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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 10 April 2025 Statement Statement of the forty-first meeting of the Polio IHR Emergency Committee

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The 41st meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) on the international spread of poliovirus was convened by the WHO Director-General on 06 March 2024 with committee members and advisers meeting via video conference with affected countries, supported by the WHO Secretariat.  The Emergency Committee reviewed the data on wild poliovirus (WPV1) and circulating vaccine derived polioviruses (cVDPV) in the context of the global target of interruption and certification of WPV1 eradication by 2027 and interruption and certification of cVDPV2 elimination by 2029. Technical updates were received about the situation in the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Djibouti, Ethiopia, Germany, Pakistan, Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

    Wild poliovirus

    Since the last Emergency Committee meeting, 36 new WPV1 cases were reported, three from Afghanistan and 33 from Pakistan bringing the total to 99 WPV1 cases in 2024 and three in 2025. This represents more than four-fold increase in Afghanistan and more than 12-fold increase in Pakistan in the number of WPV1 cases from 2023 to 2024.  A total of 741 WPV1 positive environmental samples were reported in 2024, 113 from Afghanistan and 628 from Pakistan. In 2025, 80 WPV1-positive environmental samples have been reported, 9 from Afghanistan and 71 from Pakistan.

    The upward trend in WPV1 cases and environmental detections has persisted in both endemic countries throughout 2024. In Pakistan, this increase has been evident since mid-2023, initially in environmental samples and later in paralytic polio cases, primarily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh, and Balochistan. In Afghanistan, the rise in WPV1 detections, both in environmental samples and cases during 2024 has been predominantly in the South Region. The Committee noted the geographic spread of WPV1 to new provinces and districts in both endemic countries in 2024 and observed that WPV1 transmission has re-established in historical reservoirs, including Kandahar (Afghanistan), Peshawar, Karachi, and Quetta Block (Pakistan). Currently, the most intense WPV1 transmission is occurring in the southern cross-border epidemiological corridor, encompassing Quetta Block (Pakistan) and the South Region (Afghanistan). The Committee also noted the ongoing WPV1 transmission in the epidemiologically critical South KP and Central Pakistan blocks of Pakistan.

    Review of the molecular epidemiology indicates that there has been progressive elimination of the genetic cluster ‘YB3C’ in 2022 and 2023, with its last detection in November 2023 in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. However, there has been persistent transmission of YB3A genetic cluster since May 2022, resulting in its split into two: YB3A4A and YB3A4B. During the first half of 2024, the cluster YB3A4A was mainly circulating in the northern and southern cross-border corridors. During the second half of 2024 there was distinct expansion of both these genetic clusters seen in Pakistan, more pronounced for YB3A4A. In Afghanistan, the predominantly circulating genetic cluster in YB3A4A.

    Both Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to implement an intensive and mostly synchronized campaign schedule focusing on improved vaccination coverage in the endemic zones and effective and timely response to WPV1 detections elsewhere in each country. Afghanistan implemented five sub-national vaccination rounds during the second half of 2024, targeting infected and high-risk provinces, while Pakistan implemented two nationwide and a large scale sub-national vaccination round from September through December 2024. After encouraging progress towards implementing house-to-house campaigns in all of Afghanistan during the first half of 2024, Afghanistan programme has not been able to implement house-to-house campaigns during most of the second half of 2024. All vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan since October 2024 have been implemented using alternate modalities (mostly site-to-site). The committee was concerned that site-to-site campaigns are usually not able to reach all the children, especially those of younger age and girls, which may lead to a further upsurge of WPV1 with geographical spread in Afghanistan and beyond. Afghanistan programme is taking measures to maximize the reach of site-to-site campaigns through adequate operational and social mobilization measures. The Committee noted overall high reported coverage of the vaccination campaigns in Pakistan; however, variations were observed about the quality at the sub-provincial and sub-district levels, relating to operational implementation challenges and increasing insecurity, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Nearly 200,000 and 50,000 missed children were reported from the South KP and Quetta Block (Balochistan) in Pakistan at the end of October and December 2024 campaigns.

    In addition to seasonal movement patterns within and between the two endemic countries, the continued return of undocumented migrants from Pakistan to Afghanistan compounds the challenges faced. The scale of the displacement increases the risk of cross-border poliovirus spread as well as spread within both the countries.  This risk is being managed and mitigated in both countries through vaccination at border crossing points and the updating of micro-plans in the districts of origin and return. The programme continues to closely coordinate with IOM and UNHCR. The Committee noted ongoing coordination between the programmes of Afghanistan and Pakistan at the national and sub-national levels.

    In summary, the available data indicate that globally transmission of WPV1 is geographically limited to the two WPV1 endemic countries; however, there has been geographical spread and intensifying transmission within the two endemic countries in 2024.

    Circulating vaccine derived poliovirus (cVDPV)

    In 2024, there have been 280 cVDPV cases, of which 265 are cVDPV2, 11 cVDPV1 and four are cVDPV3. Additionally, 257 environmental samples were positive for cVDPV, 254 positive cVDPV2 and three cVDPV3. Of the 265 cVDPV2 cases in 2024, 94 (36%) have occurred in Nigeria. Of the 11 cVDPV1 cases in 2024, 10 were reported from DR Congo and one from Mozambique. All the four cVDPV3 cases in 2024 were reported from Guinea.

     A total of 528 cases have been confirmed with cVDPV in all of 2023, of which 395 are cVDPV2 and 134 are cVDPV1 (one case co-infected with cVDPV1 and cVDPV2). Of the 528 cVDPV cases reported in 2023, 226 (43%) have occurred in the DR Congo.

    Since the last meeting of the Emergency Committee, new cVDPV2 detections were reported from Finland, Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and new cVDPV3 detections from Guinea.

    In 2024, the total number of circulating cVDPV2 emergence groups detected to date is 26, compared to 27 in 2023, 22 in 2022, 29 in 2021, 36 in 2020, and 44 in 2019. Of the 26 emergence groups circulating in 2024, eleven are newly detected in 2024, 10 derived from the novel OPV2 vaccine. There have now been 25 nOPV2 derived cVDPV2 emergences since 2021. The committee noted that the nOPV2 vaccine continues to demonstrate significantly higher genetic stability and substantially lower likelihood of reversion to neurovirulence relative to Sabin OPV2.

    A total of 11 cVDPV1 cases have been reported in 2024, 10 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and one in Mozambique. This compares to 134 cVDPV1 cases in all of 2023 (106 in Democratic Republic of the Congo, 24 in Madagascar, four in Mozambique), representing a 92% reduction in the global cVDPV1 paralytic burden from 2023. However, one new emergence has been reported from the Tshopo province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC-TSH-3). This is the first cVDPV1 emergence reported since September 2022. The committed noted encouraging progress in Madagascar towards interrupting local cVDPV1 transmission, with no detections for more than 16 months.

    In 2024, two countries reported cVDPV3 outbreaks: French Guiana (French territory in South America) and Guinea. Both cVDPV3 outbreaks in 2024 were due to new emergences, leading to three positive environmental samples in French Guiana (May to August 2024) and four cVDPV3 cases in Guinea (July to November 2024). The committee noted that these cVDPV3 outbreaks were reported after a significant interval, with the last cVDPV3 outbreak reported in March 2022.

    In 2024, DR Congo and Mozambique reported co-circulation of cVDPV1 and cVDPV2, while Guinea detected co-circulation of cVDPV2 and cVDPV3.

    The Committee noted that the risk of cVDPV outbreaks is largely driven by a combination of inaccessibility, insecurity, high concentrations of zero-dose and under-immunized children, and ongoing population displacement.

    Conclusion

    The Committee unanimously agreed that the risk of international spread of poliovirus continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and recommended extending the Temporary Recommendations for a further three months. In reaching this conclusion, the Committee considered the following factors:

    Ongoing risk of WPV1 international spread:  

    Based on the following factors, there remains the risk of international spread of WPV1:

    • Intensifying WPV1 transmission with geographical spread into formerly endemic areas and core reservoirs of Afghanistan (South) and Pakistan (Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta Block) as well as other epidemiologically critical areas like Central Pakistan, and parts of Punjab province in Pakistan that were without any WPV1 detection for prolonged periods of time.
    • That WPV1 transmission has been re-established in the south region of Afghanistan and Karachi, and Quetta Block of Pakistan.
    • This intensifying WPV1 transmission in both endemic countries during the low transmission season indicates sizeable cohort of unimmunized and under-immunized children.
    • Lack of house-to-house vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan represents a major risk of further WPV1 spread and intensification of its transmission.
    • Certain geographies and population pockets in the epidemiologically critical areas of Pakistan continue to have inconsistent campaign quality and substantial number of unimmunized and under-immunized children due to insecurity, operational gaps, and vaccine hesitancy.
    • Ongoing population movement between the two endemic countries, including the returnees from Pakistan to Afghanistan, leading to cross-border WPV1 transmission.
    • Ongoing population movement from the two endemic countries to other countries, neighbouring and distant.

    Ongoing risk of cVDPV international spread:

    Based on the following factors, the risk of international spread of cVDPV appears to remain high:

    Risk categories

    The Committee provided the Director-General with the following advice aimed at reducing the risk of international spread of WPV1 and cVDPVs, based on the risk stratification as follows:

    1. States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3.
    2. States infected with cVDPV2, with or without evidence of local transmission.
    3. States previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months.

    Criteria to assess States as no longer infected by WPV1 or cVDPV:

    • Poliovirus Case: 12 months after the onset date of the most recent case PLUS one month to account for case detection, investigation, laboratory testing and reporting period OR when all reported AFP cases with onset within 12 months of last case have been tested for polio and excluded for WPV1 or cVDPV, and environmental or other samples collected within 12 months of the last case have also tested negative, whichever is the longer.
    • Environmental or other isolation of WPV1 or cVDPV (no poliovirus case): 12 months after collection of the most recent positive environmental or other sample (such as from a healthy child) PLUS one month to account for the laboratory testing and reporting period.
    • These criteria may be varied for the endemic countries, where more rigorous assessment is needed in reference to surveillance gaps.

    Once a country meets these criteria as no longer infected, the country will remain on a ‘watch list’ for a further 12 months for a period of heightened monitoring.  After this period, the country will no longer be subject to Temporary Recommendations. 

    TEMPORARY RECOMMENDATIONS

    States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3 with potential risk of international spread

    (as of data available at WHO HQ on 20 February 2025)

    WPV1                                                                                                                                         

    Afghanistan                            most recent detection 27 Jan 2025

    Pakistan                                  most recent detection 30 Jan 2025

    cVDPV1

    Mozambique                           most recent detection 17 May 2024

    DR Congo                               most recent detection 19 Sep 2024

    cVDPV3

    French Guiana (France)       most recent detection 06 Aug 2024

    Guinea                                  most recent detection 21 Nov 2024

    These countries should:

    • Officially declare, if not already done, at the level of head of state or government, that the interruption of poliovirus transmission is a national public health emergency and implement all required measures to support polio eradication; where such declaration has already been made, this emergency status should be maintained as long as the response is required.
    • Ensure that all residents and long­term visitors (> four weeks) of all ages, receive a dose of bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) between four weeks and 12 months prior to international travel.
    • Ensure that those undertaking urgent travel (within four weeks), who have not received a dose of bOPV or IPV in the previous four weeks to 12 months, receive a dose of polio vaccine at least by the time of departure as this will still provide benefit, particularly for frequent travelers.
    • Ensure that such travelers are provided with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis in the form specified in Annex 6 of the IHR to record their polio vaccination and serve as proof of vaccination.
    • Restrict at the point of departure the international travel of any resident lacking documentation of appropriate polio vaccination. These recommendations apply to international travelers from all points of departure, irrespective of the means of conveyance (road, air and / or sea).
    • Further enhance cross­border efforts by significantly improving coordination at the national, regional, and local levels to substantially increase vaccination coverage of travelers crossing the border and of high risk cross­border populations. Improved coordination of cross­border efforts should include closer supervision and monitoring of the quality of vaccination at border transit points, as well as tracking of the proportion of travelers that are identified as unvaccinated after they have crossed the border.
    • Further intensify efforts to increase routine immunization coverage, including sharing coverage data, as high routine immunization coverage is an essential element of the polio eradication strategy, particularly as the world moves closer to eradication. Countries which have not yet introduced IPV2 into their schedules should urgently implement this. Once available, countries should also consider introducing the hexavalent vaccine, now approved by Gavi.
    • Maintain these measures until the following criteria have been met: (i) at least six months have passed without new infections and (ii) there is documentation of full application of high-quality eradication activities in all infected and high-risk areas; in the absence of such documentation these measures should be maintained until the state meets the above assessment criteria for being no longer infected.
    • Provide to the Director-General a regular report on the implementation of the Temporary Recommendations on international travel.

    States infected with cVDPV2, with or without evidence of local transmission:

    (as of data available at WHO HQ on 20 February 2025)

    1. Algeria                                                        most recent detection 13 Jan 2025
    2. Angola                                                        most recent detection 24 Aug 2024
    3. Benin                                                          most recent detection 19 Nov 2024
    4. Cameroon                                                  most recent detection 04 Nov 2024
    5. Chad                                                           most recent detection 30 Aug 2024
    6. Côte d’Ivoire                                               most recent detection 27 Nov 2024
    7. Democratic Republic of the Congo             most recent detection 22 Nov 2024
    8. Djibouti                                                         most recent detection 20 Oct 2024
    9. Egypt                                                           most recent detection 01 Aug 2024
    10. Equatorial Guinea                                        most recent detection 26 Mar 2024
    11. Ethiopia                                                        most recent detection 04 Dec 2024
    12. Finland                                                          most recent detection 19 Nov 2024
    13. Gambia                                                         most recent detection 15 Feb 2024
    14. Germany                                                       most recent detection 17 Dec 2024
    15. Ghana                                                           most recent detection 20 Aug 2024
    16. Guinea                                                           most recent detection 12 Jun 2024
    17. Indonesia                                                       most recent detection 27 Jun 2024
    18. Kenya                                                              most recent detection 31 Jul 2024
    19. Liberia                                                            most recent detection 08 Jun 2024
    20. Mali                                                                most recent detection 02 Jan 2024
    21. Mozambique                                                  most recent detection 05 Mar 2024
    22. Niger                                                              most recent detection 17 Dec 2024
    23. Nigeria                                                           most recent detection 01 Nov 2024
    24. occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)                most recent detection 09 Jan 2025
    25. Poland                                                           most recent detection 03 Dec 2024
    26. Senegal                                                          most recent detection 21 Oct 2024
    27. Sierra Leone                                                  most recent detection 28 May 2024
    28. Somalia                                                          most recent detection 05 Jun 2024
    29. South Sudan                                                  most recent detection 03 Dec 2024
    30. Spain                                                              most recent detection 16 Sep 2024
    31. Sudan                                                              most recent detection 24 Jan 2024
    32. The United Kingdom of Great Britain

      and Northern Ireland                                     most recent detection 11 Dec 2024

    33. Uganda                                                         most recent detection 07 May 2024
    34. Yemen                                                           most recent detection 16 Sep 2024
    35. Zimbabwe                                                      most recent detection 25 Jun 2024

    States that have had an importation of cVDPV2 but without evidence of local transmission should:

    • Officially declare, if not already done, at the level of head of state or government, that the prevention or interruption of poliovirus transmission is a national public health emergency.
    • Undertake urgent and intensive investigations and risk assessment to determine if there has been local transmission of the imported cVDPV2, requiring an immunization response.
    • Noting the existence of a separate mechanism for responding to type 2 poliovirus infections, Members States should request vaccines from the global novel OPV2 stockpile.
    • Further intensify efforts to increase routine immunization coverage, as high routine immunization coverage is an essential element of the polio eradication strategy, particularly as the world moves closer to eradication. Countries which have not yet introduced IPV2 into their schedules should urgently implement this. Once available, countries should also consider introducing the hexavalent vaccine, now approved by Gavi.
    • Intensify surveillance for polioviruses and strengthen regional cooperation and cross-border coordination to ensure the timely detection of poliovirus.

    States with local transmission of cVDPV2, with risk of international spread, in addition to the above measures, should:

    •  Encourage residents and long­term visitors (> four weeks) to receive a dose of IPV four weeks to 12 months prior to international travel.
    • Ensure that travelers who receive such vaccination have access to an appropriate document to record their polio vaccination status.
    • Intensify regional cooperation and cross­border coordination to enhance surveillance for prompt detection of poliovirus, and vaccinate refugees, travelers and cross­border populations.

    For both sub-categories:

    • Maintain these measures until the following criteria have been met: (i) at least six months have passed without the detection of circulation of VDPV2 in the country from any source, and (ii) there is documentation of full application of high quality eradication activities in all infected and high risk areas; in the absence of such documentation these measures should be maintained until the state meets the criteria of a ‘state no longer infected’.
    • At the end of 12 months without evidence of transmission, provide a report to the Director-General on measures taken to implement the Temporary Recommendations.

    States no longer polio infected, but previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months (as of data available at WHO HQ on 20 February 2024)

    WPV1

                 country                                      last virus                   date                                                                       

    cVDPV

                 country                                      last virus                   date                                                                       

    1. Botswana                                          cVDPV2            25 Jul 2023
    2. Burkina Faso                                    cVDPV2            12 Dec 2023                
    3. Burundi                                             cVDPV2            15 Jun 2023
    4. Central African Republic                   cVDPV2            07 Oct 2023
    5. Republic of Congo                            cVDPV2            07 Dec 2023
    6. Israel                                                 cVDPV2            13 Feb 2023
    7. Madagascar                                      cVDPV1            16 Sep 2023
    8. Mauritania                                         cVDPV2            13 Dec 2023
    9. United Republic of Tanzania             cVDPV2             20 Nov 2023
    10. Zambia                                              cVDPV2             06 Jun 2023 

    These countries should:

    • Urgently strengthen routine immunization to boost population immunity.
    • Enhance surveillance quality, including considering introducing or expanding supplementary methods such as environmental surveillance, to reduce the risk of undetected WPV1 and cVDPV transmission, particularly among high-risk and vulnerable populations.
    • Intensify efforts to ensure vaccination of mobile and cross­border populations, Internally Displaced Persons, refugees, and other vulnerable groups.
    • Enhance regional cooperation and cross border coordination to ensure prompt detection of WPV1 and cVDPV, and vaccination of high-risk population groups.
    • Maintain these measures with documentation of full application of high-quality surveillance and vaccination activities.

    Additional considerations

    The Committee noted that the Global Polio Eradication Initiative needs to reconsider its priorities and reprogram its operations in response to the current fiscal constraints. The current financial shortfall poses a significant risk to eradication efforts. The Committee acknowledges and appreciates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s recent confirmation of its $500 million commitment to global polio eradication. The committee urged donor countries and organizations to enhance their financial support, emphasizing that failure is not an option. The Committee also called on national governments to prioritize polio eradication in their domestic funding allocations to ensure sustained progress toward eradication.

    The Committee expressed deep concern over the escalating and expanding WPV1 transmission in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The persistence of WPV1 transmission despite ongoing vaccination campaigns highlights gaps in immunization quality. The Committee also noted that the current levels of WPV1 transmission during the low season could further intensify during the high transmission season if uniform, high-quality campaigns, particularly in core reservoir areas, are not ensured.

    The Committee remains concerned about the continued inability to conduct house-to-house vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan. This challenge places infants and young children, particularly girls, at a heightened risk of missing polio vaccination. The Committee appreciates the efforts to improve women’s participation in site-to-site polio vaccination as well as for border vaccination and encourages to expand these efforts to high-risk South Region of Afghanistan.

    The Committee acknowledged the strong political commitment to polio eradication in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Committee emphasized that this commitment must translate into concrete operational actions to strengthen community engagement and implement high-quality vaccination campaigns. These efforts are essential to interrupt the ongoing intense WPV1 transmission and mitigate the risk of national and international spread. In Afghanistan. The Committee specifically recommended the resumption of house-to-house vaccination campaigns and the recruitment of additional female vaccinators to enhance community acceptance and improve coverage.

    The Committee is encouraged by the improving cVDPV1 situation in the African Region, particularly in Madagascar, which has not reported any cases for over 16 months. The Committee emphasized the need to sustain high-quality vaccination efforts, particularly in the DR Congo and Mozambique, the only two countries that have reported cVDPV1 cases in 2024.

    The Committee noted the ongoing transmission of cVDPV2 in the African Region, particularly in northern Nigeria. While there has been an overall decline in cVDPV2 cases in 2024, the Committee expressed concern over the increase in cases reported by Angola, Ethiopia, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Yemen compared to 2023. The Committee also noted the concerning cVDPV2 epidemiological situation in Chad and Algeria and recommended the implementation of high-quality vaccination campaigns to boost population immunity. The Committee noted the challenges in implementing high-quality immunization responses in critical areas of the African Region and northern Yemen. Additionally, the Committee expressed concerns over surveillance gaps in northern Yemen, which may further hinder early detection and response efforts.

    The Committee noted the detection of cVDPV3 in Guinea and French Guiana in 2024, after more than two years with no reported detections globally and emphasized the need for a high-quality surveillance and immunization response to contain these outbreaks.

    The Committee noted that several cVDPV-affected countries continue to face conflict and insecurity, which disrupts both routine immunization and polio vaccination campaigns. The Committee also noted that ongoing health emergencies and disease outbreaks in several countries further complicate the timely and effective implementation of polio vaccination campaigns. Given the diverse challenges across countries and sub-national areas, the Committee emphasized the need for context-specific, tailored interventions to ensure high-quality campaigns and ultimately stop cVDPV outbreaks. The Committee also underscored the importance of synchronized sub-regional approaches and strong cross-border coordination to address challenges related to permeable borders and shared operational constraints across affected countries.

    The Committee noted some good practices in several countries, particularly in cross-border collaboration and surveillance. The Committee encourages countries to document and share these best practices and suggests that GPEI facilitates this process.

    The Committee noted the ongoing cross-border spread of cVDPV2 in the African and Eastern Mediterranean Regions, as well as the recent detection of cVDPV2 in five countries of the European Region. This reinforces that polio remains a global risk until it is fully eradicated. The Committee acknowledged the ongoing response efforts of Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in strengthening surveillance and addressing sub-national immunity gaps. The Committee also appreciated the inter-country coordination in the European Region, facilitated by the WHO European Regional Office, in response to the cVDPV2 detections in the region. The Committee recommended continued surveillance strengthening across the European Region, along with regular risk assessments to ensure timely identification and mitigation of emerging polio risks.

    The Committee highlighted the importance of maintaining sensitive surveillance in polio-infected and high-risk countries and recommended that GPEI provide all possible support under the Global Polio Surveillance Action Plan. The Committee also underscored the importance of high-income countries maintaining high-quality surveillance for polioviruses, given the ongoing risk of importation, as recently demonstrated by cVDPV detections in the European Region. Robust surveillance remains essential for early detection and timely response to importations and newly emerging outbreaks.

    The Committee noted that novel OPV2 continues to demonstrate greater genetic stability compared to Sabin OPV2. However, the risk of new cVDPV2 emergences increases when the interval between outbreak response campaigns exceeds four weeks or when vaccination quality is suboptimal, underscoring the need for timely and high-quality immunization efforts.

    The Committee noted that the amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) through resolution WHA77.17 (2024), were notified to States Parties on 19 September 2024 and that they would come into effect on 19 September 2025 for 192 States Parties.  Regarding any potential effects of these amendments on the Committee, the Secretariat informed the Committee that it would be premature to assess any such effects at this time but would brief the Committee ahead of their entry into force in September 2025, should the Committee continue to be convened under the IHR at this time.

    Based on the current situation regarding WPV1 and cVDPVs, and the reports provided by affected countries, the Director-General accepted the Committee’s assessment, and on 09 April 2025 determined that the poliovirus situation continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) with respect to WPV1 and cVDPV.  The Director-General endorsed the Committee’s recommendations for countries meeting the definition for ‘States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3 with potential risk for international spread’, ‘States infected with cVDPV2 with potential risk for international spread’ and for ‘States previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months’ and extended the Temporary Recommendations under the IHR to reduce the risk of the international spread of poliovirus, effective, 09 April 2025.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Konsolidator enters partnership with Exsitec to accelerate growth in the Nordics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release no. 1-2025
    Copenhagen, April 10, 2025

    Konsolidator enters partnership with Exsitec to accelerate growth in the Nordics

    Today, Konsolidator enters a new strategic partnership with Exsitec AB, one of the most prominent players in the Nordic region, to implement and manage business-supporting IT systems. The partnership allows Konsolidator to be fully partner-driven in Sweden and Norway, thereby significantly advancing the company’s 2025–2027 strategy, Resilient Growth, which prioritizes scaling growth through strategic partnerships.

    Exsitec, a long-standing customer of Konsolidator, brings in-depth product knowledge and integration experience. Furthermore, with shared customers and strong expertise in finance IT, Exsitec is an ideal partner for making Konsolidator available to more companies in the Nordics, especially in the mid-market to the enterprise segment.

    “Exsitec’s portfolio, market position, and finance IT expertise make them a great partner for us and fit perfectly into our partner channel strategy. We are now well covered in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.” says Claus Finderup Grove, CEO of Konsolidator

    Konsolidator’s cloud-based consolidation tool automates every step of the group reporting process, from data collection to reporting, ensuring compliance and eliminating Excel-based workflows. The system integrates seamlessly with leading financial platforms like Visma.net, Fortnox, and Microsoft Dynamics 365. Exsitec is a Nordic company with over 20 offices and over 5500 customers in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. This partnership is aligned with Konsolidator’s goal of becoming a leader in the Nordic market for automated group reporting and cloud-based financial solutions.

    “We have long supported our customers with advisory, implementation, and managing of IT systems for operational and financial analysis and planning. With Konsolidator, we can now also help CFOs and controllers take ownership of legal group reporting – in a way that is quick to implement, easy to scale, and fully cloud-based. A lot of our customers already use Konsolidator and we use it internally for Exsitec’s group reporting as well, so we are very familiar with it.” says Rasmus Toivonen, Delivery Area Manager at Exsitec.

    2025-2027 Strategy: Towards a partner-driven sales model

    As part of the 2025-2027 strategy, Resilient Growth, Konsolidator is broadening its sales strategy beyond direct sales by leveraging strategic partnerships and ecosystems. This includes a focused expansion of the partner channel, particularly in Scandinavia and Iberia.

    This partnership marks a key milestone in Konsolidator’s transition to a partner-driven model, which can accelerate the company’s efforts to increase its presence and offerings in larger markets.

    Contacts 

    About Konsolidator
    Konsolidator A/S is a financial consolidation software company whose primary objective is to make Group CFOs around the world better through automated financial consolidation and reporting in the cloud. Created by CFOs and auditors and powered by innovative technology, Konsolidator removes the complexity of financial consolidation and enables the CFO to save time and gain actionable insights based on key performance data to become a vital part of strategic decision-making. Konsolidator was listed at Nasdaq First North Growth Market Denmark in 2019. Ticker Code: KONSOL

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As a global economic leader, California remains a stable, trusted partner for international trade and investment. Here’s why.

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 9, 2025

    What you need to know: As Washington, D.C. keeps changing the rules, California is standing strong as a steady and reliable international economic partner.

    SACRAMENTO – As President Trump’s economic agenda disrupts the national economy, sends markets spiraling, and creates trade wars with trusted partners, Governor Newsom announced last week that California is open for business. California’s economy remains the fifth largest in the world and will continue to push forward as a proven leader in global trade and investment. 

    “California knows the importance of trust and dependability, and unlike some folks in Washington D.C., we don’t change the rules with every presidential mood swing. California is a trusted, reliable partner for international trade and investments. We urge countries around the globe to continue to work with us — we’re open for business.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    California is a stable, predictable partner for global trade and investment. Here’s why the world should do business with the Golden State: 

    Global partnerships and open markets

    California has already established partnerships with countries around the world, strengthening the state’s world-leading economy and helping to ensure it maintains its position as the nation’s economic leader.
     

    California is a global powerhouse in international trade, with more than $675 billion in trade flowing in and out of the state annually — the equivalent to more than 16% of the state’s total GDP. While the state’s abundant agricultural products are sold in markets across the world, manufactured goods also dominate California exports, including computers (over $16 billion), aerospace parts and products (more than $8.3 billion), and semiconductor chips and equipment (nearly $6.5 billion). California is the nation’s top exporter in 25 sectors.
     

    The Golden State is also consistently the top state in jobs supported by foreign direct investment (FDI). The United Kingdom and Japan, the state’s number one and two sources of investment, respectively, collectively support more than 257,000 jobs. What’s more, California’s international allies also have a sizable impact on the state’s economy through significant institutional investments that support California jobs. For example, the 8 largest pension funds in Canada have more than $100 billion invested in California.

    Over the past few years, California has stepped up with partnerships on clean energy, technology, and climate with the European Union, as well as China and Canada — creating jobs, boosting local economies, and helping prepare the state for the future. 

    California currently has trade-focused partnerships with the following countries: Armenia, China, Japan, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Australia, Sweden, Republic of Korea, Brazil, Mexico, and Norway. Many other climate-focused partnerships include expanding commercial ties with strategic allies, recognizing the importance of private sector action.
     

    Economic stability and predictability 

    California continues to establish industry partnerships and develop long-term economic strategies, building the infrastructure to give businesses confidence and consistency. 

    Earlier this year, Governor Newsom unveiled California’s statewide Economic Blueprint, a statewide plan built with input from 13 regional plans to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and access to good-paying jobs over the next decade.
     

    Proven economic growth and resilience

    California has rebounded from economic downturns faster than most, with diverse industries driving growth, from agriculture to AI. 

    And California’s economy shows no sign of slowing, based on the estimated growth of the 2,400 companies in the Bloomberg World Large & Mid Cap Index. The 101 companies based in California that are members of the index are poised to see revenue increasing 27% on average in 2024, while the 42 German companies will see 4.6% growth and the 156 Japanese firms 7%.

    While Washington, D.C. keeps changing the rules, the international community should know California will continue standing strong as a steady and reliable international economic partner for decades to come. 

    Recent news

    Apr 9, 2025

    News What you need to know: Ridership is up over 40% on the Bay Area’s recently electrified Caltrain, made possible by local, state, and federal investments supporting Governor Newsom’s goal to connect more Californians through sustainable public transportation….

    Apr 9, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom recognizes California’s resources and support for victims of crime during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Sacramento, California – Showing support for survivors and victims of crime and highlighting the resources…

    Apr 9, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement responding to President Trump’s executive order targeting state-level climate and clean energy efforts. This is the world the Trump Administration wants your kids to live in. California’s…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The final of the research projects competition “Steps” was held at the Polytechnic University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University organized the final of the “Steps” competition, where schoolchildren presented their research papers. The participants of the competition were the private educational institution “Gazprom School”, the private educational institution “Gazprom School Saint Petersburg”, as well as first-year students of the private professional educational institution “Gazprom College Volgograd” named after I. A. Matlashov and “Gazprom Technical School Novy Urengoy”. The theme of the competition was “Energy of Change: New Ideas, New Solutions”. It was divided into several sections: “Digital Economy, Management of Social Technologies”, “Technosphere Environmental Safety in the Oil and Gas Industry”, “Energy Saving and Alternative Energy”, “Chemical Technologies”, “Engineering Solutions in the Oil and Gas Industry”.

    On April 6, the children went on a virtual tour of the university campus and took part in a master class on creating a drilling rig. On April 7, all the attention of the jury and participants was focused on the projects of schoolchildren completed during the year under the guidance of experienced curators from various universities.

    At the grand opening of the final, the head of the department of PAO Gazprom Alexander Shagov noted: “The theme of the competition very accurately characterizes the time in which we live. The modern world is changing quickly, technologies are developing rapidly. What was new yesterday will seem outdated tomorrow. The competition gives you a unique opportunity, while still schoolchildren, to feel like real scientists and students.”

    Several projects supervised by SPbPU specialists won prizes. In the Energy Saving and Alternative Energy section, two teams from GBOU Gymnasium No. 426 received diplomas of the 1st and 3rd degrees. The projects were supervised by students of the Higher School of Nuclear and Thermal Energy of the Institute of Power Engineering Nikita Kondrashov, Mark Mironchuk, Georgy Kondratov, as well as senior lecturer of the Higher School of Power Engineering Arsenty Klyuev.

    I would like to proudly note the victory of our team. Together with Victoria Klyuzheva and Victoria Zueva, we became the best among the students of Gazprom classes in the section “Energy Saving and Alternative Energy”. The project on the use of a sand battery in permafrost conditions turned out to be not only relevant, but also extremely promising. The guys showed a high level of training, a creative approach and real teamwork. I am proud of our students. They did a hundred percent! – said Nikita Kondrashov.

    As part of the cooperation between PJSC Gazprom and the Polytechnic University, students from Gazprom classes in St. Petersburg attended theoretical classes at SPbPU on a weekly basis and were able to apply the knowledge they had gained in preparing projects.

    Working on the engineering project was an interesting experience and a valuable source of knowledge for me. I was especially impressed by the opportunity to apply theory in creating a system that could solve the heating problem in the northern regions in the future. Thanks to teamwork and the help of the curators, I significantly expanded my knowledge. I would like to separately note the invaluable contribution of Nikita Kondrashov and the curators of other teams, whose involvement and willingness to help played a key role in the success of the project. The work required knowledge of thermodynamics, which, naturally, was replenished. Defending the project in front of teachers and the jury, I learned to speak in public, answer questions, and defend my point of view, – shared Victoria Klyuzheva.

    The holders of the third degree diplomas, in the framework of the report “Development of a hydroelectric power station on the Gulf of Finland”, considered the possibilities of using the “Wave Carpet” technology as an idea for the beneficial use of the energy of the waters of the Gulf of Finland.

    In the section “Engineering solutions in the oil and gas industry” under the supervision of the senior lecturer of the Higher School of Power Engineering of the Institute of Economics Arsenty Klyuev, students of Gymnasium No. 330 Dmitry Rodnov and Maxim Pets received third-degree diplomas with their technological project “Improving the cavitation characteristics of an oil centrifugal pump”.

    When you understand that your research and knowledge can help others, it motivates you to work. In addition, it is also a huge experience that will help in the future when studying at the university. This project convinced me that I need to enter the Polytechnic University because it is a place where there are a huge number of opportunities to deal with interesting engineering problems, and young teachers help you to reveal your potential. Last year we also did a project, but it was more theoretical. This year, the project is dedicated to solving a real practical problem. Personally, my skill of quick learning helped me cope with it. Before this project, I had never worked in 3D modeling programs, but thanks to an excellent mentor, I quickly mastered the basics and learned to model, although before it seemed a very difficult task. I also acquired the skill of 3D modeling, now I can do reverse engineering in the field of hydraulic machines and hydropower, – Dmitry Rodnov shared his experience.

    On the last day of the competition, a lecture on “Energy machines as the basis for the generation and conversion of energy” was given by Andrey Shirokih, a student of the Higher School of Power Engineering.

    The competition experts were representatives of PAO Gazprom partner universities. When evaluating the projects, they took into account such aspects as the relevance of the topic, practical significance, the presence and elaboration of the research part, the depth of analysis and conclusions, the degree of personal involvement of the author, as well as confident mastery of the material and the culture of public speaking. The jury members emphasized the high level of the final works and the serious preparation of the participants.

    At the closing ceremony, the participants were congratulated by the rector of the Polytechnic University Andrey Rudskoy: Guys, you have come a long way, you have become finalists of the competition. And I congratulate you on this! Your works demonstrate a creative approach, a deep understanding of the problems and a desire to find solutions that can change our lives for the better. Polytechnic University, together with PAO Gazprom, is doing everything possible to discover new talents and let the energy of the future into engineering in the energy and oil and gas industries! Therefore, I hope that the path you have taken to the final has become another step in the profession for you. I wish you success, and I am glad that today you have had the opportunity to feel the friendly scientific and creative atmosphere that reigns at Polytechnic University! Of course, I hope to see many of you in the ranks of our friendly family of polytechnics already as students.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia, Digita and CoreGo collaborate to enhance the customer experience at large events

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia, Digita and CoreGo collaborate to enhance the customer experience at large events 

    • Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) private wireless ensures fast and reliable payment transactions and seamless network connections.
    • Quick verification and seamless payment solution enable customers to enjoy events without delays.

    10 April 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia and Digita today announced that they are expanding their partnership with CoreGo, a company specializing in payment and access control solutions for events, to provide secure and reliable data transmission for large Finnish and international events. This collaboration has enabled multiple deployments in the last two years, benefited sports and festival organizers with reliable connectivity, and significantly improved the customer experience of over 2 million event attendees in Europe.

    The CoreGo POS combined with Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC)’s private wireless network enables event organizers to easily utilize and move the private network as needed to enable seamless management of onsite payments in venues. Deployed by Digita, the private 5G network ensures real-time, uninterrupted data transfer for critical event systems such as inventory management, payment terminals, access control, and ticket validation that meet the requirements of modern businesses and dynamic environments. The solution ensures reliability, security, and scalability to meet the needs of large events.

    Private networks have proven to be a crucial technology for large public events where real-time and uninterrupted data transfer is critical. They support the success of events by enabling efficient electronic ticket sales and verification, reliable payment transactions, smooth use of digital signage, and secure access control. Additionally, private networks enable advanced real-time data analytics, interactive fan engagement, critical staff communications, and geo-location-based services that further enhance the overall experience for guests.

    “Our goal is to improve the customer experience and support the organization and event workers in the best possible way by enabling real-time situational awareness. Delivered through our long-term partners, Nokia and Digita, the private wireless solution enabled a first-class service experience, with access control and payment playing a crucial role,” said Hannu Elomaa, CEO and Founder at CoreGo.

    “We are proud that CoreGo chose us as their partner to implement critical event networks in Finland and internationally. This agreement strengthens our expertise in delivering high-quality, scalable, and reliable network solutions, supporting our strategy to expand into the Nordics. The Nokia technology ensures that event data transfer works reliably and efficiently,” said Pekka Koskinen, Head of Sales, Private Networks at Digita.

    “Private 5G networks deployed with powerful edge cloud processing capabilities are transforming the event industry. Event visitors now have secure access to well-connected services from the moment they purchase their ticket to when they depart the venue. We have successfully collaborated with Digita and CoreGo on multiple projects, and it is great to see that private 5G technology proves its capability in securing reliable data transmission at large events,” said Michael Aspinall, Head of Sales, Enterprise Campus Edge, Europe at Nokia

    Multimedia, technical information and related news
    Product Page: Nokia DAC Private Wireless

    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 Digita
    Digita is a provider of digital infrastructure and services and the country’s largest independent owner of telecommunication masts. We ensure the functionality of everyday connections and the availability of diverse communications for all Finns while respecting the environment. The company owns and operates Finland’s leading national terrestrial television and radio network and develops future broadcasting services. Digita’s telecommunications services include private networks, indoor coverage solutions, telecommunications mast and rooftop management services, as well as Internet of Things (IoT) and data center services. Services are provided to media companies, consumers, mobile operators, industry, infrastructure companies and property owners. Digita employs more than 150 experts nationwide and we want to be the best workplace in our industry for everyone. www.digita.fi

    About CoreGo
    CoreGo provide technology solutions for events and venues. Our strength lies in our expertise of the event industry combined with the skills to develop inhouse and implement robust existing technology solutions.
    Our mission is to increase the visitor, employee and partner experience and make events technology solutions use as smooth as possible. Main portfolio services are access control, payment solutions and network for large events.

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

    Digita
    Pekka Koskinen
    Tel. +358 40 567 9592
    Email: pekka.koskinen@digita.fi

    Follow Nokia on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Prospectus updates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

                                                                                                              Lysaker, 10 April 2025

    Storebrand Asset Management has resolved to change the fund name from Storebrand Global ESG Plus to Storebrand Global Plus, and the name change is largely due to new guidelines from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).

    The guidelines apply to the use of ‘ESG’ or sustainability-related terms in fund names, and the new guidelines are intended to ensure that the designations are accurate, fair and in line with the funds’ actual investment strategy.

    Although, the fund’s investment strategy and sustainability classification (SFDR) remain unchanged, the fund focuses mainly on the environmental aspect (E), as opposed to ESG in general. Hence, removing the ESG term in the name, appear reasonable to avoid expectations of an equal focus on the environment, social conditions and governance (ESG).

    The name change also ensures consistency with similar funds in the Nordic region and international markets, as well as alignment with Storebrands similar fund mandates registered with other domiciles.

    Some other non-material changes related to information that is subject to annual update are also reflected in the updated prospectus for Storebrand Global Plus, and the four other Storebrand funds available on Nasdaq Copenhagen, enclosed herein.

    The updated documents are effective on 10 April, and the undersigned can be contacted for any additional information.

    Regards
    Storebrand Asset Management AS

    Contacts:

    Henrik Budde Gantzel, Director, henrik.budde.gantzel@storebrand.no

    Frode Aasen, Product Manager, fdc@storebrand.com

    Fund name and share class Symbol ISIN
    Storebrand Indeks – Alle Markeder A5 STIIAM NO0010841588
    Storebrand Indeks – Nye Markeder A5 STIINM NO0010841570
    Storebrand Global Plus A5 STIGEP NO0010841604
    Storebrand Global Solutions A5 STIGS NO0010841612
    Storebrand Global Multifactor A5 STIGM NO0010841596

    Storebrand is Norway’s largest private asset manager with an AuM of around DKK 900 billions, and also a leading Nordic provider of sustainable pensions and savings. The company has been a global pioneer in ESG investing for over 25 years, offering broad and scalable solutions for both institutional and private investors in the Nordic region and other European countries. Storebrand delivers sustainable investment solutions and client value through a multi-boutique platform, with the brands Delphi Funds, SKAGEN Funds and Storebrand Funds.

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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: “Little battler” black-fronted terns defy the odds

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  10 April 2025

    The nationally endangered birds which nest on an island in the Upper Ōhau River battled an unseasonal and very heavy snowfall which buried them and their nests.

    The birds have a unique colony in the Upper Ōhau river system where around 700 of them nest each season. This colony is the largest in the country.

    This breeding season got off to an amazing start with 360 nests, and the rangers could not believe it. “We were so stoked to have so many nests on the island, and no signs of depredation,” said Sam Turner, Department of Conservation Biodiversity Ranger for Project River Recovery.

    Before the snow came, the rangers’ big concern was the ever-present risk of predators wiping them out. “Norway rats are incredibly good swimmers and if we get even one on the island while the birds are incubating their eggs, it can cause the entire colony to abandon their nests. For four years in a row, we had zero fledglings due to rats and other predators, so it is a stressful time.”

    The unseasonal snow fall came in late October. Sam Turner feared the worst.

    “There was at least 20cm of snow blanketing the whole of the Mackenzie Basin. We didn’t know what was happening to the birds on the island and we didn’t know how they would handle so much deep snow.”

    “We checked our trail cameras and saw the parents had stayed on their nests until the very last moment. They were up to their necks but had to abandon the nests to save themselves. It was impressive how hardy and dedicated the terns were, but heart breaking to see the snow bury everything.”

    But just over a week later, the resilient birds came back to give it another go and began laying eggs on the island and on an adjacent terrace.

    “It was incredible, really, and such a relief for our team. But we now had a big job on our hands to protect the birds from predators – especially the birds that renested on the terrace because without protection from the natural moat they had on the island, they were super vulnerable to hedgehogs, which demolish their eggs.”

    “We erected a temporary hedgehog barrier and set up traps on the terrace where some of the terns nested. We upped our feral cat control, and when we detected a stoat and her kits in the area, we also brought through a conservation dog and handler trained in detecting stoats. It was a massive collaborative effort from the DOC team.”

    It all paid off. Sam Turner estimates at least 100 chicks fledged from the breeding colony and have now flown to the coastline for the winter.

    “It’s been such an intense season, lots of emotions so it’s hard to put into words. It’s been such a roller coast given everything that has happened. The snow dump was so out of left field and such terrible timing, but to our relief these little birds had a successful breeding season with a bit of help from us. It’s super rewarding seeing them fly away.”

    “What we want the public to know is how special these birds are and what they’re up against. They’re only found in New Zealand and that’s the reason we work so hard as if we lose them, they’re gone for good. What’s amazing is how these little terns have beaten the odds this season and that’s something we are so proud of.”

    “One alarming statistic is that 25 million native birds are killed by invasive predators in New Zealand. Nature is under pressure, and we’re finding increasingly difficult challenges every year, especially with the extreme weather events like the big snow dumps during the breeding season.”

    “Our job is to make sure these endangered birds have successful breeding years so that they are still around for many years to come.”

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Qube’s proposed acquisition of MIRRAT not opposed, subject to undertaking

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC will not oppose Qube Holdings Limited’s (ASX:QUB) proposed acquisition of Melbourne International RoRo & Auto Terminal Pty Ltd (MIRRAT), after accepting a court-enforceable undertaking to remedy competition concerns.

    The court-enforceable undertaking accepted by the ACCC prevents Qube, its subsidiary Australian Amalgamated Terminals Pty Ltd (AAT) and MIRRAT from discriminating against downstream rivals at Webb Dock West at the Port of Melbourne.

    The undertaking also imposes additional obligations on AAT in relation to its operations at Port Kembla in NSW, Fisherman Islands in Queensland and Appleton Dock in Melbourne. The undertaking will replace both the existing AAT undertaking, and MIRRAT’s existing undertaking in relation to its operations at the automotive terminal at Webb Dock West.

    MIRRAT operates the automotive/roll-on roll-off terminal at Webb Dock West in Melbourne. The proposed acquisition would permit Qube to control the operation of automotive roll-on roll-off trade through the Port of Melbourne.

    Qube, through its wholly owned subsidiary, AAT, operates automotive cargo terminals at the Port of Brisbane and Port Kembla, as well as a general cargo terminal at Appleton Dock at the Port of Melbourne.

    Qube is Australia’s largest provider of import and export logistics services including port-related activities of terminal management, stevedoring, processing, pre-delivery inspection (PDI) and delivery.

    The ACCC’s investigations focused on the acquisition’s impact on competition in downstream services, such as automotive stevedoring and PDI services at the Port of Melbourne.

    The ACCC also examined potential competition concerns arising from Qube’s operation of the three major automotive terminals on the east coast of Australia.

    “The ACCC concluded that, in the absence of adequate safeguards, Qube, through its ownership of MIRRAT, would likely have the ability and incentive to discriminate against rival stevedores and PDI providers at Webb Dock West,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “MIRRAT could do this, for example, by restricting its downstream rivals’ access to the terminal or related services, raising prices or lowering the quality of terminal services provided to them.”

    “The ACCC also closely considered whether, by operating all three of the major east coast automotive terminals, Qube, through AAT and MIRRAT, could have an increased ability and incentive to discriminate against rivals at each of the terminals in a way that would harm downstream competition,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    Concerns were also raised with the ACCC that Qube would have access to rival stevedore or PDI operators’ commercially sensitive information through AAT and MIRRAT as the terminal operators.

    “With these significant concerns in mind, the ACCC only decided not to oppose the acquisition with a strong court-enforceable undertaking from Qube, AAT and MIRRAT,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    The undertaking requires AAT and MIRRAT to meet the following obligations to:

    • not discriminate between terminal users in favour of its own interests in the automotive supply chain,
    • provide for certain price and non-price dispute resolution processes,
    • comply with access and berthing allocation rules, as well as ring fencing of certain confidential information,
    • report periodically on its compliance with the undertaking and facilitate independent oversight (including by an independent auditor),
    • comply with restrictions on AAT’s and MIRRAT’s ability to introduce or change certain tariffs.

    “Long-term behavioural remedies come with particular risks and uncertainty. The ACCC is not generally supportive of such undertakings. This is why we have carefully assessed these risks when deciding whether to accept the undertaking in this matter. In the unique circumstances of this transaction, where there is already a similar undertaking in other ports, and where MIRRAT itself is already subject to an undertaking due to its existing vertical integration with shipping, after careful consideration we decided to accept the undertaking,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “Most users of the terminal and participants in the vehicle import supply chain were supportive of Qube acquiring MIRRAT.”

    The new undertaking will cover all of AAT and MIRRAT’s east coast automotive terminals and is expected to be in place perpetually.

    More information, including the undertaking can be found on the ACCC’s public register here: Qube Holdings Limited (Qube) – Melbourne International RoRo & Auto Terminal Pty Ltd (MIRRAT)

    Note to editors

    In considering the proposed merger, the ACCC applies the legal test set out in section 50 of the Competition and Consumer Act.

    In general terms, section 50 prohibits acquisitions that would have the effect, or be likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition in any market.

    Background

    Qube, through AAT, proposed to enter into a share sale agreement to acquire all shares in MIRRAT.

    Webb Dock West is the key facility for the processing of automotive and roll-on roll-off cargo through the Port of Melbourne.

    “Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo)” refers to ships designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, buses, trailers, and railroad cars, that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels or using a platform vehicle.

    MIRRAT

    MIRRAT’s ultimate parent company is Wallenius Wilhelmsen ASA (WW). WW is a Norway-based global provider of roll-on roll-off shipping and vehicle logistics and operates automotive terminals in Europe, the UK, the US and the Asia-Pacific. MIRRAT’s only operation in Australia is the automotive/roll-on roll-off terminal at Webb Dock West.

    MIRRAT operates Webb Dock West subject to a section 87B undertaking accepted by the ACCC on 27 March 2014 (MIRRAT Undertaking). The MIRRAT Undertaking was accepted by the ACCC in relation to MIRRAT’s acquisition of a long-term lease to operate the Webb Dock West roll-on roll-off terminal at Port Melbourne. The MIRRAT Undertaking commenced on 1 January 2018. It expires when MIRRAT ceases to operate the Terminal, which may occur on or before 30 June 2040, and when the ACCC confirms this in writing.

    The full text of the existing MIRRAT Undertaking can be found on the ACCC’s s87B undertakings register. Once in effect, the new undertaking offered by Qube, AAT and MIRRAT will replace the MIRRAT Undertaking.

    Qube

    Qube is Australia’s largest integrated provider of import and export logistics services. Its port-related activities include facilities management, stevedoring, processing, PDI and delivery. It manages and develops strategic properties such as inland rail terminals and related logistics facilities. It provides road and rail transport of freight to and from ports, operation of container parks, customs and quarantine services, warehousing, intermodal terminals, and international freight forwarding.

    In addition to being a terminal operator, Qube provides general stevedoring, automotive stevedoring and PDI services at each of its eastern seaboard ports. It provides general and automotive stevedoring through its affiliated entity ‘Qube Ports’. Qube provides PDI services through its 50% interest in K Line Auto Logistics which owns and operates PrixCar.

    AAT (Qube) operates automotive cargo terminals in Port of Brisbane and Port Kembla, as well as a general cargo terminal at Appleton Dock in Port of Melbourne. The facilities are operated under a s87B undertaking accepted by the ACCC in 2016 (AAT Undertaking). Once in effect, the new undertaking offered by Qube, AAT and MIRRAT will replace the AAT Undertaking.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two Men Sentenced in Largest-Ever Bird Mount Trafficking Case

    Source: US State of Vermont

    $900,000 Fine is One of the Largest Ever Ordered for an Endangered Species Act Case

    A federal judge in Brooklyn today sentenced two men for trafficking protected birds and eggs into the United States in violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

    Dr. John Waldrop of Cataula, Georgia, was ordered to pay a $900,000 fine — one of the largest-ever for an ESA case — and serve three years of probation. Toney Jones of Eufala, Alabama, was sentenced to six months of probation. Waldrop pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiracy to smuggle wildlife and ESA violations, while Jones pleaded guilty to an ESA charge.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Waldrop amassed an extensive collection of 1,401 taxidermy bird mounts and 2,594 eggs which included:

    • Four eagles protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act,
    • 179 bird and 193 egg species listed in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and
    • 212 bird and 32 egg species covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This included incredibly rare specimens like three eggs of the Nordmann’s Greenshank, an Asian shorebird with only 900 to 1,600 remaining birds in the wild; no North American museum has any Nordmann Greenshank eggs in their collection.

    “Waldrop’s gigantic and rare bird collection was bolstered in part by illegal imports, where he and his enlisted co-conspirators intentionally avoided permit and declaration requirements,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We applaud the efforts of the various federal and state law enforcement entities in investigating and prosecuting this case.”

    “The scale of this investigation underscores the critical importance of protecting our natural resources,” said Assistant Director Douglas Ault of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Office of Law Enforcement. “Waldrop’s collection included thousands of bird specimens and eggs, many of which are among the rarest in the world. This is one of the largest bird trafficking cases in history, and the commercialization of species protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and CITES highlights the conservation impact of Waldrop’s crimes. We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement are unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding wildlife for future generations. We will remain vigilant and will continue to hold accountable those who exploit our shared natural resources for personal gain.”

    Photo of birds and other mounts, from the sentencing memo in United States v. John Waldrop, et al., 1:23-cr-00378 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
    Photo of a portion of Waldrop’s egg collection, from the sentencing memo in United States v. John Waldrop, et al., 1:23-cr-00378 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

    Between 2016 and 2020, Waldrop imported birds and eggs without the required declarations and permits. After USFWS inspectors at John F. Kennedy International Airport and elsewhere intercepted several shipments, Waldrop recruited Jones, who worked on his Georgia farm, to receive the packages. Jones also deposited approximately $525,000 in a bank account that Waldrop then used to pay for the imports and hide his involvement. Waldrop and Jones used online sales sites such as eBay and Etsy to buy birds and eggs from around the world, including Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay.

    Waldrop forfeited his collection. The USFWS National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Lab examined the items and determined it to be the largest seizure of bird mounts in their 37-year history. The ESA requires that all wildlife imports be declared to USFWS and have required permits, including species protected by CITES.

    Photos of a freshly killed Roseate Spoonbill (left) and mount from Waldrop’s collection (right), from the sentencing memo in United States v. John Waldrop, et al., 1:23-cr-00378 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

    The USFWS Office of Law Enforcement in Valley Stream, New York, conducted the investigation as part of Operation Final Flight. The operation focused on the trafficking of protected birds into the United States. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources assisted with the investigation.

    Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Karamigios for the Eastern District of New York prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Men Sentenced in Largest-Ever Bird Mount Trafficking Case

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    $900,000 Fine is One of the Largest Ever Ordered for an Endangered Species Act Case

    A federal judge in Brooklyn today sentenced two men for trafficking protected birds and eggs into the United States in violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

    Dr. John Waldrop of Cataula, Georgia, was ordered to pay a $900,000 fine — one of the largest-ever for an ESA case — and serve three years of probation. Toney Jones of Eufala, Alabama, was sentenced to six months of probation. Waldrop pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiracy to smuggle wildlife and ESA violations, while Jones pleaded guilty to an ESA charge.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Waldrop amassed an extensive collection of 1,401 taxidermy bird mounts and 2,594 eggs which included:

    • Four eagles protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act,
    • 179 bird and 193 egg species listed in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and
    • 212 bird and 32 egg species covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This included incredibly rare specimens like three eggs of the Nordmann’s Greenshank, an Asian shorebird with only 900 to 1,600 remaining birds in the wild; no North American museum has any Nordmann Greenshank eggs in their collection.

    “Waldrop’s gigantic and rare bird collection was bolstered in part by illegal imports, where he and his enlisted co-conspirators intentionally avoided permit and declaration requirements,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We applaud the efforts of the various federal and state law enforcement entities in investigating and prosecuting this case.”

    “The scale of this investigation underscores the critical importance of protecting our natural resources,” said Assistant Director Douglas Ault of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Office of Law Enforcement. “Waldrop’s collection included thousands of bird specimens and eggs, many of which are among the rarest in the world. This is one of the largest bird trafficking cases in history, and the commercialization of species protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and CITES highlights the conservation impact of Waldrop’s crimes. We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement are unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding wildlife for future generations. We will remain vigilant and will continue to hold accountable those who exploit our shared natural resources for personal gain.”

    Photo of birds and other mounts, from the sentencing memo in United States v. John Waldrop, et al., 1:23-cr-00378 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
    Photo of a portion of Waldrop’s egg collection, from the sentencing memo in United States v. John Waldrop, et al., 1:23-cr-00378 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

    Between 2016 and 2020, Waldrop imported birds and eggs without the required declarations and permits. After USFWS inspectors at John F. Kennedy International Airport and elsewhere intercepted several shipments, Waldrop recruited Jones, who worked on his Georgia farm, to receive the packages. Jones also deposited approximately $525,000 in a bank account that Waldrop then used to pay for the imports and hide his involvement. Waldrop and Jones used online sales sites such as eBay and Etsy to buy birds and eggs from around the world, including Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay.

    Waldrop forfeited his collection. The USFWS National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Lab examined the items and determined it to be the largest seizure of bird mounts in their 37-year history. The ESA requires that all wildlife imports be declared to USFWS and have required permits, including species protected by CITES.

    Photos of a freshly killed Roseate Spoonbill (left) and mount from Waldrop’s collection (right), from the sentencing memo in United States v. John Waldrop, et al., 1:23-cr-00378 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

    The USFWS Office of Law Enforcement in Valley Stream, New York, conducted the investigation as part of Operation Final Flight. The operation focused on the trafficking of protected birds into the United States. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources assisted with the investigation.

    Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Karamigios for the Eastern District of New York prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 1 in 10 tunnel workers could develop silicosis, our new research shows

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Cole, Occupational Hygienist, PhD Candidate, University of Sydney

    Around 10% of underground tunnel workers in Queensland could develop silicosis, our new study has found.

    Silicosis is a serious, incurable lung disease caused by inhaling small particles of silica dust. You might have heard about it in people who work with engineered stone. But silica is more widespread.

    Silica is found in rocks and concrete, so workers in industries such as construction, mining and tunnelling are at high risk if proper safety measures aren’t in place.

    When silica dust is breathed in, it gets trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring. Over time, this scarring makes it harder to breathe and can be fatal.

    As symptoms of silicosis can take decades to appear, workers may not realise they’re sick until long after they’ve started working, or even after they stop.

    But silicosis is preventable.

    When silica dust is breathed in, it gets trapped in the lungs in tiny air sacs (the alveoli), causing inflammation and scarring.
    Pikovit/Shutterstock

    How does silicosis affect tunnel workers?

    Thousands of people are involved in tunnelling projects in Australia.

    Tunnelling involves breaking up large amounts of silica-containing rock with heavy machinery.

    Tunnel workers rely on advanced ventilation systems to provide fresh air underground, water systems to keep the rocks wet and suppress dust, and they wear respirators on their face to keep the air they breathe clean. But some people have raised concerns these measures do not always work properly.

    There are also national legal limits in place for silica dust exposure, currently 0.05 milligrams per cubic metre over an eight-hour work day.

    However, a media investigation last November revealed one-third of air monitoring tests from a Sydney tunnel project were above legal limits.

    While air monitoring tests are required by law, the results of routine air monitoring tests are often not made public.

    An expert taskforce has recently been set up in New South Wales to address the silica-related health risks for tunnel workers, promising to make high silica results above legal limits publicly available.

    But while attention has been focused on tunnel workers in Sydney, the problem of lung disease in underground workers is more widespread.

    Our Queensland study

    The results of air monitoring tests are important because they show whether legal silica dust limits are being adhered to.

    Another valuable use of this data is it can help us predict future disease risk. Instead of waiting to see how many workers develop silica-related diseases such as silicosis and lung cancer, this data can be used to estimate cases in advance.

    In 2017, a Queensland parliamentary inquiry raised concerns about the health of Brisbane’s tunnel workers, particularly regarding the harmful effects of exposure to silica dust.

    We worked through the parliamentary inquiry documents to uncover the results of hundreds of individual air monitoring tests conducted on three major Queensland tunnel projects between 2007 and 2013.

    We analysed this data to estimate how many workers were exposed to silica dust and at what levels. We then modelled how many cases of silicosis and lung cancer would occur over the workers’ lifetimes.

    We estimated that in a group of around 2,000 workers involved in these Queensland tunnel projects, 200 to 300 would develop silicosis over their lifetime as a result of silica dust exposure (roughly one in every ten workers).

    We also estimated between 20 to 30 workers would develop lung cancer due to their exposure.

    We had limited information on workplace conditions in the specific projects, so we made a number of assumptions based on publicly available information and our own experience. These included assumptions around the use and protective nature of masks. The fact we had to make some assumptions could be a limitation of our study. Due to the lack of data transparency we don’t know if these figures apply more broadly to tunnel workers throughout Australia.

    Silicosis can appear decades after occupational exposure.
    Marco Di Stefano/Shutterstock

    Our projected rate of silicosis, 10%, is the same as the rate of silicosis recorded by a government inquiry in 1924 which investigated silicosis among workers who built Sydney’s sewers.

    So it doesn’t seem things are any better in terms of silicosis risk in underground work than a century ago.

    We need to do more to protect tunnel workers

    Continued secrecy around silica dust data reduces our ability to understand the scale of the problem and respond effectively. Nonetheless, the small amount of data that has been made available supports the need for urgent action.

    With Australia’s ongoing infrastructure expansion, policymakers must act now. This should include enforcing stricter legal limits for silica dust exposure. There is concern among health experts that current limits don’t sufficiently protect workers’ health.

    Policymakers should also ensure protective measures such as advanced ventilation and dust suppression systems are in place for all tunnel projects, set up national tunnel worker health surveillance, and make exposure data available to workers and the public.

    There are several examples where things are done better. Internationally, Norway and Switzerland have strong systems to protect tunnel workers’ health such as air and health monitoring being conducted by an independent government agency. In Switzerland, this agency also insures the project. Noncompliance results in higher insurance premiums or, in some cases, the withdrawal of insurance, effectively stopping the project.

    Nationally, Australia’s mining industry is more heavily regulated than tunnelling, with stricter enforcement of compliance.

    Without immediate intervention, thousands of tunnel workers will continue to face serious health risks and Australia will face a growing wave of preventable occupational diseases.

    Kate Cole receives higher degree by research funding from The University of Sydney; is a member of the Asbestos and Silica Safety Eradication Council; the NSW Dust Diseases Board; the Chair of the External Affairs Committee for the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists; and acts as an expert witness for law firms concerning silica-related diseases in tunnel workers.

    Renee Carey has previously received funding from the Australian Council of Trade Unions. She is a member of the Occupational Lung Disease Network Steering Committee formed by Lung Foundation Australia.

    Tim Driscoll has acted as an expert witness, and written government reports, in relation to silica exposure but not specifically connected to tunnelling. He chairs the Occupational and Environmental Cancer Committee of Cancer Council Australia and chairs the Occupational Lung Disease Network Steering Committee of Lung Foundation Australia.

    – ref. 1 in 10 tunnel workers could develop silicosis, our new research shows – https://theconversation.com/1-in-10-tunnel-workers-could-develop-silicosis-our-new-research-shows-252186

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How the small autonomous region of Puntland found success in battling Islamic State in Somalia

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Ido Levy, PhD Candidate, School of International Service, American University

    Soldiers with the Puntland Defense Forces. Photo by Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post via Getty Images

    On Feb. 24, 2025, members of the Puntland Defense Forces posed next to a sign in Arabic that proclaimed the mountain town of Sheebaab as a “province” of the Islamic State group. The town, located in Somalia’s autonomous northeastern region of Puntland, was one of numerous areas that soldiers from the regional government have taken back during Operation Hilaac, an ongoing campaign against fighters from the Islamic State in Somalia – the local branch of the terrorist network – which began in late November 2024.

    Puntland’s success in combating a growing Islamic State group presence in the northeastern region is particularly notable given the relative lack of success of the central Somali government’s confrontation with the al-Qaida-affiliated group Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahidin – more commonly known as al-Shabab – which for about two decades has waged war against federal forces.

    In contrast, security forces in the self-declared autonomous region of Puntland have, with some key support from international partners, united to repel the Islamic State group’s advance.

    The Islamic State group’s rise in Somalia

    Islamist groups have been part of Somalia’s fractured political landscape since the country’s descent into civil war in the 1980s.

    They tapped into profound local dissatisfaction with warlordism, tribalism and corruption, as well as a reaction to foreign intervention by Ethiopia, the United States and other international actors.

    Al-Shabab and later the Islamic State in Somalia are the most extreme manifestations of this trend.

    Islamic State in Somalia emerged in 2015 when a small group of al-Shabab members led by Abdulqadir Mumin – an extremist Somali preacher who previously lived in Sweden and the United Kingdom, where he acquired citizenship – pledged allegiance to then-Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Having formed as a local branch – or “province” in the group’s self conception as a global entity intent on expanding territory – Islamic State in Somalia launched its first major operation in October 2016, briefly seizing the port town of Qandala in Puntland.

    Thereafter, the group retreated to its strongholds in the mountain regions inside Puntland amid pressure from both the regional government and al-Shabab, which has cracked down on Islamic State supporters in its ranks.

    Yet from the Puntland mountains, Islamic State in Somalia grew into a key node of the terrorist group’s global network. It is now a hub for transferring funds and drawing recruits from across Africa and elsewhere via the regional coordination office it operates known as al-Karrar.

    One notable Sudan-born operative killed in a 2023 U.S. raid in Puntland, Bilal al-Sudani, was known as a key foreign fighter, facilitator and financier who developed Islamic State funding networks in South Africa and helped fund the group’s branch in Afghanistan.

    An NBC News report from mid-2024 cited U.S. officials who believed Mumin, head of Islamic State in Somalia, was acting as the network’s overall leader, or caliph, though other analysts have suggested he holds a top role close to caliph.

    In any case, Islamic State in Somalia’s ranks have increased steadily, from an estimated 200-300 fighters in 2016 to about 1,000 as of February 2025, according to reports.

    Puntland pushes back

    Puntland declared itself an autonomous region of Somalia in 1998 amid the ongoing Somali civil war and has since achieved relative stability compared with the other parts of the country, which have generally been marked by decades of sectarian division and weak central governance.

    Puntland is no stranger to divisions in a country that often hinges on clan loyalties, but it has achieved a greater degree of unity and has regularly raised security forces to defeat external threats, often with considerable foreign support.

    The dominance of a single clan, the Majeerteen, has in part likely helped facilitate this unity. In the current operations against Islamic State in Somalia, the autonomous Puntland government under President Said Abdullahi Deni has gathered several disparate regional forces under the “Puntland Defense Forces” banner, including clan militias, the Puntland Darawish – a regional paramilitary unit – and the Puntland Maritime Police Force.

    Soldiers with the Puntland Defense Forces stand at a base formerly held by the Islamic State group’s Somali affiliate in January 2025 in Puntland, Somalia.
    Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post via Getty Images

    The Puntland Maritime Police Force in particular has evolved into a well-trained and experienced counterterrorism unit. Founded with United Arab Emirates money and mentored by private South African military contractors to address growing piracy, it has turned to fighting al-Shabab and Islamic State in Somalia in the mountain regions. Indeed, it played a leading role in taking Qandala from Islamic State control in 2016. It also cooperated effectively with other forces to defeat a 2016 al-Shabab attempt to attack Puntland from the sea.

    The U.S. and UAE have supported the Puntland government’s campaign. In February 2025, the U.S. launched two airstrikes on Islamic State fighters, with one on Feb. 1, 2025, killing Omani-born Ahmed Maeleninine, a key recruiter, financier and facilitator. The United States claimed another airstrike on March 25.

    The UAE has conducted airstrikes too, likely from the large UAE-funded Puntland Maritime Police Force headquarters base in the major port city of Bosaso.

    The Puntland government has claimed that through its latest operation it has advanced through 315 kilometers, clearing numerous villages and outposts in the mountains.

    On Feb. 11, 2025, The Washington Post reported that regional security forces had killed more than 150 Islamic State members, mostly foreign fighters from countries including Morocco, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, illustrating the group’s significance as a global hub for the network. In fact, one analyst counted 118 dead fighters from a single encounter in early February, indicating a possibly higher death toll. In any case, it represents heavy losses for Islamic State in Somalia, though it is not defeated yet and still numbers fighters in the hundreds.

    The risk of outside interference

    All in all, Puntland has leveraged past success fighting jihadist groups in making remarkable progress in its fight against Islamic State in Somalia.

    It shows how local and substate forces can be more effective at fighting armed nonstate groups than the federal authorities, despite limited resources.

    No doubt, support from the United States and UAE has aided Puntland’s anti-Islamic State push. But reliance on outside sources risks creating dependence on them when local forces must ultimately take ownership of the fight themselves.

    And less patient foreign supporters have been known to spoil the elite units they build. This occurred with the Puntland Security Force, a U.S.-created special forces unit that splintered during a brief withdrawal of U.S. forces from Somalia in 2021 and 2022.

    There are also risks that partner forces will behave badly. While the Emirati mission in Puntland – as well as in Afghanistan and Yemen – has proven effective in fighting jihadists, in Sudan it has been arguably disastrous. There, the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces paramilitary unit helped to ignite an ongoing civil war in 2023 during which its members perpetrated alleged atrocities.

    Ultimately, it will be up to Puntlanders themselves to keep fighting. Indeed, foreign support would have little impact without effective local forces on the ground with the political will to sustain the campaign. Just as Puntland has done before, so too is it now demonstrating that it is determined to fight the threat posed by jihadist groups like Islamic State in Somalia.

    Ido Levy does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How the small autonomous region of Puntland found success in battling Islamic State in Somalia – https://theconversation.com/how-the-small-autonomous-region-of-puntland-found-success-in-battling-islamic-state-in-somalia-251775

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Netherlands: EIB Group and ABN AMRO to make over €1 billion available for Dutch businesses

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB Group and ABN AMRO sign synthetic securitisation agreement, enabling €1.2 billion in new lending for Dutch businesses, part of the new funding is earmarked for sustainable SMEs.

    ABN AMRO Bank has entered into a risk sharing agreement with the EIB Group – consisting of the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) – on a portfolio of over €1 billion in existing loans to Dutch businesses originated by ABN AMRO. Under this synthetic securitisation transaction, a guarantee structure from the EIB Group reduces ABN AMRO’s credit risk exposure, freeing up capital for new lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Caps. The Dutch lender will thus be able provide over €1.2 billion in new financing at favourable rates to companies in the Netherlands. Part of the newly available financing is earmarked for environmental sustainability projects, supporting the transition to climate neutrality and a sustainable society.

    With this ground-breaking transaction, the EIB Group and ABN AMRO build on their longstanding partnership to help Dutch business secure financing at competitive interest rates.

    ABN AMRO Chief Commercial Officer Corporate Banking Dan Dorner: “We have a strategic goal to support SME’s and Mid-Caps. We are therefore delighted once again to be in a position to offer EIB financing to our clients. ABN AMRO and the EIB have partnered several years to provide financing to Dutch companies. The EIB offers favourable conditions for our clients. This transaction will support the economic growth of our clients and their transition to climate neutrality and boost the SME loans in the Dutch market.”

    EIB Group vice-president Robert de Groot added: “We are proud to close this landmark deal, which is the largest securitisation transaction in EIB Group history. It is also our first collaboration of this kind with ABN AMRO, leveraging on the strong relationship between both banks. This partnership will significantly enhance the availability of financing for SMEs and Mid-Caps in the Netherlands, driving economic growth and job creation.”

    Framework for financing

    As part of their mission to support EU policy goals, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Investment Fund (EIF) work to enhance capital access for innovative companies in Europe and beyond. SMEs and mid-caps are a key part of the Dutch, European and global economy, creating jobs and driving economic development and innovation. Under the current partnership agreement with the EIB Group, ABN AMRO is able to offer Dutch borrowers a loan discount, subject to specific conditions. The final decision on lending activities under this facility rests with ABN AMRO.

    Transaction details

    This transaction is the first synthetic securitisation entered into between ABN AMRO and the EIB Group, referencing a portfolio of Dutch SME and corporate exposures and enables ABN AMRO to free up capital for new lending to Dutch SMEs and Mid-Caps, of which at least 30% will be allocated to projects aligned with criteria for climate action and environmental sustainability, highlighting the commitment of ABN AMRO and the EIB Group to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

    Both EIB and EIF are involved in the transaction. The EIF is providing protection on the mezzanine tranche of €150 million and on the senior tranche of €835 million. The EIF’s mezzanine tranche exposure as well as part of the EIF’s senior tranche exposure is in turn counter-guaranteed by the EIB. The junior tranche is fully retained by ABN AMRO. Key features of the transaction include synthetic excess spread, a three-year revolving period and pro-rata amortisation of the senior and the mezzanine tranches, subject to performance triggers.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. The Netherlands owns a 5,2% share of the EIB. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals and national priorities. More than 90% of its activity is in Europe. Over the last ten years, the EIB has made available more than €27 billion in financing for Dutch projects in various sectors, including research & development, sustainable mobility, drinking water, healthcare and SMEs. In 2024 the EIB Group, which also includes the EIB’s subsidiary, the European Investment Fund (EIF), made available more than €3 billion for Dutch projects.

    The European Investment Fund (EIF) supports Europe’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises by providing equity capital, loans and guarantees through a wide network of selected financial intermediaries. The EIF was established in 1994 and is active in all EU countries, prospective member countries, Liechtenstein and Norway. The majority shareholder of EIF is EIB and other shareholders include the European Commission and a range of European financial institutions.

    ABN AMRO is a Dutch bank for retail, corporate and private banking clients, offering a full range of financial products and solutions. Our focus is on Northwest Europe. ABN AMRO’s purpose is Banking for better, for generations to come. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the bank serves over 5 million clients and employs more than 19,000 people. Please visit us at  www.abnamro.com. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Press freedom linked to greater financial stability, finds global study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By George Kladakis, Lecturer in Finance, University of St Andrews

    Press freedom is widely considered to be a cornerstone of democracy. It brings accountability, transparency and access to reliable information.

    But beyond its democratic role, press freedom is also a vital part of a stable economy. Research has shown that it acts as a kind of financial watchdog, ensuring balance and accuracy.

    In doing so, an independent press strengthens the resilience of financial institutions. And our research suggests that higher levels of press freedom can also be linked to greater financial stability and lower “systemic risk” – where something bad happening at one company can trigger wider instability or even industry collapse – in the banking sector.

    Using data from 47 countries, we found that an independent press brings greater scrutiny of banking executives. Another benefit is a better flow of information around the financial markets, making the whole system more efficient.

    Countries with higher levels of press freedom are also more likely to foster corporate and political cultures that are free from the sort of corruption which could jeopardise the stability of the banking sector. All of these advantages are most pronounced during economic downturns or banking crises.

    And even outside times of crisis, we can see the positive effects by looking at basic financial indicators in countries with high and low press freedom levels. Countries with consistently high levels of press freedom such as Norway, Sweden or Estonia, for example, have far fewer non-performing (unrepaid) loans than countries with low levels of press freedom such as Pakistan, Greece or Russia.

    But a free press and a stable banking industry are by no means the norm.

    Recent data from the campaign group Reporters Without Borders highlights a worrying decline in media autonomy. It reports that 135 out of 180 countries now have press freedom levels classified as “problematic”, “difficult” or “very serious”.

    This trend extends to advanced economies such as Japan (70th, down from 68th in 2023), Italy (46th, down from 41st), and the US (55th, down from 45th).

    And it looks like the world’s largest economy could slip down the rankings even further. Although President Trump signed an executive order aimed at “restoring freedom of speech”, he has also explicitly threatened to revoke broadcast licenses, investigate critical media and jail journalists who protect confidential sources.

    In February 2025, White House officials even informed one US news agency that its journalists would be barred from entering the Oval Office until it stopped using the geographic term “Gulf of Mexico” instead of Trump’s preferred “Gulf of America”.

    But the Trump effect is not limited to the US. A recent aid freeze by his administration has cut billions in funding for independent media outlets across more than 30 countries, including Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iran.

    Press test

    Notable declines in press freedom have also been observed in politically volatile regions such as Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and central Asia, where authoritarian regimes continue to tighten their grip on the media.

    The survey from Reporters Without Borders suggests that governments across the world are failing to protect journalism, with a marked trend of declining press freedom.

    In 2014, 13% of countries enjoyed a “good” degree of press freedom, but this figure dropped to 7% by 2021 and then to just 4.4% in 2022. Conversely, the share of countries in the lowest classifications has risen dramatically. A decade ago, 8% were considered “difficult”, now that figure is 24%. The number of those with a “very serious” situation has gone from 8% to 17% in the same period.



    Read more:
    White House spat with AP over ‘Gulf of America’ ignites fears for press freedom in second Trump era

    Of course, there are outliers in the global picture. China, for example, has limited press freedom but a very stable banking sector that has been highly resilient to external shocks in the past. But the country is run by an authoritarian regime that helps to shield its banks from those kinds of risks.

    Elsewhere though, the decline in press freedom threatens not just democratic principles and political transparency, but also the operation of financial markets. Safeguarding that freedom is a critical basis of economic resilience and stability.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Press freedom linked to greater financial stability, finds global study – https://theconversation.com/press-freedom-linked-to-greater-financial-stability-finds-global-study-248207

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Trust-Building ‘Fundamental to Fostering Stable, Prosperous Future for All Communities in Kosovo’, Special Representative Tells Security Council

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Several Members Debate Future of UN Mission, Urge European Union Maintain Objective, Neutral Position between Pristina, Belgrade

    The Security Council met today to consider the role of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, with some members advocating for its restructuring or gradual drawdown, while others emphasized its ongoing relevance in supporting regional stability and facilitating dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

    “Trust-building remains fundamental to fostering a stable and prosperous future for all communities in Kosovo,” said Caroline Ziadeh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), as she introduced the Secretary-General’s latest report on the Mission (document S/2025/200) covering developments from 16 September 2024 to 15 March 2025.

    UNMIK was established in 1999 through Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) to provide an interim civilian administration, following a brutal conflict in the Western Balkans and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) military intervention.  It now primarily focuses on political monitoring, facilitating intercommunal dialogue and regularly reporting to the Council, particularly on issues affecting peace and stability.

    “Despite the continued challenges which reflect a sense of lack of confidence in institutions and concerns over intercommunal relations, UNMIK stands steadfast in its commitment to bridging divides,” the Special Representative said, detailing the Mission’s initiatives to promote interethnic dialogue and countering divisive narratives to “address the trust deficit”, including the Barabar Centre, which hosted more than 100 events.

    She welcomed the peaceful holding of a recent election in Kosovo, expressing hope for the timely formation of the next Government.  However, she went on to voice concern about the closures of Serbia-run institutions there, and the consequences they are having on economic and social rights, especially for persons in vulnerable situations.  “UNMIK will continue to closely monitor their impacts,” she said, reiterating her call to refrain from unilateral actions and urge outstanding issues to be discussed constructively and in good faith within the European Union-facilitated dialogue.

    She also voiced alarm over the destruction of religious symbols, most recently an attack on the Serbian Orthodox Church, as well as violence and security incidents in northern Kosovo.

    Serbia, Kosovo Trade Accusations

    Marko Đjurić, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, underscored the need to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of internationally recognized States, including his own.  “I believe that today — whether we want to admit it or not — we are all aware of the consequences of the precedent set in 2008 by the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo,” he said, noting that — since 2008, “we have seen an increasing number of situations questioning statuses of various regions, provinces, territories of sovereign countries, members of this Organization”.  He added: “In fact, in the aftermath of the Kosovo precedent, this very Security Council has been overwhelmed with dealing with the consequences thereof.”

    He then turned to Pristina’s actions to “systematically dismantle institutions of Serbs throughout Kosovo and Metohija”; to hold elections in which conditions for Serb participation “were anything but free or fair”; and to initiate a “widespread campaign of persecution against prominent Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija for their participation in protests in late 2022”.  He underscored:  “What [Albin] Kurti is doing to the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija is not an act of care for citizens — it is targeted, deliberate and systematic ethnic revanchism.” He added that, while Serbia will always support dialogue, “we must not forget that the ‘di’ in ‘dialogue’ stands for participation of two sides”.  Against these backdrops, “UNMIK’s role is not only relevant, it is indispensable”, he stressed.

    Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz of Kosovo then recalled the NATO intervention on 24 March 1999 “to stop a genocide in Europe”.  Now, 26 years later, she said that “the republic of Kosova is a true example of how international intervention against genocide, with sustained international support, has enabled the flourishing of a full European and Western democracy”. However, she said that “Serbia has not changed very much — it continues trying to destabilize our democracy”.  It does this not only through rhetoric, but concrete, violent actions.  On that, she spotlighted an armed incursion in 2023 led by Milan Radoičić — “a man publicly known to be linked to Serbia’s political leadership”.

    This, she stressed, was an “act of open aggression against a neighbouring country, carried out by a military group with military training, equipment and logistics from Serbia”.  She also pointed to the November 2024 use of “military-grade explosives” against the Ibër-Lepenc canal.  “The objective was unmistakable, designed to terrorize our population, disrupt daily life and cause widespread harm,” she stressed.  Calling on Serbia to fully cooperate with international investigations and hand over Mr. Radoičić, she also called on UNMIK to “finally address the reality on the ground:  Serbia’s current regime continues to undermine peace — not only in Kosova, but throughout the region”.  She added that — given the current state of Kosova’s development — “UNMIK no longer serves a purpose that justifies its continued presence”.

    European Union’s Role

    “The future of the Western Balkans is in our European Union,” said the bloc’s representative, speaking in his capacity as observer, welcoming that Belgrade and Pristina reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue facilitated by the Union and the process of normalizing their relations — essential conditions for the parties to join the European Union.  He urged both sides not to risk losing this opportunity.

    However, the Russian Federation’s delegate questioned the European Union’s role as an “honest broker”.  Brussels ignores the tragedy of anti-Serb ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and encourages Pristina to continue oppressing the Serbian population. “The [European Union] mediation has completely failed,” he said, also warning against continued deliveries of military products to Kosovo from NATO countries in violation of resolution 1244 (1999).  “Given the lack of progress in the settlement, the international community’s attention to Kosovo should not wane,” he said, rejecting any attempt to reduce the frequency or changing the format, of Council meetings on Kosovo.  He also opposed reducing UNMIK’s budget and personnel.

    China’s delegate also called on the European Union to maintain an objective, neutral position, underscoring the need for the United Nations and the Security Council to maintain their attention on the Kosovo issue and respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Serbia.  Greece’s delegate supported the continuation of UNMIK’s mandate “as necessary”, arguing that its coordination with the NATO-led peacekeeping force and the European Union rule of law mission in Kosovo is vital for achieving long-lasting peace and stability in the region.  Similarly, Panama’s representative said that UNMIK and the European missions on the ground remain crucial for progress towards peacebuilding in the region.

    The representative of France, Council President for April, spoke in his national capacity to state that the Mission’s mandate is “linked to the normalization of Serbia and Kosovo”.  He therefore expressed support for the Mission’s extension.

    Calls to Draw Down UN Kosovo Mission

    However, “the time to draw down UNMIK has arrived”, the representative of the United States said, recommending that the Mission transfer its functions to other UN agencies on the ground so the process towards ultimately terminating the Mission is deliberate and gradual, rather than sudden.  Washington, D.C., is committed to rooting out unnecessary spending in international organizations.  “UNMIK is a peacekeeping mission without peacekeepers, with 81 per cent of its budget going to staff salaries,” he pointed out.  Future meetings on UNMIK should be held in a closed format to foster a more candid and less performative discussion.  These briefings should be further reduced to annual meetings, he added.

    The United Kingdom is “a long-standing friend of Kosovo”, said its representative, expressing its support for Kosovo’s statehood, Euro-Atlantic aspirations and an inclusive and multiethnic democracy.  Welcoming Kenya’s recent recognition of Kosovo, he encouraged other States to do so if they haven’t.  With conditions on the ground that existed in 1999 now unrecognizable, “it is time for the Council to review UNMIK’s role and responsibilities to ensure it can continue to effectively support security, stability and human rights in Kosovo in a way that reflects the world of 2025”, he added.  On that, the Republic of Korea’s delegate said that a “more streamlined division of roles” between UNMIK and partners “could enhance overall effectiveness”.

    The representative of Denmark said that 10,000 Danish soldiers have served in Kosovo since 1999.  She also emphasized that Denmark was among the first countries to recognize Kosovo as an independent State, adding:  “We fully support its European path and integration in the international system.”  Concurring, the representative of Sierra Leone stated that accession to the European Union is the “most viable route” for Kosovo’s development.

    The representative of Slovenia welcomed the “peaceful, competitive and inclusive” parliamentary elections held in Kosovo in February as a “positive step forward in strengthening Kosovo’s democratic credentials”. He also highlighted the role of youth: “If for no one else, it is for Kosovo’s youth that things need to start moving forward.”  The representative of Guyana welcomed a new election law designed to promote transparency and greater representation for women, but expressed concern over “reports of harsh rhetoric — including hate speech — and attempts to politicize key institutions”.

    Caution against Unilateral Actions

    The representative of Algeria underscored:  “Maintaining peace and security in Kosovo is critical to avoid any escalation of tensions.”  It is therefore important, he stressed, to refrain from any steps that could lead to escalation — “including unilateral actions that affect the socioeconomic situation of non-majority communities”.  Pakistan’s delegate welcomed the European Union’s continued efforts to facilitate dialogue, calling on Belgrade and Pristina to “demonstrate their sincere commitment to the political process”, fulfil their obligations under relevant agreements and “refrain from unilateral actions that could escalate tensions”.

    “Lasting stability requires not only patience and sustained commitment but also the wisdom to choose diplomatic engagement over unilateral measures,” stressed Somalia’s representative.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini expands strategic partnership with Google Cloud to revolutionize CX across industries with agentic AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Mollie Mellows
    Tel.: + 44 (0) 7342 709384
    E-mail: mollie.mellows@capgemini.com

    Capgemini expands strategic partnership with Google Cloud to revolutionize CX across industries with agentic AI

    Paris, April 9, 2025 – Capgemini today announced a strategic agentic AI initiative with Google Cloud to transform customer experience (CX) into a key value driver for clients. Building on its existing partnership, Capgemini will create industry-specific agentic AI solutions designed to handle customer requests across all communication channels (web, social, phone etc.) and improve employee productivity. Underpinned by Google Cloud’s AI technology, Capgemini will develop bespoke solutions designed to enhance customer services with intelligent automation and deep customer insights, enabling organizations to deliver more personalized, efficient, and effective CX to elevate brand perception, increase loyalty, and drive revenue growth. 

    A recent report by the Capgemini Research Institute found that although customer service is considered strategically important, less than half of organizations feel prepared to integrate AI and generative AI into the function.1 Recognized as the Global Industry Solution Partner of the Year 2025 by Google Cloud, Capgemini will combine its deep industry expertise and technical capabilities to develop solutions powered by Google Agentspace and Customer Engagement Suite with Google AI. This will accelerate adoption of secure, trusted agentic AI capabilities that are interoperable with a client’s existing technology infrastructure and can support a variety of industry and regulatory needs. The agentic AI solutions will be designed to significantly optimize business processes and unlock commercial value by enhancing organizations’ own search capabilities, automating complex workflows, as well as understanding and proactively anticipating customer needs.

    “Capgemini is entering the next phase of its strategic partnership with Google Cloud and this new collaboration focuses on driving revenue for our clients by elevating customer service to a strategic value driver in industries where CX is paramount,” said Fernando Alvarez, Chief Strategy and Development Officer and Group Executive Board Member at Capgemini. “The customer service function is undergoing a transformative shift as business leaders increasingly recognize its importance in unlocking commercial potential. Agentic systems can play a key role in this, and the future of customer service will require a strategic blend of human and virtual agents, enhanced by generative and agentic AI. By understanding the potential of agentic AI and the business realities of our clients, we’re expertly placed to maximize its value and deliver genuine impact.”

    “Businesses require a combination of technical expertise and advanced technology to fully realize the benefits of agentic AI within their current IT infrastructure. Through Agentspace and our new Agent2Agent interoperability protocol, our partnership with Capgemini will provide clients with AI solutions that drive long-term value across industries,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, President, Global Partner Organization, Google Cloud.

    Primarily focused on telco, retail, and financial services, the partnership is intended to expand into further industries such as life sciences and utilities, with a goal of accelerating business outcomes by enabling customer services transformation. This includes areas such as:

    • Improving productivity in telco: New solutions to optimize call routing and resolution in contact centers by leveraging conversational AI to improve intent and understanding, increase call containment and assist agents. Organizations can benefit from reduced handling time and improved first-call resolution rates, while human agents are freed-up to focus on higher value tasks. Capgemini’s research finds that around 9 in 10 organizations using gen AI are already seeing improved first contact resolution rates or expecting to see this benefit in the future.1
    • Personalizing CX in retail: AI agents to help better personalize shopping experiences by using AI to analyze customer data and provide tailored product recommendations, promotions, and support interactions across all channels (online, in-store, mobile). 
    • Enhancing security in financial services Using Google Cloud’s AI, financial services clients can improve risk assessment and fraud detection with agents that analyze customer transactions and identify suspicious patterns, improving security and regulatory compliance.

    Google Cloud’s new Agent2Agent interoperability protocol will enable AI agents to successfully communicate with one another, safely exchange information, and coordinate actions no matter which platform they are running on or built on top of. As agentic AI becomes more widely adopted, this protocol will ensure agent functionality across diverse and separate data sources and applications.

    Google Cloud recognizes Capgemini as a trusted partner for driving clients’ large-scale transformation, with the company winning three Google Cloud Partner of the Year awards in 2025. The awards celebrate Capgemini’s expertise in creating compelling solutions that make an impact for joint clients worldwide:

    • Global Industry Solutions Partner of the Year
    • Global Industry Solutions Partner of the Year for Sustainability
    • Country Partner of the Year in Denmark

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    1 “Unleashing the value of customer service: The transformative impact of Gen AI and Agentic AI”, Capgemini Research Institute, March 2025

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE Presence supports SPAK Task Force to prevent and investigate electoral crimes

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE Presence supports SPAK Task Force to prevent and investigate electoral crimes

    Head of SPAK Altin Dumani (left), Ambassador Tarran (across) and their staff meet on the occasion of a donation by the OSCE Presence to enhance SPAK’s newly-established Task Force’s capacities in preventing and investigating electoral crimes, Tirana, 9 April 2025. (OSCE/Joana Karapataqi) Photo details

    As part of its efforts to support the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), on 9 April 2025, the OSCE Presence in Albania donated several sets of IT equipment to enhance SPAK’s newly-established Task Force’s capacities in preventing and investigating electoral crimes in the 11 May parliamentary elections.
    The equipment – consisting of 25 laptops, 25 printers/scanners and accessories – will be used by the 13 mobile investigation units as well as the co-ordinating unit in Tirana. The mobile units will cover all 12 regions of Albania and will be composed of SPAK prosecutors, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) investigators, financial investigators and support staff. They will focus on preventing and investigating criminal offences related to misuse of public administration and state infrastructure as well as the involvement of criminal groups in elections.
    This technical assistance will be followed by capacity-building training aimed at enhancing the skills of special prosecutors, financial and NBI investigators in gathering, analysing and investigating evidence related to electoral crimes.
    During the handover ceremony at SPAK premises, Head of Presence Ambassador Michel Tarran and Head of SPAK Altin Dumani emphasized the importance of strong institutional mechanisms in safeguarding electoral processes.
    “Today is about more than just equipment – it is about empowering the institutions that contribute to strengthening Albania’s democracy. I would like to commend SPAK for their initiative and commitment to investigating and prosecuting electoral crimes. We hope that heightened co-ordination and action from relevant institutions will dissuade potential violators and are confident that your work will contribute to ensuring that elections are free from unlawful interference,” said Tarran.
    “Elections represent a cornerstone of a democratic state. We express our gratitude to the OSCE for its continued support. This equipment will help to enhance the capacity of special prosecutors and investigators in the timely identification and effective prosecution of electoral crimes”, said Dumani.
    The donation was made possible as part of OSCE Presence’s project “Support to electoral reform and processes in Albania” funded by Sweden, Switzerland, the U.S. Mission to the OSCE and Poland.
    The OSCE Presence remains committed to supporting Albania’s institution in further strengthening electoral integrity.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitdeer Announces March 2025 Production and Operations Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    — Completed mass production of SEALMINER A1s and 2.8 EH/s energized
    — Regulatory approval for Tydal, Norway site finalized
    — Retained Northland Capital Markets (“Northland”) to act as financial advisor for its HPC/AI data center development strategy

    SINGAPORE, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) (“Bitdeer” or the “Company”), a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing, today announced its unaudited mining and operations updates for March 2025.

    Operational Update

    • Self-mined Bitcoin: 114 Bitcoins.
    • Mining Rig Manufacturing and R&D:
      • SEALMINER A1:
        • Completed mass production of approximately 3.8 EH/s of mining rigs.
        • 2.8 EH/s are energized, 0.6 EH/s have been delivered for installation, 0.3 EH/s are in-transit to the Company’s datacenters, with remaining to be delivered in April.
      • SEALMINER A2:
        • Wafer capacity disclosures will be paused temporarily. This decision was the result of a comprehensive consideration for maximizing the Company’s shareholders’ value. These disclosures were previously provided to assist potential mining rig buyers in making informed decisions. However, due to the current market uncertainty and the significant slowdown in mining rig demand, disclosure of total capacity is not currently useful. The Company’s self-mining hashrate forecast increased slightly this month and Bitdeer remains confident that the previously predicted hashrate targets in the second half of 2025 are achievable, on schedule, and can potentially exceed the Company’s expectations.
        • 0.8 EH/s of mining rigs have been shipped to customers and the Company’s own datacenters for self-mining, 0.4 EH/s have been manufactured and are ready for shipment and 1 EH/s are being assembled.
        • Sales of SEALMINER A2 are ongoing, ~0.3 EH/s of miners have been shipped to customers in March.
        • Launched SEALMINER A2 Pro series on March 17, 2025, featuring air-cooling (SEALMINER A2 Pro Air) and hydro-cooling (SEALMINER A2 Pro Hyd) models with a power efficiency ratio of 14.9 J/TH. The SEALMINER A2 Pro Air delivers up to 270 TH/s, while the SEALMINER A2 Pro Hyd reaches 530 TH/s, both with advanced efficiency, stability, and noise reduction. SEALMINER A2 Pro will be another commercialized product that is currently open for external sales.
      • SEALMINER A3:
        • SEAL03 sample wafers achieved an energy efficiency of 9.7 J/TH at the chip level during chip verification and prototype testing while running at low voltage, ultra power-saving mode. More risk wafers will be delivered in April for further testing and mass production ready R&D.
      • SEALMINER A4:
        • SEAL04 R&D remains on track to achieve an expected chip efficiency of approximately 5 J/TH with anticipated initial tape-out in Q4 2025.
    • HPC/AI:
      • Bitdeer has now formalized an engagement with Northland Capital Markets (“Northland”) to act as financial advisor for its HPC/AI data center development strategy.  Northland will assist Bitdeer with existing negotiations with potential development partners and provide guidance regarding capital providers.
      • Discussions are ongoing with multiple development partners and potential end users for selected large scale sites in U.S. for HPC/AI clouding business.
      • GB200 NVL72 reservations open – deployment is on schedule for 2025.
    • Hosting:
      • Client-hosted mining rigs increased by 3,000 units or 0.6 EH/s in March 2025, due to existing customers increasing hosted mining rigs.
    • Infrastructure:
      • Tydal, Norway: Regulatory approval has been obtained, with 70 MW set for energization and commissioning in early April and the remaining 105 MW scheduled for completion by mid-2025.
      • Rockdale, Texas, USA: 1.4 EH/s of SEALMINER A1 hydro mining rigs have been energized into 100 MW hydro-cooling conversion.
      • Clarington Phase 2, Ohio, USA: 304 MW land lease agreement signed and negotiating with regional utility.
      • Jigmeling, Bhutan: All electrical equipment has been delivered and is being installed, with completion and energization in Q2 2025 on track (see Infrastructure Construction Update section below for further details).
      • Oromia Region, Ethiopia: In early April, Bitdeer signed an SPA and a turnkey agreement for the acquisition and construction of a 50 MW mining datacenter in Ethiopia for US$7.5 million, including a local company with a mining permit, a 33kV substation connection, and a 4-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Ethiopian Electric Power Company. The Company is collaborating with an EPC contractor with specialized experience in Bitcoin mining and targeting energization by Q4 2025.

    Management Commentary

    “We achieved significant operational progress in March,” stated Matt Kong, Chief Business Officer at Bitdeer. “First, we completed mass production of 3.8 EH/s our SEALMINER A1 mining rigs and energized 2.8 EH/s, increasing our self-mining hashrate to 11.5 EH/s at the end of March with the remaining to be installed and turned on in April. Second, we launched the SEALMINER A2 Pro series Bitcoin mining rigs, delivering an efficiency of 14.9 J/TH. Finally, we obtained regulatory approval for Phase 1 and 2 of our Tydal, Norway site and we expect to energize more than 600 MW of power capacity over the next few months, including our Bhutan site.”

    Production and Operations Summary

    Metrics Mar 2025 Feb 2025 Mar 2024
    Total hash rate under management1(EH/s) 24.2 20.9 22.5
    – Proprietary hash rate 12.1 9.4 8.4
    • Self-mining 11.5 9.0 6.7
    • Cloud Hash Rate – – 1.7
    • Delivered but not hashing 0.6 0.4 0.0
    – Hosting 12.1 11.5 14.1
    Mining rigs under management 175,000 163,000 226,000
    – Self-owned2 97,000 88,000 86,000
    – Hosted 78,000 75,000 140,000
    Bitcoins mined (self-mining only) 114 110 294
    Bitcoin held3 1,156 1,039 58


    1    Total hash rate under management as of March 31, 2025 across the Company’s primary business lines: Self-mining, Cloud Hash Rate, and Hosting.

    • Self-mining refers to cryptocurrency mining for the Company’s own account, which allows it to directly capture the high appreciation potential of cryptocurrency.
    • Cloud Hash Rate offers hash rate subscription plans and shares mining income with customers under certain arrangements. The Cloud Hash Rate stated above reflects the contracted hash rate with customers at month-end.
    • Hosting encompasses a one-stop mining machine hosting solution including deployment, maintenance, and management services for efficient cryptocurrency mining.

    2Self-owned mining machines are for the Company’s self-mining business and Cloud Hash Rate business.
    3Bitcoins held do not include the Bitcoins from deposits of the customers.

    Infrastructure Construction Update

    Rockdale, Texas – 100 MW Hydro-cooling conversion energization commenced:

    • All cooling system delivered and installed.
    • Approximately 1.4 EH/s of SEALMINER A1 hydro mining rigs have been energized.
    • Energization in accordance with the phase of delivery of mining rigs.

    Tydal, Norway – 175 MW site expansion anticipated to be fully energized by mid-2025:

    • Regulatory approval has been obtained.
    • 70 MW will be ready for energization and commissioning in early April, with the remaining 105 MW to be commissioned by mid-2025.
    • Installation of the transformers has been completed, with the delivery and installation of electrical equipment currently in progress. Additionally, the procurement and delivery of containers and hydro-cooling systems are underway, and drainage systems construction is ongoing.

    Massillon, Ohio – 221 MW site construction has begun ahead of schedule:

    • Substation construction is underway and is expected to be completed in Q3 2025.
    • Building design is completed and construction has begun earlier than expected, estimated to be completed in phases between Q3 and Q4 2025.
    • Estimated energization is expected to be completed in phases over Q3 and Q4 2025.

    Clarington Phase 2, Ohio – 304 MW: Signed lease agreement with the landlord and negotiating with regional utility.

    Jigmeling, Bhutan – 500 MW site is progressing well and is expected to be energized in phases beginning in April through June 2025:

    • All electrical equipment has been delivered and is currently being installed, with completion expected by Q2 2025.
    • The first main 132kV transformer has been powered on. The second main 132kV transformer is expected to be powered on in April 2025.
    • Construction of the 220kV substation is underway and is expected to be completed by Q2 2025.
    • Delivery of containers and hydro-cooling systems are in progress and is expected to be completed in phases by Q2 2025.

    Fox Creek, Alberta – 101 MW site acquired in Alberta, sitting on 19 acres, is fully licensed and permitted:

    • Acquisition includes all permits and licenses to construct an on-site natural gas power plant, as well as approval for a 99 MW grid interconnection with Alberta Electric System Operator (“AESO”).
    • Bitdeer will develop and construct the power plant in partnership with a leading engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) company and is expected to be energized by Q4 2026.

    Oromia Region, Ethiopia – Signed an SPA and a turnkey agreement for the acquisition and construction of a 50 MW Bitcoin mining project in Ethiopia for US$7.5 million:

    • Acquisition includes local Ethiopian company with a mining permit, connected to a neighboring transmission substation at 33kV interconnection.
    • This local Ethiopian company has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Ethiopian Electric Power Company for a duration of 4 years at an electricity price of approximately US$0.036/ kWh.
    • Bitdeer is working closely with an EPC contractor with specialized experience in Bitcoin mining and this mining project is expected to be energized in Q4 2025.
    Site / Location Capacity (MW) Status Timing4
    Electrical capacity      
    – Rockdale, Texas 563 Online Completed
    – Knoxville, Tennessee 86 Online Completed
    – Wenatchee, Washington 13 Online Completed
    – Molde, Norway 84 Online Completed
    – Tydal, Norway 50 Online Completed
    – Gedu, Bhutan 100 Online Completed
    Total electrical capacity 8955    
    Pipeline capacity      
    – Tydal, Norway Phase 1 70 In progress April 2025
    – Tydal, Norway Phase 2 105 In progress Mid 2025
    – Massillon, Ohio 221 In progress Q3-Q4 2025
    – Clarington, Ohio Phase 1 266 In progress Q3 2025
    – Clarington, Ohio Phase 2 304 Pending approval Estimate 2026
    – Jigmeling, Bhutan 500 In progress Q2 2025
    – Rockdale, Texas 179 In planning Estimate 2026
    – Alberta, Canada 99 In planning Q4 2026
    – Oromia Region, Ethiopia 50 In planning Q4 2025
    Total pipeline capacity 1,794    
    Total global electrical capacity 2,689    


    4     Indicative timing. All timing references are to calendar quarters and years.
    5 Figures may not add up due to rounding.

    Upcoming Conferences and Events

    • April 8 – 9, 2025: Jones Healthcare and Technology Innovation Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada
    • April 16, 2025: Jefferies Power x Coin Virtual Conference
    • May 14 – 15, 2025: Macquarie Asia Conference 2025 in Hong Kong
    • May 19 – 20, 2025: Barclay 15th Annual Emerging Payments and Fintech Forum in New York City
    • May 20, 2025: Benchmark Virtual Digital Asset Seminar
    • May 21 – 22, 2025: B. Riley 25th Annual Investor Conference in Marina Del Rey, California
    • May 28, 2025: Orange Group & Blockware Sell-side and Buy-side Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada

    About Bitdeer Technologies Group

    Bitdeer is a world-leading technology company for Bitcoin mining. Bitdeer is committed to providing comprehensive Bitcoin mining solutions for its customers. The Company handles complex processes involved in computing such as equipment procurement, transport logistics, datacenter design and construction, equipment management, and daily operations. The Company also offers advanced cloud capabilities to customers with high demand for artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Singapore, Bitdeer has deployed datacenters in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan. To learn more, visit https://ir.bitdeer.com/ or follow Bitdeer on X @ BitdeerOfficial and LinkedIn @ Bitdeer Group.

    Investors and others should note that Bitdeer may announce material information using its website and/or on its accounts on social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Therefore, Bitdeer encourages investors and others to review the information it posts on the social media and other communication channels listed on its website.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “look forward to,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Bitdeer’s annual report on Form 20-F, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Bitdeer’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. Bitdeer specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Orange Group
    Yujia Zhai
    bitdeerIR@orangegroupadvisors.com

    Public Relations
    BlocksBridge Consulting
    Nishant Sharma
    bitdeer@blocksbridge.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Emerald Technology Ventures Celebrates Four Portfolio Companies in TIME’s World’s Top GreenTech Companies of 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emerald Technology Ventures, a global pioneer in venture capital dedicated to sustainable technologies and industrial innovation, has announced that four of its portfolio companies have been named to TIME magazine’s prestigious Top GreenTech Companies of 2025 list. Nanograf, Tropic, and Ineratec secured spots in the top 100, while Paptic landed in the top 150. The TIME Magazine and Statista analysis evaluated over 8,000 companies worldwide, considering factors such as environmental impact, financial strength, and innovative potential. Emerald Technology Ventures’ success in this ranking highlights the firm’s keen eye for transformative green technologies.

    As the first independent cleantech venture capital fund in Europe, Emerald has carved out a distinctive space in venture capital for over two decades, leading the charge for sustainable industrial innovation. Emerald backs innovators that deliver both environmental impact and financial success. Today’s recognition underscores that sustainable technology is not just a moral imperative—it’s instrumental in gaining a competitive advantage, with Emerald at the forefront of helping large corporations adapt and discover the technology that will bring their business into a successful future.

    Highlighted Portfolio Companies

    Nanograf
    Ranked as 51, the Chicago based company, Nanograf, is a leader in advanced battery materials. By developing advanced graphene-based materials, Nanograf dramatically improves battery performance and energy storage capabilities. Their innovative nanotechnology solutions enable longer-lasting, faster-charging batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems, addressing critical challenges in clean energy infrastructure.

    Tropic
    Another honoree, ranked 82, Tropic (formerly Tropic Biosciences) continues to push the boundaries in sustainable agriculture through genetic innovation. Its flagship innovation leverages gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR, to develop resilient tropical crops like bananas and coffee. Tropic’s work enhances crop durability against climate change-induced stresses—drought, pests, and diseases—while reducing pesticide use and food waste. For instance, its non-browning banana variety extends shelf life, addressing supply chain inefficiencies.

    Ineratec
    Also placed in the top 100, Ineratec, ranked 94, is a pioneer of sustainable synthetic fuels through its Power-to-Liquid (PtL) technology. Its innovation centers on modular, microstructured reactors that convert renewable electricity, CO2 (captured from the air or industrial sources), and hydrogen into carbon-neutral e-fuels like e-kerosene, e-diesel, and e-methanol. These drop-in fuels decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like aviation and shipping, with a Frankfurt facility set to become Europe’s largest e-fuel plant by late 2025, producing thousands of tons annually. Ineratec’s scalable, efficient reactors offer superior heat transfer and rapid deployment, advancing the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy carriers.

    Paptic
    Securing a position as 144, Paptic represents Emerald’s diverse approach to sustainable innovation. Based in Espoo, Finland, Paptic is redefining packaging with its wood-based, recyclable material designed to replace single-use plastics. Its innovation is a bio-based, fiber-derived “paper-textile” that combines the durability and flexibility of plastic with the recyclability and biodegradability of paper. Produced from sustainably managed forests, Paptic’s material—available in variants like Tringa—saves 20-30% water and energy compared to traditional paper production while offering tear resistance and water repellency. Used in e-commerce packaging, retail bags, and more, it integrates with existing manufacturing lines, supporting a circular economy by reducing plastic waste and fossil resource dependency.

    About Emerald Technology Ventures
    Emerald is a globally recognized venture capital firm, founded in 2000, that manages and advises assets of over €1 billion from its offices in Zurich, Toronto and Singapore. The firm invests in start-ups that tackle big challenges in climate change and sustainability, with four current funds, hundreds of venture transactions and five third-party investment mandates, including loan guarantees to over 100 start-ups. Bold Ideas. Bright Future. www.emerald.vc.

    Media Contact
    Len Fernandes
    Firecracker PR
    len@firecrackerpr.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/71b23075-0133-4355-bc40-24f7174a9fdf

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New NATO-Ukraine Centre hosts resilience workshop to enhance cooperation and readiness

    Source: NATO

    The NATO Joint Analysis Training and Education Centre (JATEC) in Bydgoszcz, Poland held a workshop on total defence and resilience on 2-3 April 2025.

    21 participants from six NATO Allies and Ukraine addressed topics including the security of critical services, strategic communications, transport and military mobility. The workshop aimed to enhance collaboration and inform future planning for NATO and Ukraine, identify key challenges and develop actionable strategies for Ukraine’s long-term security and defence readiness. In the workshop, experts from several Swedish government agencies shared Sweden’s approach to national resilience-building. This was complemented by NATO’s pool of resilience civil experts, who offered experience and best practices from across the Alliance. 

    In 2024, Allies agreed to deepen cooperation with partners on resilience. The mutually beneficial work between NATO and Ukraine through JATEC directly contributes to this initiative. In the same year, Allies also agreed to continue supporting Ukraine, including by establishing JATEC. Opened in February 2025, JATEC is the first civil-military organisation to be jointly run by NATO and a partner nation. It analyses wartime experiences in Ukraine and provides NATO and Allies with insights on the latest battlefield developments, emerging technologies, lessons learned, and new education and training systems, as well as developing and testing new military concepts. JATEC’s work will help to further strengthen Ukraine’s defence sector, enhance its deterrence and defence, and reach full interoperability with NATO.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to statements by Swedish Defence Minister Jonson opposing China’s threats and supporting deepening relations with Taiwan

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to statements by Swedish Defence Minister Jonson opposing China’s threats and supporting deepening relations with Taiwan

    • Date：2025-04-04
    • Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 4, 2025

    Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson stated in response to a question from Member of the Riksdag Björn Söder on April 2 that the security of Europe and Asia was closely linked, that Sweden and the European Union were paying close attention to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, that China’s actions towards Taiwan were worrying, and that military threats were unacceptable. Sweden reiterated that differences across the Taiwan Strait must be resolved peacefully and that the will of the Taiwanese people must be respected.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks the Swedish government for monitoring cross-strait peace and stability and expresses Taiwan’s hope of continuing to deepen relations with Sweden through long-term and comprehensive cooperation. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will work with like-minded partners to urge China to stop threatening Taiwan and unilaterally escalating the situation in the region.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to statements by Swedish Defence Minister Jonson opposing China’s threats and supporting deepening relations with Taiwan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to statements by Swedish Defence Minister Jonson opposing China’s threats and supporting deepening relations with Taiwan

    Date：2025-04-04
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 4, 2025

    Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson stated in response to a question from Member of the Riksdag Björn Söder on April 2 that the security of Europe and Asia was closely linked, that Sweden and the European Union were paying close attention to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, that China’s actions towards Taiwan were worrying, and that military threats were unacceptable. Sweden reiterated that differences across the Taiwan Strait must be resolved peacefully and that the will of the Taiwanese people must be respected.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks the Swedish government for monitoring cross-strait peace and stability and expresses Taiwan’s hope of continuing to deepen relations with Sweden through long-term and comprehensive cooperation. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will work with like-minded partners to urge China to stop threatening Taiwan and unilaterally escalating the situation in the region.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia, Telia and Finnish Defense Forces achieve world’s first 5G standalone slice handover across borders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia, Telia and Finnish Defense Forces achieve world’s first 5G standalone slice handover across borders

    • Companies showcase the potential of 5G technology in enhancing critical communications for defense units operating within coalition environments.
    • Leverage Telia’s network infrastructure powered by Nokia’s 5G Standalone Core and, AirScale radio equipment, to ensure seamless experience, even when crossing country borders.

    9 April 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia, Telia and the Finnish Defense Forces have successfully conducted the world’s first seamless 5G standalone slice handover between multiple countries in a live network. This groundbreaking trial, carried out in Finland in March, represents a significant milestone in advancing critical 5G capabilities for defense and other mission critical industries.

    The test, conducted as part of a Nordic exercise with the Finnish Defense Forces, demonstrated a continuous and secure data connection over a 5G standalone slice while moving across three separate networks in three different countries. This capability is crucial for modern defense forces, as military personnel increasingly operate in coalitions beyond their national territories while requiring uninterrupted access to mission-critical applications and services.

    “This trial marks a significant milestone in showcasing the dual-use possibilities of 5G for defense while also enhancing communication capabilities within the NATO domain. We are delighted to have partnered with Nokia and Telia on this project and are eager to explore further opportunities for integrating 5G into our operations,” said Jarmo Vähätiitto, Major General, Finnish Defense Command, Chief of C5.

    “5G and network slicing enable secure, mission-critical communications. In collaboration with the Finnish Defense Forces and Nokia, we are pioneering in using commercial technology for critical defense communications. This trial meets the Defense Forces’ needs and proves that commercial 5G networks can be utilized also in this domain,” commented Jari Collin, CTO at Telia Finland.

    “Seamless 5G slice continuity over country borders is a breakthrough for defense operations, enabling secure and reliable communications for collaborative missions that extend beyond national territories. Our trial with Telia and the Finnish Defense Forces reflects our commitment to delivering robust 5G solutions for defense customers, helping them achieve mission-critical objectives,” said Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia.

    The trial was achieved through Nokia’s industry-leading 5G Core Software as a Service (SaaS) and AirScale 5G base stations powered by ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, connected to Telia’s commercial network. Additionally, Nokia’s intelligent network management system, MantaRay NM, provided a consolidated network view, optimizing monitoring and management.

    Multimedia, technical information, and related news
    Web Page: Nokia communication technology for defense
    Web Page: Nokia 5G
    Web Page: Nokia Core SaaS
    Web Page: 4G/5G slicing
    Product Page: Manta Ray NM
    Product Page: AirScale Radio 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.

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

    Follow us on social media
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Trifork subsidiary Nine wins strategically important contract for the Danish Agency for Digital Government: Developing Denmark’s Digital Identity Wallet

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release

    Trifork subsidiary Nine wins strategically important contract for the Danish Agency for Digital Government: Developing Denmark’s Digital Identity Wallet

    Copenhagen, 9 April 2025 – The Danish Agency for Digital Government (Digitaliseringsstyrelsen) has awarded the contract for the first phase of developing Denmark’s new Digital Identity Wallet to the IT company Nine, a subsidiary of Trifork Group. The project is awarded through the SKI framework agreement 02.14, category 1 (competence procurement), with a total value of DKK 29 million for the initial phase, which includes development starting in April 2025, go-live in Q1 2026, followed by two years of support and continued development.

    The Digital Identity Wallet will initially enable citizens to obtain digital proof of age and a digital ID credential, usable both physically and online, without having to share unnecessary personal information.

    In subsequent project phases, the functionality will be expanded to include a wide range of digital credentials and comply with the requirements of the EU’s eIDAS2 regulation. This means the wallet will ultimately be interoperable with other EU member states’ digital identity wallets – serving as a secure and standardized solution across borders.

    In the long term, many public authorities are expected to use the wallet to issue digital credentials.

    Nine has had a long-standing collaboration with the Danish Agency for Digital Government over several years, including work on the Next Generation Digital Post (NgDP) and the Rights Portal (Rettighedsportalen).

    “We are proud to be entrusted with developing Denmark’s Digital Identity Wallet. It is an exciting and meaningful task where security, user-friendliness, and future EU compatibility are at the core,” says Jacob Strange, CEO of Nine.

    The parent company, Trifork, is closely engaged in the awarded project. Trifork wishes to take part in the development of EU wallets in other member states, seeing great potential in leveraging Nine’s experience from Denmark in the broader European market.


    Investor and media contact
    Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director, Head of IR & PR
    frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 7317

    About Trifork Group
    Trifork is a pioneering global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative solutions. With 1,229 professionals across 73 business units in 16 countries, Trifork delivers expertise in inspiring, building, and running advanced software solutions across diverse sectors, including public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. Trifork Labs, the Group’s R&D hub, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic and high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is a publicly listed company on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Tour Guide Uniforms for United Nations Headquarters in New York: Young Talent from Sweden Paving Way for Sustainable Fashion

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    The United Nations and the Swedish School of Textiles are pioneering a groundbreaking collaboration to redefine the future of sustainable fashion.  The School, part of the University of Borås, has become the first higher education institution to design and develop a new collection of Tour Guide uniforms for the UN Headquarters in New York.

    Approximately 20 design students are working together to create a collection that embodies sustainability, high fashion standards, and innovation.  The new uniforms, set to debut on 22 April, will be showcased at a fashion show at UN Headquarters before being officially adopted by UN Tour Guides.

    “As a key partner to the UN, Sweden is proud to contribute to the SDG agenda in this unique and tangible way.  The uniforms are a fantastic showcase of Swedish innovation, sustainability, and our tradition of cutting-edge design.  The Swedish School of Textiles and the students have excelled, and I am proud of their outstanding work,” said Benjamin Dousa, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, sharing his thoughts on the collaboration.

    United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed highlighted the significance of the project:  “The UN Tour Guides are the first faces millions of visitors see when they come to the United Nations, bringing to life our work for a better future for all.  Their new sustainably made uniforms designed by young people are more than just fabric — they embody our commitment to sustainability and the power of youth to drive change.”

    Beyond aesthetics, the new uniforms are designed to serve as a storytelling medium for sustainability.  Each year, over 200,000 visitors will have the opportunity to learn from Tour Guides about the sustainable practices embedded in the collection, reinforcing how individual lifestyle choices can contribute to global sustainability goals.

    In Sweden, the goal of responsible development is well established.  A strong set of fashion brands and initiatives with a clear sustainability agenda positions Sweden at the forefront of this movement.

    Mats Tinnsten, Vice Chancellor of the University of Borås, emphasized the role of the Swedish School of Textiles in the global fashion landscape:  “This collection confirms that the Swedish School of Textiles is one of the best fashion schools in the world.  I am incredibly proud of the students and the project team who have worked so hard.  Through this project and our expertise, we can show the world that it is possible to create sustainable fashion.  This collection is fully in line with the university’s values:  togetherness, sustainability, and innovation.”

    About the Project

    This initiative was enabled by the UN Department of Global Communications and the UN Office for Partnerships, in collaboration with Sofia Hedström de Leo, an advisory board member of the UN’s Fashion and Lifestyle Network and former Head of Sustainability at the Swedish Consulate in New York.  The project is supported by the Swedish Government and funded by the University of Borås and the Paul Frankenius Foundation for the Swedish University of Fashion & Textiles.

    About the Swedish School of Textiles

    The Swedish School of Textiles is one of the world’s top-ranked fashion schools and plays an important role in making Sweden a leader in sustainable fashion and a key player in shaping future textiles.

    Media contacts

    United Nations:  Vincenzo Pugliese, Chief, Visitors Services, Outreach Division, Department of Global Communications, email pugliesev@un.org

    United States Press:  Sofia Hedstrom de Leo, Project Manager Marketing United States, tel. 917 392 7906, email info@sofiaheadstrong.com

    Swedish School of Textiles:  Anna Kjellson, tel. +46 734612001 email: anna.kjellsson@hb.se

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Pingree Slams Trump for Dismantling Wilson Center, Warns of Dire Consequences for U.S. Arctic Policy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the Wilson Center, released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s decision to abruptly fire more than 100 employees at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars—a critical foreign-policy think tank:

    “The illegal closure of the Wilson Center is the latest public-private partnership to be dismantled by the Trump Administration. Congress created this institution to advance independent thinking and thoughtful debate. President Trump has shuttered a renowned center for scholarly research and a forum for understanding and exploring current public policy challenges. At a time when the President himself is focused on the national and international security implications of Greenland, the Wilson Center’s Polar Institute—the premier Arctic policy institution in the country—is more important than ever. 

    Unless this action is reversed, our country—and our policymakers—will lose a valuable resource that bridges the world of learning with the world of public affairs.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: In “Era of Savage Cuts’, UN Aid Chief Urges Security Council to Provide Security, Resources for Saving as Many Survivors Possible of Russian Airstrikes in Ukraine

    Source: United Nations 4

    Strike in Dnipro Region Last Friday Marks Deadliest Attack Involving Children 

    Russian Federation airstrikes in Ukraine continue to kill and maim civilians — including children at a playground last week — the United Nations top humanitarian official told the Security Council today.  In what he called an “era of savage cuts”, he also appealed to Council members to provide at least the security and resources needed to save as many survivors of this war as possible. 

    “A massive strike in the densely populated city of Kryvyi Rih in the Dnipro region last Friday resulted in multiple civilian casualties,” said Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator addressing the 15-member Council. 

    According to local authorities, 18 civilians were killed — including nine children — and 75 others injured when a children’s playground and nearby residential area were struck.  The Office for the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) in Ukraine, which verified many of the casualties, confirmed it was the single deadliest attack involving children since the start of the war in February 2022. 

    Fighting has also continued unabated in the frontline regions of Kherson, Kharkiv, Donetsk and in the border areas of Sumy, where more than 90 civilian casualties were recorded last week alone.  From 24 February 2022 to 31 March 2025, OHCHR has verified at least 12,910 civilian deaths, including 682 children, and nearly 30,700 injuries across Ukraine, he said.  Meanwhile, 3.7 million people remain internally displaced, with new waves of displacement in the country’s north-east, and nearly 7 million Ukrainian refugees recorded worldwide.  The UN remains unable to access an estimated 1.5 million civilians in Russian-occupied areas of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia. 

    Underscoring the plight of women in this war, he said that since February 2022, pre-term births have accounted for nearly half of all deliveries, putting both mothers and newborns at high risk.  Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has surged by 36 per cent, with displaced and refugee women suffering the most severe mental health challenges and facing critical gaps in protection and care, he warned.  

    Despite Scale of Crisis, $2.6 Billion Ukraine Humanitarian Response Plan for 2025 Only 17 Per Cent Funded 

    Despite the scale of this crisis, only 17 per cent of the $2.6 billion required for the 2025 Ukraine Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan has been secured.  As a result, the UN is prioritizing limited resources for frontline support, emergency response, evacuations, and aid for the displaced — but more funding is urgently needed.  

    “We welcome the announcement of a ceasefire focused on energy infrastructure, as well as negotiations to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea,” Fletcher said.  But as talks continue, so do the bombardments.  Indiscriminate attacks are strictly prohibited under international law, he recalled.  “Even wars have rules,” he also stressed, urging the Council to ensure that “this era of increasingly belligerent, transactional, self-defeating, nationalism is not also remembered as one of callous impunity and brutal indifference, in which the rights of civilians are discarded again and again with a shrug”.  

    Russian Federation’s Representative:  Strike on Kryvyi Rih was Precision Missile strike on Military Meeting of Unit Commanders and Western Instructors 

    In the ensuing discussion, the Russian Federation’s delegate said the strike on Kryvyi Rih was a precision missile strike on a military meeting of unit commanders and Western instructors.  The strike succeeded in damaging the command of the Ukrainian forces, he said, adding that a gathering of service members and Western officers is a legitimate target for his country’s army.  The fact that a military meeting was happening in a civilian area shows that the Ukrainian army is using civilians as human shields, he said, adding that Ukrainian eyewitnesses have confirmed that a cluster munition was not used.  Dismissing the efforts of the “Ukrainian propaganda machine” regarding this and other strikes, he said video clips by ordinary citizens refute their claims. 

    Civilians must stay far away from gatherings of military officers, he said, adding that Ukrainians are not being told the truth — Kyiv is milking the tragedy that it is responsible for.  Nor will the Ukrainians be told of the continuous shelling of Russian border towns, he said.  The goal of Ukraine and Western countries is to undermine the Russian Federation-United States dialogue, he said, adding:  “What you are doing is far too obvious.”  The ceasefire cannot be misused so “Ukraine can lick its wounds and resume its war”, he said, adding that it is essential to do away with the root causes.  No one will be allowed to use the negotiation process to strengthen Ukraine’s military — the demilitarization of that country is essential, he stressed. 

    United States Representative:  Russian President Vladimir Putin Does Not Want to End War

    The United States representative said that in its bilateral engagements between both Russian Federation and Ukraine, the United States had tabled a proposal in March.  While Ukraine was ready to accept, she recalled, Russian Federation representatives insisted on a more limited agreement which would cover only strikes on energy infrastructure and the elimination of the use of force in the Black Sea.  She called on both the Russian Federation and Ukraine to exercise restraint and demonstrate their commitment to peace.  The Russian Federation must bear in mind that strikes like the one on Kryvyi Rih and executions of prisoners of war have the potential to damage peace efforts.  “We will ultimately judge President Putin’s commitment to peace by Russia’s actions,” she stated. 

    “We can see that Putin does not want to end the war; he is looking for ways to preserve the option of reigniting it in any moment with even greater force,” Ukraine’s delegate said.  Moscow has “not moved one inch away from its genocidal and maximalist war aims”.  On the other hand, Ukraine has taken concrete steps towards peace, while the Russian Federation “continues to drag its feet and commit atrocities”.  “Every missile, every strike killing people every day proves that Russia only wants war,” she went on to say.  Moscow has not only failed to cease its attacks on Ukrainian civilians, but it has also significantly escalated the scale of its assaults. 

    On 4 April, a missile landed near a playground, tearing through homes, schools and restaurants, killing 20 people, including nine children.  She rejected Moscow’s falsehoods about alleged military targets in the area.  “All witnesses and footages from cameras inside and outside the local restaurant debunk Russian representatives’ lies and disinformation,” she said.  It confirms that there was no military presence in the restaurant or in the surrounding area at the time of the strike.  Staying silent about the fact that the Russian Federation is killing children with ballistic missiles is wrong and dangerous.  “It only emboldens the scum in Moscow to continue the war and keep ignoring diplomacy,” she said. 

    Several European Speakers Criticize Russian Federation

    Several speakers from Europe strongly criticized the Russian Federation, with Denmark’s delegate stating that Moscow’s deliberate delays and new preconditions raised for even a partial ceasefire seem particularly cynical given reports that the missile that struck Kryvyi Rih was fired from the Black Sea. “Russia has said it only attacks military targets”, but the missile strike on Kryvyi Rih on 4 April hit residential buildings and a playground.  “We heard claims that a high precision strike has been launched to target a military group that was meeting at a restaurant at the time — trying to justify it as a military target,” Slovenia’s delegate said.  But these claims have been disproved. 

    “Russia is not negotiating in good faith; it’s procrastinating, and its goal continues to be the capitulation of Ukraine,” echoed France’s delegate, Council President for April.  But France and other Europeans “are not sitting on our hands” and continue to work to secure a just and lasting peace.  “It is time for the Kremlin to end its aggression against Ukraine and to uphold its obligations under the UN Charter and it is time for President Putin to agree to a full and immediate ceasefire,” added the United Kingdom’s representative. 

    The representative of the European Union, speaking in its capacity as observer, stressed that “there can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine, and no negotiations that affect European security without Europe”.  He reaffirmed the bloc’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.  There is no doubt “who truly seeks peace and who instead is determined to prolong a ruthless war of territorial conquest”, Czechia’s delegate added.  “Moscow is trying to falsely present itself as a victim” and expecting the world to provide security assurances, “preferably at the expense of legitimate security interests of its neighbours”, Poland’s representative also stated. 

    Focus on Plight of Children

    Estonia’s delegate, speaking also for Latvia and Lithuania, said that Moscow has killed over 600 Ukrainian children since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, while the real numbers might be higher.  That country deserves to be listed in the annexes of the annual Children and Armed Conflicts report for carrying out grave violations against children in Ukraine.  Other Council members, including the delegates of Pakistan, Guyana and Panama, echoed concerns for children living under conflict in Ukraine, with the latter underscoring that “children must never be targets in a war”. 

    Global Impact of War in Ukraine:  Food Insecurity, Energy Crises 

    Some speakers shared ways the war in Ukraine was affecting them with Algeria’s delegate stating that the food insecurity and energy crises resulting from this conflict also hits the civilian population in other regions around the world.  Greece’s delegate pointed out that freedom of navigation in the Black Sea will be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains.  The representative of the Republic of Korea expressed concern that the military cooperation between the Russian Federation and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea “is intensifying rather than waning”, as exemplified by last month’s high-level reaffirmation in Pyongyang to implement their Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

    Momentum for Peace Talks 

    Other Council members, including the delegate from China, said that although the situation on the battlefield remains complicated, the momentum for peace talks has emerged.  “The window of peace is opening,” he stated, adding that talks must address the root causes of the crisis.  The Ukraine conflict is complex and restoring peace will require persistent efforts. 

    “The path forward requires sustained commitment to diplomatic solutions and unwavering adherence to intentional humanitarian law,” echoed Somalia’s delegate.  His counterpart from Sierra Leone urged negotiators and intermediators to approach ceasefire discussions objectively, mindful of the contextual underpinnings of this conflict. “We call on all parties to negotiate in good faith in the US-led talks, taking into consideration the legitimate concerns involving both parties,” she said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: As Canada is threatened, it’s urgent to revisit Indigenous sovereignty and nationhood

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Frank Deer, Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba

    Early in his second term as president of the United States, Donald Trump began making explicit threats about Canada becoming the 51st American state.

    In the midst of his absurd and at times disrespectful rhetoric that’s also included a proposal to acquire Greenland and the Gaza Strip, some have argued Trump’s interest in annexing Canada is an imperialistic impulse.

    As a Kanienʼkehá꞉ka educator concerned with Indigenous language education, civic education and reconciliation, I believe it’s important to explore how Canadians should think about Indigenous nationhood with Canada’s sovereignty under threat. I also believe a U.S. annexation of Canada would be devastating for Indigenous Peoples.

    Re-asserting Canadian nationhood amid threats

    Trump has stated that Canada can be annexed through economic force while others have speculated a military invasion may be part of this conquest attempt.

    Although Trump’s threats against Canada seem ludicrous, many Canadians are taking them seriously and regard the ongoing imperialist rhetoric as a threat to Canadian sovereignty.



    Read more:
    Canada, Greenland, Panama, Gaza and now Ukraine: Wake up, world, Donald Trump is coming for you

    Canadian politicians, public intellectuals and members of the public have reacted strongly to this threat in ways that assert Canadian nationhood, sovereignty and identity. Some suggest a sense of national unity has been stoked in Canada for the first time in generations.

    However, that sense of unity that many may be feeling in Canada — and could affect how Canadians cast their votes in the forthcoming federal election — conceals the realities of nationhood in Canada. There are several aspects of nationhood in Canada that may merit conversation in terms of unity and the current American threats. But I’m particularly concerned that the nationhood that exists among First Nations, Inuit and Métis may be particularly threatened by an American annexation.

    Indigenous Peoples

    Canada is a nation state that occupies the traditional territories of many Indigenous nations, representing a broad diversity of cultural and language backgrounds. The Indigenous Peoples of these nations had served as stewards of the territories of North America far longer than the European colonizers who eventually seized control of the territories.

    Many of the Canadian government’s colonial and post-colonial activities, abetted by their partners (for example, churches of various denominations), were genocidal in nature.

    These colonial actions resulted in Indigenous communities becoming constituent parts one unified nation — Canada. Very little public discourse acknowledges that Indigenous Peoples had already established their own concepts of nation and nationhood. These were displaced by those who established control of the territories.



    Read more:
    Indigenous people invented the so-called ‘American Dream’

    Indigenous nationhood

    Indigenous nations have and continue to regard their communal connections and responsibilities through Indigenous nationhood.

    There are various key aspects of Indigenous nationhood: sociologist Stephen Cornell, who has worked with Indigenous nations and organizations in North America, Australia and New Zealand, observes five of them, including connections to the land, kinship and community, narratives and history associated with the land and culture, self-governance and collective well-being.

    For example, many Anishinaabe consider nationhood as being built on stories and traditions and shaped by relationships and communities. Views like these are enriched by the diversity among Indigenous Peoples.

    The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people share many stories, traditions and language that inform their concept of nationhood and their treaty arrangements (such as the Kaswentha). But the Haudenosaunee also consist of different Indigenous nations — including my own, the Kanienʼkehá꞉ka — with each having their own unique manifestations of Indigenous knowledge, heritage and consciousness.

    These different nations functioned in tandem with one another by forming allyships and sharing land.

    Canada not a single, homogenous nation

    Colonialist incursions by French, British and, later, Canadian authorities have disrupted how Indigenous notions of nationhood may be understood by Canadians.

    In ignoring aspects of Indigenous nationhood by exploiting land, dividing families and communities, reconstructing historical narratives, stymying self-governance and emphasizing individual well-being over the collective, the notion of Indigenous nationhood has been marginalized in mainstream public consciousness in Canada.

    Instead, the prevailing notion is that Canada is a single and somewhat homogenous nation. This might sound desirable to some and even idyllic, but it’s a myth.

    Legal implications, reconciliation journey

    Why does Indigenous nationhood have to do with an American president’s threats to Canadian sovereignty?

    Indigenous nationhood has not just been a part of Indigenous consciousness and ways of life for centuries, but is now closely tied to established and developing legal and constitutional principles in Canada.

    These principles are now, after generations of oversight and subjugation, finally allowing Indigenous nations to explore and enact approaches to self-determination and self-governance.

    Trump’s threats imply that existing Canadian legal and constitutional frames would be abolished. They also suggest that the cultural and linguistic mores of Indigenous nations would be endangered even more than they have already been. The reconciliation journey — one that has been informed by the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada — would almost certainly be abandoned.

    Treaty relations and 51st state?

    More specific concerns about nationhood emerging from Trump’s threats are connected to particular Indigenous nations. For instance, many First Nations have treaty relations with the Crown.

    These treaties codify the relationship that these First Nations have with the government of Canada. There is a lot of work being done to better understand treaties in modern times. Treaty arrangements and ongoing efforts to better understand them would be terminated should Canada become the 51st American state.



    Read more:
    Revisiting the Williams Treaties of 1923: Anishinaabeg perspectives after a century

    Much has been achieved by Indigenous Peoples — sometimes in partnership with non-Indigenous people — to enhance their well-being and their place in the world to determine their way forward.

    There is, of course, a lot of work still to be done. Poverty, for example, is still widespread among Indigenous Peoples, the languages and cultures of many are endangered and Indigenous women and girls continue to be treated horrifically. But the journey of Indigenous nations toward well-being and self-determination has led to achievements that can make Indigenous Peoples can be proud.

    Would this journey continue as a 51st state? I have my doubts.

    Frank Deer has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. As Canada is threatened, it’s urgent to revisit Indigenous sovereignty and nationhood – https://theconversation.com/as-canada-is-threatened-its-urgent-to-revisit-indigenous-sovereignty-and-nationhood-253199

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: US v them: Trump’s tariffs and his economic vision of dominance

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Jérôme Viala-Gaudefroy, Spécialiste de la politique américaine, Sciences Po

    US President Donald Trump’s April 2 announcement of sweeping new tariffs against numerous countries isn’t just driven by (already questionable) economic reasoning. It reflects the deeply adversarial worldview embraced by the current occupant of the White House.

    Since returning to the presidency, Trump has unleashed a new wave of tariffs unprecedented in scope. Traditional allies and strategic rivals are now under the same banner, marking a radical shift in Washington’s trade policy that hardens positions taken in Trump’s first term, amplifying them with an unbridled display of power.

    Just as in 2017, when he spoke of “American carnage”, Trump paints an apocalyptic picture of the US, a country he claims has been “looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike”. This dramatic narrative is met with a double promise of “liberation” and the restoration of a new “golden age”.


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    Tariffs thus become the weapons of a nationalist crusade, where every import is an attack on sovereignty, and every export a symbolic act of reconquest.

    An authoritarian vision of international trade

    Trump’s trade doctrine is part of a broader strategy defined by confrontation, centralised executive power and a neo-imperial view of the global economy. His tariff measures go far beyond protecting domestic industry: they aim to reshape the global order according to his own interpretation of national interest. This second act of the Trumpist revolution is not a rerun, but an escalation – one based on authoritarian ambitions, the rejection of multilateralism (as seen in the administration’s utter disdain for the World Trade Organization, and the glorification of raw sovereignty.

    The supposed economic logic behind these policies is as flimsy as it is revealing. The chosen calculation method – dividing the bilateral trade deficit by import volumes – is little more than a blunt instrument to go after countries the US runs a deficit with. Officially, it’s about cutting trade deficits, bringing jobs back and raising revenue. But the real agenda runs deeper: consolidating presidential power and replacing global cooperation with a doctrine of economic domination.

    Tariffs as tools of power and messaging

    Trump’s first term has shown the limits of this strategy. The trade war with China, in particular, triggered price hikes for consumers, disrupted supply chains and severely hurt US agricultural exporters. One study found that US consumers bore the brunt of these costs, with an average 1% increase in the prices of manufactured goods.

    Trump doesn’t behave like a traditional head of state operating within a multilateral framework. He acts more like a lone ruler, dispensing rewards and punishments to serve his political – or even personal – agenda. Tariffs, in this context, function as much as media stunts as they do economic instruments. Branded as “reciprocal tariffs”, they construct a simplified and powerful narrative: that of a crusader who corrects the wrongs inflicted on citizens betrayed by free trade.

    This message hits home with workers in industries like auto manufacturing. It offers up convenient villains – China, Europe, and the domestic elite who support free trade. Trade policy is no longer about negotiation; it’s about retribution. In this worldview, the spike in tariffs isn’t just an economic manoeuvre – it’s a statement of sovereignty, even of symbolic power.

    From personal obsession to state doctrine

    Trump’s protectionism is not an overnight development, but part of a long-standing obsession. As early as 1987, he railed against Japan’s trade surpluses with the US and called for steep tariffs on Tokyo. He spoke of the US being “ripped off” and showed a near-paranoid fear of national humiliation or betrayal. At its core, this reflects a deep-seated drive to reassert dominance – to “win” in a world he views as inherently hostile and conflictual. It’s one of the few constants in Trump’s worldview, given his lack of ideological consistency and frequent U-turns on other issues.

    Today, everything is reframed as a question of sovereignty: rare earths, strategic minerals, data flows, shipping lanes. This worldview echoes the imperialist pivot of the late 19th century, especially under US president William McKinley (1897–1901) – a figure Trump pointedly invoked in his second inaugural address.

    This logic also helps explain some of his most provocative gestures: stating he wants to buy Greenland, putting pressure on Canada in hopes of access to its natural resources, and eyeing Ukraine’s mining potential. The underlying idea is blunt and unmistakeable: resources are finite, and you’d better grab your share before someone else does. In this zero-sum game, where one country’s gain is another’s loss, cooperation gives way to conquest.

    The rise of techno-nationalist mercantilism?

    In this worldview, competition isn’t seen as a source of innovation – it’s a threat to be eliminated. The aim isn’t to make America more competitive, but to sabotage the competitiveness of others. The US no longer presents itself – even rhetorically – as a democratic nation playing by the rules of global markets. Instead, it acts like a corporation determined to secure monopoly power.

    This authoritarian shift resonates with key Trumpist thinkers. Peter Thiel, a mentor to US Vice President JD Vance, famously declared that “capitalism and competition are opposites”, championing monopoly as the ultimate goal. Cuts to the federal government and sweeping deregulation aren’t about unleashing free markets – they’re about consolidating control and asserting dominance.



    À lire aussi :
    Trump protectionism and tariffs: a threat to globalisation, or to democracy itself?

    The aim now is to sidestep global systems, not to integrate them – to build an imperial-style autarky where the US controls a closed sphere of influence, shielded from outside competition. This is mercantilism reimagined for the digital age: instead of gold and silver, the currency is data, infrastructure, dollars and crypto currency. Cooperation gives way to coercion.

    Toward an authoritarian international order – or a political disaster?

    The April 2 announcement is far more than an economic decision. It’s a bold political statement – a deliberate move toward a new world order rooted in strength and loyalty, rather than law and cooperation.

    There’s undeniable continuity with Trump’s first term. But this time, the scale, radicalism and concentration of power represent a decisive escalation. Trump increasingly treats the state as his personal property – or a private business – what some have aptly called “patrimonialism”. He is shaping an authoritarian model in which trade becomes a weapon in a new kind of global cold war, driven by fear of decline and an obsession with control. In this logic, prosperity is no longer a shared national goal – it’s a privilege reserved for those in power.

    This trajectory could become politically explosive, especially as Trump faces falling markets and looming inflation – both threatening a weakening of his presidency. If he doubles down despite sinking approval ratings, Republican lawmakers may be forced – under pressure from their voters and donors – to finally push back and reassert their constitutional role. Early signs of dissent within the Republican Party are already surfacing, alongside public anger that remains scattered – but is growing harder to ignore.

    Jérôme Viala-Gaudefroy ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    – ref. US v them: Trump’s tariffs and his economic vision of dominance – https://theconversation.com/us-v-them-trumps-tariffs-and-his-economic-vision-of-dominance-254096

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Resolutions of Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMA SAVINGS BANK PLC STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE, 8 APRIL 2025 AT 5:10 P.M. EET, DECISIONS OF GENERAL MEETING

    Resolutions of Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Annual General Meeting

    Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Annual General Meeting (the AGM) was held today on 8 April 2025. The AGM confirmed the Company’s Financial Statements and Consolidated Financial Statements for the 2024 financial year, decided to support the Company’s Remuneration Policy for governing bodies and approved the Remuneration Report for governing bodies through an advisory resolution. The AGM granted discharge from liability to the members of the Company’s Board of Directors and the interim CEO Sarianna Liiri, who served as CEO since 19 June 2024. However, the AGM did not grant discharge from liability to the Company’s CEO Pasi Sydänlammi, who served as CEO until 19 June 2024.
    In addition, the AGM decided on the following matters:

    Resolution on the use of the profit shown on balance sheet and the payment of dividend
    In accordance with the Board’s proposal, the AGM decided to pay dividend of EUR 0.36 per share based on the balance sheet adopted for the financial year 2024. The dividend will be paid to a shareholder who is registered in the Company’s shareholder register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd on the record date 10 April 2025. The dividend will be paid on 17 April 2025 in accordance with the rules of Euroclear Finland Ltd.

    Remuneration of the Board of Directors
    In accordance with the proposal of the Shareholders’ Nomination Committee, the AGM decided to pay the following annual remuneration to the members of the Board of Directors for the term ending at the AGM 2026: EUR 85,000 per year to the Chair, EUR 60,000 per year to the Vice Chair and for other members EUR 40,000 per year. The annual remuneration to the Chairs of the Board Committees are as follows: Chair of the Remuneration Committee EUR 6,000, Chair of the Risk Committee EUR 9 000 and Chair of the Audit Committee EUR 9,000. In addition, the meeting fees of EUR 1,000 for each Board and Committee meeting and EUR 500 for each email meeting will be paid.

    Twenty-five (25) percent of the annual remuneration of the Board of Directors will be paid in the form of Oma Savings Bank Plc’s shares acquired from the market on behalf of the members of the Board of Directors. The shares will be acquired at a price formed on the market in public trading following the publication of the interim report for the period 1 January to 31 March 2025. The Company is responsible for the costs of acquiring the shares and any transfer tax. The rest of the annual fee is paid in cash to cover the taxes arising from the fee.

    In addition, Oma Savings Bank Plc pays or reimburses travel expenses and other expenses related to board work to the members of the Board of Directors.

    Number and election of the Board of Directors
    The number of members of the Board of Directors was confirmed to be seven. Juhana Brotherus, Irma Gillberg-Hjelt, Aki Jaskari, Jaakko Ossa, Carl Pettersson, Kati Riikonen and Juha Volotinen were re-elected as Board members for a term ending at the end of the 2026 AGM.

    Election and remuneration of the auditor
    KPMG Oy Ab, a firm of authorised public accountants, was elected to continue as auditor for a term ending at the 2026 AGM. M.Sc (Econ.), APA Tuomas Ilveskoski will continue as responsible auditor. The auditor is paid based on reasonable invoicing approved by the Company.

    Election and remuneration of the sustainability reporting assurer
    KPMG Oy Ab, Authorized Sustainability Audit Firm, was elected as the Company’s sustainability reporting assurer for the term ending upon the conclusion of the 2026 AGM. APA, ASA Tuomas Ilveskoski will act as the principally responsible sustainability reporting assurer. The sustainability reporting assurer is paid based on reasonable invoicing approved by the Company.

    Amendment of the Articles of Association
    In accordance with the Board’s proposal, the AGM decided to amend the Company’s current Articles of Association as follows:

    • Amending Section 6 by removing the provision regarding the due date for the Nomination Committee’s proposals.
    • Supplementing Section 10 to enable remote general meetings. The Board can decide that general meetings are held without a physical meeting venue, allowing shareholders to exercise their decision-making rights in full and in real time through telecommunication and technical means (remote meeting).
    • Supplementing Section 12 to include provisions on deciding the remuneration of the sustainability reporting assurer and the appointment of the sustainability reporting assurer at general meetings.

    Resolution on the revised charter of the Shareholders’ Nomination Committee  
    The AGM decided on the revisions to the Shareholders’ Nomination Committee Charter. The Nomination Committee is to submit its proposals regarding the composition and remuneration of the Board of Directors to the Company’s Board no later than the end of the calendar month preceding the Board meeting that decides on convening the AGM.

    Additionally, the charter is amended to include a provision on the maximum continuous term of a Board member, ensuring alignment with the regulations, guidelines, and statements applicable to credit institutions, including the guidelines issued by the European Banking Authority (EBA). Certain technical revisions were also made.

    The Shareholders’ Nomination Committee charter is available on the Company’s website at https://www.omasp.fi/en/investors/management-and-corporate-governance/nomination-committee

    Authorisation of the Board of Directors to resolve on a share issue, the transfer of own shares and the issuance of special rights entitling to shares
    The AGM decided, in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal to authorise the Board of Directors to resolve on the issuance of shares or transfer of the Company’s shares and the issuance of special rights entitling to shares referred to in Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Finnish Companies Act, subject to the following conditions:

    Shares and special rights can be issued or disposed of in one or more instalments, either in return for payment or free of charge.

    The total number of shares to be issued under the authorisation, including shares acquired on the basis of special rights, cannot exceed 3,000,000 shares, which corresponds to approximately 9 percent of the Company’s total number of shares on the day of the AGM as at the notice of the meeting.

    The Board of Directors decides on all terms and conditions related to the issuance of shares. The authorisation concerns both the issuance of new shares and the transfer of own shares. A share issue and the issuance of special rights entitling to shares include the right to deviate from the pre-emptive right of shareholders if there is a weighty financial reason for the Company (special issue). A special share issue may be free of charge only if there is a particularly weighty financial reason from the point of view of the Company and in the interest of all its shareholders.

    The authorisation is valid until the end of the next AGM, but not later than 30 June 2026. The authorisation revokes previous authorisations given by the AGM to decide on a share issue, as well as the option rights and the issuance of special rights entitling to shares.

    Authorising the Board of Directors to decide on the repurchase of own shares
    The AGM decided, in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal, to authorise the Board of Directors to decide on the repurchase of the Company’s own shares with funds belonging to the Company’s free equity under the following conditions:

    Maximum number of 1,000,000 own shares may be repurchased, representing approximately 3 percent of the Company’s total shares according to the situation on the date of the notice of the meeting, however, in a manner that the number of own shares held by the Company does not exceed 10 percent of the Company’s total shares of the Company at any time. This amount includes the own shares held by the Company itself and its subsidiaries within the meaning of Chapter 15, Section 11 (1) of the Finnish Companies Act.

    The Board of Directors is authorised to decide how to acquire own shares. Shares purchased by the Company may be held by it, cancelled or transferred. The Board of Directors decides on other matters related to the repurchasing of own shares.

    The authorisation is valid until the closing of the next AGM, but not later than 30 June 2026.

    The minutes of the Annual General Meeting
    The minutes of the AGM will be available on the Company’s website latest 22 April 2025.

    Oma Savings Bank Plc

    Additional information:

    Karri Alameri, CEO, tel. +358 45 656 5250, karri.alameri@omasp.fi
    Sarianna Liiri, CFO, tel. +358 40 835 6712, sarianna.liiri@omasp.fi

    DISTRIBUTION: 
    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Major media
    www.omasp.fi

    OmaSp is a solvent and profitable Finnish bank. About 500 professionals provide nationwide services through OmaSp’s 48 branch offices and digital service channels to over 200,000 private and corporate customers. OmaSp focuses primarily on retail banking operations and provides its clients with a broad range of banking services both through its own balance sheet as well as by acting as an intermediary for its partners’ products. The intermediated products include credit, investment and loan insurance products. OmaSp is also engaged in mortgage banking operations.

    OmaSp core idea is to provide personal service and to be local and close to its customers, both in digital and traditional channels. OmaSp strives to offer premium level customer experience through personal service and easy accessibility. In addition, the development of the operations and services is customer-oriented. The personnel is committed and OmaSp seeks to support their career development with versatile tasks and continuous development. A substantial part of the personnel also own shares in OmaSp.

    The MIL Network –