Category: Trade

MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the nomination of Lucian Romașcanu as a Member of the Court of Auditors – A10-0039/2025

Source: European Parliament

ANNEX 1: CURRICULUM VITÆ OF LUCIAN ROMAȘCANU

ABOUT ME

Married, two children

Politician with top parliamentary and governmental experience with a wealth of prior experience in the private sector.

Solid experience in working with public and European funds in the public positions held, minister, senator or head of a higher administrative territorial unit.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

[ 2000 – 2002 ] Executive MBA

University Of Washington, Seattle / ASEBUSS Bucharest

City: Bucharest | Country: Romania |

[ 1986 – 1991 ] BSc

Academy Of Economic Studies

City: Bucharest | Country: Romania |

WORK EXPERIENCE

[ 28/10/2024 – Current ] President

Buzău County Council

City: Buzău | Country: Romania

• uninominal elected position

• administrative coordination of Buzău county, 404 000 inhabitants and 87 administrative territorial units

• yearly budget – over EUR 100 million

[ 21/12/2016 – 27/10/2024 ] Senator

The Senate of Romania

City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

Various positions in the parliament of Romania:

• Chair, Culture and Media Committee

• President, Romanian parliament delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

• Leader, Social-Democratic Party senators

[ 11/2021 – 06/2023 ] Minister Of Culture

Government of Romania

City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

• yearly budget – over EUR 300 million

[ 06/2017 – 01/2018 ] Minister Of Culture

Government of Romania

City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

• yearly budget – over EUR 270 million

[ 2015 – 2016 ] Management Advisor to the President of the Board

Romanian National Television

City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

• 100 % state owned

• 5 TV Channels

• EUR 67 million yearly turnover

• 2 450 employees

[ 2012 – 2015 ] Managing Director

Dogan Media International

City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

• Turkish capital

• EUR 20 million yearly turnover

• over 400 employees

• 32 % y-o-y revenue growth

[ 2009 – 2012 ] General Manager

Cancan Media

City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

• EUR 8 million yearly turnover

• 140 employees

• 12% y-o-y revenue growth

[ 2006 – 2009 ] Managing Director

Ringier Romania

City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

• Swiss capital

• EUR 30 million yearly turnover

• 240 employees

[ 2004 – 2006 ] Managing Director

Best Print Services

City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

• EUR 10 million yearly turnover

• 110 employees

• financing negotiations, investment programme supervising

• ERP design and implementation

• 18 % y-o-y revenue growth

[ 2002 – 2004 ] General Manager

HL Display Romania

City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

• Swedish capital

• start-up

• EUR 1 million yearly turnover

• 5 employees

• Accountable for the Profit and Loss (P&L) statement

• budgeting, revenue and cost control responsibility

[ 1999 – 2002 ] Sales Director

Ringier Romania

City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

• Swiss capital

• sales team coordination (14 people)

• crafting sales strategy, planning action, setting sales objectives

• sales presentations delivered to media agencies, key clients; contract negotiation

[ 1997 – 1999 ] Sales Director

MediaPro Holding

City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

• organising and harmonising the sales structures of the different group companies

• crafting sales strategy, planning action, setting sales objectives

• sales presentations delivered to media agencies, key clients; negotiating sales budgets responsibility, in depth reorganisation of the sales structure of 16 different companies

[ 1993 – 1997 ] Country Representative Amorim Irmaos

City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

• start-up

• EUR 4 million yearly turnover

• building the presence on the Romanian market, obtaining and maintaining the leader position (90 % market share)

[ 1991 – 1993 ] Account manager

Vinexport Trading Co.

City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

• coordinating exports to Dutch, Canadian and Israeli markets

• taking part in negotiations, supervising deliveries, preparing export documents.

MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Team leader, good negotiator

• good teams coordination

• precise identification and delimitation of competences and hierarchies, multitasking with attention to detail

• analytical but also action and results oriented

• very good communication and presentation skills

• strong negotiation skills with different typologies or cultures

COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

Excellent communicator, adaptable and perseverant

• excellent interpersonal and communication skills within different environments, coordinating and motivating teams of various sizes

• committed, self-starter, dynamic, perseverant, adaptable, rapidly assimilating new information from various fields

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Mother tongue(s): Romanian

Other language(s):

English

LISTENING C2 READING C2 WRITING C2

SPOKEN PRODUCTION C2 SPOKEN INTERACTION C2

French

LISTENING B2 READING B2 WRITING B1

SPOKEN PRODUCTION B1 SPOKEN INTERACTION B1

Levels: A1 and A2: Basic user; B1 and B2: Independent user; C1 and C2: Proficient user

DIGITAL SKILLS

My Digital Skills

Excellent command of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) | Proficiency of using computer and internet | Enterprise-Resource-Planning-Software (ERP) | Implement change management: from organisational changes to CRMs launch

DRIVING LICENCE

Motorbikes: A

Cars: B

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

Avid reader, passionate about sports and music

ANNEX 2: ANSWERS BY LUCIAN ROMAȘCANU TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE

Questionnaire for Candidates for Membership of the Court of Auditors

Professional experience

1. Please list your professional experience in public finance be it in budgetary planning, budget implementation or management or budget control or auditing.

• As manager in the private sector

i. I proposed, negotiated, approved and controlled budgets of EUR tens of millions in the different companies I managed.

• As Senator in the Romanian Parliament:

i. I discussed, amended and approved eight of the Romanian yearly budgets with all the activities involved in this laborious process.

ii. I received, analysed, and was involved in amending, approving or rejecting the budgets of the institutions that operate directly under the supervision of the Senate of Romania – Romanian National Television, Romanian National Radio, the Romanian Cultural Institute, the Audio Visual Council, among others.

iii. I was involved in top level decisions during major crises, including the pandemic and the energy crisis, where the budgetary impact and control over decisions was a key priority.

• As Minister of Culture

i. I analysed past years’ budgets and drew conclusions on the performance of the previous budgets and implemented corrective measures where necessary.

ii. I drew up the yearly budgets, negotiated them with the Ministry of Finance and presented them in front of the Romanian parliament – the yearly budget of the Ministry of Culture is about EUR 300 million.

iii. I oversaw the execution of the yearly budgets both in terms of performance and legality.

iv. I worked closely with the Romanian Court of Accounts in all aspects related to their activities concerning my ministry.

• As President of Buzau County

i. I analysed the previous years’ budgets to allow me to draw conclusions on the County’s financial performance and subsequently prepared budgetary corrections for the next period.

ii. I drew up the 2025 budget and supervised its approval by the County counsellors – the yearly budget is about EUR 110 million.

2. What have been your most significant achievements in your professional career?

A: Considering the scope of this questionnaire, I would list some of the achievements related to the financial and budgetary fields:

i. In my first mandate as Minister, I was able to increase the budget of the Ministry of Culture by 47 % and oversaw an execution rate of more than 98 % without any adverse opinion from the Romanian Court of Accounts.

ii. As the leader of the group of the Social Democratic Party senators I was a key actor in the negotiation and successful vote of the Romania’s annual budgets in due time.

iii. As member of the Parliament during the COVID-19 crisis I was able, together with my colleagues, to ensure – through the necessary Parliamentary decisions – all the resources that the state needed to fight the pandemic and follow-up the way the resources were allocated and spent.

3. What has been your professional experience of international multicultural and multilinguistic organisations or institutions based outside your home country?

i. In the private sector I worked on top executive positions for multinational companies, where I exposed to different cultures within the organisations I worked for.

ii. As a member of the Romanian parliament and a committee chair, I was constantly involved in activities of parliamentary diplomacy with representatives of different countries and cultures. As the President of the Romanian Parliament delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) I was involved in meetings, discussions and negotiations with representatives from more than 50 member countries.

iii. As a minister I had the opportunity to have a full international agenda with meetings and negotiations with colleagues from different countries and cultures.

4. Have you been granted discharge for the management duties you carried out previously, if such a procedure applies?

A: The duties I carried out previously were not subject to a discharge procedure.

5. Which of your previous professional positions were a result of a political nomination?

A: For the past eight years of my career, I was in the public service following general or local elections and I was appointed twice as Minister of Culture. All positions were held as a member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD).

6. What are the three most important decisions to which you have been party in your professional life?

A: Having a career that spans over decades, there were several important decisions that made the difference, and I am proud of. I will mention three of them, which are relevant for the three main chapters of my career so far, in the private sector, government and parliament:

i. One of my important decisions I made during my years as manager in the private sector was the deep restructuring of the division I was in charge of in within Ringier Romania, the result being that the newspaper and magazine titles in my portfolio accounted for 50 % of the group’s turnover and almost 100 % of the group’s profit.

ii. As Minister of Culture, I was able to restructure and streamline the budget to allocate 270 % more money to domestic cultural projects than in the preceding year.

iii. As a senator and group leader I supported, negotiated in the committees and got the votes for the investment programmes of the Government, including recovery and resilience fund (RRF) projects, which reached almost 7 % of Romania’s GDP in 2024.

Independence

7. The Treaty stipulates that the Members of the Court of Auditors must be ‘completely independent’ in the performance of their duties. How would you act on this obligation in the discharge of your prospective duties?

A: If confirmed, as a Member of the Court of Auditors, I commit myself to carry out my duties in full independence and with the highest ethical standards, in the general interest of the European Union and of the European citizens, and in full respect of the Treaties’ provisions and the Rules of Procedure of the Court. I will fully comply with the provisions of the Code of conduct for ECA members and observe the ethical principles enshrined therein: integrity, independence, objectivity, competence, professional behaviour, confidentiality, transparency, dignity, commitment, loyalty, discretion and collegiality.

I will neither seek nor take instructions from any government or other institution, body office, or entity. At the same time, I shall refrain from any action incompatible with my prospective duties, striving to set an example by my personal conduct. Even after the cessation of my duties, I undertake to ensure the confidentiality of information and respect the rules concerning appointments and benefits.

In this role, I will ensure that the Court’s independence is rigorously protected and that my duties are performed with integrity, impartiality and a strong commitment to the highest standards of public service.

8. Do you or your close relatives (parents, brothers and sisters, legal partner and children) have any business or financial holdings or any other commitments, which might conflict with your prospective duties?

A: Neither I nor any member of my family have any business or financial interests that could give rise to a conflict of interest with the duties and responsibilities associated with the role of Member of the European Court of Auditors (ECA).

9. Are you prepared to disclose all your financial interests and other commitments to the President of the Court and to make them public?

A: Yes, I am ready to disclose all requested information and provide a declaration of interest in accordance with the European Court of Auditors’ Code of Conduct and ethical guidelines, ensuring complete transparency and accountability.

10. Are you involved in any current legal proceedings? If so, please provide us with details.

A: No, I am not involved in any current legal proceedings.

11. Do you have any active or executive role in politics, if so at what level? Have you held any political position during the last 18 months? If so, please provide us with details.

A: Yes, I am currently the leader of the Buzau County organisation of the Social Democratic Party and the national spokesperson of the party for all matters.

12. Will you step down from any elected office or give up any active function with responsibilities in a political party if you are appointed as a Member of the Court?

A: Yes, without any hesitation. Becoming a member of ECA means that I will put an end to my political career.

13. How would you deal with a major irregularity or even fraud and/or corruption case involving persons in your Member State of origin?

A: If such a case happens, I would handle it in the same manner as any other case of fraud in any other Member State, with the utmost independence and integrity, taking a fully impartial, objective, unbiased and professional approach.

Upholding impartiality and integrity, respecting the rule of law, strictly following established policies, rules, and procedures, and ensuring fairness and equal treatment are all essential for any institution to function effectively and maintain the trust of EU citizens.

Performance of duties

14. What should be the main features of a sound financial management culture in any public service? How could the ECA help to enforce it?

A: Within the framework set by the Financial Regulation, sound financial management is understood as budget implementation in compliance with the three principles of:

i) economy

ii) efficiency

iii) effectiveness.

Public funds must be used for the public good, upholding the fundamental principles of transparency and accountability, which are the two key pillars of good governance.

I strongly believe that transparency, fairness and accountability, with a focus on performance as well, should be seen as the main features of implementing these principles and fostering a sound financial management culture in public service and these have been guiding elements in both my private and public-sector career.

What is more, the challenging context we are facing requires that we all do our utmost to rebuild and strengthen citizens’ trust in public institutions and decision-making processes at national and European levels. In this regard, I see added value in a multilayered approach aiming to ensure that proper budgetary planning is accompanied by ethical governance and transparent reporting, followed by a thorough controlling and accountability process, all supported by clear and proactive communication efforts at each of these stages. Not least, I see merit in incorporating early risk analysis and mitigation in all stages described above, to ensure the best possible outputs.

The ECA has the important role of helping to establish a culture of professional financial management and ensuring its sustainability across all EU institutions. The ECA delivers recommendations and monitors their implementation, both key activities for the above-mentioned role. Identifying best practices and issuing audit recommendations are essential ways to strengthen sound financial management. Furthermore, the ECA’s substantial moral authority can help inspire more transparent and accountable accounting practices throughout the EU.

The ECA also plays a significant role in simplifying the legislative framework and administrative procedures where appropriate, contributing to effective financial management and facilitating necessary reforms. The EU needs simpler procedures with less bureaucracy, and the ECA can play a vital role in Europe’s simplification agenda.

15. Under the Treaty, the Court is required to assist Parliament in exercising its powers of control over the implementation of the budget. How would you further improve the cooperation between the Court and the European Parliament (in particular, its Committee on Budgetary Control) to enhance both the public oversight of the general spending and its value for money?

A: As a prospective Member of the Court of Auditors, I assure you of my commitment to building a relationship based on openness, transparency, mutual trust and efficiency between the European Parliament – in particular its Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) – and the Court of Auditors. As we are still early in the current institutional and legislative cycle, I believe we need to work, from both sides, to further strengthen the connection between the two institutions and foster a culture of constant engagement between the CONT Committee and the ECA. As such, if confirmed, I would like to assure you of my full openness to dialogue and suggestions on how to improve and strengthen the Court’s contributions in support of the decision-making process in the CONT Committee, meant to allow Parliament to exercise its democratic oversight effectively, particularly when exercising its powers of control over the implementation of the budget. Also given the current difficult regional and international context, I cannot stress enough the importance of safeguarding the EU budget – both at EU and national levels – and I am aware that this is a prime concern for this Parliament and for the CONT Committee in particular.

By working together, we can ensure that any expenditure of EU money is made in a legal, responsible, and accountable manner, having at heart the best interests of the EU and its citizens.

Moreover, since Members of the European Parliament directly represent the interests of EU citizens, it is crucial to incorporate their perspectives to ensure the ECA’s work remains relevant to the challenges faced by EU citizens, while upholding the Court’s full independence in its work.

16. What added value do you think performance auditing brings and how should the findings be incorporated in management procedures?

A: Compliance audits, financial audits and performance audits complement each other. While compliance auditing verifies whether activities and programmes comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, performance auditing evaluates whether these activities and programmes have been executed optimally.

In the context of the implementation of the current multi-annual financial framework for 2021-2027, the Court of Auditors has already recommended future-proofing EU funding for climate adaptation as part of the EU’s economic growth strategy, with implications for the EU’s competitiveness both internally and externally. This contributed to building a results-oriented approach and ensuring that financial decisions are properly translated into effective actions and solutions to the benefit of EU citizens.

Building on this model, further actions could be envisaged in order to support the proper follow-up to the efficiency of spending on the EU’s competitiveness objectives, based on performance auditing, also taking into account the need to consider the EU’s overall development objectives.

In the same logic, a stronger focus on performance could prove useful in support of the new Commission objectives related to simplification and accountability, also with respect to public procurement procedures. Performance-based evaluations could also consider the administrative costs at the level of Member States, as well as at the level of the business community. Performance auditing offers forward-looking insights, evaluating whether processes are functioning effectively to achieve the set targets and goals.

Given the projected increased complexity of the EU financial instruments, accountability and traceability of EU funds becomes even more important, also as a prerequisite of the performance-based model, to be considered in the future endeavours of the Court of Auditors, as well as in the relationship with the other EU institutions with budgetary responsibilities – namely the European Commission and the European Parliament.

That being said, we must always strive to make recommendations that are both relevant and practical, and that can be clearly understood and embraced by the audited entity, especially by the appropriate management level with the competence to implement them optimally in terms of time, cost, and resources.

17. How could cooperation between the Court of Auditors, the national audit institutions and the European Parliament (Committee on Budgetary Control) on auditing of the EU budget be improved?

A: At this stage, I cannot provide a definitive answer, as I have yet to assess the matter from the perspectives of either the Committee on Budgetary Control or ECA. Gaining practical experience at the Court of Auditors will be essential in forming a well-informed view.

What is clear, however, is that the cooperation between the Court of Auditors and national audit bodies, as outlined in Article 287(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, is crucial for effective budgetary control. In the context of shared management, leveraging the expertise of national auditors is particularly important.

Maintaining an open dialogue with the budgetary and legislative authorities, national SAIs, and other stakeholders strengthen the institution’s relevance and the impact of its work.

Both the European Parliament (through the CONT Committee) and national audit institutions that report to national parliaments are key stakeholders for the ECA, with a shared goal of safeguarding the EU budget and ensuring optimal use of EU taxpayers’ money. In this regard, the ECA should continue to share its relevant reports with national audit bodies and other institutions to keep them informed of its activities and to communicate its recommendations on pertinent policy areas.

Therefore, I believe that a well organised, transparent exchange of information, a strong understanding of each side’s needs, and effective collaborative arrangements are key to success. Any actions taken must uphold the legal framework for cooperation, ensuring both the obligation to work in good faith and the independence of the Court of Auditors and national audit bodies.

Moreover, I would encourage direct structured dialogue between the Contact Committee and the EP Committee on Budgetary Control, with regular exchanges on good practices and lessons learned, effective budget implementation and control, governance, transparency and accountability matters. Additionally, I believe that joint risk analyses could also be a part of this more structured dialogue, a common understanding on challenges and specific risk across the EU, and exchange on ways to address these.

At its end, the European Parliament also plays a significant role in raising awareness of the ECA’s work and the EU budget control system among their constituents. Also, the Members of the European Parliament should help the audit authorities in their respective Member States to better understand the challenges they face in carrying out their duties.

18. How would you further develop the reporting of the ECA to give the European Parliament all the necessary information on the accuracy of the data provided by the Member States to the European Commission?

A: High-quality reporting is based mainly on the quality of data provided. ECA evaluation and reporting depends on the quality of the data provided, especially since it supports the European Parliament in consolidating its budgetary decisions.

In this respect, also considering that European statistics are public goods, and building on the current Regulation on European Statistics, it is important to analyse, in dialogue with the European Commission and the other institutions, how the current system could be improved to focus on new data sources, new technologies and insights generated by the digital era, as to ensure that the data provided reflect the new set of challenges and economic realities in order to support the reasoning of EU decisions and policy objectives.

Always remembering that the Court itself has limited resources and must best use them to report its work.

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Date adopted	18.3.2025
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	22 2 5
Members present for the final vote	Georgios Aftias, Gilles Boyer, Caterina Chinnici, Tamás Deutsch, Dick Erixon, Daniel Freund, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Niclas Herbst, Monika Hohlmeier, Virginie Joron, Kinga Kollár, Giuseppe Lupo, Marit Maij, Claudiu Manda, Csaba Molnár, Fidias Panayiotou, Jacek Protas, Julien Sanchez, Jonas Sjöstedt, Carla Tavares, Tomáš Zdechovský
Substitutes present for the final vote	Maria Grapini, Erik Marquardt, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Annamária Vicsek
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote	Andrzej Halicki, Valentina Palmisano, Georgiana Teodorescu

MIL OSI Europe News –

March 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on providing macro-financial assistance to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan – A10-0038/2025

Source: European Parliament

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on providing macro-financial assistance to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

(COM(2024)0159 – C9‑0146/2024 – 2024/0086(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2024)0159),

– having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 212 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C9‑0146/2024),

– having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

– having regard to Rule 60 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the budgetary assessment by the Committee on Budgets,

– having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Foreign Affairs,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade (A10-0038/2025),

1. Adopts its position at first reading, taking over the Commission proposal;

2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

In an increasingly challenging global economic context, Jordan faces persistent structural challenges compounded by significant external shocks. While the country has maintained moderate growth of around 2% in recent years, this level remains insufficient to address fundamental economic needs: reducing high unemployment (22.9% in 2022) and alleviating a substantial public debt burden (88.7% of GDP in 2023).

These domestic challenges are further exacerbated by heightened regional tensions, including the war between Israel and Gaza and ongoing instability in Syria, which are disrupting trade, straining public resources and jeopardizing key sectors such as tourism. Therefore, Jordan is facing a series of unfavorable factors with economic, political, social and demographic consequences, and must receive appropriate and rapid support as a reliable and stable partner of the EU. Moreover, the migratory pressure is very high in the Kingdom with 1.3 million refugees from Syria out of total of 3.8 million of refugees. It means 1/3 of the Kingdom population are refugees.

To support Jordan’s economic stability and cover the country’s residual financing needs over the operation’s availability period, the Commission proposes a macro-financial assistance (MFA) operation of up to €500 million in loans, despite the Jordan’s request for €700 million.

This assistance is designed to address pressing economic challenges, including high public debt, a structurally elevated budget deficit (5.1% of GDP in 2023), and a persistent external deficits (average of around 6.5% of GDP over the last five years). It also aims to mitigate the fiscal constraints exacerbated by recent crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and regional instability.

The political and economic conditions necessary for granting the proposed MFA are fulfilled, as confirmed by the Commission’s evaluation of Jordan’s current situation. The loan will be provided under the External Action Guarantee with a provisioning at a rate of 9%, which will be programmed under the NDICI-GE, for a total amount of EUR 45 million. To ensure risk coverage, the EU will provision 9% of the total amount, or €45 million, under the External Action Guarantee.

The MFA will have a validity period of two and a half years following the entry into force of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The disbursement of funds will occur in three tranches, contingent upon the full and timely implementation of the agreed-upon economic policies outlined in the MoU. These policies include ambitious reforms in key areas such as public governance, fiscal management, and anti-corruption efforts, ensuring that the assistance supports Jordan’s long-term economic resilience.

This assistance complements the ongoing IMF program approved in January 2024, which provides $1.2 billion over four years, and aligns with support from other international partners, including substantial U.S. grants. It also builds on Jordan’s track record with macro-financial assistance, being the fourth MFA operation since 2014, totaling €1.08 billion to date. These successive programs underscore the EU’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Jordan’s institutional capacity and promoting economic stability.

By addressing Jordan’s immediate financing needs and supporting reforms in key areas, the MFA reinforces the country’s economic resilience while contributing to regional stability. Subordinated to clear economic policy conditions, this assistance ensures accountability and progress. The full and timely implementation of these policies will remain a prerequisite for the disbursement of each tranche, ensuring that Jordan continues to meet its reform commitments.

Jordan is a key partner in the region, able to engage in dialogue with the various geopolitical players in the Middle East. It is important to give Jordan due consideration and not to take its support for granted. It is therefore important to build a global and strategic partnership with Jordan, alongside and in addition to this MFA, in order to quickly lay the foundations for tomorrow’s collaboration.

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur declares that she received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the report, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

Entity and/or person

European Commission – DG ECFIN

European Commission – DG NEAR

EEAS

Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur.

Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur declares that she has submitted to the concerned natural persons the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGETS (4.2.2025)

for the Committee on International Trade

on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on providing macro-financial assistance to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

(COM(2024)0159 – C9‑0146/2024 – 2024/0086(COD))

Rapporteur for budgetary assessment: Johan Van Overtveldt

The Committee on Budgets has carried out a budgetary assessment of the proposal under Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure and has reached the following conclusions:

A. whereas Jordan continues to face significant external financing needs and economic challenges, with a current account deficit of 7.1 % of gross domestic product (GDP) in the first half of 2023, driven by persistent deficits in trade in goods; whereas Jordan’s public debt burden remains high at 88.7 % of GDP in 2023, raising concerns about long-term fiscal sustainability;

B. whereas Jordan’s narrow revenue base, with domestic tax revenue at only 16 % of GDP, raises concerns about long-term fiscal sustainability and capacity to service external debts;

C. whereas the policy measures associated with macro-financial assistance (MFA) cover selected provisions related to the Association Agreement and the EU-Jordan Partnership Priorities 2021-2027;

D. whereas significant structural challenges hinder economic growth, with deficiencies in the business environment, access to finance, labour market flexibility and public administration; whereas unemployment remains high, especially among women, youth and university graduates, with women’s labour force participation at just 14 % in 2023, among the lowest globally; whereas the EU-Jordan Partnership Priorities 2021-2027 aim to address these issues by fostering decent work, innovation, skills development and comprehensive social protection systems;

E. whereas the EU-Jordan Partnership Priorities 2021-2027 highlight cooperation in inter-religious and intercultural dialogue and the protection of cultural heritage as drivers of peace and sustainable development; whereas these efforts can include safeguarding historical manuscripts and archives, contributing to inclusive dialogue and mutual understanding;

F. whereas Jordan’s economy has suffered significantly from protracted conflicts and crises in the region, notably in neighbouring Syria, and most recently in Israel/Gaza and the Red Sea; whereas these pose further risks to Jordan’s economic outlook, particularly affecting tourism and trade, with disruptions to exports and vessel traffic;

G. whereas the severe deterioration of external accounts and Jordan’s strategic importance for regional stability justify this support package;

H. whereas the conflicts in Gaza and the wider region have been exacerbating socioeconomic challenges in Jordan given its geographical position;

1. Notes that the Commission proposal of EUR 500 million in MFA requires EUR 45 million in provisioning under the External Action Guarantee from the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe; points out that the evolving financial and economic realities in Jordan might require a revision of the proposed amount of MFA, consequently having an effect on provisioning;

2. Notes that the assistance will be disbursed in three instalments between 2024 and 2027, with release strictly linked to the progress of the implementation of both the International Monetary Fund programme and additional policy measures;

3. Recalls that this represents the fourth MFA operation for Jordan since 2014, bringing total MFA support to EUR 1.58 billion, demonstrating the EU’s sustained commitment to supporting Jordan’s economic stability;

4. Acknowledges that the loan structure includes a grace period and spreads repayments over a long period, creating extended contingent liabilities for the EU budget that require monitoring over multiple financial frameworks;

5. Acknowledges that the International Monetary Fund assessed Jordan’s public debt level as sustainable in its report of January 2024, while noting that debt sustainability risks remain significant;

6. Recalls that previous MFA operations for Jordan have demonstrated positive track records in terms of repayment;

7. Emphasises that the MFA underpins Jordan’s continued commitment to values shared with the Union, including democracy, rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights; highlights that these commitments are key to ensuring effective reforms and long-term stability; stresses that a precondition for granting the Union’s macro-financial assistance is that Jordan respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi-party parliamentary system – and guarantees respect for human rights;

8. Stresses the importance of the regular verification of Jordan’s compliance with the preconditions, ongoing conditionality and objectives to protect the EU’s financial interests and ensure the implementation of the MFA in accordance with the regulation;

9. Calls for proper monitoring and regular reporting to Parliament and the Council on developments relating to the assistance as well as the continuous monitoring of conditions and objectives;

10. Recalls that while MFA is meant to be an exceptional crisis response instrument, its increasing use to address structural economic challenges in partner countries risks diluting its emergency nature;

11. Concludes that the proposal for a decision on providing macro-financial assistance to Jordan is compatible with the EU’s budgetary framework and financial rules.

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS
FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR FOR BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT HAS RECEIVED INPUT

The Chair in his capacity as rapporteur for budgetary assessment declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT

Title	Macro-financial assistance to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
References	COM(2024)0159 – C9-0146/2024 – 2024/0086(COD)
Committee(s) responsible	INTA
Date announced in plenary	BUDG 25.4.2024
Rapporteur for budgetary assessment Date appointed	Johan Van Overtveldt 5.12.2024
Discussed in committee	16.1.2025
Date adopted	29.1.2025
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	35 2 1
Members present for the final vote	Georgios Aftias, Rasmus Andresen, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Tobiasz Bocheński, Olivier Chastel, Tamás Deutsch, Angéline Furet, Jens Geier, Thomas Geisel, Jean-Marc Germain, Sandra Gómez López, Monika Hohlmeier, Alexander Jungbluth, Janusz Lewandowski, Giuseppe Lupo, Siegfried Mureşan, Matjaž Nemec, Danuše Nerudová, João Oliveira, Ruggero Razza, Karlo Ressler, Julien Sanchez, Hélder Sousa Silva, Joachim Streit, Carla Tavares, Nils Ušakovs, Lucia Yar, Auke Zijlstra
Substitutes present for the final vote	Damian Boeselager, Michalis Hadjipantela, Moritz Körner, Tiago Moreira de Sá, Rasmus Nordqvist, Michele Picaro, Jacek Protas, Beata Szydło
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote	Thierry Mariani, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL
IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT

35	+
ECR	Tobiasz Bocheński, Michele Picaro, Ruggero Razza, Beata Szydło
NI	Thomas Geisel
PPE	Georgios Aftias, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Michalis Hadjipantela, Monika Hohlmeier, Janusz Lewandowski, Siegfried Mureşan, Danuše Nerudová, Jacek Protas, Karlo Ressler, Hélder Sousa Silva
PfE	Tamás Deutsch, Angéline Furet, Thierry Mariani, Tiago Moreira de Sá, Julien Sanchez
Renew	Olivier Chastel, Moritz Körner, Joachim Streit, Lucia Yar
S&D	Jens Geier, Jean-Marc Germain, Sandra Gómez López, Giuseppe Lupo, Matjaž Nemec, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Carla Tavares, Nils Ušakovs
Verts/ALE	Rasmus Andresen, Damian Boeselager, Rasmus Nordqvist

2	–
PfE	Auke Zijlstra
The Left	João Oliveira

1	0
ESN	Alexander Jungbluth

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

– : against

0 : abstention

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS (31.1.2025)

for the Committee on International Trade

on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on providing macro-financial assistance to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

(COM(2024)0159 – C9‑0146/2024 – 2024/0086(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Malik Azmani

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Foreign Affairs submits the following to the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible:

Amendment 1

Proposal for a decision

Recital 2


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2) Since 2011, Jordan has embarked on a number of political reforms to strengthen parliamentary democracy and the rule of law. A Constitutional Court and an Independent Electoral Commission have been set up and a number of major laws, including the Electoral Act and the Political Parties Act as well as laws on decentralisation and municipalities, have been passed by the Jordanian Parliament. Legislative improvements as regards the independence of the judiciary and women’s rights have been adopted.	(2) Since 2021, Jordan has embarked on a number of political reforms to strengthen parliamentary democracy and the rule of law. A Constitutional Court and an Independent Electoral Commission have been set up and a number of major laws, including the Electoral Act and the Political Parties Act as well as laws on decentralisation and municipalities, have been passed by the Jordanian Parliament. Legislative improvements as regards the independence of the judiciary and women’s rights have been adopted. The European Election Observation Mission in Jordan took note of the inclusive and well-organised parliamentary elections that took place on 10 September 2024 in the context of the political modernisation initiated by the King in 2021. It is crucial that the Union continues to support peace in Jordan and does everything within its power to preserve the unique Jordanian model of ethnic and religious representation in order to ensure legitimate representation of those groups.

Amendment 2

Proposal for a decision

Recital 3


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3) The Jordanian economy has suffered significantly from protracted conflicts in the region, notably in neighbouring Syria, and most recently in Israel/Gaza and the Red Sea. Since the start of the war in Syria, the Jordanian economy has been impacted by a large inflow of Syrian refugees, which has increased pressure on its fiscal position, public services and infrastructure. In addition to regional instability, the macroeconomic and fiscal challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/2021, commodity price developments following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, high exposure to trade fluctuations and the increase of borrowing costs for emerging markets globally continued to weigh on the Jordanian economy. As a result, Jordan experienced an economic contraction in 2020, followed by a slow economic recovery, as unemployment increased significantly in 2020 and remained high, and new fiscal and external financing needs emerged.	(3) The Jordanian economy has suffered significantly from protracted conflicts in the region, notably in neighbouring Syria, and most recently in Israel/Gaza and the Red Sea. Since the start of the war in Syria, the Jordanian economy has been impacted by a large inflow of Syrian refugees, which has increased pressure on its fiscal position, public services and infrastructure. The current uncertainty in Syria further exacerbates the already highly detrimental instability for Jordan. Jordan hosts around 1,3 million refugees, making it one of the countries with the highest number of refugee populations per capita. In addition to regional instability, the macroeconomic and fiscal challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/2021, commodity price developments following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, high exposure to trade fluctuations and the increase of borrowing costs for emerging markets globally continued to weigh on the Jordanian economy. As a result, Jordan experienced an economic contraction in 2020, followed by a slow economic recovery, as unemployment increased significantly in 2020 and remained high, and new fiscal and external financing needs emerged. Moreover, significant structural issues hinder economic growth, particularly in the area of private sector development. Challenges such as an unfavourable business environment and inflexibility in the labour market remain unresolved.

Amendment 3

Proposal for a decision

Recital 4 a (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(4a) The Union recognises Jordan’s pivotal role in promoting regional stability and mediating conflicts, particularly amidst heightened tensions. The proposed macro-financial assistance aims to support Jordan in maintaining its positive role in the region. In that context, and in recognition of Jordan being one of the Union’s strongest regional partners, it is imperative for the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to further deepen and strengthen the EU-Jordan partnership, thereby advancing cooperation.

Amendment 4

Proposal for a decision

Recital 21


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(21) A pre-condition for granting the Union’s macro-financial assistance should be that Jordan respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi-party parliamentary system – and the rule of law, and guarantees respect for human rights. In addition, the specific objectives of the Union’s macro-financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems in Jordan and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth, employment creation and fiscal consolidation. Both the fulfilment of the pre-conditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the Commission and the EEAS.	(21) A pre-condition for granting the Union’s macro-financial assistance should be that Jordan respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi-party parliamentary system – and the rule of law, and guarantees respect for human rights. In addition, the specific objectives of the Union’s macro-financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems in Jordan and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth, employment creation, and fiscal consolidation and policies. Both the fulfilment of the pre-conditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the Commission and the EEAS, which should subsequently be reported to the European Parliament. The Union should encourage Jordan’s efforts toward economic diversification and sustainability, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, technology and digital services, in order to reduce its reliance on tourism and chemical exports and to enhance long-term resilience.

Amendment 5

Proposal for a decision

Recital 27


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(27) The Union’s macro-financial assistance should be subject to economic policy conditions, to be laid down in a Memorandum of Understanding. In order to ensure uniform conditions of implementation and for reasons of efficiency, the Commission should be empowered to negotiate such conditions with the Jordanian authorities under the supervision of the committee of representatives of the Member States in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. Under that Regulation, the advisory procedure should, as a general rule, apply in all cases other than as provided for in that Regulation. Considering the potentially important impact of assistance of more than EUR 90 million, it is appropriate that the examination procedure be used for operations above that threshold. Considering the amount of the Union’s macro-financial assistance to Jordan, the examination procedure should apply to the adoption of the Memorandum of Understanding, and to any reduction, suspension or cancellation of the assistance.	(27) The Union’s macro-financial assistance should be subject to clear and measurable economic, as well as democracy, rule of law and human rights policy conditions, to be laid down in a Memorandum of Understanding. In order to ensure uniform conditions of implementation and for reasons of efficiency, the Commission should be empowered to negotiate such conditions with the Jordanian authorities under the supervision of the committee of representatives of the Member States in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. Under that Regulation, the advisory procedure should, as a general rule, apply in all cases other than as provided for in that Regulation. Considering the potentially important impact of assistance of more than EUR 90 million, it is appropriate that the examination procedure be used for operations above that threshold. Considering the amount of the Union’s macro-financial assistance to Jordan, the examination procedure should apply to the adoption of the Memorandum of Understanding, including clear and measurable benchmarks to evaluate the implementation of each instalment, and to any reduction, suspension or cancellation of the assistance.

Amendment 6

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 2


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. The Commission and the European External Action Service shall monitor the fulfilment of this pre-condition throughout the life cycle of the Union’s macro-financial assistance..	2. The Commission and the European External Action Service shall monitor the fulfilment of this pre-condition throughout the life cycle of the Union’s macro-financial assistance in a transparent process in which independent third parties are able to contribute meaningfully. The Commission and the EEAS shall also report, both regularly and in writing, to the European Parliament and to the Council on the fulfilment of the pre-condition referred to in paragraph 1.

Amendment 7

Proposal for a decision

Article 3 – paragraph 2


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. The conditions referred to in paragraph 1 shall aim, in particular, at enhancing the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems in Jordan, including for the use of the Union’s macro-financial assistance. Progress in mutual market opening, the development of rules-based and fair trade, and other priorities in the context of the Union’s external policy shall also be duly taken into account when designing the policy measures. Progress in attaining those objectives shall be regularly monitored by the Commission.	2. The conditions referred to in paragraph 1 shall aim, in particular, at enhancing the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems in Jordan, including for the use of the Union’s macro-financial assistance. This shall include the publication of regular and detailed reports by the Jordanian government on the use of funds, specifying allocations for key sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, ensuring public access to such information. Progress in public services, mutual market opening, the development of rules-based and fair trade, and other priorities in the context of the Union’s external policy, including those related to democracy, rule of law and human rights, shall also be duly taken into account when designing the policy measures. Progress in attaining those objectives shall be regularly monitored by the Commission and the EEAS, and shall be communicated to the European Parliament.

Amendment 8

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 4


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4. Where the conditions referred to in the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 are not met, the Commission shall temporarily suspend or cancel the disbursement of the Union’s macro-financial assistance. In such cases, it shall inform the European Parliament and the Council of the reasons for the suspension or cancellation.	4. Where the conditions referred to in the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 are not met, the Commission shall temporarily suspend or cancel the disbursement of the Union’s macro-financial assistance. In such cases, it shall inform the European Parliament and the Council of the reasons for the suspension or cancellation and of the subsequent steps.

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS
FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR FOR THE OPINION HAS RECEIVED INPUT

Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur for the opinion received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the opinion:

Entity and/or person

European Commission – DG ECFIN

The Court of Auditors

The Ambassador of Jordan to the EU

Member of the Royal committee to Modernize the Political System in Jordan

The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur for the opinion.

Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur for the opinion declares that he has submitted to the concerned natural persons the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	Macro-financial assistance to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
References	COM(2024)0159 – C9-0146/2024 – 2024/0086(COD)
Committee(s) responsible	INTA
Opinion by Date announced in plenary	AFET 25.4.2024
Rapporteur for the opinion Date appointed	Malik Azmani 14.10.2024
Date adopted	30.1.2025
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	54 11 6
Members present for the final vote	Mika Aaltola, Lucia Annunziata, Petras Auštrevičius, Jordan Bardella, Dan Barna, Wouter Beke, Robert Biedroń, Ioan-Rareş Bogdan, Marc Botenga, Grzegorz Braun, Sebastião Bugalho, Danilo Della Valle, Özlem Demirel, Elio Di Rupo, Michael Gahler, Geadis Geadi, Giorgos Georgiou, Raphaël Glucksmann, Bernard Guetta, Rima Hassan, Rasa Juknevičienė, Sandra Kalniete, Łukasz Kohut, Rihards Kols, Andrey Kovatchev, Vilis Krištopans, Nathalie Loiseau, Claudiu Manda, David McAllister, Sven Mikser, Francisco José Millán Mon, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Leoluca Orlando, Kostas Papadakis, Tonino Picula, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Andreas Schieder, Alexander Sell, Villy Søvndal, Davor Ivo Stier, Sebastiaan Stöteler, Stanislav Stoyanov, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Michał Szczerba, António Tânger Corrêa, Marta Temido, Cristian Terheş, Riho Terras, Hermann Tertsch, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Reinier Van Lanschot, Roberto Vannacci, Hilde Vautmans, Harald Vilimsky, Željana Zovko
Substitutes present for the final vote	Malik Azmani, Engin Eroglu, Sandra Gómez López, Evin Incir, András László, Ana Catarina Mendes, Hans Neuhoff, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, Tineke Strik, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Matej Tonin, Ivaylo Valchev, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Milan Zver
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote	Catarina Vieira

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

54	+
ECR	Geadis Geadi, Rihards Kols, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Cristian Terheş, Ivaylo Valchev
PPE	Mika Aaltola, Wouter Beke, Ioan-Rareş Bogdan, Sebastião Bugalho, Michael Gahler, Rasa Juknevičienė, Sandra Kalniete, Łukasz Kohut, Andrey Kovatchev, David McAllister, Francisco José Millán Mon, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Riho Terras, Matej Tonin, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Željana Zovko, Milan Zver
PfE	András László
Renew	Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Engin Eroglu, Bernard Guetta, Nathalie Loiseau, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans
S&D	Lucia Annunziata, Robert Biedroń, Elio Di Rupo, Raphaël Glucksmann, Sandra Gómez López, Evin Incir, Claudiu Manda, Ana Catarina Mendes, Sven Mikser, Tonino Picula, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Andreas Schieder, Marta Temido
The Left	Özlem Demirel, Rima Hassan
Verts/ALE	Leoluca Orlando, Villy Søvndal, Tineke Strik, Reinier Van Lanschot, Catarina Vieira

11	–
ECR	Sebastian Tynkkynen
NI	Grzegorz Braun, Kostas Papadakis
PfE	Jordan Bardella, Vilis Krištopans, Sebastiaan Stöteler, António Tânger Corrêa, Hermann Tertsch, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Roberto Vannacci, Harald Vilimsky

6	0
ESN	Hans Neuhoff, Alexander Sell, Stanislav Stoyanov
The Left	Marc Botenga, Danilo Della Valle, Giorgos Georgiou

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

– : against

0 : abstention

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Title	Macro-financial assistance to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
References	COM(2024)0159 – C9-0146/2024 – 2024/0086(COD)
Date submitted to Parliament	8.4.2024
Committee(s) responsible	INTA
Committees asked for opinions Date announced in plenary	AFET 25.4.2024
Rapporteurs Date appointed	Céline Imart 30.9.2024
Discussed in committee	14.10.2024	30.1.2025
Date adopted	20.3.2025
	BUDG 29.1.2025
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	35 2 3
Members present for the final vote	Christophe Bay, Brando Benifei, Anna Bryłka, Udo Bullmann, Benoit Cassart, Markéta Gregorová, Bart Groothuis, Céline Imart, Karin Karlsbro, Bernd Lange, Ilia Lazarov, Thierry Mariani, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Ştefan Muşoiu, Daniele Polato, Majdouline Sbai, Lukas Sieper, Dominik Tarczyński, Francesco Torselli, Kathleen Van Brempt, Jörgen Warborn, Iuliu Winkler, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez
Substitutes present for the final vote	Mika Aaltola, Nicolas Bay, Markus Buchheit, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Danilo Della Valle, Borja Giménez Larraz, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, Marina Mesure, Martin Schirdewan, Kris Van Dijck
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote	Hildegard Bentele, Mélanie Disdier, Niels Geuking, Chloé Ridel, Romana Tomc, Matthieu Valet
Date tabled	24.3.2025

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

35	+
ECR	Daniele Polato, Dominik Tarczyński, Francesco Torselli, Kris Van Dijck
NI	Lukas Sieper
PPE	Mika Aaltola, Hildegard Bentele, Niels Geuking, Borja Giménez Larraz, Céline Imart, Ilia Lazarov, Romana Tomc, Jörgen Warborn, Iuliu Winkler, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez
PfE	Christophe Bay, Anna Bryłka, Mélanie Disdier, Thierry Mariani, Matthieu Valet
Renew	Benoit Cassart, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Bart Groothuis, Karin Karlsbro
S&D	Brando Benifei, Udo Bullmann, Bernd Lange, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Ştefan Muşoiu, Chloé Ridel, Kathleen Van Brempt
Verts/ALE	Markéta Gregorová, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, Majdouline Sbai

2	–
ECR	Nicolas Bay
ESN	Markus Buchheit

3	0
The Left	Danilo Della Valle, Marina Mesure, Martin Schirdewan

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

– : against

0 : abstention

MIL OSI Europe News –

March 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Latest IAEA Reports Confirm Japan’s ALPS Treated Water Release Continues to Meet International Safety Standards

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The discharge of treated water from Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) is proceeding in line with international safety standards, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Task Force confirmed today in its third report since the water discharge began in August 2023.

During its mission to Japan from December 9 to 12, 2024, the Task Force assessed the technical and regulatory aspects of the ALPS-treated water discharge. This included an on-site visit to the FDNPS facility to directly observe the equipment and infrastructure installed by Japan’s Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the FDNPS for the water discharge. The report also summarised the Task Force’s discussions with the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA), Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

The Task Force report reaffirmed the findings of the IAEA’s comprehensive safety review, stating that its overall conclusions remain consistent with those from its first and second missions conducted after the discharge began. It emphasized that Japan’s NRA has maintained a comprehensive inspection plan, including onsite monitoring to ensure the safety of the water that is discharged. Additionally, the Task Force confirmed that the equipment and facilities are operating in accordance with relevant international safety standards.

In the IAEA Comprehensive Report on the Safety Review of the ALPS-Treated Water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station that was released in July 2023 prior to the discharge, the IAEA found Japan’s approach to discharging the treated water to be consistent with international safety standards. It also said that the discharges as planned would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment. The IAEA Task Force has carried out eight missions as part of the safety review since the beginning of the IAEA’s multiyear review that began two years before the water discharge.

Today’s report also reviewed the IAEA’s ongoing independent verification of Japan’s monitoring programs, as well as onsite sampling and analysis conducted by IAEA experts at FDNPS since July 2023, when Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi established an IAEA office at the site. The IAEA’s onsite laboratory has analyzed the first eleven water discharges, confirming that the tritium concentration in each batch of diluted ALPS-treated water remains well below Japan’s operational limit consistent with international safety standards.

The Task Force noted the importance of the IAEA’s ongoing corroboration activities and the IAEA onsite independent sampling and analyses in providing a comprehensive, transparent and independent verification of the accuracy and reliability of the data reported by TEPCO and the Government of Japan.

Interlaboratory Comparisons

The IAEA has also released reports today on two interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs) for determining radionuclides in ALPS-treated water and in marine environmental samples collected from near to FDNPS, part of the Agency’s comprehensive monitoring and assessment efforts.

ILCs involve multiple laboratories independently analyzing samples, then reporting their results to the IAEA for evaluation to assess their reliability and accuracy.

One report presents the findings from an ILC based on samples collected during a mission in October 2023 when the IAEA, with experts from third-party laboratories, observed Japan’s collection and pretreatment of samples of seawater, sediment, fish and seaweed from coastal and offshore locations and a fish market close to FDNPS. Laboratories in Canada, China and the Republic of Korea, as well as the IAEA’s laboratories in Austria and Monaco, analysed the samples and reported the results to the IAEA for intercomparison.

The IAEA report confirms that Japan’s methods for sampling follow the appropriate methodological standards and that Japanese laboratories have reported accurate results that demonstrate a high degree of proficiency. The IAEA notes that these findings provide confidence in Japan’s capability for conducting reliable and high-quality monitoring related to the discharge of ALPS treated water.

The second ILC report, also released today, corroborates Japan’s source monitoring of ALPS treated water from the eighth batch prior to discharge in August last year. Water sampled from the tanks was analysed in laboratories in China, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland and the United States, as well as in the IAEA laboratories. Following assessment of the results submitted, the IAEA said the findings provide confidence in TEPCO’s capability for conducting reliable and high-quality source monitoring.

Corroboration of Internal Exposure Monitoring

Additionally, the Agency released a report today confirming that TEPCO is accurately monitoring the internal radiation exposure of workers handling ALPS-treated water.

The report presents the findings from ILCs organized by the IAEA last year, which corroborated results from IAEA, French and Japanese laboratories. The findings highlight that TEPCO has demonstrated both a high level of accuracy in their measurements and strong technical competence. A report focusing on external radiation exposure monitoring was published in November 2024.

All reports, as well as additional information such as frequently asked questions and a timeline of activities, can be found on the IAEA’s Fukushima Daiichi ALPS Treated Water Discharge webpage.

MIL Security OSI –

March 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Make in India Powers Defence Growth

Source: Government of India (2)

Make in India Powers Defence Growth

Production hit ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, Exports cross ₹21,000 crore

Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 7:19PM by PIB Delhi

Summary

India’s defence production reached ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, marking a 174% rise since 2014-15, driven by the Make in India initiative.

Defence exports hit a record ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, expanding 30 times in a decade, with exports to 100+ countries.

Initiatives like iDEX and SAMARTHYA are driving technological advancements in AI, cyber warfare, and indigenous weapon systems.

14,000+ items indigenised under SRIJAN and 3,000 under Positive Indigenisation Lists.

India aims for ₹3 lakh crore in production, ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029.

Summary

Introduction

India’s defence production has grown at an extraordinary pace since the launch of the “Make in India” initiative, reaching a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24. Once dependent on foreign suppliers, the country now stands as a rising force in indigenous manufacturing, shaping its military strength through homegrown capabilities. This shift reflects a strong commitment to self-reliance, ensuring that India not only meets its security needs but also builds a robust defence industry that contributes to economic growth.

Strategic policies have fuelled this momentum, encouraging private participation, technological innovation, and the development of advanced military platforms. The surge in the defence budget, from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26, underlines the nation’s determination to strengthen its military infrastructure.

This commitment to self-reliance and modernisation is reflected in the recent approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the procurement of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a significant step in enhancing the Army’s firepower. The deal includes 307 units of 155mm/52 caliber guns along with 327 High Mobility 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles, equipping 15 Artillery Regiments under the Buy Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) category, at an estimated cost of ₹7,000 crore. Developed by DRDO with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, ATAGS is a cutting-edge artillery system with a 40+ km range, advanced fire control, precision targeting, automated loading, and recoil management, thoroughly tested by the Indian Army in all terrains.

With modern warships, fighter jets, artillery systems, and cutting-edge weaponry being built within the country, India is now a key player in the global defence manufacturing landscape.

Surge in Indigenous Defence Production

India has achieved the highest-ever growth in indigenous defence production in value terms during Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, driven by the successful implementation of government policies and initiatives led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, focusing on attaining Atmanirbharta. The value of defence production has surged to a record high of ₹1,27,265 crore, marking an impressive 174% increase from ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15, according to data from all Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), other public sector units manufacturing defence items, and private companies.

This growth has been bolstered by the Make in India initiative, which has enabled the development of advanced military platforms including the Dhanush Artillery Gun System, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun, Light Specialist Vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Akash Missile System, Weapon Locating Radar, 3D Tactical Control Radar, and Software Defined Radio (SDR), as well as naval assets like destroyers, indigenous aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, corvettes, fast patrol vessels, fast attack craft, and offshore patrol vessels.

Key points:

65% of defence equipment is now manufactured domestically, a significant shift from the earlier 65-70% import dependency, showcasing India’s self-reliance in defence.

A robust defence industrial base includes 16 DPSUs, over 430 licensed companies, and approximately 16,000 MSMEs, strengthening indigenous production capabilities.

The private sector plays a crucial role, contributing 21% to total defence production, fostering innovation and efficiency.

India targets ₹3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029, reinforcing its position as a global defence manufacturing hub.

Unprecedented Growth in Defence Exports

India’s expanding global footprint in defence manufacturing is a direct result of its commitment to self-reliance and strategic policy interventions. Defence exports have surged from ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to an all-time high of ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, marking a 30-fold increase over the past decade.

Key points:

Defence exports have grown 21 times, from ₹4,312 crore in the 2004-14 decade to ₹88,319 crore in the 2014-24 decade, highlighting India’s expanding role in the global defence sector.

Defence exports surged by 32.5% year-on-year, rising from ₹15,920 crore in FY 2022-23 to ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24.

India’s diverse export portfolio includes bulletproof jackets, Dornier (Do-228) aircraft, Chetak helicopters, fast interceptor boats, and lightweight torpedoes.

Notably, ‘Made in Bihar’ boots are now part of the Russian Army’s gear, highlighting India’s high manufacturing standards.

India now exports defence equipment to over 100 countries, with the USA, France, and Armenia emerging as the top buyers in 2023-24.

The government aims to achieve ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029, reinforcing India’s role as a global defence manufacturing hub while boosting economic growth.

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

Launched in April 2018, Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has created a thriving ecosystem for innovation and technology development in defence and aerospace. By engaging MSMEs, startups, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia, iDEX has provided grants of up to ₹1.5 crore for developing innovative technologies. To further enhance self-reliance in defence technology, ₹449.62 crore has been allocated to iDEX, including its sub-scheme Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI), for 2025-26. As of February 2025, 549 problem statements have been opened, involving 619 startups and MSMEs, with 430 iDEX contracts signed.

The scheme has three key objectives:

Facilitate rapid development of new, indigenised, and innovative technologies for the Indian Defence and Aerospace sector, to meet their needs in a shorter time span.

Create a culture of engagement with innovative startups, to encourage co-creation for Defence and Aerospace sectors.

Empower a culture of technology co-creation and co-innovation within the Defence and Aerospace sectors.

The recently launched ADITI scheme aims to support critical and strategic technologies such as satellite communication, advanced cyber technology, autonomous weapons, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, nuclear technologies, and underwater surveillance. Under this scheme, grants of up to ₹25 crore are provided to innovators.

Reinforcing its commitment to supporting startups and MSMEs, the Ministry of Defence has also cleared procurement of 43 items worth over ₹2,400 crore from iDEX startups and MSMEs for the Armed Forces as of February 2025. Additionally, projects worth over ₹1,500 crore have been approved for development.

SAMARTHYA: Showcasing India’s Defence Indigenisation

The success story of indigenisation and innovation in the defence sector was highlighted at the Aero India 2025 event ‘SAMARTHYA’, which showcased India’s progress in defence manufacturing. The event featured 33 major indigenised items, including 24 developed by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Indian Navy, along with nine successful innovation projects from iDEX.

Among the key indigenised items displayed were:

Electro Block of the Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun
Electric Mobile Part for Submarines
Torsion Bar Suspension for HMV 6×6
Extruded Aluminium Alloy for LCA MK-I/II and LCH Components
Indian High-Temperature Alloy (IHTA)
VPX-135 Single Board Computer
Naval Anti-Ship Missile (Short Range)
RudraM II Missile
C4ISR System
DIFM R118 Electronic Warfare Systems

The event further highlighted breakthroughs in AI-driven analytical platforms, next-generation surveillance systems, quantum-secure communication technologies, and counter-drone measures. Innovations like the 4G/LTE TAC-LAN, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system, Smart Compressed Breathing Apparatus, and Advanced Autonomous Systems for the Armed Forces reflect India’s evolving defence landscape.

Efforts are ongoing to bridge the gap between the Indian Army’s operational challenges and the innovative solutions developed by academia, industry startups, and research institutions. Additionally, the focus remains on conducting multi-domain operations in a data-centric environment, especially in light of emerging transformative technologies.

SAMARTHYA stands as a testament to India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology, reinforcing its ability to develop advanced, home-grown solutions for national security.

Advancing Self-Reliance

India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing has significantly reduced its dependence on foreign suppliers. Through strategic policies and indigenous innovation, the country is developing cutting-edge military platforms, strengthening both national security and economic growth.

Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action (SRIJAN)

Launched by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) in August 2020 to promote indigenisation under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Serves as a common platform for Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and the Armed Forces (SHQs) to list imported items for domestic manufacturing.
As of February 2025, over 38,000 items are available, with more than 14,000 successfully indigenised.

Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs)

The Department of Defence Production (DDP) and the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) have issued five Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs) for LRUs, assemblies, sub-assemblies, sub-systems, spares, components, and high-end materials.
These lists set fixed timelines beyond which procurement will be restricted to domestic manufacturers.
Out of over 5,500 items listed, more than 3,000 have been indigenised as of February 2025.
Key indigenised technologies include artillery guns, assault rifles, corvettes, sonar systems, transport aircraft, light combat helicopters (LCHs), radars, wheeled armoured platforms, rockets, bombs, armoured command post vehicles, and armoured dozers.

Defence Industrial Corridors

Two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) have been set up in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to boost defence manufacturing. These corridors provide incentives to companies investing in the sector.
Investments worth more than Rs 8,658 crore have already been made in the 6 nodes of UP viz. Agra, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow and 5 nodes of Tamil Nadu viz. Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Salem and Tiruchirappalli.
As of February 2025, 253 MoUs have been signed, with a potential investment of ₹53,439 crore.

Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)

The government has introduced several measures to improve ease of doing business in the defence manufacturing sector.
The validity of export authorisation for parts and components has been extended from two years to the completion of the order or component, whichever is later.
In 2019, the Defence Product List was streamlined to reduce the number of items requiring a manufacturing licence.
Parts and components of defence items were de-licensed in September 2019 to encourage investment.
The validity of defence licences under the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951, has been extended from three years to 15 years, with a further extension option of up to 18 years.
Over 700 industrial licences have been issued to 436 companies in the defence sector.
The introduction of an end-to-end digital export authorisation system has improved efficiency, with more than 1,500 authorisations issued in the last financial year.

MAKE Projects: Driving Indigenous Defence Innovation

The MAKE procedure was first introduced in the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP-2006) to promote indigenous design and development in the defence sector. Over the years, it has been simplified and streamlined through revisions in 2016, 2018, and 2020, ensuring faster development of defence equipment, systems, and components by both public and private industries.

MAKE projects have been divided into three categories:

MAKE-I (Government Funded)

Up to 70% government funding for prototype development (capped at ₹250 crore per Development Agency).
Minimum 50% Indigenous Content (IC) required.

MAKE-II (Industry Funded)

Focuses on import substitution, encouraging domestic industries to develop critical defence systems.
No government funding, with a minimum 50% Indigenous Content (IC) requirement.

MAKE-III (Manufactured in India through Transfer of Technology – ToT)

Involves manufacturing in India under Technology Transfer (ToT) from Foreign OEMs.
No design and development but require a minimum of 60% Indigenous Content (IC).

Key points:

As of March 24, 2025, a total of 145 projects have been undertaken under the MAKE initiative, with the participation of 171 industries, driving indigenous defence production.

The initiative includes 40 MAKE-I projects (Government Funded), 101 MAKE-II projects (Industry Funded), and 4 MAKE-III projects (Manufacturing through ToT), strengthening self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Other Key Initiatives

In recent years, the Indian government has implemented a series of transformative initiatives aimed at bolstering the country’s defence production capabilities and achieving self-reliance. These measures are designed to attract investment, enhance domestic manufacturing, and streamline procurement processes. From liberalizing foreign direct investment (FDI) limits to prioritizing indigenous production, these initiatives reflect a robust commitment to strengthening India’s defence industrial base. The following points outline the key government initiatives that have been pivotal in driving growth and innovation in the defence sector.

Liberalized FDI Policy: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector was liberalised in September 2020 to attract foreign investment, allowing up to 74% FDI through the automatic route and above 74% through the government route. Since April 2000, the total FDI in defence industries stands at $21.74 million.

TATA Aircraft Complex: Tata Aircraft Complex was inaugurated in Vadodara in October 2024 to manufacture C-295 aircraft, boosting Atmanirbharta in defence with 40 made-in-India aircraft out of 56 under the programme.

Manthan: The annual defence innovation event, Manthan, held during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, brought together leading innovators, startups, MSMEs, academia, investors, and industry leaders from the defence and aerospace sectors, reaffirming confidence in the government’s commitment to technological advancements and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS): DTIS aims to boost indigenisation by providing financial assistance for setting up eight Greenfield testing and certification facilities in the aerospace and defence sector, with seven test facilities already approved in areas like unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare, electro-optics, and communications.

Priority for Domestic Procurement: Emphasis is placed on procuring capital items from domestic sources under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020.

Domestic Procurement Allocation: MoD has earmarked 75% of modernisation budget amounting to Rs 1,11,544 crore for procurement through domestic industries during the current Financial Year.

Conclusion

India’s remarkable strides in defence production and exports underscore its transformation into a self-reliant and globally competitive military manufacturing hub. The combination of strategic policy interventions, increased domestic participation, and a focus on indigenous innovation has significantly strengthened the country’s defence capabilities. The surge in production, the exponential rise in exports, and the success of initiatives like the Make in India reflect India’s commitment to achieving Atmanirbharta in defence. With ambitious targets set for 2029, the nation is poised to further expand its global footprint, reinforcing its position as a dependable partner in the international defence market while enhancing national security and economic growth.

References:

Click here to see PDF.

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Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Saurabh Kalia

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal joins Global Maritime Leaders at Singapore Maritime Week (SMW)

Source: Government of India (2)

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal joins Global Maritime Leaders at Singapore Maritime Week (SMW)

Meets key Singapore Ministers to strengthen bilateral maritime & trade ties

Deliberates with ministerial counterparts from France, The Netherlands, Norway & Portugal on navigating Global Maritime Trends at SMW

Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 6:59PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal joined Global Maritime Leaders at the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) to discuss, deliberate and devise strategies based on the shared vision for a secure, sustainable and prosperous maritime future. The Minister highlighted the challenges and India’s vision to channel growth of the maritime sector around that. Shri Sonowal also argued for strengthening maritime connectivity and supply chains while the need for collective effort towards a green sustainable maritime future.

On digitalisation and future ready shipping, the Union Minister reiterated how it is the core strategy of India’s maritime policy. India’s maritime policies like ONOP, NLP (Marine), and MAITRI are streamlining port services, cutting transaction times, and enabling real-time data. India is also partnering with the UAE and Singapore to create Virtual Trade Corridors for seamless cargo movement.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “India’s maritime vision, rooted in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, promotes collaboration and shared prosperity. As a reliable and responsible partner, India is committed to building a green, secure, and inclusive maritime future. Alongside Singapore and global partners, we aim to drive innovation and collective action for a resilient maritime ecosystem.”

Shri Sonowal met Senior Minister and ex PM of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong at the SMW. Union Minister was ushered to the bilateral meeting with Murali Pillai, Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, Singapore. The Union Minister also held individual meetings with other senior members of the government including Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister of Trade and Industry, Singapore; Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Singapore. Sonowal said at the SMW that India is addressing supply chain vulnerabilities by developing key corridors like IMEEC, the Eastern Maritime Corridor, and the North-South Transport Corridor to secure trade routes. A USD 20 billion investment would enhance logistics, port connectivity, and trade facilitation. India targets a top-five global shipbuilding rank by 2047 through policy reforms and infrastructure upgrades. Ports aim to grow their global cargo share from 6% to 15% by 2047, supported by a Maritime Development Fund for fleet and shipyard expansion. The GIFT City is also rising as a global hub for maritime finance and ship leasing, offering a competitive gateway to global capital, highlighted Shri Sarbananda Sonowal at the SMW Adding further, he said, “The maritime sector faces both challenges and opportunities, from climate change and geopolitics to digital disruption and shifting trade patterns. Guided by PM Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat, India is advancing as a modern, self-reliant, and globally connected economy. The maritime sector is key to driving growth, resilience, and sustainable connectivity. India is expanding port infrastructure, integrating logistics, and boosting ease of doing business—resulting in greater port efficiency, stronger cargo flows, and growing investor confidence.”

In his concluding remark, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Sustainability is central to India’s maritime strategy. We are advancing green port infrastructure, promoting low-emission shipping, and supporting innovation in low-carbon vessels. Three Green Hydrogen Hub Ports— Kandla, Tuticorin, and Paradip—will drive alternative fuel adoption and green hydrogen production. India is also leading the IMO’s Green Voyage 2050 initiative, helping developing nations in their energy transitions. Our commitment, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, extends to developing Green Shipping Corridors, including the proposed India-Singapore Green and Digital Corridor, focused on clean energy and smart logistics. Oceans unite us. Through partnerships, we can turn today’s maritime challenges into shared, sustainable opportunities.” Sarbananda Sonowal also met Industry Captains including Jeremy Nixon, Global CEO, ONE and Masashi Hamada along with other corporate leaders from the Maritime Sector including APM Terminals, Gateway Terminals.

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GDH/HR

(Release ID: 2114536) Visitor Counter : 48

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigated 35 cartel cases in last five years

Source: Government of India (2)

Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigated 35 cartel cases in last five years

CCI has Signed MoUs with Global Regulators for Competition Law Cooperation

Competition Act 2023 Introduced ‘Lesser Penalty Plus’ for Cartel Disclosures

Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 6:15PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigated a total of 35 cartel cases across various sectors over the last five financial years (till 13.03.2025).

CCI has signed Bilateral/Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Egypt, Mauritius, Japan, Brazil, BRICS (Brazil, the Russian Federation, People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa), Canada, European Commission, Australia and United States Department of Justice (DOJ) for cooperation in the field of competition law and policy. These MOUs include provision for enforcement cooperation between CCI and its MoU partners, subject to their respective legal framework, constraints, enforcement interests and available resources.

In addition, India has signed 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with its trading partners. Some of these FTAs have a separate Chapter on Competition, according to which each Party shall, in accordance with its laws and regulations, take measures which it considers appropriate against anticompetitive activities, in order to facilitate trade and investment flows between the Parties and the efficient functioning of its market.

The Commission has a Division for trend analysis and conducting research in various sectors of the economy to have a holistic view and to detect any anti-competitive activities. The Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 introduced the concept of “lesser penalty plus” within the framework of Section 46 of the Act. Consequently, on 20.02.2024, the CCI (Lesser Penalty) Regulations, 2024 were notified, replacing the 2009 regulations and introducing a “lesser penalty plus”(LPP) mechanism to incentivize disclosures of cartels. The LPP mechanism was introduced to incentivize an existing lesser penalty applicant in respect of a cartel to give full, true, and vital disclosures about another cartel, hitherto not in the knowledge of the CCI.

To further widen the scope of cartel investigation, Hub & Spoke mechanism has been incorporated by introducing the Proviso in Section 3(3) of the Competition Act, 2002 through the Amendment Act 2023 which provides that an enterprise or association of enterprises or a person or association of persons though not engaged in identical or similar trade shall also be presumed to be part of the agreement under this sub-section if it participates or intends to participate in the furtherance of such agreement.

CCI, through its enforcement and advocacy mandate, seeks to promote and sustain competition in the markets by conducting market studies and advocacy events, imparting training about competition issues besides carrying out market corrections to eliminate distortions. The CCI conducted 1446 advocacy programmes during the last five financial years (till 19.03.2025).

This information was given by Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Nirmala Sitharaman, in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2114500) Visitor Counter : 68

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NEW SCHEMES AND PROGRAMMES TO SUPPORT SMEs

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 4:42PM by PIB Delhi

During the FY 2024-25, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has launched a sub scheme under Central Sector Scheme Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance Program (RAMP), namely MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing (MSME TEAM) Initiative on 27^th June 2024. The MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing Initiative aims to propagate e-commerce among MSMEs in the country by leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure through ONDC so as to benefit the Micro and Small Enterprises with a special focus on Women entrepreneurs. The financial outlay for the scheme is Rs 27.35 crores.

To ensure successful implementation of the Scheme, Ministry of MSME has appointed National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) as the Implementing Agency for the TEAM Scheme. Funds have been allocated for different activities / benefits under the scheme for effective utilization of funds. National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) is conducting various workshops with support from the Ministry of MSME, State Governments/ UTs, industry bodies and ONDC to create awareness among MSMEs about benefits of e-commerce. The Scheme aims to facilitate their eventual onboarding onto ONDC compliant Seller Network Participants (SNPs).

The reply was given by MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE in Rajya Sabha Today.

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SK

(Release ID: 2114432) Visitor Counter : 59

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo to consider Courts (Remote Hearing) Bill

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LegCo to consider Courts (Remote Hearing) Bill
     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (March 26) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Second Reading debate on the Courts (Remote Hearing) Bill will resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.

     Meanwhile, the Electoral Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2025, the Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Supplementary Medical Professions (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Merchant Shipping (Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships) Bill will be introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading. The Second Reading debate on the Bills will be adjourned.

     On Government motion, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development will move a proposed resolution under the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation Ordinance to resolve that the maximum percentage prescribed for section 13(2) of the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation Ordinance is 95 per cent. The proposed resolution is set out in Appendix 1.

     On Members’ motions, Mr Dennis Leung will move a motion on accelerating the development of a smart government to better assist the public in integrating into the life in the Greater Bay Area. The motion is set out in Appendix 2. Mr Chan Siu-hung and Mr Steven Ho will move separate amendments to Mr Leung’s motion.

     Mr Tommy Cheung will move a motion on reviewing the effectiveness of the small class teaching mode in primary and secondary schools. The motion is set out in Appendix 3. Mr Chu Kwok-keung will move an amendment to Mr Cheung’s motion.

     Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.

The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:30

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Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government special administrative region, MIL OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM VIKAS Scheme Focuses on Upliftment of Minority Communities
Source: Government of India

Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 4:33PM by PIB Delhi

The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs which converges five erstwhile schemes viz. ‘Seekho Aur Kamao’, ‘Nai Manzil’, ‘Nai Roshni’ and ‘USTTAD’ & ‘Hamari Dharohar’ schemes and focuses on upliftment of six notified minority communities through the following:
1. Skilling and Training (Non-traditional and traditional)
2. Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship
3. Education (through National Institute of Open Schooling)
4. Infrastructure Development (through Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram)
The scheme also provisions to facilitate credit linkages by connecting beneficiaries with loan programs offered by the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC).

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) is a knowledge partner of the Ministry under the PM VIKAS scheme to extend support to artisans trained under traditional training components of the scheme in terms of (i) providing marketing linkages; (ii) development of related Course Module content for training; (iii) provide brand positioning & visual merchandizing to the artisan products; (iv) organise awareness program during Ministry’s events/exhibition; (v) mobilise artisans for formation of producer group companies; etc.

Under the PM VIKAS Scheme, the implementing partners are to ensure placement of 75 per cent of total candidates trained under NSQF aligned skill programs.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today

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SS/ISA

(Release ID: 2114426) Visitor Counter : 16

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
March 25, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Breast cancer screening is ripe for change. We need to assess a woman’s risk – not just her age
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carolyn Nickson, Associate Professor, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Adjunct Associate Professor, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney

Pablo Heimplatz/Unsplash

Australia’s BreastScreen program offers women regular mammograms (breast X-rays) based on their age. And this screening for breast cancer saves lives.

But much has changed since the program was introduced in the early 90s. Technology has developed, as has our knowledge of which groups of women might be at higher risk of breast cancer. So how we screen women for breast cancer needs to adapt.

In a recent paper, we’ve proposed a fundamental shift away from an age-based approach to a screening program that takes into account women’s risk of breast cancer.

We argue we could save more lives if screening tests and schedules were personalised based on someone’s risk.

We don’t yet know exactly how this might work in practice. We need to consult with all parties involved, including health professionals, government and women, and we need to begin Australian trials.

But here’s why we need to rethink how we screen for breast cancer in Australia.

Why does breast screening need to change?

Australia’s BreastScreen program was introduced in 1991 and offers women regular mammograms based on their age. Women aged 50–74 are targeted, but screening is available from the age of 40.

The program is key to Australia’s efforts to reduce the burden of breast cancer, providing more than a million screens each year.

Women who attend BreastScreen reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer by 49% on average.

Breast screening saves lives because it makes a big difference to find breast cancers early, before they spread to other parts of the body.

Despite this, around 75,000 Australian women are expected to die from breast cancer over the next 20 years if we continue with current approaches to breast cancer screening and management.

Who’s at high risk, and how best to target them?

International evidence confirms it is possible to identify groups of women at higher risk of breast cancer. These include:
- women with denser breasts (where there’s more glandular and fibrous tissue than fatty tissue in the breasts) are more likely to develop breast cancer, and their cancers are harder to find on standard mammograms
- women whose mother, sisters, grandmother or aunts have had breast or ovarian cancer, especially if there are multiple relatives and the cancers occurred at young ages
- women who have been found to carry genetic mutations that lead to a higher risk of breast cancer (including women with multiple moderate risk mutations, as indicated by what’s known as a polygenic risk score).
For some higher-risk women, could MRI be an option?
VesnaArt/Shutterstock

Women in these and other high-risk groups might warrant a different form of screening. This could include screening from a younger age, screening more frequently, and offering more sensitive tests such as digital breast tomosynthesis (a 3D version of mammography), MRI or contrast-enhanced mammography (a type of mammography that uses a dye to highlight cancerous lesions).

But we don’t yet know:
- how to best identify women at higher risk
- which screening tests should be offered, how often and to whom
- how to staff and run a risk-based screening program
- how to deliver this in a cost-effective and equitable way.
The road ahead

This is what we have been working on, for Cancer Council Australia, as part of the ROSA Breast project.

This federally funded project has estimated and compared the expected outcomes and costs for a range of screening scenarios.

For each scenario we estimated the benefits (saving lives or less intense treatment) and harms (overdiagnosis and rates of investigations in women recalled for further investigation after a screening test who are found to not have breast cancer).

Of 160 potential screening scenarios we modelled, we shortlisted 19 which produced the best outcomes for women and were the most cost effective. The shortlisted scenarios tended to involve either targeted screening technologies for higher-risk women or screening technologies other than mammography for all screened women.

For example, in our estimates, making no change to the target age range or screening intervals but offering a more sensitive screening test to the 20% of women deemed to be at highest risk would save 113 lives over ten years.

Alternatively, commencing targeted screening from age 40 and offering a more sensitive screening test annually to the 20% of women at highest risk, and three-yearly screening (of the current kind) to the 30% of women at lowest risk, would save 849 lives over ten years.

However, less frequent screening of the lower risk group was expected to lead to small increases in breast cancer deaths in that group.

How do we best assess women for their risk of breast cancer? At this stage, there’s no one answer.
Tint Media/Shutterstock

We also outlined 25 recommendations to put into action, and set out a five-year roadmap of how to get there. This includes:
- a large scale trial to find out what is feasible, effective and affordable in Australia
- making sure women at higher risk in different parts of Australia are offered suitable options regardless of where they live and who they see
- better data collection and reporting to support risk-based screening
- testing how we assess women for their risk of breast cancer, including whether these assessments work as intended and make sense to women from a range of backgrounds
- clinical studies of screening technologies to determine the best delivery models and associated costs
- ongoing engagement with groups including women, health professionals and government.
Breast cancer screening review out soon

Federal health minister Mark Butler said a review of the BreastScreen program would consider our recommendations. The results of this review are expected soon.

We’re not alone in calling for a move towards risk-based breast cancer screening. This is backed by national and international submissions to government, policy briefing documents and the Breast Cancer Network Australia.

We’ve provided an evidence-based roadmap towards better screening for breast cancer. Now is the time to commit to this journey.

We acknowledge Louiza Velentzis from the Daffodil Centre, and Paul Grogan and Deborah Bateson from the University of Sydney, who co-authored the paper mentioned in this article.

Carolyn Nickson led the ROSA Project for Cancer Council Australia. She receives funding from the Australian government Department of Health and Aged Care, the Medical Research Future Fund, the National Health and Medical Research Council and Melbourne Health.

Bruce Mann works as a surgeon at Northwestern BreastScreen in Melbourne. He was a board member of the Breast Cancer Network Australia, which has improved screening as a key strategic objective. He is director of research at Breast Cancer Trials. If trials are done in this space, Breast Cancer Trials may be involved. He was a member of the ROSA Project coordination group and jointly chaired the project advisory groups.

Karen Canfell was executive lead for the ROSA Project discussed in this article. She has received grants from the Australian government’s Department of Health and Aged Care and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the National Health and Medical Research Council and Medical Research Future Fund, the US National Cancer Institute and CDC, Cancer Research UK, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and government agencies in several countries. She co-leads an investigator-initiated trial of cervical screening, Compass, run by the Australian Centre for Prevention of Cervical Cancer (ACPCC), which is a government-funded not-for-profit charity. Compass receives infrastructure support from the Australian government and the ACPCC has received equipment and a funding contribution from Roche Molecular Diagnostics, USA.  She also co-leads an implementation program Elimination of Cervical Cancer in the Indo-Pacific which has received support from the Australian government and the Minderoo Foundation, and equipment donations from Cepheid and Microbix.  

– ref. Breast cancer screening is ripe for change. We need to assess a woman’s risk – not just her age – https://theconversation.com/breast-cancer-screening-is-ripe-for-change-we-need-to-assess-a-womans-risk-not-just-her-age-252182
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foot and Mouth disease controls amended in Germany
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Foot and Mouth disease controls amended in Germany

Import ban amended following outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Germany.
As of 24 March 2025, the import ban currently in place due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease on cattle, pigs, sheep, deer, buffaloes and their products such as meat, and dairy from Germany will be amended.

This decision follows rigorous technical assessment of the measures applied in Germany and the current situation. If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity.

Great Britain has officially recognized regionalisation for FMD in Germany at the containment zone level, which covers a 6km radius around the outbreak. Consequently, the export of affected commodities can resume from areas outside this zone, provided all other import requirements are satisfied.

Personal imports of packaged and unpackaged meat, meat products, milk and dairy products, certain composite products and animal by products of pigs and ruminants will remain in place at a country level.

FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, but is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. Livestock keepers should therefore be absolutely rigorous about their biosecurity.

Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:  

03000 200 301 in England   

0300 303 8268 in Wales   

your local  Field Services Office in Scotland

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Published 24 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Asimily Earns 5-Star Rating in CRN® Partner Program Guide and Channel Chief Recognition
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Asimily, a leading provider of IoT, OT, and IoMT security solutions, today announced significant channel achievements that include a 5-Star rating in CRN’s 2025 Partner Program Guide, the recognition of Wayne Hollinshead as a CRN Channel Chief EMEA, and the expansion of key strategic partnerships across multiple industries.

Asimily Earns 5-Star Rating from CRN

Asimily’s channel program—Launch—has received a 5-star rating by CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, in the 2025 CRN Partner Program Guide. CRN’s annual guide is an essential resource for solution providers seeking vendor partner programs that match their business goals and deliver high partner value. The 5-Star Award is an elite recognition given to companies that have built their partner programs on the key elements needed to nurture lasting, profitable, and successful channel partnerships.

Asimily’s program is built around a comprehensive channel approach that accommodates various partner roles, including resellers, managed service providers, and systems integrators. Launch excels by offering strong profit opportunities, comprehensive training, and robust support resources that help partners generate revenue quickly. Additionally, Launch simplifies partner engagement through streamlined processes and easy-to-use operational frameworks.

“We’re honored to receive the 5-star rating in CRN’s Partner Program Guide, further validating our commitment to building a program that delivers lasting value to our partners,” said Shankar Somasundaram, CEO, Asimily. “Launch was designed from the ground up to simplify partner engagement while providing the resources needed to succeed in the complex IoT/OT security market. This recognition reflects the investments we’ve made in our channel infrastructure and our dedication to partner success.”

Wayne Hollinshead Named CRN Channel Chief EMEA

Wayne Hollinshead, RoW Channel Director at Asimily, has been recognized as a 2025 CRN Channel Chief EMEA. In the past year, Hollinshead has helped architect and implement an effective two-tier channel distribution model for Asimily. He established simple yet powerful operational structures, creating frameworks that internal teams and external partners could easily execute, laying the foundation for Asimily’s channel growth in EMEA and APAC regions.

“This recognition reflects our team’s commitment to developing strong partnerships tailored to each organization’s unique market needs,” said Hollinshead. “By creating customized go-to-market strategies rather than using one-size-fits-all approaches, we’re building meaningful relationships with our partners that drive mutual success.”

Strategic Partnership Growth

Asimily continues to expand its channel ecosystem with new partnerships across industries, successfully recruiting strategic partners in competitive markets. Recent additions to Asimily’s partner network include:
- Carahsoft: As Asimily’s Master Government Aggregator, Carahsoft is making Asimily’s IoT/OT solution available to the public sector through its reseller partners and NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) V and National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) ValuePoint contracts.
- Blood Centers of America: The partnership makes Asimily’s comprehensive lab, medical device, and IoT security and risk management platform directly available to all BCA members, enabling blood centers to protect their critical connected equipment and sensitive data.
“Asimily’s new partnerships, such as those with Carahsoft and BCA, represent our commitment to empowering partners across multiple sectors,” said Somasundaram. “Our channel-first approach ensures that organizations in healthcare, government, critical infrastructure, and other industries can access our award-winning security solutions through trusted partners who understand their unique challenges.”

Asimily’s channel momentum comes amid continued recognition for the company’s innovative approach to IoT/OT security and risk management. The company was recently named the 11th fastest-growing cybersecurity company in North America in the Deloitte Fast 500, with 514% growth driven by strong market demand for IoT, IoMT, and Industrial IoT/OT device security.

About Asimily

Asimily is a leading provider of IoT, OT, and IoMT security solutions that provide inventory, visibility, and risk analysis on all connected devices. The company’s platform helps organizations identify and prioritize vulnerabilities with the highest likelihood of being exploited, enabling efficient risk mitigation across healthcare, industrial, and enterprise environments. Asimily’s comprehensive solution combines vulnerability mitigation, visibility, threat detection/incident response, and risk modeling in a single platform. For more information, visit www.asimily.com.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world’s top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.

Follow The Channel Company: X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

© 2025 The Channel Company, Inc. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

Asimily Contact
Kyle Peterson
kyle@clementpeterson.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cfe9e39b-c87b-482b-a895-4167ddf45d59

The MIL Network –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Havila Shipping ASA:Allegation from lenders of default of the restructuring agreement

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Reference is made to the stock exchange announcement on 21 January 2025, informing about allegations from lenders that there is a breach of the company’s restructuring agreement from 2020.
The company disputes the allegations and is of the opinion that there is no form of breach.
The company seeks a final resolution and has therefore today filed a lawsuit with the Oslo District Court.

Contacts:
Chief Executive Officer Njål Sævik, +47 909 35 722
Chief Financial Officer Arne Johan Dale, +47 909 87 706

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

The MIL Network –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev: The state of the Far East economy and the security of the state as a whole depend on technological development

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The issues of technological development of the Far East and preparations for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 were discussed at a meeting of the Council of the Far Eastern Federal District, which was held with the participation of the heads of regions under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister – Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev.

“Technological development is acute today. The state of the economy and the security of the state as a whole depend on this. This week, the head of state, speaking at the Congress of the RSPP, noted that, according to the Ministry of Finance of Russia, more than 28 thousand sanctions were introduced against Russian companies and individuals. It is important to understand that sanctions are not just temporary restrictions. Their main goal is to weaken the economy of the state. That is why we must strive with technological independence in all directions with all our means. Already today we have positive changes. In almost all regions, drones gather, including civil purposes, in Yakutia, electric motorcycles are produced, in the Khabarovsk Territory – Baggi. Of course, these results were achieved, among other things, thanks to the action of the “Patriotic“ mechanism ”. The construction of an innovative scientific and technological center on the island of Russian is underway, and these are, in turn, the prospects for the development of such areas as biomedicine, information technology. Created the Vostok Venture Foundation. Highly technologies are being introduced, atomic stations of low power are built. Literally, literally, literally. Literally. Literally. The other day, in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, for the first time, flying tests of the Superjate 100 aircraft were carried out with the domestic PD-8 engine. This is an important step towards technological independence. The economic development and safety of the macroregion and the country as a whole depends on the quality and speed of its solution, ”Yuri Trutnev opened the discussion.

Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko reported on the scientific and technological development of the island region. On behalf of the head of state, the construction of the international-level campus “SakhalinTech” is underway on Sakhalin. This year, the first stage of the campus will be commissioned – a student town for 1.5 thousand people, and in 2026 – a scientific and educational center. Construction is proceeding at an accelerated pace. In parallel with the construction, the university is being transformed into “University 4.0”. An advanced engineering school has been opened in the region. An electrical engineering laboratory operates on the basis of the SKB SAMI academic institute. An oil and gas chemical analytical laboratory is being created. A hydrogen cluster is being formed, where projects are already being implemented. The first stage of the Oil and Gas Industrial Park has been launched. A research and production center for the development of unmanned systems, accredited by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, has been created on Sakhalin. A unified Far Eastern unmanned airline, Aurora BAS, was created on the basis of the Far Eastern airline Aurora. An aviation training center for manned and unmanned aircraft was opened. Eight more such training grounds will be created in the near future.

“It is important for us not only to develop the gas chemical cluster and the Vostochny Cosmodrome, the construction of which is proceeding according to schedule, but also everything related to the use of modern technologies. The implementation of such projects is facilitated by the regime of advanced development territories. Now we are planning to create an industrial park, the residents of which will, among other things, be engaged in deep processing of polymers. We are discussing the construction of a plant for the production of mineral fertilizers in the industrial park. The enterprise will be important not only for the agriculture of the Far East, it will be focused on exports to China and, as a result, will affect the development of the logistics industry,” said Vasily Orlov, Governor of the Amur Region.

“Vitus Bering Kamchatka State University has been participating in the Priority 2030 program for the third year. As part of it, we are rebooting the university, making it a university of entrepreneurs – with an emphasis on the expedition component and interaction with leading research centers in Russia. Specific projects have been launched with a number of leading Russian universities. Projects with practical implementation in the field of geothermal energy are being developed, including low-power geothermal stations. We are currently launching one of these projects for testing in Kamchatka, which is called a natural laboratory. We want to offer a unique format of a floating university, when leading researchers gather on a ship, study the features of aquatic biological resources, the dynamics of water temperature and salinity of the ocean, and generally outline the prospects for ocean research. Particular attention is paid to projects that help our victory. Thanks to the Patriotic Priority Development Area, we have launched the production of unmanned aerial vehicles. We are consistently increasing the depth of localization, moving from simple assembly to development,” said Kamchatka Krai Governor Vladimir Solodov.

The preparations for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War were discussed. “This is a special holiday for our entire country, our citizens. There is not a single family that was not affected by that war. The significance of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War for the fate of Russia is difficult to overestimate. Attempts are currently being made to falsify history, to diminish the significance of the feat of our ancestors. An important task for us is for the younger generation to know and remember the history of their country, their native region. The head of state has also declared this year the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. Now our children, like their fathers and grandfathers, heroically and selflessly defend their homeland and their families. May 9 is a special holiday for every family in our country. As part of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the district, we have planned about 450 different events, including five events to be held abroad. Victory parades are planned in all regions. It is also important to ensure the safety of mass events. I ask all governors and representatives of law enforcement agencies to take this issue extremely seriously,” noted Yuri Trutnev.

The holding of ceremonial events and Victory parades in Khabarovsk and Vladivostok was considered. This year, Khabarovsk will host two anniversary Victory parades – on May 9 and September 3. The parade in September will be dedicated to the defeat of militarist Japan and the end of World War II. Primorsky Krai is preparing for the Victory Parade in Vladivostok in cooperation with the Pacific Fleet. The Immortal Regiment procession will take place in the capital of Primorye. An extensive program will be organized for residents and guests of the Far Eastern capital with a festive concert, thematic local sites, exhibitions, interactive activities, photo zones, and master classes. In Vladivostok, the key event on May 9 will be the holding of the “Victory Streets” campaign. Thematic banners and stands with photographs of veterans of the Great Patriotic War will be placed on the Tsarevich Embankment. An exhibition of captured equipment from the special military operation zone will be organized. And on September 3, a series of festive events are planned in Vladivostok on the territory of Primorsky Krai, including a large festive concert on the central square of Vladivostok, “Vladivostok Seasons”.

The progress of creating a museum on Shumshu dedicated to the Kuril landing operation, the last major battle of the USSR against militarist Japan, was separately considered. During the Great Patriotic War, Shumshu Island was the northern stronghold of Japanese troops on the Kuril Islands and was considered impregnable. The landing of Soviet paratroopers on Shumshu became a decisive event during the entire Kuril landing operation. “We are preparing an open-air museum. This is a bright page in the heroism of our soldiers, and we must support this memory. This initiative was supported by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. Our task is simply to implement it. We will try to ensure that the first events on Shumshu dedicated to the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War take place on May 9,” said Yuri Trutnev.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union International President Bryant Applauds USTR’s Proposed Actions to Strengthen U.S. Shipbuilding

Source: US GOIAM Union

Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, issued the following statement after testifying at the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) hearing on Section 301 regarding proposed remedies to China’s aggressive targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors:

“The IAM applauds USTR’s proposed remedies in response to China’s unfair and discriminatory practices. For decades, the People’s Republic of China has pursued dominance in the maritime sector, devastating U.S. shipbuilding capacity and weakening our defense industrial base. This must stop.

“As a former shipbuilder at Bath Iron Works in Maine, I must highlight the impact of China’s predatory policies on U.S. workers. Our members have dedicated their lives to mastering the highly specialized skills required to build and repair commercial and naval vessels, only to see their jobs disappear as U.S. shipyards shutter or struggle to compete.

“The IAM Union supports the USTR’s proposed multi-pronged approach, including meaningful relief measures and incentives for purchasing U.S.-built commercial ships. We recommend swift implementation, and that port service fees be directed into a trust fund to invest in shipbuilding infrastructure and workforce development. We also call for additional policy changes and investment to revitalize the shipbuilding industry.

“IAM Union members stand ready to build and maintain our 21st-century naval and commercial fleet. Without decisive action, the decline of U.S. shipbuilding will continue, jeopardizing economic stability and national security. We urge the USTR to move forward with strong, impactful relief measures to reinvigorate this critical industry.”

Click here to read IAM Union International President Brian Bryant’s full testimony.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.

goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

Share and Follow:

MIL OSI USA News –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: EMGS Receives Contract Related to Previously Announced Letter of Award for Survey in India

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Reference is made to the stock exchange notification published by Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (“EMGS” or the “Company”) on 15 January 2025 wherein EMGS announced that the Company had received a Letter of Award for a CSEM survey in India.

The Company is pleased to announce that the final contract has now been signed. Under the signed contract, the final contract value remains approximately USD 10 million, i.e. in accordance with the expectation under the Letter of Award.

Contact
Anders Eimstad, CFO, +47 948 25 836

This information is published in accordance with the Norwegian Securities Trading Act § 5-12.

About EMGS
EMGS, the marine EM market leader, uses its proprietary electromagnetic (EM) technology to support oil and gas companies in their search for offshore hydrocarbons. EMGS supports each stage in the workflow, from survey design and data acquisition to processing and interpretation. The Company’s services enable the integration of EM data with seismic and other geophysical and geological information to give explorationists a clearer and more complete understanding of the subsurface. This improves exploration efficiency and reduces risks and the finding costs per barrel. CSEM technology can also be used to detect the presence of marine mineral deposits (primarily Seabed Massive Sulphides) and EMGS believes that the technology can also be used to estimate the mineral content of such deposits. The Company is undertaking early-stage initiatives to position itself in this future market.

The MIL Network –

March 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: WithSecure Corporation: SHARE REPURCHASE 24.3.2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WithSecure Corporation, STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE, 24 March 2025 at 6.30 PM (EET)


WithSecure Corporation: SHARE REPURCHASE 24.3.2025

In the Helsinki Stock Exchange

Trade date	24.3.2025
Bourse trade	Buy
Share	WITH
Amount	15 000	Shares
Average price/ share	0,9489	EUR
Total cost	14 233,50	EUR


WithSecure Corporation now holds a total of 241 890 shares
including the shares repurchased on 24.3.2025

The share buybacks are executed in compliance with Regulation
No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council (MAR) Article 5
and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052.


On behalf of Withsecure Corporation

Nordea Bank Oyj

Janne Sarvikivi	Sami Huttunen


Contact information:
Laura Viita
Vice President Controlling, Investor relations and Sustainability
WithSecure Corporation
Tel. +358 50 4871044
Investor-relations@withsecure.com

Attachment

WithSecure 24.3.2025

The MIL Network –

March 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Subsea 7 S.A. – 1Q25 earnings call notification
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Luxembourg –24 March 2025 – Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Børs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) will publish its first quarter 2025 results for the period ended 31 March 2025 on Wednesday 30 April 2025 at 08:00 CET.

A conference call and simultaneous webcast for the investment community will be held on Wednesday 30 April 2025 at 12:00 UK / 13:00 CET.

From 08:00 CET the results announcement and the presentation to be reviewed during the conference call and webcast will be available on the Subsea7 website: www.Subsea7.com

Conference call registration:
Phone: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI419d51592b6f40e8823c7efe91ab9dab
Webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/3v6564ut/

Please note that questions can only be submitted from a phone line.

*******************************************************************************
Subsea7 creates sustainable value by delivering the offshore energy transition solutions the world needs.

Subsea7 is listed on the Oslo Børs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62.

*******************************************************************************

Contact for investor enquiries:
Katherine Tonks
Head of Investor Relations
Subsea 7 S.A.
Tel +44 20 8210 5568
ir@subsea7.com

www.subsea7.com

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

This stock exchange release was published by Katherine Tonks, Investor Relations, Subsea7, on 24 March 2025 at 16:30 CET.

Attachment
- SUBC 1Q25 Conference Call
The MIL Network –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Registration of share capital increase in IDEX Biometrics 24 March 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Reference is made to the announcement by IDEX Biometrics ASA on 18 March 2025 regarding the results of the exercise of Warrants A.

A total of 17,258 Warrants A were exercised, resulting in an aggregate subscription for 17,258 new shares, each Warrant A having an exercise price of NOK 0.15.

The share capital increase has been registered in the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises. Following the issue, IDEX Biometrics ASA share capital is NOK 124,739,134.80, divided into 831,594,232 shares, each with a nominal value of NOK 0.15.

For further information contact:

Marianne Bøe, Head of Investor Relations, Tel: +47 91800186

Kristian Flaten, CFO, Tel: +47 95092322

E-mail: ir@idexbiometrics.com

About IDEX Biometrics:

IDEX Biometrics ASA (IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity. Our solutions bring convenience, security, peace of mind and seamless user experiences to the world. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, our biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry-enabler we partner with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring our solutions to market. For more information, visit www.idexbiometrics.com .

About this notice

This notice was published by Kristian Flaten, CFO, 24 March 2025 at 16:35 CET on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to the Norwegian Securities Trading Act section 5-12.

The MIL Network –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: XploraDEX Launches Secure, Transparent AI-Powered DEX on XRP Blockchain—$XPL Presale Now Live

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ZURICH, Switzerland, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Security and transparency are the cornerstones of any truly sustainable DeFi ecosystem and that’s exactly where XploraDEX stands out. As the first AI-powered decentralized exchange on XRPL, XploraDEX is rewriting the rules for how trust is built in Web3 trading environments.

While other DEXs rely on complex user interfaces, opaque operations, and centralized decision-making, XploraDEX provides a fully decentralized, AI-enhanced trading platform with real-time visibility, verified on-chain activity, and non-custodial architecture from day one.

With $XPL Token Presale currently live, early investors now have the opportunity to support and benefit from a platform committed to long-term trust, security, and innovation.

The Challenge: DeFi Users Still Struggle with Transparency and Safety

Despite DeFi’s growth, traders and liquidity providers still face major concerns:

Hidden token mechanics and governance changes

Security vulnerabilities in smart contracts

Exploitable liquidity and rug pull risks

Centralized control over supposedly decentralized platforms

XploraDEX is built from the ground up to solve these problems using advanced AI logic and bulletproof smart contract design.

GET $XPL TOKENS NOW

The XploraDEX Security & Transparency Advantage

Here’s how XploraDEX sets a new standard for trust in DeFi:

Fully Audited Smart Contracts – Developed and stress-tested for resilience and exploit protection.

On-Chain AI Execution Logs – Every trade executed by the AI engine is visible, traceable, and verifiable by the community.

Non-Custodial Trading Framework – Users maintain 100% control of their assets with no third-party risk.

AI-Powered Fraud Detection – Real-time detection of suspicious trading behavior and liquidity manipulation.

Decentralized Governance – All protocol upgrades, liquidity program changes, and AI enhancements are subject to $XPL holder voting.

Security + Transparency = Trust. And trust is the most valuable currency in DeFi.

PARTICIPATE IN $XPL PRESALE

$XPL Token – Empowering a Transparent DeFi Future

The $XPL Token is not only the utility engine of the XploraDEX ecosystem—it’s also the key to community-led trust and governance.

Holders of $XPL Gain:

Access to AI features and trade automation

Trading discounts and platform rewards

Voting rights on protocol and AI system upgrades

Staking incentives for long-term platform supporters.

By participating in $XPL Presale, investors get early access to a token that isn’t just about hype—it’s about building DeFi infrastructure that lasts.

Buy $XPL token at discounted early-stage pricing: https://sale.xploradex.io

Don’t Just Trade—Trade Transparently with XploraDEX

As DeFi continues to grow, trust will be the deciding factor in which platforms thrive—and which ones disappear. XploraDEX’s AI-enhanced security and real-time transparency model make it one of the most sustainable, user-focused launches on XRPL.

With the $XPL presale live now, early adopters can:

Get $XPL at discounted prices before public release

Join a fast-growing, security-first trading ecosystem

Participate in a community-led governance model from day one, Be part of the most secure and transparent DEX on XRPL.

Secure your $XPL Tokens today: https://sale.xploradex.io

Stay connected and Join the XploraDEX AI Revolution

Website | $XPL Token Presale | X | Telegram

Contact:
Oliver Muller
oliver@xploradex.io
contact@xploradex.io

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the XploraDEX. 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. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. 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. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. 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. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99231e32-d928-400b-b24b-f5a354609d61

The MIL Network –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Signs US$ 20 Million Line of Financing Agreement with Trustbank in Uzbekistan

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

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 24, 2025/APO Group/ —

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-idb.org/), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, signed a US$20 million Line of Trade Financing Agreement with Trustbank in Uzbekistan under the Murabaha structure. This agreement aims to bolster trade finance accessibility for SMEs, women entrepreneurs, green financing initiatives, and food security aimed at reinforcing Uzbekistan’s economic resilience.

Under this facility, import and pre-export financing will be available to private-sector businesses in Uzbekistan, driving trade and supporting sectors critical to the country’s economic development.

The signing ceremony took place at ITFC’s headquarters, with Mr. Sardor Normukhamedov, Chairman of the Management Board of Trustbank, and Mr. Nazeem Noordali, Officer-in-Charge, CEO ITFC, formalizing the agreement.

Commenting on the signing, Nazeem Noordali stated: “The private sector remains a key driver of Uzbekistan’s economic development, and Trustbank’s commitment to supporting its growth is commendable. At ITFC, we are dedicated to empowering businesses through strategic trade finance solutions, and this partnership with Trustbank provides a robust platform to achieve tangible and lasting economic impact.”

“Our bank always strives for innovation, reliability and dynamic development. Cooperation with ITFC will allow us to combine our experience and advanced financial instruments to create effective solutions that meet modern challenges.” stated Mr. Sardor Normukhamedov.

This financing falls within the US$600 million Framework Agreement signed between ITFC and the Republic of Uzbekistan in March 2024, which underscores ITFC’s long-term commitment to fostering private sector development and strengthening the trade ecosystem of Uzbekistan.

This agreement, the third consecutive facility between ITFC and Trustbank, brings the total financing provided to the bank to over US$44 million, further unlocking trade opportunities and enhancing financial inclusion. Since 2019, ITFC has approved over US$168 million in support of Uzbekistan’s private sector, reinforcing its role in driving economic opportunities and advancing UN SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

MIL OSI Africa –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: BexBack Brings 100x Leverage, Double Deposit Bonus, and No KYC to Crypto Futures Trading
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The cryptocurrency landscape is shifting, and BexBack is leading the charge with a groundbreaking approach to crypto futures trading. As the market evolves, many traders face challenges with complex KYC procedures, limited leverage, and high fees. But BexBack is here to change all of that, offering 100x leverage, no KYC, and an incredible double deposit bonus to help traders maximize their potential with ease.

Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just beginning your journey, BexBack makes it simple for anyone, anywhere to access 100x leverage on crypto futures, without the need for identity verification, and double your funds instantly with the 100% deposit bonus. This offers you the power to trade with confidence and flexibility.

What Is 100x Leverage?

100x leverage allows you to control a much larger trading position with a smaller initial deposit. For example, with 1 BTC and 100x leverage, you can trade as if you had 100 BTC, giving you the potential for much higher returns in a volatile market. It’s a powerful tool that allows traders to maximize their profits—though it’s important to manage risk effectively to avoid liquidation.

What Is the 100% Deposit Bonus and How Does It Work?

The 100% deposit bonus means that when you deposit 0.001 BTC or equivalent in other cryptocurrencies, you will receive an instant 100% bonus on each deposit. This is not just limited to your first deposit but applies to every deposit you make. For example, deposit $10,000, and you’ll trade with $20,000. This bonus is an excellent way to increase your trading power, giving you more margin and more opportunities to profit. However, the bonus cannot be withdrawn directly, but it can be used to open larger positions and increase your overall potential profits.

Who Can Trade on BexBack Without KYC?

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Contact:
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Disclaimer: This press release is provided by BexBack. 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. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. 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. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

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The MIL Network –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How to have conversations with people who fall for misinformation this election campaign

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jaigris Hodson, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Royal Roads University

Canadians head to the polls on April 28. Like other recent general elections, both in Canada and around the world, this federal election campaign is sure to be characterized by polarized misinformation.

We all have someone in our families or social circles who has political opinions grounded in false or misleading information. Whether the source of that information is Russian bots on social media, high-profile podcasters or Fox News, it’s easy to dread election-time conversations as misinformation strains our most important relationships.

But perhaps we can approach these conversations as an opportunity to push back against growing polarization in our communities.

My research shows that polarization and misinformation often go hand in hand, and when they do, the information being spread is strongly resistant to being corrected by way of evidence.

But when we truly begin to listen to the people who believe misinformation, we can often help counter false claims. So in this upcoming election, how can we push back against election misinformation when we hear it? Let’s examine some strategies.

Read more:
5 expert tips to protect yourself from online misinformation

The role of anxiety

Most people think that others who believe misinformation will change their minds if provided with the right evidence, but that’s simply not true.

People have good reasons for not wanting to change their minds, even when confronted with contradictory facts. One of the key personality traits linked to the belief in misinformation turns out to be anxiety. This can manifest in ways that resist correction.

For example, most of us feel anxious when we have to hold two conflicting beliefs at the same time. So if we already believe misinformation and are confronted with evidence to the contrary, we may reject the evidence to avoid the dissonance of managing both beliefs.

Additionally, people might believe something because others in their social group believe it, meaning there is social anxiety associated with rejecting the group’s belief, even if it’s wrong.

Finally, anxiety about the future can drive people to accept misinformation that helps to relieve those fears.

Taken together, this means that correcting political misinformation, which involves all three of the above triggers — self, social and future anxiety — cannot be accomplished solely by providing evidence. We need to mitigate these anxieties while engaging in gentle correction since outright correcting can make the anxieties worse.

The ‘AIMS’ method

Motivational interviewing is a proven method of pushing back against another type of polarizing misinformation: health misinformation.

One particular approach to motivational interviewing, known as the AIMS method, has been successfully tested in Canada for countering vaccine misinformation.

AIMS stands for Announce, Inquire, Mirror and Secure. It provides a way to address misinformation while building the sort of connection and trust that people need to reduce the anxiety that is the trigger for believing misinformation in the first place.

The first step, Announce, is where the topic is approached. In the medical world, this usually occurs when a doctor announces that it’s time for a vaccine, but in the world of political misinformation, the announcement doesn’t have to come from a professional.

Instead, Announce can occur when the person you are talking to announces a piece of political misinformation, like the claim that the government is vaccinating people for the purposes of controlling the population. Announce is basically where the process of addressing misinformation begins.

Inquire is the step where motivational interviewing really begins to differ from a conventional approach of simply providing evidence to back up a false claim. In this second step, it’s important to ask questions, and approach the misinformation with a sense of curiosity.

Basically, as you probe more and more deeply, you’re trying to understand the anxieties that are driving the misinformation belief.

As you ask questions, you begin to also engage in the third step, Mirror. Mirroring means checking in, and repeating what you’re hearing so that the person you are talking to recognizes they’re being heard. At this stage, you can begin to introduce pieces of evidence that disprove the claims being made, but only after you truly understand the person’s concerns and can reflect them back.

It’s also important to manage how you introduce contradictory evidence. It must be done with compassion and a gentle but reassuring manner.

Finally, when all the concerns have been addressed, you can begin the final step, which is to Secure trust. Here you can follow up on the announcement that sparked the discussion — the original piece of misinformation — and see if the person you’re talking to now feels differently than they did before.

Importantly, you may not be successful at securing this step in just one conversation, but if you have conducted the other steps properly, you will have built important trust that, over time, is more likely to help you counter future misinformation with the person you’re talking to.

Preserving relationships

Combating any misinformation, and especially political misinformation, is not a quick or easy process. It may have to take place in repeated discussions over a long period of time.

Political misinformation is particularly difficult to counter because political views are often tied deeply to people’s self-identity, and also because political misinformation is often shared within social groups.

But if you engage in motivated interviewing this election season, you may make a small difference. At the very least, you will help to preserve relationships with friends and loved ones that are often frayed when political misinformation enters the picture.

Jaigris Hodson is funded through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada’s Canada Research Chairs Program.

– ref. How to have conversations with people who fall for misinformation this election campaign – https://theconversation.com/how-to-have-conversations-with-people-who-fall-for-misinformation-this-election-campaign-252667

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CMA response to the UK government’s consultation on the resale of live events tickets

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Correspondence

CMA response to the UK government’s consultation on the resale of live events tickets

The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) has published its response to the Department for Business and Trade / Department for Culture, Media and Sport consultation on the resale of live events tickets.

Documents

CMA response to consultation on the resale of live events tickets

PDF, 284 KB, 24 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

The CMA responded to the UK government’s consultation on putting fans first: consultation on the resale of live events tickets in March 2025. The CMA’s response sets out considerations to help government take forward its proposal for a resale price cap for live events tickets, and outlines a model for efficient, targeted enforcement that would help to ensure that any cap met the government’s objectives.

For queries relating to the response, please contact the CMA advocacy team by email at advocacy@cma.gov.uk.

Updates to this page

Published 24 March 2025

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: AMERICAN REBEL ANNOUNCES 1-FOR-25 REVERSE STOCK SPLIT WITH ROUND LOT SHAREHOLDER PROTECTION TO BE EFFECTIVE ON MARCH 31, 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Nashville, TN, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) — America’s Patriotic Brand (the “Company”), today announced that it will effect a reverse stock split of its outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), at a ratio of 1-for-25, to be effective as of 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time on March 31, 2025.

The Company’s Common Stock will begin trading on a reverse stock split-adjusted basis at the opening of The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) on Monday, March 31, 2025. Following the reverse stock split, the Common Stock will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol “AREB” with the new CUSIP number, 02919L604. The reverse stock split is intended for the Company to:
- Enhance Deposit (Ability) and Marketability: By increasing the share price, a reverse split can make the stock more eligible for trading on certain platforms
- Continue to ensure compliance with the minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 per share of common stock for continued listing on Nasdaq.
Important information:
- Exchange/Split Rate: 1:25
- New CUSIP: 02919L604
- Date of Record: March 31, 2025
- Transfer Agent: Securities Transfer Corporation
Contact Us – Securities Transfer Corporation

The reverse stock split will not change the authorized number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split and all such fractional interests will be rounded up to the nearest whole number of shares of Common Stock. Further, no current owner of 100 or more shares will be reduced to less than 100 shares. In addition, the reverse stock split will apply to the Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Company’s outstanding derivative securities, with proportionate adjustments to be made to the exercise prices and number of derivates thereof and under the Company’s equity incentive plans.
- Round Lot Shareholder Protection to ensure that shareholders holding a “round lot” (typically 100 shares) are not adversely affected by the split.
- All Fractional Shares Rounded to nearest whole number. As a result of the reverse stock split all fractional interests will be rounded up to the nearest whole number
The Company is committed to pro-actively protecting the interests of its stockholders, particularly those owning round lots of 100 or more shares. Stockholders holding at least 100 shares prior to the reverse stock split will retain a minimum of 100 shares post-split. This protection ensures that no stockholder who currently qualifies as a round lot holder will lose their status. Additionally, fractional shares resulting from the reverse stock split will be rounded up to the nearest whole share to maintain liquidity and shareholder equity.

The reverse stock split will reduce the number of issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock from approximately 10.6 million to approximately 423 thousand, which does not include shares to be issued pursuant to the round lot rounding set forth above.

On February 24, 2025, the stockholders of the Company approved a Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the Common Stock, at a ratio of up to 1-for-25, with such ratio to be determined in the sole discretion of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) and with the reverse stock split to be effected at such time and date, if at all, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion at any time within twelve (12) months of such stockholder approval. The Board approved the reverse stock split at a ratio of 1-for-25 on March 12, 2025.

Securities Transfer Corporation is acting as the exchange agent and paying agent for the reverse stock split. Stockholders holding their shares in book-entry form or in brokerage accounts need not take any action in connection with the reverse stock split.

The standard procedure is that DTC gathers all round up share requests from each participant within their system. After about 4 business DTC will send a request for the total amount of round up shares needed to cover all participants/beneficial holders. At that time, our transfer agent will make one issuance/deposit to CEDE (DTC).
- Round up shares should populate in participant/beneficial holder accounts approximately on or before ten (10) trading days post the Reverse Stock Split.
Securities Transfer Corporation will provide instructions to any stockholders with certificates regarding the process in connection with the exchange of pre-reverse stock split stock certificates for ownership in book-entry form or stock certificates on a post-reverse stock split basis. Stockholders are encouraged to contact their bank, broker or custodian with any procedural questions.

About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit www.americanrebel.com and www.americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit www.americanrebel.com/investor-relations.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include our ability to raise adequate working and expansion capital, our ability to efficiently incorporate acquisitions into our operations, the use of non-GAAP based pro forma financial estimates, our ability to introduce new products, our ability to meet production demands, our ability to expand our sales organization to address existing and new markets that we intend to target, our ability to meet or exceed financial and reporting estimates, any effects of the reverse stock split, our ability to continue to meet Nasdaq listing requirements, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

SOURCE: American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

Company Contact:

info@americanrebel.com

The MIL Network –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank Acts as Joint Global Coordinator on Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)’s second EUR 750mn Senior Eurobond due 2028

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

CAIRO, Egypt, March 24, 2025/APO Group/ —

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has successfully acted as Joint Global Coordinator and Joint Lead Manager on second EUR 750 million RegS-only senior Eurobond issuance by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (“BADEA”) due March 2028 under its existing Euro Medium-Term Note (EMTN) programme listed on London Stock Exchange.

The bond proceeds will fund general corporate purposes including loan book growth in Sub-Saharan Africa under BADEA’s 9^th Strategic Plan 2025-2029.

BADEA is a multilateral development lending institution established in 1974 and headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is owned by 18 League of Arab States (LAS) to channel development finance to 44 non-Arab Sub-Saharan African countries.

The bond issuance was 3.0x oversubscribed by more than 60 high-quality institutional investors comprising central banks, asset managers, development finance institutions, pension funds and commercial banks from Europe, UK, Middle East, Africa and Asia. Proactive investor engagement by BADEA since debut issuance as well as market momentum enabled the issuer to upsize transaction by 50% versus original target as well as tighten credit spread by 15bps over 4-day marketing roadshow. The transaction eventually priced at 75bps over EUR mid-swaps rate with annual coupon 3.000%, thus achieving material enhancements versus debut 2024 bond issuance in terms of issuance size, credit spread and final coupon respectively.

Afreximbank, through its Advisory and Capital Markets (ACMA) department, acted as Joint Global Coordinator and Joint Lead Manager to BADEA on this bond transaction for the second consecutive time alongside international banking partners.

MIL OSI Africa –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Cyabra Report Uncovers AI-Driven Disinformation Campaign Targeting Pope Francis, Featured in The New York Times

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Cyabra has entered into a business combination agreement with Trailblazer Merger Corp. (TBMC)

New York, NY, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cyabra Ltd., a leading AI platform for real-time disinformation detection, has released a new report uncovering how fake social media profiles fueled widespread disinformation about Pope Francis’ health. Conducted in early March, the investigation found that 31% of the profiles discussing the Pope on X were inauthentic, amplifying false rumors of his death. The report has been featured in The New York Times and The Mail Online, highlighting the urgent need to counter influence operations online.

“Our research underscores the alarming scale at which fake accounts are influencing public narratives,” said Dan Brahmy, CEO & Co-founder of Cyabra. “The dis and misinformation surrounding Pope Francis’ health is just one example of how AI-generated fake profiles are being weaponized to spread fear, confusion, and distrust.”

The full report, “Pope Francis’ Health Misinformation Fueled by Fake Profiles,” is available here.

Cyabra’s findings come at a critical time as online threats to public trust grow more sophisticated. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Cyabra remains at the forefront of detecting and neutralizing harmful narratives and inauthentic online behavior.

Cyabra has entered into a business combination agreement with Trailblazer Merger Corporation I (NASDAQ: TBMC), a blank-check special-purpose acquisition company.

About Cyabra

Cyabra is a real-time AI-powered platform that uncovers and analyzes online disinformation and misinformation by uncovering fake profiles, harmful narratives, and GenAI content across social media and digital news channels. Cyabra’s AI protects corporations and governments against brand reputation risks, election manipulation, foreign interference, and other online threats. Cyabra’s platform leverages proprietary algorithms and NLP solutions, gathering and analyzing publicly available data to provide clear, actionable insights and real-time alerts that inform critical decision-making. Cyabra uncovers the good, bad, and fake online.

For more information, visit www.cyabra.com.

Media Contact:

Jill Burkes
PR@cyabra.com

Investor Relations Contact:

Miri Segal
MS-IR
msegal@ms-ir.com

About Trailblazer

Trailblazer is a blank check company formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. For more information, visit: www.trailblazermergercorp.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to certain products and services that are the subject of a proposed transaction (the “Business Combination”) between Trailblazer and Cyabra. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding Cyabra’s business strategy, products and services, research and development costs, plans and objectives of management for future operations, and future results of current and anticipated product offerings, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to, the following risks relating to the proposed transaction: the ability to complete the Business Combination or, if Trailblazer does not consummate such Business Combination, any other

initial business combination; expectations regarding Cyabra’s strategies and future financial performance, including its future business plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products and services, pricing, operating expenses, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and Cyabra’s ability to invest in growth initiatives and pursue acquisition opportunities; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Trailblazer or Cyabra following announcement of the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein; the inability to complete the proposed Business Combination due to, among other things, the failure to obtain Trailblazer stockholder approval; the risk that the announcement and consummation of the proposed Business Combination disrupts Cyabra’s current operations and future plans; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination; unexpected costs related to the proposed Business Combination; the amount of any redemptions by existing holders of Trailblazer’s common stock being greater than expected; limited liquidity and trading of Trailblazer’s securities; geopolitical risk and changes in applicable laws or regulations; the size of the addressable markets for Cyabra’s products and services; the possibility that Trailblazer and/or Cyabra may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; the ability to obtain and/or maintain the listing of the combined company’s common stock on Nasdaq following the Business Combination; operational risk; and the risks that the consummation of the proposed Business Combination is substantially delayed or does not occur.

Important Information for Investors and Stockholders

In connection with the Business Combination, Trailblazer Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Trailblazer (“Holdings”) has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which includes a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, and certain other related documents, which will be both the proxy statement to be distributed to holders of shares of Trailblazer’s common stock in connection with its solicitation of proxies for the vote by its stockholders with respect to the Business Combination and other matters as may be described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus of Holdings relating to the offer and sale of its securities to be issued in the Business Combination. . After the Registration Statement is declared effective, the proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to all Trailblazer stockholders so that they may vote on the Business Combination.

INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF TRAILBLAZER ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AND THE PARTIES INVOLVED.

Trailblazer stockholders are currently able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference therein, and will be able to obtain the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein, once available, in all cases without charge, at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: Trailblazer at 510 Madison Avenue, Suite 1401, New York, NY 10022, Telephone: 646-747-9618.

Participants in the Solicitation

Cyabra, Trailblazer, and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Trailblazer stockholders regarding the proposed Business Combination. Information about Trailblazer’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Trailblazer’s securities is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus pertaining to the proposed Business Combination.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval. No sale of securities shall occur in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful before registration or qualification under applicable laws.

The MIL Network –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Maris-Tech to Report Full Year 2024 Financial Results and Provide Corporate Updates on April 2, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

The Company will host a webinar with investors on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time

Rehovot, Israel, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Maris-Tech Ltd. (Nasdaq: MTEK, MTEKW) (“Maris-Tech” or the “Company”), a global leader in video and artificial intelligence (“AI”) based edge computing technology, today announced that it will host a webinar on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time, to discuss the Company’s 2024 financial results and provide an update on its business operations and annual highlights, following the expected release of the Company’s financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the filing of the related Annual Report on Form 20-F with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 28, 2025.

Webinar Information:
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time

To participate in the webinar, please register in advance via the link below.

Link: https://shorturl.at/tnwjX

To ensure you are connected prior to the beginning of the webinar, the Company encourages participants to log-in at least 5 minutes before the start of the webinar.

About Maris-Tech Ltd.

Maris-Tech is a global leader in video and AI-based edge computing technology, pioneering intelligent video transmission solutions that conquer complex encoding-decoding challenges. Our miniature, lightweight, and low-power products deliver high-performance capabilities, including raw data processing, seamless transfer, advanced image processing, and AI-driven analytics. Founded by Israeli technology sector veterans, Maris-Tech serves leading manufacturers worldwide in defense, aerospace, Intelligence gathering, homeland security (HLS), and communication industries. We’re pushing the boundaries of video transmission and edge computing, driving innovation in mission-critical applications across commercial and defense sectors.

For more information, visit https://www.maris-tech.com/

Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Company’s future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect”,” “may”, “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. For example, the Company is using forward-looking statements when it is discussing: the timeline for the release of the Company’s financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the filing of the Annual Report on Form 20-F and the date of the investor webinar. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of the Company’s control. The Company’s actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: its ability to successfully market its products and services, including in the United States; the acceptance of its products and services by customers; its continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for its products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; its ability to successfully develop new products and services; its success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; its ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 21, 2024, and its other filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Investor Relations:

Nir Bussy, CFO
Tel: +972-72-2424022
Nir@maris-tech.com

The MIL Network –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Wearable Devices to Expand AI-Powered Bio-Signal Intelligence with LMM for Health Monitoring Potential Uses
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Yokneam Illit, Israel, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wearable Devices Ltd. (the “Company” or “Wearable Devices”) (Nasdaq: WLDS, WLDSW), a technology growth company specializing in artificial intelligence (“AI”)-powered touchless sensing wearables, today announced the expansion of its Large Motor Unit Action Potential Model (“LMM”) into new potential markets, such as predictive health monitoring and cognitive state analytics. This development will enable the broadening of bio-signal intelligence applications beyond wearables and will offer businesses and healthcare providers access to real-time physiological insights for monitoring health and wellness conditions.

This announcement follows Wearable Devices’ recent introduction of LMM as a groundbreaking AI-driven bio-signal platform focused on gesture-based control in extended reality (“XR”) and neural interaction with digital devices. The Company’s LMM approach to analyzing muscle activity signals will support the expansion into the field of health monitoring, enabling users to enhance their performance across various domains.

From Passive Monitoring to Proactive Intelligence

Unlike traditional bio-sensors that collect data passively, LMM continuously learns and adapts, turning muscle activity signals from the wrist into actionable insights. The technology is now being evaluated in controlled environments for real-world applications, including:
- Predictive Health Monitoring – Detecting hidden patterns in muscle activity that may indicate early signs of health conditions before symptoms appear, revolutionizing preventive diagnostics and digital health tracking.
- Cognitive State & Performance Analytics – Monitoring focus, fatigue, and stress levels through muscle tone and micro-movements, optimizing work productivity and mental well-being.
- Exploring Predictive Analytics – Assessing whether continuous monitoring of neural data can improve AI-driven user behavior predictions.
A Platform for Innovation: Opening LMM to Business Partners

Recognizing the transformative potential of bio-signal intelligence, Wearable Devices is intending to make LMM available to enterprises, researchers, and developers. The Company’s AI-powered bio-signal data platform is expected to enable businesses to:
- Develop custom applications tailored to healthcare and sports for athletic performance optimization.
- Integrate real-time physiological insights into enterprise solutions to enhance safety, performance, and productivity.
- Leverage LMM’s AI engine to continuously refine predictive health and interaction models.
Following the initial evaluation phase, Wearable Devices aims to accelerate commercialization and strategic partnerships across the health sector, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in bio-signal intelligence and neural interface technology.

“We believe LMM represents the next leap in bio-signal intelligence,” said Guy Wagner, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Wearable Devices. “Beyond XR and wearable computing, LMMs will allow us to enter markets that need real-time physiological insights – helping businesses, AI based health platforms, and healthcare providers to gain insights that will transform and personalize their services at scale.”

About Wearable Devices Ltd.

Wearable Devices Ltd. is a pioneering growth company revolutionizing human-computer interaction through its AI-powered neural input technology for both consumer and business markets. Leveraging proprietary sensors, software, and advanced AI algorithms, the Company’s innovative products, including the Mudra Band for iOS and Mudra Link for Android, enable seamless, touch-free interaction by transforming subtle finger and wrist movements into intuitive controls. These groundbreaking solutions enhance gaming, and the rapidly expanding AR/VR/XR landscapes. The Company offers a dual-channel business model: direct-to-consumer sales and enterprise licensing. Its flagship Mudra Band integrates functional and stylish design with cutting-edge AI to empower consumers, while its enterprise solutions provide businesses with the tools to deliver immersive and interactive experiences. By setting the input standard for the XR market, Wearable Devices is redefining user experiences and driving innovation in one of the fastest-growing tech sectors. Wearable Devices’ ordinary shares and warrants trade on the Nasdaq under the symbols “WLDS” and “WLDSW,” respectively.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. For example, we are using forward-looking statements when we discuss the benefits and advantages of our devices and technology, including the potential of LMMs, the potential to accelerate commercialization and strategic partnerships across the health sector, and entering markets that need real-time physiological insights. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: the trading of our ordinary shares or warrants and the development of a liquid trading market; our ability to successfully market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed on March 20, 2025 and our other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Investor Relations Contact
Michal Efraty
IR@wearabledevices.co.il

The MIL Network –
March 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: Snow Coach to Mt Buller

Source: FairTrading New South Wales

Snow Coach to Mt Buller

Published: Tue 25 Mar 2025

The Mt Buller snow season will end early on Sunday 1 September 2024. No lifts will operate after 5pm Sunday 1 September 2024. The V/Line Snow Coach will continue running one coach in each direction per day until Saturday 7 September to ensure people can vacate the snowfields.

The Melbourne – Mansfield – Mt Buller Snow Coach service will run from Friday 6 June until Sunday 5 October.

V/Line has once again teamed up with multiple partners to provide a seamless Snow Coach service for customers to enjoy the ski season.

The Snow Coach consists of three connecting coach services including:

V/Line Melbourne – Mansfield coach service
Mansfield Mt Buller Bus Lines (MMBL) service Mansfield – Mt Buller Village
Mt Buller ‘Ride Share’ service between Mt Buller Village and the customer’s accommodation

Each coach service is timed to ensure all customers travelling will experience a smooth journey and connection from the city to the slopes.

Due to the popularity of the Snow Coach service, tickets must be reserved for both directions.

Tickets can be purchased:

by calling 1800 800 007 (6am-midnight)
at staffed V/Line stations
at metropolitan premium stations
or at V/Line ticket agents. See where to buy tickets for more information.

If you wish to travel only between Mansfield – Mt Buller please call MMBL directly on (03) 5775 2606 to reserve your seats.

Customers travelling with a mobility aid should contact MMBL 24 hours in advance to arrange travel from Mansfield to Mt Buller Village.

Please refer to the MMBL website to view timetables.

Fares

Please note, customers buying tickets to Mt Buller Village must transfer between the coach drop-off point at Mt Buller Village and the customer’s accommodation using their own alternative transport.

Melbourne to Mt Buller (single and return) including the coach services between Melbourne and Mt Buller (includes gate entry fee).

	Return		Single
	To accommodation	To Mt Buller Village	To accommodation	To Mt Buller Village
Adult	$141.20	$124.00	$88.60	$80.00
Concession	$106.20	$89.00	$69.10	$60.50
Child (4 – 18)	$89.70	$78.50	$55.60	$50.00

Mt Buller to Melbourne fares (single only) including the coach services from Mt Buller to Melbourne (gate fees not required). Tickets should be pre-purchased for this service as there is no V/Line ticket office at Mt Buller.

	From accommodation	From Mt Buller Village
Adult	$66.60	$58.00
Concession	$47.10	$38.50
Child (4 – 18)	$44.10	$38.50

*Gate entry fee – all visitors to Mt Buller are required to pay a gate fee onto the mountain

Luggage

Total luggage limit is 32 kilograms per customer. Luggage is restricted to a maximum of two items per person, with no one item weighing more than 16 kilograms. One set of ski gear (boots, stocks, & skis) is considered as one luggage item. One carry-on item is also permitted.

Website
www.mmbl.com.au/winterservice

More Information

Concession fares are available to Seniors Card holders, pensioners, students, and Victorian Health Care card holders. A valid concession card must be presented upon request.
No further discounts (including voucher or group travel tickets) apply to these fares.
Return travel can be completed anytime until the end of the snow season, Sunday 05 October 2023. As reservations are required on all services, it is recommended that both outbound and return travel are booked at the same time.
Normal refund conditions apply.
Pensioner and Seniors Free Travel Vouchers are not available on the Mansfield – Mt Buller coach. These vouchers can only be redeemed on the journey between Melbourne and Mansfield. Tickets for travel between Mansfield and Mt Buller should be booked in advance by calling MMBL on (03) 5775 2606.
myki cannot be used on the Melbourne – Mansfield and Mansfield – Mt Buller coach services. Only V/Line tickets are available for these services.

About V/Line

Trademarks

MIL OSI News –

March 25, 2025

Category: Trade

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Snow Coach to Mt Buller

Fares

Luggage

More Information

About V/Line

Trademarks

Make in India Powers Defence Growth

Production hit ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, Exports cross ₹21,000 crore

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal joins Global Maritime Leaders at Singapore Maritime Week (SMW)

Meets key Singapore Ministers to strengthen bilateral maritime & trade ties

Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigated 35 cartel cases in last five years

CCI has Signed MoUs with Global Regulators for Competition Law Cooperation