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Category: Switzerland

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Guterres convenes Cyprus summit, violence continues in southern Lebanon, UN aid hub in Chad expands

    Source: United Nations 2

    Humanitarian Aid

    The UN Secretary-General on Wednesday announced a fresh bid to end the decades-long division of Cyprus through informal talks scheduled to take place over two days from 17 March.

    UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the regular daily briefing in New York that the leaders of both the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities would join UN chief António Guterres along with guarantors Greece, Türkiye and the United Kingdom, at the UN in Geneva.

    The Mediterranean island was divided between north and south in 1974 after years of hostilities. The UN has led negotiations towards a settlement, with the Security Council authorising a peacekeeping force in 1964, UNFICYP.

    In the absence of a lasting agreement, the force remains on the island to supervise ceasefire lines, a buffer zone and to support humanitarian activities.

    Previous talks

    Mr. Guterres attempted to bring the two sides together in 2017 at the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana but talks ultimately broke down. A further push was made in 2021.

    The meeting later this month will take place “in the context of the Secretary-General’s good offices’ efforts on the Cyprus issue,” in in line with his commitment to continue efforts made last October. 

    “The informal meeting will provide an opportunity for a meaningful discussion on the way forward on the Cyprus issue,” Mr Dujarric said.

    “The United Nations remains committed to supporting the Cypriot leaders and all Cypriots.”

    Lebanon: Fighting continues in peacekeepers’ area of operations

    The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported more gunfire in their area of operations on Wednesday, as well as sporadic military activity by Israeli forces, the UN Spokesperson said on Wednesday.

    As of now, the Lebanese army have deployed to more than 100 locations in southern Lebanon – between the Litani River and the ‘Blue Line’ of separation between the two countries – with the support of UN peacekeepers.

    Unexploded ordnance

    The latest conflict has left south Lebanon, especially areas close to the Blue Line, heavily littered with unexploded ordnances, “posing very serious risks to civilians”.

    The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) deminers continue to assist Lebanese authorities in finding and destroying these explosive remnants. 

    “Our peacekeepers have continued to discover caches of unauthorised weapons and ammunitions, including yesterday, a number of them in our Sector West, and all of them were duly reported to the Lebanese Armed Forces,” Mr. Dujarric explained.

    Between 21 October 2024 and 26 February, 44 unexploded ordnances and six improvised explosive devices were discovered and destroyed.

    Humanitarian work continues

    At the same time, UNIFIL continues to facilitate humanitarian missions in their areas of operation, with over 60 missions having taken place since the cessation of hostilities, facilitating the return of displaced people.

    Separately, the mission reports that 31 arrests have been made in connection with the attack on 14 February on a convoy near the Beirut airport. 

    Mr. Dujarric emphasised the importance that “those responsible for that attack are brought to justice”, with the attack targeting the then Deputy Force Commander of UNIFIL and a number of his companions.

    IOM expands humanitarian hub in Chad to aid 220,000 amid Sudan crisis

    The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) have completed the expansion of a key aid hub in Chad, in a move that will enable aid teams to reach up to 220,000 more in need.

    The expanded operational capacity at the hub in Farchana will strengthen cross-border interagency humanitarian operations for Sudan – the world’s worst displacement crisis. 

    Since April 2023, more than 11.5 million people have been displaced within Sudan and an additional 3.5 million have fled across borders, including an estimated 930,000 who have crossed from Sudan into Chad.

    Nine million in need across Darfur

    According to recent figures, nearly nine million people in the Darfur region alone require immediate assistance.

    “With the strengthened cross-border operations, IOM has already reached over 82,000 people in Darfur with critical humanitarian aid, and with the expansion of the Farchana hub, we are poised to provide life-saving assistance to an additional 220,000 people in the coming months,” explained Pascal Reyntjens, IOM Chief of Mission in Chad.

    “The hub also enables greater collaboration between humanitarian actors, development agencies and the government, which is essential for a comprehensive and sustainable response,” he continued.

    The expansion includes office space, living quarters and other infrastructure that will help improve the effectiveness of aid work in hard-to-reach field locations in Sudan.

    These enhancements will also enable international and national NGOs and UN agencies to further scale up cross-border operations from Chad into Darfur, where humanitarian needs are rapidly escalating.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How the EU is preparing to play hardball in the face of Donald Trump’s tariff threats

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Magdalena Frennhoff Larsén, Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations, University of Westminster

    US president Donald Trump sees himself as a born negotiator with a knack for driving a hard bargain and striking a good deal. When it comes to trade, his approach is clearly positional, and negotiations are treated as zero-sum games with winners and losers.

    Imposing tariffs – or threatening to do so – is his preferred way of exerting influence over US trading partners. While tariffs are unilaterally imposed – and not the result of negotiations – they can be interpreted as an opening gambit to gain leverage in trade negotiations further down the line.

    Since taking office, Trump has already announced a series of sweeping new tariffs, including an across-the-board steel and aluminium tariff to be effective from March 12.

    He has also presented the “fair and reciprocal plan” aimed at correcting any trade imbalances facing the US, including the EU’s trade surplus in cars. And most recently, he threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all imported goods from the EU.

    As the biggest trading partner of the US, the EU is concerned. Yet the EU is also a formidable negotiator.

    Negotiations are very much part of the EU’s DNA. They are the bloc’s preferred way of engaging with third countries, and in trade the European Commission negotiates on behalf of the member states, projecting a unified EU front. With more trade agreements in place than any other country or regional bloc, it is considered a champion of a liberal global trade order.

    Unlike Trump, the EU prefers a more open approach. Negotiations are considered win-win games, with a focus on relation-building and trying to understand where the other party comes.

    Its response to the provocation from Washington has been rapid and strategic. Even so, the EU has already found that the only option with Trump is to play him at his own game.

    The art of other deals

    Sticking with what it knows best, the EU has hurried to conclude trade negotiations with other partners to offset some of the economic losses resulting from potential US tariffs, and to demonstrate its continued commitment to trade liberalisation and international cooperation.

    Since Trump’s election, the EU has finalised negotiations for a groundbreaking trade deal with Mercosur – a South American trade bloc bringing together Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. This agreement –- if ratified – will create a market of 800 million citizens and boost trade and political ties between the two regions.

    Indirectly rejecting Trump’s “America first” approach, Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, stressed how the EU-Mercosur agreement is a political necessity, “bringing together like-minded partners that believe in openness and cooperation as engines of economic growth”.

    The EU has also concluded negotiations on trade agreements with Switzerland and Mexico, relaunched negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement with Malaysia, and is aiming for a trade deal with India this year.

    This reaction is similar to the EU’s response to the isolationist approach taken by Trump during his first administration. Most significantly, it then reached an extensive free trade agreement with Japan.

    Cecilia Malmström, the EU trade commissioner at the time, highlighted how the EU and Japan were “”sending a strong signal to the world that two of its biggest economies still believe in open trade, opposing both unilateralism and protectionism”.

    It was also the first time the EU used a trade agreement to commit to the Paris agreement on climate change – a commitment that was replicated in the EU-Mercosur agreement. This again, was a way of taking a stance against Trump’s broader rejection of multilateralism and withdrawal from the Paris agreement.

    Although not intentionally, Trump has triggered an expansion of the EU’s network of trade agreements. But while these are significant, they cannot fully protect the EU from the effects of US-imposed tariffs. After all, the EU and the US are each other’s largest trading partners, and they have the world’s most integrated economic relationship.

    For that reason, the EU has engaged in intensive diplomacy to try to avert the looming tariffs, and to lure the US to the negotiating table. It has expressed openness to lowering tariffs on industrial goods, including cars, while insisting such a move needs to form part of a broader negotiated deal, compatible with the rules of the WTO. However, these efforts have been to no avail.

    This has left the EU with no choice but to adopt Trump’s positional approach and threaten to impose retaliatory measures. In response to the economic pressure exerted by Trump in his first term, the EU has expanded its arsenal of punitive measures, including an anti-coercion instrument that allows for rapid retaliation.

    There has long been strong resistance to use such measures as it runs counter to the EU’s traditionally open negotiating approach, but the tone in Brussels has now hardened.

    A tit-for-tat tariff war would negatively affect businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. During his first term Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium, and the EU responded with targeted tariffs on goods, such as American whiskey and jeans.

    This was followed by a political agreement, opening the door for trade talks. While a trade deal never materialised, it demonstrates how both the US and the EU recognised the need for a de-escalation of the dispute, and a return to the negotiating table.

    This time around, the looming tariffs are more comprehensive, and they would have more far-reaching implications. The question is how long – and how damaging – the trade war will be before the parties return to the negotiating table. After all, that’s where you reach a deal.

    Magdalena Frennhoff Larsén 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. How the EU is preparing to play hardball in the face of Donald Trump’s tariff threats – https://theconversation.com/how-the-eu-is-preparing-to-play-hardball-in-the-face-of-donald-trumps-tariff-threats-251506

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s address at the Annual Convocation of Jan Nayak Ch. Devi Lal Vidyapeeth, Sirsa (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 05 MAR 2025 4:29PM by PIB Delhi

    I’m here for my dear students and let me tell you, dear students, those who are in the last benches, there are no back benchers here. Only they sit on back benches so, my greetings to those at the end also.

    It is an absolute privilege and honour to impart convocation address at an institution that bears the name it does. The last century had not seen stalwarts of the nature, very few of them, like Chaudhary Devi Lal. When I look at them, they have served India and done their mission, time for us to resolve, We will do the same, we will serve the Nation. हम भारतीय हैं, भारतीयता हमारी पहचान है, राष्ट्रधर्म सर्वोपरि है।

    We have to put nation first always. There can be no interest higher than national interest. Personal and political interests are insignificant.

    A convocation address is not easy to deliver because students expect something really amazing. I will make an earnest effort. My first sermon to you is, I have throughout been a gold medalist, that was an obsession with me. I was always in fear what will happen if I don’t come at number one. Let me share it with you, कुछ नहीं होता, थोड़ा खेल ज्यादा खेल लेता, दोस्तों से बात कर लेता। Therefore do not be obsessed, allow your life to go like a river not like a canal built by parents.

    ज़माना था बच्चा पैदा हुआ मा बाप ने तय कर दिया डॉक्टर बनेगा, इंजीनियर बनेगा, आईएएस बनेगा।  If you look around, boys and girls, your basket of opportunities is ever-enlarging. It is there in blue economy, it is there in space economy. You are in Bharat at a time when no Nation in last decade has grown as fast and as large as Bharat. Big economic upsurge, phenomenal infrastructure growth, deep digitisation, technological penetration.

    If I share some figures with you, you will be surprised. Per capita internet consumption of Bharat is more than that of China and USA taken together. If we go about our digital transactions, the digital transactions are four times the combined transactions of USA, UK, France, and Germany.

    If you examine our economy, that was very fragile a decade ago. When I with the blessings of Chaudhary Devi Lal, had the occasion to enter Parliament as a Member of Parliament and became a Minister with his blessings and guidance, what was the economic situation? सोने की चिड़िया कहलाने वाले देश का सोना विदेश में गिरवी रखना पड़ा।  It was placed to two banks of Switzerland, airlifted to sustain our credibility. Our foreign exchange reserves today are over 700 billion.

    You are lucky to be living in times when Bharat is dotted with hope and possibility. There is an ecosystem in place of affirmative government policies, hand-holding policies that allow you full legroom to exploit your talent and potential, realise your ambitions and aspirations. Meritocracy prevails now. When that is the scenario, you must think big. Never be under stress, never be under tension. Fear of failure is the worst fear in life because it is a myth. There is nothing like failure, it is an attempt that has not succeeded. Some people were so pessimistic that Chandrayaan-2 was called by them as failure.

    I was governor of the state of West Bengal. I was in the Science City, boys and girls of your age was with me, it was around 2 a.m. I remember September 2019. Chandrayaan-2 came very close to the lunar surface but could not touch it. It was, according to me, more than 90% success. And that is why Chandrayaan-3 became a success and therefore, failure is a myth. Failure gives you an opportunity to further improve. Many greatest accomplishments in history have never succeeded in the first attempt.

    If you have boys and girls, a brilliant idea in your mind, don’t allow that idea to be parked in your mind. That will be the greatest injustice to you and to humanity. Experiment, think out of the box. Look at what has happened in this country, particularly last decade. Startups, unicorns, and of huge dimensions.

    Therefore, never fear, never have tension, never have stress. Go for experimentation; go as per your attitude. You will have enough to contribute for the Nation. If International Monetary Fund called India as a favorite global destination of investment and opportunity, boys and girls, it was not for government jobs. It was on account of the opportunities and those opportunities today are available at sea surface, deep sea, ground, deep ground, sky and space. You only have to think big. Take a leap.

    Convocation is not an end of education because education is always about learning. Let me quote a pre Socrates era, I am quoting Heraclitus. Heraclitus, a great philosopher, gave us one aspect in life which is often quoted. ‘The only constant in life is the change,’ and he buttressed it by an illustration. ‘The same person cannot be in the same river twice, because neither the river is the same, nor the person is the same.’

    So change has to be there, and right now the change is epochal, change is much beyond any hurricane. Disruptive technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Blockchain, Machine Learning, and every moment we are having paradigm shift. Every moment is a change that brings huge challenges and every challenge has to be converted into an opportunity that is to be done by you, boys and girls.

    When you will step into the new building of Parliament, you will come to know that, in the face of COVID, the greatest pandemic we faced in the century, in less than 30 months the building came up, the entire infrastructure came up. And our 5,000 years of civilizational reflection is there in Parliament.

    Boys and girls, no Nation in the world has grown as fast with such a big leap as Bharat in last decade. This has given one situation, people have tasted development, they have seen development. They are there, for aspirational mode and if people are in aspirational mode, there can be restive situation, there can be restlessness, a problem but that problem has to be addressed by each and every individual.

    Let me give you certain suggestions. Dear boys and girls, always put Civic Duties, Fundamental Duties over rights. Always nurture your family, your teachers, your elders, your neighborhood, because that is our civilizational culture. Believe in the environment, because that is something we are concerned. Alarmingly, a worrisome scenario is there. We do not have another earth to live in. The situation is cliff hanging. We are virtually collapsing. We have to find a way out.

    I will conclude by leaving a thought with you. We all need to promote economic nationalism. Gandhi Ji gave us the slogan Swadesi. The Prime Minister has given, ‘Be Vocal for Local.’ If we do not have avoidable imports, we’ll be saving more than hundreds of billions of dollars in our foreign kitty. That will give work to our people. Entrepreneurship will blossom. You can do it. In this room, if you’ll find out our clothing, you’ll come to know that they are stitched outside the country. Better quality is available here so, national interest, national economic interest can never be compromised on fiscal gains.

    Always take pride in the person, in whose name, in whose memory the institutions are there. People have glorified human beings very rarely, you can get Padma Bhushan, you can get Bharat Ratna, you can get all awards but where do you get title of Rashtrapita? Where do you get title of Sardar? Where do you get title of ‘Tau? Tau is here, Tau oversees us.

    I have been mentored in politics by Tau. What I learned from him is keep on working for development of the society and never ignore rural landscape and the farmers.

    ****

    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2108497) Visitor Counter : 39

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: 21 Shares AG (the “Company”) – Announcement regarding changes to the board of Directors of the Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    21 Shares AG (the “Company”) – Announcement regarding changes to the board of Directors of the Company
     
    We are pleased to announce the following changes to the board of Directors of the Company  effective as of 1 March 2025
    * The appointment of Russell Barlow as chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”);
    * The appointment of Duncan Moir as a member of the board of directors and President. 
    * The appointment of Edel Bashir as a member of the board of directors and Chief Operating Officer (“COO”).

    Russell Barlow, 51, is contributing more than 25 years of expertise in regulated asset management. Previously, Russell was the Global Head of Multi Asset and Alternative Investment Solutions and Global Head of Alternatives at abrdn. Over the course of his career, he has designed, launched, and managed a wide range of investment products. Additionally, Russell has held a position as a Non-Executive Director at Archax, the UK’s first FCA-regulated digital asset exchange.

    Duncan Moir, 39, has deep expertise in crypto and blockchain strategy. Previously, Duncan was a Senior Investment Manager at abrdn. He is an independent board member of Hedera Hashgraph LLC and an advisor to Web3 companies. A University of Strathclyde graduate with a BA (Hons) in Economics, he is also a CFA and CAIA charterholder.

    Edel Bashir, 45, has over 20 years of experience in asset management. Previously, Edel was the COO of Multi Asset and Alternative Investment Solutions, COO of Alternatives and a Senior Investment Manager at abrdn. Her expertise includes operational strategy, portfolio management, and hedge fund research. A graduate of University College Cork, Ireland, with a BSc in Finance, she has held senior roles across Bermuda, Dublin, and Boston.

    Following the appointment of the aforementioned people as members of the board of directors, Hany Rashwan (former chairman of the board of directors and CEO) and Ophelia Snyder (former member of the board of directors and Chief Product Officer) resigned from their roles as directors of the Company on 1 March 2025, at which point the above mentioned individuals will assume responsibility for the aforementioned roles.

    Name, registered office and address of the Company:
    21Shares AG is a stock corporation under the laws of Switzerland. It has its registered office and address at Pelikanstrasse 37, 8001 Zurich.

    Contact Details:
    21Shares AG, attn. Mr. Eric Baumgartner, Pelikanstrasse 37, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland, email: legal@21.co
     
    Further Information:
    For further information, please refer to the Programme documentation, in particular the EU Base Prospectus dated November 28, 2024, the UK Base Prospectus dated May 22, 2024 , and the respective Final Terms as applicable. This Announcement neither constitutes a prospectus nor advertisement within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act. Copies of the prospectus and any supplements thereto, if any, as well as copies of all transaction documents are available free of charge at 21Shares AG, Zurich (email: etp@21shares.com).

    Date of publication:
    5 March 2025
     
    * * *
    This document is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of 21Shares AG.
    This document and the information contained herein is not for publication or distribution into the United States of America and should not be distributed or otherwise transmitted into the United States or to U.S. persons (as defined in the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act) or publications with a general circulation in the United States. This document does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or to purchase any securities in the United States of America. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the laws of any state and may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration or an exemption from registration under Securities Act. There will be no public offering of the securities in the United States of America.
     
    The products are exchange traded products, which do not qualify as units of a collective investment scheme according to the relevant provisions of the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (CISA), as amended, and are not licensed thereunder. Therefore, the products are neither governed by the CISA nor supervised or approved by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (FINMA). Accordingly, Investors do not have the benefit of the specific investor protection provided under the CISA.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Swiss Consumer Price Index in February 2025 – Consumer prices increased by 0.6% in February

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Home Affairs

    The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.6% in February 2025 compared with the previous month, reaching 107.4 points (December 2020 = 100). Inflation was +0.3% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: WISeKey WISeID Provides Healthcare Security with Decentralized Digital Identities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeKey WISeID Provides Healthcare Security with Decentralized Digital Identities

    Geneva, Switzerland, March 5, 2025 –WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces that its WISeID.COM introduces a groundbreaking approach to healthcare data security by enabling decentralized consultations through blockchain-secured digital identities, encryption, and self-sovereign identity (SSI) principles. This next-generation platform ensures that patients maintain full control over their medical records, granting access only to authorized healthcare providers through consent-based permissions, eliminating third-party control and significantly reducing risks of data breaches and identity theft.

    Traditional healthcare systems store patient records in centralized databases controlled by hospitals, clinics, and insurers, limiting interoperability while exposing sensitive data to cyber threats. With WISeID.COM, the healthcare industry can shift towards a decentralized, patient-centric model that enhances privacy, security, and accessibility. Patients can securely share specific medical information with healthcare professionals without exposing their entire health history, ensuring seamless telemedicine and cross-border consultations.

    Advanced Security with Post-Quantum Cryptography and Zero-Knowledge Proofs

    WISeID.COM integrates post-quantum cryptography and zero-knowledge proofs to safeguard medical records from emerging cyber threats. This ensures that:

    • Sensitive health data remains encrypted at all times.
    • Patients can selectively share medical records without disclosing unrelated health information.
    • Telemedicine services and cross-border healthcare providers can securely access patient records without manual transfers or centralized intermediaries.
    • Dynamic access controls enable temporary or conditional data sharing, granting permissions for a limited time or specific use cases.
    • Biometric authentication ensures that only the rightful patient can access and manage their health records.

    Addressing the Failures of Centralized Health Systems

    Current electronic health record (EHR) systems create data silos, limiting accessibility and making it difficult for patients to share their information across different providers or jurisdictions. These systems are frequent targets for cyberattacks, often resulting in the hacking, leaking, or unauthorized sale of sensitive medical data. Worse yet, patients typically lack visibility into who accesses their information, creating a lack of trust and control over their own health records.

    By leveraging blockchain-secured digital identities, WISeID.COM provides an alternative that:

    • Empowers patients with full ownership and control of their health data.
    • Reduces bureaucracy by enabling real-time, consent-based access to records.
    • Improves healthcare trust through a transparent and tamper-proof system.
    • Mitigates security risks associated with centralized storage and unauthorized access.

    A New Era for Secure and Interoperable Healthcare

    WISeID.COM represents a paradigm shift for the healthcare industry, bridging the gap between security, privacy, and interoperability. As healthcare increasingly moves towards digitalization, ensuring data sovereignty and patient control is crucial. WISeID.COM enables a future where health information is secure, verifiable, and instantly accessible, without compromising privacy or patient rights.

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s inbound cruise tourism sets sail in 2025

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Tianjin and Qingdao, two major port cities in China, kicked off the new year with their first inbound international cruise ship of 2025 — the Malta-registered Europa 2, a clear signal of the steady revival of China’s cruise tourism industry.

    The luxury liner, carrying hundreds of passengers from countries including Germany, Austria and Switzerland is on a global voyage. During its China leg, the tour group headed to major destinations including Xiamen, Shanghai and Tianjin.

    After a brief stop in Qingdao in Shandong Province, east China, on March 1, the ship would head to Japan and the Republic of Korea, according to Kristina Jurgawka, a crew member aboard the ship.

    An avid history enthusiast, she was deeply impressed by the Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enchanted by the skyline of Shanghai. “I’m truly grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said.

    For German tourist Joachin Dopp, the ease of entry into China left the strongest impression. “It’s simple to enter, no need for a visa or all those formalities. It’s great that you can just enter the country and enjoy it [your trip],” he told Xinhua.

    His experience reflects well on China’s effort to rejuvenate the cruise tourism sector. In May last year, a policy was rolled out allowing visa-free entry for foreign tourist groups arriving on cruise ships at any of the country’s cruise ports along the coastline.

    With a coastline stretching 18,000 km, China has seen steady improvements in its port infrastructure. The country boasts abundant tourism resources and is experiencing rapid growth in the service industry, making it a major destination for international cruise liners.

    Wang Hong, president of China Europe International Business School, said in a media interview that the visa-free entry policy for cruise passengers will bring unprecedented development opportunities to China’s tourism and cruise industries. It is expected to attract more foreign visitors to choose cruises as a means of traveling to China, thereby boosting inbound tourism.

    Industry leaders predict a strong rebound in international cruise tourism in China this year.

    On Jan. 3, an international cruise ship carrying 456 passengers docked at Phoenix Island International Cruise Port in Sanya, a popular tropical destination. From 2006 to the end of 2024, the port handled over 1,600 cruise ship voyages and over 2 million passenger trips.

    Days later, the Silver Dawn became the first international cruise ship to arrive in Shanghai this year, bringing over 400 tourists from more than 20 countries, including the United States, Britain, and Australia. During the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, the border inspection authorities in Shanghai reported 22 cruise ship entries and exits, with 72,000 cruise passenger trips.

    Tang Ming, head of a Shanghai-based travel agency, noted that since February 2024, the market has steadily recovered. “We expect to see a 20 to 30 percent increase in international cruise tourists this year,” he said.

    Cruise ports in Qingdao are expected to receive over 40 cruise ship visits in 2025, twice the number recorded in 2024, according to the city’s culture and tourism bureau. Meanwhile, Tianjin International Cruise Home Port is preparing for increased activities, with more than 40 inbound and outbound cruise ship visits anticipated at Dongjiang Port in the first quarter alone.

    Globally, the Cruise Lines International Association estimates that the number of ocean-going cruise passengers will reach 39.5 million by 2027, reflecting sustained demand for cruise voyages.

    By 2035, China’s cruise market is expected to welcome 4.2 million inbound foreign tourist trips annually, with total economic output projected to reach 531.7 billion yuan (about 74.12 billion U.S. dollars), according to a report by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, as cited by Liao Minsheng, a marine tourism expert from Hainan Tropical Ocean University.

    China’s market, Liao said in a media interview, presents unprecedented opportunities for the global cruise and yacht economy.

    “China’s vast market size and growing demand for cruise tourism provide international cruise and yacht companies with ample room for expansion,” he added. “The sector’s growth is expected to drive the development in areas such as ship design and manufacturing, foreign trade, tourism services, port construction and modern maritime services.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Matrixport Subsidiary Fly Wing Receives Major Payment Institution License from MAS in Singapore

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fly Wing Technologies Pte Ltd (“Fly Wing”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Matrixport, the world’s leading and largest one-stop crypto financial services platform in Asia, today announced that it has been granted the Major Payment Institution (“MPI”) License by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”).

    With this license approval, Fly Wing will continue building its role as a trusted Over-the-Counter (“OTC”) desk in Singapore. This license follows the in-principle approval received in October, underscoring Fly Wing’s commitment to regulatory compliance and operational excellence.

    John Ge, Co-founder and CEO of Matrixport, stated, “We are thrilled that Fly Wing has received its license from the MAS. This marks a significant step in our ongoing expansion across the Asia-Pacific region. We look forward to providing high-quality Digital Payment Token services to users in Singapore.”

    Having received its license from the MAS, Fly Wing is well-positioned to build a strong foundation for Fly Wing’s long-term growth, driving continuous innovation in the digital finance sector. Moving forward, Fly Wing will continue to offer innovative Digital Payment Token services securely and transparently and will continue to optimize blockchain-driven Digital Payment Token services, enabling seamless access for users entering the Web 3.0 industry.

    About Fly Wing Technologies Pte Ltd

    Founded in 2019, Fly Wing Technologies Pte. Ltd. (“Fly Wing”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Matrixport, a leading digital asset financial services platform in Asia. Fly Wing serves a diverse clientele, including crypto miners, trading firms, investment firms, and high-net-worth individuals from both crypto and traditional finance. The company engages in OTC services for customers to on- and off-ramp Digital Payment Tokens, facilitating over $100 million in monthly transactions and providing liquidity for major cryptocurrencies.

    Fly Wing has received the MPI License from MAS to provide Digital Payment Token services for OTC trading in Singapore.

    Fly Wing official website: https://www.flywing.com/

    About Matrixport

    Founded in 2019, Matrixport is the world’s leading all-in-one hub for crypto financial services. The platform is committed to providing every user with a personalized Super Account that integrates crypto trading, investment, loan, custody, RWA, research and more. With $6 billion in AUM (assets under management), Matrixport offers global users diverse crypto-financial solutions designed for optimal capital efficiency and sustainable returns.

    As a Group and through its local subsidiaries, Matrixport has received the Trust or Company Service Provider / Money Lender Licenses in Hong Kong, and the FINMA Asset Management License in Switzerland. The company operates as an Appointed Representative in the UK, is registered as an MSB in the US, and is a member of Switzerland’s FINMA SRO-VFQ. It was recognized by CB Insights as one of the “50 Most Promising Blockchain Companies” and featured in the Hurun “2024 Global Unicorn List.” Additionally, Matrixport’s subsidiary, Fly Wing, has received the MPI License from MAS in Singapore.

    Matrixport official website: https://www.matrixport.com

    Media Contact:
    Matrixport PR Team
    pr@matrixport.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Matrixport. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13fe3bd2-9ada-4876-bbf8-5e24acfc1696

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Education for Democracy, Agreement on Conservation of Marine Biological Diversity among Several Resolutions Adopted by General Assembly

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Poland’s President Warns of Resurgence of ‘Russian Imperialism’, Calls War on Ukraine ‘Beginning of Effort to Violently Destroy International Order’

    The General Assembly, over the course of two meetings today, adopted seven resolutions — some drawing more contention than others — and heard an address by the President of Poland.

    International Day for Judicial Well-being

    First, the General Assembly took up the draft resolution titled “International Day for Judicial Well-being” (document A/79/L.52).  Introducing the text, Lionel Rouwen Aingimea, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Nauru, stressed that — while the judiciary “serves as a cornerstone of justice” — challenges faced by judicial officers have long been overlooked.

    However, the representative of the United States said that his delegation will request a recorded vote — and vote no — “because this resolution represents the internationalization of the self-care movement and the migration of it into domains where it does not belong”.

    The Assembly then adopted the resolution by a recorded vote of 160 in favour to 1 against (United States), with 3 abstentions (Haiti, Madagascar, Syria).  Through the text, the General Assembly decided to proclaim 25 July of each year the International Day for Judicial Well-being.

    Education for Democracy

    Next, the Assembly considered the draft resolution titled “Education for democracy” (document A/79/L.56).  The representative of Mongolia introduced that text, emphasizing that an inclusive education system empowers individuals and strengthens governance institutions.  The text therefore calls for investments in quality education and lifelong learning, also urging Member States to harness the potential of digital technologies to advance education for democracy, he said.

    The representative of the United States said that his delegation will again call for a recorded vote — and vote no — on this draft “because much of the text violates United States policies”.  Specifically, he said that its discussion of misinformation and disinformation is an “unequivocal red line for the United States”, as these terms are “intentionally nebulous and ill-defined so they can be wielded as tools of censorship”.

    The Assembly then adopted the resolution by a recorded vote of 151 in favour to 1 against (United States), with 8 abstentions (Argentina, Belarus, Fiji, Madagascar, Russian Federation, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Syria).  Through the text, the Assembly strongly encouraged Member States and education authorities to integrate education for democracy — along with civic education and human-rights education, among others — into their education standards.

    After the vote, the representative of the Russian Federation noted that “democracy does not have a universal definition or a single model”.  She also disassociated from the text’s reference to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), stating that mention of the Office in a resolution about education is “unjustified” — a point echoed by Nicaragua’s representative.

    Iran’s representative, meanwhile, said that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Education 2030 Incheon Declaration are “absolutely non-legally binding”.  Disassociating from relevant paragraphs, he said that Iran’s national plans and programmes “will be our final source of action and reference”.  Argentina’s representative also disassociated from several paragraphs, stressing that “every State, within its own sovereignty, has the right to participate [in the 2030 Agenda] — or not”.

    UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan

    The Assembly then turned to the draft resolution titled “United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan” (document A/79/L.57/Rev.1).  Introducing that text, the representative of Kazakhstan said that the Centre aims to address the specific needs of Central Asian countries, which each possesses unique challenges and opportunities that are shaped by diverse socioeconomic contexts, cultural realities and environmental conditions.

    The representative of the Russian Federation then noted that the countries of Central Asia are “unified by a shared history, similar geographic and social conditions and shared challenges in development”.  Therefore, they must coordinate efforts and find shared regional solutions.  “This, in turn, meets the current trends to regionalize efforts in the area of development,” he noted.

    The Assembly then adopted the text without a vote, through which it decided to formalize the Centre in Almaty, Kazakhstan.  Further, it requested the Secretary-General to appoint its Head and further decided that the costs of all its activities shall be met by voluntary contributions.

    After the vote, several delegates expressed concern over the process by which this text was negotiated.  Switzerland’s representative said that her delegation would have preferred more transparency and inclusivity, while the representative of Türkiye said that the wider membership was not sufficiently consulted during negotiations.  Mexico’s representative expressed hope that “this way of carrying out multilateral negotiations will not be repeated in other processes”.

    Meanwhile, the representative of the United States said that Kazakhstan “needs neither an expanded UN system nor the SDGs in order to prosper — it should instead make sovereign decisions for its people and cast aside the burden of soft global governance”.  For her part, Australia’s representative — also speaking for Canada and New Zealand — welcomed the adoption.

    International Day of Peaceful Coexistence and International Day of Hope

    The Assembly also considered the draft resolution titled “International Day of Peaceful Coexistence” (document A/79/L.53).  Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister for Transportation and Telecommunications of Bahrain, introducing that text, said that it reaffirms the role of Member States and other stakeholders in promoting tolerance, respect for religious and cultural diversity and human rights.

    The representative of the United States again said that his delegation will call for a recorded vote on this text — and vote no — expressing concern that the resolution “advances a programme of soft global governance that is inconsistent with US sovereignty”.  He added:  “Simply put, globalist endeavours like Agenda 2030 and the SDGs lost at the ballot box; therefore, the US rejects and denounces the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the SDGs.”

    He also expressed concern that the resolution’s titular reference to “peaceful coexistence” could be “co-opted to imply the United Nations’ endorsement of China’s ‘Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence’”.  Speaking in exercise of the right of reply, China’s representative said that such principles are “widely recognized by the international community and contained in many international instruments”.

    Adopting the resolution by a recorded vote of 162 in favour to 3 against (Argentina, Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions (Paraguay, Peru), the Assembly decided to proclaim 28 January as the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, to be observed annually.

    The Assembly then turned to the draft resolution titled “International Day of Hope” (document A/79/L.54).  Introducing it, Kiribati’s representative said that hope is “a force that has carried humanity through the darkest of times and propelled us towards a future of possibility, resilience and renewal”.  However, he expressed disappointment over the decision by the United States to force a vote.

    On that, the delegate of the United States said that the text “contains references to diversity, equity and inclusion that conflict with US policies that seek to eliminate all forms of discrimination and create equal opportunities for all”.  He added: “In a world that faces many challenges, funding and effort should be allocated to critical causes and crises, rather than International Days.”

    The Assembly then adopted the text by a recorded vote of 161 in favour to 1 against (United States), with 4 abstentions (India, Paraguay, Peru, Türkiye), through which it decided to declare 12 July the International Day of Hope.

    “What we’ve just seen this morning is a clear example of the lack of commitment by the United States to a culture of peace, to the United Nations as a whole and to multilateralism in general,” stressed the representative of Cuba, after the vote.

    Agreement on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction

    The Assembly also took up the draft resolution titled “Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction” (document A/79/L.55).  Singapore’s representative, introducing the text, called on States to ratify the agreement. He also made an oral revision to replace “welcome” with “take note of” regarding signatures and ratifications of the agreement to date.

    The Assembly then adopted that text, as orally revised, without a vote.  By its terms, the Assembly called on all States and regional economic integration organizations that have not done so to consider signing, ratifying, approving or accepting the Agreement as soon as possible.

    However, the representative of the Russian Federation disassociated from consensus, stating that mechanisms to establish marine protected areas without appropriate scientific research “run the risk of abuse and unsubstantiated restriction of rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of States on the high seas”.  His counterpart from the United States, meanwhile, said that her country is “currently reviewing its policies and does not take a position on this matter”.

    Eightieth Anniversary of the End of the Second World War

    The Assembly also adopted, without a vote, a text titled “Eightieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War” (document A/79/L.51), which requested the holding of a special meeting of the Assembly to commemorate all victims of the Second World War in the second week of May in 2025 and every five years thereafter.

    The representative of the Russian Federation, introducing that text, said that 2025 marks the eightieth anniversary of the victory over Nazism, fascism and Japanese militarism.  Paying tribute to the millions who were sacrificed for that victory — including 27 million from the Soviet Union — he said that the international community has a shared duty to honour that victory.

    However, Ukraine’s representative underscored that it is the “height of cynicism” for a State engaged in an unprovoked war of aggression to attempt to unite nations around the memory of the Second World War.  She added:  “Despite the high price paid for peace, the promise of ‘never again’ remains unfulfilled — today, Europe is witnessing the most brutal war since Hitler.”

    The representative of the United Kingdom, similarly, pointed to the “fundamental irony of Russia summoning us here today”, having presented a resolution “to mark the end of one war in Europe having started another”.  Lithuania’s representative added:  “Today, Russia instrumentalizes the memory of the Second World War to justify its own crimes, both past and present.”  Poland’s representative, also speaking for a group of 34 other European States, spotlighted the Russian Federation’s “cynicism of using ‘de-Nazification’ to justify its illegal aggression and occupation of part of an independent UN Member State”.

    “We have to say this — the sponsor of this resolution simply does not live by the words of the UN Charter,” stressed the representative of Canada, also speaking for Australia and New Zealand.  “Russia’s aggression — and we must name it precisely — and its bid to expand its territory at the expense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other States is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter,” he said.

    For his part, the representative of the United States said that the “Russia-Ukraine war has waged on for far too long”, urging that the “UN be guided by its original purpose and unite to end the bloodshed”.  All Member States should recommit themselves to the “old vision of peace that propelled us out of the devastation and despair of World War II”, he added.  Israel’s representative said:  “It is our responsibility not only to remember but to ensure that future generations carry this memory forward to prevent history from repeating itself.”

    Speaking in exercise of the right of reply, the delegate of the Russian Federation expressed concern about the politicized statements delivered by the delegates of Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania and the United Kingdom.  It is the actions of European States, she said, that are hampering the settlement of the Ukraine conflict.

    Appointments to Joint Inspection Unit

    In other business, the Assembly decided, without a vote, to appoint Makiese Kinkela Augusto (Angola), Victor Moraru (Republic of Moldova), Jesús Miranda Hita (Spain) and Marcel Jullier (Switzerland) to the Joint Inspection Unit of the United Nations system, for a five-year term beginning 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2030.

    Address by President of Poland

    The General Assembly also heard an address by Andrzej Duda, President of Poland.  Noting that recent years have demonstrated how fragile peace and security are, he spotlighted the resurgence of “Russian imperialism”.  The 2014 attack on Ukraine marked “just the beginning of an effort to violently destroy the international order”, he said.

    Detailing Poland’s security cooperation, he pointed to the United States missile base in Redzikowo — an example of the “American security umbrella over Europe” — as well as recent talks with United States President Donald J. Trump.  Poland is also active in collective security systems and UN peacekeeping missions, and he also highlighted the Three Seas Initiative, which aims to improve connectivity among 13 countries across Central and Eastern Europe.

    “Poland has never imposed its views on anyone” or colonized another country, he went on to say.  Recalling his country’s long history, he invoked the construction of a powerful seventeenth-century State, gradual partitions, loss of independence, a 123-year-long independence struggle, the achievement of independence in 1918 and the destruction of that independence “by the two totalitarian regimes of the twentieth century:  Russian communism and German Nazism”.

    In the last 30 years of Poland’s history — after it broke free from the Russian Federation’s sphere of influence — it transformed from a backward, poor country with high unemployment into a highly developed State and the twenty-first largest economy in the world, he pointed out.  “Only peace can provide optimal conditions for development,” he said, adding that it is necessary to defend peace with real force.

    The representative of the Russian Federation, taking the floor under a point of order after the address, said that his delegation “had doubts” regarding the expediency of conducting today’s meeting.  “The President of Poland spent a lot of time on debating our country,” he said, adding that — although the Council adopted a text calling for peace between the Russian Federation and Ukraine — one of Poland’s leaders “talked about the logic of military focus” and providing support to Ukraine.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Budget Committee Delegates Urge Top Managers to ‘Set the Tone’ for Stronger Accountability

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) delegates today urged the Secretariat to ramp up efforts to boost managerial accountability and internal controls, emphasizing the tone-setting role of top leaders in fostering a more effective United Nations.

    “A strong system of accountability is not just a bureaucratic requirement, it is the very foundation of the trust that binds this Organization to Member States and to the citizens of the world,” said Switzerland’s delegate, speaking also for Liechtenstein.  “Far from being a simple administrative reform, accountability is a fundamental principle that reflects our commitment to the values of the United Nations:  integrity, transparency and efficiency in the service of peace and sustainable development.”

    While the Secretary-General’s report highlights significant progress, it also stresses the persistent challenges that require determination and commitment to overcome, he said.  Exemplary leadership is essential for greater accountability as the UN Values and Behaviours Framework emphasizes inclusion, integrity, humility and humanity.  “A culture of accountability can only be built if those who lead the Organization embody these values on a daily basis,” he said.

    He said that other essential components for boosting accountability are the use of data and transparency, such as the UN Results Portal, which strengthens the trust of Member States.  In addition, sexual exploitation and abuse are an unacceptable betrayal of the Organization’s fundamental values while undermining public confidence.  His delegation welcomes the Secretary-General’s efforts to strengthen prevention and response mechanisms, including improving ClearCheck, a screening database, and the adoption of a victim-centred approach.

    The representative of Iraq, speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, underscored that accountability within the Organization requires managers and decision-makers at the highest levels to commit to the accountability system’s six components.  He emphasized the importance of weaving more results-based steps — of both institutional and personal accountability — into future Secretariat progress reports.  The Group also values the recommendations of the recent Joint Inspection Unit’s review of accountability frameworks in the United Nations system organizations.

    He asked senior managers to keep improving the presentation of the proposed programme budget and ensure resources are clearly linked to a continuously improving results-based budgeting framework.  “This should reflect existing mandates and the measures to achieve them,” he said.  Noting the Organization’s ongoing financial constraints, the Group believes it is even more urgent for the Secretariat to keep strengthening internal controls and monitor effective expenditures to fully implement agreed mandates and programmes.  The General Assembly has asked the Secretary-General to urge senior managers to meet the geographical targets contained in the senior managers’ compacts.  The Group also wants to understand the appropriate accountability measures that will be taken when the targets stipulated in the compacts have not been met.

    Accountability ‘Cornerstone of Effective Management’

    Israel’s delegate called accountability the cornerstone of effective management.  “It must be treated with the significance it deserves,” she said.  Her delegation welcomed progress on addressing misconduct and disciplinary issues, including the revision of policies on discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment and the abuse of authority.  “We call on the Secretariat to strengthen these efforts, ensuring a cultural shift where such misconduct is not only condemned in words, but eradicated in practice,” she said, adding that perpetrators must face real consequences, and every staff member must feel safe to report misconduct without a fear of retaliation.

    The increased availability of data and information will enhance the transparency of activities, investigations and their outcomes.  “Accountability is a principle that must be demonstrated from the very top of any organization,” she said, urging the UN leadership to “set the tone, ensuring that oversight is not only a bureaucratic exercise, but a force that safeguards the integrity of this Organization”.

    Secretariat Delivers Reports

    Karen Lock, Director of the Business Transformation and Accountability Division of the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance, presented the Secretary-General’s “Fourteenth progress report on accountability:  strengthening accountability in the United Nations Secretariat” (document A/79/696).  Noting that the Secretary-General’s management reforms have shifted the focus from process to results, she said the report recognized that this transformation can only happen over time and must be part of a process of continuous improvement.  While progress has been made in some elements of an accountability system that holds staff accountable for financial and programme performance, more needs to be done.

    Some of the detailed measures taken in 2024, laid out in Section II of the report, include improving the internal control process, such as using targeted workshops and guidance on deepening the integration of internal controls and risk management and enhancing enterprise risk management.  At the Secretariat-wide level, risk treatment and response plans were developed for 14 critical risks  with corporate risk owners monitoring the implementation of mitigation measures.  Sixty-four entities completed their risk assessments and have dedicated risk-governance practices in place.

    The Secretariat’s data protection and privacy policy, meant to guide the responsible handling of personal data, provides transparency and lays down necessary safeguards, she said.  The Secretariat has also disseminated the Secretary-General’s bulletin on the United Nations Values and Behaviours Framework, which aims to inform human resources processes, such as workforce planning, recruitment, learning and performance management.

    As the transparency of information lies at the core of accountability, the Secretariat has enhanced Member States’ portals, she said.  For example, the results portal (https://results.un.org) now provides information on when planned targets were met, exceeded or not reached.  The Workforce Portal now provides up-to-date information on staff and demographics.  The compendium of disciplinary measures contains detailed information based on nearly 14 years of practice in disciplinary matters and is available online on the human resources portal (https://hr.un.org).  “The report shows the Secretariat’s continued progress — not perfection — in reinforcing accountability as a central pillar of its management system,” Ms. Lock said.  “It includes planned activities in 2025 and beyond to drive continuous improvement.”

    Caroline Nalwanga, Vice-Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), presented that body’s related report (document A/79/772). The Advisory Committee trusts the Secretary-General will use existing resources to develop a maturity model for the accountability system and lay out a clear road map and benchmarks so progress can be noted and areas for improvements can be identified.

    Turning to the performance-appraisal system, ACABQ reiterates that the performance appraisal system must be strengthened and “that more efforts be made to ensure a link between high-level deliverables outlined by legislative bodies and individual staff workplans”.  An enhanced performance-appraisal system could not only show how performance has delivered results, but could better assess staff compliance with regulations, rules and the responsible stewardship of funds and resources.

    Regarding the review of the Organization’s system of internal controls, the Advisory Committee noted the Assembly’s request to review the first and second lines of defence in the accountability system, including human resources and asset management.  The Advisory Committee backs a comprehensive review that includes financial and budget management, information communications technology and supply chain management.  “The Advisory Committee trusts that the review will be followed by the strengthening of the exercise of second line of defence across different departments in the accountability framework,” she added.

    Fifth Committee Chair Egriselda Aracely González López (El Salvador) opened the meeting by thanking delegates for their monumental efforts during their final session in December 2024.  Their collective commitment allowed them to finalize a complex session within the established time frame.  She encouraged delegates to maintain the same momentum and spirit of collaboration as they forge ahead in this session and the second part of the resumed session.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ukraine: Switzerland expands its sanctions lists

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), in its capacity as the competent body for sanctions, has expanded its list of sanctions against Russia. Switzerland is adopting the additional measures decided by the EU in response to Russia’s continuing military aggression against Ukraine. The measures will take effect on 4 March.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: 56th session of the UN Statistical Commission – A step towards more reliable, comparable and standardised global data

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    The UN Statistical Commission, the highest body of the global statistical system and a subsidiary body of the UN Economic and Social Council, plays a key role in the coordination and standardisation of data and statistics. The Director General of the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO) will chair the Commission for a second year in 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: 10/2025・Trifork Group AG – Reporting of transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 10 / 2025
    Schindellegi, Switzerland – 4 March 2025


    Reporting of transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities

    Pursuant to the Market Abuse Regulation Article 19, Trifork Group AG (Swiss company registration number CHE-474.101.854) (“Trifork”) hereby notifies receipt of information of the following transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities in Trifork.

    1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
    a) Name Jørn Larsen
    2. Reason for the notification
    a) Position/status CEO
    b) Initial notification/
    Amendment    		 Initial notification
    3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
    a) Name Trifork Group AG
    b) LEI 8945004BYZKXPESTBL36
    4.1 Details of the transaction(s)
    a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument

    Identification code

    		 Shares

    ISIN CH1111227810
    b) Nature of the transaction Sale
    c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s)
    DKK 83.55 60,000
    d) Aggregated information
    —
    Aggregated volume —
    Price    		 Total volume: 60,000

    Total price: DKK 83.55

    Total value: DKK 5,013,000
    e) Date of the transaction 3 March 2025
    f) Place of the transaction Nasdaq Copenhagen (XCSE)


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


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

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin reported how the historical appearance of the Swiss House in Kuskovo is being preserved

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Work is underway at the Kuskovo estate to preserve the historical appearance of the Swiss House. This in his telegram channel Sergei Sobyanin said.

    “It was built in the 19th century according to the design of Nikolai Benois. The building is unusual in that it combines a brick ground floor and a carved wooden upper tier. The last owner of the estate, Sergei Sheremetev, once lived here,” the Moscow Mayor noted.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin

    The Swiss house is built in the style of an Alpine chalet. Since the 18th century, Kuskovo has had a tradition of creating park pavilions and buildings with national accents, such as Dutch, French and Italian.

    The craftsmen have already started restoring the wooden log structure. This is a complex and painstaking process: the wooden part of the building was separated from the brick part and suspended using a special system. Now the restorers will have to replace the damaged logs and reconnect the log structure to the first floor. In addition, work will be carried out inside the building to preserve the historical stoves and chimneys.

    Comprehensive restoration is underway at the Kuskovo estate since 2017The palace facade, the Dutch House, the Grotto pavilion, the formal park, the 18th century sculptures and other objects have already been put in order. In addition, the forest part of the park has been landscaped, making it even more convenient for walks.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12443050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: STMicroelectronics reveals STM32U3 microcontrollers extending ultra-low power innovation for remote, smart and sustainable applications

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STMicroelectronics reveals STM32U3 microcontrollers extending ultra-low power innovation for remote, smart and sustainable applications

    • Latest MCUs leverage cutting-edge near-threshold chip design to set record performance-per-watt efficiency benchmark
    • Secret-key protection and in-factory provisioning boost cyber security
    • Typical applications include utility meters, healthcare devices, and industrial sensors

    Geneva, Switzerland, March 4, 2025 – STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has introduced new STM32U3 microcontrollers (MCUs) with cutting-edge power-saving innovations that ease deployment of smart connected tech, especially in remote locations.

    The latest MCUs are aimed at IoT devices, which must typically operate for extended periods without maintenance and with limited energy from a coin cell or ambient solar or thermoelectric source. Typical applications that depend on the lowest possible power consumption include utility meters, healthcare devices such as glucose meters and insulin pumps, animal care monitors, forest-fire sensors, and industrial sensors including thermostats and smoke detectors. STM32U3 MCUs are also used in consumer products such as smart watches, wearables, and hearables.

    “The STM32U3 series builds on the heritage of ST-established ultra-low-power general-purpose microcontroller class as it is known today, which opened the door to widespread diffusion of smart technology in diverse environments,” commented Patrick Aidoune, General-Purpose MCU Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics. “Leveraging innovative techniques such as recent advancements in near-threshold design, the new devices cut dynamic power consumption to the bone, boosting efficiency by a factor of two compared to our previous generation, hence contributing to companies’ sustainability goals.”

    In addition to its extreme energy efficiency, the STM32U3 series meets the needs of IoT devices by providing robust cyber protection using the latest hardware security techniques. The MCUs are designed to confine secret keys permanently in secure memory, eliminating vulnerable CPU fetches. In addition, attestation credentials for each device are provisioned by ST at manufacture before leaving the factory, which strengthens security and simplifies provisioning. All those security mechanisms, in addition to the SESIP3 and PSA Level3 certifiable security assets, such as cryptographic accelerators, TrustZone® isolation, random generator, and product lifecycle will contribute and enable ST customers to reach compliancy towards the upcoming RED and CRA regulations.

    Customer testimonials:

    “STM32U3 enables us [smaXtec] to bring our hardware for animal health monitors to the next level. The consumption in active mode is extremely low, only a few µA/MHz, which enables us to reduce the energy needed for current data processing algorithms while at the same time adding new features to our products. In addition, its advanced range of low-power modes lets us put the device into deep sleep if no data is processed. The newly implemented STOP3 mode, including its wakeup capabilities, is a neat way to keep power consumption low,” said Manuel Frech, Product Development Engineer, smaXtec.

    Technical Notes for Editors

    ST has set the pace in ultra-low-power (ULP) MCUs with previous STM32 variants and is now taking ULP performance to a new level with the new STM32U3 series. Leveraging advanced power-saving chip design, fine-tuned with AI-enhanced tools, and the latest Arm® Cortex®-M33 core running at up to 96MHz, the new MCUs achieve the market-leading Coremark-per-milliwatt score of 117. This is almost twice the efficiency of ST’s preceding STM32U5 series, and five times that of the STM32L4 series.

    • STM32U3 MCUs set new standards in dynamic performance by taking advantage of near-threshold technology that operates IC transistors at extremely low voltage, saving energy proportionately according to a square law
    • ST’s innovative near-threshold implementation uses AI-driven adaptive voltage scaling at wafer level to compensate for process variations in the foundry
    • In addition to dynamic power savings (down to 10µA/MHz), the STM32U3 series achieve extremely low stop current, at 1.6µA
    • STM32U3 embeds up to 1MB of Flash memory dual-bank and 256kB of SRAM
    • In terms of security, STM32U3 MCUs embed all successful security features of the STM32U5, with additional keystore capabilities. Newly, secret keys are loaded in-factory by ST on the STM32U3 MCUs and are protected by a coupling and chaining bridge (CCB), representing the first use of this technology in the STM32 MCU family
    • Two product lines are available, presenting a choice of MCUs either with or without a hardware cryptographic accelerator
    • Combined with their low power, the devices integrate efficient and high-performing peripherals including the latest I3C digital connectivity
    • MCUs are available in commercial (-40°C to 85°C) and extended industrial
      (-40°C to 105°C) temperature ranges

    The STM32U3 series is in production now and available from $1.93 for orders of 10,000 pieces. For more information, please go to www.st.com/stm32u3

    STM32 is a registered and/or unregistered trademark of STMicroelectronics International NV or its affiliates in the EU and/or elsewhere. In particular, STM32 is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.

    About STMicroelectronics
    At ST, we are 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of cloud-connected autonomous things. We are on track to be carbon neutral in all direct and indirect emissions (scopes 1 and 2), product transportation, business travel, and employee commuting emissions (our scope 3 focus), and to achieve our 100% renewable electricity sourcing goal by the end of 2027.

    Further information can be found at www.st.com.

    INVESTOR RELATIONS
    Jérôme Ramel
    EVP Corporate Development & Integrated External Communication
    Tel: +41.22.929.59.20
    jerome.ramel@st.com

    MEDIA RELATIONS
    Alexis Breton
    Corporate External Communications
    Tel: +33.6.59.16.79.08
    alexis.breton@st.com

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: STMicroelectronics’ new integrated STM32WBA6 wireless microcontrollers combine extra features and performance with power efficiency

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STMicroelectronics’ new integrated STM32WBA6 wireless microcontrollers combine extra features and performance with power efficiency

    Cost-efficient and highly integrated embedded devices for emerging 2.4GHz wireless applications in smart home, health, factory, and agriculture

    Geneva, Switzerland, March 4, 2025 – STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has announced the next generation of its STM32 power-efficient short-range wireless microcontrollers (MCUs) that simplify connecting consumer and industrial devices to the IoT.

    The new STM32WBA6 series is used in connected, smart devices like wearable healthcare and wellness monitors, animal collars, electronic locks, remote weather sensors, and more. Packing extra memory and digital system interfaces, while preserving energy efficiency the new MCUs can handle richer functionality in emerging new product designs.

    The STM32WBA6 MCUs also embed SESIP3 and PSA Level3 certifiable security assets, such as cryptographic accelerators, TrustZone® isolation, random generator, and product lifecycle that will contribute and enable ST customers to reach compliancy towards the upcoming RED and CRA regulations.

    “Robust and standardized wireless connectivity is central to the IoT’s success. Our new STM32WBA6 MCUs bring richer features and larger memory to address high-end applications in smart home, health, factory, and agriculture,” said Patrick Aidoune, General-Purpose MCU Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics. “Our customers can now increase the pace of development to meet demands from consumer and industrial markets for new products that deliver more features and increased capabilities within reduced size and power constraints.”

    The wireless subsystem in the new STM32WBA6 microcontrollers supports Bluetooth, Zigbee, Thread, Matter, and other protocols operating in the 2.4GHz frequency band, and allows communication using multiple protocols concurrently. It’s how a system like a smart-home bridge can communicate with the homeowner’s mobile app over Bluetooth and simultaneously manage lights or thermostats through mesh networking such as Zigbee. The STM32WBA6 series also contains single-protocol variants for simpler and more cost-conscious applications.

    Customer testimonials:

    “The extensive hardware feature set, low power consumption, advanced cyber security, and excellent price/performance make the STM32WBA6 devices perfect for our advanced in-car driver monitoring, incident tracking, and emergency calling solution. Aided by the extensive ecosystem and ST’s strong technical support, we were able to quickly start prototype development and achieve qualification in accordance with all applicable industry requirements. We are on track to begin production in Q2 2025,” said Vittorio Ferrari, CTO, Meta System.

    Technical notes for editors:

    • By integrating the processing core, peripherals, and wireless subsystem, STM32WBA6 MCUs help product developers meet demands to simplify new designs, miniaturize assembly size, and save the electronic bill-of-materials. With up to double the Flash and RAM on-chip, compared to the previous STM32WBA5 series, the new MCUs provide generous storage for application code and data.
    • With up to 2MB of Flash and 512KB RAM on-chip, the new STM32WBA6 MCUs contain larger memory to support more sophisticated applications.
    • The richer digital peripherals add USB High Speed as well as extra digital interfaces including three SPI ports, four I2C ports, three USARTs, and one LPUART.
    • Concurrent multiprotocol wireless makes the STM32WBA6 series ideal for applications that leverage Matter, which is designed to run on top of other protocols. The X-CUBE-MATTER software package, part of the extensive STM32Cube ecosystem, integrates the Matter SDK and comes with application examples to ease development.
    • The wireless subsystem improves performance, with sensitivity increased to -100dBm for more reliable connectivity up to the maximum specified range.
    • The STM32WBA6 series is powered by the energy-efficient Arm® Cortex®-M33 core, with floating-point unit and DSP extensions, running at up to 100MHz.
    • The STM32WBA5 and STM32WBA6 support the latest EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED) cyber-security requirements. Their SESIP3 certification target will greatly ease the customer device conformance.
    • Package options cover a wide range from a 7mm x 7mm UFQFPN48 to a 6mm x 6mm UFBGA121 with 121 pins.
    • There is also a thin wafer-level chip-scale package, WLCSP88, that measures only 3.78mm x 3.46mm.

    The STM32WBA6 MCUs are in production and available now, priced from $2.50 for orders of 10,000 pieces. For more information, please go to www.st.com/stm32wba.

    STM32 is a registered and/or unregistered trademark of STMicroelectronics International NV or its affiliates in the EU and/or elsewhere. In particular, STM32 is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.

    About STMicroelectronics
    At ST, we are 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of cloud-connected autonomous things. We are on track to be carbon neutral in all direct and indirect emissions (scopes 1 and 2), product transportation, business travel, and employee commuting emissions (our scope 3 focus), and to achieve our 100% renewable electricity sourcing goal by the end of 2027.

    Further information can be found at www.st.com.

    INVESTOR RELATIONS
    Jérôme Ramel
    EVP Corporate Development & Integrated External Communication
    Tel: +41.22.929.59.20
    jerome.ramel@st.com

    MEDIA RELATIONS
    Alexis Breton
    Corporate External Communications
    Tel: +33.6.59.16.79.08
    alexis.breton@st.com

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BAWAG Group hosts Investor Day and announces new targets for 2027

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BAWAG Group today hosts its second Investor Day following our IPO in October 2017. After over seven years as a public company, we are taking stock on what we have achieved to date and more importantly focusing on how we have positioned our franchise for growth. Following our transformation over the past decade, BAWAG Group today ranks among the most profitable and efficient banks in Europe, with the financial strength to support our customers and local communities.

    We have already delivered all our medium-term financial targets laid out in 2021. The team takes a great deal of pride in delivering on our commitments, but we also recognize there is much more ahead.

    For our Investor Day, we are outlining a new set of medium-term financial targets. By 2027, we plan to generate over €2.7 billion net profit from 2025 through 2027, with net profit of > €1 billion in 2027. We also plan to generate over €1 billion in excess capital, after accounting for a 55% dividend payout ratio, which we hope to deploy towards incremental organic growth above our stated net profit target, further M&A, and/or capital distributions. As we have done in the past, we will assess our capital position at the end of each year and communicate distributions according to our capital distribution framework. We are targeting to deliver a return on tangible common equity (RoTCE) > 20% across all cycles and plan to achieve a cost-income ratio (CIR) < 33% by 2027.

    “This past year we delivered a return on tangible common equity of 26% and have averaged 18% over the last 13 years, which included 8 years of zero or negative rates, of which we underearned as a franchise. After delivering a record year in 2024 and closing two transformative acquisitions, BAWAG Group stands as one of the best performing European banks, an achievement that has been years in the making and a tremendous source of pride for our team.

    However, our best years lie ahead. Our goal is ‘1+1’ in 2027: We are targeting net profit > €1 billion in 2027 while also generating excess capital > €1 billion through 2027. The resilience of our franchise lies in our ability to deliver results across all cycles as we are built for all seasons. Going forward we will be able to deliver continued positive operating leverage with significant revenue growth while keeping our cost discipline. Our approach is consistent: focus on the things you control, be patient and disciplined, keep a conservative risk appetite, be good stewards of capital, and build the right culture. Our team is focused on delivering on our commitments and deeply committed to the long-term success of the franchise”, comments Anas Abuzaakouk, CEO of BAWAG Group.

    The presentation is available on our website www.bawaggroup.com and the webcast will start at 3pm CET.

    About BAWAG Group

    BAWAG Group AG is a publicly listed holding company headquartered in Vienna, Austria, serving over 4 million retail, small business, corporate, real estate and public sector customers across Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Western Europe, and the United States. The Group operates under various brands and across multiple channels offering comprehensive savings, payment, lending, leasing, investment, building society, factoring and insurance products and services. Our goal is to deliver simple, transparent, and affordable financial products and services that our customers need. BAWAG Group’s Investor Relations website https://www.bawaggroup.com/ir contains further information, including financial and other information for investors.

    Forward looking statement

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” regarding the financial condition, results of operations, business plans and future performance of BAWAG Group. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could” and other similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic conditions, the regulatory environment, loan concentrations, vendors, employees, technology, competition, and interest rates. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements as actual results may differ materially from the results predicted. Neither BAWAG Group nor any of its affiliates, advisors or representatives shall have any liability whatsoever (in negligence or otherwise) for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this report or its content or otherwise arising in connection with this document. This report does not constitute an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities and neither it nor any part of it shall form the basis of or be relied upon in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever. This statement is included for the express purpose of invoking “safe harbor provisions”.

    Contact:

    Financial Community:
    Jutta Wimmer (Head of Investor Relations)
    Tel: +43 (0) 5 99 05-22474

    IR Hotline: +43 (0) 5 99 05-34444
    E-mail: investor.relations@bawaggroup.com

    Media:
    Manfred Rapolter (Head of Corporate Communications and Social Engagement)
    Tel: +43 (0) 5 99 05-31210
    E-mail: communications@bawaggroup.com

    This text can also be downloaded from our website: https://www.bawaggroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BAWAG Group publishes FY 2024 results: Net profit € 760 million and RoTCE 26%; dividend per share of €5.50 for 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Q4 ’24 net profit of €240 million, EPS of € 3.03 and RoTCE of 31.6%
    • Pre-provision profit of €297 million (+12% vPQ) and CIR at 35.7%
    • FY ‘24 Net profit of €760 million (+11% vs. prior year), EPS of €9.60 and RoTCE of 26.0%
    • FY ‘24 Risk-cost ratio of 19 basis points … NPL ratio at 0.8%
    • Knab acquisition closed on November 1, 2024
    • Dividend per share of €5.50 to be proposed to the AGM
    • CET1 ratio of 15.2% post deduction of earmarked dividend of €432 million for FY 2024
    • Target for 2025: Net profit > €800 million, RoTCE >20%

    VIENNA, Austria – Today, BAWAG Group released its results for the full year 2024, reporting a net profit of € 760 million, earnings per share of €9.60, and a RoTCE of 26%. The operating performance of our business was strong with pre-provision profits of €1,083 million and a cost-income ratio of 33.5%. For the fourth quarter 2024, BAWAG Group reported a net profit of €240 million, earnings per share of €3.03, and RoTCE of 31.6%.

    Delivering strong results in FY 2024

    in € million Q4 ’24 Change vs prior
    year (in %)    		 Change vs prior
    quarter (in %)    		 FY ’24 Change vs prior year (in %)
    Core revenues 449.6 14 16 1,621.7 5
    Net interest income 368.4 14 19 1,311.8 5
    Net commission income 81.2 13 5 309.9 9
    Operating income 461.7 20 18 1,627.8 7
    Operating expenses (164.8) 34 30 (545.1) 12
    Pre-provision profit 296.9 13 12 1,082.7 4
    Regulatory charges (4.3) — 43 (15.3) (61)
    Risk costs 1.4 — — (81.8) (12)
    Profit before tax 296.1 25 25 989.9 9
    Net profit 240.0 36 35 760.0 11
               
    RoTCE 31.6% 6.0pts 7.6pts 26.0% 1.0pts
    CIR 35.7% 3.7pts 3.4pts 33.5% 1.7pts
    Earnings per share (€) 3.03 41% 35% 9.60 16%
    Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) 249% 34pts (11pts) 249% 34pts

    Following the acquisition of Knab on 1 November 2024, the profit & loss includes two months’ contribution.

    Core revenues increased by 5% to €1,621.7 million in 2024 versus the prior year. Net interest income was at € 1,311.8 million, up by 5% versus 2023. Net fee and commission income increased by 9% to € 309.9 million.

    Operating expenses increased by 12% to € 545.1 million in 2024 versus the prior year as result of the consolidation of Knab in the fourth quarter 2024. The cost-income ratio increased by 1.7 points to 33.5%. This resulted in a pre-provision profit of € 1,082.7 million for the year 2024, up by 4% versus prior year.

    Risk costs were € 81.8 million in 2024, down 12% compared to the previous year. The management overlay was utilized during the year to increase ECL reserves due to model updates and increase NPL coverage based on conservative Commercial Real Estate values, while the remainder was released. The NPL ratio was 0.8% at the end of 2024.

    At the end of 2024, the CET1 ratio was at 15.2%, an increase of 50 basis points compared to the prior year. The CET1 ratio considers the deduction of € 432 million dividend accrual for 2024 as well as the self-funded acquisition of Knab.

    Our goal is, and will always be, maintaining a strong balance sheet, solid capitalization levels, low balance sheet leverage and conservative underwriting, a cornerstone of how we run the Bank.

    Targets

    Our outlook and our targets for 2025 are as follows:
    Net profit > €800 million, RoTCE >20%

    Earnings presentation
    BAWAG Group will host the earnings call with our CEO Anas Abuzaakouk, CFO Enver Sirucic and CRO David O’Leary at 10 a.m. CET on 4 March 2025. The webcast details are available on our website under Financial Results | BAWAG Group.

    Investor Day
    We will hold an Investor Day on March 4, 2025 at 3 p.m. CET. The webcast is available under
    https://www.bawaggroup.com/en/investor-day-2025. The documents will be released around noon.

    About BAWAG Group
    BAWAG Group AG is a publicly listed holding company headquartered in Vienna, Austria, serving our >4 million retail, small business, corporate, real estate and public sector customers across Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Western Europe and the United States. The Group operates under various brands and across multiple channels offering comprehensive savings, payment, lending, leasing, investment, building society, factoring and insurance products and services. Our goal is to deliver simple, transparent, and affordable financial products and services that our customers need.

    BAWAG Group’s Investor Relations website https://www.bawaggroup.com/ir contains further information, including financial and other information for investors.

    Forward looking statement
    This release contains “forward-looking statements” regarding the financial condition, results of operations, business plans and future performance of BAWAG Group. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could” and other similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic conditions, the regulatory environment, loan concentrations, vendors, employees, technology, competition, and interest rates. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements as actual results may differ materially from the results predicted. Neither BAWAG Group nor any of its affiliates, advisors or representatives shall have any liability whatsoever (in negligence or otherwise) for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this report or its content or otherwise arising in connection with this document. This report does not constitute an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities and neither it nor any part of it shall form the basis of or be relied upon in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever. This statement is included for the express purpose of invoking “safe harbor provisions”.

    Financial Community:
    Jutta Wimmer (Head of Investor Relations)
    Tel: +43 (0) 5 99 05-22474

    IR Hotline: +43 (0) 5 99 05-34444
    E-mail: investor.relations@bawaggroup.com

    Media:
    Manfred Rapolter (Head of Corporate Communications & Social Engagement)
    Tel: +43 (0) 5 99 05-31210
    E-mail: communications@bawaggroup.com

    This text can also be downloaded from our website: https://www.bawaggroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Employers Holdings, Inc. Appoints Marvin Pestcoe to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RENO, Nev., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Employers Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EIG), today announced the appointment of Marvin Pestcoe to the Board of Directors, effective March 3, 2025.

    “We are very excited to welcome Marvin Pestcoe to the Employers Holdings, Inc. Board,” said Katherine H. Antonello, President and Chief Executive Officer of Employers Holdings, Inc. “Marvin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise with over 40 years of experience in insurance, reinsurance and investments, including a range of executive roles and leadership positions where he focused on profit center management, investments, corporate strategy, data analytics and risk management. We will benefit greatly from Marvin’s insights and look forward to his contributions to our Board.”

    Marvin Pestcoe retired from Langhorne Re, a global reinsurer of life and annuity portfolios, after serving as its Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer from January 2019 to April 2021. Mr. Pestcoe continued to serve on the board of Langhorne Re until March 2023. Prior to joining Langhorne Re, Mr. Pestcoe held a variety of executive positions at Partner Re from 2001 to 2017, and at Swiss Re New Markets from 1997 to 2001. Mr. Pestcoe is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries.

    Mr. Pestcoe has served on several boards of directors of private and public companies. Mr. Pestcoe currently serves on the board of Hamilton Insurance Group, Ltd., where he is the chair of the Underwriting Committee, a member of the Audit Committee and a member of the Investment Committee. Mr. Pestcoe also currently serves on the board of Catalina Holdings (Bermuda) Ltd.

    © 2025 EMPLOYERS. All rights reserved.

    Employers Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EIG), is a holding company with subsidiaries that are specialty providers of workers’ compensation insurance and services (collectively “EMPLOYERS®”) focused on small and mid-sized businesses engaged in low-to-medium hazard industries. EMPLOYERS leverages over a century of experience to deliver comprehensive coverage solutions that meet the unique needs of its customers. Drawing from its long history and extensive knowledge, EMPLOYERS empowers businesses by protecting their most valuable asset – their employees – through exceptional claims management, loss control, and risk management services, creating safer work environments.

    EMPLOYERS is also proud to offer Cerity®, which is focused on providing digital-first, direct-to-consumer workers’ compensation insurance solutions with fast, and affordable coverage options through a user-friendly online platform.

    EMPLOYERS operates throughout the United States, apart from four states that are served exclusively by their state funds. Insurance is offered through Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Preferred Insurance Company, Employers Assurance Company and Cerity Insurance Company, all rated A (Excellent) by AM Best. Not all companies do business in all jurisdictions. EIG Services, Inc., and Cerity Services, Inc., are subsidiaries of Employers Holdings, Inc. EMPLOYERS® is a registered trademark of EIG Services, Inc., and Cerity® is a registered trademark of Cerity Services, Inc. For more information, please visit www.employers.com and www.cerity.com.

    Contact:

    Mike Paquette (775) 327-2562 or mpaquette@employers.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CoinShares Announces Exercise of Employee Incentive Plan Options

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Monday, 3 March 2025 | SAINT HELIER, Jersey – CoinShares International Limited (“CoinShares” or the “Company“) (Nasdaq Stockholm Market: CS; US OTCQX: CNSRF), a global investment firm specializing in digital assets, today announced that a total of 52,241 options in the Company’s Employee Incentive Plan – November 2020 Tranche have been exercised for the corresponding number of shares, at an exercise price of GBP 1.43 (SEK 19.29) per share. Through the exercise of the employee share options, the Company receives a total of GBP 74,705 (SEK 1,007,566.36).

    The exercise request will be settled from the current balance of own shares held by the Company. After the issuance of these shares, the total number of shares in issue in CoinShares will be 66,678,210 and the Company will hold a total of 147,759 own shares.

    About CoinShares

    CoinShares is a leading global investment company specialising in digital assets, that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment management, trading and securities to a wide array of clients that includes corporations, financial institutions and individuals. Focusing on crypto since 2013, the firm is headquartered in Jersey, with offices in France, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US. CoinShares is regulated in Jersey by the Jersey Financial Services Commission, in France by the Autorité des marchés financiers, and in the US by the Securities and Exchange Commission, National Futures Association and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. CoinShares is publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker CS and the OTCQX under the ticker CNSRF.

    For more information on CoinShares, please visit: https://coinshares.com
    Company | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com
    Investor Relations | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: STMicroelectronics announces new capabilities of NB-IoT and geolocation module, now certified for Deutsche Telekom networks

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STMicroelectronics announces new capabilities of NB-IoT and geolocation module, now certified for Deutsche Telekom networks

    • The ST87M01 module now adds Wi-Fi positioning feature for robust geolocation indoors and in dense urban areas and discloses its adherence to Remote SIM Provisioning ecosystem
    • Certification by Deutsche Telekom expands access to customers across Europe

    Geneva, Switzerland, March 3, 2025 – STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has announced that its ST87M01 NB-IoT and geolocation module adds new, extended functionalities and is now fully certified for connection to Deutsche Telekom (DT) networks.

    The ST87M01 module, NB-IoT release 15 certified, combines connectivity and geolocation capabilities in a single small package. Compliant with the 3GPP and regional standards such as the EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED), the module contains optional GSMA-compliant embedded SIM with secure element and GNSS receiver. With the latest updates, the ST87M01 now adds Wi-Fi positioning that enables robust geolocation indoors and in dense urban areas where GNSS positioning may be compromised.

    The ST87M01 module combined with the ST’s ST4SIM-300 embedded SIM is also suitable for Remote SIM Provisioning, adherent to GSMA SGP.32 standard, which lets users switch between different mobile network operators without a physical SIM card change.
    Completing the DT test program is the latest in a series of successful demonstrations with many mobile network operators and confirms the compliance with stringent performance and efficiency criteria for the ST87M01.

    “Certification by Deutsche Telekom is an important differentiator for our NB-IoT and geolocation module, which accredits us to customers throughout the entire European region,” said Domenico Arrigo, General Manager, Application Specific Product Division, STMicroelectronics. “This achievement attests to the highest standards of performance and behavior on the network and efficient use of connectivity.”

    “We have tested the STMicroelectronics ST87M01 module according to stringent proprietary and industry standards, developed to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient connections. The results confirm that this NB-IoT module is suitable and fully certified for high-volume IoT projects on Deutsche Telekom networks,” said Uday Patil, Head of IoT Devices & Services, Deutsche Telekom.

    The ST87M01 module is also approved by the Global Certification Forum (GCF), which promotes interoperability of mobile and IoT products.

    For more information, please go to www.st.com/st87m01.

    ST87M01 demonstrations at Mobile World Congress and embedded world 2025

    ST will showcase the ST87M01 module and its new features at the upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona (Hall 7, A61) and embedded world event in Nuremberg (Hall 4A, 148) in March 2025.

    Demonstrating powerful IoT use cases, ST will highlight Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) compliant with the GSMA’s SGP.32 specification that caters specifically for mass deployment of IoT devices. The demonstration will show how device owners can provision and activate new mobile network operator (MNO) profiles, seamlessly and securely, using an intuitive dashboard application. The ability to switch easily between different cellular networks delivers tremendous convenience for different IoT applications, giving users flexibility to choose their mobile network operator and switch remotely without physically replacing the SIM card in the final product.

    In addition, demonstrating the latest Wi-Fi positioning capability will show how the ST87M01 can determine its own location accurately based on proximity to registered Wi-Fi access points. Wi-Fi positioning compares unique identifiers with the access point database to determine geographic location, with accuracy comparable to GNSS. This capability allows continuous and accurate geolocation in places where GNSS signals may be unavailable, such as factories or offices, shopping malls, covered parking, or multi-level roadways.

    About STMicroelectronics
    At ST, we are 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of cloud-connected autonomous things. We are on track to be carbon neutral in all direct and indirect emissions (scopes 1 and 2), product transportation, business travel, and employee commuting emissions (our scope 3 focus), and to achieve our 100% renewable electricity sourcing goal by the end of 2027.

    Further information can be found at www.st.com.

    INVESTOR RELATIONS
    Jérôme Ramel
    EVP Corporate Development & Integrated External Communication
    Tel: +41.22.929.59.20
    jerome.ramel@st.com

    MEDIA RELATIONS
    Alexis Breton
    Corporate External Communications
    Tel: +33.6.59.16.79.08
    alexis.breton@st.com

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How are clouds’ shapes made? A scientist explains the different cloud types and how they help forecast weather

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ross Lazear, Instructor in Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York

    Lenticular clouds, like this one over a mountain in Chile, can look like flying saucers. Bilderbuch/Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.

    “How are clouds’ shapes made?” – Amanda, age 5, Chile

    I’m a meteorologist, and I’ve been fascinated by weather since I was 8 years old. I grew up in Minnesota, where the weather changes from wind-whipping blizzards in winter to severe thunderstorms – sometimes with tornadoes – in the summer. So, it’s not all that surprising that I’ve spent most of my life looking at clouds.

    All clouds form as a result of saturation – that’s when the air contains so much water vapor that it begins producing liquid or ice.

    Once you understand how certain clouds develop their shapes, you can learn to forecast the weather.

    Cloud types show their general heights.
    Australian Bureau of Meteorology

    Cotton ball cumulus clouds

    Clouds that look like cartoon cotton balls or cauliflower are made up of tiny liquid water droplets and are called cumulus clouds.

    Often, these are fair-weather clouds that form when the Sun warms the ground and the warm air rises. You’ll often see them on humid summer days.

    Cumulus clouds over Lander, Wyo.
    Ross Lazear, CC BY-ND

    However, if the air is particularly warm and humid, and the atmosphere above is much colder, cumulus clouds can rapidly grow vertically into cumulonimbus. When the edges of these clouds look especially crisp, it’s a sign that heavy rain or snow may be imminent.

    Wispy cirrus are ice clouds

    When cumulonimbus clouds grow high enough into the atmosphere, the temperature becomes cold enough for ice clouds, or cirrus, to form.

    Clouds made up entirely of ice are usually more transparent. In some cases, you can see the Sun or Moon through them.

    Cirrus clouds over the roof of Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y.
    Ross Lazear, CC BY-ND

    Cirrus clouds that forms atop a thunderstorm spread outward and can form anvil clouds. These clouds flatten on top as they reach the stratosphere, where the atmosphere begins to warm with height.

    However, most cirrus clouds aren’t associated with storms at all. There are many ice clouds associated with tranquil weather that are simply regions of the atmosphere with more moisture but not precipitation.

    Fog and stratus clouds

    Clouds are a result of saturation, but saturated air can also exist at ground level. When this occurs, we call it fog.

    In temperatures below freezing, fog can actually deposit ice onto objects at or near the ground, called rime ice.

    Reading clouds, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

    When clouds form thick layers, we add the word “stratus,” or “layer,” to the name. Stratus can occur just above the ground, or a bit higher up – we call it altostratus then. It can occur even higher and become cirrostratus, or a layer or ice clouds.

    If there’s enough moisture and lift, stratus clouds can create rain or snow. These are nimbostratus.

    How mountains can create their own clouds

    There are a number of other unique and beautiful cloud types that can form as air rises over mountain slopes and other topography.

    Lenticular clouds, for example, can look like flying saucers hovering just above, or near, mountaintops. Lenticular clouds can actually form far from mountains, as wind over a mountain range creates an effect like ripples in a pond.

    A banner cloud appears to stream out from the Matterhorn, in the Alps on the border between Italy and Switzerland.
    Zacharie Grossen via Wikimedia, CC BY

    Rarer are banner clouds, which form from horizontally spinning air on one side of a mountain.

    Wind plays a big role

    You might have looked up at the sky and noticed one layer of clouds moving in a different direction from another. Clouds move along with the wind, so what you’re seeing is the wind changing direction with height.

    Cirrus clouds at the level of the jet stream – often about 6 miles (10 kilometers), above the ground – can sometimes move at over 200 miles per hour (320 kilometers per hour). But because they are so high up, it’s often hard to tell how fast they are moving.

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

    – ref. How are clouds’ shapes made? A scientist explains the different cloud types and how they help forecast weather – https://theconversation.com/how-are-clouds-shapes-made-a-scientist-explains-the-different-cloud-types-and-how-they-help-forecast-weather-247682

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Volaris Group Acquires Oceans HQ

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Volaris Group (Volaris) today announced the acquisition of Oceans HQ, a leading provider of a SaaS solutions for international ship registries. Oceans HQ joins forces with PDMS, a Volaris Group company and provider of digital solutions and services. The Oceans HQ ship registry product portfolio and their team, will now operate as part of PDMS.

    Headquartered in the UK, Oceans HQ has been working with maritime administrations for over 10 years serving customers including Gibraltar Maritime Administration and the Swiss Maritime Navigation Office. Their full suite of software products (OHQ Cloud) has been designed to support the daily operations of maritime registries from vessel registration and survey and inspections through to seafarer certification.

    PDMS already serves a number of leading ship registry clients and, with this acquisition, further expands its global footprint in the ship registry and seafarer management market.

    Catriona Watt, CEO of PDMS, stated, “We are delighted to join forces with the team at Oceans HQ, combining our extensive domain experience and technical expertise to advance our mission of leading digital transformation for ship registries. Oceans HQ’s in-depth knowledge of the ship registry sector perfectly enhances our own capabilities, positioning us to deliver unparalleled innovative solutions.”

    André Tanguy, CEO of Oceans HQ, commented, “In PDMS we have found the ideal long-term home for our industry-leading solutions and we are eager to leverage the wider support of the broad Volaris network. Being part of a larger organisation will help strengthen our operational capabilities, provide new and exciting opportunities for our existing team and create additional value for our longstanding customers.”

    Through the acquisition, PDMS and Oceans HQ are set to continue developing digital solutions to help ship registries and maritime regulators worldwide, to improve the services provided to ship owners, managers and seafarers.

    About Volaris Group

    Volaris acquires, strengthens, and grows vertical market technology companies. As an Operating Group of Constellation Software Inc., Volaris strengthens businesses within the markets they compete, enabling them to grow – whether that growth comes through organic measures such as new initiatives and product development, day-to-day business, or through complementary acquisitions. Learn more at www.volarisgroup.com

    For more information: 
    Ryan Hill
    Vice President of Corporate Communications at Volaris Group
    Tel: +1 416-831-0305 
    ryans.hill@volarisgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: French minister wraps up key talks in New Caledonia, returning late March

    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

    French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls left New Caledonia at the weekend after a one-week stay which was marked by the resumption of inclusive political talks on the French territory’s future.

    He has now submitted a “synthetical” working document to be discussed further and promised he would return later this month.

    During his week-long visit, Valls had taken time to meet New Caledonia’s main stakeholders, including political, economic, education, health, and civil society leaders.

    He has confirmed France’s main pillars for its assistance to New Caledonia, nine months after deadly and destructive riots broke out, leaving 14 dead, several hundred businesses destroyed, and thousands of job losses for a total estimated damage of 2.2 billion euros (NZ$4 billion).

    The French aid confirmed so far mainly consisted of a loan of up to 1 billion euros (NZ$1.8 billion) as well as grants to rebuild all damaged schools and some public buildings.

    Valls also announced French funding to pay unemployment benefits (which were to expire at the end of this month) were now to be extended until the end of June.

    However, the main feature of his stay, widely regarded as the major achievement, was to manage to gather all political tendencies (both pro-independence and those in favour of New Caledonia remaining a part of France) around the same table.

    The initial talks were first held at New Caledonia’s Congress on February 24.

    Two days later, talks resumed at the French High Commission between Wednesday and Friday last week, in the form of “tripartite” discussions between pro-France, pro-independence local parties and the French State.

    As some, especially the pro-independence umbrella FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front), insisted that those sessions were “discussions”, not “negotiations”, there was a general feeling that all participants now seemed to recognise the virtues of the exchanges and that they had at least managed to openly and frankly confront their respective views.

    Valls, who shared a feeling of relative success in view of what he described as a sense of “historic responsibility” from political stakeholders, even extended his stay by 24 hours.

    Speaking at the weekend, he said he had now left all parties with a document that was now supposed to synthesise all views expressed and the main items remaining to be further discussed.

    New Caledonia’s parties begin talks at the French High Commission in Nouméa last Wednesday. Image: RNZ Pacific/RRB

    ‘A situation no longer sustainable’
     “Political deadlocks, economic and social stagnation, violence, fear, and the lack of prospects for the territory’s inhabitants create a situation that is no longer sustainable. Everyone agrees on this observation,” the document states.

    A cautiously hopeful Valls said views would continue to be exchanged, sometimes by video conference.

    Taking part in the same visit last week was Eric Thiers, a special adviser to French Prime Minister François Bayrou.

    Valls also stressed he would return to New Caledonia sometime later this month, maybe March 22-23, depending on how talks and remote exchanges were going to evolve.

    In the meantime, the shared document would be subjected to many amendments and suggestions in order to take the shape of a fit-enough basis for a compromise acceptable by all.

    The work-in-progress document details a wide range of subjects, such as self-determination, the relationship with France, the transfer of powers, who would be in charge of international relations, independence, a future system of governance (including the organisation of the three provinces), the electoral roll for local elections, the notion of citizenship (with a proposed system of “points-based” accession system), all these under the generic notion of “shared destiny”.

    There was also a form of consensus on the fact that if a future text was to be submitted to popular approval by way of a referendum, it should not be based on a binary “yes” or “no” alternative, but on a comprehensive, wide-ranging “project”.

    On each of those topics, the draft takes into account the different and sometimes opposing views expressed and enumerates a number of possible options and scenarios.

    Based on this draft working document, the next round of talks would lead to a new agreement that is supposed to replace and offer a continuation to the ageing Nouméa Accord, signed in 1998 and install a new roadmap for New Caledonia’s future.

    As part of discussions, another topic was the future of New Caledonia’s great council of chiefs, the Customary Senate, and possible changes from its until-now consultative status to a more executive role to turn New Caledonia’s legislative system from a Congress-only system to a bicameral one (Congress-Parliament and a chiefly Senate).

    Struggling nickel mining industry
     The very sensitive question of New Caledonia’s nickel mining industry was also discussed, as the crucial industry, a very significant pillar of the economy, is undergoing its worst crisis.

    Since August 2024, one of its three factories and smelters, Koniambo (KNS) in the north of the main island has been mothballed and is still up for sale after its majority stakeholder, Anglo-Swiss Glencore, decided to withdraw after more than a decade of losses (more than 13 billion euros — NZ$24 billion).

    Another nickel-producing unit, in the South, Prony, is currently engaged in negotiations with potential investment companies, one South African, one from  the United Arab Emirates and the other Indian.

    New Caledonia’s historic nickel miner, Société le Nickel (SLN, a subsidiary of French giant Eramet), is still facing major hurdles to resume operations as it struggles to regain access to its mining sites.

    The situation was compounded by a changing competition pattern on the world scale, New Caledonia’s production prices being too high and Indonesia now clearly emerging as a world leader, producing much cheaper first-class nickel and in greater quantities.

    ‘A new nickel strategy is needed’, Valls says
     While political parties involved in the talks (all parties represented at the Congress) remained tight-lipped and media-elusive throughout last week, they recognised a spirit of “constructive talks” with a shared goal of “listening to each other”.

    However,  the views remain radically opposed, even irreconcilable — pro-independence supporters’ most clear-cut position (notably that from the Union Calédonienne) consists of a demand for a quick, full independence, with a “Kanaky Accord” to be signed this year, to be followed by a five-year “transition” period.

    On the pro-France side, one of the main bones of contention defended by the two main parties (Les Loyalistes and Rassemblement-LR) is to affirm that their determination to maintain New Caledonia as a part of France has been confirmed by three referenda (in 2018, 2020 and 2021) on self-determination.

    Pro-independence parties argue, however, that the third and last referendum, in December 2021, was boycotted by the pro-independence movement and that it was not legitimate, even though it was ruled by the courts as valid.

    They are also advocating for significant changes to be made in the way the three provinces are managed, a system described as “internal federalism” but decried by opponents as a form of separatism.

    In the pro-France camp, the Calédonie Ensemble party holds relatively more open views.

    In between are the more moderate pro-independence parties, PALIKA and UMP, which favour of a future status revolving around the notion of “independence in association with France”.

    ‘At least no one slammed the door’
     “At least no one slammed the door and that, already, is a good thing,” said pro-France leader and French MP Nicolas Metzdorf.

    “We’re still a long way away from a political compromise, but we have stopped moving further away from it,” he added, giving credit to Vall’s approach.

    On his part, Valls stressed that he did not want to rush things in order to “maintain the thread” of talks, but that provincial elections were scheduled to take place no later than 30 October 2025.

    “I don’t want to force things, I don’t want to break the thread . . . sometimes, we wanted to rush things, and that’s why it didn’t work,” he elaborated, in a direct reference to numerous and unsuccessful attempts by previous French governments, since 2022, to kick-start the comprehensive talks.

    “Some work will be done by video conference. I will always take my responsibilities, because we have to move forward”, Valls told public broadcaster NC la 1ère.

    He said France would then return with its proposals and offers.

    “And we will take our responsibilities. The debate cannot last for months and months. We respect everyone, but we have to move forward. There is no deadline, but we all know that there are provincial elections.”

    Those elections — initially scheduled in May 2024 and then in December 2024 — have already been postponed twice.

    They are supposed to elect the members of New Caledonia’s three provinces (North, South and Loyalty Islands), which in turn makes up the territory’s Congress and the proportional makeup of the government and election of President.

    All parties involved will now to consult with their respective supporters to get their go-ahead and a mandate to embark on full negotiations.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s address at IIT Hyderabad (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 MAR 2025 6:30PM by PIB Delhi

    Very good afternoon all of you and I had the occasion to say it yesterday, there are no backbenchers in IITs, there are only backbenches. Am I right? Shri Jishnu Dev Verma, Honourable Governor Telangana, Honourable Member of Parliament, Shri M. Raghunandan Rao, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Hyderabad, Dr. B. V. R. Mohan Reddy, a man highly acclaimed, highly accoladed and I shared his thoughts with you, mincing no words.

    When IIT Board of Governors is fully involved, things are in a different groove. Professor B. S. Murthy, Director IIT Hyderabad, watch out for him. He is not as he appears, a tough guy. He means business and he means two other things apart from business. Number two is business, Number three, is business. Brevity is the soul of wit, the soul of demonstration of it in his discourse. Every word was amplified, a thought process with which you all are involved. He indicated, we don’t only create ideas, we ideate, we innovate, we accomplish. When you monetise every second, every moment, you do justice not only to yourself but to humanity.

    But you are greatly privileged when you happen to be in Bharat, home to one-sixth of humanity. We are privileged today to have presence of Honourable members of Parliament. Shri Vaddiraju Ravichandra, Shri S. S. Babu, I’ll face them in Rajya Sabha from my chair. You must have seen Rajya Sabha proceedings. They are good cholesterol. Soothing and make positive contributions. It was a great loss to the chairman of Rajya Sabha when Shri Vijay Sai Reddy ji, a very distinguished parliamentarian, ceased to be its member. I wish him great luck.

    The director focused and so did the chairman of the board of governors. An Institution is defined by the infrastructure, but that is easily creatable. That is essential, but not the cutting edge. It is our 300 squad of faculty members with greater recognition who are giving everything to make you future leaders. And let me tell you, there can be no greater honour at the moment than a global benchmark to get such quality education as your Institute.

    Amongst the IITs, in terms of time, you may not have been in the beginning, but by your achievements, by your accomplishments, you have reached that group. My congratulations to the entire faculty. The director must settle me, finding I have a political background of having been in parliament in 1989 when I ministered there, and also taking a vote without spilling out my role as Governor of the state of West Bengal. It reminded me I have to focus on innovation.

    Innovation, boys and girls, is a panacea for what we need and what kills us. It is a one-stop solution to bring about progress, sustainable development, and solve our problems. When it comes to Bharat, a land of homogeneous, demonstrated to the world for over 5,000 years, an Indian mind has a DNA which speaks of genius.

    Let me buttress it by one illustration. We are a nation of 1.4 billion people and we are well spread out. The landscape, rural, semi-urban, urban, metro, and top metros. But when it came to technological penetration and digitisation, just imagine, accessibility of technology and adaptability of those in the villages. Amazing performance, giving us global recognition. If our people-centric policies, if service delivery is so efficient, it is on account of adaptability to technology of our brothers and sisters in the villages. I am son of a farmer.

    Imagine the kind of pride I have. Three times a year, about 100 million farmers get a direct amount in their bank accounts. The government or the system is not important. It is an achievement, but the farmers are equipped on their own to receive it. Now if you go to the base of it, this would not have been possible unless the Prime Minister of the country entertained the grandiose idea that they must have access to banking system.

    And in the shortest space, when it comes to time assessment, over 500 million people have got banking vision. Second, the malice of nepotism, and that is highly unacceptable to our young people, because if patronage is password for an employment or opportunity, you will have a deep frustration.

    And there was a time, not long ago, when power corridors were infested with corrupt elements. Decision-making was leveraged extraordinarily. Patronage was a password for success. There was in that country a privileged pedigree. They entertained the idea that we are above law. We are beyond the reach of law. Nothing could be more frustrating toyoung minds. I faced it during my time.

    Imagine my pain, admitted to an IIT, had no money, couldn’t go. Imagine my pain, as an advocate, had to work very hard to get a loan of 6000 rupees for my digestion. Vividly I had before me the manager who said, I can give you without paying guarantee because I find you are a good lawyer, and look at the transformative change you are witnessing. Start-ups, unicorns emanating from tier 2 cities.

    You are, and you try, Gen Z and Generation Next and those who are before me. You are the most vital stakeholders in democracy, in progress of this nation. Right now, if you have to see where we are heading, then we have to find the ecosystem. A nation’s state is fundamental because if the nation is let say at war, things go horizontally. So nation’s state is important. So is the national movement. Also its growth trajectory, the destination it has for itself, its ecosystem.

    And when we examine these things, reality check, our nation is in a top global group. World technological leaders, when it comes to finer aspects of development like Quantum computing or Green Hydrogen mission or commercialisation of 6G, areas which will appeal you not to ordinary youth, but we are in the big league of nations.

    Artificial intelligence is bringing about paradigm shift every moment. It is introduction of an era, a new kind of industrial revolution with greater potential, challenges and opportunities. This has a big basket of opportunities for boys and girls. Let me remind you one aspect. I had the occasion to face terrible panks of pain in 1990.

    I was a Minister and our gold had to be shipped out by air to be placed to two banks in Switzerland to sustain our fiscal credibility because our foreign exchange could not last even for a few weeks, not to speak of months.

    It was in doldrums, dangerously moving around 1 billion US dollars. This is not a concern to us at all at the moment. We are 700 billion, but concern to you is we are having trade deficit with a neighbouring country to the extent of 90 billion US dollars, and if I go by the figures recently released, the input is 17% year on year and the output is only 11%. Solution to that has to be found by you.

    You will have to focus and only you can do it. I do agree that young minds like you have capacity to bring about big transformative change. But then you need some support. And one support is I seek to steer your minds, minds of the parliamentarians, minds of industry leaders, your chairman represents that group. Academia, your director represents it.

    Economic nationalism. Much of the trade deficit that is draining out our foreign exchange to the tune of hundreds of billions. If one country is around 90 billion US dollars, you can imagine when we cumulatively assess it.

    Why should this country import what is available? Number two, if it is avoidable, can’t our genius find a solution by way of substitution? and three, our raw materials leave our shores, pronouncing on our inability to add value to the raw material. In the process, we deprive our people of work on both accounts, avoidable imports and export of raw material. The blunt entrepreneurship, this mindset has to dominate us.

    The role of the people is crucial, but then the greater role is of those in industry, commerce, business and trade. Can’t they sit on one table through their associations and take a call? That, I would urge, should be taken.

    While I was examining your motto and logo, both are critical, and I am happy by what I have gathered on my own and what has been asserted by the director and chairman. Motto: Inventing and innovating in Technology for Humanity.

    Logo: Expansion and Growth of Knowledge, and this is drawn from Telugu. Let me reflect on some changes that are worrisomely alarming, concerning. India is a land of rich languages.

    Sanskrit, Bangla, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, several languages. Even in Parliament, simultaneous translation takes place in 22 languages. Our civilisational ethos tells us inclusivity. Should there be confrontational stance on language in land of Bharat?

    What a moment of pride for everyone when languages were put in the classical language status recently. We have to nurture every language. Our languages have global outreach. They are gold mine of literature, and the literary pieces have knowledge and wisdom. Vedas, Puranas, our epics, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gita.

    And therefore I call upon youth of the country, Social media has given you the power to take a call. If there is deviation from our commitment to nationalism, if there is assessment of development through partisan prism, we need to be watchdogs.

    Use the power to blunt the narratives that emanate from forces that are financially fuelled only to injure Bharat. Because you are at the moment living in times that indicate hope and possibility. Your basket is limitless.

    Look at sea surface, deep sea, ground, underground, sky or space. Your opportunities and challenges are there. Mid-blue economy or space economy.

    Let me pose a question to you. If the International Monetary Fund has asserted that India, Bharat at the moment is a hotspot, a global centre, most attractive one for investment and opportunity, is it for government jobs? Certainly not. Therefore, that opportunity is for you also.

    Investment, these days I can tell you with my exposure in governance, is not a problem at all. You would have seen in start-ups investment, apart from the governmental affirmative policies, innovative framework, top business leaders investing in start-ups. The hierarchical succession mechanism in industrial business has collapsed.

    Tech tycoons are emerging. There was a time when we could not see a single Indian soul working in global top corporates at any level, and now boys and girls, there is not a single global corporate of consequence where an Indian genius is not contributing at the top level.

    When that is the scenario, you have to make a difference. You have to catalyse the change which you think is best for the nation. And I would say, don’t just catalyse, be the epicentre of change.

    Another centre of change, never ever keep a brilliant idea in your mind. Your mind is not a parking space. What a parking place.

    You do greatest injustice to you and to humanity that an idea has occurred to you and you fear experimentation. You fear failure. Boys and girls’ fear of failure is a myth.

    Chandrayaan 2,I was governor of the state of West Bengal. It was September, I think, 2019. I think 2019, and I was in the company of about 500 school-going children, young boys and girls. Chandrayaan 2 landed close but could not touch the lunar surface. For some who are recipe for chaos, some would define nothing but negativity. For some who see nothing but only taint in your white cloth, they said, failure, so much money, but if you examine success of Chandrayaan 3, was rooted in the foundation laid by Chandrayaan 2, you all will realise first attempt success has eluded most great innovations.

    Let me focus on reality of research and innovation. First our corporates. I am not critical of them, I am critique. They must invest in research. They must invest in research for development and innovation. They must compete with global giants, because this investment is not for the beneficiary student, boy or girl of your Institute or other Institutes.

    It is for benefit of our present, our future. And trust me, we have had a big change in our strategic system globally. Conventional war system has collapsed. It is diplomacy that defines. Innovation and research give us great cutting edge in soft diplomacy. We become a great power. Therefore I appeal from this podium. Corporates, examine what your peers are doing in the West. Please come closer to them.

    Second, look at global Universities. Their endowment funds in billions of US dollars. I had the occasion to glance. Oh my god, crossing in 50 billion US dollars. If you see the top list, why don’t we have it? I hope, Governor of the board, we started in 2008.

    We have Alumni. Let our alumni plow in the corpus. Amount doesn’t matter. It is the spirit of contribution that will generate a connect with the Institute.

    A pride for them also. I have mooted an idea. I hope someone takes it.

    We have institutes of excellence, IITs, IIMs and other institutes. Their aluminium associations must form into a confederation of associations of aluminium. It will be a top world benchmark think tank for policy making.

    It can spur research and innovation. All I am indicating is that these thoughts which I have shared are only indicative, because you are discerning minds, you can on your own work about it.

    If a man like me, who had such a successful career, I can say so, now I am not a senior advocate anymore, to be designated senior in less than 10 and a half years of my practise. No one has done it. I still feel the void of not getting admission to IIT. You are there. I still have the void.

    The position of the Governor or Vice-President does not compensate it. And therefore, I am your Eklavya. I am trying to persuade you.

    I would conclude, I invite in batches students of the IIT and the faculty to be my guests for a visit to Indian parliament, and I would have the occasion and I would gather some people who need to be educated. No pun intended.

    We will have luncheon, brainstorming sessions. I will depute an Officer from my secretariat to be in touch with the Registrar, and this will be done before I take off in my helicopter. I hope you will respond to me. I go with a deep sense of satisfaction, optimism and confidence.

    Though I have not been able to share my thoughts in completeness, but I know, I may have sent or short changed you. But you have received what I mean to convey.

    Thank you so much for your time.

     ***

    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2107587) Visitor Counter : 34

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: 9/2025・Trifork Group AG – Share-based Incentive Program 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 9 / 2025
    Schindellegi, Switzerland – 3 March 2025


    Share-based incentive program 2025

    Trifork Group AG (“Trifork”) has granted restricted share units (“RSUs”) under the existing employee long-term share-based incentive program (“ELTIP”) approved by the Board of Directors in 2021.

    The second ELTIP 2025 (“ELTIP 2025b”) is covering the grant in March 2025 to the Executive Managmeent of the Trifork Group.

    The ELTIP 2025b is based on RSUs and Executive Management variable remuneration for its performance in financial year 2024. RSUs granted will be subject to graded vesting over a three-year period.

    Further details about the ELTIP 2025b are stated below:

    Participants Executive Management of the Trifork Group eligible for variable remuneration for financial year 2024.
    Total 1 employee.
    Number of RSUs A total of 14,653 RSUs is allocated under the ELTIP 2025b.
    The number of RSUs is calculated by taking the respective variable remuneration amount and applying the weighted average share price for Trifork’s shares of the last three trading days of 2024.
    Granting RSUs comprised by the ELTIP 2025b are granted in March 2025.
    Vesting RSUs will vest over a three-year period with 1/3 of the RSUs vesting each year. Vesting is not conditional upon the achievement of any financial or non-financial targets but is conditional upon the participating employee remaining employed with the Trifork Group throughout the vesting period or becoming a good leaver during the vesting period as well as the participating employee having complied in all respects with the terms and conditions of the ELTIP 2025b.
    Objective Attraction and retention of employees in selected jurisdictions.
    Conversion Once vested and not lapsed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the ELTIP 2025b, each RSU will entitle the holder to receive one Trifork share.
    Conditions RSUs are granted based on the conversion of the respective variable remuneration for each participating employee. 
    The ELTIP 2025b is subject to customary conditions.
    Allocation & theoretical value The allocation is based on the weighted average share price of the last 3 trading days of 2024 (DKK 75.08). Dividing the converting salary by this amount results in the number of RSUs to be granted. The converting total amounts to DKK 1,100,154 (EUR 147,477) and 14,653 RSUs.
      The theoretical value for the RSUs is the market price of the Trifork share at grant date minus the expected dividends for the portions vesting after one, two and three years.


    Information and questions
    Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director, frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 73 17


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

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 8/2025・Trifork Group AG – Reporting of transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 8 / 2025
    Schindellegi, Switzerland – 3 March 2025


    Reporting of transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities

    Pursuant to the Market Abuse Regulation Article 19, Trifork Group AG (Swiss company registration number CHE-474.101.854) (“Trifork”) hereby notifies receipt of information of the following transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities in Trifork in connection with automatic vesting of Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) granted under the terms of a long-term incentive program (the “LTIP“) in accordance with Trifork’s Remuneration Policy.

    1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
    a) Name Jørn Larsen
    2. Reason for the notification
    a) Position/status CEO
    b) Initial notification/
    Amendment    		 Initial notification
    3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
    a) Name Trifork Group AG
    b) LEI 8945004BYZKXPESTBL36
    4.1 Details of the transaction(s)
    a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument

    Identification code

    		 Shares

    ISIN CH1111227810
    b) Nature of the transaction Automatic vesting of 19,990 RSUs granted under the terms of the LTIP. The 19,990 shares were previously held by Trifork as treasury shares.
    c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s)
    DKK 0 19,990
    d) Aggregated information
    —
    Aggregated volume —
    Price    		 N/A
    e) Date of the transaction 3 March 2025
    f) Place of the transaction Outside a trading venue
    1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
    a) Name Kristian Wulf-Andersen
    2. Reason for the notification
    a) Position/status CFO
    b) Initial notification/
    Amendment    		 Initial notification
    3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
    a) Name Trifork Group AG
    b) LEI 8945004BYZKXPESTBL36
    4.1 Details of the transaction(s)
    a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument

    Identification code

    		 Shares

    ISIN CH1111227810
    b) Nature of the transaction Automatic vesting of 13,321 RSUs granted under the terms of the LTIP. The 13,321 shares were previously held by Trifork as treasury shares.
    c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s)
    DKK 0 13,321
    d) Aggregated information
    —
    Aggregated volume —
    Price    		 N/A
    e) Date of the transaction 3 March 2025
    f) Place of the transaction Outside a trading venue


    Information and questions
    Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director, frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 73 17


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

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU+ asylum applications decrease by 11% in 2024, and some changing trends established

    Source: European Asylum Support Office

    The number of asylum applications received in the EU+ decreased by over one tenth (11 %) in 2024, with applications from Syrians, Afghans and Turks all decreasing significantly. While Germany continued to receive the most applications in the EU+, these were down by one third last year. Cyprus continued to receive the most applications per capita. In 2024, almost half of all received applications (48 %) were from citizenships for which the recognition rate is low (≤ 20 %).

    The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has just published its annual analysis of asylum trends in 2024. Some 1 014 000 asylum applications were received in the EU+, an 11 % decrease year-over-year. Several of the main citizenships of asylum applicants in the EU+ each recorded a significant decrease in 2024. Applications from Syrians (151 000), Afghans (87 000), and Turks (56 000), each decreased by 17 %, 24 % and 45 %, respectively, compared to 2023.

    Latin American citizenships also recorded notable changes in protection requests in 2024. Venezuelans (74 000) lodged a record number of applications, up by around a tenth (9 %) compared to 2023; while applications from Colombians (52 000) decreased by almost a fifth (- 18 %) in 2024. Taken together, not only did these two nationalities account for a majority of all visa-free applicants in the EU+, they also represented over three fifths of applicants in Spain. After a surge of boat arrivals in the Canary Islands, Malians (17 000) and Senegalese (14 000) both lodged more than twice as many applications in the EU+, compared to 2023.

    Changing trends in key receiving EU+ countries

    In 2024, Germany (237 000) again received the most asylum applications in the EU+, though the number was a third lower (- 29 %), year-over-year. While Spain (166 000), Italy (159 000) and France (159 000) received rather similar numbers of asylum applications in 2024, at around 16 % of the EU+ total, each; these Member States were faced with new dynamics. For example, Peruvians (27 000), who continued to lodge significant numbers of applications in the EU+, shifted to applying mostly in Italy in 2024, where they became the 2nd most populous citizenship.

    However, the number of asylum applications received does not convey the full measure of protection needs in the EU+. In December 2024, around 4.4 million persons displaced from the Russian invasion of Ukraine were receiving temporary protection. Ukrainians (27 000) lodged significantly more asylum applications in 2024 in the EU+, up by 90 % compared to 2023; half did so in France and one quarter in Poland. The number of Ukrainian applications received in 2024 was reminiscent of initial figures in 2022, after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

    Evaluating which EU+ countries receive the most applications for asylum is important, but a simple like-for-like comparison is not always appropriate because their asylum and reception capacities can vary. Cyprus (6 800) has long been the recipient of the most applications per capita. By the end of 2024, Greece (74 000) received the 2nd most applications per capita. In 2024, both countries received around 1 application for every 140 residents.

    State of decision-taking on international protection

    In 2024, the EU+ recognition rate remained stable at 42 %, though this aggregate figure masks significant variations across nationalities and a tendency to grant subsidiary protection, rather than refugee status.

    The Syrian recognition rate has been above 90% for most of the last two years. However, while recognition rates for Syrians remained relatively aligned among decision-making countries including Greece (90 %), Germany (92 %), and Austria (95 %), there was significant variation in the type of protection granted.

    On the other hand, the Afghan recognition rate stood at 63 % at EU+ level, and there was significant variation across EU+ countries including Belgium (39 %), Germany (41 %), France (67 %), Austria (76%), Switzerland (90 %), and Greece (98 %). However, EU+ countries tended to grant refugee status more often than subsidiary protection.

    The EUAA notes that in 2024 almost half of all applications received (48 %) were from citizenships for which the recognition rate is low (≤ 20 %). Citizenships in this group included Bangladeshi, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals. The future Asylum Procedure Regulation provides that applications from applicants from countries with a low recognition rate should be subjected to an accelerated examination procedure, and to an asylum border procedure when the relevant conditions are met.

    For more information and a series of interactive data visualisations, please visit the EUAA Latest Asylum Trends

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Workshop on the utilisation and integration of new data sources for the Consumer Price Index

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Report PDF
    Agenda PDF
    Session 1. New data sources and collection methods for CPI  
    From survey to multiple source-based CPI, Carsten Boldsen, UNECE PDF
    Development of the CPI in Norway, Randi Johannessen, Norway PDF
    Practices and experiences from the development of the CPI in Switzerland (data sources), Corinne Becker, Switzerland PDF
    Session 2. Scanner data  
    Scanner data, Corinne Becker, Switzerland PDF
    Country practices scanner data, Randi Johannessen, Norway PDF
    Ways of using scanner data for CPI, Randi Johannessen, Norway PDF
    Scanner data: challenges, Corinne Becker, Federal Statistical Office of Switzerland PDF
    Alternative data sources used in Türkiye’s CPI, Hasan ÇİĞ, Turkstat PDF
    Product relaunches, shrinkflation and quality adjustment in scanner data, Ken van Loon, Belgium PDF
    Multilateral Methods in the HICP, Vanda Guerreiro, Eurostat PDF
    Session 3. Web prices and web scraping  
    Web scraping for the CPI: ways of implementation and challenges, Corinne Becker, Switzerland PDF
    Session 4. Administrative data sources  
    Results of the survey on country practices on administrative data sources for CPI, Randi Johannessen, Norway PDF
    Practices and challenges in using administrative data sources for CPI, Randi Johannessen, Norway PDF
    Administrative data source, Corinne Becker, Switzerland PDF
    Session 5. Methodological issues  
    Treatment of seasonal products, Randi Johannessen, Norway PDF
    Aggregation of higher-level price indice, Carsten Boldsen, UNECE PDF
    Session 6. Classification of goods and services in the CPI – changeover to COICOP-18  
    Implementation of ECOICOP ver. 2 in the HICP, Vanda Guerreiro, Eurostat PDF
    Changes in the classification of goods and services in the CPI. Carsten Boldsen, UNECE PDF
    Classification of goods and services in the CPI. Practical part, Corinne Becker, Switzerland PDF
    Session 7. Communication of CPI  
    Disseminating the Consumer Price Index in Georgia, Giorgi Tetrauli, Georgia PDF
    Communication of the CPI in Kazakhstan, Tokbayeva Zhairan, Kazakhstan PDF
    Communication of the CPI, Randi Johannessen, Norway PDF

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Business, innovation and sustainability: the International Cooperation Forum 2025 debates the future of international cooperation

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    The fourth International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum), which focused economic development, ended today at ETH Zurich. Participants including federal councillors Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis discussed the importance of local initiatives and cooperation between the private and public sectors. The IC Award was also presented to three Swiss companies for their innovations in the field of development cooperation. Over 1,500 people took part in the forum, both in person and online.

    MIL OSI Europe News –