States: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); U.S Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California
    • Canada: Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus: Joint Statement to the OSCE, May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus: Joint Statement to the OSCE, May 2025

    UK and 37 other countries call for immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners in Belarus.

    I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States, who are members of the Informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus: Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and my own country Poland. 

    The following participating States are also joining this statement: Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Liechtenstein, Malta, Moldova, North Macedonia, San Marino and Switzerland.  

    Since the death of political prisoner and activist Vitold Ashurak in prison on 21 May 2021, we mark the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus annually.  

    Since May 2021, at least seven more political prisoners have died in the regime’s captivity: Mikalai Klimovich, Ales Pushkin, Vadzim Khrasko, Ihar Lednik, Aliaksandr Kulinich, Dmitry Schletgauer and Valiantsin Shtermer. They were unjustly persecuted for their political opinions, and failed to receive adequate medical attention and care. 

    In June last year, a group of 38 participating states invoked the Vienna Human Dimension mechanism and questioned many individual cases related to prisoners’ dignity, access to medication and medical care, to legal counsel of their own choosing, to effective remedies and a fair legal trial, as well as contacts with their families. The Belarus authorities did not bring any meaningful response to these questions nor has Belarus made progress on the recommendations of either the 2020 or 2023 Moscow Mechanism reports. 

    Some of those prisoners have since then been released, after completion of their sentences or through pardons, however the arbitrary detention of citizens for exercising their human rights persists. As of May 15, 2025, VIASNA estimates that there were 1189 political prisoners in Belarus. Many of them have serious health issues, disabilities, are over the age of 60, and are suffering from mental disorders. Many of them are subjected to torture and ill-treatment, including deprivation of necessary medical assistance. The UN Committee against Torture reported that torture in these prisons is systemic, habitual, widespread and deliberate with a pattern of impunity for perpetrators. 

    This is the day to remember them all. A day to reiterate our call for the Belarusian authorities:  

    • to stop repressing individuals for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, to freedom of association and to peaceful assembly;  

    • to release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally, and to ensure their rehabilitation.  

    This is also the day to express our solidarity with relatives and friends of political prisoners, who are subject to political and administrative repression in Belarus and in exile, as part of a wider brutal crackdown on opposition figures, human rights defenders, civil society representatives, journalists and other media actors, and other citizens who dare voice any opposition or dissent.  

    In the face of this disregard of OSCE principles and commitments by the Belarusian authorities, we will continue to support the Belarusian people’s aspiration for a free, democratic and independent Belarus.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Georgian National Extradited from Moldova to Face Charges for Soliciting Hate Crimes and Planning Mass Casualty Attack in New York City

    Source: US State of California

    Leader of White Supremacist Group ‘Maniac Murder Cult’ Recruited Others to Bomb and Poison the Jewish Community and Racial Minorities 

    Defendant Allegedly Planned Scheme to Distribute Poisoned Candy on New Year’s Eve

    Georgian national Michail Chkhikvishvili, also known as Mishka, Michael, Commander Butcher, and Butcher, 21, of Tbilisi, was extradited to the United States from Moldova on May 22, and will be arraigned in federal court in Brooklyn today. Chkhikvishvili was arrested in Chișinău, Moldova, in July 2024 in connection with a four-count indictment returned in the Eastern District of New York charging him with soliciting hate crimes and acts of mass violence in New York City.

    According to court documents, Chkhikvishvili is a leader of the Maniac Murder Cult, also known as Maniacs Murder Cult, Maniacs: Cult of Killing, MKY, MMC and MKU, an international racially-motivated violent extremist group. As alleged in the indictment, Chkhikvishvili recruited people to commit violent acts in furtherance of MKY’s ideologies, including planning and soliciting a mass casualty attack in New York City.

    “This case is a stark reminder of the kind of terrorism we face today: online networks plotting unspeakable acts of violence against children, families, and the Jewish community in pursuit of a depraved, extremist ideology,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice will not tolerate hate-fueled violence, and we will pursue those who threaten innocent lives wherever they may be.”

    “The defendant is accused of recruiting others to kill Jewish people, kill racial minorities, and of providing instructions on how to commit other lethal attacks — even targeting children around the holidays by poisoning candy,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “These allegations are despicable, and thanks to the work and partnership of the FBI and the authorities in Moldova, Michail Chkhikvishvili has been brought to the United States to face charges in our justice system.”

    “As alleged, the defendant, a white supremacist, recruited others to participate in a violent campaign of hatred against racial minorities and the Jewish community and to engage in the mass killing of children and others in these communities using poison, suicide bombs, firearms, arson fires, and vehicle explosions. Today’s extradition is a giant step forward in holding the defendant accountable for his unspeakably reprehensible and vile efforts to spread fear, chaos, and hate,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “Protecting our homeland, city, district, and country from violent extremists will always be one of the top priorities of the Justice Department and my office.”

    Chkhikvishvili’s MKY adheres to a neo-Nazi accelerationist ideology and promotes violence against racial minorities, the Jewish community and other groups it deems “undesirables.” MKY members share a common goal of challenging social order and governments via terrorism and violent acts that promote fear and chaos. MKY has members in the United States and abroad.

    Since approximately September 2021, Chkhikvishvili has distributed a manifesto titled the “Hater’s Handbook” to MKY members and others. The Hater’s Handbook encourages people to commit acts of mass violence. In the Hater’s Handbook, Chkhikvishvili states that he has “murdered for the white race” and encourages and instructs others to commit acts of mass violence and “ethnic cleansing.” For example, the Hater’s Handbook encourages its readers to commit school shootings and to use children to perpetrate suicide bombings and other mass killings targeting racial minorities. The Hater’s Handbook describes methods and strategies for committing mass “terror attacks,” including, for example, using vehicles to target “large outdoor festivals, conventions, celebrations and parades” and “pedestrian congested streets.” The Hater’s Handbook specifically encourages committing attacks within the United States.

    In June 2022, Chkhikvishvili traveled to Brooklyn. As alleged, beginning at least as early as July 2022, Chkhikvishvili repeatedly encouraged others, primarily via the encryption-enabled mobile messaging platform Telegram, to commit violent hate crimes and other acts of violence on behalf of MKY. This included conspiring to solicit violent acts with the leader of a separate violent extremist neo-Nazi group, and soliciting acts of mass violence in New York from an individual who claimed to be a prospective MKY recruit, but who, unbeknownst to Chkhikvishvili, was actually an undercover FBI employee (the UC).

    In a September 2023 conversation, the UC messaged Chkhikvishvili asking whether there was an application process to join MKY. The defendant responded, “we ask people for brutal beating, arson/explosion or murder vids on camera.” Chkhikvishvili further stated that “[p]oisoning and arson are best options for murder,” and suggested also considering a larger “mass murder[]” within the United States. Chkhikvishvili advised the UC that the victims of these acts should be “low race targets.”

    Beginning in approximately November 2023, Chkhikvishvili solicited the UC to commit violent crimes, such as bombings and arsons, for the purpose of harming racial minorities, Jewish individuals and others. Chkhikvishvili provided detailed plans and materials such as bomb-making instructions and guidance on making Molotov cocktails to facilitate carrying out these crimes. In November 2023, Chkhikvishvili began planning a mass casualty attack in New York City to take place on New Year’s Eve. The scheme involved an individual dressing up as Santa Claus and handing out candy laced with poison to racial minorities.

    In January, the scheme evolved and Chkhikvishvili specifically directed the UC to target the Jewish community, Jewish schools, and Jewish children in Brooklyn with poison. Chkhikvishvili drafted step-by-step instructions to carry out the scheme and shared detailed manuals about creating and mixing lethal poisons and gases with the UC. He also instructed the UC on methods of making ricin-based poisons in powder and liquid form, including by extracting ricin from castor beans. Chkhikvishvili sent materials linked to radical Islamist jihadist groups and designated foreign terrorist organizations such as ISIS. 

    Chkhikvishvili wanted the planned attack to be a “bigger action than Breivik,” referring to Anders Behring Breivik, a Norwegian neo‑Nazi who killed 77 people in a bombing and mass shooting in Norway in 2011. Meanwhile, Chkhikvishvili told others of his plan and claimed to have previously committed other hate crimes while living in Brooklyn in 2022. Chkhikvishvili boasted to others that he was “glad I have murdered,” and that he would “murder more” but “make others murder first.”     

    Chkhikvishvili’s solicitations of violence have resulted in multiple attacks and killings around the world. In August 2024, an individual livestreamed himself stabbing approximately five people outside of a mosque in Eskisehir, Turkey, wearing a tactical vest adorned in Nazi symbols. A manifesto attributed to the attacker included explicit references to Chkhikvishvili and to violent statements made by him. Before the attack, the attacker also distributed a link to the Hater’s Handbook, authored by Chkhikvishvili, and other violent propaganda.

    If convicted, Chkhikvishvili faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for solicitation of violent felonies (including hate crime acts and transporting an explosive with intent to kill or injure); five years in prison for conspiring to solicit violent felonies; 20 years in prison for distributing information pertaining to the making and use of explosive devices and ricin poison; and five years in prison for transmitting threatening communications.

    The FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the New York City Police Department, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the Department of State, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) agents provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Chkhikvishvili from Moldova.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ellen H. Sise and Andrew D. Reich for the Eastern District of New York and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from Paralegal Specialists Wayne Colon and Rebecca Roth. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has also provided assistance.

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

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgian National Extradited from Moldova to Face Charges for Soliciting Hate Crimes and Planning Mass Casualty Attack in New York City

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Leader of White Supremacist Group ‘Maniac Murder Cult’ Recruited Others to Bomb and Poison the Jewish Community and Racial Minorities 

    Defendant Allegedly Planned Scheme to Distribute Poisoned Candy on New Year’s Eve

    Georgian national Michail Chkhikvishvili, also known as Mishka, Michael, Commander Butcher, and Butcher, 21, of Tbilisi, was extradited to the United States from Moldova on May 22, and will be arraigned in federal court in Brooklyn today. Chkhikvishvili was arrested in Chișinău, Moldova, in July 2024 in connection with a four-count indictment returned in the Eastern District of New York charging him with soliciting hate crimes and acts of mass violence in New York City.

    According to court documents, Chkhikvishvili is a leader of the Maniac Murder Cult, also known as Maniacs Murder Cult, Maniacs: Cult of Killing, MKY, MMC and MKU, an international racially-motivated violent extremist group. As alleged in the indictment, Chkhikvishvili recruited people to commit violent acts in furtherance of MKY’s ideologies, including planning and soliciting a mass casualty attack in New York City.

    “This case is a stark reminder of the kind of terrorism we face today: online networks plotting unspeakable acts of violence against children, families, and the Jewish community in pursuit of a depraved, extremist ideology,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice will not tolerate hate-fueled violence, and we will pursue those who threaten innocent lives wherever they may be.”

    “The defendant is accused of recruiting others to kill Jewish people, kill racial minorities, and of providing instructions on how to commit other lethal attacks — even targeting children around the holidays by poisoning candy,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “These allegations are despicable, and thanks to the work and partnership of the FBI and the authorities in Moldova, Michail Chkhikvishvili has been brought to the United States to face charges in our justice system.”

    “As alleged, the defendant, a white supremacist, recruited others to participate in a violent campaign of hatred against racial minorities and the Jewish community and to engage in the mass killing of children and others in these communities using poison, suicide bombs, firearms, arson fires, and vehicle explosions. Today’s extradition is a giant step forward in holding the defendant accountable for his unspeakably reprehensible and vile efforts to spread fear, chaos, and hate,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “Protecting our homeland, city, district, and country from violent extremists will always be one of the top priorities of the Justice Department and my office.”

    Chkhikvishvili’s MKY adheres to a neo-Nazi accelerationist ideology and promotes violence against racial minorities, the Jewish community and other groups it deems “undesirables.” MKY members share a common goal of challenging social order and governments via terrorism and violent acts that promote fear and chaos. MKY has members in the United States and abroad.

    Since approximately September 2021, Chkhikvishvili has distributed a manifesto titled the “Hater’s Handbook” to MKY members and others. The Hater’s Handbook encourages people to commit acts of mass violence. In the Hater’s Handbook, Chkhikvishvili states that he has “murdered for the white race” and encourages and instructs others to commit acts of mass violence and “ethnic cleansing.” For example, the Hater’s Handbook encourages its readers to commit school shootings and to use children to perpetrate suicide bombings and other mass killings targeting racial minorities. The Hater’s Handbook describes methods and strategies for committing mass “terror attacks,” including, for example, using vehicles to target “large outdoor festivals, conventions, celebrations and parades” and “pedestrian congested streets.” The Hater’s Handbook specifically encourages committing attacks within the United States.

    In June 2022, Chkhikvishvili traveled to Brooklyn. As alleged, beginning at least as early as July 2022, Chkhikvishvili repeatedly encouraged others, primarily via the encryption-enabled mobile messaging platform Telegram, to commit violent hate crimes and other acts of violence on behalf of MKY. This included conspiring to solicit violent acts with the leader of a separate violent extremist neo-Nazi group, and soliciting acts of mass violence in New York from an individual who claimed to be a prospective MKY recruit, but who, unbeknownst to Chkhikvishvili, was actually an undercover FBI employee (the UC).

    In a September 2023 conversation, the UC messaged Chkhikvishvili asking whether there was an application process to join MKY. The defendant responded, “we ask people for brutal beating, arson/explosion or murder vids on camera.” Chkhikvishvili further stated that “[p]oisoning and arson are best options for murder,” and suggested also considering a larger “mass murder[]” within the United States. Chkhikvishvili advised the UC that the victims of these acts should be “low race targets.”

    Beginning in approximately November 2023, Chkhikvishvili solicited the UC to commit violent crimes, such as bombings and arsons, for the purpose of harming racial minorities, Jewish individuals and others. Chkhikvishvili provided detailed plans and materials such as bomb-making instructions and guidance on making Molotov cocktails to facilitate carrying out these crimes. In November 2023, Chkhikvishvili began planning a mass casualty attack in New York City to take place on New Year’s Eve. The scheme involved an individual dressing up as Santa Claus and handing out candy laced with poison to racial minorities.

    In January, the scheme evolved and Chkhikvishvili specifically directed the UC to target the Jewish community, Jewish schools, and Jewish children in Brooklyn with poison. Chkhikvishvili drafted step-by-step instructions to carry out the scheme and shared detailed manuals about creating and mixing lethal poisons and gases with the UC. He also instructed the UC on methods of making ricin-based poisons in powder and liquid form, including by extracting ricin from castor beans. Chkhikvishvili sent materials linked to radical Islamist jihadist groups and designated foreign terrorist organizations such as ISIS. 

    Chkhikvishvili wanted the planned attack to be a “bigger action than Breivik,” referring to Anders Behring Breivik, a Norwegian neo‑Nazi who killed 77 people in a bombing and mass shooting in Norway in 2011. Meanwhile, Chkhikvishvili told others of his plan and claimed to have previously committed other hate crimes while living in Brooklyn in 2022. Chkhikvishvili boasted to others that he was “glad I have murdered,” and that he would “murder more” but “make others murder first.”     

    Chkhikvishvili’s solicitations of violence have resulted in multiple attacks and killings around the world. In August 2024, an individual livestreamed himself stabbing approximately five people outside of a mosque in Eskisehir, Turkey, wearing a tactical vest adorned in Nazi symbols. A manifesto attributed to the attacker included explicit references to Chkhikvishvili and to violent statements made by him. Before the attack, the attacker also distributed a link to the Hater’s Handbook, authored by Chkhikvishvili, and other violent propaganda.

    If convicted, Chkhikvishvili faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for solicitation of violent felonies (including hate crime acts and transporting an explosive with intent to kill or injure); five years in prison for conspiring to solicit violent felonies; 20 years in prison for distributing information pertaining to the making and use of explosive devices and ricin poison; and five years in prison for transmitting threatening communications.

    The FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the New York City Police Department, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the Department of State, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) agents provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Chkhikvishvili from Moldova.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ellen H. Sise and Andrew D. Reich for the Eastern District of New York and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from Paralegal Specialists Wayne Colon and Rebecca Roth. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has also provided assistance.

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

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Announcement of the final result of Nykredit’s recommended voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S – Nykredit Realkredit A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION 21(3) OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 636 OF 15 MAY 2020

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE DOING SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

    Announcement of the final result of Nykredit’s recommended voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S

    23 May 2025

    Nykredit announces the final result of the recommended voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S

    In accordance with section 4(1) of the Danish Takeover Order1, Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) announced on 10 December 2024 that Nykredit intended to submit a voluntary public takeover offer (the “Offer”) to acquire all shares in Spar Nord Bank A/S (“Spar Nord Bank”), with the exception of Spar Nord Bank’s treasury shares, for a cash price of DKK 210 per share, valuing the aggregated issued share capital of Spar Nord Bank at DKK 24.7 billion. As stated in a supplement dated 2 April 2025, the offer price has subsequently been increased to DKK 210.50 per share.

    On 8 January 2025, Nykredit published the offer document regarding the Offer (the “Offer Document”), as approved by the Danish FSA in accordance with section 11 of the Danish Takeover Order. The Offer Document was most recently supplemented in a supplement of 23 April 2025.

    The offer period expired on 20 May 2025 at 23:59 (CEST), and on 21 May 2025 Nykredit announced the preliminary result of the Offer in accordance with section 21(3) of the Danish Takeover Order. The preliminary result of the Offer showed that Nykredit had obtained acceptances which, combined Spar Nord Bank shares held by Nykredit, represent 96.54 per cent of the total share capital and voting rights in Spar Nord Bank, excluding Spar Nord Bank’s holding of treasury shares.

    Final result

    In accordance with section 21(3) of the Danish Takeover Order, Nykredit hereby announces the final result of the Offer.

    The final summation of acceptances shows that Nykredit has obtained acceptances for 72,169,763 shares, equal to 62.87 per cent of the share capital and the associated voting rights in Spar Nord Bank, excluding Spar Nord Bank’s holding of 2,918,044 treasury shares. The acceptances correspond to 61.32 per cent of the total share capital and voting rights in Spar Nord Bank.

    The acceptances received combined with the total of 38,646,475 Spar Nord Bank shares owned by Nykredit represent 96.54 per cent of the total share capital and voting rights in Spar Nord Bank, excluding Spar Nord Bank’s holding of treasury shares. The acceptances received and Nykredit’s holding of Spar Nord Bank shares correspond in total to 94.15 per cent of the total share capital and the total number of voting rights in Spar Nord Bank.

    The relevant regulatory approvals have been obtained, and the final summation of acceptances confirms that the minimum condition for acceptance is also fulfilled. Nykredit therefore considers that all conditions for completion of the Offer have been fulfilled, and Nykredit intends to complete the Offer on the terms and conditions set out in the Offer Document.

    Settlement

    The Offer is expected to be completed on 28 May 2025, on which date the cash consideration will be paid to the designated account of each Spar Nord Bank shareholder who has validly accepted the Offer and who has not validly withdrawn the acceptance of the Offer.

    Compulsory acquisition, delisting and changes to the management and articles of association

    As Nykredit stands to obtain an ownership interest corresponding to more than 90 per cent of the share capital and the associated voting rights in Spar Nord Bank (excluding treasury shares) upon completion of the Offer, it is Nykredit’s intention, as described in section 7.8 of the Offer Document, to initiate and complete a compulsory acquisition of the shares held by the remaining Spar Nord Bank shareholders in pursuance of sections 70-72 of the Danish Companies Act.

    Nykredit furthermore intends to seek to have the Spar Nord Bank shares removed from trading and official listing on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S as described in section 7.9 of the Offer Document.

    In this connection, Nykredit will request Spar Nord Bank to convene an extraordinary general meeting at which Nykredit, as described in sections 7.4 and 7.5 of the Offer Document, will propose changes to the board of directors of Spar Nord Bank and changes to Spar Nord Bank’s articles of association.

    Detailed information on compulsory acquisition and delisting will be published in separate announcements.

    Additional information

    Contact persons:

    Investor contact:

    Morten Bækmand, Head of Investor Relations, Nykredit (+45 4455 1521)

    Media contact:

    Orhan Gökcen, Head of Press, Nykredit (+45 3121 0639)

    For further information about the Offer, please see: https://www.nykredit.com/en-gb/offer-spar-nord/

    This announcement and the Offer Document (with supplements) are not directed at shareholders of Spar Nord Bank A/S whose participation in the Offer would require the issuance of an offer document, registration or activities other than what is required under Danish law (and, in the case of shareholders in the United States of America, Section 14(e) of, and applicable provisions of Regulation 14E promulgated under, the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The Offer is not made and will not be made, directly or indirectly, to shareholders resident in any jurisdiction in which the submission of the Offer or acceptance thereof would be in contravention of the laws of such jurisdiction. Any person coming into possession of this announcement, the Offer Document or any other document containing a reference to the Offer is expected and assumed to independently obtain all necessary information about any applicable restrictions and to observe these.

    This announcement does not constitute an offer or an invitation to purchase securities or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in accordance with the Offer or otherwise. The Offer will be submitted only in the form of the Offer Document (with supplements) approved by the FSA, which sets out the full terms and conditions of the Offer, including information on how to accept the Offer. The shareholders of Spar Nord Bank are advised to read the Offer Document and any related documents as they contain important information.

    Restricted jurisdictions

    The Offer is not made, and acceptance of the Offer to tender Spar Nord Bank shares is not accepted, neither directly nor indirectly, in or from any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of the Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction or would require any registration, approval or any other measures with any regulatory authority not expressly contemplated by the Offer Document (the “Restricted Jurisdictions”). Neither the United States nor the United Kingdom is a Restricted Jurisdiction.

    Restricted Jurisdictions include, but are not limited to: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

    Persons obtaining documents or information relating to the Offer (including custodians, account holding institutions, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) should not distribute, communicate, transfer or send these in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction or use mail or any other means of communication in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction in connection with the Offer. Persons (including, but not limited to, custodians, custodian banks, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) intending to communicate this announcement, the Offer Document, supplements or any related document to any jurisdiction outside Denmark or the United States should inform themselves about these restrictions before taking any action. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the laws of such jurisdiction, including securities laws. It is the responsibility of all Persons obtaining this announcement, the Offer Document, supplements, an acceptance form and/or other documents relating to the Offer, or into whose possession such documents otherwise come, to inform themselves about and observe all such restrictions.

    Nykredit is not responsible for ensuring that the distribution, dissemination or communication of this announcement, the Offer Document or supplements to shareholders outside Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom is consistent with applicable law in any jurisdiction other than Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom.

    Important Information for Shareholders in the United States

    The Offer concerns the shares in Spar Nord Bank, a public limited liability company incorporated and admitted to trading on a regulated market in Denmark, and is subject to the disclosure and procedural requirements of Danish law, including the Danish capital markets act and the Danish takeover order.

    The Offer is being made to shareholders in Spar Nord Bank in the United States in compliance with the applicable US tender offer rules under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “U.S. Exchange Act”), including Regulation 14E promulgated thereunder, subject to the relief available for a “Tier II” tender offer, and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Danish law and practice

    Accordingly, US Spar Nord Bank shareholders should be aware that this announcement and any other documents regarding the Offer have been prepared in accordance with, and will be subject to, the disclosure and other procedural requirements, including with respect to withdrawal rights, the Offer timetable, settlement procedures and timing of payments of Danish law and practice, which may differ materially from those applicable under US domestic tender offer law and practice. In addition, the financial information contained in this announcement or the Offer Document has not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or derived therefrom, and may therefore differ from, or not be comparable with, financial information of US companies.

    In accordance with the laws of, and practice in, Denmark and to the extent permitted by applicable law, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, Nykredit, Nykredit’s affiliates or any nominees or brokers of the foregoing (acting as agents, or in a similar capacity, for Nykredit or any of its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time, and other than pursuant to the Offer, directly or indirectly, purchase, or arrange to purchase, outside of the United States, shares in Spar Nord Bank or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such shares in Spar Nord Bank before or during the period in which the Offer remains open for acceptance. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Any information about such purchases will be announced via Nasdaq Copenhagen and relevant electronic media if, and to the extent, such announcement is required under applicable law. To the extent information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase is made public in Denmark, such information will be disclosed by means of a press release or other means reasonably calculated to inform US shareholders of Spar Nord Bank of such information.

    In addition, subject to the applicable laws of Denmark and US securities laws, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, the financial advisers to Nykredit or their respective affiliates may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of Spar Nord Bank, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities.

    It may not be possible for US shareholders to effect service of process within the United States upon Spar Nord Bank, Nykredit or any of their respective affiliates, or their respective officers or directors, some or all of which may reside outside the United States, or to enforce against any of them judgments of the United States courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or other US law. It may not be possible to bring an action against Nykredit, Spar Nord Bank and/or their respective officers or directors (as applicable) in a non-US court for violations of US laws. Further, it may not be possible to compel Nykredit and Spar Nord Bank or their respective affiliates, as applicable, to subject themselves to the judgment of a US court. In addition, it may be difficult to enforce in Denmark original actions, or actions for the enforcement of judgments of US courts, based on the civil liability provisions of the US federal securities laws.

    The Offer, if completed, may have consequences under US federal income tax and under applicable US state and local, as well as non-US, tax laws. Each shareholder of Spar Nord Bank is urged to consult its independent professional adviser immediately regarding the tax consequences of the Offer.

    NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY IN ANY STATE OF THE U.S. HAS APPROVED OR DECLINED TO APPROVE THE OFFER OR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THE OFFER OR PROVIDED AN OPINION AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR ANY OFFER DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE IN THE UNITED STATES.


    1 Executive Order no. 636 of 15 May 2020

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: VIRTUNE ACCELERATES EUROPEAN EXPANSION WITH XRP ETP DEBUT ON DEUTSCHE BÖRSE XETRA

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Frankfurt, 23 May 2025 – Swedish regulated crypto asset manager Virtune brings its flagship Virtune XRP ETP to Germany’s premier trading venue Deutsche Börse Xetra, extending its regulated digital asset offerings to Europe’s largest economy.

    With strong traction and consistent inflows across the Nordic region – driven by growing interest and adoption of crypto – expanding into Germany through the listing on Xetra marks a strategic milestone for Virtune. Since its inception in May 2023, Virtune has experienced rapid growth in the Nordics, listing 16 products and attracting over 140,000 investors in just two years.

    The key success factors have been Virtune’s educational focus, transparent market approach, and regulated status. This expansion not only responds to growing investor interest but also strengthens Virtune’s presence across the European market.

    Virtune XRP ETP is a 100% physically backed investment product, providing investors with secure, regulated, and easy exposure to XRP, one of the globally leading crypto assets. Virtune XRP ETP was initially listed on Nasdaq Stockholm in Sweden in July 2024 and has since attracted over 50,000 investors and more than USD 125 million in assets under management, making it the most popular ETP in Virtune’s product suite. Coinbase serves as the product’s crypto custodian, providing institutional-grade security with the underlying XRP held in cold storage.

    Virtune has actively listed ETPs on Nasdaq Stockholm, Nasdaq Helsinki, and other regulated European markets. Its goal is to provide seamless access to crypto assets through regulated ETPs, with a strong focus on transparency, education, and investor protection – ultimately driving crypto adoption among both retail and institutional investors.

    Christopher Kock, CEO of Virtune:

    “We are proud to launch our XRP ETP on Xetra and expand our footprint in Germany. XRP has long been one of the most actively traded and recognized digital assets globally, and our physically backed ETP provides a robust and secure way to gain exposure to it. This listing underscores our commitment to broadening access to crypto assets across Europe.”

    Key Product Information:

    – Exposure to XRP
    – 100% physically backed by XRP
    – 1.49% annual management fee

    Virtune XRP ETP:

    – Trading Currency: EUR
    – First Day of Trading: Friday, 23rd of May 2025
    – Xetra Exchange Ticker: VRTX
    – Bloomberg Ticker: VIRXRP
    – ISIN: SE0021486156
    – WKN: A4AKW5
    – Exchanges: Deutsche Börse Xetra, Nasdaq Stockholm, Nasdaq Helsinki

    For further inquiries, please contact:

    Christopher Kock, CEO & Member of the Board of Directors
    Mobile: +46 70 073 45 64
    Email: christopher@virtune.com

    About Virtune AB (Publ):

    Virtune with its headquarters in Stockholm is a regulated Swedish digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange traded products on regulated European exchanges. With regulatory compliance, strategic collaborations with industry leaders and our proficient team, we empower investors on a global level to access innovative and sophisticated investment products that are aligned with the evolving landscape of the global crypto market.

    Cryptocurrency investments are associated with high risk. Virtune does not provide investment advice. Investments are made at your own risk. Securities may increase or decrease in value, and there is no guarantee that you will recover your invested capital. Please read the prospectus, KID, terms at www.virtune.com.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EBA issues Opinion on a measure to address macroprudential risk following a notification by the Norwegian Ministry of Finance

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published an Opinion following a notification by the Norwegian Ministry of Finance of its intention to change the calibration of a measure originally introduced on 31 December 2020 and already extended until 30 June 2025. The measure aims to ensure that capital requirements of Norwegian institutions using internal ratings-based (IRB) approaches are appropriate for the systemic risks stemming from their residential real estate exposures. Based on the information provided, the EBA does not object to the measure.

    The measure is an exposure-weighted average risk weight floor applying to retail exposures secured by immovable property located in Norway. The institutions in scope of the measure are all institutions established in Norway that use the Internal Ratings Based (IRB) approach for the calculation of capital requirements for the relevant exposures. The notified period of application is between 1 July 2025 until 31 December 2026.

    In this Opinion, addressed to the Standing Committee of the EFTA States, the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the Norwegian Ministry of Finance, the EBA takes note of the financial stability risks stemming from high household debt and the build-up of financial imbalances in Norway. Against this background, the EBA invites the Ministry of Finance to closely monitor any overlaps of the proposed measure with microprudential requirements and other macroprudential measures already in force. In particular, the EBA points to unintended overlaps as the output floor requirements are phased-in and invites the Ministry to monitor closely and review the need for the proposed measure.

    Legal basis and background

    On 11 April 2025, the EBA received a notification from the Norwegian Ministry of Finance of its intention to apply Articles 458(2) and 458(9) of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms (Capital Requirements Regulation, CRR) as incorporated into Annex IX of the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA) by the EEA Joint Committee Decision No 79/2019. In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 458(4) of the CRR as incorporated into Annex IX of the Agreement on the EEA, within one month of receiving the notification, the EBA shall provide its opinion to the Standing Committee of the EFTA States, the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the EFTA State concerned. 

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: The BANK of Greenland has issued DKK 40 million in Tier 2 capital

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The BANK of Greenland has issued DKK 40 million in Tier 2 capital

    The BANK of Greenland has today agreed to issue DKK 40 million in Tier 2 capital as part of the ongoing process to optimize the capital structure.

    The capital is issued with ISIN no. DK0030551403 and with effect from 28 May 2025. The Tier 2 capital has a maturity of ten years with a possibility to call after five years and any time thereafter subject to approval by the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet). The bonds have a floating rate agreed at a six-month CIBOR rate plus 300 basis points.

    Nykredit Bank A/S is the sole lead manager of the issue.

    Best regards
    The BANK of Greenland

    Martin Kviesgaard
    Managing Director

    Contact: +299 34 78 02 / mail: mbk@banken.gl

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 23 May 2025 Six public health champions celebrated at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly

    Source: World Health Organisation

    At an award ceremony taking place during a Plenary of the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in Geneva on Friday, 23 May 2025, public health prizes and awards were presented to persons and institutions from around the world for their outstanding contributions to public health.

    The six 2025 laureates received their awards from the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly President Teodoro J. Herbosa, together with high-level representatives of the foundations that established these public health awards and prizes, and WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

    In February 2025, the Executive Board of the World Health Organization decided to distinguish six laureates to celebrate their unique role for public health in their countries, their regions and globally.

    They come from four WHO Regions: Africa, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe and Western Pacific.

    Sasakawa Health Prize


    Dr Merete Nordentoft from Denmark is the 2025 winner of the Sasakawa Health Prize

    The Sasakawa Health Prize is awarded for outstanding innovative work in health development to a person or persons, an institution or institutions, or a nongovernmental organization or organizations. Such work includes the promotion of given health programmes or notable advances in primary health care.

    The Executive Board awarded the Sasakawa Health Prize for 2025 to Dr Merete Nordentoft from Denmark for her outstanding innovative work in health development.

    Dr Merete Nordentoft giving the opening speech at the welcoming reception at the IEPA (International Early Psychosis Association) congress in Tokyo. IEPA has played a pivotal role in implementing specialized early intervention services in many countries around the World. Merete Nordentoft was president for IEPA 20142016, and she was chairing the scientific committee. © 2014, Courtesy of Merete Nordentoft

    Dr Merete Nordentoft has made important contributions to mental health care by providing concrete, primary health-care-based solutions to address gaps in the chain of care. In 1998, she created the OPUS outreach treatment programme that has resulted in significantly improved outcomes for young people with first-episode psychosis, demonstrating substantial achievements in advancing mental health programmes and improving the quality of care. One of OPUS’s key success factors is the direct involvement of communities and family members. The concept has since served as inspiration for many countries throughout the world. Her intervention research on suicide prevention has directly informed Denmark’s national action plan for suicide prevention, which includes regional suicide preventive clinics and collaboration between helplines run by nongovernmental organizations and professional helplines.

    The focus on early intervention and increasing the accessibility of mental health services at the community level benefits vulnerable groups.

    “With the right support, early enough, recovery is not only possible – it is likely,” said Dr Merete Nordentoft.

    United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize


    Dr Jožica Maučec Zakotnik from Slovenia won the 2025 United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize

    The United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize is awarded for an outstanding contribution to health development to a person or persons, an institution or institutions, or a nongovernmental organization or organizations.

    The Executive Board awarded the 2025 Prize to Dr Jožica Maučec Zakotnik from Slovenia for her outstanding contribution to health development.

    Dr Zakotnik (to the right) at a press conference to launch a new national plan on mental health. © 2017, Courtesy of Jožica Maučec Zakotnik

    Dr Jožica Maučec Zakotnik has made exceptional contributions to the promotion of healthy lifestyles and to ensuring equal access to preventive services in health care for all. She co-developed an innovative model of multidisciplinary, free-of-charge health promotion centres that include access to mental health services, breaking access barriers for the most vulnerable through collaboration with social services and schools.

    She also led the establishment in 2005 of the MURA Health and Development Centre, meant to address social determinants of health in an impoverished region, that became a WHO collaborating centre in 2009 for cross-sectoral approaches to health and development. At the National Public Health Institute, Dr Zakotnik collaborated with firefighting associations to increase awareness of colorectal cancer screening amongst men. As a State Secretary (2001–2004 and 2017–2018), she helped to scale up successful pilot programmes at the national level, including for the first national programme on nutrition, the strategy for promotion of health-enhancing physical activity and the MURA mental health programme.

    “Together we can make a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals – at home and beyond,” said Dr Jožica Maučec Zakotnik.

    Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize for Research in Health Care for the Elderly and in Health Promotion


    Professor Huali Wang (China) and the Geriatric Healthcare Directorate of the Ministry of Health (State of Kuwait) are the 2025 winners of the Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize for Research in Health Care for the Elderly and in Health Promotion

    His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize for the Promotion of Healthy Ageing is awarded to a person or persons, an institution or institutions, or a nongovernmental organization or organizations who have made an outstanding contribution to research, health promotion, policy and/or programmes on healthy ageing.

    The Executive Board awarded the 2025 Prize jointly to Professor Huali Wang (China) and the Geriatric Healthcare Directorate of the Ministry of Health (State of Kuwait) for their outstanding contributions to healthy ageing.

    Professor Huali Wang (middle, the front row) advocated for raising awareness of dementia care and prevention. © 2019, Dementia Care and Research Center, Peking University Institute of Mental Health

    Professor Huali Wang has made significant contributions to healthy ageing at the national and global levels. She helped shape China’s national healthy ageing strategic plan and national dementia action plan, developing a comprehensive approach for mental care. The approach, now active across 27 regions, has resulted in dementia screenings for over 100 000 older adults, as well as health education campaigns and interdisciplinary, community-based service models that integrate professional and family support. Professor Wang also pioneered the development of dementia caregiver support groups, establishing in 2000 China’s first Memory Café, which promotes community involvement and has since become a national model. Professor Wang has championed cognitive stimulation therapy training and implementation in over 20 provinces. Professor Wang has collaborated with WHO on global dementia guidelines and on the iSupport online course, helping to extend caregiver support worldwide. The social prescribing pilot programme that Professor Wang initiated in Shangrao has received global recognition.

    “This award is not just a recognition of our past work but a call to action for future endeavours – together, we can make a difference in the lives of many,” said Professor Huali Wang.

    On-site training of the adopted Kuwait version of the WHO Global Ageing Population Survey (WHO-GAPs) methodology – Kuwait Older Adults Health Survey (KOAHS). © 2024, Courtesy of Fatemah Bendhafari

    The Geriatric Healthcare Directorate at the Ministry of Health, Kuwait, has designed a multifaceted and comprehensive approach to healthy ageing. It developed a National Health Strategy for Older Adults (2024–2030) that provides a clear framework for the provision of accessible, high-quality integrated care and the promotion of active and healthy ageing. The implementation of the Kuwait Older Adults Health Survey has helped to inform policies and improve service delivery. Innovative mobile vaccination campaigns have benefited an additional 1000 older adults and caregivers. Comprehensive training programmes on healthy ageing, benefiting over 1000 caregivers, physicians, pharmacists and nurses are reported to have improved health-care delivery and coverage for older adults by 40%. The Directorate carries out community engagement initiatives to create inclusive and accessible environments that are responsive to the needs of older people and it also collaborates with nongovernmental organizations to foster community support.

    “This recognition is not only a reflection of our efforts, but a renewed responsibility to continue striving for excellence in elderly care, preserving dignity and honouring their lifelong contributions,” said Dr Fatemah Bendhafari from the UAE Geriatric Healthcare Services Directorate of Kuwait’s Ministry of Health.

    Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health


    Professor Helen Rees from South Africa is the 2025 winner of the Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health

    The Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health is awarded to a person or persons, an institution or institutions, a governmental or nongovernmental organization or organizations, who have made an outstanding contribution to public health.

    The WHO Executive Board awarded the 2025 Prize to Professor Helen Rees (South Africa) for her outstanding contribution to public health at the local, national, regional and global levels.

    Professor Helen Rees in one of Wits RHI’s Clinical Trial Laboratories. © 2015, Anthea Pokroy

    Professor Helen Rees founded the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) in 1994, which has treated over 650 000 people living with HIV and which operates in 52 sites across South Africa with regional partnerships in 23 countries. In 2004, she created the Hillbrow Health Precinct, an innovative model that integrates urban regeneration, medical research and community-based health services, such as care for adolescents living with HIV and vaccination services, and that provides essential health services to some of Johannesburg’s most marginalized residents. Professor Rees has also made major research contributions covering HIV prevention, vaccines against human papillomavirus and COVID-19 and her research on HIV prevention, including pre-exposure prophylaxis and long-acting injectable treatments, has transformed HIV-prevention strategies for vulnerable populations.

    “Public health and human rights are intertwined, driven by the social determinants of health and the access people have to care – let us continue the struggle for health for all,” said Professor Helen Rees.

    Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion


    Dr Majed Zemni from Tunisia is the winner of the 2025 Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion

    The Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion is awarded to a person or persons, an institution or institutions, a governmental or nongovernmental organization or organizations, who or which has/have made a significant contribution to health promotion.

    The Executive Board awarded the 2025 Award to Dr Majed Zemni (Tunisia) for his outstanding contribution to health promotion.

    Dr Majed Zemni (front row, fourth from the right), Chief Executive Officer of the Office National de la Famille et de la Population (ONFP) with participants from various African countries at the international training session in the management of sexual and reproductive health programmes, as part of cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Tunis 2013. © 2013, Office National de la Famille et de la Population

    Dr Majed Zemni has made extensive and impactful contributions to health promotion, particularly in his roles as President of the Tunisian Association of Forensic Medicine and Criminal Sciences and as President of the National Office of Family and Population (ONFP) of Tunisia. He helped issue key legal instruments, such as guidelines for forensic medicine and legislation relating to patients’ rights and medical liability. As part of the National Committee of Medical Ethics, he contributed to the development of protocols for managing the deceased that ensured human dignity during the COVID-19 pandemic. He worked at the Psychological Assistance Centre for Women and Children Victims of Violence. He also maintained the ONFP’s International Training and Research Centre as a WHO collaborating centre. His efforts have helped reorient health services with a patient-centred approach, with particular attention to people living with HIV and persons deprived of their liberty, and through multisectoral engagement involving other ministries and stakeholders in the development and implementation of programmes.

    “Health is a common denominator for all humanity, regardless of borders, races or policies,” said Dr Majed Zemni. “We must all strive to establish health security and a healthier future for all.”
     

    ————————-

    The call for nominations of candidates for each prize is sent out each year after closure of the World Health Assembly. Nominations can be made by national health administrations of a WHO Member State and by any former recipient of the prizes. At its 156th session in February 2025, the Executive Board designated the 2025 winners of the prizes, based on proposals made by a selection panels composed of Executive Board Members, and working independently for each prize.

    See more on public health prizes and awards web page.

    Read detailed information about the public health prizes and awards process.

    Full information can be found in this 78th World Health Assembly document (A78/INF./1).

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Little Rock Partners with Arkansas Law Enforcement Agencies in Nationwide Sex Trafficking Operation

    Source: US FBI

    LITTLE ROCK, AR— The FBI, working with its state and local partners, identified and located 200 victims of sex trafficking during a nationwide enforcement campaign, called “Operation Cross Country.” The operation also led to the identification or arrest of 126 suspects of child sexual exploitation and human trafficking offenses and 68 suspects of trafficking were identified or arrested.

    Through targeted operations and collaborative efforts, Operation Cross Country achieved significant milestones in recovering victims, apprehending offenders, and raising public awareness about these heinous crimes. The FBI and its partners located 59 minor victims of child sex trafficking and child sexual exploitation offenses and located 59 actively missing children during its two-week operation in July.

    The FBI-led nationwide initiative, in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), focused on identifying and locating victims of sex trafficking and investigating and arresting individuals and criminal enterprises involved in both child sex and human trafficking. Law enforcement agencies conducted targeted operations to identify and apprehend offenders, dismantling criminal networks and preventing further harm to victims. Those suspects identified will be subject to additional investigation for potential charges.

    “Human traffickers prey on the most vulnerable members of our society, and their crimes scar victims—many of them children—for life. The FBI’s commitment to combating this threat will never waver, and we will continue to send our message that these atrocities will not be tolerated,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “This operation would not be possible without the commitment and collaboration from our state and local law enforcement partners, and it demonstrates our continued focus on actively pursuing the criminals responsible for these heinous violations and connecting those impacted with dedicated victim services and resources.

    FBI Little Rock agents partnered with Arkansas victim advocacy organizations and law enforcement partners from Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Bentonville Police Department, El Dorado Police Department, Greenland School District Police Department, Little Rock Police Department, Lowell Police Department, Mountain Home Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Pea Ridge Police Department, Rogers Police Department, Siloam Springs Police Department, and the Tontitown Police Department. Over the course of the two-week operation, this team identified and recovered three victims, arrested one individual for attempting to engage in unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, and arrested another individual in connection with the recovery of a minor.

    “Combating child exploitation and human trafficking in Arkansas will continue to be a top priority for FBI Little Rock and our law enforcement partners,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson. “The success of Operation Cross Country showcases our commitment to partnering with state and local police agencies to keep Arkansas communities safe.”

    The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to combating child exploitation and human trafficking. Operation Cross Country is just one facet of the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society and hold offenders accountable. The FBI encourages continued vigilance, cooperation, and reporting from the public to help identify and recover victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

    MIL Security OSI

  • Jitendra Singh unveils cutting-edge polar, ocean research hubs in Goa

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday inaugurated Sagar Bhavan and Polar Bhavan at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa. These are the first-of-their-kind integrated facilities in India and among the few such infrastructures globally dedicated to polar and ocean research.
     
    The inauguration comes at a time when global discourse on ocean geopolitics is intensifying. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Singh expressed confidence that the enhanced capabilities at NCPOR would strengthen India’s role in global ocean governance and scientific collaboration. “Institutions like NCPOR will be pivotal in positioning India as a key player in ocean geopolitics,” the Minister said.
     
    He added that the new facilities would also enhance India’s capacity to monitor weather patterns and respond to climate change challenges effectively.
     
    The newly inaugurated Polar Bhavan is the largest building on the NCPOR campus, spread across 11,378 square metres and constructed at a cost of ₹55 crore. It houses cutting-edge laboratories for polar and ocean research, 55 accommodation units for scientists, conference and seminar halls, a library, and a canteen. It is also home to the “Science On Sphere (SOS)” platform – a state-of-the-art 3D visualization system for displaying climate and earth system data – and will soon host India’s first Polar and Ocean Museum.
     
    Sagar Bhavan, built over 1,772 square metres at a cost of ₹13 crore, includes ultra-low temperature laboratories with -30°C ice core storage and +4°C sample preservation units. It features 29 specialised rooms, including a Class 1000 clean room for trace metal and isotope studies.
     
    During his visit, Dr. Singh, dressed in Antarctica-specific cold weather gear, also toured the Minus 20°C lab section of the facility.
     
    The inauguration coincided with the Silver Jubilee of NCPOR. As part of the celebrations, the Minister unveiled a documentary chronicling the institute’s 25-year journey and participated in a virtual walkthrough of the upcoming science museum.
     
    Dr. Singh underscored the significance of polar research in the context of global climate change. He cited expert assessments indicating that nearly 70% of the world’s freshwater is stored in polar ice. “Uncontrolled melting could lead to rising sea levels, posing serious threats to low-lying coastal areas, including India’s extensive coastline of over 1,000 km,” he said.
     
    Highlighting the importance of ocean sciences in national development, the Minister referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent focus on the Blue Economy. He noted that the Deep Ocean Mission, led by NCPOR, aligns with the government’s broader “Viksit Bharat by 2047” vision.
     
    Dr. Singh also referenced India’s policy initiatives such as the Arctic Policy (2022) and the Indian Antarctic Act (2022), which provide a structured legal and ethical framework for India’s polar engagement, ensuring adherence to international standards.
     
    India maintains a robust research presence in polar and high-altitude regions through its permanent stations in Antarctica (Maitri and Bharati), the Arctic (Himadri), and the Himalayas (Himansh). Recent Indian scientific expeditions have also extended to the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, and the Central Arctic Ocean.
  • MIL-OSI: Seligson & Co OMX Helsinki 25 Exchange Traded Fund: Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken Ab as a New Authorized Participant

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Seligson & Co Fund Management Company Plc
    STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICE 23.5.2025

    SELIGSON & CO OMX HELSINKI 25 EXCHANGE TRADED FUND: SKANDINAVISKA ENSKILDA BANKEN AB AS A NEW AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT

    Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB will be added on 26 May 2025 as a new Authorized Participant for subscription and redemption orders of fund units in the OMXH25 Exchange Traded Fund UCITS ETF. The Authorized Participants for the OMXH25 Exchange Traded Fund are thus now Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, Flow Traders B.V., ABN AMRO Clearing Bank N.V., Bluefin Europe LLP, Danske Bank A/S Helsinki Branch, Evli Bank Plc, Handelsbanken AB / Finland Branch, Morgan Stanley & Co International Plc and Nordea Bank Plc.

    Seligson & Co Fund Management Company Plc
    Aleksi Härmä
    Managing Director
    email: aleksi.harma@seligson.fi
    phone: +358 (0)9 6817 8235

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General visits Norway’s High North in preparation for the Summit in The Hague

    Source: NATO

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited northern Norway on Thursday (22 May 2025), where he met Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, and Minister of Defence Tore Sandvik. The Secretary General also observed a demonstration of NATO’s multidomain capabilities in the High North.

    Speaking alongside Prime Minister Gahr Støre aboard the Norwegian Coast Guard vessel Svalbard, the Secretary General praised Norway’s leadership and emphasised the strategic importance of the region. He said the visit was important not only for NATO and Norway, but also for understanding how Allies are working together to keep NATO territory safe.

    Secretary General Rutte underlined the value of coordination among the seven NATO countries with territory in the High North: Iceland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Canada and the United States. “With Norway being one of the seven High North countries, this is an important element of this vision to understand better what is the situation in the High North,” he said. “We are doing more and more together, and also NATO is getting more and more involved to see how we can best coordinate all those efforts. And we know that these sea lanes are opening up, that the Russians and the Chinese are more and more active here.”

    Turning to the NATO Summit in The Hague, the Secretary General noted the need to increase defence spending. He emphasised that Allies must invest in order to deliver the capabilities needed to defend NATO not only today, but in the years ahead, “knowing that Russia is actively reconstituting itself.” Mr Rutte also pointed to China’s military build-up and ongoing terrorist threats as examples of why NATO Allies will need to invest well above the 2% of GDP target. 

    The Secretary General also highlighted the importance of civil preparedness. “Norway is an absolute leader when it comes to a whole society approach,” he said. “We need the whole society to be involved if the Russians are a long term threat.”

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Joint statement, Nordic-Baltic Summit at Harpsund

    Source: Government of Sweden

    We, the Heads of Government of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Poland, and Sweden met today in Harpsund, Sweden, at a pivotal time for our security. As a result of this Summit, all the leaders of the Nordic-Baltic countries and Poland, have agreed the following:

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Main organisers of large-scale drug transports to Nordic countries arrested in Serbia

    Source: Eurojust

    In an operation coordinated via Eurojust, the Serbian authorities arrested five suspects this week for organising the long-term, large-scale transport of illicit drugs to Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway. Previously, eight fictitious owners of haulage companies used for these transports had already been detained in Serbia. This week’s successful action is the result of a joint investigation team (JIT) between Serbia and the four Nordic countries, set up and supported by Eurojust.

    The criminal network that has now been brought down was responsible for transporting large quantities of narcotics, such as cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis, from Spain and the Netherlands to Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway. The network mainly arranged drivers and the lorries for transports via France and Germany. The drugs were hidden in secret compartments in the trucks, occasionally together with firearms.

    Locally operating criminal groups were responsible for selling and distributing the illicit drugs. Over the last few years, several suspects have been arrested and, in some cases, convicted in Sweden, Denmark and Norway for their involvement in the drug trade via the transport network.

    The total volume of drugs handled is not available, but the Serbian authorities estimate that at least 1.6 tonnes of various narcotics and approximately 62 000 tablets and pills were transported. Investigations had been ongoing as of 2020, when in April 2024 a JIT was set up to consolidate the investigative efforts. Eurojust provided logistical, organisational and financial support to this JIT. The Agency also organised a series of coordination meetings to prepare for the action this week.

    During the operations in Serbia, several encrypted mobile phones were seized, as well as a firearm, ammunition and documents referring to the foundation of the Serbian transport companies. The coordination and cooperation between all countries involved was also facilitated by the fact that both Serbia and Norway are among the twelve countries outside the European Union to have a Liaison Prosecutor at Eurojust.

    The operations were carried out and supported by the following authorities:

    • Serbia: Prosecution Office for Organised Crime, Belgrade; Police Service for the Fight Against Organised Crime
    • Sweden: Swedish Prosecution Authority, National Unit Against Organised Crime: Swedish Customs
    • Finland: Prosecution District Southern Finland; National Bureau of Investigation
    • Denmark: National Special Crime Unit
    • Norway: Innlandet Police District

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of Qakbot Malware Conspiracy Indicted for Involvement in Global Ransomware Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A federal indictment unsealed today charges Rustam Rafailevich Gallyamov, 48, of Moscow, Russia, with leading a group of cyber criminals who developed and deployed the Qakbot malware. In connection with the charges, the Justice Department filed today a civil forfeiture complaint against over $24 million in cryptocurrency seized from Gallyamov over the course of the investigation. These actions are the latest step in an ongoing multinational effort by the United States, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Canada to combat cybercrime.

    “Today’s announcement of the Justice Department’s latest actions to counter the Qakbot malware scheme sends a clear message to the cybercrime community,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We are determined to hold cybercriminals accountable and will use every legal tool at our disposal to identify you, charge you, forfeit your ill-gotten gains, and disrupt your criminal activity.”

    “The criminal charges and forfeiture case announced today are part of an ongoing effort with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to identify, disrupt, and hold accountable cybercriminals,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “The forfeiture action against more than $24 million in virtual assets also demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to seizing ill-gotten assets from criminals in order to ultimately compensate victims.”

    “Mr. Gallyamov’s bot network was crippled by the talented men and women of the FBI and our international partners in 2023, but he brazenly continued to deploy alternative methods to make his malware available to criminal cyber gangs conducting ransomware attacks against innocent victims globally,” said Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The charges announced today exemplify the FBI’s commitment to relentlessly hold accountable individuals who target Americans and demand ransom, even when they live halfway across the world.”

    According to court documents, Gallyamov developed, deployed, and controlled the Qakbot malware beginning in 2008. From 2019 onward, Gallyamov allegedly used the Qakbot malware to infect thousands of victim computers around the world in order to establish a network, or “botnet,” of infected computers. As alleged, once Gallyamov gained access to victim computers, he provided access to co-conspirators who infected the computers with ransomware, including Prolock, Dopplepaymer, Egregor, REvil, Conti, Name Locker, Black Basta, and Cactus. In exchange, Gallyamov was allegedly paid a portion of the ransoms received from ransomware victims.

    The announcement of charges today is the latest step taken by the Justice Department against the Qakbot conspiracy. In August 2023, a U.S.-led multinational operation disrupted the Qakbot botnet and malware. At that time, the Justice Department announced the seizure of illicit proceeds from Gallyamov, including over 170 bitcoin and over $4 million of USDT and USDC tokens.

    According to the indictment, after the disruption and takedown of the Qakbot botnet, Gallyamov and his co-conspirators continued their criminal activities. Instead of a botnet, they allegedly used different tactics, including “spam bomb” attacks on victim companies, where co-conspirators would trick employees at those victim companies into granting access to computer systems. The indictment alleges that Gallyamov orchestrated spam bomb attacks against victims in the United States as recently as January 2025. It also alleges that Gallyamov and his co-conspirators deployed Black Basta and Cactus ransomware on victim computers.

    On April 25, 2025, pursuant to a seizure warrant, the FBI seized additional illicit proceeds from Gallyamov, including over 30 bitcoin and over $700,000 of USDT tokens. Today, the Department filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the Central District of California against all of the illicit proceeds seized from Gallyamov — worth over $24 million as of today — in order to forfeit and ultimately return those funds to victims.

    The investigation of Gallyamov was led by the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, which worked closely with investigators from Germany’s Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), the Netherlands National Police, The Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Netherlands, France’s Anti-Cybercrime Office (Office Anti-cybercriminalité) and Cyber Division of the Paris Prosecution Office, and Europol. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the FBI Milwaukee Field Office provided significant assistance.

    Trial Attorney Jessica Peck of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Khaldoun Shobaki, Lauren Restrepo, and James Dochterman for the Central District of California are prosecuting the case.

    These law enforcement actions were taken in conjunction with Operation Endgame, an ongoing, coordinated effort among international law enforcement agencies aimed at dismantling and prosecuting cybercriminal organizations around the world.

    Resources for victims can be found on the following website, which will be updated as additional information becomes available: https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/divisions/national-security-division/qakbot-resources

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

     

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Guide to functional currency rules

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    How to use the functional currency rules guide

    The electronic version of this document is the only authorised version. Printed copies may be out of date.

    Read this guide to find out more about the functional currency rules, including:

    • eligibility requirements
    • the implications for tax accounting and tax reporting.

    You can use this guide if you are:

    • an Australian resident or a non-resident with a permanent establishment in Australia and both of the following apply
      • you keep your accounts solely or predominantly in a particular foreign currency
      • you wish to work out your taxable income (or tax loss) using that foreign currency – that is, using your ‘applicable functional currency’
    • a non-resident disposing of indirect interests in real property in Australia and the sole or predominant currency in which you keep your accounts at the time of disposal is a foreign currency. The application of functional currency rules is mandatory in this situation.

    This guide does not cover income from overseas permanent establishments of resident taxpayers.

    Functional currency translation rules

    The functional currency translation rules are an exception to the core foreign currency translation rules.

    Under the core foreign currency translation rules, amounts in a foreign currency must be translated into Australian dollars (A$). There are also rules about when and at what exchange rate a translation is to take place for a given type of transaction.

    Under the functional currency rules, you can use a currency other than A$ as the unit of account to work out your taxable income or tax loss. The core foreign currency translation rules continue to apply to amounts and transactions not covered by the functional currency rules.

    If you are an eligible taxpayer who keeps your accounts solely or predominantly in a particular foreign currency, you can choose to use that foreign currency as the unit of account to work out your taxable income or tax loss.

    If you have made such a choice (that is, an effective functional currency choice), you do not translate transactions you undertake in either a foreign currency or in your applicable functional currency into A$. Rather, you translate only your net amount of taxable income or tax loss calculated in your applicable functional currency into A$.

    The core foreign currency translation rules are contained in section 960-50 of Subdivision 960-C of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997).

    The functional currency translation rules are contained in section 960-80 of Subdivision 960-D of the ITAA 1997.

    How the functional currency rules work

    Once you choose to use a non-Australian dollar applicable functional currency, you must use that currency as the unit of account in your day-to-day tax accounting. After working out your taxable income or tax loss in the applicable functional currency, you must translate that amount into A$ to report on your tax return.

    You must also carry out your instalment income calculations in your applicable functional currency and translate that amount into A$ for reporting purposes.

    Eligibility to account in a functional currency

    Only certain taxpayers can choose to work out their taxable income or tax loss using a non-Australian dollar applicable functional currency. This guide is relevant only if you are either of the following:

    • a resident who must prepare financial reports under section 292 of the Corporations Act 2001
    • a non-resident carrying on business through a permanent establishment in Australia.

    Your applicable functional currency is the sole or predominant currency in which you keep your ‘accounts’ at the time you choose to use functional currency.

    ‘Accounts’ means ledgers, journals, statements of financial performance, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and statements of financial position and includes statements, reports and notes attached to, or intended to be read, with such items.

    Find out more in subsection 960-70(4) of the ITAA 1997.

    The following taxpayers using a non-A$ applicable functional currency are not covered in this guide:

    • Australian residents carrying on business through overseas permanent establishments, using a non-A$ applicable functional currency to work out their taxable income or loss
    • attributable taxpayers in respect of controlled foreign companies (CFC) and transferor trusts, using a non-A$ applicable functional currency to work out the ‘attributable income’ of the CFC or transferor trust.

    When to make a functional currency choice

    The functional currency rules started to apply on 1 July 2003.

    Ordinarily, if you choose to use a foreign currency as your applicable functional currency to work out your taxable income or tax loss, your choice will take effect after the end of the tax year during which you made it.

    You must make your functional currency choice in writing.

    In some circumstances, you can make your functional currency choice after the start of the tax year in which you intend it to take effect. This is referred to as a ‘backdated start up choice’. You must make a ‘backdated start up choice within 90 days of either of the following:

    • the start of the tax year, if your entity existed at that time
    • the day your entity came into existence, if it did not exist at the start of the tax year.

    See details on:

    Withdrawing an existing functional currency choice and substituting a new choice

    You can withdraw your existing functional currency choice if the functional currency you are using ceases to be the sole or predominant currency in which you keep your ‘accounts’. Your functional currency choice withdrawal will take effect from the end of the tax year in which you withdraw it.

    Your withdrawal:

    • cannot be backdated
    • must be made in writing
    • should be available as part of the business’s tax records.

    After your previous functional currency choice is withdrawn, you can make a choice to use the new sole or predominant currency in which you keep your accounts to work out your taxable income or tax loss. You must make this choice in writing. If you don’t make a new functional currency choice, the core foreign currency translation rules will apply, which means that all amounts must be translated into A$.

    See details on:

    Documenting your choice to use a non-Australian dollar applicable functional currency

    When making your written choice to use a non-Australian dollar currency as your applicable functional currency, include all the following:

    • the name and tax file number of the entity making the choice
    • the use to which the functional currency is being put – for example, to work out taxable income or tax loss
    • the date the choice takes effect
    • the unit of account that the entity intends to use as its functional currency
    • the signature of the entity’s public officer and the date the written functional currency choice was signed.

    You do not need to send your written functional currency choice to us. However, it should be available as part of your business’ tax records.

    Non-functional currency amounts you receive or pay

    All amounts included in working out your taxable income or tax loss must be in the applicable functional currency. This means you must translate all amounts you receive or pay in another currency, including A$ amounts, into the applicable functional currency.

    The functional currency translation rules, including applicable exchange rates, follow the principles in the core foreign currency translation rules for translating foreign currency amounts to A$. This is covered in subsection 960-50(6) of Subdivision 960-C and also subsection 960-80(6) of Subdivision 960-D of the ITAA 1997.

    However, the A$ is treated as a foreign currency while your applicable functional currency is not a foreign currency for the purposes of working out your taxable income or tax loss in the applicable functional currency. This is covered in subsection 960-80(1) of the ITAA 1997.

    A foreign exchange (forex) realisation gain or loss may arise for certain amounts if there is a difference in prevailing exchange rates at the relevant times. For example, the exchange rate applicable at the time you incur an amount may be different from the exchange rate applicable when you pay it. In this situation, changes in the value of the A$ against the applicable functional currency can bring about a forex gain or loss – an example follows.

    Example 1: trigger of foreign currency loss

    Stellar Rex Incorporated (Stellar Rex), a USA company with a branch (permanent establishment) in Australia, chooses to account for their Australian branch’s taxable income in a functional currency. For Stellar Rex’s purposes, US dollars (US$) is the applicable functional currency and A$ is a foreign currency.

    Stellar Rex contracts to purchase a depreciating asset from an Australian company in A$ as follows:

    Year 1

    Stellar Rex contracts to purchase the asset for A$10,000. Stellar Rex holds the asset from the date of contract.

    At the contract time, A$1.00 = US$0.50.

    Therefore, the cost of the asset in the applicable functional currency is US$5,000.

    Year 2

    Thirteen months after beginning to hold the asset, Stellar Rex pays A$10,000 for the asset.

    At this time A$1.00 = US$0.55, so the A$10,000 Stellar Rex pays is equivalent to US$5,500.

    A forex realisation loss of US$500 is made under Forex realisation event (FRE) 4 when Stellar Rex pays A$10,000 for the asset in year 2. As the payment was made more than 12 months after first holding the asset, the loss is not a short-term forex realisation loss – refer to section 775-75 of the ITAA 1997.

    Therefore, Stellar Rex will take this loss into account as an allowable deduction when calculating the taxable income or tax loss of its Australian branch for year 2. The taxable income of the Australian branch is calculated in US$ and translated into A$ at the end of the tax year for the purpose of working out the amount of A$ income tax it is liable to pay.

    End of example

    Find out more about foreign currency translation (conversion) rules.

    Pre-choice amounts

    Special translation rules apply to amounts that are attributable to transactions or events that happened before your current functional currency choice took effect (‘pre-choice’ amounts). Pre-choice amounts that are relevant for working out your taxable income or tax loss for a year after your functional currency choice takes effect must be translated into your applicable functional currency in accordance with these special rules. This includes pre-choice amounts that are denominated in the same non-A$ currency as your applicable functional currency.

    See details on:

    If you haven’t previously made a functional currency choice, you should translate a relevant pre-choice amount as follows:

    • firstly, into A$ at the exchange rate applicable at the time of the transaction or event
    • secondly, into the applicable functional currency at the exchange rate at the time your functional currency choice took effect.

    If you have previously made a choice to use a non-A$ currency as your applicable functional currency, you should translate a relevant pre-choice amount:

    • firstly, into the previous applicable functional currency at the exchange rate applicable at the time of the transaction or event
    • secondly, into the new applicable functional currency at the exchange rate at the time your new functional currency choice took effect.

    Example 2: sale of assets acquired before making a functional currency choice

    Fion Incorporated (FION), a non-resident corporation, operates through a permanent establishment in Australia. FION conducts most of its business in Yen (¥).

    In the year ended 30 June (year 1) FION chooses to use ¥ as its applicable functional currency. The choice applies for the year commencing 1 July (year 2).

    In the year ended 30 June (year 3) FION sells a tourist resort for ¥600 million, which it had purchased before year 1 for ¥500 million.

    As FION’s applicable functional currency is ¥, the capital gain or capital loss on the disposal of the tourist resort will be calculated in ¥. However, FION had not made a choice to use ¥ as its applicable functional currency at the time it purchased the tourist resort – that is, it was still using A$ for tax purposes. Therefore, the ¥ cost of the resort is translated to A$ at the exchange rate prevailing at the time of the purchase. This A$ amount is then translated to ¥ at the exchange rate prevailing at the time FION’s choice to use ¥ as its applicable functional currency took effect.

    For the purposes of this example, the exchange rates were:

    • A$1.00 = ¥68.50 at the time FION purchased the resort
    • A$1.00 = ¥62.00 at the time FION’s functional currency choice took effect.

    This means the cost base for the purpose of calculating the capital gain or loss on the disposal of the tourist resort is:

    • (¥500,000,000 ÷ 68.50) × 62.00
    • = A$7,299,270 × 62.00
    • = ¥452,554,745.

    The capital gain calculated in FION’s applicable functional currency is:

    • sale proceeds = ¥600,000,000
    • less ¥452,554,745
    • capital gain = ¥147,445,255.

    End of example

    Tax reporting and functional currency

    The functional currency rules allow you to work out your taxable income or tax loss in your applicable functional currency. However, all tax reporting must still be expressed in A$. When reporting on your tax return or activity statement, work out the reported amounts in your applicable functional currency and then translate these amounts into A$.

    For tax reporting purposes, when a translation is needed for label amounts (other than the taxable income amount), use the same translation rate as the taxable income translation rate. If you don’t have a taxable income amount in a given income year (that is, you have a tax loss), you should use the same rate you would have used to translate a taxable income amount into A$.

    How to treat different amounts

    Amount type

    Treatment

    Amounts used in working out taxable income or tax loss in the applicable functional currency (FC).

    Note sections 6AB and 6AC of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA 1936) with regard to foreign income and foreign tax and the ‘grossing-up’ of foreign income to include foreign tax paid.

    Include the amount in the taxable income calculation in the FC before translating taxable income from the FC into A$.

    Amounts used to work out taxable income or a tax loss that are in a foreign currency. For example:

    • A$ amounts, including the ‘gross-up’ amount for a franked dividend
    • amounts of foreign income, including the ‘gross-up’ amount for foreign tax paid in respect of that income.

    Section 6AC of the ITAA 1936 requires the amount of foreign income included in your assessable income to be ‘grossed-up’ to include any foreign tax you paid in relation to the foreign income. If you receive a franked dividend, section 207-20 of the ITAA 1997 requires you to ‘gross-up’ your assessable income by the amount of the franking credit – and also entitles you to a tax offset equal to the amount of the franking credit.

    Translate into the FC using the applicable exchange rate for that amount.

    As ‘gross-up’ amounts contribute to the calculation of your taxable income or tax loss, you must translate them into the FC. Include the FC value in the taxable income calculation before translating taxable income from FC into A$ – see Example 3 and Example 4.

    Carry-forward losses

    Carry-forward losses are allowable deductions that reduce taxable income.

    Identify the carry forward loss amount in the FC from the previous income year.

    Include these amounts in the taxable income calculation in the FC before translating taxable income from FC into A$.

    When reporting the value of a tax loss, translate it from FC into A$.

    Tax exempt amounts that reduce carry-forward losses

    Tax exempt amounts that reduce carry-forward losses are translated into the FC generally upon being derived. They are then used to absorb the loss to the extent of their value.

    When reporting the value of a tax exempt amount, translate it into A$.

    Foreign income tax offsets (FITO)

    Subsection 770-10(1) of the ITAA 1997 provides that you are entitled to a foreign income tax offset for foreign income tax you paid in respect of an amount of foreign income that is included in your assessable income in a year of income. (FITO in relation to the ‘attributable income’ of a CFC is not dealt with in this guide.)

    The value of foreign income tax offset amounts is not used in working out taxable income, except for when calculating the ‘attributable income’ of a controlled foreign company (CFC) or transferor trust.

    The core foreign currency translation rules apply, and the value of foreign tax paid used to calculate foreign income tax offsets is translated into A$ when the foreign tax is paid – see Example 3.

    Franking credits

    A credit that arises in the franking account of an entity (a franking credit) is a tax offset.

    The amount of the tax offset you are entitled to as a result of receiving a franked dividend is not translated into your FC. Your tax offset amount will equal the A$ amount of the franking credit attached to the dividend you received before it was translated into functional currency.

    Add the A$ value of franking credits to your franking account without translation into FC – see Example 4.

    You must keep your franking account in A$.

    Tax offsets and rebates

    Tax offsets and rebates are not used to work out taxable income or a tax loss.

    The core foreign currency translation rules apply.

    If the amount is already in A$, then no translation takes place.

    If the amount is in a non-A$ currency, translate the amount into A$.

    Do not translate into FC first.

    Values expressed in law

    Paragraph 960-80(2)(i) of the ITAA 1997 covers this.

    Translate these amounts to FC at the applicable rate – see Example 5.

    Example 4: franking credits

    US$1.00 = A$2.00

    XYZ Corporation (XYZ) is an Australian resident company, which chooses to use US$ as its applicable functional currency.

    XYZ derives a fully franked dividend as follows:

    • A$70 cash.
    • A$30 gross-up amount (franking credit value).

    To find out more, refer to subsection 207-20(1) of the ITAA 1997.

    Assessable income calculation

    XYZ translates A$100 ($70 + $30) into US$ as follows:

    • A$100 × 0.5 = US$50.

    At the end of the tax year, US$50 (and other taxable income values) are translated into A$ at regulation rate.

    Franking account balance

    Add A$30 to franking account balance. No translation takes place.

    End of example

    Mandatory application of functional currency for indirect Australian real property interests

    If:

    • you are a foreign resident
    • a CGT event happens in relation to a CGT asset that is an indirect Australian real property interest for you, and
    • at the time of the CGT event, the sole or predominant currency in which you keep your accounts is a currency other than Australian currency

    you must use the applicable functional currency to work out the amount of any capital gain or capital loss. Subsection 960-61(2) of the ITAA 1997 covers this.

    This requirement applies to CGT events that happen on or after 12 December 2006.

    Capital gains and losses

    There are 2 steps to work out a capital gain or capital loss.

    Step 1 translate an amount that is not in the applicable functional currency into the applicable functional currency.

    Step 2 translate the amount of any capital gain or capital loss into Australian currency.

    See more details at table item 6 of subsection 960-80(1) of the ITAA 1997.

    Exchange rates to apply

    Different exchange rates apply to the translation of amounts that are elements in the calculation of capital gain or loss.

    See more details at subsection 960-80(4) of the ITAA 1997.

    The exchange rate to be used when translating amounts will be either the:

    • rate at the time the costs are incurred
    • rate at the time of the CGT event.

    Exchange rate applicable at the time the costs are incurred

    Amounts relating to the payments made and costs incurred that form part of the cost base of a CGT asset, are translated into your functional currency at the exchange rate applicable at the time the costs are incurred.

    See details in:

    • table item 5 of subsection 960-50(6) of the ITAA 1997
    • TR 2007/5 Income tax: functional currency – when is an amount not in the ‘applicable functional currency’? paragraphs 110 and 153.

    Exchange rate applicable at the time of the CGT event

    Amounts which are relevant for working out the capital gain or capital loss (capital proceeds or market value of other property) on the happening of a CGT event, are translated into the applicable functional currency at the exchange rate applicable at the time of the CGT event.

    See details in:

    Amount of capital gain or capital loss calculated in the applicable functional currency

    This amount is translated into the Australian currency at the exchange rate applicable at the time of CGT event.

    See details in:

    • table item 5 in subsection 960-50(6) of the ITAA 1997
    • TR 2007/5 Income tax: functional currency – when is an amount not in the ‘applicable functional currency’?

    Reporting during the year

    Business activity statements

    When completing a business activity statement (BAS):

    1. calculate your instalment income in the applicable functional currency
    2. translate your instalment income into Australian dollars at the appropriate rate
    3. complete label T1 of the BAS accordingly.

    Company tax return

    The functional currency rules allow some taxpayers to choose to work out their taxable income or tax loss by using a non-A$ currency as their applicable functional currency (FC).

    All amounts disclosed on the company tax return must be disclosed in A$.

    When a label amount is accounted for in a non-A$ FC, that sum should be translated into A$ using the same functional currency translation rate (shown at label 8N Functional currency translation rate of the company tax return) used to translate the taxable income or tax loss figure.

    The following amounts are always accounted for in A$, and not in the FC:

    • Label 7 J Franking credits
    • Label 7 C Australian franking credits from a New Zealand Company.

    The following amounts do not need to be translated into A$ before completion of the return:

    • Label 7 R Tax losses deducted
    • Label 7 S Tax losses transferred in.

    Tax losses are allowable deductions from taxable income. If you carry forward losses, you should account for and claim them in your FC. Report any losses used during the income year at label 7R by translating the value of the loss used into A$ at the FC translation rate.

    As mentioned above, label 8N is where you show the exchange rate used to translate the FC taxable income figure (and many other figures on the company tax return) into A$.

    At label 8N, show the translation rate the company used to translate the taxable income figure from the FC into A$. The translation rate is the amount the FC amount is divided by to get an equivalent amount of A$. That is, the number of non-A$ currency units that equal one A$ rounded to 4 significant figures – see Examples for labels 8N and 8O.

    Label 😯 – functional currency chosen

    Label 😯 is where you show your chosen FC using the 3-letter code from the international standard ISO 4217 – ‘Currency codes’. See the list of Currency codes for label 😯.

    Labels 8N and 😯 must be completed by:

    • Australian resident taxpayers who use FC to work out their taxable income or tax loss
    • foreign residents carrying on an activity or business at, or through, an Australian permanent establishment, who use FC to work out their taxable income or tax loss.

    You should not complete labels 8N and 😯 if you are an Australian resident taxpayer using FC only to work out the attributable income of a controlled foreign company (CFC) or transferor trust.

    The following are examples of correctly completed labels 8N and 8O. The exchange rates used are from 26 September 2003.

    Examples for labels 8N and 😯

    Applicable FC

    Label N

    Label O

    US Dollar

    .6695

    USD

    Yen

    77.18

    JPY

    New Zealand Dollar

    1.1385

    NZD

    Won

    785.8

    KRW

    Rupiah

    5679

    IDR

    As mentioned previously, if you choose to use FC, you should account for the value of any carry-forward losses using that FC.

    The value of those tax losses and net capital losses carried forward to later income years should be reported in A$ at ‘Losses information’ – labels 13U and 13V – on the company tax return.

    Calculation statement

    The calculation statement on the company tax return shows you how to work out the amount of tax payable or refundable. It starts with the ‘Taxable income’ figure at label A. This figure should have been worked out earlier, using the applicable FC and then translated into A$.

    Other figures in the calculation statement are either of the following:

    • A$ amounts, such as pay as you go (PAYG) instalments raised
    • amounts translated into A$ previously, such as any foreign income tax offset.

    Currency codes for label 😯

    These currency codes are from international standard ISO 4217 – Currency codes.

    A–F, G–K, L–P, Q–U, V–Z

    A

    • Afghan Afghani – AFN
    • Albanian Lek – ALL
    • Algerian Dinar – DZD
    • Angolan Kwanza – AOA
    • Argentine Peso – ARS
    • Armenian Dram – AMD
    • Aruban Guilder – AWG
    • Azerbaijani Manat – AZN

    B

    • Bahamian Dollar – BSD
    • Bahraini Dinar – BHD
    • Bangladeshi Taka – BDT
    • Barbados Dollar – BBD
    • Belarusian Ruble – BYN
    • Belize Dollar – BZD
    • Bermudian Dollar – BMD
    • Bhutanese Ngultrum – BTN
    • Bolivian Boliviano – BOB
    • Bosnia & Herzegovina Convertible Marks – BAM
    • Botswanan Pula – BWP
    • Brazilian Real – BRL
    • British Pound – GBP
    • Brunei Dollar – BND
    • Bulgarian Lev – BGN
    • Burundi Franc – BIF

    C

    • Cambodian Riel – KHR
    • Canadian Dollar – CAD
    • Cabo Verde Escudo – CVE
    • Cayman Islands Dollar – KYD
    • CFA Franc BCEAO – XOF
    • CFA Franc BEAC – XAF
    • CFP Franc – XPF
    • Chilean Peso – CLP
    • Chinese Yuan Renminbi – CNY
    • Colombian Peso – COP
    • Comorian Franc – KMF
    • Congolese Franc – CDF
    • Costa Rican Colon – CRC
    • Cuban Peso – CUP
    • Czech Koruna – CZK

    D

    • Danish Krone – DKK
    • Djibouti Franc – DJF
    • Dominican Peso – DOP

    E

    • East Caribbean Dollar – XCD
    • Egyptian Pound – EGP
    • El Salvador Colon – SVC
    • Eritrean Nakfa – ERN
    • Ethiopian Birr – ETB
    • Euro – EUR

    F

    • Falkland Islands Pound – FKP
    • Fijian Dollar – FJD

    G

    • Gambian Dalasi – GMD
    • Georgian Lari – GEL
    • Ghanaian Cedi – GHS
    • Gibraltar Pound – GIP
    • Guatemalan Quetzal – GTQ
    • Guernsey Pound Sterling – GBP
    • Guinean Franc – GNF
    • Guyanese Dollar – GYD

    H

    • Haitian Gourde – HTG
    • Honduran Lempira – HNL
    • Hong Kong Dollar – HKD
    • Hungarian Forint – HUF

    I

    • Icelandic Krona – ISK
    • Indian Rupee – INR
    • Indonesian Rupiah – IDR
    • Iranian Rial – IRR
    • Iraqi Dinar – IQD
    • Isle of Man Pound Sterling – GBP
    • Israeli New Sheqel – ILS

    J

    • Jamaican Dollar – JMD
    • Japanese Yen – JPY
    • Jersey Pound Sterling – GBP
    • Jordanian Dinar – JOD

    K

    • Kazakhstani Tenge – KZT
    • Kenyan Shilling – KES
    • Kuwaiti Dinar – KWD
    • Kyrgystani Som – KGS

    L

    • Laotian Kip – LAK
    • Latvia Euro – EUR
    • Lebanese Pound – LBP
    • Lesotho Loti – LSL
    • Liberian Dollar – LRD
    • Libyan Dinar – LYD
    • Lithuania Euro – EUR

    M

    • Macanese Pataca – MOP
    • Macedonia Denar – MKD
    • Malagasy Ariary – MGA
    • Malawian Kwacha – MWK
    • Malaysian Ringgit – MYR
    • Maldivian Rufiyaa – MVR
    • Mauritanian Ouguiya – MRU
    • Mauritius Rupee – MUR
    • Mexican Peso – MXN
    • Moldovan Leu – MDL
    • Mongolian Tugrik – MNT
    • Moroccan Dirham – MAD
    • Mozambique Metical – MZN
    • Myanmar Kyat – MMK

    N

    • Namibia Dollar – NAD
    • Nepalese Rupee – NPR
    • Netherlands Antillean Guilder – ANG
    • New Zealand Dollar – NZD
    • Nicaraguan Cordoba Oro – NIO
    • Nigerian Naira – NGN
    • North Korean Won – KPW
    • Norwegian Krone – NOK

    O

    • Omani Rial – OMR
    • Other – OTH

    P

    • Pakistani Rupee – PKR
    • Panamanian Balboa – PAB
    • Papuan Kina – PGK
    • Paraguayan Guarani – PYG
    • Peruvian Nuevo Sol – PEN
    • Philippine Peso – PHP
    • Polish Zloty – PLN
    • Pound Sterling – GBP

    Q

    • Qatari Rial – QAR

    R

    • Romanian New Leu – RON
    • Russian Ruble – RUB
    • Rwandan Franc – RWF

    S

    • Saint Helena Pound – SHP
    • Samoan Tala – WST
    • Sao Tome and Principe Dobra – STN
    • Saudi Riyal – SAR
    • Serbian Dinar – RSD
    • Seychelles Rupee – SCR
    • Sierra Leonean Leone – SLE
    • Singapore Dollar – SGD
    • Solomon Islands Dollar – SBD
    • Somali Shilling – SOS
    • South African Rand – ZAR
    • South Korean Won – KRW
    • South Sudanese Pound – SSP
    • Sri Lankan Rupee – LKR
    • Sudanese Pound – SDG
    • Surinam Dollar – SRD
    • Eswatini Lilangeni – SZL
    • Swedish Krona – SEK
    • Swiss Franc – CHF
    • Syrian Pound – SYP

    T

    • Taiwanese New Dollar – TWD
    • Tajikistani Somoni – TJS
    • Tanzanian Shilling – TZS
    • Thai Baht – THB
    • Tongan Pa’anga – TOP
    • Trinidad and Tobago Dollar – TTD
    • Tunisian Dinar – TND
    • Turkish Lira – TRY
    • Turkmenistan New Manat – TMT
    • Tuvalu Australian Dollar – AUD

    U

    • UAE Dirham – AED
    • Ugandan Shilling – UGX
    • Ukrainian Hryvnia – UAH
    • Uruguayan Peso – UYU
    • US Dollar – USD
    • Uzbekistan Sum – UZS

    V

    • Vanuatuan Vatu – VUV
    • Venezuelan Bolivar Soberano – VES
    • Vietnamese Dong – VND

    Y

    • Yemeni Rial – YER

    Z

    • Zambian Kwacha – ZMW
    • Zimbabwe Gold – ZWG

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Global: Colonial-era borders create conflict in Africa’s oceans – how to resolve them

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood, Lecturer in Sustainable Futures, University of St Andrews

    Africa has 38 coastal and island nations. Their maritime industries – including energy, tourism, maritime transport, shipping and fishing – play a crucial role in developing these nations.

    Key to harnessing these resources are Africa’s maritime boundaries – lines on a map showing the legal divisions of the ocean between neighbouring coastal states.

    Some of these boundaries were created by colonial powers and kept after independence. Their purpose was to achieve territorial security and ensure the exclusive exploitation of resources and to maintain navigational freedom.

    But Africa’s maritime boundaries sometimes lead to conflict, prevent cooperation on resource management and create room for maritime crimes, like illegal fishing. This is because they are often contested. Countries have overlapping claims and varying interests in resource exploration. This is common in maritime areas rich in oil, gas and fisheries, and deep seabed resources.

    In our recent paper we found that using international law to resolve maritime boundaries does not always bring peace, especially when it results in ceding the disputed area to one party. It can result in animosity between countries and breed room for continued distrust among peoples.

    Today, Africa has the most unresolved maritime boundary disputes in the world and the lowest number of settled boundary disputes.

    As more ocean resources are discovered, climate change may heighten disputes. Rising sea levels can gradually submerge maritime zones, potentially affecting the baselines from which these zones are measured. This could create uncertainty or trigger new conflicts.

    In our paper, we suggest a collaborative approach to resolving maritime disputes. We hope that this will help prevent many African countries from missing out on the benefits of their oceans.

    Price of disputed boundaries

    Disagreements over maritime boundaries can have many negative effects.

    Research has shown that criminal activities tend to increase in disputed maritime boundaries. For instance, illegal fishers are aware that because there is dispute over a border, there will also be enforcement gaps.

    Countries in dispute will also not work together and will not be sending patrols to contested areas. For instance, in 2016, a Chinese vessel escaped into Sierra Leone to avoid capture. When Guinean naval forces boarded the vessel for enforcement, there was an exchange of fire and 11 Guineans were detained by Sierra Leone.

    When boundaries are disputed, it also means that local fishers are likely to encroach into neighbouring waters, often unknowingly, in search of better catches. Given the significance of fisheries to coastal livelihoods and the extent of depletion, this threatens peace and security. It fuels tension between communities and countries over access to dwindling resources.

    Disagreements over maritime boundaries also diminish maritime security cooperation, complicate joint patrols, and divert attention from tackling shared threats such as piracy.

    Colonialism never ended

    Unfortunately, resolving maritime boundary disputes is complicated by a principle in international law known as uti possidetis juris – “as you possess under law”.

    The principle says that when countries argue over borders, international law, built around colonial-era boundaries, is used to decide who gets what. This creates a “winner-takes-all” approach – one side gains control over the disputed area and resources. International courts, like the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, follow the provisions of law reinforcing uti possidetis.

    Our examination of maritime boundary disputes in west and central Africa found that the principle of uti possidetis juris had failed to alleviate maritime boundary tensions. In some cases, it has exacerbated them.

    One example is a maritime dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria decided in 2002. The dispute was over who had control of Bakassi, an oil-rich region, and its maritime frontier.

    The uti possidetis juris principle upheld the lines drawn at the time of Nigeria’s independence and resulted in the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon. The impact of the resolution lingers. To date, thousands of displaced Bakassi people that returned to Nigeria have yet to be resettled and reintegrated. Disputes also continue between fishers from Nigeria and Cameroonian law enforcement agents. In extreme cases, it results in death, like the alleged killing of 97 Nigerian fishers by Cameroonian marine police.

    The way forward

    In our paper, we recommend that courts, tribunals or disputing countries consider joint management agreements to resolve maritime disputes. Under such agreements, countries share and manage disputed maritime resources.

    These agreements will allow for the joint management of shared resources. It will also encourage cooperation and collaboration in other areas, such as joint operations to combat illegal fishing and piracy. While international courts may apply uti possidetis juris as required by law, countries should be encouraged to negotiate special arrangements – such as joint development agreements – as part of the resolution process. Especially in cases where livelihoods and longstanding community ties risk being disrupted by unilateral decisions or the ceding of disputed areas to one party.

    While not perfect, this approach has already improved cooperation on security and resource use at sea. It has worked in places like Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire also have a joint management framework in place for their shared boundaries to avoid future disputes.

    Prolonged boundary disputes only enable criminal actors to exploit Africa’s resources, undermining collective progress. A shift towards collaborative solutions is essential for achieving a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent.

    Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood receives funding from the PEW Charitable Trust and the Research Council of Norway. The St Andrews Research Internship Scheme (StARIS) supported the initial peer-reviewed research.

    Elizabeth Nwarueze 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. Colonial-era borders create conflict in Africa’s oceans – how to resolve them – https://theconversation.com/colonial-era-borders-create-conflict-in-africas-oceans-how-to-resolve-them-248577

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI: Euronext announces the success of its offering of bonds due 2032 convertible into new shares and/or exchangeable for existing shares (“OCEANEs”) for a nominal amount of €425 million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Euronext announces the success of its offering of bonds due 2032 convertible into new shares and/or exchangeable for existing shares (“OCEANEs”) for a nominal amount of €425 million

    Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 22 May 2025 – Euronext (ISIN Code: NL0006294274) (the “Company”), the leading European capital market infrastructure, announces today 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 (within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation (as defined below)), for a nominal amount of €425 million (the “Offering”).

    On 17 April 2025, the Company entered into a bridge loan facility with, among others, affiliates of the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering, to finance the acquisition of Admincontrol. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used by the Company for the repayment of a portion of the bridge financing and general corporate purposes.

    Main terms of the Bonds

    The Bonds will be issued with a denomination of €100,000 each (the “Principal Amount”), 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, representing a conversion premium of 35% above the Company’s reference share price on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (“Euronext Paris”). The reference share price is €141.6040, being equal to the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Shares recorded on Euronext Paris from the launch of the Offering today until the determination of the final terms (pricing) of the Bonds. Settlement and delivery of the Bonds is expected to take place in the Euronext Securities Milan system on 30 May 2025 (the “Issue Date”).

    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”).

    The Bonds may be redeemed prior to the Maturity Date at the option of the Company, under certain conditions.

    In particular, the Bonds may be fully redeemed early at par plus any accrued interest at the Company’s option, subject to a prior notice of at least 30 (but not more than 60) calendar days, (i) at any time from 20 June 2030 (inclusive), if the arithmetic average, calculated over a period of 10 consecutive trading days chosen by the Company from among the 20 consecutive trading days preceding the day of the publication of the early redemption notice, of the daily products on each of such 10 consecutive trading days of the volume weighted average price of the Shares on Euronext Paris over the applicable conversion price on each such trading day, exceeds 130%; or (ii) at any time if 80% or more in principal amount of the Bonds issued (which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, include any tap issues of the Bonds) have been converted/exchanged and/or redeemed and/or purchased by the Company and cancelled.
    Bondholders will be granted the right to convert or exchange the Bonds into new and/or existing Shares (the “Conversion/Exchange Right”) which they may exercise at any time from the 41st day (inclusive) following the Issue Date up to the 7th business day (inclusive) preceding the Maturity Date or, as the case may be, the relevant early redemption date.

    The conversion ratio of the Bonds is set at the Principal Amount divided by the prevailing initial conversion price, i.e. 523.1072 Shares per Bond, subject to standard adjustments, including anti-dilution and dividend protections, as described in the terms and conditions of the Bonds. Upon exercise of their Conversion/Exchange Right, holders of the Bonds will receive at the option of the Company new and/or existing Shares, carrying in all cases all rights attached to existing Shares as from the date of delivery.

    Application will be made for the admission of the Bonds to trading on Euronext AccessTM in Paris to occur within 30 calendar days from the Issue Date.

    Legal framework of the Offering and placement

    The Bonds will be issued by way of a placement to qualified investors only (within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended, the “Prospectus Regulation”)) (excluding the United States of America, Australia, Japan, Canada or South Africa), pursuant to the authorization granted by the Company’s annual general meeting held on 15 May 2025 (15th and 16th resolution), without an offer to the public (other than to qualified investors) in any country.

    Existing shareholders of the Company shall have no preferential subscription rights, and there will be no priority subscription period in connection with the issuance of the Bonds or any underlying new Shares to be issued upon conversion.

    Lock-up undertaking

    In the context of the Offering, the Company has agreed to a lock-up undertaking with respect to its Shares and securities giving access to share capital of the Company for a period starting from the announcement of the final terms of the Bonds and ending 90 calendar days after the Issue Date, subject to certain customary exceptions or waiver from the joint global coordinators appointed in the context of the Offering.

    Dilution

    As a result of the Offering of a €425 million principal amount of Bonds and the initial conversion price of €191.1654, the potential dilution would represent approximately 2.1% of the Company’s outstanding share capital, if the Conversion/Exchange Right was exercised for all the Bonds and the Company decided to deliver new Shares only upon exercise of the Conversion/Exchange Right.

    Available information

    Neither the offering of the Bonds, nor the admission of the Bonds to trading on Euronext AccessTM is subject to a prospectus approved by the Stichting Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM) in Netherlands or the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) in France. No key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation or the UK PRIIPs Regulation (as defined below) has been or will be prepared. Detailed information about Company, including its business, results, prospects and the risk factors to which the Company is exposed are described in the Company’s universal registration document for the financial year ended 31 December 2024, filed with the AFM on 28 March 2025 and the Company’s first quarter 2025 results press release which includes the unaudited financial statements of the Company as at and for the three months ended 31 March 2025, which are all available on the Company’s website (https://www.euronext.com/en/investor-relations).

    Important information

    This press release does not constitute or form part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for or to sell securities to any U.S. person or to any person in the United States, Australia, Japan, Canada or South Africa or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer is unlawful, and the Offering of the Bonds is not an offer to the public in any jurisdiction (other than to qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation) or an offer to retail investors as such term is defined below.

    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        +33 6 82 09 99 70                

    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 March 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. 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.

    Disclaimer

    The contents of this announcement have been prepared by and are the sole responsibility of the Company.

    The information contained in this announcement is for information purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed by any person for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, fairness or completeness.

    This announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States. The distribution of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of Prospectus Regulation.

    This announcement does not contain or constitute an offer of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, Bonds to any U.S. person or to any person in the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The Bonds and the Shares, if any, to be issued upon exercise of the Conversion/Exercise Right (together, the “Securities”) referred to herein may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons unless registered under the US Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) or offered in a transaction exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    In addition, until 40 days after the commencement of the Offering, an offer or sale of Bonds within the United States by a dealer (whether or not it is participating in the Offering) may violate the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The offer and sale of Securities referred to herein has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan. Subject to certain exceptions, the Bonds referred to herein may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan. There will be no public offer of the Securities in the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or elsewhere.

    In member states of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”), this announcement and any offer is directed exclusively at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation (“Qualified Investors”). In the United Kingdom this announcement and any offer is directed exclusively at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA”) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order”), (ii) who fall within Article 49(2)(A) to (D) of the Order, or (iii) to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons together with Qualified Investors in the EEA being referred to herein as “Relevant Persons”). This document is directed only at Relevant Persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons.

    This announcement may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “may”, “will” or “should” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. Any forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current view with respect to future events and are subject to risks relating to future events and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Company’s and its group’s business, results of operations, financial position, liquidity, prospects, growth or strategies. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.

    Each of the Company, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and their respective affiliates expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Each of the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering is acting exclusively for the Company and no-one else in connection with the Offering. They will not regard any other person as their respective client in relation to the Offering and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offering, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein.

    In connection with the Offering, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates may take up a portion of the Bonds in the Offering as a principal position and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell for their own accounts such Bonds and other securities of the Company or related investments in connection with the Offering or otherwise. Accordingly, references to the Bonds being issued, offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or otherwise dealt in should be read as including any issue or offer to, or subscription, acquisition, placing or dealing by, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates acting in such capacity. In addition, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates may enter into financing arrangements (including swaps, warrants or contracts for differences) with investors in connection with which the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates may from time to time acquire, hold or dispose of Bonds and/or Shares. The joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so.

    None of the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available, or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.

    Information to Distributors: Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements of Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended and supplemented (“MiFID II”) and local implementing measures (together, the “Product Governance Requirements”), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any “manufacturer” (for the purposes of the Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Bonds have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that: (i) the target market for the Bonds is eligible counterparties and professional clients only, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) all channels for distribution of the Bonds to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the Bonds (a “distributor”) should take into consideration the manufacturers’ target market assessment; however, a distributor (for the purposes of the Product Governance Requirements) is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Bonds (by either adopting or refining the manufacturers’ target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.

    The target market assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual or legal selling restrictions in relation to any offering of the Bonds.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the target market assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Bonds.

    PRIIPs Regulation / Prospectus Regulation / Prohibition of sales to EEA and UK retail investors – The Bonds are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the EEA or the UK. For these purposes, a “retail investor” means (a) in the EEA, a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 as amended or superseded (the “Insurance Distribution Directive”), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a Qualified Investor as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation and (b) in the UK, a person who is one (or more) of (i) a retail client within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No. 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the UK (the “FSMA”) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No. 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA or (iii) not a Qualified Investor as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “EU PRIIPs Regulation”) or the EU PRIIPS Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPS Regulation”) for offering or selling the Bonds or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA or UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Bonds or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA or the UK may be unlawful under the EU PRIIPs Regulation and/or the UK PRIIPs Regulation.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: After 50 successful years, the European Space Agency has some big challenges ahead

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Daniel Brown, Lecturer in Astronomy, Nottingham Trent University

    Rosetta at Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. ESA/ATG medialab; Comet image: ESA/Rosetta/Navcam

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the European Space Agency (Esa). It has launched spectacularly successful missions, but is different to other space agencies which generally represent one country. Esa is funded by 23 member states and also has cooperation agreements with nations such as Canada.

    Esa operates cutting edge spacecraft designed to monitor the Earth, as well as space telescopes that study the distant cosmos. It has launched robotic spacecraft to other planets and to objects such as comets. It is also involved in human spaceflight – training European astronauts to work on the International Space Station (ISS).

    These are hugely successful achievements. But the agency now faces challenges as competition heats up among newer space powers such as China and India.

    The history of Esa can be traced to events immediately after the second world war, when many European scientists moved to either the US or to the Soviet Union. Many of them realised that projects supported only by a single nation could not compete with those supported by the two big geopolitical players at the time.

    This motivated the physicists Pierre Auger, from France, and Edoardo Amaldi, from Italy, to propose a European organisation that would carry out space research and would be “purely scientific”.

    In 1962, two agencies were created. One of these, the European Launch Development Organisation (ELDO), would concentrate on developing a rocket. The other, the European Space Research Organisation (ESRO), would focus on developing robotic spacecraft. Both were joined together in 1975 to form the European Space Agency.

    The push to build a European rocket would eventually yield the Ariane launcher, which is operated by the French company Arianespace.

    The first satellite to be launched under the banner of the newly formed European Space Agency was Cos-B. This spacecraft was designed to monitor a high energy form of radiation called gamma rays, being emitted from objects in space.

    Esa collaborated with other space agencies on the Hubble Space Telescope.
    ESA/NASA

    In 1978, Esa cooperated with Nasa and the UK on the International Ultraviolet Explorer mission. This space telescope was designed to observe the cosmos in ultraviolet light, something that cannot be done from Earth.

    The agency would later collaborate with Nasa and the Canadian Space Agency on one of the most successful space telescopes of all time: Hubble. Launched in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope helped confirm the expansion rate of the universe and showed that black holes are at the cores of almost all galaxies. Hubble’s stunning images also changed the way that many people saw the universe. Esa funded one of the original instruments on the space telescope, the Faint Object Camera, and provided the first two solar arrays.

    The space agency is also a partner on the revolutionary James Webb Telescope, which launched in 2021. Esa contributed two of the telescope’s instruments: the Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NirSpec) and the Mid-Infrared Instrument (Miri).

    Solar System missions

    Esa has also launched pioneering missions to other planets and objects in our solar system. The first of these was the Giotto comet explorer. This robotic spacecraft flew past Halley’s comet in 1986 and was successfully woken up in 1992 to study a comet called Grigg-Skejllerup.

    A second successful cometary mission followed when the Rosetta spacecraft entered orbit around Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in 2014. Rosetta despatched a lander called Philae to touch down on the comet’s surface.

    Rosetta has been my favourite of all Esa achievements, simply due to the pure audacity of attempting to land on an object whose shape and composition was until then only sparsely known. In order to “land” on an object with low gravity, Philae was to have deployed harpoons that would attach the lander to the surface. These systems did not work, but the overall mission was a success, leading to high levels of engagement from the public.

    Besides comets, Esa launched one of the most successful missions to the red planet: Mars Express. The spacecraft entered orbit around Mars in 2003 and has played a key role in enhancing understanding of our planetary neighbour. It is expected to continue working until at least 2034. Mars Express also carried the ill-fated British Beagle 2 spacecraft to Mars. This was supposed to land in 2003, but contact was never established with the probe, which is presumed to have been damaged while touching down.

    In 2005, Esa’s Huygens spacecraft landed on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. This was the furthest from Earth that a spacecraft has ever landed. These are all outward facing missions, but Esa has also had major success with projects to study what’s going on here on Earth. These include the Envisat satellite, which operated from 2002-2012, and the Sentinel series of spacecraft, which have operated from 2014 to the present.

    These have helped map agriculture and forests, understand the Earth’s climate, track ice, and monitor atmospheric ozone. In addition, the Galileo navigation satellites are providing a high precision alternative to GPS.

    Esa is also a major player in human spaceflight, having been a partner in the International Space Station project since 1993. It has built sections of the ISS, including the Columbus laboratory, launched in 2008, and the Cupola viewing window, which gives astronauts panoramic views of Earth. The agency’s astronauts regularly spend time on the ISS as crew and could even fly to the Moon under Nasa’s Artemis programme.

    Since the 1990s, Esa has frequently collaborated with Nasa – often very successfully. However, this relationship has also faced challenges. In the wake of the financial crisis, for example, Nasa cancelled its participation in several collaborative missions with Esa. Under a proposed Nasa budget this year, the US space agency may again cancel its involvement with the joint Nasa-Esa Mars Sample Return mission.

    Esa’s future

    Times have changed in the space industry since Esa’s founding 50 years ago. Major countries such as China, India and Japan all have their own space programmes. Esa faces considerable financial pressures to compete with them.

    Nevertheless, Esa is working on strengthening its space exploration and launch capabilities through the use of a commercial space port in Norway.

    It has also put together a long-term strategy for 2040. This document highlights important areas where Esa can play a major role, including protecting Earth and its climate, continued missions to explore space and also efforts to boost European growth and competitiveness.

    All this should strengthen and secure the agency for the future. Through a mixture of developing its own missions and collaborating with other agencies and commercial partners on others, Esa should be a major player in space exploration for decades to come.

    Daniel Brown 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. After 50 successful years, the European Space Agency has some big challenges ahead – https://theconversation.com/after-50-successful-years-the-european-space-agency-has-some-big-challenges-ahead-256633

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Just three nights of poor sleep might harm your heart – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Annie Curtis, Professor (Assoc), School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences (PBS), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

    Prostock studio/Shutterstock

    We’ve long known that a lack of sleep is bad for the heart – but scientists are now starting to understand exactly how it causes harm.

    In a new study from Uppsala University in Sweden, researchers found that just three nights of restricted sleep – around four hours a night – triggered changes in the blood linked to a higher risk of heart disease.

    The researchers looked at inflammatory proteins in the blood. These are molecules the body produces when it is under stress or fighting off illness. When these proteins stay high for a long time, they can damage blood vessels and raise the risk of problems like heart failure, coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat).

    The study involved 16 healthy young men who spent several days in a lab, where everything from their meals to their activity levels and light exposure was carefully controlled.


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


    The participants followed two routines: three nights of normal sleep (8.5 hours) and three night of sleep restriction (4.25 hours). After each sleep phase, the men completed a short, high-intensity cycling workout, and their blood was tested before and after.

    Researchers measured almost 90 different proteins in the blood samples. They found that sleep deprivation caused a clear rise in inflammatory markers linked to heart disease. And while exercise usually boosts healthy proteins such as interleukin-6 and BDNF (which support brain and heart health), these responses were weaker after poor sleep.

    The researchers looked at 90 protein markers in the blood of healthy volunteers.
    Dusan Petkovic/Shutterstock

    Even young adults

    Strikingly, the changes happened even in young, healthy adults, and after only a few nights of bad sleep. That’s worrying given how common it is for adults to experience poor sleep from time to time – and around one in four people work shifts that disrupt sleep patterns.

    The researchers also discovered that the time of day blood was taken mattered: protein levels varied between morning and evening, and even more so when sleep was restricted. This suggests that sleep affects not only what’s in your blood, but when those changes are most visible.

    Although modern life often encourages us to trade sleep for productivity, socialising or screen time, studies like this remind us that the body keeps score – quietly, chemically and without compromise.

    Annie Curtis 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. Just three nights of poor sleep might harm your heart – new study – https://theconversation.com/just-three-nights-of-poor-sleep-might-harm-your-heart-new-study-256534

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Meeting with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    22 Maggio 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, received the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, at Palazzo Chigi today. Following their meeting, the two leaders issued statements to the press.

    [Press statements]

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Video: Climate, Peace & Security on Protection of Civilians- Joint Security Council Media Stakeout

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Comments to the media by Georgios Gerapetritis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic and President of the Security Council for the month of May, on behalf of the Security Council members signatories to the Joint Pledges related to Climate, Peace & Security on Protection of Civilians and Denmark, Guyana, Panama, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and United Kingdom.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwDtN1P39_o

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Security: 80 arrests and more than 37,700 cultural goods seized in major art trafficking bust

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    22 May 2025

    Europol, INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO) supported investigators from 23 countries in the fight against criminals who exploit humanity’s cultural heritage

    LYON, France – The ninth edition of Operation Pandora, an international operation targeting the trafficking of cultural goods, has led to 80 arrests and the seizure of 37,727 items including archaeological pieces, artworks, coins and musical instruments.

    Codenamed Pandora IX and carried out throughout 2024, the operation involved law enforcement and customs authorities from 23 countries. It was coordinated by Spain (Guardia Civil), with operational support from Europol, INTERPOL and the WCO through its Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Eastern and Central Europe. 

    Authorities also confiscated 69 metal detectors and 23 tools commonly used for illegal excavations, underlining the persistent threat of looting to cultural sites.

    In total, 258 cases were reported by the participating countries. Many investigations are still ongoing, with further arrests and seizures expected.

    Operational highlights

    The Italian Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (TPC) in coordination with the Italian Customs and Monopolies agency (ADM) seized a painting attributed to renowned artist Jannis Kounellis during a joint border operation. Upon inspection, it was determined to be inauthentic. Had it been genuine, its estimated value would have been around EUR 100,000. In a separate investigation, the Carabinieri TPC seized more than 300 items, including coins, metal and ceramic fragments such as arrowheads and spearheads dating back to the Roman and Punic periods. These artifacts were being offered for sale on e-commerce platforms and were discovered in a private apartment.

    Two icons of Saint Seraphim of Sarov were discovered by Ukraine Customs.

    Both icons of Saint Seraphim were found in the luggage of a passenger travelling by bus during a control at the border with Poland.

    One of 36 coins found by Ukraine Customs while controlling a private vehicle at the border with Poland.

    The Spanish Guardia Civil dismantled a criminal group involved in archaeological looting

    Spanish Guardia Civil: During the operation authorities recovered 2,500 archaeological items, primarily Roman coins

    Italian Customs and Monopolies agency (ADM) seized a painting attributed to artist Jannis Kounellis, which turned out to be inauthentic.

    The Carabinieri TPC seized more than 300 items, including coins, metal and ceramic fragments.

    Since its launch in 2016, Operation Pandora has become a key global initiative to protect cultural heritage from illicit trafficking.

    The Spanish Guardia Civil dismantled a criminal group involved in archaeological looting in the province of Cáceres. Six individuals were arrested, and three others are under investigation. During the operation authorities recovered 2,500 archaeological items, primarily Roman coins minted in the Celtiberian city of Tamusia. These artifacts had been looted from protected archaeological sites in the province of Caceres using metal detectors and were being sold illegally through social media platforms.

    Also in Spain, the Guardia Civil intercepted a passenger attempting to fly from Palma de Mallorca to Germany carrying 55 ancient coins and a ring. A subsequent investigation led to an indictment for crimes against cultural heritage and plundering underwater wrecks and archaeological sites. In total, 64 objects of historical value and 1,576 ancient coins were confiscated.

    In Greece, the Department of Cultural Heritage and Antiquities of Athens recovered five Byzantine icons. Acting on intelligence and using special investigative techniques, including an undercover officer, three individuals were arrested while attempting to sell the icons for EUR 70,000.

    Ukrainian customs authorities seized 87 cultural goods that were being illegally transported out of the country to Poland, Moldova and Romania.

    Cyber patrols uncover additional cases

    In addition to on-the-ground actions, dedicated cyber patrols were carried out during the operation to identify potential illicit online sales of cultural property. These virtual investigations led to the opening of new cases, demonstrating how digital platforms are quickly becoming a channel of choice by traffickers to market and sell looted artefacts. A total of 4,298 cultural goods were seized as a result of the cyber patrols.

    Built on international cooperation

    Operation Pandora IX was carried out in the framework of the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT). Europol facilitated the exchange of information and provided analytical and operational support to the national investigations. Furthermore, one cyber patrol week was hosted by Europol.

    INTERPOL coordinated cross-border actions and offered tools such as its Stolen Works of Art database and on the ground ID-Art mobile application.

    The WCO’s secure communication tool, CENcomm, was made available to all participants while its Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Eastern and Central Europe compiled, refined and shared information provided by Customs administrations

    Since its launch in 2016, Operation Pandora has become a key global initiative to protect cultural heritage from illicit trafficking.

    Participating countries in Pandora IX (2024):

    Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Ukraine, United States.

    Participating agencies:

    Europol, INTERPOL, World Customs Organization

    MIL Security OSI

  • Jaishankar meets Danish PM Frederiksen, discusses green partnership and anti-terror cooperation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of high-level meetings in Denmark on Wednesday, aimed at deepening Indo-Danish ties and reinforcing strategic cooperation on key global challenges, including counter-terrorism and green partnerships.

    Jaishankar’s visit to Copenhagen is part of his ongoing three-nation tour to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24. After concluding a successful two-day official visit to the Netherlands, where he engaged in bilateral discussions, Jaishankar reached Denmark to further India’s diplomatic outreach in Europe.

    Jaishankar was received by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen, where the two leaders held discussions aimed at advancing the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership. The talks highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to sustainable development and climate action. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Thank PM Mette Frederiksen for warmly receiving me in Copenhagen this evening. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM Narendra Modi. Thank Denmark for its solidarity and support in combating terrorism.”

    A key highlight of the visit was Jaishankar’s meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. The two ministers discussed ways to further strengthen India-Denmark relations and exchanged views on key global developments. Jaishankar lauded Denmark’s consistent support for India’s stand against terrorism. “Delighted to meet FM Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Copenhagen this evening… Our wide-ranging conversation on bilateral ties and global issues testifies to the strength of our relationship,” he said on X.

    Earlier on Wednesday, Jaishankar also met Morten Bodskov, Denmark’s Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs. The meeting explored ways to enhance existing collaborations and identify new areas of economic cooperation between the two countries. “Pleased to meet Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Morten Bodskov in Copenhagen today. We discussed deepening existing areas of cooperation and exploring new possibilities,” Jaishankar said.

    The foreign minister also held talks with Soren Gade, Speaker of the Danish Parliament (Folketing). He expressed appreciation for Denmark’s consistent support and solidarity with India’s counter-terrorism efforts. “A very warm meeting with Speaker Soren Gade in Copenhagen today. Appreciate his solidarity as India resolutely combats terrorism. Also value his sustained support for building India-Denmark relations,” he said.

    Additionally, the external affairs minister interacted with members of the Indian community in Copenhagen. He lauded their role in strengthening people-to-people connections and enhancing India’s image abroad. “Great to meet with Indian community representatives in Copenhagen. They hold the Indian flag high in Denmark and shape our positive image in this country,” he said.

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia and Three Sweden expand access to fast broadband through 5G Fixed Wireless Access for improved connectivity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia and Three Sweden expand access to fast broadband through 5G Fixed Wireless Access for improved connectivity

    • New options for high-speed broadband where fiber is unavailable.
    • Stronger local market presence for Nokia in Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).
    • Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway 2 brings faster high-performance broadband delivery.

    22 May 2025
    Espoo, Finland: Nokia has been selected by Hi3G Access AB (known as ‘Three’ in Sweden) to supply its high-performance Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology towards Three’s Business to Business (B2B) customers. The collaboration enables Three Sweden to offer faster, more accessible, reliable high-capacity broadband to households and small businesses across the country – particularly in areas not yet covered by fiber networks.

    This milestone deployment brings a new, trusted Western vendor into the Swedish FWA market and strengthens Nokia’s position in one of the most competitive broadband markets in Europe. With Nokia’s FastMile 5G Gateway 2, users will benefit from easier access to reliable, high-speed internet where fiber is not available or would be too expensive to deploy. For consumers and businesses, this means the ability to stream, work, study and connect faster than ever before, even in hard-to-reach or underserved areas.

    “Our goal is to give customers broadband they can trust, which is fast, reliable and ready to support whatever they want to do online. Nokia’s solution gives us the quality and performance we need, and it’s backed by a company we know we can trust to scale with us,” said Patrik Flodin, Product Manager at Three Sweden.

    “Welcoming Three Sweden as a new customer is a significant moment in our FWA journey. This project reflects our shared ambition to deliver dependable, high-performance broadband experiences using mobile networks as the foundation. With one of the best 5G FWA solutions in the market, Nokia supports operators who want to scale fixed, wireless and mobile broadband quickly and cost-effectively,” added Peter Wennerström, Country Manager for Sweden at Nokia.

    This cooperation reinforces Nokia’s commitment to supporting service providers across Europe as they address the digital divide and offer high-performance connectivity to more users more efficiently.

    Multimedia, technical information and related news
    Product Page: Fixed Wireless Access

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    About Hi3G Access AB (known as ‘Three’ in Sweden)
    Three Scandinavia (Hi3G Access AB) was founded in December 2000 with the vision of creating an entirely new platform for mobile communication. Today, Three owns and operates 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile networks in Sweden and Denmark and has approximately 2,000 employees. Three Scandinavia, part of the global 3 Group with operations in eleven countries, is owned by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison (60%) and Swedish Investor AB (40%). Learn more about Three at www.tre.se and about the 3 Group at www.three.com.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues a NOK 500 million social bond tap under its MTN programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Municipality Finance Plc
    Stock exchange release
    22 May 2025 at 10:00 am (EEST)

    Municipality Finance issues a NOK 500 million social bond tap under its MTN programme

    On 23 May 2025 Municipality Finance Plc issues a new tranche in an amount of NOK 500 million to an existing social bond issued on 20 February 2024. With the new tranche, the aggregate nominal amount of the social bond is NOK 2.5 billion. The maturity date of the social bond is 20 February 2029. The social bond bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.00 % per annum.

    The new tranche is issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and final terms of the notes are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

    MuniFin has applied for the new tranche to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 23 May 2025. The existing notes in the series are admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.

    Nordea Bank Abp acts as the Dealer for the issue of the new tranche.

    MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

    Further information:

    Joakim Holmström
    Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
    tel. +358 50 444 3638

    MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The owners of the company include Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the State of Finland.
    The Group’s balance sheet is over EUR 53 billion.

    MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. Our customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, joint county authorities, corporate entities under the control of the above-mentioned organisations, and affordable social housing. Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

    MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

    Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

    Important Information

    The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Euronext launches an offering of bonds due 2032 convertible into new shares and/or exchangeable for existing shares (“OCEANEs”) for a nominal amount of €425 million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Euronext launches an offering of bonds due 2032 convertible into new shares and/or exchangeable for existing shares (“OCEANEs”) for a nominal amount of €425 million

    Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 22 May 2025 – Euronext (ISIN Code: NL0006294274) (the “Company”), the leading European capital market infrastructure, announces today the launch of an 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 (within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation (as defined below)), for a nominal amount of €425 million (the “Offering”).

    On 17 April 2025, the Company entered into a bridge loan facility with, among others, affiliates of the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering, to finance the acquisition of Admincontrol. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used by the Company for the repayment of a portion of such bridge financing and general corporate purposes.

    Main terms of the Bonds

    The Bonds will be issued with a denomination of €100,000 each (the “Principal Amount”), will be convertible and/or exchangeable into new and/or existing shares of Euronext (the “Shares”) and are expected to pay a fixed coupon at a rate between 1.5% and 2.0% 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 will be set between 30% and 35% above the Company’s reference share price on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (“Euronext Paris”)1. The final terms and conditions of the Bonds are expected to be determined following the completion of the bookbuilding process later today, and settlement and delivery of the Bonds is expected to take place on 30 May 2025 (the “Issue Date”).

    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”).

    The Bonds may be redeemed prior to the Maturity Date at the option of the Company, under certain conditions.

    In particular, the Bonds may be fully redeemed early at par plus any accrued interest at the Company’s option, subject to a prior notice of at least 30 (but not more than 60) calendar days, (i) at any time from 20 June 2030 (inclusive), if the arithmetic average, calculated over a period of 10 consecutive trading days chosen by the Company from among the 20 consecutive trading days preceding the day of the publication of the early redemption notice, of the daily products on each of such 10 consecutive trading days of the volume weighted average price of the Shares on Euronext Paris over the applicable conversion price on each such trading day, exceeds 130%; or (ii) at any time if 80% or more in principal amount of the Bonds issued (which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, include any tap issues of the Bonds) have been converted/exchanged and/or redeemed and/or purchased by the Company and cancelled.

    Bondholders will be granted the right to convert or exchange the Bonds into new and/or existing Shares (the “Conversion/Exchange Right”) which they may exercise at any time from the 41st day (inclusive) following the Issue Date up to the 7th business day (inclusive) preceding the Maturity Date or, as the case may be, the relevant early redemption date.

    The conversion ratio of the Bonds will be set at the Principal Amount divided by the prevailing initial conversion price, subject to standard adjustments, including anti-dilution and dividend protections, as described in the terms and conditions of the Bonds. Upon exercise of their Conversion/Exchange Right, holders of the Bonds will receive at the option of the Company new and/or existing Shares, carrying in all cases all rights attached to existing Shares as from the date of delivery.

    Application will be made for the admission of the Bonds to trading on Euronext AccessTM in Paris to occur within 30 calendar days from the Issue Date.

    Legal framework of the Offering and placement

    The Bonds will be issued by way of a placement to qualified investors only (within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended, the “Prospectus Regulation”)) (excluding the United States of America, Australia, Japan, Canada or South Africa), pursuant to the authorization granted by the Company’s annual general meeting held on 15 May 2025 (15th and 16th resolution), without an offer to the public (other than to qualified investors) in any country.

    Existing shareholders of the Company shall have no preferential subscription rights, and there will be no priority subscription period in connection with the issuance of the Bonds or any underlying new Shares to be issued upon conversion.

    Intentions of existing shareholders

    The Company is not aware of the intention of any of its main shareholders to participate in the Offering.

    Lock-up undertaking

    In the context of the Offering, the Company will agree to a lock-up undertaking with respect to its Shares and securities giving access to share capital of the Company for a period starting from the announcement of the final terms of the Bonds and ending 90 calendar days after the Issue Date, subject to certain customary exceptions or waiver from the joint global coordinators appointed in the context of the Offering.

    Dilution

    For illustrative purposes, considering a nominal amount of €425 million, a reference share price of €145.02 and a 32.5% conversion premium corresponding to the mid-point of the marketing range, the potential dilution would represent approximately 2.1% of the Company’s outstanding share capital, if the Conversion/Exchange Right was exercised for all the Bonds and the Company decided to deliver new Shares only upon exercise of the Conversion/Exchange Right.

    Available information
            
    Neither the offering of the Bonds, nor the admission of the Bonds to trading on Euronext AccessTM is subject to a prospectus approved by the Stichting Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM) in Netherlands or the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) in France. No key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation or the UK PRIIPs Regulation (as defined below) has been or will be prepared. Detailed information about Company, including its business, results, prospects and the risk factors to which the Company is exposed are described in the Company’s universal registration document for the financial year ended 31 December 2024, filed with the AFM on 28 March 2025 and the Company’s first quarter 2025 results press release which includes the unaudited financial statements of the Company as at and for the three months ended 31 March 2025, which are all available on the Company’s website (https://www.euronext.com/en/investor-relations).

    Important information

    This press release does not constitute or form part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for or to sell securities to any U.S. person or to any person in the United States, Australia, Japan, Canada or South Africa or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer is unlawful, and the Offering of the Bonds is not an offer to the public in any jurisdiction (other than to qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation) or an offer to retail investors as such term is defined below.

    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        +33 6 82 09 99 70                

    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 March 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. 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.

    Disclaimer

    The contents of this announcement have been prepared by and are the sole responsibility of the Company.

    The information contained in this announcement is for information purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed by any person for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, fairness or completeness.

    This announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States. The distribution of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of Prospectus Regulation.

    This announcement does not contain or constitute an offer of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, Bonds to any U.S. person or to any person in the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The Bonds and the Shares, if any, to be issued upon exercise of the Conversion/Exercise Right (together, the “Securities”) referred to herein may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons unless registered under the US Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) or offered in a transaction exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    In addition, until 40 days after the commencement of the Offering, an offer or sale of Bonds within the United States by a dealer (whether or not it is participating in the Offering) may violate the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The offer and sale of Securities referred to herein has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan. Subject to certain exceptions, the Bonds referred to herein may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan. There will be no public offer of the Securities in the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or elsewhere.

    In member states of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”), this announcement and any offer is directed exclusively at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation (“Qualified Investors”). In the United Kingdom this announcement and any offer is directed exclusively at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA”) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order”), (ii) who fall within Article 49(2)(A) to (D) of the Order, or (iii) to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons together with Qualified Investors in the EEA being referred to herein as “Relevant Persons”). This document is directed only at Relevant Persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons.

    This announcement may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “may”, “will” or “should” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. Any forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current view with respect to future events and are subject to risks relating to future events and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Company’s and its group’s business, results of operations, financial position, liquidity, prospects, growth or strategies. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.

    Each of the Company, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and their respective affiliates expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Each of the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering is acting exclusively for the Company and no-one else in connection with the Offering. They will not regard any other person as their respective client in relation to the Offering and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offering, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein.

    In connection with the Offering, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates may take up a portion of the Bonds in the Offering as a principal position and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell for their own accounts such Bonds and other securities of the Company or related investments in connection with the Offering or otherwise. Accordingly, references to the Bonds being issued, offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or otherwise dealt in should be read as including any issue or offer to, or subscription, acquisition, placing or dealing by, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates acting in such capacity. In addition, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates may enter into financing arrangements (including swaps, warrants or contracts for differences) with investors in connection with which the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates may from time to time acquire, hold or dispose of Bonds and/or Shares. The joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so.

    None of the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available, or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.

    Information to Distributors: Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements of Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended and supplemented (“MiFID II”) and local implementing measures (together, the “Product Governance Requirements”), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any “manufacturer” (for the purposes of the Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Bonds have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that: (i) the target market for the Bonds is eligible counterparties and professional clients only, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) all channels for distribution of the Bonds to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the Bonds (a “distributor”) should take into consideration the manufacturers’ target market assessment; however, a distributor (for the purposes of the Product Governance Requirements) is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Bonds (by either adopting or refining the manufacturers’ target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.

    The target market assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual or legal selling restrictions in relation to any offering of the Bonds.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the target market assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Bonds.

    PRIIPs Regulation / Prospectus Regulation / Prohibition of sales to EEA and UK retail investors – The Bonds are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the EEA or the UK. For these purposes, a “retail investor” means (a) in the EEA, a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 as amended or superseded (the “Insurance Distribution Directive”), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a Qualified Investor as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation and (b) in the UK, a person who is one (or more) of (i) a retail client within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No. 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the UK (the “FSMA”) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No. 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA or (iii) not a Qualified Investor as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “EU PRIIPs Regulation”) or the EU PRIIPS Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPS Regulation”) for offering or selling the Bonds or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA or UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Bonds or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA or the UK may be unlawful under the EU PRIIPs Regulation and/or the UK PRIIPs Regulation.


    1 The reference share price will be equal to the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Shares recorded on Euronext Paris from the launch of the Offering today until the determination of the final terms (pricing) of the Bonds on the same day.
    2 i.e. Euronext’s share price on Euronext Paris, at close of trading on 21 May 2025

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: WADA welcomes additional funding from Qatar for scientific research

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

    The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has welcomed Qatar’s decision to provide additional funding to support the organization’s scientific research efforts.

    The Ministry of Sports and Youth in Qatar will contribute an extra 1.5 million U.S. dollars, in addition to the country’s annual payment of more than 200,000 dollars to WADA, the agency announced on Wednesday.

    “WADA is appreciative of the continued support of our partners within Qatar’s Ministry of Sports and Youth. The additional funding will make a significant impact on anti-doping research globally and within Qatar itself,” said WADA President Witold Banka.

    “This is another indication of the strong support WADA receives from governments around the world, which believe in and trust us to deliver on our clean sport mission and understand the importance of cutting-edge scientific research to being ahead of those who seek to cheat the system.”

    Earlier this month, Japan pledged an additional 196,000 dollars to support anti-doping capacity and capability development in Asia and Oceania. According to WADA, Japan has contributed roughly 2.5 million dollars in additional funding over the past two decades.

    In the past 10 years, WADA has also received additional contributions from countries including Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, India, Kuwait, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and the United States.

    Banka stated earlier this year that WADA invests heavily in anti-doping research, allocating about 10 percent of its annual budget to scientific and social science initiatives. The agency has also called on its partners to support ongoing research efforts, including recent work focused on unintentional doping.

    WADA has set a budget of more than 50 million dollars for 2025.

    The United States, which failed to pay its 2024 annual fee of 3.62 million dollars–amounting to 14 percent of WADA’s budget–automatically loses its seat on the organization’s executive committee for the year.

    “It is so important for athletes that WADA is properly resourced and that it has certainty around the funds it receives,” said Yuhan Tan, Belgium’s former badminton player and WADA Athlete Council representative on the Foundation Board.

    “I call on all governments to fulfill their commitments and make their annual contributions to WADA in a predictable and timely fashion so the work upholding the World Anti-Doping Code and supporting athletes around the world can continue. Clearly, anti-doping is becoming more and more politicized, which must be avoided as it puts all athletes and the entire system at risk,” he commented when WADA released its budget plan earlier this year. 

    MIL OSI China News