Category: Switzerland

MIL-OSI Europe: CHF 18 billion invested in R&D in Switzerland in 2023

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

In 2023, business enterprises invested CHF 18 billion in their R&D activities in Switzerland, an annual increase of 3.5% over 2021, which was the last time the survey was carried out. At almost CHF 5.5 billion, the ‘pharmaceuticals’ sector remains the biggest investor, despite an average annual decline of 6%. Nearly 69 000 people took part in R&D activities, a quarter of them women. These are the main results of a study carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) in partnership with economiesuisse.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: CHF 18 billion invested in R&D in Switzerland in 2023

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

In 2023, business enterprises invested CHF 18 billion in their R&D activities in Switzerland, an annual increase of 3.5% over 2021, which was the last time the survey was carried out. At almost CHF 5.5 billion, the ‘pharmaceuticals’ sector remains the biggest investor, despite an average annual decline of 6%. Nearly 69 000 people took part in R&D activities, a quarter of them women. These are the main results of a study carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) in partnership with economiesuisse.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: CHF 18 billion invested in R&D in Switzerland in 2023

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

In 2023, business enterprises invested CHF 18 billion in their R&D activities in Switzerland, an annual increase of 3.5% over 2021, which was the last time the survey was carried out. At almost CHF 5.5 billion, the ‘pharmaceuticals’ sector remains the biggest investor, despite an average annual decline of 6%. Nearly 69 000 people took part in R&D activities, a quarter of them women. These are the main results of a study carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) in partnership with economiesuisse.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Nostalgic foods and scents like fresh-cut grass and hamburgers grilling bring comfort, connection and well-being

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Chelsea Reid, Associate Professor of Psychology, College of Charleston

The foods and scents we associate with our childhoods can provide a meaningful source of comfort and connection. zeljkosantrac/E+ via Getty Images

Walking around my neighborhood in the evening, I am hit by the smells of summer: fresh-cut grass, hamburgers grilling and a hint of swimming pool chlorine. These are also the smells of summers from my adolescence, and they remind me of Friday evenings at the community pool with my friends and our families gathered around picnic tables between swims. The memories always brings a smile to my face.

As a social psychologist, I shouldn’t feel surprised to experience this warm glow. My research focuses on nostalgia – a sentimental longing for treasured moments in our personal pasts – and how nostalgia is linked to our well-being and feelings of connection with others.

Triggered by sensory stimuli such as music, scents and foods, nostalgia has the power to mentally transport us back in time. This might be to important occasions, to moments of triumph and – importantly – moments revolving around close family and friends and other important people in our lives.

As it turns out, this experience is good for us.

How the concept of nostalgia evolved

For centuries, nostalgia was considered unhealthy.

In the 1600s, a Swiss medical student named Johannes Hofer studied mercenaries in the Italian and French lowlands who longed desperately for their mountain homelands. Witnessing their weeping and despondency, he coined the term nostalgia and attributed it to a brain disease. Other thinkers of the time echoed this view, which persisted through the 18th and 19th centuries.

However, early thinkers made an error: They assumed that nostalgia was causing unpleasant symptoms. It may have been the reverse. Unpleasant experiences, such as loneliness and grief, can arouse nostalgia, which can then help people cope more effectively with these hardships.

Today, researchers view nostalgia as a predominantly positive, albeit bittersweet, emotional experience that serves as a source of psychological well-being. Importantly, this view has been supported by scientific research.

Part of what makes nostalgia so intense is the bittersweet blend of feelings that it brings up.

How nostalgia inspires connection and belonging

Nostalgia provides many benefits. It enhances feelings of optimism and inspiration and makes people view themselves more positively. When people feel nostalgic, they feel a greater sense that their lives are meaningful.

The social benefits of nostalgia are particularly well supported. Nostalgia increases empathy and the willingness of people to give to those around them, such as volunteering for community events and donating to charities.

Nostalgia also makes people feel more socially connected to their loved ones by enhancing feelings that they are loved by, connected to, protected by and trusting of others. Nostalgia helps people feel more secure in their close relationships and enhances relationship satisfaction.

While nostalgia is a universal experience, it is also deeply personal. The moments for which we are each nostalgic and the stimuli that might trigger our nostalgic memories can vary from one person to the next depending on the experiences that each of us have. But people within the same culture may find similar stimuli to be nostalgic for them. In a 2013 study, for instance, my team found that American participants rated pumpkin pie spice as the most nostalgia-evoking scent out of a variety of options.

Many nostalgia-inducing scents vary from person to person, but pumpkin pie spice may be one of the most evocative scents in the U.S.
Redjina Ph/Moment via Getty Images

The nostalgic power of scents and foods

In 1922, the French novelist Marcel Proust wrote about the strength of scents and foods to elicit nostalgia. He vividly described how the experience of smelling and eating a tea-soaked cake mentally transported him back to childhood experiences with his aunt in her home and village. This sort of experience is now often referred to as the Proust effect.

Science has confirmed what Proust described. Our olfactory system, the sensory system responsible for our sense of smell, is closely linked to brain structures associated with emotions and autobiographical memory. Smells combine with tastes to create our perception of flavor.

Foods also tend to be central to social gatherings, making them easily associated with these memories. For instance, a summer barbecue might feel incomplete to some without slices of juicy watermelon. And homemade pumpkin pie may be an essential dessert at many Thanksgiving tables. The watermelon or pie may then serve as what are known in social psychology as social surrogates, foods that serve as stand-ins for valued relationships due to their inclusion at past occasions with loved ones.

My research team and I wanted to know how people benefited from feeling nostalgic when they encountered the scents and foods of their pasts. We began in 2011 by exposing study participants to 33 scents and chose 12 of them for our study. Participants rated some scents, such as pumpkin pie spice and baby powder, as highly evocative of nostalgia, while rating others – such as money and cappuccino –as less evocative.

Those who experienced more nostalgia when smelling the scents experienced greater positive emotions, greater self-esteem, greater feelings of connection to their past selves, greater optimism, greater feelings of social connectedness and a greater sense that life is meaningful.

We came to similar conclusions when we studied nostalgia for foods. Foods seemed to be more strongly linked to nostalgia than either scents or music when comparing the amount of nostalgia our participants experienced for foods to what previous research participants experienced for scents and songs. More recently, we found that nostalgic foods are comforting and that people find nostalgic foods comforting because those nostalgic foods remind them of important or meaningful moments with their loved ones.

For some, a summer barbecue wouldn’t be complete without the smell and taste of juicy watermelon.
GMVozd/E+ via Getty Images

Balancing benefits and trade-offs

Although nostalgia can be associated with foods that should be eaten only in moderation – such as burgers and cookies – there are other ways to channel our nostalgia through foods.

We can have nostalgia with healthy foods. For instance, orange slices remind me of halftime at childhood soccer matches. And many people, including our research participants, feel intense nostalgia around watermelon. Other researchers have found that tofu is a nostalgic food for Chinese participants.

But when nostalgia does involve consumption of unhealthy foods, there are still other ways to experience it without the health trade-offs. We found that participants experienced the benefits of food-evoked nostalgia just from imagining and writing about the foods – no consumption necessary. Other researchers have found that drawing comforting foods can enhance well-being. Even consuming less healthy foods more mindfully helps people enjoy their food while reducing their caloric consumption.

Once seen as detrimental to our health, nostalgia provides us with an opportunity to reap numerous rewards. With nostalgic foods, we might be able to nourish both our bodies and our psychological health.

Chelsea Reid 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. Nostalgic foods and scents like fresh-cut grass and hamburgers grilling bring comfort, connection and well-being – https://theconversation.com/nostalgic-foods-and-scents-like-fresh-cut-grass-and-hamburgers-grilling-bring-comfort-connection-and-well-being-256192

MIL OSI –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – KOF Economic Barometer: Economic outlook deteriorates

Source: KOF Economic Institute

The KOF Economic Barometer decreases in June. After a moderate increase in the previous month, it now falls to its lowest level so far this year. The outlook for the Swiss economy deteriorates.

In June, the KOF Economic Barometer decreases by 2.5 points to a level of 96.1 (after revised 98.6 in the previous month). The negative developments are reflected in the majority of the indicator bundles included in the KOF Economic Barometer. In particular, the indicator bundle for manufacturing is considerably under pressure. The negative perspectives are slightly cushioned by the indicator bundle for foreign demand which shows an improved outlook this month.

Within the producing industry (manufacturing and construction), the sub-indicators for different aspects of business activity exhibit predominantly negative developments. The sub-indicators for the general business situation show a particularly strong downward tendency. Also weakened are the sub-indicators for production activity, stockpiling of intermediate goods, order backlogs, and stocks of finished products. Slightly positive, but almost unchanged, are the perspectives for the exports sub-indicators.

The predominantly negative developments are present along the majority of sub-indicators within manufacturing. Particularly weakened are the sub-indicators for the wood, glass, stone and earth segment, the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, as well as the metal industry. The sub-indicators for the textile industry remain nearly unchanged.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

June 30, 2025

MIL-OSI: 37/2025・Trifork Group: Weekly report on share buyback

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Company announcement no. 37 / 2025
Schindellegi, Switzerland – 30 June 2025

Trifork Group: Weekly report on share buyback

On 28 February 2025, Trifork initiated a share buyback program in accordance with Regulation No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, (Safe Harbour regulation). The share buyback program runs from 4 March 2025 up to and including no later than 30 June 2025. For details, please see company announcement no. 7 of 28 February 2025.

Under the share buyback program, Trifork will purchase shares for up to a total of DKK 14.92 million (approximately EUR 2 million). Prior to the launch of the share buyback, Trifork held 256,329 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.3% of the share capital. Under the program, the following transactions have been made:

	Number of shares	Average purchase price (DKK)	Transaction value (DKK)
Total beginning	122,459	88.90	10,886,082
23 June 2025	1,765	96.05	169,528
24 June 2025	1,900	97.32	184,908
25 June 2025	1,900	96.01	182,419
26 June 2025	1,900	95.05	180,595
27 June 2025	1,900	93.31	177,289
Accumulated	131,824	89.37	11,780,821

A detailed overview of the daily transactions can be found here: https://investor.trifork.com/trifork-shares/

Since the share buyback program was started on 4 March 2025, the total number of repurchased shares is 131,824 at a total amount of DKK 11,780,821.
On 25 March, 25 April, 23 May and 25 June 2025, 5,739 shares acquired through the share buyback program were utilized for the Executive Management’s monthly fixed salary, representing a change from cash payment to payment partly in shares (refer to company announcement no. 1 of 21 January 2025). On 1 April 2025, 19,943 shares acquired through the share buyback program were utilized to serve the RSU plan of Executive Management and certain employees.

With the transactions stated above, Trifork holds a total of 363,840 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.8%. The total number of registered shares in Trifork is 19,744,899. Adjusted for treasury shares, the number of outstanding shares is 19,381,059.

Investor and media contact
Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director, frsv@trifork.com , +41 79 357 73 17

About Trifork
Trifork (Nasdaq Copenhagen: TRIFOR) is a pioneering global technology company, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative digital products and solutions. With 1,215 professionals across 71 business units in 16 countries, Trifork specializes in designing, building, and operating advanced software across sectors such as public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. The Group’s R&D arm, Trifork Labs, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic, high-potential technology companies. Learn more at trifork.com.

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250630_TH CA Share Buyback

The MIL Network –

June 30, 2025

MIL-OSI: Haffner Energy Reports Annual Results for Fiscal Year 2024-2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Haffner Energy Reports Annual Results for Fiscal Year 2024-2025

Strategic milestones were reached, opening up the prospect of a commercial and economic ramp-up in the current financial year

Vitry-le-François, France – June 30, 2025, 08:00am (CEST)

2024-2025, a year of milestones demonstrating Haffner Energy‘s technological maturity: commissioning of the Marolles showcase site and green hydrogen production kick-off; signature of a first contract essential to the development of a hydrogen, electricity, and biochar production unit at the Corbat Group site in Glovelier, Switzerland; new strategic partnerships with recognized international players, particularly in the SAF industry;
Launch of a capital increase¹ that resulted, after the close of the fiscal year, in a €7M fundraising with widening of the free float to almost 25%;
Net cash available of €559k at 03/31/2025 and a significantly reduced cash-burn rate, thanks to the ramp-up of the cash preservation plan initiated in November 2023;
EBITDA* improved significantly to -€10,011k, driven by revenue returning to positive at €378k and cost reductions, and a net loss of -€12,311k for the year ended 03/31/2025;
A consolidated 2025-2026 commercial outlook (total pipeline of €1.55Bn and €388M weighted pipeline² at the end of March 2025) and a confirmed EBITDA-breakeven target at 03/31/2026.

HAFFNER ENERGY (ISIN code: FR0014007ND6 – Ticker: ALHAF), just published its consolidated annual results at 03/31/2025, as approved on 06/27/2025 by the Board of Directors. On this occasion, the Company provided an update on its progress and outlook.

Philippe HAFFNER, Co-founder and CEO of Haffner Energy said:

“The 2024-2025 financial year is in continuity with the path we embarked on back in the second half of 2023. After launching new offers to expand our addressable market beyond hydrogen and achieving a significant increase in our project portfolio, we continue to roll out our roadmap. This year, we have carried out structuring projects that bring us closer to our objective of profitable growth: first, we have set up an industrial-scale showcase site in Marolles presenting all our technologies, whether in operation or still in development – seemingly the first site in the world to produce green hydrogen from solid biomass; this decisive element for the conversion of our project pipeline into contracts has already enabled us to sign a first contract for the installation of a hydrogen, electricity, and biochar production unit in Switzerland. To support our development, we have also continued to strengthen our network of partnerships with leading players, such as LanzaJet, LanzaTech, Atoba, and Luxaviation for the SAF market.

In terms of financial results, although the conversion of our project pipeline into contracts had not yet materialized at 03/31/2025 and we remain in a loss-making position, we have recorded an improvement in our EBITDA thanks to the cost-cutting efforts undertaken to preserve our cash. With the first significant contracts expected to be signed, the 2025-2026 financial year should enable us to achieve our target of breakeven EBITDA by March 31, 2026.

The capital increase launched at the end of the financial year, to which the family holding company Haffner Participation contributed €950k, resulted in a €7M fundraising in early April 2025. It will enable us to support the Company’s development. The success of this operation is due in particular to the commitment of most of our historical shareholders and to the arrival of new investors. We would like to thank them for their confidence in our project and our prospects, despite the recent turbulence on the Haffner Energy stock market.”

I. 2024-2025: ADVANCES ILLUSTRATE HAFFNER ENERGY’S TECHNOLOGICAL MATURITY

During the FY 2024-2025, Haffner Energy took crucial steps to accelerate its commercial and industrial development, with the creation of the Marolles showcase site and the signing of major partnership agreements, particularly in the SAF industry.

Operational commissioning of the Marolles hydrogen and renewable gas production, testing and training center: a strategic priority for the year

During the period, the attention of the Haffner Energy team was particularly focused on the installation and commissioning of a showcase site for the Company’s technologies and expertise in the Vitry-Marolles business park (Marne County), near its headquarters. Started in late 2023, the development of this production, testing and training center unfolded in several stages: after archaeological excavations, site preparation and equipment assembly, the center entered the renewable gas (syngas) production phase on June 18, 2024 (cf. 06/20/2024 press release). Equipped with new-generation equipment and intended to operate continuously 8,000 hours per year, this site was inaugurated on November 22, 2024, during Industry Week (cf. 11/22/2024 press release and press kit).

After obtaining regulatory approvals and installing additional equipment, the team dedicated to this project reached a strategic milestone for Haffner Energy’s industrial and commercial development with, in February 2025, the commissioning of mobility-grade green hydrogen production (cf. 02/26/2025 press releases). Green hydrogen produced as part of the activities on the Marolles site – 120 tonnes/year – is to be commercialized. Haffner Energy already signed an offtake Memorandum of Understanding on December 16, 2024, with a French operator specializing in hydrogen removal and resale in order to decarbonize mobility and industry.

This site now allows the Company’s customers and prospects to test the range of possibilities offered by Haffner Energy technologies at full-scale and with their own biomass: production of “super green” gas and hydrogen, co-production of electricity, production and/or gasification of biocarbon and/or biochar. This site is also intended to train their teams in operating and maintaining the equipment.

This project, which has resulted in the world’s first known site producing hydrogen from solid biomass residues, was made possible thanks to the support and commitment of the French public authorities through various local and national entities. It has thus benefited from more than €1.5M in public funding³, demonstrating the trust placed in Haffner Energy to contribute to the green reindustrialization strategy led by the French government.

While the success of this structuring project attests to Haffner Energy’s technological and industrial maturity, it will also demonstrate the economic and ecological relevance of its technologies. Indeed, compared to alternative technologies, water electrolysis in particular, the “super green” hydrogen produced by Haffner Energy through its thermolysis technology is especially competitive due to the low cost of the primary energy used (biomass), combined with excellent energy efficiency (+ 75% for installations > 20MW). In addition, this hydrogen is carbon negative when co-produced biochar is used to sequester biogenic carbon.

This showcase site is therefore a decisive tool to realize the Company’s commercial potential. In the short term, it will allow several contracts awaiting signature to move forward, as evidenced by the recent signing of a first contract for the construction of a hydrogen, electricity, and biochar production unit from forestry residues on the Corbat Group site in Glovelier, Switzerland, for H₂bois SA. This unit, which is expected to be commissioned in July 2026, represents a total order value for Haffner Energy that is likely to reach €8.3M including options (cf. 03/12/2025 press release).

2024-2025: new strategic partnerships with leading players

The growing maturity of Haffner Energy’s technologies in their various applications has enabled the Company to amplify the process of building strategic partnerships already underway and to gain the trust of leading players. During this past year, new agreements have mainly occurred in the SAF industry, the Company’s priority segment given its market potential.

Haffner Energy established a first partnership with the American company LanzaJet in June 2024 in the context of its SAF production plant project, Paris-Vatry SAF (cf. 06/06/2024 press release). A global leader in ATJ (Alcohol-to-Jet) technology, LanzaJet is a remarkably advanced player in the industry with more than 90 SAF projects in its portfolio. It was named in 2024 by Time Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential Companies”. Its investors include the Aéroport de Paris (ADP) group, British Airways, Airbus, Southwest Airlines and Microsoft, among others.

A key agreement was also signed in September 2024 with IðunnH2, the green hydrogen and sustainable e-fuel project developer in charge of Iceland’s largest e-SAF production plant project (65,000-tonne capacity). Located near Keflavík International Airport, the site is to be commissioned in 2028, using biogenic carbon from on-site biocarbon gasification with Haffner Energy’s patented technology. This solution was chosen by IðunnH2 for its ability to significantly reduce costs and increase productivity in the e-SAF production process. Indeed, in Iceland, the limited volumes of local biomass mean low access to biogenic carbon, an essential component of SAF. Haffner Energy’s supplies of solid biocarbon, gasified on-site by its Gasiliner®, will provide a competitive and flexible alternative to the usual option of biogenic CO₂, a gas that is expensive to capture, transport and store. (cf. 09/02/2024 press release).

Keen to amplify the scope of their first partnership, Haffner Energy and LanzaJet announced another partnership agreement in January 2025 (cf. 01/28/2025 press release), accompanied by LanzaTech, the developer of a differentiating solution for transforming syngas into ethanol and a LanzaJet shareholder. The Nasdaq-listed company is a recognized leader in commercial carbon management solutions.

The objective of the tripartite agreement is to explore joint projects for the conversion of biomass residues into sustainable aviation fuel across the entire SAF production value chain by combining the technologies of the three companies. It also involves exploring a variety of opportunities, including the development of industrial facilities, fuel purchase agreements, and joint technology licenses, as well as financial support and/or investment in specific SAF projects.

Haffner Energy also entered into a partnership agreement with ATOBA Energy in February 2025 (cf. 02/20/2025 press release), a SAF aggregator whose purpose is to solve the financial dilemma between airlines and producers by allowing different players to benefit from long-term SAF contracts at optimized prices, in particular through off-takes from diversified producers and technologies. This partnership should facilitate the financing of Haffner Energy’s SAF projects by removing the barriers of this value chain, as production plant projects struggle with signing the necessary contracts to guarantee investment returns. The identification of Haffner Energy by ATOBA Energy as a strategic player in the SAF ecosystem is another testament to the competitiveness of its technological solutions.

Lastly, after the end of the fiscal year, Haffner Energy announced a partnership agreement with global business aviation leader Luxaviation to accelerate the production and promotion of SAF. Luxaviation is to take an active role in SAF Zero (cf. 06/18/2024 press release), an initiative launched by Haffner Energy in September 2024 (cf. 09/12/2024 press release).

In addition, Haffner Energy has pursued its partnership approach aimed at diversifying its sustainable biomass supply sources. In France, a new agreement was signed in August 2024 with Bambbco, leader in the development of the bamboo industry in France (cf. 09/24/2024 press release). The partnership aims to improve the energy use of biomass, particularly on marginal lands and semi-desert areas, by creating local ecosystems for SAF projects. In a similar fashion, Haffner Energy had signed a partnership early 2024 with the US company Hexas, specialized in the production of raw plant-based materials from its regenerative crop: XanoGrass™ (cf. 03/13/2024 press release).

II. SUCCESSFULLY RAISING THE FUNDS NEEDED TO FINANCE THE COMPANY’S GROWTH

Shortly before FY 2024-2025 ended, Haffner Energy launched a capital increase through the issue of shares with share subscription warrants (ABSA), while maintaining shareholders’ preferential subscription rights (DPS).

This operation’s final completion, materialized by the settlement-delivery of the shares on April 4, 2025, i.e. just after the close of the fiscal year, enabled the company to raise €7M and expand its free float, which now stands at almost 25% of the capital.

As announced in June 2024, and within the framework of the authorizations granted by the Annual General Meeting of September 12, 2024, Haffner Energy raised funds to accelerate the Company’s development. Following a decision by the Board of Directors at its meeting of March 12, 2025, this took the form of a €7M capital increase through the issue of ABSAs with shareholders’ preferential subscription rights (DPS).

A two-stage transaction: €7M through the issue of ABSAs, potentially doubled if the warrants are exercised within 18 months.

As a reminder, the operation had the following characteristics:

– Transaction eligible for the IR-PME, PEA and PEA-PME, FIP-FCPI and Article 150-0 B ter schemes
– Allocation of preferential subscription rights (DPS): on the basis of 1 preferential subscription right for 1 share held on 03/14/2025
– Negotiability of DPS from 03/17/2025 to 03/26/2025 inclusive
– Subscription ratio: 9 ABSA for 23 Existing Shares
– Subscription price per ABSA: €0.40, i.e. a 59% discount to the closing price on 03/12/2025, the day before the transaction was announced (€0.98).
– ABSA subscription period from 03/19/2025 to 03/28/2025 inclusive
– Final completion of the issue recorded on 04/04/2025, for an amount of €6,995,497.60, of which €1,748,874.40 par value and €5,246,623.20 issue premium, bringing the Company’s share capital to €6,218,220.10.
– Settlement-delivery of the ABSA: 04/04/2025
– Trading of New Shares (ISIN: FR0014007ND6 – Ticker: ALHAF) and BSAs (ISIN FR001400Y4X9) on Euronext Growth in Paris since 04/04/2025Trading of New Shares (ISIN: FR0014007ND6 – Ticker: ALHAF) and BSAs (ISIN FR001400Y4X9) on Euronext Growth in Paris since 04/04/2025
– Terms and conditions of exercise of the warrants attached to the ABSAs (on the basis of 1 warrant per New Share): as from 04/04/2026 for a period of 6 months, 3 warrants entitling the holder to subscribe to one New Share at a price of €1.20. Exercise of all the warrants would ultimately represent a potential capital increase of €6,995,498 gross.

This operation benefited from the renewed support of historical shareholders (Haffner Participation, VICAT, EUREFI) and new investors, who had committed to participate in the transaction up to €5.5M.

It was carried out with the assistance of Gilbert Dupont, as global coordinator and bookrunner, and CIC Market Solutions as custodian.

Post-transaction, a modified capital structure and a near-doubling of the free float

The gross capital increase recorded by the Board of Directors at its meeting on April 1, 2025 amounted to €6,995,497.60, including €1,748,874.40 nominal value and €5,246,623.60 share premium, and resulted in the issuance of 17,488,744 ABSAs at a subscription price of €0.40 per share, including €0.10 nominal value and €0.30 issue premium (cf. press releases of 2/04/2025 and 4/04/2025).

Following the issuance of ABSA, Haffner Energy’s share capital was increased to €6,218,220.10 divided into 62,182,201 ordinary shares with a nominal value of €0.10.

The operation led to a change in the breakdown of capital and voting rights. In particular, the capital increase led to a significant increase in the free float (from 12.83% to 24.75%), which should ultimately prove positive for the share’s attractiveness.

Table: Impact of the ABSA issue on the breakdown of share capital and Differential Voting Rights

	Before Capital Increase				After Capital Increase
	Number of shares	% of Capital	Number of DVR	% of exercisable DVRs	Number of shares	% of Capital	Number of DVR	% of exercisable DVRs
Haffner Participation	17 824 000	39,88%	35 648 000	45,15%	20 199 000	32,48%	38 023 000	39,42%
Eurefi	5 741 600	12,85%	11 483 200	14,54%	8 311 600	13,37%	14 053 200	14,57%
*Sous total Concert*	*23 565 600*	*52,73%*	*47 131 200*	*59,69%*	*28 510 600*	*45,85%*	*52 076 200*	*53,99%*
Vicat	1 175 000	2,63%	1 175 000	1,49%	3 675 000	5,91%	3 675 000	3,81%
Eren Industries	1 000 000	2,24%	2 000 000	2,53%	1 391 302	2,24%	2 391 302	2,48%
Kouros	11 826 112	26,46%	21 920 542	27,76%	11 826 112	19,02%	21 920 542	22,73%
HRS	1 000 000	2,24%	1 000 000	1,27%	1 000 000	1,61%	1 000 000	1,04%
Flottant	5 736 238	12,83%	5 736 238	7,26%	15 388 680	24,75%	15 388 680	15,95%
Self-holding	390 507	0,87%	–	0,00%	390 507	0,63%	–	0,00%
TOTAL	44 693 457	100%	78 962 980	100%	62 182 201	100%	96 451 724	100%

For the record, a shareholder who did not take part in the operation and previously held 1% of the capital saw a dilutive effect of 0.72% applied to his position.

After the operation, stock price in turmoil

Mechanically, and all other things being equal, Haffner Energy’s share price should have fallen by around 28%, in line with the dilutive effect. However, following the capital increase, the share experienced unexpectedly high trading volumes, due first and foremost to massive and disorderly selling, leading to a drop in the share price to a low of €0.25 on 04/18/2025. Since then, the stock price has begun to rise again (to €0.35 on 06/23/2025). Trade is still occurring in very high volumes, without Haffner Energy having any specific information on their origin.

III. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS OF LOW SIGNIFICANCE, MARKED BY EFFORTS TO IMPROVE EBITDA AND PRESERVE CASH

The consolidated financial statements presented below, for which audit procedures are in progress, were approved by the Board of Directors at its 06/27/2025 meeting. The scope of consolidation and accounting methods used at March 31, 2025, are unchanged from the previous year: Haffner Energy’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS; the only consolidated subsidiary is Jacquier.

In terms of consolidated financial results, FY 2024-2025 displays a similar profile to the previous one, albeit with a few changes.

In thousands of euros	03.31.25 (12 months)	03.31.24 (12 months)
Net sales Other income	378 79	-157 69
EBITDA	-10,011	-12,791
Operating result	-12,275	-10,263
Net income	-12,311	-9,935
Shareholders’ equity	14,300	26,768
Cash available	559⁴	11,042

At 03/31/025, consolidated revenue remained amounted to €378k. It mainly comprised sales of boiler-making equipment by Jacquier and various services and studies by Haffner Energy.

As a reminder, consolidated revenue was negative for FY 2023-2024 (-157 k€) due to the impact of the termination of the R-Hynoca contract in December 2023⁵ (cf. 14/12/2023 press release).

Confirmed EBIDTA improvement thanks to cost-cutting measures

Extending the trend of the first half of the year, EBITDA⁶continued to improve to -€10,011k, under the combined effect of the decrease in purchases consumed (-15%), personnel costs (-17%) and external expenses (-23%), resulting from the full impact of the cash preservation plan initiated in November 2023.

Operating result nevertheless deteriorated (-€12,275k at 03/31/2025, down €2,012k compared to 03/31/2024). This change is mainly due to the reversal of provisions for losses on completion from the previous year in the amount of €5,787k.

As of 03/31/2025, consolidated net income stood at -€12,311k, registering a larger loss than last year (-€9,935k at 03/31/2024).

After appropriation of net income, shareholders’ equity amounted to €14,300k, excluding the impact of the capital increase which will be taken into account in FY 2025-2026 due to its completion after the closing date.

Haffner Energy’s other assets and liabilities are as follows:

On the assets side, non-current assets (€11,250k, or +€309k) were almost stable, mainly composed of intangible assets representing the Company’s intellectual property (€8,105k as of 03/31/2025 compared to €7,843k as of 03/31/2024). Current assets, on the other hand, contracted significantly to €22,456k (-€12,321k), mainly due to:

the consumption of a significant portion of cash (€559k as of 03/31/2025 compared to €11,042k as of 03/31/2024).
the decrease in other current assets (advances paid to suppliers for €2,464k and Research Tax Credit for €941k).

Conversely, inventories and outstandings increased, reaching €13,432k at the end of the financial year (+€3,287k) mainly due to the installation of the Marolles site.

On the liabilities side, shareholders’ equity amounted to €14,300k at 03/31/2025 (a decrease of €12,468k) mainly due to the allocation of the year’s profit to reserves. It should be noted that the capital increase is not taken into account as of 03/31/2025.
Non-current liabilities decreased slightly (-€268k at 03/31/2025 to €5,833k). This change takes into account the €500k RDI loan received from Bpifrance in March 2025.
Current liabilities, meanwhile, increased +€725k to €13,574k at 31/03/2025. This change is mainly due to the net increase in provisions ongoing litigations (+€882k to €1,116k at 31/03/2025).

It should be noted that, as the proceedings with Sara and Carbonloop are still in progress, the balance sheet position of previous years has been maintained. In addition, a provision has been booked in respect of employee-related litigation.

Net cash position necessitates fundraising despite reduced cash-burn rate

As of 03/31/2025, net cash and cash equivalents amounted to €559k.

As a reminder, the main measures of the cash preservation plan initiated since November 2023 and implemented during the year have focused on:

Overheads in addition to reinforced budget management and expense control measures, the company reduced fees, cancelled non-essential service or subcontracting contracts whose tasks could be handled internally, changed payroll managers, renegotiated the commercial terms of other contracts, and limited travel and related expenses to essentials.
- Payroll: in addition to the freeze on recruitment and replacements, as well as the absence of a general salary increase over FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-2025, Haffner Energy implemented a targeted redundancy plan in the summer of 2024, resulting in the loss of nine (9) positions. Subsequent to the balance sheet date, a redundancy plan for economic reasons was launched at SAS Jacquier. This redundancy plan resulted in the departure of three (3) employees from the workforce on 06/16/2025.
- Leased surface areas: these have been reduced in both Nantes and Paris, thanks to the relocation of the Paris offices in January 2025 and the termination of the lease on the 1st floor of the Nantes offices.
- Postponement of non-priority investments, such as the deployment of a new ERP system (€1.3M).
- Renegotiations with strategic partners and service providers to review certain delivery schedules and invoice payment deadlines (€3M)
- Deferrals of payments illustrating the commitment of all internal stakeholders to the company, such as the deferral of the payment of the individual portion of employees’ target-based bonuses and the payment of directors’ fees; lastly, we note the waiver by the two executives and founding investors, Philippe and Marc Haffner, of the variable portion of their remuneration for FY 2023-2024, as well as the temporary two-stage reduction of part of their fixed remuneration for FY 2023-2024 and FY 2024-2025. These amounts have been provisioned in the financial statements.

Thanks to the implementation of these cost-saving measures, the average monthly cash-burn rate was significantly reduced during the year, gradually falling from €1.4M at the end of 2023 to €1M at the end of 2024, to about €0.6M per month in Q1 2025 (calendar year), excluding income and non-recurring expenses.

In order to ensure that the Company would have the necessary resources to pursue its development until the expected ramp-up in revenue, and as announced as early as June 2024, Haffner Energy therefore initiated the above-mentioned capital increase during the year (see page 4).

Having carried out a review of its liquidity risk, the Company considers that it will have sufficient cash to finance its activities until at least 03/31/2026.

This cash outlook takes into account:

– The €7M capital increase finally subscribed on April 4, 2025, after the closing of FY 2024-2025;

– The receipt, in March 2025, of a €500k innovation grant from Bpifrance (RDI loan) for the hydrogen production, testing and training center project in Marolles (Marl’Hy);

– Cost reductions undertaken by the Company (see page 8) that cap the average monthly cash burn-rate, excluding non-recurring income and expenses, at around €600k (compared with €1M at the end of 2024).

In the 1st half of the year, this is subject to the successful completion of the endurance test at the Marolles site and the signature of the resulting contracts, as well as to the obtaining, during the year, of additional financing linked to the equipment at the Marolles site.

IV. PROJECTS AND PROSPECTS: FOUR NEW OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES

For the current financial year, the Haffner Energy team, boosted by the confidence and support from its business partners, shareholders and institutional ecosystem, has set four new operational priorities: accelerating the conversion of its pipeline, moving forward with the implementation of targeted strategic projects, continuing to structure its action, and simplifying its governance.

Accelerating pipeline conversion

At the end of FY 2024-2025, Haffner Energy had an estimated total sales pipeline of €1.55Bn compared to €1.4Bn at 03/31/2024, confirming a high level of commercial activity due to the various initiatives undertaken since mid-2023: launch of a high-capacity offer for the renewable gas market (syngas) and a SAF offer; business development in the United States through the creation of a subsidiary; increased presence in various US trade fairs dedicated to renewable energies and hydrogen⁷.

On the occasion of its capital increase, and in order to offer a clearer and more representative view of its business and prospects, the Company decided to adopt a communication based on a weighted sales pipeline** instead of medium-term annual revenue targets, as was previously practiced, as projects typically convert into backlog over a two-year cycle. This weighted pipeline is determined by applying a probability of success to the potential revenue of each project that counts in the sales pipeline

At the end of March 2025, Haffner Energy’s weighted sales pipeline stood at €388M.

Two contracts for hydrogen production equipment had been identified as likely to be signed following the start of hydrogen production at the Marolles site in February 2025 (cf. 02/26/2025 press release).

The first of these is the H₂bois project, for which Haffner Energy signed an initial contract on 03/12/2025, which is essential for the creation of this unit to produce hydrogen, electricity, and biochar from biomass at the Swiss Corbat group’s site (cf. 03/12/2025 press release). With delivery of the site scheduled for July 2026, orders for Haffner Energy are expected to be staggered between now and the end of FY 2025-2026.

The second regards REFORMERS’ Renewable Energy Valley project in Alkmaar in the Netherlands. The latter was awarded the 2025 World Hydrogen Award, “Clean Project” category, May 22, 2025, in Rotterdam, thanks to the choice of HYNOCA® as the green hydrogen production technology included in the project.

Advancing the implementation of a number of targeted strategic projects: R&D, Marolles, and commercial partnerships

While growing the market for existing solutions is the priority for the current financial year, Haffner Energy has continued and will continue to invest time in Research & Development in order to offer its customers new or optimized solutions. The performance of its biomass thermolysis technology is indeed the source of the recognition enjoyed by the Group. In particular, before the end of FY 2024-2025, the Company was awarded the “Innovative Company” label by Bpifrance. This recognition enabled the company to welcome an FCPI fund to its capital.

In April 2025, the Group presented a new line of production units, Hynoca® Flex 500 IG, capable of producing 12 tonnes per day of marketable green hydrogen for less than €3/kg without subsidies, and of generating profitable renewable electricity at peak times (cf. 24/04/2025 press release). Competitive with grey hydrogen and fossil fuels thanks to its energy efficiency of over 80%, this new solution offers all the flexibility of hydrogen and electricity cogeneration, enabling producers’ sites to manage random hydrogen demand and benefit from continuous operation without having to lock themselves into rigid off-take contracts.

The current year’s priorities also include optimizing equipment at the strategic Marolles site, and in particular finalizing the installation of the Gasiliner® (cf. 11/22/2024 press release).

The Haffner Energy team has also been working to advance the strategic Paris-Vatry SAF project. During FY 2024-2025, the Company finalized the creation of SPV (Special Project Vehicle) PARIS VATRY SAF SAS. In addition, Luxembourg-based Luxaviation, a global business aviation leader, confirmed its interest in playing an active role in spin-off SAF Zero at the International Paris Air Show this month. Luxaviation’s participation could take the form of financing the initial development of SAF activities, supporting strategy and global visibility, as well as off-take agreements in SAF Zero projects such as Paris-Vatry SAF (cf. 06/18/2025 press release).

Finally, the FactorHy project of a first plant to assemble renewable gas and hydrogen production modules is still underway. Preliminary studies have been completed and detailed studies for the building permit application are continuing.

Continuing to structure its action

Having completed the creation of Haffner Energy Inc., an unconsolidated US subsidiary, in May 2024, Haffner Energy will continue to work on structuring its action and future developments with a view, in particular, to making effective progress in the SAF market. For current FY, the Company intends to launch SAF Zero, a spin-off designed to maximize its potential in this booming market (cf. 12/09/2024 press release and 18/06/2025 press releases).

Simplifying its governance

In addition, Haffner Energy has decided to simplify its corporate governance to enhance efficiency.

At its meeting on 05/09/2025, the Board of Directors decided to propose the following to the 06/23/2025 Combined General Meeting of Shareholders:

a reduction in the number of Board members, with the early termination of the terms of office of Kouros France and Kouros SA, who also undertook to reduce their shareholding following the capital increase in which they did not wish to participate;
a partial renewal of the Board’s membership, to allow the entry of a new director representing the Luxembourg company Eren Industries, one of Haffner Energy’s industrial shareholders. A partner of Haffner Energy’s since the Company’s IPO, this recognized player in the energy transition is dedicated to technological innovation in the service of the natural resource economy. Eren Industries develops and invests in infrastructure projects, particularly in low-carbon energy production (hydrogen, biogas, biomethane, etc.), some of which could be projects of interest to Haffner Energy, and will provide the Board with all its sector expertise.
An update of the statutes simplifying the majority rules applicable to certain Board decisions, in line with common practice.

All the resolutions were adopted at the June 23, 2025 General Shareholders’ Meeting.

It should be noted that the Board of Directors has decided to reduce the attendance fees of independent directors as from the next financial year. Non-independent directors will not be remunerated.

In addition, Mrs Bich Van Ngo and Mrs Sophie Dutordoir, independent directors, resigned from the Board at the close of the Annual General Meeting on 06/23/2025.

Mr. Olivier Piron (Société E-Venture Management and Investment srl) was co-opted to the Board of Directors as an independent director at the close of the Board meeting of 06/27/2025.

As a result, Haffner Energy’s Board of Directors is now composed of six (6) members, up from eight (8) previously:

Mr. Philippe Haffner, Chairman and CEO of Haffner Energy
Mr. Marc Haffner, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Haffner Energy
Mrs. Francesca Ecsery, independent
Société E-Venture Management and Investment srl, with Mr. Olivier Piron as permanent representative
Europe and Growth, with Mr. Xavier Dethier as permanent representative
Eren Industries SA, with Mr. David Corchia as permanent representative

Next events

Shareholder webinar : July 1, 2025 – register here

Annual General Meeting : September 10, 2025

More detailed financial information on the annual accounts at 03/31/2025 is available on the website www.haffner-energy.com.

About Haffner Energy

Haffner Energy designs, manufactures, supplies, and operates biofuel and hydrogen solutions using biomass residues. Its innovative, patented thermolysis technology produces Sustainable Aviation Fuel, as well as renewable gas, hydrogen, and methanol. The company also contributes to regenerating the planet through the co-production of biogenic CO₂ and biochar. A company co-founded 32 years ago by Marc and Philippe Haffner, Haffner Energy has been working from the outset to decarbonize industry and all forms of mobility, as well as governments and local communities. Haffner Energy is listed on Euronext Growth (ISIN code : FR0014007ND6 – Mnémonique : ALHAF).

Investor relations

investisseurs@haffner-energy.com

Media relations

Laure BOURDON
laure.bourdon@haffner-energy.com
+33 (0) 7 87 96 35 15

Glossary:

The Company is now adopting a communication based on a weighted sales pipeline instead of medium-term annual revenue targets, as was previously practiced, as projects typically convert into backlog over a two-year cycle.

* Pipeline designates a business opportunity when at least one of the following situations occurs:
– a preliminary feasibility study for the installation of equipment is, or has been, carried out; or
– a budget offer, or a preliminary business plan for the project, or a complete commercial offer including specifications, has been sent to the customer and Haffner Energy is awaiting its response; or
– a letter of intent has been sent to Haffner Energy by the customer; or
– Haffner Energy has received an invitation to participate and is part of a tender process.

** The weighted pipeline is determined by applying a probability of success to the potential sales of each project included in the total pipeline. Thus, given a total pipeline of projects worth €1.55Bn at March 31, 2025, the weighted pipeline at March 31, 2025 stood at €388M, with “hydrogen projects” now accounting for only 18% of the weighted pipeline.

1 Subscription period for the Capital Increase closed on 03/29/2025, Settlement-Delivery on 04/04/2025.
2 In order to offer a clearer and more representative view of its business and prospects, the Company is now adopting a communication based on a weighted sales pipeline instead of medium-term annual revenue targets, as was previously practiced, as projects typically convert into backlog over a two-year cycle. This weighted pipeline is determined by applying a probability of success to the potential revenue of each project that counts in the sales pipeline.

3 Including an Innovation-Research and Development Loan (PIRD) in the amount of €500k granted by Bpifrance and received in early March 2025.
4 Cash and cash equivalents at 03/31/2025 do not include the €7M fundraising, which was completed after closing on 04/04/2025
5 The termination of the R-Hynoca contract was accompanied by a memorandum of understanding under which Haffner Energy will have to make two residual payments (€1M before 12/31/2025 and €0.85M before 12/31/2026).
6 EBITDA corresponds to operating income before depreciation and amortization, impairment net of reversals of fixed assets and current assets, and before operating provisions net of reversals.
7 Since January 2025, Haffner Energy has participated in Hyvolution Paris 2025, Bio360 Expo 2025 in Nantes, World Electrolysis Congress 2025 in Cologne, World Hydrogen Summit 2025 in Rotterdam, for example.

Attachment

PR_Annual results 2024-2025_Haffner Energy SA VF EN v2

The MIL Network –

June 30, 2025

MIL-OSI China: Spain, Netherlands capture titles at FIBA 3×3 World Cup

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

Spain and the Netherlands captured the men’s and women’s titles at the 2025 FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, on Sunday.

Spain’s men’s team defeated Switzerland 21-17 in the final, while the Netherlands edged host Mongolia 15-9 to claim the women’s crown, according to the Mongolian 3×3 Basketball Association.

Serbia delivered a standout performance in the men’s bronze medal game, beating Germany 21-16. In the women’s third-place match, Canada overcame Poland 21-9.

The ninth edition of this prestigious basketball tournament, held on June 23-29, featured 20 men’s and 20 women’s teams from various countries and regions.

MIL OSI China News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: NSU will be the first in Russia to conduct pharmacological research using accelerator mass spectrometry

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

A new research area, Innovative Biomaterials and Methods of Their Research, is being opened at the NSU-NNC Collective Use Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry. The work will be carried out within the framework of the strategic project, Center for the Integration of Personalized Biomedicine, Pharmacy, and Synchrotron Binary Technologies, which received support from the Priority 2030 state program.

For the first time in Russia, the method of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) will be used to study the pharmacokinetics of peptides, hemostatic composites and structural analysis of fossil tissues. The long-term result of the project will be the creation of a standardized approach to assessing the transdermal delivery of peptides, accelerating the development of new therapeutic agents and increasing the accuracy of predicting their clinical effectiveness, creating and introducing new synthetic functional materials for medical use, such as hemostatic materials and selective hemosorbents. Previously, this high-tech research method was used mainly for radiocarbon dating of archaeological finds, geological objects and paleontological samples.

Accelerative masses of spectrometry (UMS) – a supers -sensitive method of absolute measurement of isotopic relations, based on the calculation of single atoms. Of greatest interest for medical research are the capabilities of the UMS in the registration of radioglerod-S-14. The accuracy of the method is so high that it allows you to carry out reliable measurements of the concentration of the S-14 isotope with its share of 1E-15 from the total carbon content. The unsurpassed sensitivity of the UMS gives a number of advantages, such as a small amount of test for analysis and the possibility of analyzing a carbon -containing sample located in any aggregate state. Therefore, for UMS-analysis in the simplest performance, about 2-4 mg of dry matter, 10 mg of a sample of biological tissues and less than 50 μl of fluid will be required. Due to the extremely small content of the radiocarod in the biosphere, the isotopic ratio of the S-14/S-12 is 1E-12-the radioactivity of the laid drugs necessary for accurate registration by the UMS method is several times less than the natural level of radiation. This allows you to safely conduct multiple studies, including involving children as subjects, which is very important when developing children’s forms of drugs due to significant differences in metabolism in adults and children. Currently, the world has accumulated a large array of data on the use of UMS in clinical studies of drugs to select personalized assistance to cancer patients, new drugs developed with the use of UMS are received on the market.

There are about 200 UMS installations in the world, and about 30 large UMS centers with two or more installations. In Russia, there is only one such center — the UMS Center of Collective Use of the NSU-NNC, which has two accelerator mass spectrometers — the first domestic high-voltage one, developed by scientists from the G.I. Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences 15 years ago, and a low-voltage MICADAS, manufactured in Switzerland. The center conducts research, most of which is aimed at radiocarbon dating of various objects, for customers from all over Russia, as well as from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, North Korea, Transnistria, etc. Most of the customers are scientific organizations, research institutes, and universities.

— Our UMS center is registered in the international database of radiocarbon laboratories as “AMS Golden Valley” and successfully passed GIRI certification in 2022. Over the years of our work, we have conducted more than 10 thousand UMS analyses, with the measurement results published more than 80 scientific articles, including in the Nature publishing group, and annually fulfilled more than 40 contracts for UMS measurements. There is a scientific reserve for introducing a radiocarbon label into organic compounds (styrene) and materials (polymer nano- and microspheres), into the composition of the viral membrane, as well as for studying the distribution of toxic substances and the penetrating ability of aerosol particles in organs, — says Ekaterina Parkhomchuk, Director of the UMS Center of Collective Use at NSU-NNC.

The new direction of research work implies active participation of students and young scientists willing to do scientific work in this field. Students will be involved in sample preparation procedures, as well as in studying hemostatics. Young scientists will work in a single team with experienced researchers and experts in the field of UMS application.

— Within the framework of this direction, we intend to orient our UMS installations towards use in the field of biomedicine. For example, to create labeled compounds for medical purposes for the purpose of further studying their distribution and biological action in a living organism. The sensitivity of the UMS method significantly exceeds the capabilities of other methods for determining isotopic ratios. Such studies are rare and complex, and no one else conducts them in Russia. For example, studying the depth of penetration of a drug through the skin, its effectiveness at various stages of diseases, and routes of elimination from the body. Such work has already been carried out by specialists from our center, and we try to involve students and postgraduates in them, — explained Ekaterina Parkhomchuk.

It is planned that medical centers, pharmaceutical companies and research institutes will be involved in the cooperation.

It is already known that one of the first projects will be the assessment of transdermal delivery of peptides – organic substances formed by amino acid chains. The effectiveness of their impact with this route of delivery to the body has not been fully studied due to the lack of reliable methods for studying this process. UMS research can fill the gap and provide an answer to this question.

Along with projects in the field of pharmacology and innovative medicine, the research staff of the NSU-NNC UMS Collective Use Center will continue to work on radiocarbon dating of archaeological and paleontological materials in the same volume, since the need for these studies among scientists of many specialties – archaeologists, soil scientists, paleontologists and geologists – remains very high.

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 –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Spain Men’s Team and Netherlands Women’s Team Win 2025 FIBA 3×3 World Cup

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

ULAN BATOR, June 29 (Xinhua) — The Spanish men’s team and the Netherlands women’s team won gold medals at the 2025 FIBA 3×3 Basketball World Cup, which concluded Sunday evening in the capital of Mongolia.

The Spanish men’s team beat Switzerland 21-17 in the final, while the Dutch women’s team defeated Mongolia 15-9.

The 9th 3×3 Basketball World Championship, held from June 23 to 29 in Ulaanbaatar, featured 20 men’s and 20 women’s teams. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The Waldorf Astoria: what the history of this legendary hotel says about today’s crisis of the American establishment
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alex Prior, Lecturer in Politics with International Relations, London South Bank University

The Waldorf Astoria hotel on Park Avenue, New York City. Shutterstock/Gordon Bell

After eight years of renovations, the Waldorf Astoria in New York has reopened and is welcoming new guests. The Waldorf – as most people know it – introduced room service, velvet ropes, red-velvet cake and Thousand Island dressing. It gave its name to a salad, a chain of lunchrooms, as well as a now obscure form of democracy.

In 1907, the novelist Henry James said the Waldorf embodied what he called the “hotel spirit”: it was a place where everyone was equal – as long as they could afford the price of admission. To James, hotels defined America’s emerging culture and ideals. He said this new “spirit” was one of opportunity; of a new elite that was accessible not only by lineage, but by money.

As the historian and journalist David Freeland wrote, the Waldorf generally made room for all who were “able and ready to pay” and who displayed a willingness to “conduct themselves properly”. The Waldorf ethos was developed by its first maître d’, Oscar Tschirky – known simply as “Oscar of the Waldorf” because people struggled to pronounce his name. “Our innovations were startling and sensational”, Tschirky said in his ghost-written autobiography in 1943, “but they were always genteel”.

Those early innovations included the invention of the “presidential suite”, which saw the hotel become an unlikely early force for American feminism when it became a hub of high-level talks between suffragists and President Woodrow Wilson.

The Waldorf, then, is an American institution – or, at least, it used to be.
It is now in the hands of Chinese owners and has been shunned by presidents since Barack Obama, worried over potential security risks. The brand itself has been watered down as there are currently 32 “Waldorf Astorias” dotted around the globe.

The story of the Waldorf encapsulates modern America’s crisis of the establishment. Few places better personify the creation of the US version of the establishment (much more about money than breeding or class). And in the past decade, the hotel’s position, like the US establishment more generally, has come under assault by a rival hotel owner, Donald Trump.

The Insights section is committed to high-quality longform journalism. Our editors work with academics from many different backgrounds who are tackling a wide range of societal and scientific challenges.

Trump has his own ideas about how to use these modern palaces to project power – and his innovations are anything but genteel. So what can the beginnings of this former American institution tell us about America today? As a researcher of political and democratic institutions, I have been examining the role of hotels in the story of American democracy. And this particular story begins with a Swiss-born waiter.

Oscar of the Waldorf

Tschirky was born in the Swiss Alpine village of Le Locle in 1866. He and his mother boarded the steamer La France in 1883, bound for New York. In his book, he recalled his mother’s announcement:

Yes, Oscar, we’re going to go to America and live with your brother in that great land of plenty where we can have everything we’ve always wanted.

That night, according to his book, was “the beginning of Oscar’s career as beloved servitor and counsellor to the great and near great of this world”.

Although it would be ten years after arriving in New York, that Tschirky would join the Waldorf (which was just about to open) as maître d’. His contract and salary commenced on January 1 1893, ahead of the grand opening of the Fifth Avenue hotel in March. He would occupy his post for the next half-century as “host to the world”.

Tschirky would remain in place as the hotel expanded in 1897 when John Jacob Astor IV built and connected the larger, taller Astoria Hotel next door. Then in 1931 the hotel was forced to relocate when its Fifth Avenue location was razed for the Empire State Building. The “new” Waldorf Astoria New York reopened on Park Avenue with the addition of its famous towers, making it the tallest hotel in the world at the time.

Tschirky was born just one year after the end of the American Civil War. It was an America of Jim Crow laws and segregation. He would live to see women’s suffrage, but not the civil rights reforms of the mid-1960s.

Read more:
Activists are warning of a return to the Jim Crow era in America. But who or what was Jim Crow?

In this turbulent context, it appears that Tschirky did his best to keep the Waldorf out of politics. He stuck to the advice given by the Waldorf’s manager, George Boldt (himself a German immigrant) who told him that it was “not up to the hotel to settle international affairs”.

Tschirky came to understand, realise, and represent the “hotel spirit” of a new America as he presided over the establishment of hotels as American palaces: not only for visitors, but for the new American aristocracy.

A presidential palace

The Waldorf famously hosted every US president from Grover Cleveland to Franklin Roosevelt. In spring 1897, Cleveland was at the Waldorf with members of his former cabinet, who wanted him as Democratic candidate in the 1900 election. This was the first reported instance of “Waldorf democracy” – in this case, the term was used to identify this new group within (and in some respects differentiate it from) “the democracy”, that was the Democrats.

President Grover Cleveland (sitting on the far left) and his cabinet, between 1895 and 1896.
Shutterstock/Everett Collection

This politics was not embraced by all. As reported in The Ohio Democrat, Congressman Edward W. Carmack of Tennessee dismissed it as “the walled-off Democracy, because they are by themselves, representing nobody, and unable to influence a vote”.

Nevertheless, political elites liked the luxury that the Waldorf offered. Presidential suites were established during Woodrow Wilson’s presidency (1913-21). In the Waldorf, this famous suite emulates the furniture of the White House and still contains several presidential souvenirs, (including John F. Kennedy’s rocking chair).

The hotel was also popular among the famous “Four Hundred of the Gilded Age” – the highest echelons of New York society. The group was originally led by Caroline Schermerhorn Astor. The Astors’ ancestral family home, the town of Walldorf, in western Germany, had even given the hotel its name. According to Tschirky’s book, the Waldorf’s grand ballroom was:

… where Teddy Roosevelt had dined, where presidents McKinley, Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge and Hoover had spoken historic words to the nation, where princes of royal blood had been welcomed, where the great people in every walk of life had been honored.

The Waldorf proved a suitable palace for US presidents and their entourages and Tschirky, a suitable “servant”. When interviewed by Washington DC’s Evening Star, Tschirky “wouldn’t talk about presidents except to say that Franklin D. Roosevelt calls him, ‘my neighbor across the Hudson’”.

But Tschirky, “for all his celebrity acquaintances, never forgot that he was, in the end, a servant”, as Freeland wrote. The Waldorf likewise applied the term to its staff.

Exclusivity, exclusion and ‘democracy’

The world famous hotelier Conrad Hilton, who acquired the Waldorf in 1949, recalled in his autobiography, Be My Guest:

Originally the Waldorf was said to purvey exclusiveness to the exclusive. Later [the writer and artist] Oliver Herford announced that it ‘brought exclusiveness to the masses’. But that exclusiveness remained whether the hotel catered to a convention of three thousand or a tête-à-tête between crowned heads.

The Waldorf ethos projected “taste” and imbued it in others. Tschirky “subtly schooled Americans in fine European dining”. In 1956 – six years after Tschirky’s death – the New York Times recalled that, alongside Boldt, he undertook to teach people how to spend their money. The Waldorf embodied good taste by enforcing it, for example in its expectation of “proper conduct”.

But with exclusivity comes exclusion. Hence, the hotel’s introduction of the velvet rope. According to the Waldorf’s luxury suite specialists, this was done “to create order … the fact that it created a sense of stature and separation was secondary”.

Tschirky’s statement that “all who pay their bills are on an equal footing” reflects one of his “rules for success”:

… be as courteous to the man in a five dollar room as to the occupant of the royal suite. It is an old rule, but it never changes.

We can see from this mindset how the hotel was seen to possess, as American Studies scholar Annabella Fick put it, “a democratic quality … even though it is also elitist. In that, it invokes the democratic understanding of early America, which also differentiated between land-owning gentry and the mob”.

This was not the only differentiation. Just two years after the Waldorf opened, the 1895 New York State Equal Rights Law (commonly known as the Malby Law) – which aimed to abolish racial discrimination in public places – had aroused Boldt’s indignation. According to Freeland, Boldt described the law to reporters as “an outrage, as it prevents us from making any selection of our patrons. A man who runs a first-class hotel must respect the wishes of his guests as to the sort of people that he entertains, and the law should not dictate to him.”

In his paradoxical desire for the freedom to discriminate and persecute as he wished – and on behalf of his customers, real or imagined – Boldt illustrated the exclusion inherent in exclusivity. Boldt’s statement also presaged a system of informal segregation, in which Black Americans were allowed in the Waldorf (and elsewhere), but were certainly not welcome.

Despite this the Waldorf was at the heart of a fundamental shift in American culture which “invited” ordinary Americans access beyond the velvet rope – as long as they could afford it. As James McCarthy and John Rutherford said in their 1931 book, Peacock Alley: “The average man and woman … frowned upon grand display – chiefly because the average person knew it was beyond his or her own horizon of enjoyment. The arrival of the Waldorf, however, was an invitation to the public to taste of this grandeur.”

And it wasn’t just the paying customers. During its 30th anniversary in 1923, the Waldorf elevated its staff – its servants – to the level of guests. Reporters for the Birmingham Age-Herald noted: “Practically the entire staff of the hotel were guests … the affair reached the topnotch of Waldorf democracy, for the waiters and financiers, telephone girls and captains of industry, coat-room clerks and merchant princes sat side by side and swapped reminiscences with each other.” The article continues:

Oscar sat [at] the head of his own table as guest of honor. For a brief time Oscar was no longer the solicitous host … For an hour or two Oscar was himself the guest, and the entire kitchen menage of the Waldorf-Astoria was kept hopping filling his wants and those of his fellow guests.

Oscar and his wife Louise, in the Birmingham Age-Herald above ‘Father Knickerbocker’ – a personification of New York City (hence The Knicks) – celebrating the Waldorf at 30.
Library of Congress

But being a guest was a temporary experience.

The “Waldorf democracy” described during this event – of people from every walk of life and status mixing and socialising – was very different to that of the Cleveland entourage. It was not party-political, but institutional.

Democracy meant different things, at different times, within the Waldorf; just like in the broader US. The Waldorf, in turn, began to change, and perhaps even lose its meaning within the US by the time of Obama’s presidency.

Chinese ownership

The Waldorf lost its status as presidential palace in 2014. It was bought for $1.95bn by a Chinese company that was later seized by the Chinese government. Security concerns a year later prompted President Obama to stay at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel instead.

Obama’s choice of where to stay – and where not to stay – was widely discussed in the media. The decision was seen to “break with decades of tradition”. ABC News recognised and portrayed it as the end of an era, bidding “Goodbye to the Waldorf Astoria, welcome to the Lotte New York Palace Hotel”. This new era was also framed in geopolitical terms, for example by the New York Times:

With Chinese spies rummaging through White House emails, President Obama has decided not to risk making their spying any easier: He will break with tradition and abandon the Waldorf Astoria … Mr. Obama and other officials will instead take up residence a few blocks away at the Lotte New York Palace.

The same article also pointed out that “hotels have long represented a weak link in security for travelling officials and others”. In fact, Nikita Khrushchev had once got stuck in an elevator at the Waldorf, and “probably thought it was an attempt to assassinate him”.

Covering up an assassination as an “elevator accident” is probably not what Hilton had in mind when he envisaged his hotels as “a means of combating communism”. On the contrary – as Professor Mairi Maclean, a researcher of business elites, put it – Hilton envisaged hotels as a means of “facilitating world peace through international trade and travel”.

Women’s suffrage

It may not have brought about world peace, but the Waldorf did play a part in certain moments of US history because it was always seen as a key arena to lobby rulers, most notably in 1916. Women’s suffrage in America was still four years away. On one side of the debate (and the Waldorf itself) were two hundred suffragists, occupying the East Room. On the other was Woodrow Wilson, occupying the Presidential Suite.

Tschirky recalled being “appointed diplomatic courier … and delegated to carry the first communiqué of the morning … In the midst of it all I stood my ground, swearing myself an ice cold neutral”.

Though neutral on the question of suffrage, Tschirky was willing to reduce boundaries within the hotel, especially if it was good for business. Even as the hotel was being built, Tschirky remembered that “there was not, in all America, such a thing as a motor car, a radio … Nor were cocktails ever seen in private homes; or divorces tolerated in society; nor did women smoke, or wear dresses above their ankles”.

Then in 1907 a notice was put up in the Waldorf: “Women would be served in the hotel restaurants at any time, with or without male escorts.” Freeland noted Tschirky’s simple confirmation that: “We will serve women. What else can you do in a hotel?”

Crowd of women’s suffrage supporters demonstrating with signs reading, ‘Wilson Against Women’, in Chicago on October 20, 1916. Wilson withheld his support for Votes of Women until 1918.
Shutterstock/Everett Collection

A few years later, discussing women’s right to smoke in the dining rooms, Tschirky said: “We do not regulate the public taste. Public taste does and should regulate us.”

During the Waldorf’s 30th anniversary in 1923, newspapers such as El Imparcial celebrated it as “a civic asset of unique importance. And to its other accolades must be added that of contributing effectively to the progress of feminism. It was a memorable day in the women’s rights movement when The Waldorf Astoria granted female access to the Peacock Alley.”

Nevertheless, even the naming of Peacock Alley – a corridor in the hotel that became an important place of congregation, especially for women – was a recognition of exclusivity. It was where people gathered to parade themselves. As the recollection goes in Tschirky’s memoirs: “The Waldorf Hotel was a triumphant picture of the Best People at their best”.

Trump

With their ostentatious decor and gilded interiors, Trump’s hotels could be seen as the modern incarnation of Peacock Alley.

But the tenets of politeness, respect and decorum that Tschirky set down seem like echoes from another age when compared to a recent AI video showing Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sitting shirtless at a pool with drinks at an imaginary “Trump Gaza hotel”. The video appears to have been a spoof, but that didn’t stop the president from sharing it on Truth Social, his own social media platform, and Instagram.

Like Hilton (who was immortalised in Mad Men, demanding a Hilton on the moon) hotels have always been a part of Trump’s brand. Trump recalled, in How to Get Rich, that his “first big deal, in 1974, involved the old Commodore Hotel site near Grand Central Station” on 42nd Street.

The former Trump International Hotel in Washington DC, opened in 2016, was described as “the epicenter of the president’s business interests in [the capital]”. It was also “a popular choice for lobbyists and Republican Congress members during Trump’s presidency”.

“The Trump Organization sold the hotel’s lease to CGI in 2022, when the hotel was reflagged as a Waldorf Astoria”, though Trump’s firm is rumoured to be in talks to reacquire it.

Another similarity between Hilton and Trump is their use of hotels as symbols for the nation. Each hotel of Hilton’s was envisaged as a “Little America”, “to show the countries most exposed to communism the other side of the coin”.

In the run up to the 2016 US presidential election, at an opening for the Trump International Hotel, Trump “tried to turn the hotel into a metaphor for America”, according to an editorial in Vox. Trump went on to say:

It had all of the ingredients of greatness, but it had been neglected and left to deteriorate for many many decades … It had the foundation of success. All of the elements were here. Our job is to restore our former glory, honor its heritage, but also imagine a brand new and exciting vision for the future.

Forbes commented that this event “could’ve easily been mistaken for a Trump rally”, for example in his statement that “my theme today is five words: ‘under budget and ahead of schedule’ … We don’t hear those words too often in government – but you will!”

Similarly, in an interview with the New York Post, Trump’s son Eric Trump used familiar Maga rhetoric: “Our family has saved the hotel once. If asked, we would save it again”.

What would Tschirky have made of all this? As a political neutral he would have decried Trump’s frequent hotel plugs during political campaigns. No doubt his behaviour would have seemed crass.

Perhaps this reflects two different eras of hotels and their intended functions. Grand hotels such as the Waldorf were shaped by European colonialism, by immigrants like Tschirky and Boldt. But as historian Annabel Wharton describes, the Hiltons “were constructed not, as in the nineteenth century, to meet an established need, but to create one. They suggest that this pressure was not produced simply by the desire for profit, but from a remarkable political commitment to the system that promoted profit-making”. I think we can read Trump’s hotels, and now his politics, in the same way.

The hotel spirit has entered a new phase with Trump’s proposals to “own, level, and develop” the Gaza Strip and create a “Riviera of the Middle East” – riding roughshod over the democratic will of Palestinians in Gaza who dismissed Trump’s vision.

Less than two decades after opening, Tschirky remarked that “many of the great events, financial, diplomatic, political, had had their inception within [the Waldorf’s] stone walls”. For him, it was “an international crossroad where men from all lands came to exchange goods and ideas” and to plan the changes in the world which he would later see come to pass.

Tschirky saw hotels as the most democratic places on Earth. But the “hotel spirit” he espoused – that uniquely American narrative within which he “became a citizen almost overnight” (a feat that seems vanishingly unlikely today) – seems to have been consigned to the past.

“I know that better times will come again”, he says in the preface to his book, “but in terms of the past, I think I have seen the best. New York has changed. America has changed.”

For you: more from our Insights series:
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Alex Prior does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. The Waldorf Astoria: what the history of this legendary hotel says about today’s crisis of the American establishment – https://theconversation.com/the-waldorf-astoria-what-the-history-of-this-legendary-hotel-says-about-todays-crisis-of-the-american-establishment-256372
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Clock ticking on EU-US trade talks as key divides remain

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

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrives for a European Council summit in Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

U.S.-EU trade talks have gone through multiple rounds, but with the July 9 tariff deadline approaching, European leaders remained divided at Thursday’s European Council summit over whether to push for a quick deal or hold out for a more favorable one.

A quick deal or a better one?

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday that the EU had received the “latest U.S. document” for continued negotiations, though she did not disclose details of the U.S. proposals.

EU leaders now face a strategic dilemma over whether to accelerate talks to secure a deal before the deadline, or risk a prolonged trade dispute in hopes of achieving more favorable terms.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose country is among the EU’s top exporters, is leading calls for a rapid resolution.

“We have less than two weeks until July 9 — you can’t negotiate a sophisticated trade agreement in that time,” he said, warning that key industries, including chemicals, steel and automotive, are already under intense pressure.

But others urged caution, warning that a rushed deal could tilt the balance in favor of the United States.

“We are assessing it,” von der Leyen said. “Our message today is clear. We are ready for a deal. At the same time, we are preparing for the possibility that no satisfactory agreement is reached.” She added that “all options remain on the table,” and the EU would defend its interests if needed.

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this stance, saying France supports a fast and pragmatic deal but “will not accept unfair terms.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that Washington may consider extending the deadline for countries negotiating in “good faith.”

Key divides remain

To ease tensions, the EU has proposed eliminating tariffs on industrial goods on both sides — a move that has met with a lukewarm response from Washington.

The EU also hopes to narrow the trade imbalance by increasing imports of U.S. liquefied natural gas, arms and agricultural products, and by considering reducing auto tariffs. However, U.S. negotiators continue to press for sweeping EU concessions on value-added tax rules, digital regulation, food safety and environmental standards.

While EU officials say they are open to dialogue, they insist that core regulatory principles are non-negotiable.

“Where it is the sovereign decision-making process in the European Union and its member states that is affected, this is too far,” von der Leyen said recently.

Citing diplomatic sources, AFP reported that EU leaders may be exploring a so-called “Swiss cheese” deal — allowing for broad U.S. tariffs but securing exemptions for sensitive sectors such as steel, automotive, pharmaceuticals and aerospace.

Automobiles remain the most contentious point. Germany has proposed an “offset rule” under which the EU would allow duty-free imports of U.S. cars in exchange for the same number of EU vehicles being exempted from tariffs in the United States. The effectiveness of such a mechanism, however, remains uncertain.

A new trade club without US?

U.S. President Donald Trump’s unpredictable trade policies — marked by abrupt tariff hikes, temporary suspensions and renewed threats — have shaken confidence among traditional allies and reignited global concerns over trade stability.

At Thursday’s summit, von der Leyen floated a new idea about forming a trade alliance with members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which includes Britain, Japan, and other Asian economies. She said such a coalition could serve as a foundation for reforming the World Trade Organization.

MIL OSI China News –

June 28, 2025

MIL-OSI Canada: Tariff-rate quotas on imports of steel mill products

Source: Government of Canada News

Backgrounder

The Government of Canada announced the implementation of tariff rate quotas (TRQs) on imports of steel mill products from non-free trade agreement partners, effective June 27, 2025. This measure will help stabilize the Canadian market and prevent harmful diversion of foreign steel from third countries into Canada while minimizing impacts on Canadian importers and downstream users.

The TRQs will be administered on the basis of five steel product categories: flat, long, pipe and tube, semi-finished, and stainless steel (see Annex A for list of tariff classifications applicable to each category). A 50 per cent surtax will be applied on imports of covered products that exceed the specified quantity threshold from non-FTA partners.

The quotas will be reviewed in 30 days to ensure their appropriateness and effectiveness in light of evolving market circumstances, and periodically thereafter. The reviews will be supported by the newly established industry-government steel task force.

Administration of the Tariff-Rate Quotas

Global Affairs Canada will be responsible for administering the quota of products that may be imported without this additional surtax through the issuance of shipment-specific import permits. To facilitate the administration of the TRQs, the subject products are being added to the Import Control List. Importations made without the applicable shipment-specific import permit will be assessed the 50 per cent surtax by the CBSA. This surtax would be additive to any existing surtaxes or anti-dumping and countervailing duty measures, as well as forthcoming tariff measures based on the country of “melt and pour” for steel or “smelt and cast” for aluminum.

Key elements of the tariff-rate quota include:

Total quota volume: For each of the five steel product categories, a limit is imposed on the quantity of goods that may be imported without a surtax. The one-year limit corresponds to all of 2024 imports from non-FTA countries.
Quota periods: The annual quota will be administered on the basis of three-month quarterly periods. Once the quota for a category in a quarter has been filled, imports under that category will be subject to a surtax for the remainder of that period. Any quota remaining at the end of a quarter will be rolled over into the following one.
Country share limit: For each category, there is a limit on the share of the total quarterly quota that imports from a single country of origin can fill. The limits are based on historical trade patterns. If imports from a country reaches the specified limit in a category, all subsequent imports from that country in that category will be subject to the surtax, until the end of the quarter.

See Annex B for additional details on the tariff-rate quota volume and limits.

The TRQs will apply to imports originating in any country that does not have a free trade agreement in force with Canada. The list of countries excluded from the tariff-rate quotas are set out in Annex C.

Global Affairs Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency will be responsible for administering the tariff-rate quota for each steel product category. Additional information on the administration of these measures can be found at the links below:

GAC Notice to Importers (will follow)
CBSA Customs Notice (will follow)

Annex A – Steel Products Subject to Provisional Safeguards

**Steel Products Subject to Provisional Safeguards**
Product Category	Applicable Tariff Classifications
Flat	7208.10.00; 7208.25.00; 7208.26.00; 7208.27.00; 7208.36.00; 7208.37.00; 7208.38.00; 7208.39.00; 7208.40.00; 7208.51.00; 7208.52.00; 7208.53.00; 7208.54.00; 7208.90.00; 7209.15.00; 7209.16.00; 7209.17.00; 7209.18.00; 7209.25.00; 7209.26.00; 7209.27.00; 7209.28.00; 7209.90.00; 7210.11.00; 7210.12.00; 7210.49.00; 7210.50.00; 7210.61.00; 7210.69.00; 7210.70.00; 7210.90.00; 7211.14.00; 7211.19.00; 7211.23.00; 7211.29.00; 7211.90.00; 7212.10.00; 7212.30.00; 7212.40.00; 7212.50.00; 7225.19.00; 7225.30.00; 7225.40.00; 7225.50.00; 7225.91.00; 7225.92.00; 7225.99.00; 7226.91.00; 7226.92.00; 7226.99.00
Long	7213.10.00; 7213.20.00; 7213.91.00; 7213.99.00; 7214.10.00; 7214.20.00; 7214.91.00; 7214.99.00; 7216.10.00; 7216.21.00; 7216.22.00; 7216.31.00; 7216.32.00; 7216.33.00; 7216.40.00; 7216.50.00; 7216.99.00; 7217.10.00; 7217.20.00; 7217.30.00; 7217.90.00; 7224.10.00; 7227.10.00; 7227.20.00; 7227.90.00; 7228.30.00; 7228.40.00; 7228.50.00; 7228.60.00; 7228.70.00; 7228.80.00; 7229.20.00; 7229.90.00; 7301.10.00; 7301.20.00
Pipe and Tube	7304.19.00; 7304.22.00; 7304.23.00; 7304.24.00; 7304.29.00; 7304.39.00; 7304.59.00; 7304.90.00; 7305.11.00; 7305.12.00; 7305.19.00; 7305.20.00; 7305.31.00; 7305.39.00; 7305.90.00; 7306.19.00; 7306.29.00; 7306.30.00; 7306.50.00; 7306.61.00; 7306.69.00; 7306.90.00
Semi-finished	7206.10.00; 7206.90.00; 7207.11.00; 7207.12.00; 7207.19.00; 7207.20.00; 7224.90.00
Stainless	7218.10.00; 7218.91.00; 7218.99.00; 7222.30.00; 7222.40.00; 7304.49.00

Annex B – Tariff-Rate Quota Volumes

**Tariff-Rate Quota Volumes**
Product	Quota for each three-month quarterly period (tonnes)	Maximum Share of Total Quota per Country
Flat	186,856	36%
Long	178,512	28%
Pipe and Tube	117,406	47%
Semi-finished	152,383	72%
Stainless	5,568	91%

Annex C – Excluded Countries of Origin

Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Jordan
South Korea
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Panama
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Vietnam

MIL OSI Canada News –

June 28, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Obtaining an upper-secondary level qualification is highly dependent on a young person’s socio-economic situation

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

Of the young people who turned 15 between 2011 and 2013, 8.2% had not obtained an upper-secondary level qualification ten years later. Among young people from the 20% of households with the lowest net equivalent income from employment, this figure rose to 13% and among those from households claiming economic social assistance to 24%. It is much more common for individuals from these households to obtain a federal vocational qualification than a Swiss baccalaureate. The probability of obtaining a qualification is also influenced by a number of other interrelated socio-economic factors. These are the main findings of a new publication by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) based on longitudinal analyses of nearly 82,000 young people.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: New Swiss ambassadors

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

As part of the FDFA’s periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council, personnel changes and the conferment of ambassadorial titles will take place in 2025 at several Swiss representations and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) at the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP).

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Switzerland to take part in NATO crisis management exercise (CMX25)

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

Switzerland, represented by federal offices from the DDPS and the FDFA, is taking part in NATO’s crisis management exercise (CMX25), which runs from 13 to 18 March. The exercise will enable Switzerland to strengthen its cooperation while practising crisis management within an international framework.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Producer and Import Price Index rose by 0.3% in February

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

The Producer and Import Price Index rose in February 2025 by 0.3% compared with the previous month, reaching 106.7 points (December 2020 = 100). Rising prices were seen in particular for basic pharmaceutical products, petroleum products and electricity (for large-scale consumers). Pharmaceutical preparations and chemical products, on the other hand, became cheaper. Compared with February 2024, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products fell by 0.1%. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: State Secretary Hirayama attends informal meeting of EU Ministers for Research and Innovation

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

On 10 and 11 March, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the informal meeting of EU Ministers for Research and Innovation in Warsaw. The main topics of the meeting, which takes place twice a year, were the strategic shape of the next EU R+I Framework Programme, FP10, which begins in 2028, and European competitiveness. State Secretary Hirayama took the opportunity to hold bilateral talks with counterparts from various countries.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Silicone that moves: Muscles from the printer

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

Empa researchers are working on artificial muscles that can keep up with the real thing. They have now developed a method of producing the soft and elastic, yet powerful structures using 3D printing. One day, these could be used in medicine or robotics – and anywhere else where things need to move at the touch of a button.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Latest special coin to be issued: CERN silver coin brings research within reach

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

The new CERN special coin from Swissmint combines Swiss precision with cutting-edge research: the 20-franc silver coin honours scientific progress in Switzerland and showcases one of the most fascinating research institutes. It will be available from 13 March 2025.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Fall in turnover and growth in employment in Switzerland in 4th quarter 2024

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

Turnover in secondary and tertiary market activities declined by 1.4% in the 4th quarter 2024 compared with the same quarter of the previous year. The fall in turnover contrasts with an increase in employment of 0.5% in the same period. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Fall in turnover and growth in employment in Switzerland in 4th quarter 2024

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

Turnover in secondary and tertiary market activities declined by 1.4% in the 4th quarter 2024 compared with the same quarter of the previous year. The fall in turnover contrasts with an increase in employment of 0.5% in the same period. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: President Presides Over Official Handover of Landmark St. Louis Hill Stabilisation Project

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

Download logo

President Wavel Ramkalawan presided over the official handover of the completed St. Louis Hill Stabilisation Project during an occasion held at the St. Louis Community Centre on Friday morning. This major infrastructure initiative represents a significant milestone in the nation’s disaster risk reduction and community resilience efforts.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by President Ramkalawan and the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Errol Fonseka, recognising the collaborative leadership that brought this transformative project to fruition.The plaque will be temporarily displayed at the St. Louis Community Centre before being permanently relocated to the project site as an enduring testament to this achievement.

Minister Fonseka emphasised the national significance of the project, highlighting its pivotal contribution to disaster risk reduction and community resilience. “The St. Louis Hill Stabilisation Project represents the first technically advanced, climate-resilient slope protection initiative in our country,” stated the Minister. “It was meticulously designed to safeguard lives and protect homes from the increasing threat of landslides and rockfall hazards, which are becoming more frequent due to our changing climate. This is not merely a construction project, it is a symbol of national resilience, innovation, and forward-thinking governance.”

Project Leader Mr. Mikael Evenor delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the initiative’s key objectives, milestones achieved, challenges overcome, and the substantial benefits delivered to the local community. During his address, he explained that five critical areas were identified for intervention: Waterloo, Belombre, Le Niole, and St. Louis upper and lower hills. These locations were selected to address “not only immediate threats but also to serve as practical training grounds for local teams and contractors.” He attributed the project’s success to the exceptional transparency and collaboration between the government, local teams, Swiss partners, and the community.

Echoing these sentiments, Swiss Expert Mr. Ruedi Degelo characterised the project as “a remarkable success story.” He urged the government and relevant stakeholders to give careful consideration to implementing preventive measures in other areas that could pose risks to life and safety.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of completion certificates to project contractors and the ground team by President Ramkalawan and Mr. Degelo, in recognition of their unwavering dedication and expertise in delivering this critical infrastructure improvement.

The successful completion of the St. Louis Hill Stabilisation Project reflects the government’s steadfast commitment to investing in vital infrastructure that protects communities and supports sustainable development throughout the nation.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Minister for Local Government and Community Affairs Mrs. Rose-Marie Hoareau, Minister for Land and Housing Mr. Billy Rangasamy, Member of the National Assembly for St. Louis Mr. Satya Naidoo, Director General for Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) Mr. Robert Ernesta, Chief Risk Management Officer DRMD Mr. Daniel Cetoupe, the Swiss technical team, members of the local implementation team, contractors, and invited dignitaries.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Conditions imposed as part of protest policing plan

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The Met has released the details of its policing plan ahead of another busy weekend in London.

Officers will be deployed across the city to respond to incidents and keep the public safe. In particular, there will be a significant police presence in the Westminster area on Saturday ahead of two planned protests, the details of which are outlined below.

We have used our powers under the Public Order Act to impose conditions on a number of events in order to prevent serious disruption to the life of the wider community.

Conditions have been imposed on a protest organised by the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN) due to take place on Friday evening.

For many months since October 2023, the protest took place on a weekly basis in Swiss Cottage. Recognising the impact of cumulative protest at a time when fear and concern among many in London’s Jewish communities was heightened, a decision was taken to review the extent to which the weekly protests were causing serious disruption.

As a result of that review, conditions were imposed preventing anyone involved in the IJAN protest assembling in the area shown on the map below. Those conditions are in force this evening (Friday 27 June).

Conditions have also been imposed on a protest organised under the banner ‘For the Children’ that is due to take place on Saturday afternoon.

Anyone participating in the protest must remain in the shaded area on the map below until the procession commences.

Anyone participating in the ‘For the Children’ procession must remain on the approved route shown on the map below which goes from Russell Square to Whitehall, via Southampton Row, Kingsway and the Strand.

Anyone participating in the assembly that follows the ‘For the Children’ procession must remain in the shaded area shown on the map below.

The stage for the assembly must be positioned in the space shown in blue.

The assembly must conclude by 17:30hrs.

A counter protest, organised by Stand Up To Racism, will take place at the south end of Whitehall, in Parliament Street.

Anyone participating in the Stand Up To Racism protest must remain in the shaded area on the map below.

The stage must be positioned in the space marked in dark blue.

The assembly must conclude by 15;00hrs.

MIL Security OSI –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Conditions imposed as part of protest policing plan

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The Met has released the details of its policing plan ahead of another busy weekend in London.

Officers will be deployed across the city to respond to incidents and keep the public safe. In particular, there will be a significant police presence in the Westminster area on Saturday ahead of two planned protests, the details of which are outlined below.

We have used our powers under the Public Order Act to impose conditions on a number of events in order to prevent serious disruption to the life of the wider community.

Conditions have been imposed on a protest organised by the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN) due to take place on Friday evening.

For many months since October 2023, the protest took place on a weekly basis in Swiss Cottage. Recognising the impact of cumulative protest at a time when fear and concern among many in London’s Jewish communities was heightened, a decision was taken to review the extent to which the weekly protests were causing serious disruption.

As a result of that review, conditions were imposed preventing anyone involved in the IJAN protest assembling in the area shown on the map below. Those conditions are in force this evening (Friday 27 June).

Conditions have also been imposed on a protest organised under the banner ‘For the Children’ that is due to take place on Saturday afternoon.

Anyone participating in the protest must remain in the shaded area on the map below until the procession commences.

Anyone participating in the ‘For the Children’ procession must remain on the approved route shown on the map below which goes from Russell Square to Whitehall, via Southampton Row, Kingsway and the Strand.

Anyone participating in the assembly that follows the ‘For the Children’ procession must remain in the shaded area shown on the map below.

The stage for the assembly must be positioned in the space shown in blue.

The assembly must conclude by 17:30hrs.

A counter protest, organised by Stand Up To Racism, will take place at the south end of Whitehall, in Parliament Street.

Anyone participating in the Stand Up To Racism protest must remain in the shaded area on the map below.

The stage must be positioned in the space marked in dark blue.

The assembly must conclude by 15;00hrs.

MIL Security OSI –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Conditions imposed as part of protest policing plan

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The Met has released the details of its policing plan ahead of another busy weekend in London.

Officers will be deployed across the city to respond to incidents and keep the public safe. In particular, there will be a significant police presence in the Westminster area on Saturday ahead of two planned protests, the details of which are outlined below.

We have used our powers under the Public Order Act to impose conditions on a number of events in order to prevent serious disruption to the life of the wider community.

Conditions have been imposed on a protest organised by the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN) due to take place on Friday evening.

For many months since October 2023, the protest took place on a weekly basis in Swiss Cottage. Recognising the impact of cumulative protest at a time when fear and concern among many in London’s Jewish communities was heightened, a decision was taken to review the extent to which the weekly protests were causing serious disruption.

As a result of that review, conditions were imposed preventing anyone involved in the IJAN protest assembling in the area shown on the map below. Those conditions are in force this evening (Friday 27 June).

Conditions have also been imposed on a protest organised under the banner ‘For the Children’ that is due to take place on Saturday afternoon.

Anyone participating in the protest must remain in the shaded area on the map below until the procession commences.

Anyone participating in the ‘For the Children’ procession must remain on the approved route shown on the map below which goes from Russell Square to Whitehall, via Southampton Row, Kingsway and the Strand.

Anyone participating in the assembly that follows the ‘For the Children’ procession must remain in the shaded area shown on the map below.

The stage for the assembly must be positioned in the space shown in blue.

The assembly must conclude by 17:30hrs.

A counter protest, organised by Stand Up To Racism, will take place at the south end of Whitehall, in Parliament Street.

Anyone participating in the Stand Up To Racism protest must remain in the shaded area on the map below.

The stage must be positioned in the space marked in dark blue.

The assembly must conclude by 15;00hrs.

MIL Security OSI –

June 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: WTO General Council February 2025: UK Statements

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

WTO General Council February 2025: UK Statements

Statements delivered by Simon Manley, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, 18 – 19 February 2025 at the World Trade Organization in Geneva.

Item 2: Practical Steps to Enhance the Process for the Appointment of Officers to Certain WTO Bodies. Communication from Canada, Chile, Jamaica, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Singapore and Switzerland

Thank you, Chair. The UK adds our congratulations to the new Chairs, and also extends our thanks to you, Chair, in particular, for your work in the General Council. Your leadership and tireless drive, which we can already see this morning, to take forward our work with both good humour and astute steering of the meetings has been hugely appreciated. On this item, the UK does support pragmatic initiatives that can help improve processes for all of us here at the WTO, so we are grateful to the countries who have put this forward. We do support reform by doing, and as this document says, this is reform by doing. It solves issues around the appointment of Chairs, which when they are delayed leads to gaps that effect all of us and the efficiency of the organization. It is practical steps that we should all be able to agree to and the UK supports it.

Item 4: Incorporation of the Agreement on Electronic Commerce into Annex 4 of the WTO Agreement

Thank you, Chair. The UK is disappointed with the objections this morning to the incorporation of the E-commerce agreement as an annex 4 plurilateral. It is even more disappointing to see the failure to reach agreement on an investment facilitation and development on the previous item and I would just like to acknowledge the large number of very eloquent and well-reasoned interventions, especially from developing countries, on how they, like all WTO numbers, stand to benefit from the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA). Both the IFDA and E-commerce agreements are in the category of things the WTO can and should do now, and in good time, before MC14. Speakers this morning, especially from developing countries, have clearly set out the benefits which the E-commerce agreement offers. I’m just going to briefly recap a few. First, that this is the first set of global digital trade rules, in a sector which already by 2020 represented 25% of global trade worth almost 5 trillion USD; it has a key role in global economic growth. It is an agreement which not just increases digital trade and lowers trade barriers, it also enhances trust in an open digital environment. In all these ways it can unlock opportunities for businesses, jobs and their consumers all around the world. It is also an agreement that has been inclusive in its preparation. The vast majority of the 91 countries originally involved in the negotiation are developing countries. It is inclusive in its benefits as so many developing countries have set out. It is not just the delegations in this room who say all of these things, just in the last few weeks. For example, we heard directly from businesses at the World Economic Forum about the benefits of unleashing digital trade for MSMEs, in particular. Then, very importantly, my last point to support the implementation of the agreement includes a multi-avenue support package comprising implementation periods, technical assistance and capacity building.

The UK is committed to continuing our support for various technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives, such as a Digital Access Programme. We are ready to work with all members on the E-commerce agreement to make progress and reach agreement swiftly, hopefully well in advance of MC14.

Item 5: Report by the Chairperson of the Trade Negotiations Committee and Report by the Director General

Thank you for your Report, in particular for reminding us of the measurable benefits traders have brought to economic growth and development and for your commitments driving forward all our work. The UK is ready to cooperate with all members to ensure meaningful progress across all the areas you mentioned in the run up to MC14, including things we can and should agree before MC14. We recognise that, as you said Director General, it is a challenging time for global trade. We are grateful for your efforts. As our Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security said in the UK parliament last week, the UK stands behind your exemplary leadership. We agreed that the WTO is a forum to listen and to discuss differences on trade with a review to resolving them; for calm responses and constructive dialogue as we look ahead to MC14.

As we look ahead to MC14, we support the particular priority to deliver for development. For the UK this includes the things we can and should do before MC14. On the development benefits of IFDA and E-commerce, I refer to the points I and others, including so many developing countries, made this morning. On the fisheries subsidies agreements and, through them, realising SDG target 14.6, we hope both enter into force, and Fish One and adoption of Fish Two could be secured before the UN Ocean Summit in France in June. That these agreements are so close is actually a tribute to the hard work and readiness to listen with compromises by so many in this room. Completing that work will also help us form a clear pathway to MC14, including space to work on agriculture and other important areas already under discussion. On agriculture, our thanks also to outgoing Chair, Ambassador Alparslan Acarsoy of Türkiye, for his work. Achieving a breakthrough on agriculture is more essential than ever. We cannot lose time, including to agree a new Chair, and then to work for successive MC14. Director General, thank you again for your leadership. We of course recognise the challenges. Trade is not always straightforward. The UK continues to support the WTO in the multilateral trading system; the benefits for trade for all of us, for growth, for development, are real. We are committed to working with you, with Members, to realise them. Thank you.

Item 9: Follow-up to the WTO Off-Site Retreat on Trade as a Tool for Development and Way Forward. Request from Barbados and South Africa

Thank you, Chair and the Secretariat for giving us a quick readout of the discussions. Already today we have heard several times about the importance of high ambition on development for MC14, and more widely, and the UK fully agrees. We would particularly like to thank South Africa and Barbados for bring in this discussion and helping to set out a path forward and welcome your particular collaboration when we think about what can be achieved. Development is cross cutting in so much of our work, and that is why, for the UK, the best way to maintain short-term momentum is with the early agreement on outcomes that are already in reach. That is why in earlier interventions today we have stressed the development benefits from early conclusion on investment facilitation for development, fisheries and E-commerce. We add to this, the development opportunities around LDC graduation and indeed the opportunities through new accessions to the WTO, that we will hear about tomorrow. Equally, to make a success of this we want to hear ideas, and we urge developing country members in particular to deliver their priority proposals as soon as possible, so that we really can work together to achieve progress in the timeframe of MC14.

Finally, the UK is committed to wider initiatives supporting developing countries, working in partnerships, listening to needs, and with this in mind we note that as the only fund dedicated to LDC trade, the UK wants to ensure that the enhanced integrated framework continues to deliver impact for LDCs. We have just made available this year an additional £100,000 into the interim facility, which brings our total contribution to £1,000,000 and we hope this will help ensure continuity while the future of the fund is discussed. As Members are aware, we hope the EIF taskforce will make its recommendations very soon as a basis for further improvement, meeting the expectations of LDCs and donors. Thank you.

Item 11: WTO Accessions: 2024 Annual Report by the Director General

The UK is closely engaged in this work and supports prospective Members to secure the benefits of the global trading system by progressing their accessions. We particularly note the positive development impact of WTO accession and underline that we are keen to welcome more developing countries, particularly LDCs, to the WTO. We support the strategic focus for 2025 on the accession of Uzbekistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina who have made significant progress. The UK for example recently held constructive bilateral discussions with Uzbekistan to help advance the accession and we encourage all Members to work with Uzbekistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina to support their ambitions for early WTO accession. We also very much welcome Somalia’s first Working Party and Ethiopia’s renewed energy behind their accession as specific examples of LDC interest and with this in mind we would like to reconfirm the UK’s commitment to chairing the Working Party on the accession of Ethiopia, but are also grateful to the Deputy Director General for temporarily standing in the coming meeting. Finally, the UK is a provider of technical support in this area, and we note that the Enhanced Integrated Fund is open to LDCs post accession, so we encourage Timor Leste and Comoros to use the facility where it is helpful.

Item 13: Stocktaking of Work on the Operationalization of paragraph 21 of the MC13 Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration. Communication from Pakistan

Thank you, Chair. We will be brief, but we just wanted to add thanks to Pakistan for bringing this important issue back to the General Council’s attention. Unfortunately, if anything, it is becoming increasingly relevant and urgent, and the UK does see the role of trade in this area. We will publish a full statement but just to acknowledge, in particular, Pakistan’s proactivity and thinking of areas like services, financial services and trade debt and finance work to identify where, as a Membership, we can take things forward and we look forward to continuing to contribute.

Item 14: WTO at 30. Statement by the Director General

Thank you. I want to be short. We set out yesterday commitment to the WTO in the multilateral trading system and the opportunities we have at work to benefit all Members. Of course, that includes WTO reform by doing, and we set out our confidence in your leadership, Director General. Like Australia, we encourage further work on this proposal. Thank you.

Updates to this page

Published 27 June 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 28, 2025

MIL-OSI: WISeSat.Space on Track to Deploy 100-Satellite Constellation by 2027 in Cooperation with WISekey and SEALSQ

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WISeSat.Space on Track to Deploy 100-Satellite Constellation by 2027 in Cooperation with WISekey and SEALSQ

Pioneering One of the World’s Largest Low Earth Orbit Secure Satellite Infrastructures

Geneva, Switzerland – June 27, 2025- WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces that its subsidiary WISeSat.Space, is on target to deploy a 100-satellite constellation by 2027, establishing one of the largest secure low Earth orbit (LEO) infrastructures designed to deliver resilient, sovereign, and encrypted satellite connectivity globally.

Currently, over 25 WISeSat.Space constellation satellites can be tracked in real time at: https://wisesat.wisekey.com/?tags=WISeSat.

This expanding constellation provides secure, cost-effective, and real-time IoT connectivity for critical applications across industries, including smart agriculture, energy, logistics, defense, and national security. The architecture is designed with post-quantum encryption and digital identity technologies, ensuring robust cybersecurity in orbit.

“The future of strategic autonomy starts in space,” said Carlos Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey. “In today’s volatile geopolitical and technological climate, having a sovereign satellite infrastructure is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. Our 100-satellite goal will make WISeSat.Space a global leader in space-based secure communications.”

A Strategic Asset for Digital Sovereignty

The WISeSat.Space initiative aligns with the growing global demand for sovereign space infrastructure as nations and corporations seek to reduce dependency on foreign technologies and protect sensitive data. The constellation provides an independent layer of digital trust to support secure communications, navigation, broadcasting, and data sovereignty.

A Modular and Scalable Model

WISeSat.Space satellites are deployed in collaboration with trusted launch partners and manufactured with a “Space-for-Good” philosophy, combining environmental awareness with advanced security protocols. The modular architecture enables rapid scalability to meet evolving global needs.

About WISeSat.Space

WISeSat.Space is a joint venture powered by WISeKey and SEALSQ, focused on deploying the world’s first truly secure IoT satellite constellation. Leveraging WISeKey’s trusted root of digital identity and SEALSQ’s post-quantum secure semiconductors, WISeSat.Space is paving the way for a trusted space-based ecosystem for governments, enterprises, and critical infrastructure providers.

About WISeKey

WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

Disclaimer
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

Press and Investor Contacts

WISeKey International Holding Ltd
Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
Chairman & CEO
Tel: +41 22 594 3000
info@wisekey.com

Media Contact:
press@wisekey.com
+41 22 594 30 00
www.wisesat.space

WISeKey Investor Relations (US)
The Equity Group Inc.
Lena Cati
Tel: +1 212 836-9611
lcati@theequitygroup.com

The MIL Network –

June 28, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: Ghana Charts Path for Ethical, Regular Labour Mobility at High-Level Dialogue

Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Accra, 27 June 2025 – The Government of the Republic of Ghana, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the African Union Commission (AUC), convened a National Policy Dialogue on Labour Mobility Pathways aimed at turning the potential of labour migration into sustainable development outcomes.

In 2019, more than 970,000 Ghanaians lived abroad, sending money home, sharing skills, and investing in the country. At the same time, Ghana hosted over 466,000 international migrants, mostly from countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), demonstrating its strong ties to the region’s labour market. With an active diaspora, a growing youth population, and strong regional partnerships, Ghana is well placed to use labour mobility to boost its economy and support development across West Africa.

“The National Policy Dialogue on Labour Mobility pathways marks a historic milestone in our collective pursuit for safe, orderly, and regular migration pathways,” said Dr. Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Minister, Labour Jobs and Employment. “This initiative will undoubtedly contribute to empowering people, bolstering economies, and advancing sustainable development aspirations.”

The three-day discussions brought together senior policymakers, regional and international organizations, the World Bank, diaspora representatives, the private sector, civil society actors, migrants, and diplomatic missions of major destination countries for Ghanaian migrants to build a coordinated vision for safe, regular, and dignified labour mobility not only in Ghana but also across West and Central Africa.

“This dialogue comes at a critical time for Ghana and the region,” said Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, IOM Ghana Chief of Mission. “At a time when irregular migration continues to expose migrants to risks of exploitation and abuse, expanding regular migration pathways is both a humanitarian necessity and a development opportunity,” she added.

As a Champion Country in the implementation of the Global Compact on Migration, Ghana continues to innovate and lead in providing protection to Ghanaians abroad, as well as migrants living in the country. In recent years, Ghana has aligned its legal policies with global and regional frameworks, including the AU Agenda 2063, the AU Migration Policy for Africa and key instruments such as the National Labour Migration Policy, the Human Trafficking Act, the Immigration Act, the National Migration Policy, and the Diaspora Engagement Policy.

Ghana is also deepening international cooperation through the development of Bilateral Labour Migration Agreements (BLMAs) and Skills Mobility Partnerships with comprehensive support through the AU-IOM-ILO Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP), reinforcing its commitment to safe, regular, and mutually beneficial labour mobility.

The High-Level Policy Dialogue identified key priorities, including stronger coordination among agencies and stakeholders, improved data sharing, and innovative approaches to labour mobility such as skills partnerships, complementary pathways, and schemes that combine education with work or protection.

As labour markets evolve and migration dynamics shift across West and Central Africa, IOM remains committed to its role as a trusted convener, supporting governments, communities, and partners in co-creating solutions that ensure migration is safe, regular, and beneficial for all.

The National Policy Dialogue on Labour Mobility Pathways in Ghana was implemented with support from the JLMP and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

For more information, please visit IOM’s Media Centre.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: IOC to review process for future Olympic host election

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

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to pause the host election process for future Olympic and Winter Olympic Games after a two-day Executive Board meeting concluded in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Thursday.

Newly-elected IOC President Kirsty Coventry invited IOC members to participate in a day-and-a-half of consultations on Tuesday, following a presidency handover ceremony on Monday.

An LA 2028 sign and a blazing Olympic cauldron are seen at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the United States, Sept. 13, 2017. (Xinhua/Zhao Hanrong)

The “Pause and Reflection” workshop with IOC members focused on five main topics, namely athletes, the Olympic Games, the Olympic Movement, a Better World Through Sport, and other aspects such as revenue generation and engagement.

“There were so many incredible ideas. We really just touched the surface. I think the members felt that we could have probably spent a week together to really come out with stronger recommendations,” Coventry said.

One of the main topics is the bidding process and the proper time of host selection of the Olympic Games and the Olympic Winter Games.

“We will be setting up a working group to look into this for two main reasons. Members want to be engaged more in the process. And secondly, there was a very big discussion in and around when the next host should be awarded,” Coventry said.

“We want to use the learnings from LA [the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics)] and from Brisbane [the 2032 Olympics], as well as the French Alps [2030 Winter Olympics], who have had a much shorter lead time. But in the case of LA and Brisbane, a much longer lead time. So there was a lot of discussion from all the members on when is the appropriate time to select a future host,” she added.

The IOC Future Host Commission nominated the French Alps as the hosts of the Games in November 2023, seven years before the start of the event. Los Angeles was formally awarded the 2028 Games in September 2017, and Brisbane was awarded at the 138th IOC Session in Tokyo in July 2021, both 11 years ahead of time.

Coventry said: “All the interested parties are going to be a part of this consultation. They wanted to be included in the process a little bit more and to be able to better understand the process. How do we include the members so that they can also be educated on those steps taken? When do we award the Games? What does that look like? Let’s have a reflection. Let’s have a review of the process to really analyze when is the best time to award the Games.”

As the first female IOC President, Coventry has positioned herself as a leading advocate on gender issues.

“There was an overwhelming support — not just the majority, but all the members — shared with us before they left that we should protect the female category.

“With that, we are going to set up a working group, made up of experts and International Federations. We understand that there will be differences depending on the sports, but it was fully agreed that we should make the effort to place emphasis on the protection of the female category and that we should ensure that this is done in consensus with all the stakeholders,” she said.

The EB meeting reallocated the medals of the women’s 1,500m in athletics after the disqualification of Russia’s Tatyana Tomashova due to an anti-doping violation. Tomashova’s silver medal was awarded to Abeba Aregawi of Ethiopia, and the bronze medal went to Shannon Rowbury of the United States.

The disqualification of Belgium’s Domien Michiels also resulted in the modification of the ranking of the Equestrian Team Finals at the 2024 Olympics, as Belgium was disqualified from its fifth-place finish.

Among other topics, Patricia O’Brien was appointed interim Chair of the Ethics Committee until the next IOC Session.

MIL OSI China News –

June 27, 2025

Category: Switzerland

How the concept of nostalgia evolved

How nostalgia inspires connection and belonging

The nostalgic power of scents and foods

Balancing benefits and trade-offs

Oscar of the Waldorf

A presidential palace

Exclusivity, exclusion and ‘democracy’

Chinese ownership

Women’s suffrage

Trump

Backgrounder

Administration of the Tariff-Rate Quotas

Annex A – Steel Products Subject to Provisional Safeguards

Annex B – Tariff-Rate Quota Volumes

Annex C – Excluded Countries of Origin

WTO General Council February 2025: UK Statements

Updates to this page