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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Index Numbers of Wholesale Price in India for the Month of January, 2025 (Base Year: 2011-12)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 14 FEB 2025 12:00PM by PIB Delhi

    The annual rate of inflation based on all India Wholesale Price Index (WPI) number is 2.31% (provisional) for the month of January, 2025 (over January, 2024). Positive rate of inflation in January, 2025 is primarily due to increase in prices of manufacture of food products, food articles, other manufacturing, non-food articles and manufacture of textiles etc. The index numbers and inflation rate for the last three months of all commodities and WPI components are given below:

    Index Numbers and Annual Rate of Inflation (Y-o-Y in %)*

    All Commodities/Major Groups

    Weight (%)

    November-24 (F)

    December-24 (P)

    January-25 (P)

    Index

    Inflation

    Index

    Inflation

    Index

    Inflation

    All Commodities

    100.00

    156.4

    2.16

    155.4

    2.37

    154.7

    2.31

    I. Primary Articles

    22.62

    197.9

    5.49

    193.8

    6.02

    189.9

    4.69

    II. Fuel & Power

    13.15

    149.9

    -4.03

    149.9

    -3.79

    150.6

    -2.78

    III. Manufactured Products

    64.23

    143.1

    2.07

    143.0

    2.14

    143.2

    2.51

    Food Index

    24.38

    200.2

    8.86

    195.9

    8.89

    191.4

    7.47

    Note: F: Final, P: Provisional, *Annual rate of WPI inflation calculated over the corresponding month of previous year

     

    2. The month over month change in WPI for the month of January, 2025 stood at (-) 0.45% as compared to December, 2024. The monthly change in WPI for last six-month is summarized below:

     

    Month Over Month (M-o-M in %) change in WPI Index#

    All Commodities/Major Groups

    Weight

    Aug-24

    Sep-24

    Oct-24

    Nov-24

    Dec-24 (P)

    Jan-25 (P)

    All Commodities

    100.00

    -0.58

    0.19

    1.29

    -0.19

    -0.64

    -0.45

    I. Primary Articles

    22.62

    -1.37

    0.21

    2.61

    -1.35

    -2.07

    -2.01

    II. Fuel & Power

    13.15

    0.07

    -0.74

    1.09

    0.74

    0.00

    0.47

    III. Manufactured Products

    64.23

    -0.28

    0.42

    0.70

    0.14

    -0.07

    0.14

    Food Index

    24.38

    -1.23

    1.45

    3.22

    -0.99

    -2.15

    -2.30

    Note: P: Provisional, #Monthly rate of change, based on month over month (M-o-M) WPI calculated over the preceding month

     

    3. Month-over-Month Change in Major Groups of WPI:

    1. Primary Articles (Weight 22.62%): – The index for this major group decreased by 2.01% to 189.9 (provisional) in January, 2025 from 193.8 (provisional) for the month of December, 2024. Price of food articles (-3.62%) decreased in January, 2025 as compared to December, 2024. The Price of crude petroleum & natural gas (6.34%), non-food articles (0.66%) and minerals (0.22%) increased in January, 2025 as compared to December, 2024.
    2. Fuel & Power (Weight 13.15%): – The index for this major group increased by 0.47% to 150.6 (provisional) in January, 2025 from 149.9 (provisional) for the month of December, 2024. Price of mineral oils (0.71%) and electricity (0.20%) increased in January, 2025 as compared to December, 2024. The price of coal has remained same as in the previous month.
    3. Manufactured Products (Weight 64.23%): – The index for this major group increased by 0.14% to 143.2 (Provisional) in January, 2025 from 143.0 (Provisional) for the month of December, 2024. Out of the 22 NIC two-digit groups for manufactured products, 15 groups witnessed an increase in prices, 5 groups witnessed a decrease in prices and 2 groups witnessed no change in prices. Some of the important groups that showed month-over-month increase in prices were other manufacturing; manufacture of food products; machinery & equipment; chemicals & chemical products; pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemical & botanical products etc. Some of the groups that witnessed a decrease in prices were manufacture of basic metals; fabricated metal products, except machinery & equipment; wearing apparel; beverages; and other transport equipment in January, 2025 as compared to December, 2024.

    4. WPI Food Index (Weight 24.38%): The Food Index consisting of ‘food articles’ from primary articles group and ‘food product’ from manufactured products group decreased from 195.9 in December, 2024 to 191.4 in January, 2025. The annual rate of inflation based on WPI Food Index decreased from 8.89% in December, 2024 to 7.47% in January, 2025.

    5. Final Index for the month of November, 2024 (Base Year: 2011-12=100): For the month of November, 2024, the final Wholesale Price Index and inflation rate for ‘All Commodities’ (Base: 2011-12=100) stood at 156.4 and 2.16% respectively. The details of all India Wholesale Price Indices and Rates of Inflation for different commodity groups based on updated figures are at Annex I. The Annual rate of Inflation (Y-o-Y) based on WPI for different commodity groups in the last six months are at Annex II. WPI for different commodity groups in the last six months are at Annex III.

     

    1. Response Rate: The WPI for January, 2025 has been compiled at a weighted response rate of 90.4 per cent, while the final figure for November, 2024 is based on the weighted response rate of 95.5 per cent. The provisional figures of WPI will undergo revision as per the revision policy of WPI. This press release, item indices, and inflation numbers are available at our home page http://eaindustry.nic.in.
    2. Next date of Press Release: WPI for the month of February, 2025 would be released on 17/03/2025.

    Note: DPIIT releases index number of wholesale price in India on monthly basis on 14th of every month (or next working day, if 14th falls on holiday) with a time lag of two weeks of the reference month, and the index number is compiled with data received from institutional sources and selected manufacturing units across the country. This press release contains WPI (Base Year 2011-12=100) for the month of January, 2025 (Provisional), November, 2024 (Final) and other months/years. Provisional figures of WPI are finalised after 10 weeks (from the month of reference), and frozen thereafter.

    Annex-I

    All India Wholesale Price Indices and Rates of Inflation (Base Year: 2011-12=100) for January, 2025

    Commodities/Major Groups/Groups/Sub-Groups/Items

    Weight

    Index

    January-25*

    Month over Month (MoM)

    Cumulative Inflation (YoY)

    Rate of Inflation (YoY)

    Jan-24

    Jan-25*

    Apr-Jan 2023-24

    Apr-Jan 2024-25*

    Jan-24

    Jan-25*

    ALL COMMODITIES

    100.00

    154.7

    -0.40

    -0.45

    -0.92

    2.22

    0.33

    2.31

    I. PRIMARY ARTICLES

    22.62

    189.9

    -0.77

    -2.01

    3.33

    5.81

    4.07

    4.69

    A. Food Articles

    15.26

    199.9

    -1.26

    -3.62

    6.52

    8.27

    6.91

    5.88

    Cereals

    2.82

    212.3

    -0.10

    0.38

    7.03

    8.25

    4.60

    7.33

    Paddy

    1.43

    203.1

    -0.42

    -1.07

    8.96

    9.24

    9.51

    6.22

    Wheat

    1.03

    219.6

    -0.20

    1.76

    4.46

    7.42

    -1.86

    9.75

    Pulses

    0.64

    217.0

    -3.19

    -3.13

    13.69

    13.36

    15.95

    5.08

    Vegetables

    1.87

    223.1

    -8.24

    -22.72

    7.32

    21.40

    19.02

    8.35

    Potato

    0.28

    295.4

    -10.70

    -19.44

    -22.91

    77.02

    -8.18

    74.28

    Onion

    0.16

    316.6

    -30.41

    -23.55

    40.16

    43.48

    23.04

    28.33

    Fruits

    1.60

    196.4

    -1.90

    1.60

    -0.60

    10.30

    0.89

    15.12

    Milk

    4.44

    187.2

    0.33

    0.75

    7.93

    3.36

    5.44

    2.69

    Eggs, Meat & Fish

    2.40

    174.7

    1.81

    0.00

    1.28

    0.63

    -0.76

    3.56

    B. Non-Food Articles

    4.12

    167.4

    0.18

    0.66

    -5.69

    -1.14

    -6.39

    2.95

    Oil Seeds

    1.12

    183.0

    -1.19

    0.11

    -9.99

    -2.37

    -9.18

    -0.05

    C. Minerals

    0.83

    230.1

    2.76

    0.22

    8.14

    5.14

    10.58

    2.86

    D. Crude Petroleum & Natural gas

    2.41

    150.9

    -0.33

    6.34

    -4.78

    -0.65

    0.20

    -0.53

    Crude Petroleum

    1.95

    130.0

    2.10

    8.79

    -11.22

    -1.06

    4.13

    -0.76

    II. FUEL & POWER

    13.15

    150.6

    -0.58

    0.47

    -5.19

    -1.73

    -0.45

    -2.78

    LPG

    0.64

    123.7

    -0.49

    -0.72

    -12.16

    3.23

    0.41

    2.23

    Petrol

    1.60

    150.8

    -0.45

    1.07

    -3.74

    -3.67

    0.26

    -3.64

    HSD

    3.10

    165.6

    -0.12

    0.61

    -11.19

    -3.47

    -5.29

    -3.61

    III. MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS

    64.23

    143.2

    -0.21

    0.14

    -1.81

    1.45

    -1.20

    2.51

    Mf/o Food Products

    9.12

    177.0

    -0.50

    0.17

    -3.46

    6.34

    -1.72

    10.42

    Vegetable & Animal Oils and Fats

    2.64

    186.6

    -0.43

    1.58

    -21.97

    12.77

    -15.59

    33.10

    Mf/o Beverages

    0.91

    134.4

    0.30

    -0.15

    2.11

    1.98

    2.00

    1.51

    Mf/o Tobacco Products

    0.51

    177.4

    0.87

    0.23

    5.04

    1.96

    5.00

    1.84

    Mf/o Textiles

    4.88

    136.9

    0.22

    0.00

    -6.36

    1.14

    -2.26

    2.16

    Mf/o Wearing Apparel

    0.81

    154.1

    -0.66

    -0.19

    1.51

    1.69

    1.21

    2.12

    Mf/o Leather and Related Products

    0.54

    126.3

    -0.48

    0.56

    1.65

    0.61

    1.90

    2.27

    Mf/o Wood and of Products of Wood and Cork

    0.77

    149.3

    0.34

    0.20

    1.95

    2.12

    3.49

    0.81

    Mf/o Paper and Paper Products

    1.11

    139.4

    0.22

    0.36

    -7.95

    -1.32

    -6.47

    0.50

    Mf/o Chemicals and Chemical Products

    6.47

    136.7

    -0.22

    0.22

    -6.07

    -0.58

    -5.51

    0.96

    Mf/o Pharmaceuticals, Medicinal Chemical and Botanical Products

    1.99

    145.0

    -0.21

    0.62

    1.49

    1.04

    0.56

    1.40

    Mf/o Rubber and Plastics Products

    2.30

    129.3

    -0.24

    0.15

    -1.93

    1.16

    -1.09

    1.65

    Mf/o other Non-Metallic Mineral Products

    3.20

    131.8

    -0.74

    0.38

    1.08

    -2.84

    -0.67

    -1.93

    Cement, Lime and Plaster

    1.64

    130.0

    -1.22

    0.39

    0.55

    -5.60

    -1.22

    -5.25

    Mf/o Basic Metals

    9.65

    137.1

    -0.57

    -0.36

    -5.16

    -1.13

    -4.60

    -1.22

    Mild Steel – Semi Finished Steel

    1.27

    116.7

    -0.51

    -0.17

    -5.35

    -2.20

    -6.16

    -0.43

    Mf/o Fabricated Metal Products, Except Machinery and Equipment

    3.15

    135.4

    -0.07

    -0.51

    -0.02

    -2.12

    -0.07

    -1.74

    Note: * = Provisional. Mf/o = Manufacture of

     

    Annex-II

    WPI Inflation (Base Year: 2011-12=100) for last 6 months

    Commodities/Major Groups/Groups/Sub-Groups/Items

    Weight

    WPI based inflation (YoY) figures for last 6 months

    Aug-24

    Sep-24

    Oct-24

    Nov-24

    Dec-24*

    Jan-25*

    ALL COMMODITIES

    100.00

    1.25

    1.91

    2.75

    2.16

    2.37

    2.31

    I. PRIMARY ARTICLES

    22.62

    2.52

    6.48

    8.26

    5.49

    6.02

    4.69

    A. Food Articles

    15.26

    3.06

    11.48

    13.49

    8.48

    8.47

    5.88

    Cereals

    2.82

    8.66

    8.50

    7.80

    7.71

    6.82

    7.33

    Paddy

    1.43

    9.60

    8.77

    7.47

    7.58

    6.93

    6.22

    Wheat

    1.03

    7.38

    7.71

    8.04

    8.20

    7.63

    9.75

    Pulses

    0.64

    18.27

    12.94

    9.27

    5.97

    5.02

    5.08

    Vegetables

    1.87

    -9.95

    48.97

    62.86

    29.34

    28.65

    8.35

    Potato

    0.28

    77.78

    77.29

    79.11

    82.64

    93.20

    74.28

    Onion

    0.16

    67.25

    81.43

    39.25

    1.08

    16.81

    28.33

    Fruits

    1.60

    16.75

    12.17

    13.60

    5.59

    11.16

    15.12

    Milk

    4.44

    3.51

    2.94

    3.00

    2.04

    2.26

    2.69

    Eggs, Meat & Fish

    2.40

    -0.75

    -0.92

    -0.52

    3.16

    5.43

    3.56

    B. Non-Food Articles

    4.12

    -1.84

    -1.46

    -1.34

    -0.61

    2.46

    2.95

    Oil Seeds

    1.12

    -4.90

    -0.49

    1.98

    0.32

    -1.35

    -0.05

    C. Minerals

    0.83

    10.75

    1.04

    4.51

    6.30

    5.47

    2.86

    D. Crude Petroleum & Natural gas

    2.41

    1.77

    -13.04

    -11.80

    -7.74

    -6.77

    -0.53

    Crude Petroleum

    1.95

    -0.98

    -16.78

    -12.49

    -7.20

    -6.86

    -0.76

    II. FUEL & POWER

    13.15

    -0.54

    -3.85

    -4.31

    -4.03

    -3.79

    -2.78

    LPG

    0.64

    14.40

    13.18

    2.57

    1.81

    2.47

    2.23

    Petrol

    1.60

    -4.23

    -7.10

    -7.35

    -6.83

    -5.09

    -3.64

    HSD

    3.10

    -3.03

    -5.33

    -6.23

    -5.68

    -4.30

    -3.61

    III. MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS

    64.23

    1.00

    1.07

    1.78

    2.07

    2.14

    2.51

    Mf/o Food Products

    9.12

    3.54

    6.61

    9.39

    9.57

    9.68

    10.42

    Vegetable & Animal Oils and Fats

    2.64

    2.03

    14.09

    26.03

    28.83

    30.47

    33.10

    Mf/o Beverages

    0.91

    1.98

    2.28

    2.13

    2.28

    1.97

    1.51

    Mf/o Tobacco Products

    0.51

    1.97

    2.13

    1.09

    1.14

    2.49

    1.84

    Mf/o Textiles

    4.88

    1.34

    1.12

    0.89

    1.42

    2.39

    2.16

    Mf/o Wearing Apparel

    0.81

    1.53

    1.99

    1.25

    1.52

    1.65

    2.12

    Mf/o Leather and Related Products

    0.54

    -0.48

    0.89

    1.37

    1.45

    1.21

    2.27

    Mf/o Wood and of Products of Wood and Cork

    0.77

    3.17

    1.43

    1.09

    0.54

    0.95

    0.81

    Mf/o Paper and Paper Products

    1.11

    0.58

    1.01

    0.94

    0.07

    0.36

    0.50

    Mf/o Chemicals and Chemical Products

    6.47

    0.29

    0.15

    -0.22

    0.29

    0.52

    0.96

    Mf/o Pharmaceuticals, Medicinal Chemical and Botanical Products

    1.99

    2.12

    0.98

    0.42

    1.19

    0.56

    1.40

    Mf/o Rubber and Plastics Products

    2.30

    1.57

    0.55

    1.89

    1.42

    1.25

    1.65

    Mf/o other Non-Metallic Mineral Products

    3.20

    -3.85

    -3.26

    -3.83

    -2.38

    -3.03

    -1.93

    Cement, Lime and Plaster

    1.64

    -7.13

    -6.19

    -7.20

    -5.38

    -6.77

    -5.25

    Mf/o Basic Metals

    9.65

    -1.64

    -3.71

    -2.04

    -1.14

    -1.43

    -1.22

    Mild Steel – Semi Finished Steel

    1.27

    -5.22

    -6.24

    -1.67

    -0.68

    -0.76

    -0.43

    Mf/o Fabricated Metal Products, Except Machinery and Equipment

    3.15

    -1.66

    -2.22

    -2.81

    -2.87

    -1.31

    -1.74

    Note: * = Provisional. Mf/o = Manufacture of

     

     

    Annex-III

    Wholesale Price Indices (Base Year: 2011-12=100) for last 6 months

    Commodities/Major Groups/Groups/Sub-Groups/Items

    Weight

    WPI Numbers for last 6 months

    Aug-24

    Sep-24

    Oct-24

    Nov-24

    Dec-24*

    Jan-25*

    ALL COMMODITIES

    100.00

    154.4

    154.7

    156.7

    156.4

    155.4

    154.7

    I. PRIMARY ARTICLES

    22.62

    195.1

    195.5

    200.6

    197.9

    193.8

    189.9

    A. Food Articles

    15.26

    209.0

    210.8

    217.9

    213.7

    207.4

    199.9

    Cereals

    2.82

    204.6

    206.8

    208.6

    211.0

    211.5

    212.3

    Paddy

    1.43

    202.0

    203.4

    204.4

    205.9

    205.3

    203.1

    Wheat

    1.03

    202.2

    205.4

    209.6

    213.8

    215.8

    219.6

    Pulses

    0.64

    233.7

    237.4

    234.5

    230.8

    224.0

    217.0

    Vegetables

    1.87

    303.3

    310.9

    360.9

    334.6

    288.7

    223.1

    Potato

    0.28

    393.6

    376.2

    375.6

    384.1

    366.7

    295.4

    Onion

    0.16

    391.2

    493.3

    478.2

    495.8

    414.1

    316.6

    Fruits

    1.60

    207.7

    209.3

    210.5

    198.4

    193.3

    196.4

    Milk

    4.44

    185.9

    185.3

    185.6

    185.2

    185.8

    187.2

    Eggs, Meat & Fish

    2.40

    173.1

    172.6

    171.0

    173.1

    174.7

    174.7

    B. Non-Food Articles

    4.12

    160.2

    162.2

    161.9

    162.8

    166.3

    167.4

    Oil Seeds

    1.12

    178.6

    184.6

    185.4

    185.6

    182.8

    183.0

    C. Minerals

    0.83

    227.6

    223.2

    229.6

    229.4

    229.6

    230.1

    D. Crude Petroleum & Natural gas

    2.41

    155.0

    146.1

    147.3

    146.7

    141.9

    150.9

    Crude Petroleum

    1.95

    131.6

    123.5

    126.1

    125.0

    119.5

    130.0

    II. FUEL & POWER

    13.15

    148.3

    147.2

    148.8

    149.9

    149.9

    150.6

    LPG

    0.64

    114.4

    116.8

    119.8

    123.6

    124.6

    123.7

    Petrol

    1.60

    153.9

    151.7

    149.9

    148.7

    149.2

    150.8

    HSD

    3.10

    166.7

    165.1

    164.2

    164.4

    164.6

    165.6

    III. MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS

    64.23

    141.3

    141.9

    142.9

    143.1

    143.0

    143.2

    Mf/o Food Products

    9.12

    166.5

    171.0

    175.9

    177.5

    176.7

    177.0

    Vegetable & Animal Oils and Fats

    2.64

    150.5

    162.8

    178.2

    183.2

    183.7

    186.6

    Mf/o Beverages

    0.91

    134.0

    134.3

    134.5

    134.7

    134.6

    134.4

    Mf/o Tobacco Products

    0.51

    176.0

    177.5

    176.0

    177.0

    177.0

    177.4

    Mf/o Textiles

    4.88

    135.9

    135.8

    135.9

    136.1

    136.9

    136.9

    Mf/o Wearing Apparel

    0.81

    152.9

    153.6

    153.9

    153.7

    154.4

    154.1

    Mf/o Leather and Related Products

    0.54

    124.9

    125.0

    125.7

    125.8

    125.6

    126.3

    Mf/o Wood and of Products of Wood and Cork

    0.77

    149.5

    148.6

    148.7

    148.5

    149.0

    149.3

    Mf/o Paper and Paper Products

    1.11

    139.8

    139.8

    139.8

    138.5

    138.9

    139.4

    Mf/o Chemicals and Chemical Products

    6.47

    136.7

    136.5

    136.3

    136.4

    136.4

    136.7

    Mf/o Pharmaceuticals, Medicinal Chemical and Botanical Products

    1.99

    144.8

    144.1

    143.5

    144.1

    144.1

    145.0

    Mf/o Rubber and Plastics Products

    2.30

    129.1

    128.7

    129.6

    128.6

    129.1

    129.3

    Mf/o other Non-Metallic Mineral Products

    3.20

    129.8

    130.6

    130.4

    131.4

    131.3

    131.8

    Cement, Lime and Plaster

    1.64

    127.7

    128.9

    128.8

    130.1

    129.5

    130.0

    Mf/o Basic Metals

    9.65

    138.3

    137.7

    139.3

    138.6

    137.6

    137.1

    Mild Steel – Semi Finished Steel

    1.27

    114.4

    114.1

    118.0

    117.5

    116.9

    116.7

    Mf/o Fabricated Metal Products, Except Machinery and Equipment

    3.15

    136.6

    136.3

    135.0

    135.3

    136.1

    135.4

    Note: * = Provisional. Mf/o = Manufacture of

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2103131) Visitor Counter : 20

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH conducts enforcement operation “Pipepurge” against waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DH conducts enforcement operation “Pipepurge” against waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas (with photos)
    DH conducts enforcement operation “Pipepurge” against waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) conducted an enforcement operation, codenamed “Pipepurge”, in Mong Kok last night (February 13) against illegal waterpipe smoking activities in no smoking areas and a total of three fixed penalty notices (FPNs) were issued.          During the operation, officers from TACO (including plainclothes officers) carried out inspections and enforcement action at one bar in Mong Kok, and issued a total of three FPNs to persons illegally smoking waterpipes. TACO’s investigation is ongoing, and prosecution may also be taken against operators of the bar who are suspected of aiding and abetting smoking offences. TACO will also refer the cases to the Liquor Licensing Board for appropriate follow-up action.           Under the Ordinance, conducting a smoking act in a statutory no smoking area (such as indoor areas of bars or restaurants) is prohibited. Any person doing a smoking act in statutory no smoking areas is liable to a fixed penalty of $1,500. Moreover, where smoking products (including waterpipes) are sold, in bars or otherwise, the restrictions on the promotion and sale of smoking products stipulated in the Ordinance apply. Offenders are liable on a summary conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000. Venue managers of statutory no smoking areas are empowered by the Ordinance to request a smoking offender cease the act; if the offender is not co-operative, the manager may contact the Police for assistance.          In addition, under the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, any person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission by another person of any offence shall be guilty of the same offence.         “The DH will continue to closely monitor and take stringent enforcement action against illegal waterpipe smoking. Last year (2024), TACO conducted 162 operations against illegal waterpipe smoking activities in no smoking areas. A total of 162 FPNs were issued against smoking offenders, while 89 summonses were issued to staff members and operators of the bars/restaurants for other related offences,” the Head of TACO, Dr Fung Ying, said.           Dr Fung reminded the public that a waterpipe is also a smoking product, and its combustion of fuel (e.g. charcoal) releases carbon monoxide. Exposure to a low concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to a range of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, tiredness and nausea; whereas exposure to a high concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to impaired vision, disturbed co-ordination, unconsciousness, brain damage or even death. People should seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they are developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.          Due to deeper inhalation and longer smoking sessions, waterpipe users usually inhale more toxins than they would when smoking cigarettes. A typical one-hour waterpipe smoking session exposes the user to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single conventional cigarette. Moreover, sharing a waterpipe apparatus increases the risk of transmitting infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis.      Dr Fung cautioned against waterpipe smoking and the use of other smoking products. Smokers should quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For more information on the hazards of waterpipe smoking, please visit www.livetobaccofree.hk/pdfs/waterpipe_leaflet_new.pdf.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 14, 2025Issued at HKT 13:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bun Scrambling Competition in Cheung Chau to open for applications on February 17

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Bun Scrambling Competition in Cheung Chau to open for applications on February 17
    Bun Scrambling Competition in Cheung Chau to open for applications on February 17
    *********************************************************************************

         The e-ballot application period for joining the Bun Scrambling Competition, which is the finale of the 2025 Bun Carnival at Cheung Chau, will start next Monday (February 17). Physically fit climbers aged 18 or above who are interested in the competition should submit their applications on or before February 28.      The final selection exercise, to be held on April 13, will consist of two rounds. Twenty-four contestants recording the shortest time in the preliminary round (including no fewer than six female participants) will be eligible to enter the semi-final on the same day to compete for 12 finalist places (including no fewer than three female participants). The 12 finalists will enter the Bun Scrambling Final to be held from 11.30pm on May 5 to 12.45am on May 6. Trophies will be awarded to the champion as well as the first and second runners-up in the men’s division, and to the champion in the women’s division. The contestant who bags the highest number of buns within the time limit will be the prize winner of “Full Pockets of Lucky Buns”.      To acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the winners and enhance the appeal of the event, any male or female athlete who has been the champion for three times in the Bun Scrambling Competition since 2016 will be the “King of Kings” or the “Queen of Queens” of the competition and be awarded a trophy.           Persons interested in participating in the competition should complete SmartPLAY user registration and identity authentication, and submit their electronic ballot applications from February 17 to 28 via the SmartPLAY website (www.smartplay.lcsd.gov.hk/home), the mobile app (My SmartPLAY) or Smart Self-service Stations. User registration at SmartPLAY is free of charge. To register as SmartPLAY users, please refer to the link (www.smartplay.lcsd.gov.hk/website/en/user-registration/how-to-register.html).      The maximum number of entrants for the Bun Scrambling Competition is 200. All places will be allocated by ballot via SmartPLAY. Applicants who live, work or study at Cheung Chau will be accorded priority in the ballot. All selected applicants are required to complete the safety training sessions on bun tower climbing and prevention of falls on April 6 to be eligible for the competition. Details are provided in the prospectus available on the SmartPLAY website, the mobile app (My SmartPLAY) and the 2025 Bun Carnival dedicated website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/bun/index.html).      The 2025 Bun Carnival is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Cheung Chau Bun Festival Committee and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). Besides the Bun Scrambling Competition, the Bun Tower Climbing Team Relay will be held on the morning of April 27. Local tertiary institutions, Government Departments, public utilities and commercial and industrial organisations will be invited to take part in the relay. Members of the public are welcome to watch the game on-site and cheer for the contestants. At the Climbing Carnival to be held in the afternoon on the same day, there will be a bun tower climbing fun day, game stalls, handicrafts making and variety shows. A Wishing Bun Tower will also be set up, and the winning entries of the Student Drawing Competitions will be displayed. Members of the public are welcome to attend the carnival.         For enquiries, please contact the Islands District Leisure Services Office of the LCSD at 2852 3220, or visit the 2025 Bun Carnival dedicated website.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 14, 2025Issued at HKT 12:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India – U.S. Joint Statement during the visit of Prime Minister of India to US

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 14 FEB 2025 9:07AM by PIB Delhi

    The President of the United States of America, The Honorable Donald J. Trump hosted the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi for an Official Working Visit in Washington, DC on February 13, 2025.

    As the leaders of sovereign and vibrant democracies that value freedom, the rule of law, human rights, and pluralism, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the strength of the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, anchored in mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill and robust engagement of their citizens.

    Today, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi launched a new initiative – the “U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century” – to drive transformative change across key pillars of cooperation. Under this initiative, they committed to a results-driven agenda with initial outcomes this year to demonstrate the level of trust for a mutually beneficial partnership.

    Defense

    Highlighting the deepening convergence of U.S.-India strategic interests, the leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to a dynamic defense partnership spanning multiple domains. To advance defense ties further, the leaders announced plans to sign this year a new ten-year Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership in the 21st Century.

    The leaders welcomed the significant integration of U.S.-origin defense items into India’s inventory to date, including C‑130J Super Hercules, C‑17 Globemaster III, P‑8I Poseidon aircraft; CH‑47F Chinooks, MH‑60R Seahawks, and AH‑64E Apaches; Harpoon anti-ship missiles; M777 howitzers; and MQ‑9Bs. The leaders determined that the U.S. would expand defense sales and co-production with India to strengthen interoperability and defense industrial cooperation. They announced plans to pursue this year new procurements and co-production arrangements for “Javelin” Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and “Stryker” Infantry Combat Vehicles in India to rapidly meet India’s defense requirements. They also expect completion of procurement for six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft to enhance India’s maritime surveillance reach in the Indian Ocean Region following agreement on sale terms.

    Recognizing that India is a Major Defense Partner with Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA‑1) authorization and a key Quad partner, the U.S. and India will review their respective arms transfer regulations, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), in order to streamline defense trade, technology exchange and maintenance, spare supplies and in-country repair and overhaul of U.S.-provided defense systems. The leaders also called for opening negotiations this year for a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement to better align their procurement systems and enable the reciprocal supply of defense goods and services. The leaders pledged to accelerate defense technology cooperation across space, air defense, missile, maritime and undersea technologies, with the U.S. announcing a review of its policy on releasing fifth generation fighters and undersea systems to India.

    Building on the U.S.-India Roadmap for Defense Industrial Cooperation and recognizing the rising importance of autonomous systems, the leaders announced a new initiative – the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) – to scale industry partnerships and production in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders welcomed a new partnership between Anduril Industries and Mahindra Group on advanced autonomous technologies to co-develop and co-produce state-of-the-art maritime systems and advanced AI-enabled counter Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) to strengthen regional security, and between L3 Harris and Bharat Electronics for co-development of active towed array systems.

    The leaders also pledged to elevate military cooperation across all domains – air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace – through enhanced training, exercises, and operations, incorporating the latest technologies. The leaders welcomed the forthcoming “Tiger Triumph” tri-service exercise (first inaugurated in 2019) with larger scale and complexity to be hosted in India.

    Finally, the leaders committed to break new ground to support and sustain the overseas deployments of the U.S. and Indian militaries in the Indo-Pacific, including enhanced logistics and intelligence sharing, as well as arrangements to improve force mobility for joint humanitarian and disaster relief operations along with other exchanges and security cooperation engagements.

    Trade and Investment

    The leaders resolved to expand trade and investment to make their citizens more prosperous, nations stronger, economies more innovative and supply chains more resilient. They resolved to deepen the U.S.-India trade relationship to promote growth that ensures fairness, national security and job creation. To this end, the leaders set a bold new goal for bilateral trade – “Mission 500” – aiming to more than double total bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

    Recognizing that this level of ambition would require new, fair-trade terms, the leaders announced plans to negotiate the first tranche of a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall of 2025. The leaders committed to designate senior representatives to advance these negotiations and to ensure that the trade relationship fully reflects the aspirations of the COMPACT. To advance this innovative, wide-ranging BTA, the U.S. and India will take an integrated approach to strengthen and deepen bilateral trade across the goods and services sector, and will work towards increasing market access, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, and deepening supply chain integration.

    The leaders welcomed early steps to demonstrate mutual commitment to address bilateral trade barriers. The United States welcomed India’s recent measures to lower tariffs on U.S. products of interest in the areas of bourbon, motorcycles, ICT products and metals, as well as measures to enhance market access for U.S. agricultural products, like alfalfa hay and duck meat, and medical devices. India also expressed appreciation for U.S. measures taken to enhance exports of Indian mangoes and pomegranates to the United States. Both sides also pledged to collaborate to enhance bilateral trade by increasing U.S. exports of industrial goods to India and Indian exports of labor-intensive manufactured products to the United States. The two sides will also work together to increase trade in agricultural goods.

    Finally, the leaders committed to drive opportunities for U.S. and Indian companies to make greenfield investments in high-value industries in each other’s countries. In this regard, the leaders welcomed ongoing investments by Indian companies worth approximately $7.35 billion, such as those by Hindalco’s Novelis in finished aluminum goods at their state-of-the art facilities in Alabama and Kentucky; JSW in steel manufacturing operations at Texas and Ohio; Epsilon Advanced Materials in the manufacture of critical battery materials in North Carolina; and Jubilant Pharma in the manufacture of injectables in Washington. These investments support over 3,000 high-quality jobs for local families.

    Energy Security

    The leaders agreed that energy security is fundamental to economic growth, social well-being and technical innovation in both countries. They underscored the importance of U.S.-India collaboration to ensure energy affordability, reliability, and availability and stable energy markets. Realizing the consequential role of the U.S. and India, as leading producers and consumers, in driving the global energy landscape, the leaders re-committed to the U.S.-India Energy Security Partnership, including in oil, gas, and civil nuclear energy.

    The leaders underscored the importance of enhancing the production of hydrocarbons to ensure better global energy prices and secure affordable and reliable energy access for their citizens. The leaders also underscored the value of strategic petroleum reserves to preserve economic stability during crises and resolved to work with key partners to expand strategic oil reserve arrangements. In this context, the U.S. side affirmed its firm support for India to join the International Energy Agency as a full member.

    The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increase energy trade, as part of efforts to ensure energy security, and to establish the United States as a leading supplier of crude oil and petroleum products and liquified natural gas to India, in line with the growing needs and priorities of our dynamic economies. They underscored the tremendous scope and opportunity to increase trade in the hydrocarbon sector including natural gas, ethane and petroleum products as part of efforts to ensure supply diversification and energy security. The leaders committed to enhance investments, particularly in oil and gas infrastructure, and facilitate greater cooperation between the energy companies of the two countries.

    The leaders announced their commitment to fully realize the U.S.-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement by moving forward with plans to work together to build U.S.-designed nuclear reactors in India through large scale localization and possible technology transfer. Both sides welcomed the recent Budget announcement by Government of India to take up amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA) for nuclear reactors, and further decided to establish bilateral arrangements in accordance with CLNDA, that would address the issue of civil liability and facilitate the collaboration of Indian and U.S. industry in the production and deployment of nuclear reactors. This path forward will unlock plans to build large U.S.-designed reactors and enable collaboration to develop, deploy and scale up nuclear power generation with advanced small modular reactors.

    Technology and Innovation

    The leaders announced the launch of the U.S.-India TRUST (“Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology”) initiative, which will catalyze government-to-government, academia and private sector collaboration to promote application of critical and emerging technologies in areas like defense, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum, biotechnology, energy and space, while encouraging the use of verified technology vendors and ensuring sensitive technologies are protected.

    As a central pillar of the “TRUST” initiative, the leaders committed to work with U.S. and Indian private industry to put forward a U.S.-India Roadmap on Accelerating AI Infrastructure by the end of the year, identifying constraints to financing, building, powering, and connecting large-scale U.S.-origin AI infrastructure in India with milestones and future actions. The U.S. and India will work together to enable industry partnerships and investments in next generation data centers, cooperation on development and access to compute and processors for AI, for innovations in AI models and building AI applications for solving societal challenges while addressing the protections and controls necessary to protect these technologies and reduce regulatory barriers.

    The leaders announced the launch of INDUS Innovation, a new innovation bridge modeled after the successful INDUS-X platform, that will advance U.S.-India industry and academic partnerships and foster investments in space, energy, and other emerging technologies to maintain U.S. and India leadership in innovation and to meet the needs of the 21st century. The leaders also reinforced their commitment to the INDUS-X initiative, which facilities partnerships between U.S. and Indian defense companies, investors and universities to produce critical capability for our militaries, and welcomed the next summit in 2025.

    The leaders also committed, as part of the TRUST initiative, to build trusted and resilient supply chains, including for semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced materials and pharmaceuticals. As part of this effort, the leaders plan to encourage public and private investments to expand Indian manufacturing capacity, including in the U.S., for active pharmaceutical ingredients for critical medicines. These investments will create good jobs, diversify vital supply chains, and reduce the risk of life-saving drug shortages in both the United States and India.

    Recognizing the strategic importance of critical minerals for emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing, India and the United States will accelerate collaboration in research and development and promote investment across the entire critical mineral value chain, as well as through the Mineral Security Partnership, of which both the United States and India are members. Both countries have committed to intensifying efforts to deepen cooperation in the exploration, beneficiation, and processing as well as recycling technologies of critical minerals. To this end, the leaders announced the launch of the Strategic Mineral Recovery initiative, a new U.S.-India program to recover and process critical minerals (including lithium, cobalt, and rare earths) from heavy industries like aluminum, coal mining and oil and gas.

    The leaders hailed 2025 as a pioneering year for U.S.-India civil space cooperation, with plans for a NASA-ISRO effort through AXIOM to bring the first Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS), and early launch of the joint “NISAR” mission, the first of its kind to systematically map changes to the Earth’s surface using dual radars. The leaders called for more collaboration in space exploration, including on long duration human spaceflight missions, spaceflight safety and sharing of expertise and professional exchanges in emerging areas, including planetary protection. The leaders committed to further commercial space collaboration through industry engagements in conventional and emerging areas, such as connectivity, advanced spaceflight, satellite and space launch systems, space sustainability, space tourism and advanced space manufacturing.

    The leaders underscored the value of deepening ties between the U.S. and Indian scientific research communities, announcing a new partnership between the U.S. National Science Foundation and the Indian Anusandhan National Research Foundation in researching critical and emerging technologies. This partnership builds on ongoing collaboration between the U.S. National Science Foundation and several Indian science agencies to enable joint research in the areas of semiconductors, connected vehicles, machine learning, next-generation telecommunications, intelligent transportation systems, and future biomanufacturing.

    The leaders determined that their governments redouble efforts to address export controls, enhance high technology commerce, and reduce barriers to technology transfer between our two countries, while addressing technology security. The leaders also resolved to work together to counter the common challenge of unfair practices in export controls by third parties seeking to exploit overconcentration of critical supply chains.

    Multilateral Cooperation

    The leaders reaffirmed that a close partnership between the U.S. and India is central to a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. As Quad partners, the leaders reiterated that this partnership is underpinned by the recognition of ASEAN centrality; adherence to international law and good governance; support for safety and freedom of navigation, overflight and other lawful uses of the seas; and unimpeded lawful commerce; and advocacy for peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with international law.

    Prime Minister Modi looks forward to hosting President Trump in New Delhi for the Quad leaders’ Summit, ahead of which the leaders will activate new Quad initiatives on shared airlift capacity to support civilian response to natural disasters and maritime patrols to improve interoperability.

    The leaders resolved to increase cooperation, enhance diplomatic consultations, and increase tangible collaboration with partners in the Middle East. They highlighted the importance of investing in critical infrastructure and economic corridors to advancing peace and security in the region. The leaders plan to convene partners from the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor and the I2U2 Group within the next six months in order to announce new initiatives in 2025.

    The US appreciates India’s role as a developmental, humanitarian assistance and net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. In this context, the leaders committed to deepen bilateral dialogue and cooperation across the vast Indian Ocean region and launched the Indian Ocean Strategic Venture, a new bilateral, whole-of-government forum to advance coordinated investments in economic connectivity and commerce. Supporting greater Indian Ocean connectivity, the leaders also welcomed Meta’s announcement of a multi-billion, multi-year investment in an undersea cable project that will begin work this year and ultimately stretch over 50,000 km to connect five continents and strengthen global digital highways in the Indian Ocean region and beyond. India intends to invest in maintenance, repair and financing of undersea cables in the Indian Ocean, using trusted vendors.

    The leaders recognized the need to build new plurilateral anchor partnerships in the Western Indian Ocean, Middle East, and Indo-Pacific to grow relationships, commerce and cooperation across defense, technology, energy and critical minerals. The leaders expect to announce new partnership initiatives across these sub-regions by fall of 2025.

    The leaders also resolved to advance military cooperation in multinational settings to advance global peace and security. The leaders applauded India’s decision to take on a future leadership role in the Combined Maritime Forces naval task force to help secure sea lanes in the Arabian Sea.

    The leaders reaffirmed that the global scourge of terrorism must be fought and terrorist safe havens eliminated from every corner of the world. They committed to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups, including Al-Qa’ida, ISIS, Jaish-e Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba in order to prevent heinous acts like the attacks in Mumbai on 26/11 and the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021. Recognizing a shared desire to bring to justice those who would harm our citizens, the U.S. announced that the extradition to India of Tahawwur Rana has been approved. The leaders further called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, and Pathankot attacks and ensure that its territory is not used to carry out cross-border terrorist attacks. The leaders also pledged to work together to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems and to deny access to such weapons by terrorists and non-state actors.

    People to People Cooperation

    President Trump and Prime Minister Modi noted the importance of advancing the people-to-people ties between the two countries. In this context, they noted that the more than 300,000 strong Indian student community contributes over $8 billion annually to the U.S. economy and helped create a number of direct and indirect jobs. They recognized that the talent flow and movement of students, researchers and employees, has mutually benefitted both countries. Recognizing the importance of international academic collaborations in fostering innovation, improving learning outcomes and development of a future-ready workforce, both leaders resolved to strengthen collaborations between the higher education institutions through efforts such as joint/dual degree and twinning programs, establishing joint Centers of Excellence, and setting up of offshore campuses of premier educational institutions of the U.S. in India.

    Both leaders emphasized that the evolution of the world into a global workplace calls for putting in place innovative, mutually advantageous and secure mobility frameworks. In this regard, the leaders committed to streamlining avenues for legal mobility of students and professionals, and facilitating short-term tourist and business travel, while also aggressively addressing illegal immigration and human trafficking by taking strong action against bad actors, criminal facilitators, and illegal immigration networks to promote mutual security for both countries.

    The leaders also committed to strengthen law enforcement cooperation to take decisive action against illegal immigration networks, organized crime syndicates, including narco-terrorists human and arms traffickers, as well as other elements who threaten public and diplomatic safety and security, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations.

    President Trump and Prime Minister Modi pledged to sustain high-level engagement between our governments, industries, and academic institutions and realize their ambitious vision for an enduring India-U.S. partnership that advances the aspirations of our people for a bright and prosperous future, serves the global good, and contributes to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2103037) Visitor Counter : 120

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English translation of Press Statement by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the India – USA Joint Press Conference

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 14 FEB 2025 8:48AM by PIB Delhi

    Your Excellency President Trump,
    Delegates from both countries,
    Friends from the media,

    Hello!

    First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my dear friend, President Trump, for the gracious welcome and hospitality. Through his leadership, President Trump has cherished and revitalized the India-US relationship.

    The enthusiasm with which we worked together in his first term; I felt the same enthusiasm, the same energy and the same commitment today.

    Today’s discussions were a bridge of satisfaction with our achievements during his first term and deep mutual trust. At the same time, there was also a resolve to achieve new goals. We believe that the collaboration and cooperation between India and America can shape a better world.

    Friends,

    Americans are familiar with President Trump’s motto, Make America Great Again, or “MAGA.” The people of India are also moving towards development at a fast pace with the determination of “Viksit Bharat 2047” on the track of heritage and development.

    If I say in the language of America, developed India means Make India Great Again, i.e. “MIGA”. When the United States and India work together, i.e. “MAGA” plus “MIGA”, the “MEGA” Partnership for prosperity is formed. And this mega spirit gives new scale and scope to our goals.

    Friends,

    Today, we have set a target of more than doubling bilateral trade to 500 billion dollars by 2030. Our teams will work on an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement.

    We will strengthen the oil and gas trade to ensure India’s energy security. Investment in energy infrastructure will also increase.

    In the nuclear energy sector, we also talked about increasing cooperation in the direction of Small Modular Reactors.

    Friends,

    America has an important role in India’s defense preparedness. As strategic and trusted partners, we are actively moving in the direction of joint development, joint production and transfer of technology.

    In the coming time, new technology and equipment will increase our capability. We have decided to launch the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance.

    The Defence Cooperation Framework will be created for the next decade. Defence inter-operability, logistics, repair and maintenance will also be its main parts.

    Friends,

    The twenty-first century is a technology-driven century. Close cooperation in the technology sector between countries that believe in democratic values can give new direction, strength and opportunities to the entire humanity.

    India and the United States will work together in Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, Quantum, Biotechnology, and other technologies.

    Today we have agreed on TRUST, i.e. Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology. Under this, emphasis will be laid on creating strong supply chains of critical minerals, advanced materials and pharmaceuticals. It has also been decided to launch a recovery and processing initiative for strategic minerals like lithium and rare earth.

    We have had close cooperation with the US in the field of space. The “NISAR” satellite, built in collaboration with “ISRO” and “NASA”, will soon fly into space on the Indian launch vehicle.

    Friends,

    The partnership between India and the United States underpins democracy and democratic values and systems. We will work together to enhance peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad will have a special role to play in this.

    In the Quad Summit to be held in India this year, we will increase cooperation with partner countries in new areas. Under the “IMEC” and “I2U2” initiative, we will work together on economic corridors and connectivity infrastructure.

    India and the United States have stood firmly together in the fight against terrorism. We agree that concerted action is necessary to eradicate cross-border terrorism.

    I am thankful to the President that he has decided to hand over the culprit who committed the killings in India in 2008, to India now. Indian courts will now take appropriate action.

    Friends,

    The Indian community in America is an important link in our relationship. To deepen our people-to-people ties, we will soon open new Indian consulates in Los Angeles and Boston.

    We have invited American universities and educational institutions to open off-shore campuses in India.

    President Trump,

    I thank you for your friendship and steadfast commitment to India. The people of India still remember your visit of 2020, and hope that President Trump will come to them once again.

    On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I invite you to come to India.

    Thank you very much.

    DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE meets Sam Hou-fai

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee today met Macao Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai at Government House and discussed ways of strengthening Hong Kong’s co-operation with Macau, as well as the Greater Bay Area’s high-quality development.

    Highlighting that as the country’s special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau enjoy distinctive advantages under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, Mr Lee said the two cities enjoy frequent people-to-people and cultural exchanges, as well as solid economic and trade relations.

    He stressed that alongside Macau Hong Kong will continue to firmly uphold the principle of “one country” and leverage the benefits of “two systems”.

    He also outlined that as both are core cities in the bay area, Hong Kong and Macau can leverage their complementarity to promote bay area development together, thereby allowing the people of both places to benefit from the fruits of economic development.

    Separately, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government has long been dedicated to supporting cross-boundary transportation arrangements in relation to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in order to maximise its economic and transport benefits. Launched last July, the “Mutual Use of QR Code between Hong Kong SAR & Macao SAR Clearance Service” provides a convenient immigration experience, he added.

    In terms of tourism, Mr Lee said Hong Kong and Macau will work together to expand the twin-destination tourism market, and collaborate with other bay area cities to establish a regional and international tourism brand.

    Mr Lee added that he looks forward to working with Mr Sam in enhancing exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Macau in various aspects.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Reclamation works at Tseung Kwan O Area 137 and off Area 132 proposed

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Reclamation works at Tseung Kwan O Area 137 and off Area 132 proposed
    Reclamation works at Tseung Kwan O Area 137 and off Area 132 proposed
    *********************************************************************

         The Government proposes to carry out reclamation works within an area of about 46 hectares of foreshore and seabed to the southwest of Tseung Kwan O Area 137 (TKO 137) and within an area of about 55 hectares of foreshore and seabed to the southeast off Tseung Kwan O Area 132 (TKO 132). The extent of the area of foreshore and seabed affected is described in a notice gazetted today (February 14).     The proposed works at TKO 137 include construction of about 1.7 kilometres of seawall, filling of the seabed to form about 20 hectares of land for housing and community facility development, and reprovisioning of temporary facilities. The proposed works off TKO 132 include construction of about 1.3km of seawall, and filling of the seabed to form about 20 hectares of land for accommodating public facilities. The proposed works are tentatively scheduled to commence by the end of 2025.           The notice and its related plan are posted near the site. The plan is also available for inspection at:* Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department (6/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong) (where copies can be purchased on order);* Sai Kung Home Affairs Enquiry Centre of the Sai Kung District Office (G/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex, 38 Pui Shing Road, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories); and* Lands Department’s website (www.landsd.gov.hk) under Government Notices.     Enquiries regarding the proposed works can be addressed to the East Development Office, Civil Engineering and Development Department as stated in the notice.     Any person who considers that he or she has an interest, right or easement in or over the foreshore and seabed involved may submit a written objection to the Director of Lands, 20/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, within two months from the gazette date, i.e. on or before April 14. The objector shall describe in the notice of objection his or her interest, right or easement, and the manner in which he or she will be allegedly affected.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 14, 2025Issued at HKT 11:05

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong Bill gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹To facilitate the preparation for the operation of The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK), the Government published The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong Bill in the Gazette today (February 14) to make technical amendments to multiple existing legal provisions, such that those applicable to public hospitals or private healthcare facilities (PHFs) will also apply to CMHHK under the same circumstances, thereby ensuring the smooth commencement of services of CMHHK.

         CMHHK, developed by the Government and currently under construction, is directly under the Health Bureau. CMHHK is neither a public hospital managed by the Hospital Authority under the Hospital Authority Ordinance (Cap. 113) nor a PHF specified under the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 633). References to “hospitals” in some of the existing legal provisions only include public hospitals or PHFs, and therefore are not applicable to CMHHK. In this connection, the Government will introduce the Bill into the Legislative Council to make technical amendments to 17 existing legal provisions relating to the operation of CMHHK, so that the provisions will also apply to CMHHK to meet its operational needs.

         The Bill will also specify and offer protection for the Chinese title 香港中醫醫院 and the English title “The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong” of CMHHK located at 1 Pak Shing Kok Road, Tseung Kwan O in the New Territories, with the names intended for exclusive use by CMHHK. Anyone involved in the unauthorised use of or unauthorised association with those names will be liable to a fine at level 3 ($10,000) upon conviction. 

         The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first reading on February 19.

         CMHHK is scheduled to commence services in phases starting from the end of this year, signifying an important milestone in the development of Chinese medicine (CM) in Hong Kong. As a flagship CM institution in Hong Kong, CMHHK will undertake five key missions of development, including provision of government-subsidised and market-oriented healthcare services, training and education, research, collaboration and creation of health values. CMHHK will also serve as a change-driver in close collaboration with the CM industry and stakeholders to drive the overall development of CM in Hong Kong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the international community.

         With its construction funded by the Government, CMHHK will adopt a public-private partnership model for its operation. In 2021, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) was selected through tendering procedures as the Contractor. The Contractor subsequently incorporated the HKBU Chinese Medicine Hospital Company Limited in accordance with the service deed to manage, operate and maintain CMHHK as the Operator. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB and One World Media strengthen partnership championing women-led solutions

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • EIB supports Women’s Solutions Reporting award
    • Celebrating stories of girls and women tackling global challenges
    • Winner to be announced in June 2025

    One World Media (OWM) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are proud to continue their partnership for the fifth consecutive year, through the Women’s Solutions Reporting Award. This award is one of 13 that recognise outstanding media coverage from and about the global south. The OWM Awards celebrate journalism and filmmaking that challenge stereotypes, reshape narratives, and deepen understanding.

    The Women’s Solutions Reporting Award highlights the transformative role of women in addressing global challenges, from advancing financial inclusion and climate action to improving healthcare and education. By amplifying these initiatives, the award aims to inspire action and highlight how women are shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.

    One World Media’s Director Vivienne Francis said: “At a time when the rights and freedoms of women and girls around the world continue to be at risk, the One World Media Awards are proud to support storytelling that ensures these issues get the attention they deserve. These stories serve as a reminder of the power of journalism to transform lives and ignite social change.”

    Margaret Carroll, acting Head of the EIB Social Policy Unit, who will be one of the judges of the Women’s Solutions Reporting Award, said: “We are thrilled to support this important award once again with OWM. It reflects our deep commitment to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. Each year, this award brings to light compelling stories of innovation and resilience that drive meaningful change—stories that are especially needed in today’s world.”

    With the 2025 One World Media Awards winners set to be announced in June, we look forward to celebrating the impactful stories of the many women making a difference and inspiring future generations of female leaders.

    The 13 OWM Award categories are as follows:

    • Current Affairs Award
    • Environmental Reporting
    • Feature Documentary Award
    • Innovative Storytelling Award
    • Journalist of the Year Award
    • News Award
    • Podcast & Radio Award
    • Print Award
    • Refugee Reporting Award
    • Short Documentary Award
    • Student Award
    • Press Freedom Award
    • Women’s Solutions Reporting Award

    About One World Media

    One World Media is a non-profit organisation in the United Kingdom that supports journalists and filmmakers covering stories about the global south. For more than three decades, the organisation has worked with partners in the United Kingdom and around the world to strengthen international journalism and promote media coverage of global issues. The One World Media Awards will look for entries that show relevance, originality and creativity, substance and accuracy, impact and reach, diversity and quality.

    About the European Investment Bank

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute towards EU policy goals. EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality.

    To enhance the positive impact of its activities on gender equality and empower women and girls, the EIB Group adopted a Strategy on Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment and a Gender Action Plan, with the aim of embedding gender equality and in particular women’s economic empowerment in the EIB’s business model. It covers its lending, blending and advisory work within and outside the European Union. The EIB Group is also committed to driving gender equality in the workplace.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Just Transition Fund – P-000662/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000662/2025
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    Marcin Sypniewski (ESN)

    In light of the start of work on the MFF for the next programming period, I would like to inquire about the fate of the Just Transition Fund. Decarbonisation affects many regions in Europe, including Poland, and especially Silesia.

    In this connection:

    • 1.At the current stage of work, is the continued existence of the Just Transition Fund in the new MFF being questioned, and will it retain its current character, i.e. as a separate fund under cohesion policy?
    • 2.At the current stage of work, is the Fund intended as a measure exclusively for regions with a coal-based economy, or is an expansion of its scope envisaged?
    • 3.Please present the current assumptions for the Fund and a timetable for further work.

    Submitted: 12.2.2025

    Last updated: 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: From innovation hub to electric highways

    Source: European Investment Bank

    For Serbians to use more electric cars, new rules and regulations need to be adopted. To help, the government is halting the import of used vehicles that do not meet specific standards, and it is introducing incentives for new car purchases. Currently, about 2.8 million vehicles in Serbia are an average of 18 years old.

    Serbia is adopting new regulations to help expand its charging network. At the end of 2024, the country adopted the Law on Energy, which for the first time addresses electric vehicle charging. The new law defines energy policies to ensure that there is a reliable energy supply, and it helps regulate the energy market. The law also covers the integration of electric vehicles into the electricity network.

    “Now, it is important to define specific regulations in line with the EU standards to tackle technical and legal conditions, software, data structure and classification, rights and obligations of providers and users,” Zjačić says.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: TC Energy reports solid fourth quarter 2024 operating and financial results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Southeast Gateway pipeline project achieves mechanical completion
    Increases common share dividend for the twenty-fifth consecutive year

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TC Energy Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) (TC Energy or the Company) released its fourth quarter results today. François Poirier, TC Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “Our strategic priorities that emphasize safety, operational excellence and project execution continue to deliver solid growth, low risk and repeatable performance. For the full year 2024, comparable EBITDA1 from continuing operations increased approximately six per cent, and segmented earnings from continuing operations increased approximately 56 per cent compared to 2023.” Poirier continued, “Reaching mechanical completion 13 per cent under budget on the Southeast Gateway pipeline project is a monumental milestone for the company and for Mexico, and a testament to our unwavering focus on project execution. We remain aligned with the CFE on achieving a May 1, 2025 in-service date, which will mark a material inflection point for TC Energy; providing Southeast Mexico with access to safe, reliable and affordable energy. Driven by our consistently strong performance, TC Energy’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend increase of 3.3 per cent for the quarter ending March 31, 2025, equivalent to $3.40 per common share on an annualized basis. The increase in quarterly dividend is based on TC Energy’s proportionate allocation of the dividend post-spin, and represents our twenty-fifth consecutive year of dividend growth.”

    Financial Highlights
    (All financial figures are unaudited and in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted)

    • Following the spinoff of our Liquids Pipelines business into South Bow on October 1, 2024, Liquids Pipelines results are reported as a discontinued operation
    • Fourth quarter 2024 financial results from continuing operations:
      • Comparable earnings1 of $1.1 billion or $1.05 per common share1 compared to $1.2 billion or $1.15 per common share in fourth quarter 2023
      • Net income attributable to common shares of $1.1 billion or $1.03 per common share compared to net income attributable to common shares of $1.2 billion or net income per common share of $1.20 in fourth quarter 2023
      • Comparable EBITDA of $2.6 billion compared to $2.7 billion in fourth quarter 2023
      • Segmented earnings of $1.9 billion compared to $2.0 billion in fourth quarter 2023
    • Year ended December 31, 2024 financial results from continuing operations:
      • Comparable EBITDA of $10.0 billion compared to $9.5 billion in 2023
      • Segmented earnings of $8.0 billion compared to $5.1 billion in 2023
    • Year ended December 31, 2024 financial results including a nine-month contribution from the Liquids Pipelines business:
      • 2024 comparable earnings of $4.4 billion or $4.27 per common share compared to $4.7 billion or $4.52 per common share in 2023
      • Net income attributable to common shares of $4.6 billion or $4.43 per common share compared to $2.8 billion or $2.75 per common share in 2023
      • Comparable EBITDA of $11.2 billion compared to $11.0 billion in 2023
      • Segmented earnings of $8.7 billion compared to $6.1 billion in 2023
    • TC Energy’s Board of Directors approved a 3.3 per cent increase in the quarterly common share dividend to $0.85 per common share for the quarter ending March 31, 2025, equivalent to $3.40 per common share on an annualized basis. The increase in quarterly dividend is based on TC Energy’s proportionate allocation of the dividend post-spin
    • 2025 outlook for continuing operations:
      • Comparable EBITDA outlook for 2025 continuing operations is expected to be $10.7 to $10.9 billion, driven by new projects anticipated to be placed in service in 2025, including the Southeast Gateway pipeline, along with the full year contribution from projects placed in service in 2024, higher contributions from the NGTL System resulting from the five-year negotiated revenue requirement settlement, partially offset by reduced generation from Bruce Power due to the commencement of the Unit 4 Major Component Replacement (MCR)
      • Comparable earnings per common share (EPS) for 2025 for continuing operations is expected to be lower than 2024 comparable EPS from continuing operations due to the net impact of an increase in comparable EBITDA, lower AFUDC related to the Southeast Gateway pipeline expected to be placed in service on May 1, 2025, lower interest income as a result of lower cash balances and lower interest rates, increased depreciation rates on the NGTL System related to the five-year negotiated revenue requirement settlement, higher effective tax rates and reduced capitalized interest due to the Coastal GasLink pipeline commercial in-service
      • Capital expenditures are expected to be $6.1 to $6.6 billion, on a gross basis, or $5.5 to $6.0 billion of net capital expenditures2 after considering capital expenditures attributable to non-controlling interests of entities we control.

    Operational Highlights

    • Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines deliveries averaged 25.6 Bcf/d, up seven per cent compared to fourth quarter 2023
      • Total NGTL System deliveries set a new record of 17.7 Bcf on February 9, 2025
      • Canadian Mainline fourth quarter deliveries averaged 6.3 Bcf/d, up 11 per cent compared to fourth quarter 2023
    • U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines daily average flows were 27.0 Bcf/d
      • U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines set a new all-time record of 37.9 Bcf on January 20, 2025
      • ANR set a new all-time record of 10.0 Bcf on January 20, 2025
    • Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines flows averaged 2.7 Bcf/d
      • Sur de Texas pipeline set a single-day flow record above 1.7 Bcf/d on November 20, 2024 highlighting its importance as a key import route for U.S. natural gas production into Mexico
    • Bruce Power achieved 99 per cent availability in fourth quarter 2024
    • Cogeneration power plant fleet achieved 98 per cent availability in fourth quarter 2024, attributed to fewer forced outages and successful completion of planned outages.

    Project Highlights

    • Completed the successful spinoff of the Liquids Pipelines business (the Spinoff Transaction) on October 1, 2024
    • Achieved mechanical completion of the Southeast Gateway pipeline project on January 20, 2025. We continue to be aligned with the CFE on finalizing the remaining project completion activities for achieving a May 1, 2025 in-service date
    • Declared commercial in-service of the Coastal GasLink pipeline in November 2024, allowing for the collection of tolls from customers retroactive to October 1, 2024
    • Approved the Pulaski and Maysville projects on our Columbia Gulf System. These mainline extension projects off Columbia Gulf will facilitate full coal-to-gas conversion at two existing power plants and are each expected to provide 0.2 Bcf/d of capacity for incremental gas-fired generation. The projects have anticipated in-service dates in 2029 and total estimated costs of US$0.7 billion
    • Approved the US$0.3 billion Southeast Virginia Energy Storage Project. This is an LNG peaking facility in southeast Virginia that will serve an existing LDC’s growing winter peak day load and mitigate its peak day pricing exposure, as well as increase operational flexibility on the Columbia Gas system. The project has an anticipated in-service date of 2030
    • Placed the US$0.1 billion GTN XPress project into service in December 2024
    • Bruce Power announced Stage 3a of Project 2030 which will provide incremental capacity of approximately 90 MW at the site. TC Energy’s share of the capital required is approximately $175 million. Bruce Power will not be requesting an incremental capital call for this stage. By optimizing its existing Units through this program, when complete, Project 2030 is expected to increase the Bruce Power site peak output to 7,000 MW. All of this output will be sold under Bruce Power’s long-term contract with the IESO
    • Removed Bruce Power’s Unit 4 from service on January 31, 2025 to commence its MCR program. The Unit 5 MCR final cost and schedule estimate was submitted to the IESO on January 31, 2025
    • TC Energy and prospective partners Saugeen Ojibway Nation will advance pre-development work on the Ontario Pumped Storage Project following the Ontario Government’s recent announcement on January 24, 2025 to invest up to $285 million to complete a detailed cost estimate and environmental assessments to determine the feasibility of the project.
      three months ended
    December 31    		   year ended
    December 31
    (millions of $, except per share amounts) 2024     20231   2024   20231
                   
    Net income (loss) attributable to common shares 971     1,463   4,594   2,829
    from continuing operations 1,069     1,249   4,199   2,217
    from discontinued operations2 (98 )   214   395   612
                   
    Net income (loss) per common share – basic $0.94     $1.41   $4.43   $2.75
    from continuing operations $1.03     $1.20   $4.05   $2.15
    from discontinued operations2 ($0.09 )   $0.21   $0.38   $0.60
                   
    Comparable EBITDA3 2,619     3,107   11,194   10,988
    from continuing operations 2,619     2,715   10,049   9,472
    from discontinued operations2 —     392   1,145   1,516
                   
    Comparable earnings3 1,094     1,403   4,430   4,652
    from continuing operations 1,094     1,192   3,865   3,896
    from discontinued operations2 —     211   565   756
                   
    Comparable earnings per common share3 $1.05     $1.35   $4.27   $4.52
    from continuing operations $1.05     $1.15   $3.73   $3.78
    from discontinued operations2 —     $0.20   $0.54   $0.74
    1. Prior year results have been recast to reflect the split between continuing and discontinued operations.
    2. Represents nine months of Liquids Pipelines earnings in 2024 compared to a full year of Liquids Pipelines earnings in 2023. Refer to the Discontinued operations section of this news release for additional information.
    3. For additional information on the most directly comparable GAAP measure, refer to the Non-GAAP measures section of this news release.
      three months ended
    December 31    		   year ended
    December 31
    (millions of $, except per share amounts) 2024   2023     2024   2023  
                   
    Cash flows1              
    Net cash provided by operations2 2,084   1,860     7,696   7,268  
    Comparable funds generated from operations2,3 1,665   2,405     7,890   7,980  
    Capital spending4 2,307   2,985     7,904   12,298  
    Acquisitions, net of cash acquired —   (5 )   —   (307 )
    Proceeds from sales of assets, net of transaction costs —   33     791   33  
    Disposition of equity interest, net of transaction costs5 —   5,328     419   5,328  
                   
    Dividends declared              
    per common share6 $0.8225   $0.93     $3.7025   $3.72  
                   
    Basic common shares outstanding (millions)              
    – weighted average for the period 1,038   1,037     1,038   1,030  
    – issued and outstanding at end of period 1,039   1,037     1,039   1,037  
    1. Includes continuing and discontinued operations.
    2. Represents nine months of Liquids Pipelines earnings in 2024 compared to a full year of Liquids Pipelines earnings in 2023. Refer to the Discontinued operations section of this news release for additional information.   
    3. Comparable funds generated from operations is a non-GAAP measure used throughout this news release. This measure does not have any standardized meaning under GAAP and therefore is unlikely to be comparable in similar measures presented by other companies. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is Net cash provided by operations. For more information on non-GAAP measures, refer to the Non-GAAP measures section of this news release.
    4. Capital spending reflects cash flows associated with our Capital expenditures, Capital projects in development and Contributions to equity investments net of Other distributions from equity investments of $3.1 billion in 2024 in the Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines segment. Refer to Note 7, Coastal GasLink in the Consolidated financial statements of our 2024 Annual Report and the Segmented information of our Condensed consolidated financial statements of this news release for additional information.
    5. Included in the Financing activities section of the Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
    6. Dividends declared in fourth quarter 2024 reflect TC Energy’s proportionate allocation following the Spinoff Transaction. Refer to the Discontinued operations section of this news release for additional information.
      three months ended
    December 31    		   year ended
    December 31
    (millions of $, except per share amounts) 2024     20231     2024     20231  
                   
    Segmented earnings (losses) from continuing operations              
    Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines 506     692     2,016     (90 )
    U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines 918     955     4,053     3,531  
    Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines 214     150     929     796  
    Power and Energy Solutions 276     263     1,102     1,004  
    Corporate (16 )   (34 )   (136 )   (144 )
    Segmented earnings (losses) from continuing operations 1,898     2,026     7,964     5,097  
                   
    Comparable EBITDA from continuing operations              
    Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines 851     1,034     3,388     3,335  
    U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines 1,200     1,225     4,511     4,385  
    Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines 234     208     999     805  
    Power and Energy Solutions 341     266     1,214     1,020  
    Corporate (7 )   (18 )   (63 )   (73 )
    Comparable EBITDA from continuing operations 2,619     2,715     10,049     9,472  
                   
    Depreciation and amortization (639 )   (632 )   (2,535 )   (2,446 )
    Interest expense included in comparable earnings (836 )   (777 )   (3,176 )   (2,966 )
    Allowance for funds used during construction 233     132     784     575  
    Foreign exchange gains (losses), net included in comparable earnings (44 )   40     (85 )   118  
    Interest income and other 120     119     324     272  
    Income tax (expense) recovery included in comparable earnings (168 )   (253 )   (772 )   (890 )
    Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests included in comparable earnings (163 )   (128 )   (620 )   (146 )
    Preferred share dividends (28 )   (24 )   (104 )   (93 )
    Comparable earnings from continuing operations 1,094     1,192     3,865     3,896  
    Comparable earnings per common share from continuing operations $1.05     $1.15     $3.73     $3.78  
    1. Prior year results have been recast to reflect continuing operations only.
      three months ended
    December 31    		   year ended
    December 31
    (millions of $, except per share amounts) 2024     2023¹   20242     2023¹  
                   
    Segmented earnings (losses) from discontinued operations (109 )   301     716     1,039  
    Comparable EBITDA from discontinued operations —     392     1,145     1,516  
    Depreciation and amortization —     (85 )   (253 )   (332 )
    Interest expense included in comparable earnings3 —     (63 )   (176 )   (287 )
    Interest income and other included in comparable earnings4 —     2     3     6  
    Income tax (expense) recovery included in comparable earnings5 —     (35 )   (154 )   (147 )
    Comparable earnings from discontinued operations —     211     565     756  
    Comparable earnings per common share from discontinued operations —     $0.20     $0.54     $0.74  
    1. Prior year results have been recast to reflect the Liquids Pipelines business as a discontinued operation as a result of the Spinoff Transaction.
    2. Represents nine months of Liquids Pipelines earnings in 2024 compared to a full year of Liquids Pipelines earnings in 2023. Refer to the Discontinued operations section in our 2024 Annual Report for additional information.
    3. Excludes pre-tax carrying charges of $5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 as a result of a charge related to the FERC Administrative Law Judge decision on Keystone in respect of a tolling-related complaint pertaining to amounts recognized in prior periods.
    4. Excludes pre-tax Liquids Pipelines business separation costs of $10 million related to insurance provisions for the three months ended December 31, 2024.
    5. Excludes the impact of income taxes related to the specified items mentioned above as well as a $14 million U.S. minimum tax recovery in fourth quarter 2023 on the Keystone XL asset impairment charge and other related to the termination of the Keystone XL pipeline project.

    CEO Message
    2024 has been a transformational year for TC Energy. Through maintaining focus on a clear set of strategic priorities, we have delivered on our commitments and solidified our position as an industry leading natural gas and power company. With the successful spinoff of our Liquids Pipelines business, significant progress towards our debt-to-EBITDA3 leverage targets, and achieving mechanical completion on Southeast Gateway, we are well positioned to capitalize on the unprecedented demand we are seeing in natural gas and power and energy solutions across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Building on our solid foundation, our strong operational and financial results in 2024 are a direct reflection of our best safety performance in five years that has driven the highest level of asset availability and reliability across our portfolio.

    Our priorities for 2025 are clear. We will continue to maximize the value of our assets through safety and operational excellence, execute our selective portfolio of growth projects and ensure financial strength and agility. We believe that our renewed focus on natural gas and power, and our portfolio of highly contracted assets gives us a strategic competitive advantage in the industry, enabling us to continue achieving solid growth, low risk and repeatable performance.

    TC Energy’s focus on project execution continues to deliver results. The Southeast Gateway pipeline project reached mechanical completion on January 20, 2025 with the final golden welds at Coatzacoalcos and Paraíso. The estimated final cost for the project is approximately US$3.9 billion, which is at the low end of our prior guidance of US$3.9 to US$4.1 billion and 13 per cent below our original cost estimate. We continue to be aligned with the CFE on finalizing the remaining project completion activities for achieving a May 1, 2025 in-service date. The Southeast Gateway project highlights the success of the CFE’s first public-private partnership with TC Energy. Bruce Power Unit 4 was removed from service on January 31, 2025 to commence its MCR program, with a return to service expected in 2028, and the Unit 3 MCR program continues to advance on plan for both cost and schedule. The Unit 5 MCR final cost and schedule estimate was submitted to the IESO on January 31, 2025. In 2024, approximately $7 billion of projects have been placed in service, including natural gas pipeline capacity projects along our extensive North American asset footprint, our share of equity contributions related to the Coastal GasLink pipeline, as well as progressing the Bruce Power life extension program. We continue to expect approximately $8.5 billion of projects to be placed in service in 2025, including the Southeast Gateway pipeline project.

    In November 2024, Coastal GasLink LP executed a commercial agreement with LNG Canada (LNGC) and LNGC Participants that declared commercial in-service for the pipeline, allowing for the collection of tolls from customers retroactive to October 1, 2024. In March 2022, we announced the signing of option agreements to sell up to a 10 per cent equity interest in Coastal GasLink LP to Indigenous communities across the project corridor, from our current 35 per cent equity ownership. The equity option is exercisable after commercial in-service of the Coastal GasLink pipeline, subject to customary regulatory approvals and consents, including the consent of LNGC. As a result of the commercial agreement with LNGC and LNGC Participants, which has allowed for an earlier commercial in-service than the LNGC plant, we are actively collaborating with the Indigenous communities to establish a mutually agreeable timeframe in which the option can be exercised.

    We continue to assess ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S., Canada and Mexico and potential impacts of proposed tariffs to our business and our customers. On February 3, 2025, a 30-day pause on potential tariffs was implemented which we believe will support increased engagement with North America’s leaders in order to reach an agreement that will benefit consumers across the continent. There is significant energy flow between the U.S., Canada and Mexico, including oil, gas, electricity, and uranium, making our energy markets highly interdependent. Our assets support this cross-border flow of natural gas to critical markets in the U.S. Northeast, Midwest and Pacific Northwest and we remain committed to providing competitive and reliable service to our customers on both sides of the border.

    Given 97 per cent of our comparable EBITDA is underpinned by regulated cost-of-service frameworks or take-or-pay negotiated contracts, we bear minimal commodity price or volumetric risk. As such, we do not anticipate any significant impact to our financial performance.

    The cost-of-service framework of our regulated Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines business, which transports natural gas to be exported to the U.S. by our shippers, provides TC Energy with protection in the event of higher cost and/or loss of volumes. Our Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines business primarily receives southern U.S. natural gas supply, transported for our customers for delivery into key demand markets in Mexico. We do not transport any natural gas from Mexico into the U.S. Our contracts in Mexico are U.S. dollar-denominated and based on long-term, take-or-pay agreements. In our Power and Energy Solutions business, our most significant contributor is Bruce Power, where more than 90 per cent of capital and resource costs are spent in Canada.

    We recognize prolonged tariffs could impact capital allocation decisions and we will allocate capital to the markets where the demand for energy continues to grow. We have the benefit of a diverse portfolio across three jurisdictions, along with opportunities in natural gas, nuclear and other power and energy solutions that provides flexibility in our capital allocation.

    Reinforced by the strength of our base business and the confidence in our future outlook, TC Energy’s Board of Directors approved a 3.3 per cent increase in the quarterly common share dividend to $0.85 per common share for the quarter ending March 31, 2025, equivalent to $3.40 per common share on an annualized basis. This is the twenty-fifth consecutive year the Board has raised the dividend.

    Teleconference and Webcast
    We will hold a teleconference and webcast on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 6:30 a.m. (MST) / 8:30 a.m. (EST) to discuss our fourth quarter 2024 financial results and Company developments. Presenters will include François Poirier, President and Chief Executive Officer; Sean O’Donnell, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer; and other members of the executive leadership team.

    Members of the investment community and other interested parties are invited to participate by calling 1-844-763-8274 (Canada/U.S.) or 1-647-484-8814 (International). No passcode is required. Please dial in 15 minutes prior to the start of the call. Alternatively, participants may pre-register for the call here. Upon registering, you will receive a calendar booking by email with dial in details and a unique PIN. This process will bypass the operator and avoid the queue. Registration will remain open until the end of the conference call.

    A live webcast of the teleconference will be available on TC Energy’s website at TC Energy — Events and presentations or via the following URL: https://www.gowebcasting.com/13928. The webcast will be available for replay following the meeting.

    A replay of the teleconference will be available two hours after the conclusion of the call until midnight EST on February 21, 2025. Please call 1-855-669-9658 (Canada/U.S.) or 1-412-317-0088 (International) and enter passcode 6438166.

    The audited annual consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) are available on our website at www.TCEnergy.com and will be filed today under TC Energy’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

    About TC Energy
    We’re a team of 6,500+ energy problem solvers connecting the world to the energy it needs. Our extensive network of natural gas infrastructure assets is one-of-a-kind. We seamlessly move, generate and store energy and deliver it to where it is needed most, to homes and businesses in North America and across the globe through LNG exports. Our natural gas assets are complemented by our strategic ownership and low-risk investments in power generation.

    TC Energy’s common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. To learn more, visit us at www.TCEnergy.com.

    Forward-Looking Information
    This release contains certain information that is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties and is based on certain key assumptions. Forward-looking statements are usually accompanied by words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “estimate” or other similar words. Forward-looking statements in this document may include, but are not limited to, statements related to Coastal GasLink and Southeast Gateway, including mechanical completion and expected in-service dates and related expected capital expenditures, expected comparable EBITDA and comparable earnings in total and per common share and the sources thereof, and targeted debt-to-EBITDA leverage metrics for 2025, expectations with respect to Indigenous investment, expectations with respect to Bruce Power, including Project 2030, expectations with respect to the approximate value of projects to be placed in-service in 2025, expectations with respect to our strategic priorities, including the expected impacts of the five-year negotiated revenue requirement settlement for the NGTL System, and the execution thereof, our sustainability commitments, expectations with respect to our ability to maximize the value of our assets through safety and operational excellence, expected cost and schedules for planned projects, including projects under construction and in development and the associated capital expenditures, expectations about our ability to execute our identified portfolio of growth projects and ensure financial strength and agility, our ability to deliver solid growth, low risk and repeatable performance, our expected net capital expenditures, including timing, and expected industry, market and economic conditions, and ongoing trade negotiations, including their expected impact on our business, customers and suppliers. Our forward-looking information is subject to important risks and uncertainties and is based on certain key assumptions. Forward-looking statements and future-oriented financial information in this document are intended to provide TC Energy security holders and potential investors with information regarding TC Energy and its subsidiaries, including management’s assessment of TC Energy’s and its subsidiaries’ future plans and financial outlook. All forward-looking statements reflect TC Energy’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made and as such are not guarantees of future performance. As actual results could vary significantly from the forward-looking information, you should not put undue reliance on forward-looking information and should not use future-oriented information or financial outlooks for anything other than their intended purpose. We do not update our forward-looking information due to new information or future events, unless we are required to by law. For additional information on the assumptions made, and the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to the most recent Quarterly Report to Shareholders and the 2024 Annual Report filed under TC Energy’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and the “Forward-looking information” section of our Report on Sustainability and our GHG Emissions Reduction Plan which are available on our website at www.TCEnergy.com.

    Non-GAAP and Supplementary Financial Measures
    This release contains references to the following non-GAAP measures: comparable EBITDA, comparable earnings, comparable earnings per common share and comparable funds generated from operations. It also contains references to debt-to-EBITDA, a non-GAAP ratio, which is calculated using adjusted debt and adjusted comparable EBITDA, each of which are non-GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. These non-GAAP measures are calculated by adjusting certain GAAP measures for specific items we believe are significant but not reflective of our underlying operations in the period. These comparable measures are calculated on a consistent basis from period to period and are adjusted for specific items in each period, as applicable except as otherwise described in the Condensed consolidated financial statements and MD&A. Refer to: (i) each business segment and the discontinued operations section for a reconciliation of comparable EBITDA to segmented earnings (losses); (ii) Consolidated results section and the discontinued operations section for reconciliations of comparable earnings and comparable earnings per common share to Net income attributable to common shares and Net income per common share, respectively; and (iii) Financial condition section for a reconciliation of comparable funds generated from operations to Net cash provided by operations. Refer to the Non-GAAP Measures section of the MD&A in our most recent quarterly report for more information about the non-GAAP measures we use. The MD&A is included with, and forms part of, this release. The MD&A can be found on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under TC Energy’s profile.

    With respect to non-GAAP measures used in the calculation of debt-to-EBITDA, adjusted debt is defined as the sum of Reported total debt, including Notes payable, Long-term debt, Current portion of long-term debt and Junior subordinated notes, as reported on our Consolidated balance sheet as well as Operating lease liabilities recognized on our Consolidated balance sheet and 50 per cent of Preferred shares as reported on our Consolidated balance sheet due to the debt-like nature of their contractual and financial obligations, less Cash and cash equivalents as reported on our Consolidated balance sheet and 50 per cent of Junior subordinated notes as reported on our Consolidated balance sheet due to the equity-like nature of their contractual and financial obligations. Adjusted comparable EBITDA is calculated as the sum of comparable EBITDA from continuing operations and comparable EBITDA from discontinued operations excluding Operating lease costs recorded in Plant operating costs and other in our Consolidated statement of income and adjusted for Distributions received in excess of (income) loss from equity investments as reported in our Consolidated statement of cash flows which we believe is more reflective of the cash flows available to TC Energy to service our debt and other long-term commitments. We believe that debt-to-EBITDA provides investors with useful information as it reflects our ability to service our debt and other long-term commitments. See the Reconciliation section for reconciliations of adjusted debt and adjusted comparable EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

    This release contains references to net capital expenditures, which is a supplementary financial measure. Net capital expenditures represent capital costs incurred for growth projects, maintenance capital expenditures, contributions to equity investments and projects under development, adjusted for the portion attributed to non-controlling interests in the entities we control. Net capital expenditures reflect capital costs incurred during the period, excluding the impact of timing of cash payments. We use net capital expenditures as a key measure in evaluating our performance in managing our capital spending activities in comparison to our capital plan.

    Reconciliation
    The following is a reconciliation of adjusted debt and adjusted comparable EBITDAi.

      year ended December 31
    (millions of Canadian $) 2024     2023     2022  
               
    Reported total debt 59,366     63,201     58,300  
    Management adjustments:          
    Debt treatment of preferred sharesii 1,250     1,250     1,250  
    Equity treatment of junior subordinated notesiii (5,524 )   (5,144 )   (5,248 )
    Cash and cash equivalents (801 )   (3,678 )   (620 )
    Operating lease liabilities 511     457     430  
    Adjusted debt 54,802     56,086     54,112  
               
    Comparable EBITDA from continuing  operationsiv 10,049     9,472     8,483  
    Comparable EBITDA from discontinued operationsiv 1,145     1,516     1,418  
    Operating lease cost 117     105     95  
    Distributions received in excess of (income) loss from equity investments 67     (123 )   (29 )
    Adjusted Comparable EBITDA 11,378     10,970     9,967  
               
    Adjusted Debt/Adjusted Comparable EBITDAi 4.8     5.1     5.4  
    1. Adjusted debt and adjusted comparable EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. The calculations are based on management methodology. Individual rating agency calculations will differ.
    2. 50 per cent debt treatment on $2.5 billion of preferred shares as of December 31, 2024.
    3. 50 per cent equity treatment on $11.0 billion of junior subordinated notes as of December 31, 2024. U.S. dollar-denominated notes translated at December 31, 2024, USD/CAD foreign exchange rate of 1.44.
    4. Comparable EBITDA from continuing operations and Comparable EBITDA from discontinued operations are non-GAAP financial measures. See the Forward-looking information and Non-GAAP measures sections in our 2024 Annual Report for more information. Comparable EBITDA from discontinued operations represents nine months of Liquids Pipelines earnings in 2024 compared to a full year of Liquids Pipelines earnings in 2023. Refer to the Discontinued operations section in our 2024 Annual Report for additional information.

    Media Inquiries:
    Media Relations
    media@tcenergy.com
    403.920.7859 or 800.608.7859

    Investor & Analyst Inquiries:        
    Gavin Wylie / Hunter Mau
    investor_relations@tcenergy.com
    403.920.7911 or 800.361.6522

    Download full report here: https://www.tcenergy.com/siteassets/pdfs/investors/reports-and-filings/annual-and-quarterly-reports/2024/tce-2024-q4-quarterly-report.pdf

    ________________________
    1 Comparable EBITDA, comparable earnings and comparable earnings per common share are non-GAAP measures used throughout this news release and are applicable to each of our continuing operations and discontinued operations. These measures do not have any standardized meaning under GAAP and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The most directly comparable GAAP measures are Segmented earnings, Net income attributable to common shares and Net income per common share, respectively. We do not forecast Segmented earnings. For more information on non-GAAP measures, refer to the Non-GAAP measures section of this news release.
    2 Net capital expenditures are adjusted for the portion attributed to non-controlling interests and is a supplementary financial measure used throughout this news release. For more information on non-GAAP measures and the supplementary financial measure, refer to the Non-GAAP and Supplementary financial measures sections of this news release.
    3 Debt-to-EBITDA is a non-GAAP ratio. Adjusted debt and adjusted comparable EBITDA are non-GAAP measures used to calculate debt-to-EBITDA. For more information on non-GAAP measures, refer to the non-GAAP measures of this news release. These measures do not have any standardized meaning under GAAP and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Gaza: Ceasefire Offers Relief, but Urgent Aid is Vital- Press Conference | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Press conference by United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva, on his current visit to the Middle East.

    “The ceasefire has offered a much-needed respite, but there is simply no time to lose,” said Jorge Moreira, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), as he briefed reporters on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

    Speaking to the reporters at UN headquarters in New York via video call, Moreira underscored the urgency of maintaining access for aid delivery and called for a permanent ceasefire and “the release of all hostages without delay.”

    Moreira highlighted the organization’s efforts to support Gaza’s recovery, describing the scale-up of fuel delivery as a critical achievement. “Before the ceasefire, we were providing, on average, 100,000 liters per day of fuel. Now, we are providing and distributing 1.3 million liters per day,” he said. “This confirms, as we always said: once the political and security conditions would allow, we would be able to scale up and speed up delivery.”

    UNOPS, which manages the UN 2720 mechanism to facilitate aid delivery, has expedited the transport of nearly 78,000 metric tons of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. “Most importantly, 70 percent of all approvals, all consignments, have been processed in less than 24 hours,” Moreira said.

    He also expressed concern about the complex and hazardous conditions on the ground, noting the presence of unexploded ordnance amidst massive amounts of debris. “In partnership with UN Mine Action, we mitigate the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance. As you imagine, this is particularly important in Gaza,” he said.
    The conflict has left behind an estimated 40 to 50 million tons of rubble, a significant portion of which may contain human remains and dangerous explosives. “We are not just dealing with rubble; we are dealing with obviously a very complex situation,” Moreira said.

    Reflecting on his visit to Gaza, he described the experience as overwhelming, “Today, in my visit, I was astonished, very impressed, with the scale of devastation. And I’ve seen the footage, we have seen the footage, but there is nothing like seeing that directly.”

    Moreira reiterated the organization’s readiness to continue its work in the region. “6,000 personnel, and we stand ready to support the implementation of the ceasefire deal and to scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief,” he said.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6fa73-I9Vk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Apprenticeship reforms set to turbocharge economic growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New research shows apprenticeships contribute £25bn to England’s economy, with reforms announced during National Apprenticeship Week set to boost growth.

    Apprentices in England will drive £25bn of economic growth over their lifetime, new figures have revealed. 

    This is almost double the £14bn contribution found the last time this was assessed in 2018, demonstrating apprentices’ importance to the government’s mission to grow the economy under the Plan for Change. 

    These figures are for apprentices who were participating in an apprenticeship at levels 2 to 5 in the 2021-22 academic year, representing the immense value of apprentices to economic growth.  

    The research comes as the government reaffirms its commitment to apprenticeships as the golden thread through all six missions under the Plan for Change, and follows recently published data revealing apprenticeship starts rose by 1.3% and achievements rose by 1.1% in the first quarter following last year’s general election. 

    New apprenticeships announced today include wind turbine technician and heat network maintenance technician, which are key sectors that will support the government’s clean energy mission. The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson will today be visiting Hinkley Point C and Bridgwater and Taunton College in Somerset to meet apprentices working on this critically important piece of national clean energy infrastructure. 

    Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:  

    We need to take skills seriously as a country again, and the measures we’ve taken this week to slash red tape and boost the number of apprentices, show how we will deliver on this and break down the barriers to opportunity for our young people. 

    Apprenticeships are key to delivering our number one mission of growth and on the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, as evidenced today by their increasing value to the economy which will continue to rise thanks to our reforms. 

    As National Apprenticeship Week draws to a close, it’s vital therefore that schools, colleges and businesses continue to champion apprenticeships, and this government will back them all the way.

    These conclude a series of sweeping reforms announced during National Apprenticeship Week, after the Education Secretary revealed a boost in flexibility for employers around English and Maths requirements that will lead to an extra 10,000 apprentices qualified each year in key sectors including construction, healthcare and clean energy.  

    A cut in the minimum duration of apprenticeships from 12 to eight months will help get boots on the ground quicker if workers have prior experience, while simpler End Point Assessments and a reformed payment system will free up time for providers and employers to focus on apprentices’ career and skills development. 

    The visit comes after the Prime Minister recently announced reforms to planning rules which will clear a path for new nuclear power stations, creating thousands of new highly skilled jobs while delivering clean, secure and more affordable energy for working people. 

    HMRC have also promoted tips to help apprentices ensure they are getting paid fairly, and government Ministers including the Chancellor Rachel Reeves have been visiting employers throughout National Apprenticeship Week to understand better how apprenticeships can deliver the Plan for Change.  

    Minister for Industry Sarah Jones said: 

    The shift to home-grown, clean energy is creating thousands of apprentices with world-class experience.  

    Hinkley Point C alone has provided 1,500 new apprenticeships – helping to make the UK a clean energy superpower, give us energy security and protect billpayers.

    New and updated apprenticeships for police constables, teaching assistants, healthcare support workers, dental hygienists and civil engineers will further support the government’s Plan for Change. A total of 660 occupations are now available. 

    Today, the government also launches a new “one stop shop” app that is set to revolutionise how apprentices access training and support. 

    The Your Apprenticeship app, designed by the DfE with extensive input from apprentices, provides easier access to essential tools, resources, and support to help apprentices to thrive in their qualification. 

    They will be able to track their apprenticeship through the app, ensuring they have learnt all the necessary knowledge and skills and they need to progress into skilled work and help drive Britain’s economic growth.  

    The Your Apprenticeship app is available to be downloaded from Google Play and the Apple app store now. 

    Anyone considering an apprenticeship is encouraged to go to www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk to discover what apprenticeships are available in their local area. 

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: “Prioritize National Resistance Movement (NRM) Message Of Wealth Creation,” President Museveni Urges Kigezi Leaders

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

    KAMPALA, Uganda, February 14, 2025/APO Group/ —

    “My main message to all of you is prioritizing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) message on wealth creation. Uganda has so many development needs; it is alright to talk about them, but prioritizing is crucial. Like the Bible tells us: seek me first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you,” he said.

    The President, who is on a performance assessment tour on wealth creation and the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Kigezi, made the remarks yesterday while meeting leaders in the subregion at Rukungiri Stadium, Rukungiri municipality.

    The PDM is a government initiative aimed at transforming Uganda’s economy by extending financial assistance directly to the people outside the money economy, at the parish level to help lift households out of poverty. Each parish SACCO receives Shs. 100 million in a financial year to develop and implement viable income-generating enterprises.

    “Leadership is like medical work; just as doctors diagnose patients and prescribe the correct medicine, political leaders must identify societal needs first and address them. This is what the NRM has been telling you since the 1960s,”the President said, adding that it is not only about tarmac roads, electricity, and other infrastructure that will chase poverty out of Uganda but prioritizing initiatives such as the PDM to ensure all households engage in income generating activities such as commercial agriculture.

    “That road from Kampala to Mbarara up to Kabale was tarmacked in 1963 after independence and we have been repairing it like three times but even if you go there now, you find the tarmac road with poor people by the roadside. For 60 years they have had a tarmac road, but they are poor. Therefore, you the leaders, let us agree on this,” H.E. Museveni noted.

    He further informed the leaders that areas like Nyabusozi, which listened to his message, did not have tarmac roads but realized that the dairy sector could get them out of poverty and have since become prosperous.

    “Cows don’t mind about tarmac roads or electricity. They only need grass and water. After that experiment from Nyabusozi, I went and briefed the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), and in 1996 we included in the NRM manifesto that commercial agriculture is the only solution to getting people out of poverty,” the President said, adding that because Ugandans had land but did not know what to do, the NRM encouraged them to do intensive agriculture by using their small portions of land to focus on products with high returns under the four acre model.

    In the Manifesto, they recommended seven activities, which include one acre for coffee, another acre for fruits (mangoes, oranges, and pineapples), another one for food crops for the family (cassava, bananas, Irish potatoes, or millet), and the last one for pasture for dairy cattle (about 8 of them). On top of this, one can add on poultry for eggs in the backyard, piggery and fish farming.

    “Those who listened to our message have gotten out of poverty. That is what has brought me here. As leaders, leaving our people to languish in poverty yet solutions are there, is a very big mistake,” the President stated while giving an example of the several farmers he has visited countrywide with glowing testimonies of how their life has changed as a result of the PDM funds.

    President Museveni further warned about reports of extortion and corruption in the PDM program, promising to reign in and arrest all perpetrators.

    “I have heard that there are thieves in PDM. All those who stole money from the poor should return it. I’m on the ground and I’m going to arrest them all. I also stopped all the bank charges. The beneficiary must receive their full Shs. 1 million,” President Museveni warned.

    He also reiterated that he had already informed the cabinet of the need to establish a processing factory for the ever-increasing volumes of eggs yet with limited market.

    “You have heard that they have a lot of eggs in Kabale and the market of Uganda is not enough. I told the ministers that instead of selling them (eggs) raw or eating them in Rolex chapatis, we need to see that we process those eggs into baby foods. We shall sell both in Uganda and the whole world,” the President highlighted.

    “We saw the same thing in the dairy sector after the cattle corridor started producing a lot of milk and the Ugandan market was insufficient. I brought rich people to produce powdered milk which we sell in North Africa and the Middle East,” the President said.

    He also promised to return to the subregion for a special meeting focusing on tea growing.

    In the same meeting, President Museveni was informed about the silent growing habit of divisions based on religion in Kigezi.

    “This must stop immediately. Those creating divisions are greedy enemies of Uganda. Maama Janet and I have bananas in Ntungamo but we sell them to all irrespective of religion. When I was studying at Mbarara High School, the people who bought our cows for me to study were from Kampala and some were Muslims. So, those promoting sectarianism are enemies,” the President stated.

    Regarding the issue of environmental protection, the President appealed to the people of Kigezi to use the wetlands correctly because of their crucial role in providing water for agricultural production and home use.

    The status of PDM in Kigezi sub-region:

    Earlier, the National Coordinator of PDM, Hon. Dennis Galabuzi Ssozi provided a detailed account of the model performance in the Kigezi sub-region.

    He informed the meeting that a total of Shs. 88.8 billion has been distributed among 428 PDM SACCOs in the nine local governments of the Kigezi sub region comprising six districts and three municipalities.

    The highest beneficiary according to size is Kanungu district with Shs. 20.2 billion and the lowest being Kisoro municipality with Shs. 1.5 billion.

    Hon. Gabaluzi, however, noted that whereas the region has been capitalized with shs.88.8 billion, the cumulative disbursement rate to date is Shs. 87.5 billion with the highest disbursement rate being by Rukungiri municipality at a rate of 100.6%.

    “This 100.6% means that point six is even interest that has accumulated on the account. So, it is a good disbursement rate,” Hon. Galabuzi said, noting that Rubanda lags in disbursement of PDM funds at 95%.

    “So, the total disbursement percentage in the sub-region is at 98.5% which is a good disbursement percentage, but we still desire it to be 100%,” he added, further mentioning that a total of 88,000 households have benefited, the highest number being in Kanungu, at 19,000 households and the smallest being Kisoro. About 38% of the beneficiaries are in crop agriculture and 20% in livestock mainly piggery.

    He added that the funds have been distributed well according to the allocated quarters which include; 30% for the youth, 30% for women, 10% for the elders, 10% to persons with disabilities, and 20% for any other member of the community that does not fall in those special interest groups.

    “This sample analysis shows that 58% of the beneficiaries are female. This shows that when it comes to livelihoods and trying to improve the livelihoods in your home states, women are more vigilant than men by these figures,” Hon. Gababuzi stated

    Although adults between 35 and 59 years are the most beneficiaries, Hon. Galabuzi said the PDM secretariat is impressed by the figures of the elderly above 60 years who have actively participated in the PDM up to 13% which is way beyond their quarter.

    “So, we are within the ranges and the targets of what we had set in the beginning, and the intentions and objectives of the PDM are being realized within the statistics. These figures will help us know exactly how to plan, along the value chain, down the value chain, and how to get these products to the market,” he said.

    About extortion, bank charges, and other small charges from agents, Hon. Galabuzi clarified that in line with the directive by the President, the PDM secretariat has budgeted for all the charges to ensure beneficiaries get full Shs. 1 million and also ensure that the number of agents are increased to at least per Parish.

    “So, we don’t expect any further charges on that money. The beneficiary is supposed to get 1 million shillings without any charge. So, anything less than that is criminality. And the President has given the Secretariat and other security agencies a directive that we shall be arresting anyone who tries to put charges on this money because it’s criminal,” he stated.

    Residents share views on PDM performance:

    Mr. Mbabazi Pieri, who is a councilor of Hamurwa sub-county and deputy speaker of the Rubanda district, decried the imbalance in PDM distribution within the district, which has led to poor performance. Rubanda district has 17 administrative units, 470 villages, and 69 parishes.

    “Hamurwa sub-county has five parishes with 67 villages. Originally it was six parishes. They removed one parish and made it Hamurwa Town Council with 8 villages. Now Hamurwa remains with 65 villages and a town council of 8 villages, two of which form a parish. You find a parish of those two villages, getting Shs. 100 million yet I have a parish in Hamurwa with 16 villages,” Mbabazi said.

    Ms. Kembabazi Loy, a female youth Councilor in Kanungu district, called for transparency in selecting beneficiaries, adding that due to corruption, the names of certain beneficiaries are deleted from the list.

    Mr. Turyabagyenyi Immy, a councilor representing people with disabilities (PWDs) in the Rukungiri district, thanked the government for considering them (PWDs) in the program but expressed dismay over the exclusion of some of their people, such as the deaf.

    “Send us sign language interpreters so that category of people also benefits from the PDM,” Turyabagenyi said.

    Mr. Akampurira Gideon from Rukiga district said the exclusion of local government leaders as beneficiaries of the PDM program is affecting its effective implementation.

    “We also need to access this money so that we monitor a program that we fully understand,” he said.

    Mr. Karuru Godfrey, who hails from Nyanamo Town Council in Bukimbiri County, Kisoro district, said the program intended for poor people has ended up in the hands of the already well-off.

    Status of Emyooga in the subregion:

    The Minister of State for Microfinance, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune made a presentation on the status of the Emyooga program.

    According to Hon. Kasolo, the Emyooga program aims at inculcating a saving culture among the beneficiaries in their Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) who earn daily.

    The 18 categories per constituency include, among others, Boodaboda riders, taxi operators, market vendors, shoemakers, performing artists, journalists, carpenters, welders, and the fishing communities. Another category of youth leaders and people with disabilities who cannot access loans from commercial banks and local elected leaders from LC 1 to LC 5 have also been included.

    He said the Kabale district with 52 SACCOs received Shs. 2.2 billion, Rubanda with 32 SACCOs (Shs. 1.64 billion), Kisoro with 17 SACCOs (Shs. 3.46 billion), Kanungu with 36 SACCOs (Shs. 1.84 billion), Rukiga with 18 SACCOs (Shs. 740 million), and Rukungiri with 54 SACCOs (Shs. 2.5 billion). All these have been prepared to receive additional seed capital of Shs. 20 million that is sent every financial year.

    Although the Minister decried defaulters in the program, SACCOs are progressing well in their saving culture to the tune of Shs. 2.52 billion realized as savings. They include Kabale (Shs. 206 million), Rubanda (Shs. 421 million), Kisoro (Shs. 1.1 billion), Kanungu (Shs. 337 million), Rukiga (47 million), and Rukungiri (Shs. 360 million).

    “I’m happy to report that the Emyooga program in the Kigezi sub region has been a success, and beneficiaries have utilized their funds well in lending and showcasing impressive products and services,” Minister Kasolo noted, adding that his ministry has carried out capacity building in areas of mindset change, basic records management, cooperative governance, loan management, enterprise selection, planning and management of finances, and also resource mobilization through savings to ensure proper management of the program countrywide.

    Some of the best-performing SACCOs in the Kigezi sub region include: Bufumbira North elected local leaders Emyooga SACCO, Kabale Municipality Women Entrepreneurs’ SACCO, Bufumbira East women entrepreneurs SACCO, Kisoro municipality restaurant owners SACCO, Kabale municipality tailoring Emyooga SACCO, Bukimbiri youth leaders SACCOs, Ndorwa East wilders SACCO, Ndorwa East women entrepreneurs SACCO, Kabale municipality local leaders SACCO, and Kinkizi East women entrepreneurs SACCO.

    To ensure transparency and recovery of funds from borrowers, Hon. Kasolo informed the meeting that they have partnered with local radio stations that are equipped with lists of beneficiaries and defaulters to remind Ugandans of their obligation to pay back.

    In other reports, the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, presented the status of the road infrastructure in the Kigezi sub region, highlighting the national roads connecting the region under his ministry and the district roads managed by the district’s local governments with funding from the central government.

    He assured the leaders that all the road projects previously under the defunct Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) will continue, such as the road from Kabale connecting to Lake Bunyonyi and Kisoro-Mgahinga Road, whose construction is expected to kick off at the end of this month.

    The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, and the Permanent Secretary, MAAIF, Major General David Kasura Kyomukama, also presented a paper on the government policy on agriculture.

    The Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (Industry), who is also Ndorwa County West MP David Bahati, presented a report on the status of the health sector in the Kigezi sub region on behalf of Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng.

    The meeting was attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, NRM leaders, local government leaders, among others.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Lord Mayor Designate announced

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Councillor Kathy Watkin, Lord Mayor Designate and Councillor Tina Tuohy, Plymouth’s current Lord Mayor

    The Lord Mayor Selection Committee has recommended the new Lord Mayor Designate for 2025/2026 as Councillor Kathy Watkin.

    The recommendation will be put forward at the next Full Council meeting on 17 March before it is fully agreed.

    Cllr Watkin trained and worked as a speech and language therapist before training as a solicitor. Kathy visited Plymouth as a young child when her parents lived in Cornwall and on subsequent family holidays. She was delighted when she was able to pursue her legal career with two well-known solicitors’ firms in Plymouth and for a number of years prior to retirement set up and ran her own solicitors’ practice.

    Cllr Watkin has served on various committees including Licencing, Corporate Parenting, Budget Scrutiny, and the Mount Edgcumbe Joint Committee.

    Kathy was the vice chair for the Planning Committee in 2022 to 2023, and is the vice-chair for the Health and Wellbeing Board, and the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel this year.

    In 2023 Kathy was elected as Deputy Lord Mayor.

    She says “It is a huge honour to be selected as Lord Mayor Designate of this great city and I am looking forward to my year in office.

    “Since I settled in Plymouth 50 years ago, I have enjoyed meeting and engaging with residents and local businesses and charities and I am looking forward to meeting and engaging with more over the 2025 to 2026 civic year.”

    Current Lord Mayor, Councillor Tina Tuohy, said: “I am delighted that Kathy has been chosen to be the new Lord Mayor Designate.

    “She will make a fantastic contribution to the communities of our city. It is very well deserved. I have enjoyed every minute of being Plymouth’s Lord Mayor the past year.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: 180 Degree Capital Corp. Reports Net Asset Value Per Share (“NAV”) of $4.64 as of December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTCLAIR, N.J., Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 180 Degree Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:TURN) (“180 Degree Capital” and the “Company”), today reported its financial results as of December 31, 2024, and noted additional developments from the first quarter of 2025. The Company also published a letter to shareholders that can be viewed at https://ir.180degreecapital.com/financial-results.

    “We were pleased with our performance in Q4 2024 relative to the majority of our public market comparable indices,” said Kevin M. Rendino, Chief Executive Officer of 180 Degree Capital. “While our full year performance was disappointing, Q1 2025 has thus far continued and exceeded our strong performance exiting 2024. Our gross total return of +205% from inception through the end of 2024 continues to compare favorably to the +69% total return for the Russell Microcap Index.1 We are also incredibly proud and excited for our recent announcement of the signing of a definitive agreement for 180 Degree Capital to enter into a business combination (the “Business Combination”) with Mount Logan Capital Inc. (“Mount Logan”). For those of you who have not had a chance to listen to our joint call with the team from Mount Logan or review the presentation deck that summarizes the proposed transaction, both can be found at https://ir.180degreecapital.com/ir-calendar/detail/2908/180-degree-capital-and-mount-logan-capital-proposed-merger. We expect to file a registration statement and included joint proxy statement/prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) soon. This document will give us the opportunity to speak more extensively with our shareholders about the proposed Business Combination and what we believe are its significant benefits for all shareholders. The proxy will also describe the process that led to our Board’s unanimous approval of it.”

    “This proposed transaction is not the end of 180 Degree Capital,” continued Daniel B. Wolfe, President of 180 Degree Capital. “We believe this Business Combination is the logical next step in our evolution. It is also an opportunity that is not afforded commonly to closed-end funds, particularly since we believe most have limited differentiation. We believe there are clear reasons why 180 Degree Capital has this truly unique opportunity to combine with an asset manager and to transition to an operating company. We are not the only ones who understand the potential for value creation from this Business Combination. Some of our largest shareholders have signed either voting agreements or non-binding indications of support, that when combined with ownership of management and our Board, account for approximately 27% of our outstanding shares in the aggregate. We appreciate the time and consideration these shareholders spent to understand the merits of this proposed Business Combination and their support for it.”

    Mr. Rendino added, “I, as the largest individual shareholder of 180 Degree Capital, and Daniel as a top-ten shareholder, could not be more excited about the future of the combined entity. We believe the proposed Business Combination to be the best opportunity to build value for all shareholders of 180 Degree Capital. We believe strongly in the future of the combined entity under the leadership of Ted Goldthorpe and his colleagues. I have been an investor in the public markets for 35 years, during which investors entrusted me with billions of dollars of capital. We are interested in building true value for shareholders over the short and long term. We believe this combination achieves both of these objectives.”

    The table below summarizes 180 Degree Capital’s performance over periods of time through the end of Q4 20241:

      Quarter 1 Year 5 Year Inception to Date
      Q4 2024 Q4 2023-
    Q4 2024    		 Q4 2019-
    Q4 2024    		 Q4 2016-
    Q4 2024
    TURN Public Portfolio Gross Total Return (Excluding SMA Carried Interest) 7.8 % 1.0 % -10.8 % 185.7 %
    TURN Public Portfolio Gross Total Return (Including SMA Carried Interest) 7.8 % 1.0 % -4.8 % 204.5 %
             
    Change in NAV 5.5 % -7.6 % -49.5 % -33.9 %
             
    Change in Stock Price 8.7 % -10.5 % -43.1 % -11.4 %
             
    Russell Microcap Index 5.9 % 13.7 % 39.8 % 68.5 %
    Russell Microcap Growth Index 14.7 % 22.5 % 28.2 % 57.6 %
    Russell Microcap Value Index 4.3 % 9.7 % 49.3 % 77.8 %
    Russell 2000 Index 0.3 % 11.5 % 42.7 % 82.7 %
    Lipper Peer Group 1.6 % 10.8 % 52.5 % 81.8 %


    About 180 Degree Capital Corp.

    180 Degree Capital Corp. is a publicly traded registered closed-end fund focused on investing in and providing value-added assistance through constructive activism to what we believe are substantially undervalued small, publicly traded companies that have potential for significant turnarounds. Our goal is that the result of our constructive activism leads to a reversal in direction for the share price of these investee companies, i.e., a 180-degree turn. Detailed information about 180 Degree Capital and its holdings can be found on its website at www.180degreecapital.com.

    Press Contact:
    Daniel B. Wolfe
    Robert E. Bigelow
    180 Degree Capital Corp.
    973-746-4500
    ir@180degreecapital.com

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the proposed Business Combination, 180 Degree Capital intends to file with the SEC and mail to its shareholders a proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the “Proxy Statement”), containing a form of WHITE proxy card. In addition, the surviving Delaware corporation, Mount Logan Capital Inc. (“New Mount Logan”) plans to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) that will register the exchange of New Mount Logan shares in the Business Combination and include the Proxy Statement and a prospectus of New Mount Logan (the “Prospectus”). The Proxy Statement and the Registration Statement (including the Prospectus) will each contain important information about 180 Degree Capital, Mount Logan, New Mount Logan, the Business Combination and related matters. SHAREHOLDERS OF 180 DEGREE CAPITAL AND MOUNT LOGAN ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS CONTAINED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE APPLICABLE SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITIES AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT 180 DEGREE CAPITAL, MOUNT LOGAN, NEW MOUNT LOGAN, THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders may obtain copies of these documents and other documents filed with the applicable securities regulatory authorities free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at https://www.sec.gov and the website maintained by the Canadian securities regulators at www.sedarplus.ca. Copies of the documents filed by 180 Degree Capital are also available free of charge by accessing 180 Degree Capital’s investor relations website at https://ir.180degreecapital.com.

    Certain Information Concerning the Participants

    180 Degree Capital, its directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Business Combination. Information about 180 Degree Capital’s executive officers and directors is available in 180 Degree Capital’s Annual Report filed on Form N-CSR for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 13, 2025, and in its proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“2024 Annual Meeting”), which was filed with the SEC on March 1, 2024. To the extent holdings by the directors and executive officers of 180 Degree Capital securities reported in the proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting have changed, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Forms 3, 4 or 5 filed with the SEC. These documents are or will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Additional information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of the 180 Degree Capital shareholders in connection with the Business Combination will be contained in the Proxy Statement when such document becomes available.

    Mount Logan, its directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Mount Logan in favor of the approval of the Business Combination. Information about Mount Logan’s executive officers and directors is available in Mount Logan’s annual information form dated March 14, 2024, available on its website at https://mountlogancapital.ca/investor-relations and on SEDAR+ at https://sedarplus.ca. To the extent holdings by the directors and executive officers of Mount Logan securities reported in Mount Logan’s annual information form have changed, such changes have been or will be reflected on insider reports filed on SEDI at https://www.sedi.ca/sedi/. Additional information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of the Mount Logan shareholders in connection with the Business Combination will be contained in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement when such document becomes available.

    Non-Solicitation

    This letter and the materials accompanying it are not intended to be, and shall not constitute, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made, except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This letter and the materials accompanying it, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of 180 Degree Capital and Mount Logan, may contain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “should,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “would,” “forecasts,” “seeks,” “future,” “proposes,” “target,” “goal,” “objective,” “outlook” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions). Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and reflect Mount Logan’s and 180 Degree Capital’s current views about future events. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about the benefits of the Business Combination involving Mount Logan and 180 Degree Capital, including future financial and operating results, Mount Logan’s and 180 Degree Capital’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the Business Combination, and other statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to future results of operations, projected cash flow and liquidity, business strategy, payment of dividends to shareholders of New Mount Logan, and other plans and objectives for future operations. No assurances can be given that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will occur as projected, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the ability to obtain the requisite Mount Logan and 180 Degree Capital shareholder approvals; the risk that Mount Logan or 180 Degree Capital may be unable to obtain governmental and regulatory approvals required for the Business Combination (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect New Mount Logan or the expected benefits of the Business Combination); the risk that an event, change or other circumstance could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination; the risk that a condition to closing of the Business Combination may not be satisfied; the risk of delays in completing the Business Combination; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; the risk that the cost savings and any other synergies from the Business Combination may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the risk that any announcement relating to the Business Combination could have adverse effects on the market price of Mount Logan’s common stock or 180 Degree Capital’s common stock; unexpected costs resulting from the Business Combination; the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made; the risk of litigation related to the Business Combination; the risk that the credit ratings of New Mount Logan or its subsidiaries may be different from what the companies expect; the diversion of management time from ongoing business operations and opportunities as a result of the Business Combination; the risk of adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the Business Combination; competition, government regulation or other actions; the ability of management to execute its plans to meet its goals; risks associated with the evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes; changes in economic, financial, political and regulatory conditions; natural and man-made disasters; civil unrest, pandemics, and conditions that may result from legislative, regulatory, trade and policy changes; and other risks inherent in Mount Logan’s and 180 Degree Capital’s businesses. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in the reports, which 180 Degree Capital has filed or will file from time to time with the SEC and Mount Logan has filed or will file from time to time on SEDAR+.

    Neither Mount Logan nor 180 Degree Capital undertakes any obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Any discussion of past performance is not an indication of future results. Investing in financial markets involves a substantial degree of risk. Investors must be able to withstand a total loss of their investment. The information herein is believed to be reliable and has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty is made, expressed or implied, with respect to the fairness, correctness, accuracy, reasonableness or completeness of the information and opinions. The references and link to the website www.180degreecapital.com and mountlogancapital.ca have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release. Neither 180 Degree Capital nor Mount Logan is responsible for the contents of third-party websites.

    1. Past performance is not an indication or guarantee of future performance. Gross unrealized and realized total returns of 180 Degree Capital’s cash and securities of publicly traded companies are compounded on a quarterly basis, and intra-quarter cash flows from investments in or proceeds received from privately held investments are treated as inflows or outflows of cash available to invest or withdrawn, respectively, for the purposes of this calculation. 180 Degree Capital is an internally managed registered closed-end fund that has a portion of its assets in legacy privately held companies that are fair valued on a quarterly basis by the Valuation Committee of its Board of Directors, and 180 Degree Capital does not have an external manager that is paid fees based on assets and/or returns. Please see 180 Degree Capital’s filings with the SEC, including its 2024 Annual Report on Form N-CSR for information on its expenses and expense ratios.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Thursday, 13 February 2025 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament 2

    PV-10-2025-02-13

    EN

    EN

    iPlPv_Sit

    Minutes
    Thursday, 13 February 2025 – Strasbourg

     Abbreviations and symbols

    + adopted
    – rejected
    ↓ lapsed
    W withdrawn
    RCV roll-call votes
    EV electronic vote
    SEC secret ballot
    split split vote
    sep separate vote
    am amendment
    CA compromise amendment
    CP corresponding part
    D deleting amendment
    = identical amendments
    § paragraph

    IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
    Vice-President

    1. Opening of the sitting

    The sitting opened at 09:01.


    2. Proposal for a Union act

    The President of Parliament had declared admissible the following proposal for a Union act pursuant to Rule 47(2):

    – Proposal for a Union act, tabled by Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Hermann Tertsch, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión and Jorge Martín Frías, on the need to amend the Council Regulation on fixing the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas for 2025 and to protect the trawling sector (B10-0094/2025)

    committee responsible: PECH
    committees for opinion: BUDG, EMPL, ENVI


    3. EU-Mercosur trade agreement (debate)

    Commission statement: EU-Mercosur trade agreement (2025/2558(RSP))

    Maroš Šefčovič (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    IN THE CHAIR: Katarina BARLEY
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Jörgen Warborn, on behalf of the PPE Group, Kathleen Van Brempt, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jean-Paul Garraud, on behalf of the PfE Group, Carlo Fidanza, on behalf of the ECR Group, Svenja Hahn, on behalf of the Renew Group, Saskia Bricmont, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Manon Aubry, on behalf of The Left Group, Stanislav Stoyanov, on behalf of the ESN Group, Gabriel Mato, Bernd Lange, who also answered blue-card questions from Alexander Jungbluth and Saskia Bricmont, Raffaele Stancanelli, Rihards Kols, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, Luke Ming Flanagan, Arno Bausemer, who also answered a blue-card question from Ana Miranda Paz, Katarína Roth Neveďalová, Davor Ivo Stier, Eero Heinäluoma, Valérie Deloge, who also declined to take blue-card questions from Marie-Pierre Vedrenne and Manon Aubry, Patryk Jaki, who also answered a blue-card question from Jörgen Warborn, Karin Karlsbro, who also answered blue-card questions from Marie Toussaint and Alexander Bernhuber, Thomas Waitz, Lynn Boylan, Francisco José Millán Mon, who also answered a blue-card question from Gilles Pennelle, Brando Benifei, Tiago Moreira de Sá, Kris Van Dijck, Benoit Cassart, Catarina Vieira, Carola Rackete, Herbert Dorfmann, Francisco Assis, who also answered blue-card questions from João Oliveira and Luke Ming Flanagan, Mireia Borrás Pabón, who also answered a blue-card question from Dario Nardella, Veronika Vrecionová, Barry Cowen, Anja Hazekamp, who also answered a blue-card question from Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Lídia Pereira, who also answered blue-card questions from Isabella Tovaglieri and Jadwiga Wiśniewska, and Eric Sargiacomo.

    IN THE CHAIR: Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Gilles Pennelle, Nora Junco García, Elsi Katainen, Marta Wcisło, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Isabella Tovaglieri, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez, Dario Nardella, Ton Diepeveen, Ana Vasconcelos, Salvatore De Meo, Leire Pajín, Barbara Bonte and Céline Imart.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Nina Carberry, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Diego Solier, Majdouline Sbai, João Oliveira, Grzegorz Braun, Hélder Sousa Silva, Cristina Maestre, Ana Miranda Paz, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos, Maria Walsh, Daniel Buda, Jean-Marc Germain, Maria Zacharia, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Marko Vešligaj and Seán Kelly.

    The following spoke: Maroš Šefčovič.

    The debate closed.


    4. Threats to EU sovereignty through strategic dependencies in communication infrastructure (debate)

    Commission statement: Threats to EU sovereignty through strategic dependencies in communication infrastructure (2025/2533(RSP))

    The President provided details on the organisation of the debate.

    Glenn Micallef (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Jörgen Warborn, on behalf of the PPE Group, Matthias Ecke, on behalf of the S&D Group, Csaba Dömötör, on behalf of the PfE Group, Piotr Müller, on behalf of the ECR Group, Michał Kobosko, on behalf of the Renew Group, Sergey Lagodinsky, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Pernando Barrena Arza, on behalf of The Left Group, Sarah Knafo, on behalf of the ESN Group, Lena Düpont, Alex Agius Saliba, Ernő Schaller-Baross, Ondřej Krutílek, Bart Groothuis, David Cormand, Nikolas Farantouris, Hans Neuhoff, Mika Aaltola, Bruno Gonçalves, Aleksandar Nikolic, Elena Donazzan, Cristina Guarda, Seán Kelly, Giorgio Gori, Ivaylo Valchev, Tomáš Zdechovský, Lina Gálvez, Diego Solier, Paulius Saudargas, Tsvetelina Penkova, Eszter Lakos, José Cepeda, Angelika Winzig, Brando Benifei and Victor Negrescu.

    The following spoke: Glenn Micallef.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Victor NEGRESCU
    Vice-President

    5. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:30.

    ⁂

    The following spoke: Jean-Paul Garraud, Manon Aubry and Thijs Reuten.


    6. Voting time

    For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.


    6.1. Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye (vote)

    Motions for resolutions RC-B10-0100/2025 (minutes of 13.2.2025, item I), B10-0100/2025, B10-0103/2025, B10-0110/2025, B10-0115/2025, B10-0119/2025, B10-0121/2025 and B10-0124/2025 (minutes of 12.2.2025, item I) (2025/2546(RSP))

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0016)

    (Motion for a resolution B10-0115/2025 fell.)

    The following had spoken:

    Geadis Geadi, to move an oral amendment to add a new recital after recital E. Parliament had declined to put the amendment to the vote, as it had been opposed by more than 39 Members.

    Detailed voting results


    6.2. Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular (vote)

    Motions for resolutions RC-B10-0126/2025 (minutes of 13.2.2025, item I), B10-0126/2025, B10-0128/2025, B10-0130/2025, B10-0131/2025, B10-0132/2025, B10-0134/2025 and B10-0135/2025 (minutes of 12.2.2025, item I) (2025/2547(RSP))

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0017)

    (Motions for resolutions B10-0130/2025 and B10-0132/2025 fell.)

    Detailed voting results


    6.3. Continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (vote)

    Motions for resolutions RC-B10-0101/2025 (minutes of 13.2.2025, item I), B10-0101/2025, B10-0104/2025, B10-0111/2025, B10-0113/2025, B10-0117/2025, B10-0120/2025, B10-0122/2025 and B10-0123/2025 (minutes of 12.2.2025, item I) (2024/2548(RSP))

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0018)

    (Motions for resolutions B10-0111/2025 and B10-0113/2025 fell.)

    Detailed voting results






    7. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 15:01.


    IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE
    Vice-President

    8. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.


    9. Cross-border recognition of civil status documents of same-sex couples and their children within the territory of the EU (debate)

    Commission statement: Cross-border recognition of civil status documents of same-sex couples and their children within the territory of the EU (2025/2557(RSP))

    Glenn Micallef (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Seán Kelly, on behalf of the PPE Group, Krzysztof Śmiszek, on behalf of the S&D Group, Paolo Inselvini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Fabienne Keller, on behalf of the Renew Group, Kim Van Sparrentak, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group, Evin Incir, Lucia Yar, Rasmus Andresen, Robert Biedroń, who also answered a blue-card question from Bogdan Rzońca, and Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Margarita de la Pisa Carrión.

    The following spoke: Glenn Micallef.

    The debate closed.


    10. Explanations of vote

    Written explanations of vote

    Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.

    Oral explanations of vote


    10.1. Further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (RC-B10-0106/2025)

    The following spoke: Seán Kelly and Ondřej Dostál.


    10.2. Escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (RC-B10-0102/2025)

    The following spoke: Seán Kelly.


    11. Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted

    In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the start of the next sitting.

    With Parliament’s agreement, the texts adopted during the part-session would be forwarded to their respective addressees without delay.


    12. Dates of forthcoming sittings

    The next sittings would be held from 10 March 2025 to 13 March 2025.


    13. Closure of the sitting

    The sitting closed at 15:40.


    14. Adjournment of the session

    The session of the European Parliament was adjourned.

    Alessandro Chiocchetti

    Roberta Metsola

    Secretary-General

    President


    LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT


    I. Motions for resolutions tabled

    Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye (2025/2546(RSP)) (RC-B10-0100/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0100/2025, B10-0103/2025, B10-0110/2025, B10-0119/2025, B10-0121/2025 and B10-0124/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Michalis Hadjipantela, Vangelis Meimarakis, Željana Zovko, Wouter Beke, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Tomáš Zdechovský, Mirosława Nykiel, Jessica Polfjärd, Luděk Niedermayer, Jan Farský, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Evin Incir, Nikos Papandreou, Pina Picierno
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Alexandr Vondra, Assita Kanko, Carlo Fidanza, Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Alberico Gambino
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Malik Azmani, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Vladimir Prebilič
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Isabel Serra Sánchez, Özlem Demirel
    on behalf of The Left Group

    Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular (2025/2547(RSP)) (RC-B10-0126/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0126/2025, B10-0128/2025, B10-0131/2025, B10-0134/2025 and B10-0135/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Željana Zovko, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Gabriel Mato, David McAllister, Vangelis Meimarakis, Wouter Beke, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Tomáš Zdechovský, Mirosława Nykiel, Jessica Polfjärd, Luděk Niedermayer, Jan Farský, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Leire Pajín
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Carlo Fidanza, Alberico Gambino, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Assita Kanko, Mariusz Kamiński, Marlena Maląg, Bogdan Rzońca, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ivaylo Valchev, Jadwiga Wiśniewska
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Bernard Guetta, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Catarina Vieira
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    Continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on the continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (2025/2548(RSP)) (RC-B10-0101/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0101/2025, B10-0104/2025, B10-0117/2025, B10-0120/2025, B10-0122/2025 and B10-0123/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Miriam Lexmann, Željana Zovko, Vangelis Meimarakis, Wouter Beke, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Tomáš Zdechovský, Mirosława Nykiel, Jessica Polfjärd, Luděk Niedermayer, Jan Farský, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Hannes Heide
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Carlo Fidanza, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Michał Dworczyk, Emmanouil Fragkos, Alberico Gambino, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Mariusz Kamiński, Marlena Maląg, Bogdan Rzońca, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Aurelijus Veryga
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Catarina Vieira
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Merja Kyllönen
    on behalf of The Left Group

    Further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia

    Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate:

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (B10-0106/2025)
    Reinier Van Lanschot, Mārtiņš Staķis, Maria Ohisalo, Sergey Lagodinsky, Markéta Gregorová, Ville Niinistö, Erik Marquardt, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Villy Søvndal
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (B10-0107/2025)
    Danilo Della Valle
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (B10-0108/2025)
    Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Wouter Beke, Krzysztof Brejza, Daniel Caspary, Andrey Kovatchev, Miriam Lexmann, Reinhold Lopatka, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Inese Vaidere, Michał Wawrykiewicz
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (B10-0112/2025)
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Tobias Cremer
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (B10-0114/2025)
    Hans Neuhoff, Alexander Sell, Petr Bystron, Tomasz Froelich, Petar Volgin, Stanislav Stoyanov
    on behalf of the ESN Group

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (B10-0116/2025)
    Urmas Paet, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Karin Karlsbro, Michał Kobosko, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (B10-0118/2025)
    Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Rihards Kols, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Assita Kanko, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Roberts Zīle, Michał Dworczyk, Alexandr Vondra
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 136(2) and (4):

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (RC-B10-0106/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0106/2025, B10-0108/2025, B10-0112/2025, B10-0116/2025 and B10-0118/2025)
    Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Wouter Beke, Krzysztof Brejza, Daniel Caspary, Andrey Kovatchev, Miriam Lexmann, Reinhold Lopatka, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Inese Vaidere, Michał Wawrykiewicz
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Tobias Cremer
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Rihards Kols, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Mariusz Kamiński, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Michał Dworczyk, Roberts Zīle, Marlena Maląg, Ivaylo Valchev, Alexandr Vondra, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Assita Kanko
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Urmas Paet, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Bernard Guetta, Karin Karlsbro, Michał Kobosko, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Reinier Van Lanschot
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    Escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate:

    on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (B10-0102/2025)
    Marc Botenga, Rudi Kennes
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (B10-0105/2025)
    Thierry Mariani, Jordan Bardella, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Matthieu Valet, Nikola Bartůšek
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    on the escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (B10-0109/2025)
    Yannis Maniatis, Marit Maij
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (B10-0125/2025)
    Hilde Vautmans, Abir Al-Sahlani, Barry Andrews, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Yvan Verougstraete, Sophie Wilmès, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (B10-0127/2025)
    Ingeborg Ter Laak, Michael Gahler, Lukas Mandl, Sebastião Bugalho, Wouter Beke
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (B10-0129/2025)
    Sara Matthieu, Marie Toussaint, Mounir Satouri, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Saskia Bricmont, Majdouline Sbai, David Cormand, Ville Niinistö, Catarina Vieira, Erik Marquardt, Ignazio Roberto Marino
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (B10-0133/2025)
    Adam Bielan, Carlo Fidanza, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Cristian Terheş, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Bogdan Rzońca, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Małgorzata Gosiewska
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 136(2) and (4):

    on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (RC-B10-0102/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0102/2025, B10-0109/2025, B10-0125/2025, B10-0127/2025, B10-0129/2025 and B10-0133/2025)
    Ingeborg Ter Laak, Michael Gahler, Lukas Mandl, Sebastião Bugalho, Wouter Beke
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Marit Maij
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Waldemar Tomaszewski, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Cristian Terheş
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Hilde Vautmans, Abir Al-Sahlani, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Yvan Verougstraete
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Sara Matthieu
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Marc Botenga, Rudi Kennes, Manon Aubry, Rima Hassan, Damien Carême
    on behalf of The Left Group


    II. Petitions

    Petitions Nos 0001-25 to 0129-25 had been entered in the register on 10 February 2025 and had been forwarded to the committee responsible, in accordance with Rule 232(9) and (10).

    The President had, on 10 February 2025, forwarded to the committee responsible, in accordance with Rule 232(15), petitions addressed to the European Parliament by natural or legal persons who were not citizens of the European Union and who did not reside, or have their registered office, in a Member State.


    III. Decisions to draw up own-initiative reports

    Decisions to draw up own-initiative reports (Rule 55)

    (Following the Conference of Presidents’ decision of 23 January 2025)

    AFCO Committee

    – Application of the Treaty provisions related to the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality and the role of national parliaments in the EU legislative process (2025/2042(INI))
    (opinion: JURI)

    – Institutional consequences of the EU enlargement negotiations (2025/2041(INI))

    CONT Committee

    – Choice of performance indicators for audit and budgetary control in the context of financing measures to support the implementation of future European competitiveness (2025/2034(INI))

    – 2024 budget – assessing the implementation of the gender mainstreaming methodology in the EU budget (2025/2033(INI))

    – Control, transparency and traceability of performance-based instruments (2025/2032(INI))

    CULT Committee

    – A new vision for the European Universities alliances (2025/2036(INI))

    – Role of EU policies in shaping the European Sport Model (2025/2035(INI))

    EMPL, FEMM committees

    – Advancing towards a care society: addressing the gender care gap (2025/2039(INI))

    – Gender pay and pension gap in the EU: state of play, challenges and the way forward, and developing guidelines for the better evaluation and fairer remuneration of work in female-dominated sectors (2025/2038(INI))

    IMCO Committee

    – Product safety and regulatory compliance in e-commerce and non-EU imports (2025/2037(INI))
    (opinion: INTA)

    LIBE, FEMM committees

    – Importance of consent-based rape legislation in the EU (2025/2040(INI))


    IV. Consent procedure

    Reports with a motion for a non-legislative resolution (consent procedure) (Rule 107(2))

    (Following notification from the Conference of Committee Chairs on 23 January 2025)

    PECH Committee

    – Implementing Protocol (2025-2030) to the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of Greenland and the Government of Denmark (2024/0263M(NLE) – 2024/0263(NLE))


    V. Documents received

    The following documents had been received:

    1) from other institutions

    – Partial renewal of Members of the Court of Auditors – RO nominee (05958/2025 – C10-0010/2025 – 2025/0801(NLE))
    referred to committee responsible: CONT

    2) from Members

    – Catherine Griset, Virginie Joron and Thierry Mariani. Motion for a resolution on the training of European artificial intelligence (B10-0051/2025)
    referred to committee responsible: LIBE
    opinion: IMCO, JURI

    – Christophe Bay, Marie Dauchy, Valérie Deloge, Elisabeth Dieringer, Mélanie Disdier, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Branko Grims, Fabrice Leggeri, Julien Leonardelli, Tiago Moreira de Sá, Aleksandar Nikolic, Gilles Pennelle, Julie Rechagneux, Malika Sorel, Rody Tolassy, Laurence Trochu and Séverine Werbrouck. Motion for a resolution on the application of Directive 2003/88/EC (WTD) to the role of voluntary firefighters (B10-0052/2025)
    referred to committee responsible: EMPL

    – Tomasz Froelich and Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik. Motion for a resolution on the child sexual exploitation scandal in the United Kingdom (B10-0062/2025)
    referred to committee responsible: LIBE


    ATTENDANCE REGISTER

    Present:

    Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Annunziata Lucia, Antoci Giuseppe, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Barley Katarina, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bausemer Arno, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beke Wouter, Benifei Brando, Bentele Hildegard, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berg Sibylle, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Braun Grzegorz, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Buchheit Markus, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Bullmann Udo, Burkhardt Delara, Bystron Petr, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Cassart Benoit, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cavedagna Stefano, Ceccardi Susanna, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Clausen Per, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Donazzan Elena, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Düpont Lena, Dworczyk Michał, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Ezcurra Almansa Alma, Falcă Gheorghe, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fernández Jonás, Fidanza Carlo, Firmenich Ruth, Flanagan Luke Ming, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Friis Sigrid, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Furore Mario, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Goerens Charles, Gomart Christophe, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Gražulis Petras, Gregorová Markéta, Grims Branko, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Groothuis Bart, Grossmann Elisabeth, Guarda Cristina, Guetta Bernard, Guzenina Maria, Győri Enikő, Gyürk András, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hassan Rima, Hauser Gerald, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Hazekamp Anja, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Hohlmeier Monika, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Hölvényi György, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Ijabs Ivars, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Jaki Patryk, Jalloul Muro Hana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kalfon François, Kaliňák Erik, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kanev Radan, Kanko Assita, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kemp Martine, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovatchev Andrey, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Kyllönen Merja, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lagodinsky Sergey, Lakos Eszter, Lalucq Aurore, Lange Bernd, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Le Callennec Isabelle, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Luena César, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Magyar Péter, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Mantovani Mario, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Maréchal Marion, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martín Frías Jorge, Martins Catarina, Martusciello Fulvio, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Mato Gabriel, Matthieu Sara, Mavrides Costas, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Mehnert Alexandra, Meimarakis Vangelis, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mureşan Siegfried, Nagyová Jana, Nardella Dario, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Ohisalo Maria, Oliveira João, Olivier Philippe, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Panayiotou Fidias, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Paulus Jutta, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Pérez Alvise, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pimpie Pierre, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Popescu Virgil-Daniel, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Ressler Karlo, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Ridel Chloé, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Serra Sánchez Isabel, Sidl Günther, Sieper Lukas, Simon Sven, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Staķis Mārtiņš, Stancanelli Raffaele, Ştefănuță Nicolae, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strack-Zimmermann Marie-Agnes, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarczyński Dominik, Tarquinio Marco, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Temido Marta, Terheş Cristian, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomac Eugen, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Topo Raffaele, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Toveri Pekka, Trochu Laurence, Tudose Mihai, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, van den Berg Brigitte, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Overtveldt Johan, Van Sparrentak Kim, Vasconcelos Ana, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Veryga Aurelijus, Vešligaj Marko, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Weimers Charlie, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Wilmès Sophie, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Zacharia Maria, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zan Alessandro, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zovko Željana, Zver Milan

    Excused:

    Morano Nadine, Omarjee Younous, Zarzalejos Javier

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – Father Vincenzo and the wounds of Christ on the outskirts of Seoul

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    by Pascale RizkSeongnam (Agenzia Fides) – Free love is disarming and it endures over time. This is what his father Angelo said on the day his son Vincenzo became a Catholic priest in April 1987: “Just as gold does not change over time, so too will our love for you remain.” Father Vincenzo Bordo, missionary of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, still loves with the same love “to the end”. He has done this since he arrived in South Korea, which will be 35 years ago next May.In South Korea today everyone knows the “strange foreigner” by the name of Kim Ha-jong Shinbunim. He grew up in the Viterbo area, with the solid human temperament of a farmer, animated by the strong desire to “love and serve the last” since he was a boy.Fascinated by the Orient and oriental studies, he set off for Korea with his confrere Father Mauro Concardi. Today he can often be found in “Anna’s House” in Seongnam City, the second largest city after Suwon in the Gyeonggi-do province in the suburbs of Seoul, about 28 km from the center of the metropolis.The area has long been an ideal place for the homeless: close to a large market and in the middle of a nerwork of subways and bus lines that made it easier for them to get around. That is why he started his work there, which he continues with a clear view and a work apron. Korea between past and presentThe Korea that welcomed him three decades ago is no longer the same. Impressive economic development, rapid change, international tensions and even political unrest in recent times. “When I arrived here, the most commonly used word in Korean was 우리 (we). Our family,’ ‘our community,’ ‘our church,’ ‘our homeland,’ ‘our neighborhood.’ The feeling of belonging was very strong. Today, the most used word is ‘I,’” says Father Bordo, adding: “We have gone from a very strong community dimension, sometimes even too strong, to an egocentric ‘I’ in an egocentric city. The society that was used to taking care of relatives, parents, the community has become a society where a person dies in the neighborhood and you do not know it because the number of people living alone is increasing dramatically.”Compared to when he came to Korea, the beggars have disappeared. The “new poverty” manifests itself in the lives of those who “don’t have an intelligent, complex, articulate mind” and are unable to keep up with the “modern, rich, fast, intelligent, diverse and complex” society, explains Father Vincenzo.When it is time for dinner, he is amazed at how many people in their 50s come and line up to eat. “Apart from the pensions paid by big companies like Samsung or Hyundai,” says Father Vincenzo, “in the 1990s there was no form of social security for people. Today there is a minimum pension, a system to support people in serious difficulties and even a minimum guarantee of health care.”

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nearly £1m to support communities across London as Mayor launches new campaign to unite and celebrate Londoners

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Funding of more than £985,000 will help bring communities together through the Community Recovery Fund and Mayor’s Community Weekend
    • Mayor launches new Loved and Wanted campaign at Outernet to unite Londoners and celebrate the capital’s diversity, inclusivity and unity in the face of uncertain and unsettling times across the globe, and the impact of rising antisemitism and islamophobia
    • New polling shows that eight in 10 Londoners (79 per cent) think it’s important that there is an increase in a sense of unity amongst people in London
    • The campaign will be displayed all across the capital as more than 100 organisations and community groups join together to reiterate that London is a place for everyone

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced a package of almost £1million funding to support communities across London, as he launched a major new campaign to show that the capital is, and always will be, a place for everyone.

    The Mayor is working with London Councils, London Legal Support Trust and The National Lottery Community Fund to distribute more than £985,000 to community groups in every borough through the Government’s Community Recovery Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund.

    The funding announcement came as the Mayor launched a major new campaign to send a strong message to all of the capital’s communities that they are loved and wanted in London.

    The Loved and Wanted campaign brings together a broad range of organisations and community groups to show the world that diversity is London’s greatest strength and that people from all backgrounds are celebrated and welcomed.

    The campaign comes six months after disorder took place across towns and cities in the UK and at a time when fear and division is being spread in the UK and around the world. Since October 2023, the capital has seen a rise in antisemitism and islamophobia, and a rise in extreme right-wing activity has also left many fearful for their safety.

    New polling shows that eight in 10 Londoners (79 per cent) think it’s important that there is an increase in a sense of unity amongst people in London, and three quarters (75 per cent) say it’s important that the Mayor promotes it.

    The Mayor officially launched the campaign on Valentine’s Day at Outernet London, the largest digital exhibition space in Europe, which is hosting a ‘Loved and Wanted’ digital immersive experience. He was joined by faith leaders and representatives from London’s communities, including LGBTQI+, migrant and deaf and disabled Londoners, soul singer and activist Mica Paris and Ukrainian chef and digital artist Alisa Cooper to send a powerful message of unity to Londoners.

    Outernet’s screens will display the colourful ‘You are loved and wanted in London’ graphics throughout February. The message is also translated into 17 languages, alongside quotes from Londoners sharing examples about how they feel loved and wanted in the city.

    The campaign will feature a series of adverts across the capital, in community centres, cultural organisations, libraries, faith buildings, volunteering centres and online over the coming months. More than 130 organisations have signed up to share post cards and window stickers, including The Felix Project, Royal Academy of Arts, Black Cultural Centre, English National Ballet, London Museum, Bernie Grant Centre, Southbank Centre, churches, mosques and synagogues. The campaign will also showcase a range of stories of how Londoners continue to rally together, support each other, and stand up against hatred and division, whilst living in globally uncertain times.

    The Government’s Community Recovery Fund was made available by the Deputy Prime Minister following the disorder across the country last summer, with London allocated £600,000. A total of £510,000 will be distributed in grants between £700 and £22,000 to support groups with local events, education initiatives and improving access to facilities which bring communities together. A further £90,000 will be allocated to the London Legal Support Trust to provide support to free legal advice agencies in London, which were a target during the disorder. 

    The Mayor has also announced that £385,000 will be invested in the Mayor’s Community Weekend 2025, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. From September 12-14 there will be a weekend of community events and activities to bring Londoners together to celebrate our city and make a positive difference. In 2023, 184 organisations took part with events in every London borough, including community sports days, community barbecues and picnics, arts and cultural events, creative workshops, and activities focusing on the environment, conservation and healthy eating.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is the greatest city in the world because of the incredible people who live here. Londoners come from every walk of life, from every religious, ethnic and social background and from all over the world to make this fantastic city. Sadly, we are living in increasingly uncertain and unsettling times and I know the worry and concern that this is having in our communities. That’s why we’re bringing together organisations and community groups across the capital to send a clear message that all Londoners are loved and wanted in our great city. London is, and always be, a place for everyone.”

    John Mothersole, England Chair at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re rooted in the communities we serve, whatever their needs and aspirations. After the hugely successful first Mayor’s Community Weekend in London, we’re delighted to be back for another special weekend of community-led activity. We believe in the power of communities and connection, and we can’t wait to see London’s diverse communities come together again. This weekend will showcase the lasting impact voluntary action can achieve for the city.”

    Shabna Begum, Chief Executive Officer at Runnymede Trust: “The Loved and Wanted campaign speaks to a social contract that moves beyond terms like ‘tolerance’ and ‘cohesion’, it celebrates the beauty of a city that is a rich tapestry of multiracial, multicultural and mixed class communities that live, work – and often struggle together. 

    “We welcome the package of investment in communities that the campaign promises, supporting organisations and infrastructures that enable togetherness, when we know that so many of our most vulnerable continue to face unprecedented levels of economic distress.  

    “At a time when our political conversation is saturated with narratives of hate and division and London is subjected to hyper-hostility by far-right actors who smear our diversity and difference, this campaign could not be more important. Loved and Wanted isn’t a romantic, aspirational statement, it is an account of our city that remembers the incredible archive of solidarity and anti-racist activism that shapes us and is a reminder that these histories are underpinned by the everyday rhythm of living and struggling together in our complex, convivial communities.”

    Zrinka Bralo, Chief Executive of Migrants Organise, said: “Many people are currently struggling to survive and make sense of the world. This is why fostering connections, building resilience within our communities, and taking meaningful action for dignity and justice is essential. London became my sanctuary 30 years ago when I fled war and genocide, and it continues to protect those in need. At Migrants Organise, we witness firsthand the devastating effects of the dehumanisation of refugees and migrants caused by hostile policies. We also see the solidarity and support from many Londoners, which never hits the headlines, because good people do good work quietly. For this reason, we value and welcome the Mayor’s leadership and the additional resources allocated to support all of London’s communities. These efforts represent a vital investment in cultivating unity, hope, and trust—qualities that are increasingly scarce around the world.” 

    Amanda Bowman, Co-Chair of the London Jewish Forum, said: “London is facing increasing challenges to social cohesion, which has had a particular impact on our Jewish community”. A report released this week on antisemitic incidents in 2024 revealed that over half of all anti-Jewish hate reported in the UK takes place in London. Against this backdrop, we welcome the ‘Loved and Wanted’ campaign, which seeks to bring communities together and strengthen a shared sense of belonging.

    “We look forward to working with the Mayor, his team, and London councils to celebrate the capital’s diversity, inclusivity and unity, particularly at this time of global uncertainty and division. Our priority is to ensure that London remains a safe and welcoming city for the Jewish community while continuing to build strong relationships with other communities to create an environment where everyone feels valued and welcome.”

    Abdurahman Sayed,  Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre CEO, said: “We wholeheartedly welcome the Mayor’s initiative to bring communities together at a time when unity and resilience are more needed than ever before. The funding of more than £985,000 through the Community Recovery Fund and Mayor’s Community Weekend will provide crucial support to grassroots organisations, helping to strengthen community ties and promote social cohesion.

    “The launch of the Loved and Wanted campaign is also a vital step in reaffirming London’s identity as a city of diversity, inclusivity, and unity. In a world facing uncertainty, it is essential to reinforce the message that London is a place for everyone.

    “With new polling showing that 79% of Londoners believe in the need for greater unity, it is encouraging to see over 100 organisations and community groups coming together to champion these values. We stand in full support of this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on communities across the capital.”

    Olympic triathlon gold medallist Alex Yee said: “I’m so proud to be from London because there’s nowhere else like it. I loved growing up in Lewisham as part of an extremely diverse community where everyone felt accepted. I hope the Loved and Wanted campaign shows how united Londoners truly are.”

    UK Queen of Soul Mica Paris MBE, said: “I’ve lived in LA, New York and Sydney, but London is my favourite city in the world and it’s where I am at my most creative. I grew up with English, Irish, African, Caribbean and Asian friends and that’s a key reason why London is so special and why we have such a rich music heritage. I’m proud to support the Mayor of London’s Loved and Wanted campaign.”

    Chef and entrepreneur Alisa Cooper, who moved to London under the Homes for Ukraine programme, said: “Being acknowledged and feeling seen in the Loved and Wanted campaign means a lot as London has become home to me and my son thanks to the generosity of strangers. Rebuilding our lives hasn’t been easy but the fantastic support we have received has kept us going. I hope this campaign helps further strengthen bonds between communities.”

    Philip O’Ferrall, CEO Outernet said:  “We are in a time where inclusivity and unity in all ways is more important than ever before.  London has always been enriched by the people we have welcomed and the communities that we have embraced and Outernet at its heart is about people coming together.  The Loved and Wanted campaign and its powerful message is something we at Outernet are proud to partner on with the Mayor and his team.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK targets Putin’s inner circle with new sanctions

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New British sanctions target high profile figures working in the Russian Government and supporters of Russian state-owned business.

    • UK sanctions several high-profile individuals with links to Putin’s inner circle in latest crackdown on the Kremlin.  
    • Russia’s war machine further constrained by British sanctions, bolstering UK’s national security and delivering on the Plan for Change. 
    • Foreign Secretary will also urge partners to act to smash illicit people-smuggling gangs driving irregular migration.

    Nearly a year on from the death of Alexei Navalny, the UK has imposed new sanctions against people with links to Putin’s inner circle in a crackdown on the Kremlin.

    Today’s sanctions target high-profile figures working in the Russian Government, including Pavel Fradkov, a Russian Defence Minister and Vladimir Selin, who heads up an arm of the Russian Ministry of Defence. They also target Artem Chaika, whose extractives company supports Russian state-owned business.

    All three of these targets are also on the Navalny 50’ anti-corruption list. The UK is also sanctioning two entities linked to Russia’s nuclear energy giant Rosatom, which are supporting Russia’s military activity on the battlefield in Ukraine.    

    The measures come as the Foreign Secretary attends the Munich Security Conference where he will meet Yulia Navalnaya and reflect on Navalny’s enduring legacy.

    The UK continues to stand with civil society and human rights defenders working tirelessly to build a better future for Russia despite immense personal risk.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:  

    I am announcing further sanctions to keep up the pressure on Putin. Ukrainians are fighting for their country’s future and the principle of sovereignty across Europe at the frontline.” 

    Nearly a year on from the death of Alexei Navalny, I am honoured to meet with Yulia Navalnaya and make clear our commitment to weaken Putin’s attempts to stifle political opposition and crack down on the Kremlin’s corrupt dealings globally. 

    We are calling on our friends and allies to continue to step up in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.

    Last week, the Foreign Secretary visited Kyiv, pushing on with implementation of the 100 Year Partnership with Ukrainian friends. David Lammy will make the case to others in Munich that it is in the collective interests of Ukraine’s partners to stand by them. 

    The UK-US relationship remains the backbone of the security and prosperity for millions on both sides of the Atlantic, and David Lammy will meet representatives of the new administration to discuss closer working to boost both economies and make our people safer.

    The Foreign Secretary will also discuss the situation in the Middle East with a wide range of leaders including Quint partners. He will urge for lasting peace as the current ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon hold, and phase two of the negotiations continues.  

    On Syria, the UK recently announced £3m for deliveries of Ukrainian grain and other food produce to Syria as part of our 100-year partnership. David Lammy will push for a peaceful future for Syria, centred around the interests of the Syrian people.

    More Information

    Today’s sanctions target 4 individuals and 2 entities including: 

    • Vladimir Viktorovich SELIN, Head of the Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEK), a federal service of the Russian government. 

    • Pavel Mikhailovich FRADKOV, a Deputy Minister of the Russian Ministry of Defence. 

    • Artem Yuryevich CHAIKA, owner of First Non-Metallic Company Ural (PNK-Ural) which conducts business in the Russian extractives sector, and the son of Yuri Yakovlevich CHAIKA, a member of Russia’s Security Council. 

    • Joint Stock Company Kirov Energomash Plant and Limited Liability Company Rosatom Additive Technologies, two subsidiaries of Russia’s state-owned civil nuclear energy company Rosastom. As well as operating in Russia’s energy sector both entities are operating in Russia’s defence sector. 

    • We have also made a variation to the existing designation of Yuri Yakovlevich CHAIKA. He was previously designated in March 2022.

    All individuals and entities in this package have been designated for the purposes of an asset freeze and trust services sanctions. All individuals in this package are also be subject to a travel ban. Several individuals have also been designated for the purposes of a transport ban.

    The Navalny list is created by the Anti-Corruption Foundation, also known as FBK, a non-profit organisation established in 2011 by Alexei Navalny.

    View the full UK Sanctions List and more information on UK sanctions relating to Russia.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Slavic horizon expands: Polytechnic meets Russian-Tajik Slavic University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Peter the Great Polytechnic University is expanding cooperation with the Russian-Tajik Slavic University (RTSU) within the framework of the Slavic Universities project. Since 2025, SPbPU has become the coordinator of RTSU activities, providing scientific, methodological and resource support to improve the efficiency of the university. In February, a delegation of SPbPU experts visited RTSU to assess current projects, develop a plan for joint work for 2025 and discuss key initiatives, including the reconstruction of the RTSU school and professional retraining programs for teachers.

    This is not the first experience of interaction between the two universities. RTSU and SPbPU have concluded partnership agreements, and several joint projects have been successfully implemented. In 2023, the delegation of IPMEiT SPbPU participated in the exhibition “Education and Career in the Field of AML/CFT”, which was held at the RTSU site. RTSU leaders took part in the annual Slavic Horizon summits organized at SPbPU in 2023 and 2024.

    The visit of the expanded Polytechnic University expert team to RTSU was the first close acquaintance with the university development team, leaders of research teams, and the resource base. The participants of the visit monitored the implementation of the current development program and agreed on a plan for joint work between SPbPU and RTSU for 2025.

    The delegation of SPbPU included Vice-Rector for Organizational and Economic Work Stanislav Vladimirov, Head of the Project Office “Slavic Universities”, Deputy Head of the Department of International Cooperation Nikita Golovin, Deputy Director of the Center for Continuing Professional Education PISh CI Pavel Kozlovsky, Director of the Higher School of Electronics and Microsystems Engineering IEiT, expert of Rosobrnadzor Vera Loboda, Head of the Directorate for Human Resources Maria Pakhomova and Head of the Directorate of Pre-University Education and Talent Attraction Nikolai Snegiryov.

    In addition to the general goals, each expert had an individual task – to assess the current state of affairs at RTSU in their area and develop recommendations for the activities of the RTSU development program for 2025.

    Russian-Tajik (Slavonic) University is one of the main scientific and educational centers in the Republic of Tajikistan. The mission of RTSU is to expand intercivilizational dialogue in the interests of effective and mutually beneficial partnership between Russia and the countries of Central Asia through the training of highly qualified specialists, cross-cultural interaction and cooperation in the field of economics, science and culture, strengthening the Eurasian partnership and promoting Russian education. A member of the community of “Slavic” universities, RTSU is positioned as the center of the Russian language and Russian culture in Tajikistan, promotes the spread of the influence of the best traditions of Russian education on the socio-cultural and technological environment of the region, strengthening friendly and partnership relations between the peoples of Central Asia.

    These tasks will form the basis of the joint work plan and, subsequently, the RTSU development program. The university administration, headed by Rector Mashrab Faizullo, held a number of meetings and discussions with the Polytechnic delegation. During their work at the faculties, SPbPU experts studied the specifics of teaching, curricula, organization of business processes for managing the university’s scientific and educational activities, and issues of implementing personnel and youth policies.

    One of the important projects of RTSU planned for implementation in the near future is the reconstruction of the comprehensive school of the university. At the moment, about 1,500 schoolchildren study there. According to the reconstruction program and the order of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, specialized classes with in-depth study of chemistry, biology, physics and computer science should be opened in the school. It is also necessary to provide additional classes (invariant modules) for schoolchildren in engineering disciplines (computer graphics, 3D modeling, robotics and others). These tasks require comprehensive solutions for equipping the corresponding specialized rooms and laboratories.

    The school certainly requires modernization and additional equipment. But nothing is impossible or unachievable. In the near future, the concept of school development will be worked out, a plan and all the necessary project documents will be prepared. We hope that by September 1, some of the school’s classes will be ready to accept students, – shared Stanislav Vladimirov, Vice-Rector for Organizational and Economic Work at SPbPU.

    During the visit, the results of the joint educational project were solemnly summed up: in the fall of 2024, 16 school teachers from Tajikistan completed an additional educational program at SPbPU. The students were teachers of mathematics, chemistry, biology and geography from Dushanbe schools with Russian as the language of instruction. The retraining will allow them to teach the subject “Physics”. Diplomas were presented to the participants by the head of the Directorate of Pre-University Education and Talent Attraction of SPbPU Nikolay Snegiryov. First Vice-Rector, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of RTSU Minisa Abdullaeva congratulated the graduates on the successful completion of the program and noted the importance of continuous professional growth of teachers.

    RTSU is a successful, established university, a leader in its region. Its development plans are quite ambitious, and we understand how much joint work lies ahead. It is respectful how carefully our colleagues from RTSU approach building their strategy of activity, how they work out plans and tasks, and wisely distribute resources. It is an honor and pleasure for Polytechnic to act as experts and assistants in this process, – summed up the results of the Head of the Project Office “Slavic Universities” Nikita Golovin.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DC members’ work recognised

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak today conveyed the Government’s recognition of the seventh-term District Council (DC) members’ performance since they took office.

    She made the remarks at a training session for DC members held by the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau at the Central Government Offices.

    Reviewing with the members their experiences in serving the districts in their first year of taking office, Miss Mak said district governance work had been carried out with enhanced speed and efficiency since reforms to the district governance system were made in 2023.

    She outlined that the DCs had not only assisted the Government by listening to the public and providing advice on community development, but had also worked with District Services & Community Care Teams, district organisations and other groups to serve the people and address livelihood issues.

    Miss Mak encouraged DC members to leverage their district networks to provide better services and assist the Government in policy implementation.

    During the training session, Miss Mak also spoke about future challenges in the work of district governance.

    She highlighted that people’s desire for a better life grows with community development and urged DC members to continue ensuring effective communication between the Government and the people by serving as a bridge between the two. She also encouraged them to adopt new thinking and methods to reach out to and serve constituents in order to a better and more harmonious community.

    She spelt out that she had three expectations of DC members, namely that they carry out solid work to enhance people’s satisfaction levels; carry out district youth work to encourage young people to participate more in community affairs and help them realise their dreams; and continue assisting in the organisation of activities that create a buoyant mood in the community and support the economies of each district.

    Miss Mak emphasised the important and long-term responsibilities of DC members and expressed hope that they dare to be innovative and break new ground, reach out and serve more people, and always be visible and helpful.

    The bureau will continue to arrange training sessions and visits to enhance DC members’ capabilities in discharging their duties and improve the efficacy of district governance to deliver tangible benefits for people.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Global ecommerce market poised to hit $11 trillion in 2028 amid tech innovation and ESG focus, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Global ecommerce market poised to hit $11 trillion in 2028 amid tech innovation and ESG focus, says GlobalData

    Posted in Strategic Intelligence

    The global ecommerce market is on a trajectory of rapid expansion, set to reach $11 trillion in 2028, driven by technological advancements, seamless delivery services, and rising internet penetration. With China and the US dominating the landscape, companies must continuously innovate to meet evolving consumer expectations, embrace ESG compliance, and leverage data-driven strategies to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic sector, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest Strategic Intelligence report, “Ecommerce,” reveals that the global value of transactions for the ecommerce market  is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% between 2023 and 2028, driven by improved technology and delivery services and wider internet adoption.

    Aisha U-K Umaru, Strategic Intelligence Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The global ecommerce industry is dominated by China and the US, with market shares in 2023 of 33% and 30%, respectively. These countries are home to some of the world’s biggest tech companies, including Alibaba and Amazon, which benefit from the huge troves of data generated by user activity on their platforms.”

    Subscription-based services are a growing ecommerce segment. Beauty brands like Estrid and Harry’s started with subscription services and have enjoyed great success. Both are now available in physical stores, further boosting sales. Harry’s filed for an IPO in March 2024 after reaching nearly $1 billion in revenue. However, some subscription services have struggled after a rapid rise. Once valued at almost $2 billion, meal-kit subscription service Blue Apron was bought for about $100 million by food delivery company Wonder in 2023.

    Umaru continues: “Consumers are also concerned with the social and governance factors of ESG. As a result, it remains high on the agenda for ecommerce companies, both to comply with relevant regulations and to meet consumer demands. ESG regulations such as the EU taxonomy for sustainable activities are also a method of clamping down on greenwashing, the practice of inflating a company’s ESG performance for marketing purposes.”

    Other terms such as carbon neutral, green, and environmentally friendly are being regulated, and ecommerce companies must ensure they comply with relevant guidelines to mitigate the risk of litigation.

    Umaru conlcudes: “Initiatives like the Fifteen Percent Pledge, which urges US retailers to allocate at least 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses, highlight the increasing emphasis on social equity within the ecommerce sector. Additionally, issues such as supply chain transparency and diversity remain critical, as brands strive to align with the evolving ESG priorities of Gen Z and Millennial consumers.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Duchenne muscular dystrophy market to reach $5.2 billion in 7MM by 2033, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Duchenne muscular dystrophy market to reach $5.2 billion in 7MM by 2033, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    The Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) market across the seven major markets (7MM*) is set to grow from $2.3 billion in 2023 to $5.2 billion in 2033, driven by the recent approvals of innovative therapies such as Sarepta Therapeutics and Roche’s Elevidys (delandistrogene moxeparvovec), and Santhera Pharmaceuticals’ Agamree (vamorolone), according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Market Opportunity Assessment, Epidemiology, Clinical Trials, Unmet Needs and Forecast to 2033,”  reveals that a substantial portion of this market growth is attributed to the treatment of ambulatory DMD patients. Exon-skipping therapies currently dominate the DMD therapeutic landscape, generating approximately $1.0 billion in sales in the 7MM in 2023.

    Notably, the sales are derived solely from the US and Japan markets, as exon-skipping therapies have yet to receive regulatory approval in the European Union (EU). Should these therapies gain EU approval by 2033, GlobalData forecasts their contribution to rise to $1.8 billion across the 7MM, a significant market share partly driven by the high annual cost of therapy, which exceeds $1.0 million in the US.

    Asiyah Nawab, Healthcare Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The DMD treatment landscape is evolving with the emergence of novel therapies such as exon-skipping and gene therapies. However, gene therapies in particular, compared to exon-skipping, will have less of an impact due to the small patient share eligible for treatment, in addition to the high cost of these medicines limiting patient’s access. By 2033, GlobalData forecasts gene therapies to contribute $821 million to the DMD market, a lower figure relative to exon-skipping therapies.”

    The US is set to remain the dominant market for DMD, accounting for 84.8% of total market share in 2023. This is driven by its rapid adoption of advanced therapies, strong regulatory support, and significant investment in DMD research and treatment.

    Regulatory developments have also shaped the market, with Translarna (ataluren) facing challenges in Europe. The European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has confirmed its recommendation not to renew the conditional marketing authorization for Translarna, citing unconfirmed effectiveness in treating DMD. However, in the US, PTC Therapeutics has resubmitted its New Drug Application (NDA) for Translarna, which the FDA has accepted for review. If approved, Translarna is projected to generate $185 million in US sales alone.

    Nawab continues: “Despite advancements, unmet needs remain a critical concern, particularly for non-ambulatory patients. While recent approvals have expanded treatment options for ambulatory individuals, therapeutic availability for non-ambulatory patients remains a key challenge. Many emerging therapies, including exon-skipping and gene therapies, primarily target early-stage or ambulatory patients, leaving a significant gap for those with advanced disease. This, coupled with high treatment costs and regulatory hurdles, underscores the urgent need for more accessible and effective therapies for later-stage DMD patients.”

    Corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of DMD management and will continue to play a crucial role despite the emergence of novel therapies.

    Nawab concludes: “Steroids will always be the standard of care for DMD, offering a cost-effective treatment option with proven efficacy. However, the anticipated expansion of exon-skipping and gene therapies will provide additional options for patients, particularly if they receive broader regulatory approval in key markets.”

    *7MM: The US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Apprenticeships aren’t designed for young people any more

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Charlynne Pullen, Principal Research Fellow in Education, Sheffield Hallam University

    BigPixel Photo/Shutterstock

    The number of people in England choosing to enrol in an apprenticeship has declined markedly over the past decade. Apprenticeship participation has fallen overall from 908,700 in 2016-17 to 736,500 in 2023-24.

    Particularly notable has been a shift away from apprenticeships providing introductory skills for young people towards them becoming higher level qualifications for older adults.

    In 2023-24, 55,660 under-19s were taking part in an intermediate apprenticeship, down from 75,500 in 2019-20. On the other hand, 185,810 over-25s were participating in a higher level apprenticeship in 2023-24 – up from 109,770 in 2019-20.

    “Apprenticeship starts for the under-25s fell by 38% in the period 2015-16 to 2022-23,” education secretary Bridget Phillipson told the House of Commons in September 2024. “It will fall to this Labour government to turn that around.”

    Continued messaging from successive governments has emphasised that apprenticeships are for young people. “To every young person I meet my message is that no matter who you are, or where you’re from, or whatever career you want to do, an apprenticeship will open doors for you,” Robert Halfon, skills minister in the previous Conservative government, said in 2023.

    Politicians present a decline in young people taking apprenticeships as a problem. But it is government policy that has turned these qualifications into something much more suitable for adults already in the workforce.

    Employers first

    A large reason for this is changes to how apprenticeships work that make them more centred on the role and needs of employers.

    The changes to apprenticeships since 2012 include a levy on large employers. Companies with an annual pay bill of more than £3 million pay 0.5% of this into a time-limited pot that they can use for apprenticeships within the company or transfer a proportion to smaller companies.

    Apprenticeships have also shifted from a focus on achieving qualifications towards meeting standards that focus on the knowledge, skills and behaviours of a job and often include a status or recognition from a professional body.

    The employer recruits, employs and pays the apprentice. Employers appoint the training provider, and they set the standards.

    Faced with using or losing money for apprenticeships and the choice between an unknown new recruit and an established member of staff, large employers might rationally opt to use apprenticeships to support their existing workforce to improve their skills.

    Many adults enrol on apprenticeships to improve their skills.
    fizkes/Shutterstock

    Adult apprentices typically have experience in relevant roles but want to improve their skills and progress in their careers.

    The NHS, for example, sees apprenticeships as a key part of its workforce strategy. Emerging evidence from my research with colleagues at Sheffield Hallam University and charity the Edge Foundation suggests many people on health apprenticeships are adults and existing staff.

    Reduced requirements

    Policy announcements from the current government have cemented this shift. They include the removal of the need for English and maths qualifications for adult apprentices, and the reduced minimum time period for an apprenticeship from 12 months to eight.

    In announcing the recent changes to English and maths, Bridget Phillipson said: “Businesses have been calling out for change to the apprenticeship system and these reforms show that we are listening. Our new offer of shorter apprenticeships and less red tape strikes the right balance between speed and quality, helping achieve our number one mission to grow the economy.”

    These changes are designed to increase the number of adult apprentices who complete their apprenticeship. Shorter apprenticeships should allow adults’ substantial relevant experience to be recognised within their apprenticeship so they can complete it more quickly.

    English and maths requirements had been a barrier for some adults to completing their apprenticeship. Some employers had made having English and maths qualifications a requirement for getting onto an apprenticeship. Without the requirements, more adults should be able to access and complete apprenticeships – but this change is only for those aged over 19.

    Increased funding for small and medium enterprises to take on apprentices, which was introduced under the previous government, also prioritised employers, although it did come with an additional incentive for them to take on 16-to-18 year olds. Other employer-focused policy changes from the previous government include reducing the requirements for time spent training off-the-job.

    The current government’s planned change to a growth and skills levy does include the creation of foundation apprenticeships. More detail on what they will entail in England is yet to come. But these do currently operate in Scotland, allowing younger people to gain substantial work experience whilst studying for qualifications at college.

    This kind of programme could create a smoother transition into an apprenticeship for a young person, and may increase the number of young people participating in apprenticeships. But for now, employers and the skills needed for economic growth still seem to be the priority.

    Sheffield Hallam has received funding for Charlynne Pullen to conduct related research on apprenticeships from the Low Pay Commission and the Edge Foundation. Charlynne was a Labour councillor in 2010-14 and a Labour parliamentary candidate in the 2015, 2017 and 2019 general elections, but has not been active in the party since 2019.

    – ref. Apprenticeships aren’t designed for young people any more – https://theconversation.com/apprenticeships-arent-designed-for-young-people-any-more-249640

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Music Artist John Garrison visits former Coventry school

    Source: City of Coventry

    A former Finham Park student, now turned musician, producer and singer-songwriter, met with Coventry music students during his trip to his home city on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 February.

    Coventry Music were delighted to host the former Finham Park student, in partnership with the Ed Sheeran Foundation. John’s visit comes only a month after his good friend Ed Sheeran’s surprise visit to our city.

    Coventry Music were delighted to host the former Finham Park student, in partnership with the Ed Sheeran Foundation.

    Garrison has become a much in demand studio musician, playing on tracks by Ed Sheeran, Christine Aguilera, Robbie Williams, Lewis Capaldi, Sting, Josh Groban, Benson Boone and James Blunt to name a few. He also co-wrote the Robbie Williams and Sir Rod Stewart no.1 duet, ‘Fairytales’.

    Garrison’s visit comes only a month after his good friend Ed Sheeran’s surprise visit to our city.

    The musician is currently touring as a Bass Player with James Blunt and his visit aimed to help inspire students.

    Similarly to Ed, the artist began his trip by visiting grassroots music venue The TIN Music and Arts on Wednesday 12 February. John spent time getting involved in a creative music session with SoundLab-Cov – a successful Coventry Music programme.

    On Thursday 13 February, the multi-instrumentalist visited his old school, Finham Park and Coventry AP Academy. Garrison supported the young musicians with developing their skills, shared insights of the music industry and encouraged young people to explore creative careers. 

    John Garrison said: “When I was growing up in Coventry, there wasn’t really many options if you wanted make a career in music, other than forming a band and hoping for the best. So, when Ed told me about his Foundation and the amazing work of Coventry Music Hub and SoundLab, I just had to get involved.

    “I want to show Coventry kids that there are many paths into the music business. If a non-music reading kid from Finham like me can do it, anyone can. You just need to work hard and don’t take no for an answer.”

    Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “It’s fantastic that John chose to come to his home city to see the brilliant music education work that goes on. As one of our former students, he’s a great role model for those students who want to follow in similar footsteps.

    “Music is a great way for self-expression and development of young people socially and John really inspired our young people to follow their creative careers during his visit.”

    As well as performing, Garrison also writes his own music, produces and remixes for other artists and composes for TV and Film with credits as a composer for Keeping up with the Kardashians, BBC Sports Personality of the Year and Brave New World.

    Garrison will now go straight from AP Academy to a sold out Leeds arena to rejoin the 2025 James Blunt tour.

    To keep up to date with the latest news, sign up for our Your Coventry email newsletter or follow the Council on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Public Council of the Ministry of Economic Development summed up the results of 2024

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On February 13, 2025, a meeting of the Public Council under the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation was held, in which the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroev took part.

    The meeting summed up the results of 2024 and outlined priority tasks. In particular, it was noted that the economic growth rate for the past period was higher than the forecast: 4.1%. The result was achieved due to increased demand, flexibility of the labor market, increased productivity, and decreased unemployment. The growth driver was a number of manufacturing industries, as well as construction, trade, and IT.

    Currently, the Russian Government is solving three main blocks of tasks: maintaining macro stability, reducing risks in individual industries, and ensuring growth of the economy’s potential. The main measures taken for this purpose consist of supporting investments, increasing them not only in volume but also in quality. One of the most important sources of growth of potential is the development of the labor market.

    “The key factor is increasing labor productivity. We are currently scaling the new federal project to industries with low productivity: the agro-industrial complex, processing, construction, tourism, and the entire social sphere. Industry competence centers will join the work,” emphasized the head of the ministry, Maxim Reshetnikov.

    The government will continue to lift infrastructure restrictions in transport, logistics, and energy – not only for investment projects and growing tourism within the country, but also to reorient exports and imports, and increase tourist flows with friendly countries. Decisions are being implemented to develop the platform and creative economy, and support small and medium businesses.

    The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation Sergey Katyrin formulated a number of specific proposals for joint work based on business appeals to the business association. They concerned the development of the procedure for assessing the regulatory impact, regulating legal relations in the sphere of labor migration, expanding the availability of mechanisms for increasing labor productivity, as well as issues of law enforcement in the implementation of control (supervisory) activities.

    RSPP President Alexander Shokhin named measures to increase the flexibility of the labor market as one of the priority areas of work. According to him, it is important to “use all possible resources to expand the working time fund.”

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 02/14/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Insolvency Service Chief Executive announces plan to move on to new position

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Chief Executive will take on new job in May

    • Dean Beale has been Chief Executive of the Insolvency Service since 2019 
    • He will move on to a new position outside the Civil Service in May 

    The Chief Executive of the Insolvency Service, Dean Beale, has announced his plan to leave the agency. 

    Dean has worked in the insolvency sector for more than 30 years in a variety of roles and has been Chief Executive of the Insolvency Service since 2019. 

    He will leave the agency in May to take up a position as Executive Director of the Centre for Public Interest Audit, a standalone body set up by the audit and accounting sector to support audit standards for the biggest UK companies. 

    He said:

    I have had some wonderful years at the Insolvency Service, it is a great organisation with dedicated and professional staff who care passionately about the work they do. I have felt immensely privileged and proud to lead this historic organisation which does some incredible work to support people in financial distress, tackle financial wrongdoing and maintain the UK’s world class insolvency regime.

    Before becoming Chief Executive of the Insolvency Service, Dean was Director of Strategy and Change at the agency, overseeing policy development, regulation of the insolvency sector and the department’s transformation programme. 

    In addition to his public sector experience, Dean also spent time in the private sector as a forensic accountant investigating fraud and managing commercial disputes. 

    An open recruitment process will now be put in place to find his replacement.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Oxford City Council agrees Budget

    Source: City of Oxford

    Oxford City Council has agreed a Budget that will see new homes, new community centres and increased grass cutting of verges across Oxford.

    The Budget – which is balanced for the next four years – comes against a backdrop of austerity, rising costs, especially around homelessness, inflation and councils declaring bankruptcy across the UK.

    This has been achieved in part through the ‘Oxford Model’, which will see the Council’s companies generate £19m in profit over the next four years to help fund services.

    The Budget was agreed at a Full Council meeting yesterday evening.

    Key Budget proposals

    The Council’s Budget includes funding for:

    • 1,558 new council homes over the next eight years
    • Two new community centres, in East Oxford and Blackbird Leys
    • Increased grass cutting – to at least three times a year – across Oxford
    • Increased litter picking across Oxford and a new graffiti removal service
    • Better gritting of cycle lanes and pavements
    • A new splash park in Hinksey and renewal of outdoor gym equipment
    • A freeze on pitch-hire fees for sports teams

    The Budget will take the number of council homes owned by Oxford City Council to almost 9,500, which, thanks to the energy efficiency work, will be warmer and use less energy.

    The Council will also continue to maintain its leisure centres, community centres, parks, youth clubs, and other existing services for residents and businesses.

    Changes to the Budget

    The Council’s Budget was first proposed in December 2024.

    Since then, the Government has provided additional funding to local authorities, including a further £600,000 to assist in prevention of homelessness.

    As Oxford City Council had already budgeted to provide some support for homeless people, this has freed up funding that can be spent on other priorities.

    The changes to the Budget compared to the consultation Budget include:

    • £200,000 to pilot a new scheme to help people in supported accommodation
    • £310,000 for additional graffiti removal across Oxford
    • £157,000 for additional gritting of pavements and bike lanes
    • £170,000 to provide free leisure facilities in Blackbird Leys and £60,000 for a new play area in the city centre if a site can be found
    • £100,000 to replace outdoor gym equipment across Oxford
    • £316,000 to reverse planned cuts to ward member and community grants

    The Council also agreed £2.5m to help reopen passenger services on the Cowley Branch Line, and a further £1m to enhance the £8m redevelopment of the Covered Market.

    Oxford Model

    Oxford City Council owns two companies, ODS and OX Place, that generate income to help fund frontline services. This is known as the ‘Oxford Model’.

    ODS carries out street cleaning, bin collections and parks maintenance for Oxford residents, but also sells those services to businesses and institutions to generate income.

    OX Place’s main aim is to build new council homes for Oxford residents, but it also builds open market sale and shared ownership homes to generate income.

    The companies are expected to generate about £19m in dividends returns over the next four years.

    The ‘Oxford Model’ now represents 10% of the Council’s annual Budget. This compares to 26% for fees and charges, 20% for Council Tax, 15% for Business Rates and 15% for commercial rent. Government grants represent just 6% of the Council’s budget.

    Council Tax 

    Council Tax will increase by 2.99% in 2025/26.

    For a Band D Council Tax property, a 2.99% increase equates to £10.36 per year (or 20p a week), bringing a total charge of £356.72 per annum (or £6.86 per week) to fund Oxford City Council.

    Separate Council Tax precepts support Oxfordshire County Council, the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner and the Parish Councils in Blackbird Leys, Old Marston, Littlemore and Risinghurst & Sandhills.

    Oxford City Council continues to provide a full discount on Council Tax for Oxford residents on the lowest incomes. It is one of relatively few councils across the UK to still do so.

    Second homes in Oxford will be charged double Council Tax from 2025.

    Comment

    “We’ve been listening: our residents’ survey said that people wanted their City Council to get the basics right, so we are stepping up spend on graffiti removal, pavement repairs and gritting, verge cutting, litter picking and free play provision.  We will build more than 1,500 new council homes to help local families in housing need.  We are going to retain our award-winning youth ambition service, grants to voluntary organisations and will build two new communty centres at East Oxford and Blackbird Leys.

    “This is in the context of a shortfall in government funding, but we have managed to avoid major cuts to frontline services by our ‘Oxford Model’, which uses income from our wholly owned companies, partnerships and commercial property to support the front line.”

    Councillor Ed Turner, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –