ThreatLocker® Raises $115M Series D to Continue Delivering Zero Trust Endpoint Security to More Organizations

Round led by global growth equity firm General Atlantic, along with StepStone Group and the D. E. Shaw group, to accelerate product innovation and increase reach of Zero Trust endpoint security to organizations globally.

ORLANDO, Fla., April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ThreatLocker®, a global cybersecurity leader that offers a Zero Trust endpoint security solution, today announced it has raised $115M in Series D funding led by existing investor General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity firm, with participation from other major investors StepStone Group and the D. E. Shaw group. With the new investment, ThreatLocker® will continue to focus on driving product innovation to bring the power of Zero Trust security to more organizations and accelerating the company’s global expansion.

ThreatLocker® provides organizations with the ability to protect their IT operations with an effective Zero Trust approach to cybersecurity. The product suite provides enterprise-level server and endpoint security by blocking untrusted software, including ransomware, scripts and libraries, and exploits of known and unknown application vulnerabilities through Default Deny Application Control, Ringfencing™, Storage Control, Privileged Access Management, Network Access Control, as well as its new Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) and Managed Detection & Response (MDR) solutions. ThreatLocker® believes that its customers should have complete control over their network and devices, know what is trying to infiltrate their stack, and not live in fear of the next cyberattack. With a powerful security tool suite designed to enable organizations to easily and directly control exactly what applications run on their endpoints, ThreatLocker® customers can rest assured knowing that their businesses are protected using the Zero Trust model framework that protects them from various cyber threats, including unknown malware, ransomware, and exploits for known and unknown vulnerabilities.

ThreatLocker® CEO Danny Jenkins commented, “ThreatLocker has made a huge impact in the industry in driving a least-privilege approach forward over the last few years and has introduced new EDR and MDR products within a single cybersecurity platform for our customers. We believe this new injection of capital will enable us to continue to develop Zero Trust products and grow ThreatLocker’s market presence. We are very excited to be partnering again with General Atlantic, as well as with new investors, StepStone Group & the D. E. Shaw group, and look forward to leveraging their teams’ deep experience in bringing products to market and scaling technologically-disruptive businesses.”

To add to this, ThreatLocker® COO Sami Jenkins commented, “We are thrilled to extend our partnerships with General Atlantic and look forward to working with StepStone and the D. E. Shaw group.” 

The new investment follows another year of growth as ThreatLocker® doubled its revenue and added 50% to its workforce. Today, ThreatLocker® has thousands of partners and protects over 50,000 organizations. Serving companies who are serious about security, ThreatLocker® partners with Enterprises and Managed Service Providers (and MSSPs), including many financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and airlines such as Emirates and JetBlue Airways.

Gary Reiner, Operating Partner at General Atlantic, continued, “ThreatLocker effectively takes the guesswork out of threat detection with its Zero Trust approach. As companies of all sizes increasingly focus on filling in gaps in their security stacks, Zero Trust is becoming a necessity – and we view ThreatLocker as an emerging leader in this paradigm shift. We are thrilled to further our partnership with the team to accelerate ThreatLocker’s growth as an endpoint security disruptor.”

About ThreatLocker® 
ThreatLocker® is a global cybersecurity leader, providing enterprise-level Zero Trust cybersecurity tools to improve the security of servers and endpoints. Founded in 2017 by Danny Jenkins, Sami Jenkins, and John Carolan, ThreatLocker® now serves thousands of organizations globally and is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, USA. For more information, visit: https://www.threatlocker.com/

About General Atlantic
General Atlantic is a leading global growth investor with more than four decades of experience providing capital and strategic support for over 520 growth companies throughout its history. Established in 1980 to partner with visionary entrepreneurs and deliver lasting impact, the firm combines a collaborative global approach, sector-specific expertise, a long-term investment horizon, and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great entrepreneurs and management teams to scale innovative businesses around the world. General Atlantic has approximately $84 billion in assets under management inclusive of all products as of March 31, 2024, and more than 300 investment professionals based in New York, Amsterdam, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, London, Mexico City, Miami, Mumbai, Munich, San Francisco, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Stamford and Tel Aviv. For more information on General Atlantic, please visit: www.generalatlantic.com.

About The D. E. Shaw Group
The D. E. Shaw group is a global investment and technology development firm with more than $60 billion in investment capital as of March 1, 2024, and offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Since our founding in 1988, our firm has earned a reputation for successful investing based on innovation, careful risk management, and the quality and depth of our staff. We have a significant presence in the world’s capital markets, investing in a wide range of companies and financial instruments in both developed and developing economies. For more information, visit www.deshaw.com.

Media Contacts

ThreatLocker®
Spencer Ford
(689) 217-4246
spencer.ford@threatlocker.com

General Atlantic
Emily Japlon & Sara Widmann
media@generalatlantic.com

The D. E. Shaw group
media-inquiries@deshaw.com

Spencer Ford
ThreatLocker Inc.
+16892174246
spencer.ford@threatlocker.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9104839

LUX And MX Player Partner To Challenge Outdated Sexist Scenes With An Innovative Campaign ‘The End’

Empowering Women By Disrupting Sexist Narratives in the Indian Film Industry: LUX Launches ‘The End’ Campaign.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2024 – VML Singapore and LUX, the global beauty brand under Unilever, has partnered with MX Player, a leading OTT platform, to launch a fresh new campaign that tackles a deeply ingrained issue in Indian cinema: the normalisation of sexism.

The campaign titled ‘The End’, shines a light on how classic Indian films, while undeniably popular on streaming platforms, often portray outdated narratives where men disregard a woman’s clear refusal. This innovative campaign aims to spark conversation and inspire positive change within the industry.

This campaign leverages the power of communications within the MX Player platform in a truly unique way. Instead of traditional ad breaks that disrupt the viewing experience, LUX will utilize ad spaces strategically placed within the films themselves.

For example: The movie plays as expected, up until a crucial scene where a man is acting inappropriately and the woman clearly expresses her dissent. This could be a verbal “No,” a look of discomfort, or any other clear indication of her unwillingness. At this pivotal moment, the LUX ad seamlessly interjects, effectively simulating the end of the movie with end credits. This unexpected end surprises viewers with a new perspective on behaviour that has become normalised.

The campaign showcases such scenarios to emphasise the power of “No” and the importance of respecting boundaries. It features powerful messages about  the importance of consent, demanding an end to sexism the moment it appears, and understanding that a woman’s glowing beauty is never an invitation or excuse for harassment.

For over a century, LUX has empowered women to express their unique beauty and individuality. Their new campaign builds upon this legacy, taking a creative and impactful approach to tackle a significant social issue.

“For decades, films have perpetuated the idea that a persistent man eventually wins a woman’s heart, even if she initially rejects him,” said Severine Vauleon, Global Brand Vice President, LUX | Bath & Body. “While the industry has undoubtedly made strides towards progress, many popular films from the past remain riddled with these outdated sexist scenes. We’re proud to partner with MX Player on this innovative initiative that uses the power of communications to address a social issue.”

By partnering with MX Player, a platform renowned for its diverse library of content reaching a wide audience, LUX showcases its commitment to leveraging its reach for social progress. This strategic partnership ensures the campaign’s message finds a powerful voice and resonates with a vast and diverse group of viewers.

Hinoti Joshi, Global Managing Partner at VML Singapore, who spearheaded the campaign, commented, “This campaign is not about erasing cinematic history. It’s about sparking a conversation and encouraging viewers to critically analyse the narratives they consume. We believe that classic films can still be enjoyed while acknowledging the outdated social norms they sometimes portray.”

The LUX and MX Player campaign has the potential to spark a much-needed conversation within the Indian Film industry. By challenging outdated sexist scenes and promoting narratives that celebrate female agency and respect for boundaries, the campaign can pave the way for a more progressive and empowering future for Indian cinema.

‘The End’ campaign is a call to action, encouraging viewers to critically analyse the narratives they consume and question outdated portrayals of women. It also sends a powerful message to the film industry itself: the audience is ready for stories that reflect a more progressive and respectful portrayal of gender dynamics. 

About LUX

LUX has been celebrating beauty and femininity since 1925. We understand that beauty is a woman’s armour, her source of strength. It is hers to express, unapologetically. We will continue to help women everywhere fight casual sexism at home, in the workplace and in wider society.

About MX Player

MX Player is India’s largest growing OTT platform with a diverse audience base as well as a global reach of 17+ markets including UAE, US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives amongst others. It currently operates on both, AVoD and SVoD models with a keen understanding of the pulse of the audience, It has recently had several record-breaking shows across genres like Bhaukaal, Aashram, Matsya Kaand, High, Samantar, Dharavi Bank, and Campus Diaries. It is also the only OTT global platform to deploy H.266 technology that cuts down video streaming data consumption by 70%. As per the State of Mobile 2023 Report by Data.ai, MX Player ranks #1 in India and #3 Worldwide in terms of Downloads in Video Streaming.

LUX Celebrates A Century Of Unmatched Fragrance With “Still There” Campaign

LUX invites everyone to rediscover the enduring power of its fragrances and to experience firsthand why, after a hundred years, LUX’s signature scents are “Still There.”

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire –  24 April 2024 – The global beauty brand under Unilever, LUX, a pioneer in luxurious personal care and fragrant soaps, is proud to announce its new campaign, “Still There”, created by VML Singapore, this campaign is a nostalgic journey through time that showcases the enduring appeal and lasting power of its signature fragrances.

Honouring a remarkable 100-year legacy of infusing fine French fragrances into its products, LUX reaffirms its commitment to quality and draws on this proud heritage to highlight the lasting power of LUX’s unique scents, which continue to enchant users decades after their introduction, setting a new standard in the personal care industry.

The concept behind “Still There” is simple yet profound: demonstrating that the fragrances used in LUX soaps not only persist but remain distinctive and captivating over time. To bring this concept to life, LUX undertook an ambitious project to locate and test vintage LUX soaps, some of which date back to as early as 1938. After more than 500 hours of searching and over 75 days of procurement, these soaps were analysed by the esteemed Givaudan Perfumery School. The results were astounding. Descriptors like “Very feminine but with a strong identity” and “Beautiful scent, very opulent, sweet and floral” confirmed that the fragrances had stood the test of time – they were indeed “Still There.”

The campaign sets itself apart through its innovative blend of historical reverence and modern scientific validation. Unlike other campaigns that may rely solely on contemporary appeal, LUX has tapped into its rich archives to prove a point about quality and consistency. This unique approach not only showcases LUX’s commitment to excellence but also bridges generations of users who have chosen LUX soaps for their distinctive and lasting fragrances.

“We are thrilled to embark on this nostalgic journey with the ‘Still There’ campaign, which not only celebrates our rich heritage but also underscores our commitment to quality and innovation,” said Severine Vauleon, Global Vice President, LUX Bath and Body, Unilever “By exploring our archival soaps and demonstrating their enduring fragrance, we pay homage to a century of excellence and reaffirm our promise to deliver unparalleled sensory experiences to our consumers. LUX has always been at the forefront of combining luxurious touches with everyday personal care, and this campaign beautifully encapsulates the essence of what we stand for.”

VML Singapore created this campaign to underscore LUX’s strengths in fragrance longevity and quality, areas where it outperforms competitors. By successfully preserving the integrity of its soap fragrances for decades, LUX demonstrates its superiority in fragrance infusion technology and its deep understanding of consumer desires for enduring and pleasant scents.

As part of the “Still There” campaign, LUX introduced an engaging interactive element with social media influencers to broaden its impact and reach. LUX sent beautifully crafted boxes to selected influencers, each containing four samples of soap powder drawn from different historical periods. These influencers were encouraged to smell the samples and describe the fragrances, capturing their initial impressions and sensory experiences. After recording their thoughts, they opened an accompanying envelope that revealed the age of each sample, some being decades old. The surprise element highlighted the timelessness of LUX fragrances. To connect the past with the present, the box also included two of LUX’s current body washes, demonstrating that today’s products continue to deliver up to 24 hours of lasting fragrance. This creative approach not only emphasised the consistency and heritage of LUX’s quality but also showcased its evolution and adaptation to contemporary beauty standards.

Hinoti Joshi, Global Managing Partner Unilever at VML, Singapore, who spearheaded the campaign, commented, “by weaving together the past and the present in this unique experiential campaign, we’ve highlighted not only the enduring legacy of LUX fragrances but also their relevance and appeal in today’s market. This initiative serves as a bridge connecting generations, proving that truly luxury and exquisite scents are indeed timeless. We are excited to see how this campaign resonates with both long-time fans and new audiences alike, reinforcing LUX’s position as a leader in the world of fine fragrance personal care.”

LUX continues to lead with innovation while staying true to the timeless allure that has defined the brand for a century. “Still There” is more than a campaign—it is a testament to LUX’s legacy and its future in offering consumers the ultimate experience in indulgent and lasting fragrance.

About LUX

LUX is committed to creating indulgent skincare products that provide consumers with a touch of glamour and an exceptional experience. Known for its commitment to quality, LUX continues to harness the power of technology and the finest ingredients to deliver superior product offerings globally.

UK businesses must prioritise payment technology to build customer loyalty and stay competitive: New research from Lloyds Bank and FreedomPay

London, United Kingdom, April 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —
  • Less than a third (27%) of businesses are confident they offer seamless payments experiences.
  • Almost two-thirds of businesses (59%) across Retail, Food & Beverages and Hospitality believe a good checkout experience offers the same competitive advantage as having the best products.
  • Customer preference is the factor most likely to influence businesses’ investment in payment technologies.

New research from Lloyds Bank and FreedomPay highlights the importance of UK businesses investing in new payment technology.

Two-thirds (59%) of UK Retail, Food & Beverage (F&B) and Hospitality companies were found to already put payments at the heart of their customer experience strategy, reflecting the growing importance of payment options to customers.

For retail-focused businesses, 59% believe that a good checkout experience is essential to building customer loyalty, with respondents believing it is as much a competitive advantage as having the best products.

Meanwhile, 57% of retailers said that a poor payment experience could have a detrimental effect on their business, pushing customers to competitors who offer a better experience.

The findings come as payment infrastructure is increasingly viewed as a critical part of customers’ shopping experience. As high inflation takes its toll on both independent venues and enterprise chains, this research demonstrates the need for businesses to prioritise customer satisfaction and build brand loyalty.

A Chip Off the Old Block

However, despite understanding the importance of providing a good payment experience for customers, making this a reality appears to be a challenge for many businesses.

Half of all business surveyed (49%) said they had not invested in payment solution updates at all, and only 27% of respondents felt confident in their omnichannel payment experience offering.

This disparity highlights that businesses have a lot of room for growth, as investment in new payment technology could lead to significantly enhanced customer experiences and result in increased sales.

Data leads to better customer engagement

Other findings highlighted how businesses are using data, with many understanding that payments data can help them to make more informed decisions. 80% of respondents said they are using payments data to learn more about their customers to tailor services and products for them, which can be crucial to maintaining customer engagement and driving brand loyalty.

FreedomPay’s President Chris Kronenthal said:
“What is evident from our research is that brands must focus on payments innovation now more than ever. Understanding what customers expect and want from a payment experience is fundamental to ensuring that customers keep coming back. Choosing the right payments partner can support strategic business decisions and streamline checkout to help to deliver a personalised, seamless, and data-driven experience any time, any place.”

Melinda Roylett, Managing Director, Lloyds Bank Merchant Services said:
“The way we pay has undergone rapid shifts in the past few years. Accelerated by the pandemic, technological advancements and innovative ways of using open banking have led to the increasing adoption of contactless, digital wallet solutions and embedded finance options such as Buy Now, Pay Later. Consumers now have more choice than ever. This means that businesses also need to think about how they use the payment experience at checkout to build business growth.”

We hope you enjoy the full Report at lloydsbank.com/paymentsinsight

ABOUT FREEDOMPAY

FreedomPay’s Next Level Commerce™ platform transforms existing payment systems and processes from legacy to leading edge. As the premier choice for many of the largest companies across the globe in retail, hospitality, lodging, gaming, sports and entertainment, foodservice, education, healthcare and financial services, FreedomPay’s technology has been purposely built to deliver rock solid performance in the highly complex environment of global commerce. The company maintains a world-class security environment and was first to earn the coveted validation by the PCI Security Standards Council against Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE/EMV) standard in North America. FreedomPay’s robust solutions across payments, security, identity, and data analytics are available in-store, online and on-mobile and are supported by rapid API adoption. The award winning FreedomPay Commerce Platform operates on a single, unified technology stack across multiple continents allowing enterprises to deliver an innovative Next Level experience on a global scale. www.freedompay.com

ABOUT LLOYDS BANKING GROUP

  • Lloyds Banking Group is a leading UK based financial services group providing a wide range of banking and financial services, focused on personal and commercial customers.
  • We are proud to be by the side of British business, supporting more than 1 million UK businesses with leading digital and relationship banking services, as they start up, grow, thrive and trade internationally.
  • As part of the Group, Lloyds Bank Cardnet Merchant Services offers leading end-to-end payment acceptance solutions. We help businesses from all parts of the UK, and across all different sectors and sizes, giving them the support they need to take payments online, in store, or over the phone at any time.
  • For more information on how we help businesses to receive payments please visit: www.lloydsbank.com/cardnet

Attachments

Adam Charles, Media Relations
Lloyds Bank
0207 356 2374
Adam.charles@lloydsbanking.com

Hill & Knowlton for FreedomPay
freedompayUK@hillandknowlton.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9104694

South Korea launches nanosatellite from New Zealand

ANKARA: South Korea on Wednesday launched its nanosatellite into orbit as part of its project to create a satellite constellation by 2027, local media reported. The Earth observation satellite lifted off aboard Rocket Lab's Electron rocket from a spaceport in Mahia, New Zealand, Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency reported, citing a Ministry of Science and ICT statement. The satellite, named NEONSAT-1, was deployed into space at an altitude of 520 kilometers (323 miles), about 50 minutes after the rocket's launch, according to the report. The satellite developed by the state-run Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) for mass production, NEONSAT-1 weighs less than 100 kilograms and has a resolution of 1 meter. Seoul plans to launch five more nanosatellites into space in June 2026 and five more in September 2027 to better monitor the Korean Peninsula and its surrounding regions. Earlier, this month, South Korea also "successfully" launched its second indigenous spy satellite on a SpaceX Fal con 9 rocket. South Korea launched its first spy satellites in December last year after North Korea placed its first military spy satellite into orbit in November and vowed to launch three more spy satellites this year. *Writing by Islamuddin Sajid Source: Anadolu Agency

Limassol state forest blaze caused by flare, Minister says

A blaze at the Limassol state forest which started early on Wednesday morning and subsided in the evening was caused by a flare, during a controlled combustion operation of flares and smoke canisters by the Mines and Quarries Service, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou said. In statements at the firefighting coordination centre, set up, at Vasa Kellakiou local council, Panayiotou said she would ask for an administrative enquiry into the matter and the possibility of placing the Director of the Service under suspension. She urged everyone to be very careful because this is a very difficult summer and additional aerial aircraft are not expected to be delivered to Cyprus before June. The blaze, Panayiotou said, "was caused by a flare, during a controlled combustion operation to destroy flares and smoke canisters by the Mines and Quarries Service." "I have given the Permanent Secretary instructions to go ahead with an administrative enquiry and to look into the possibilit y of placing under suspension the Director of the Mines and Quarries Service," she added. About 150 fire fighting personnel from various departments, 29 various vehicles and three aircraft have been working to place the fire under control. Firefighting personnel would remain in the area overnight. Source: Cyprus News Agency

UN refugee agency launches $1.2B appeal for Gaza, West Bank amid Israeli attacks

ISTANBUL: The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) issued an urgent appeal on Wednesday for $1.21 billion to address the humanitarian needs of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. 'The scars of war are seen on a massive scale in Gaza. Meanwhile, violence is increasing in the West Bank,' UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement. 'It is critical to support UNRWA in providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance and development services in health and education,' he added. UNRWA said the appeal aims to respond to the most urgent needs of 1.7 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and more than 200,000 refugees in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. 'The past months proved that there is no replacement or alternative to UNRWA,' Lazzarini added. Israel has launched a brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed nearly 1,200 people. More than 34,200 Palestinians have since been killed and 77,200 others injured am id a tight siege imposed by Israel, which left the entire population, especially residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation. More than six months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins, pushing 85% of the enclave's population into internal displacement amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine, according to the UN. In March, the UN warned of 'imminent famine' in Gaza and appealed for swift action to prevent a humanitarian disaster in the territory. UNRWA was created by the UN General Assembly more than 70 years ago to assist Palestinians who were forcibly displaced from their land. The agency provides crucial support to millions of Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and other areas where large numbers of registered Palestinians reside. Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza. Source: Anadolu Agency

Trkiye slams US’ human rights report, says it has ‘erroneous information’

ISTANBUL: Trkiye slammed the US' recent human rights report, calling for Washington to address its own human rights record and cease its alliances with terror organizations, said the country's foreign ministry on Wednesday. "We reiterate our call for the United States to focus on its own human rights record as well as to cease its partnerships with terrorist organizations and its double-standard policy on human rights," said the ministry in a statement. The ministry said that the report includes unfounded accusations, "erroneous information and prejudiced comments" regarding Trkiye, echoing similar patterns observed in previous years. Ankara reiterated its refusal to endorse the report which it said "was prepared on the basis of allegations of unknown origin and discourses of circles affiliated with terrorist organizations yet another year". "Trkiye remains firmly committed to the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, despite facing multifaceted and severe terrorist threats," said the statement. Trkiye's counterterrorism operations are on the basis of its right of self-defense and are completely focused on combating terrorist elements and their capabilities utilized in terrorist activities, it said. "As an ally fully aware of the scope of our just and legitimate fight against all forms of terrorism, the US' insistence on inconsistent claims that distort the facts is incomprehensible," the statement added. "We are also deeply concerned that the report does not duly reflect the ongoing inhuman attacks in Gaza, which significantly impairs not only the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people but also the common values of all humanity". "This clearly indicates that the concerned report was prepared with political motives, far from impartiality and objectivity," said the statement. Source: Anadolu Agency

Former enemies become partners in the EU, says former Cyprus FM at ceremony marking 20 years since enlargement

The European Union is known for the undoing of borders and as a place where former enemies become partners and friends, former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, Georgios Iacovou, said on Wednesday during a debate in the European Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement of the European Union, the biggest enlargement in the history of the European Union. Asked by Kyriakos Giallourides - one of the 10 young people born on May 1, 2004 who were in Strasbourg for the celebrations - about the expectations that Cypriots had in the run-up to Cyprus' accession to the European Union and whether he believes that these expectations have been met, Iacovou replied that "Cyprus has always recognised how exposed it was both economically and geopolitically". He added that Cypriots above all hoped for security and stability. "Today we feel we have both," he said. At the same time, he said that more practically, young Cypriots were excited about the opportunity to study, to work, to live anywhe re in the European Union and "today we are proud of the fact that the flow of European citizens is in both directions." He also noted that many Cypriots had hoped that accession would take place at the same time as the reunification of Cyprus. 'This did not happen and Cyprus joined as a country divided. But the European Union is known for the undoing of borders and where former enemies become partners and friends,' he said. Addressing Kyriakos he said 'I am an old man now and I hope in my heart that your generation will achieve what mine did not. Thank you for being here.' At her speech President von der Leyen said that 'when the clock struck midnight, on 1 May 2004, a whole continent burst into celebration, the flames of bonfires lit up the night in the Baltic states. A thousand fireworks coloured the sea around Malta and Cyprus, and the lakes of Slovenia, and the Ode to Joy resonated in the cities of Central and Eastern Europe, previously on the other side of the Iron Curtain'. She noted that European c itizens in the then new member states saw their countries transformed, saying that their economies boomed, agricultural production tripled and unemployment rates have been cut by half. She stressed also that 'the power of Europe, together with your ingenuity, has brought a true economic miracle to all your countries. In so many different ways, Europe has made you stronger. But you have made Europe so much stronger, too'. She explained that people and companies across Europe have enjoyed new opportunities to study and work, export and invest in a wider Union. 'You have empowered our response to the geopolitical challenges we face, from our Eastern Members' resolute support to Ukraine, to Cyprus' leadership in opening a maritime corridor for aid to Gaza', she said. Addressing the ceremony, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said that in these past two decades, Europe has been met with unprecedented challenges. 'Together, we have managed to meet them head-on', she said. She emphasized that unity does not mean being homogenous. 'Europe does not seek to make everyone the same. We are proud of our differences. Proud of our unique traditions, our cultures, our languages and our diversity. We have proven that over the past 20 years', she mentioned. The present and former EU leaders were joined by the former European Commissioner for Enlargement Gnter Verheugen and representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago. Statements were also made by the former President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi and the former President of the European Parliament, Pat Cox, who were in office in 2004, the year of the accession of the 10 countries. During the ceremony, the guests answered questions from a group of young people from the then-new member states and born on or around 1 May 2004 and present in Strasbourg. The ceremony ended with Beethoven's Ode to Joy, performed by the Voix de Stras' acapella choir. On May 1, 2004, Cyprus became a full EU Member State, along with the other nine acceding countries - The Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. On January 1, 2008, Cyprus joined the eurozone. Cyprus assumed the six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1, 2012 and the next Cypriot Presidency is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026. Source: Cyprus News Agency