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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Compliance of the German Government’s decision to reintroduce border controls with EU law – P-001801/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. In the notification of 9 September 2024, the German authorities indicated as public policy and internal security grounds: the security risks connected to irregular migration, including migrant smuggling, resulting in high levels of illegal entries; the excessive burden on the asylum reception system and solidarity in society and resulting threats to public order and internal security; security risks flowing from the Russian invasion in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, including terrorist Islamist violence; the effects of crimes carried out by refugees on the overall sense of security among the German public.

    2. In the notification, Germany explained that it considers the reintroduction of internal border control to be a necessary and proportionate means of last resort. It does not believe the threats can be sufficiently addressed with alternative measures. It has indicated that the controls will be flexible and risk-based and that the federal police strive to limit the impact on free movement of persons within the area without internal border control and cross-border regions. The Commission will remain in close contact with the German authorities in order to evaluate the situation.

    3. No Member State has brought the matter before the Commission in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 259 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.

    Last updated: 29 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Dangerous escalation in the Middle East – P-001945/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU’s Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ASPIDES is an autonomous and purely defensive operation and is not linked to any actions, such as strikes on Yemeni soil, taken by national forces or other operations in the area.

    The objective of the operation is to protect merchant shipping and lives of the seafarers and uphold the freedom of the navigation granted by international treaties.

    EUNAVFOR ASPIDES is not linked to the ongoing escalation in Gaza and Lebanon but aims at contributing to maritime security in the Red Sea, as well as to preventing further escalation through its strictly defensive posture.

    In this context, EU does not view calls to terminate EUNAVFOR ASPIDES or withdraw assets from it as conducive to achieving regional de-escalation. The EU has been consistently calling for a ceasefire in Gaza[1], and does so now with respect to Lebanon as well[2].

    The EU remains firmly committed to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, as reiterated by the European Council in its conclusions of 17 October 2024[3].

    The EU actively supports and engages with international partners on concrete irreversible steps towards the two-state solution reviving a political process to this end, including through the holding of an international peace conference as soon as possible.

    • [1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/gaza-statement-high-representative-adoption-un-security-council-resolution_en; https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/06/28/european-council-conclusions-27-june-2024/
    • [2] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/lebanonisrael-statement-high-representative-escalation-hostilities_en; https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/lebanon-statement-high-representative-latest-developments_en; https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/paris-oecd-and-un/eu-statement-%E2%80%93-lebanon-220th-executive-board-unesco_und_en
    • [3] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/10/17/european-council-conclusions-17-october-2024/
    Last updated: 29 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Lack of information about the public consultation on the DSA Transparency Database – E-001614/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Under Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065[1], the Digital Services Act (DSA), providers of hosting services are obliged to inform their users of the content moderation decisions they take and explain the reasons behind those decisions.

    Pursuant to Article 24(5) of the DSA, the DSA Transparency Database[2], set up and managed by the Commission, contains the public record of such decisions, to which providers of online platforms are obliged to contribute for the purpose of enhancing the near real-time scrutiny of illegal and harmful content online.

    In the context of setting up the DSA Transparency Database, the Commission voluntarily held a targeted consultation with interested stakeholders.

    Responses to this targeted consultation, which ran from 20 June to 18 July 2023, were not published due to its data privacy terms and the confidentiality requested by some of the respondents.

    To avoid the reidentification of individual responses but still inform the public about the outcome of the consultation, an in-depth summary report was published on the Commission’s website[3].

    In addition to the Application Programming Interface documentation[4], an explanation of the information held in the DSA Transparency Database[5] details how its technical specifications reflect the legal requirements of Article 17 of the DSA. All of the d atabase’s documentation is publicly available on the DSA Transparency Database website as well as on its GitHub page[6].

    The Commission and digital services coo rdinators are responsible for monitoring compliance with DSA obligations. Where the Commission suspects a provider of very large online platforms or of very large online search engine to have breached those obligations, it may take enforcement actions against that provider.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj
    • [2] https://transparency.dsa.ec.europa.eu/
    • [3] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/digital-services-act-summary-report-public-consultation-dsa-transparency-database
    • [4] https://transparency.dsa.ec.europa.eu/page/api-documentation
    • [5] https://transparency.dsa.ec.europa.eu/page/documentation
    • [6] https://github.com/digital-services-act/transparency-database
    Last updated: 29 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – How to achieve CMU, after all? An analysis of the recommendations for Capital Markets Union in the Draghi, Letta and Noyer reports – 29-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    The three reports by Draghi, Letta and Noyer remind policy makers that capital markets channelling savings into investments is key to competitiveness and economic growth. The recommendations of these reports could give new impetus to the long-standing flagship policy of the Capital Markets Union (CMU). In this briefing we show how securitisation, supervision, market infrastructure and savings/pensions schemes are identified as priorities in all three reports, however with different conclusions. We also discuss all other CMU recommendations in the reports.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – 2023 Parliament Discharge: Exchange of views with Directors- General – Committee on Budgetary Control

    Source: European Parliament

    On 04 November 2024, in the context of the discharge to the European Parliament for the financial year 2023, CONT Members will exchange views with the Directorates-General of DG COMM, DG PERS, DG INLO and DG ITEC.

    The following Directores-General will participate in the exchange of views:

    – Directorate-General for Communication (DG COMM)
    – Directorate-General for Personnel (DG PERS)
    – Directorate-General for Infrastructure and Logistics (DG INLO)
    – Directorate-General for Innovation and Technological Support (DG ITEC)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Presentation of the Annual Report on the Protection of the EU’s financial interests – Committee on Budgetary Control

    Source: European Parliament

    Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Budget and Administration, will attend CONT meeting of 05 November 2024 to present the Annual Report on the Protection of the European Union’s financial interests – Fight against fraud 2023.

    The Report 2023 provides data and analyses on the cases of fraud and irregularities reported by the competent EU and national authorities, allowing an assessment of which areas are most at risk, thereby making it possible to better target action at both EU and national levels.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Pink October – B10-0087/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0087/2024

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on Pink October

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Rule 149 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan,

    A. whereas Pink October promotes breast cancer screening to detect tumours at an early stage, which improves the chances of remission and the possibility of conservative surgery;

    B. whereas 90 % of breast cancer patients recover if it is detected early;

    C. whereas screening rates are still low, however, and in France less than half of all women between the ages of 50 and 74 take part in the recommended screening;

    D. whereas cancer detection rates are rising, particularly among younger women;

    1. Highlights the growing shortage of medical services, which automatically reduces screening rates;

    2. Urges the Member States to provide better breast services to reduce the delays faced by women and carry out mammograms more quickly;

    3. Calls on the Commission to propose an initiative to combat tobacco addiction;

    4. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact of the General Product Safety Regulation on SMEs/VSEs selling online – P-001787/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    All products made available to European consumers should be safe, irrespective of the size or type of business that offer these products.

    All economic operators consequently need to ensure the safety of products, and the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)[1] does not make any exemptions for small and medium enterprises and very small enterprises (SMEs and VSEs).

    This is important also to ensure that consumers can trust SMEs/VSEs regarding the safety of the products they offer, which in turn is key for their growth.

    In addition, the GPSR provides certain product safety-specific obligations for providers of online marketplaces. As some of these obligations build on the horizontal framework of the Digital Services Act[2], the scope of some of these obligations excludes micro/small enterprises to avoid disproportionate burdens on these actors[3].

    Specific support for compliance is provided for SMEs/VSEs under the GPSR[4]. In particular, the Commission is in the process of adopting specific guidelines for economic operators, with particular regard to the needs of SMEs, including micro-enterprises, on how to fulfil their obligations. For these guidelines, the Commission is collecting and taking into account SMEs’ views.

    The Commission in general is required to provide general information to businesses regarding the GPSR[5]. This information will be provided on the Commission’s website and via a dedicated communication campaign by 13 December 2024.

    Some information is already provided in the EU Safety Gate website[6]. Member States must provide, on request and free of charge, specific information to economic operators on the implementation of the GPSR at the national level and national rules on product safety applicable to products covered by the GPSR.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2023/988 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 on general product safety (OJ L 135, 23.5.2023, p. 1-51).
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) (OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, p. 1).
    • [3] cf. Recital 57 and Article 19 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065.
    • [4] cf. Recital 41 of Regulation (EU) 2023/988.
    • [5] Article 17 (1) Regulation (EU) 2023/988 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 on general product safety (OJ L 135, 23.5.2023, p. 1-51).
    • [6] https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate/#/screen/home

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Water treatment – E-002166/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    18.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002166/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kathleen Funchion (The Left)

    Thus far in 2024, the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has conducted 67 audits of drinking water plants in Ireland. The reported analysis of these audits found that 97 % of plants required action to be taken and just 19 % of plants were operating satisfactorily.

    The 2023 EPA report entitled ‘Urban Wastewater Treatment’ stated that water treatment at 10 large towns and cities failed to meet EU standards. The same report stated that 16 towns and villages were discharging raw sewage on a daily basis. This annual report is one of many that highlight the inefficiencies of water treatment in Ireland.

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of successive EPA reports highlighting the real concerns over water treatment in Ireland?
    • 2.Can the Commission comment on the 10 large towns and cities that failed to meet EU standards and the 16 towns and villages that were discharging raw sewage?
    • 3.What actions will the Commission take to ensure the Irish authority responsible, Uisce Éireann, takes the urgent and necessary steps to remedy the situation?

    Submitted: 18.10.2024

    Last updated: 29 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Situation of Can Atalay, imprisoned MP in Türkiye – E-002154/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    17.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002154/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Leila Chaibi (The Left), Özlem Demirel (The Left), Manon Aubry (The Left), Marc Botenga (The Left), Lynn Boylan (The Left), Damien Carême (The Left), Per Clausen (The Left), Sebastian Everding (The Left), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Kathleen Funchion (The Left), Hanna Gedin (The Left), Rima Hassan (The Left), Arash Saeidi (The Left), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Jussi Saramo (The Left), Martin Schirdewan (The Left), Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Anthony Smith (The Left)

    Can Atalay, a human rights lawyer, was elected as a member of parliament in the Turkish general elections of May 2023, while he was imprisoned in relation to the political trial stemming from the Gezi Park protests in 2013.

    Despite his election, he remains in detention and has been unable to take the oath of office, preventing him from enjoying parliamentary immunity. Although the Turkish Constitutional Court recognised that his rights had been violated, Can Atalay’s mandate was annulled on 31 January 2024, a decision that has also been revoked by the Constitutional Court.

    In spite of these rulings in his favour, Can Atalay continues to be imprisoned, which constitutes a violation of his parliamentary rights.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Since its Türkiye Report 2023, in which Can Atalay’s case is mentioned (Section 2.1) as an example of rights violations, has the Commission been monitoring the developments in this case?
    • 2.Has the Commission assessed the conditions of Can Atalay’s detention and consulted the relevant parties?
    • 3.Does the Commission intend to intensify its dialogue with the Turkish authorities to ensure that Can Atalay’s parliamentary rights are respected?

    Submitted: 17.10.2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Controversial application of Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 – P-002244/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    24.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002244/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dario Nardella (S&D)

    Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/468 – adopted on the basis of Article 8 of Regulation (EC) 1925/2006, which sets rules for the addition of vitamins, minerals and other substances to food – prohibits substances such as aloe-emodin. This ban applies not only to the intentional addition of its purified form, but also to its natural presence in plants such as aloe and rhubarb.

    Four cases are currently pending before the Court of Justice, disputing the Commission’s use of Article 8 to ban plants intended for food, instead of just banning substances added to food. Despite this, the Commission has initiated further procedures for plants widely used in food, such as sweet fennel fruits.

    Furthermore, the heads of food safety agencies[1] also recommended evaluating 117 botanicals, with 13 as a priority.

    • 1.Why is the Commission opening new procedures before the Court ruling, given that there are no urgent safety concerns with the botanicals in question?
    • 2.Does the Commission find it appropriate to apply Article 8 to create a negative list of plants for food supplements?
    • 3.Does the Commission believe a ban on these plants in food supplements should also extend to foods and spirits containing these substances, and is the Commission aware of the impact these decisions will have on the European food sector?

    Submitted: 24.10.2024

    • [1] https://www.bvl.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/01_Lebensmittel/Internationales/Report_HoA_WG_FS-de.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=8
    Last updated: 29 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on design and concept flaws of new own resources – B10-0076/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0076/2024

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on design and concept flaws of new own resources

     

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020 on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap on the introduction of new own resources[1],

    – having regard to Rule 149 of its Rules of Procedure,

    1. Is gravely concerned that the European Court of Auditors, in 2024, found the data on the recently introduced plastic-based own resource (‘plastic tax’) to be unreliable and to lack comparability[2];

    2. Expresses concern that the amounts paid by Member States are not calculated justly or reasonably;

    3. Underlines that all forms of EU taxation, including indirect taxation such as the emissions trading system, lack democratic legitimacy;

    4. Regrets that many new own resources unfairly burden the poorest citizens through indirect taxes and incentives to move jobs to non-EU countries;

    5. Emphasises that the public will closely scrutinise new revenue schemes if industrial jobs keep disappearing to non-EU countries;

    6. Recalls that citizens have a right to be informed of the cost of new own resources;

    7. Calls on the Commission not to present any proposals for new EU taxes, nor to promote existing ones.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Final draft agenda – Thursday, 14 November 2024 – Brussels

    Source: European Parliament

    19 Deforestation Regulation: provisions relating to the date of application
        – Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 6 November 2024, 13:00
    8 Amendment of the EIB’s Statute
    Joachim Streit
        – (possibly) Amendments Wednesday, 6 November 2024, 13:00
    14 EU actions against the Russian shadow fleets and ensuring a full enforcement of sanctions against Russia
        – Motions for resolutions Wednesday, 6 November 2024, 13:00
        – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Monday, 11 November 2024, 12:00
        – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Monday, 11 November 2024, 13:00
    Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 12 November 2024, 16:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Draft agenda – Wednesday, 27 November 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    27 Draft amending budget No 5/2024: adjustment in payment appropriations, update of revenues and other technical updates
    Siegfried Mureşan     – (possibly) Amendments Friday, 22 November 2024, 12:00 39 Council’s recommendation on smoke- and aerosol-free environments     – Motions for resolutions Wednesday, 20 November 2024, 13:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Monday, 25 November 2024, 19:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Monday, 25 November 2024, 20:00 11 Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150)     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 25 November 2024, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 27 November 2024, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 27 November 2024, 14:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 22 November 2024, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 25 November 2024, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 26 November 2024, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 27 November 2024, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Draft agenda – Thursday, 28 November 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    Draft agenda
    Strasbourg
    Monday, 25 November 2024 – Thursday, 28 November 2024  
    Thursday, 28 November 2024   Version: Tuesday, 29 October 2024, 14:20
      Items on the agenda

    09:00 – 11:50   Debates
    12:00 – 14:00   VOTES
    15:00 – 16:00   Debates
      Speaking time

    09:00 – 11:50   Debates      
    43   Strengthening children’s rights in the EU – 35th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
    Commission statement
    [2024/2912(RSP)]

    12:00 – 14:00   VOTES      
    13   Texts on which debate is closed

    15:00 – 16:00   Debates      
    14   Major interpellations (Rule 145)
    15   Explanations of votes

    09:00 – 11:50   Debates     
    Commission (including replies) 10′
    “Catch the eye” 5′
    Members 105′
    PPE 25’30 S&D 19′ PfE 13′ ECR 12′ Renew 11’30 Verts/ALE 8’30 The Left 8′ ESN 5′ NI 3′
    15:00 – 16:00   Debates     
    …..  
    Last updated: 29 October 2024 Legal notice – Privacy policy

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Final draft agenda – Wednesday, 13 November 2024 – Brussels

    Source: European Parliament

    1     Resumption of session and order of business
    13   Conclusions of the European Council meetings of October and November 2024
    European Council and Commission statements
    [2024/2783(RSP)]
    15   EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US presidential elections
    European Council and Commission statements
    [2024/2904(RSP)]
    4   UN Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29)
    Oral question – [2024/2718(RSP)]
             
    Antonio Decaro, Lídia Pereira, Javi López, Emma Wiesner, Lena Schilling, Nikolas Farantouris (O-000010/2024 – B10-0104/24)
    Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
    Council
    2024 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29)
             
    Antonio Decaro, Lídia Pereira, Javi López, Emma Wiesner, Lena Schilling, Nikolas Farantouris (O-000009/2024 – B10-0105/24)
    Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
    Commission
    2024 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29)
    16   Fight against money laundering and terrorist financing: listing Russia as a high-risk third country in the EU
    Commission statement
    [2024/2905(RSP)]
    2     One-minute speeches (Rule 179)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Draft agenda – Tuesday, 26 November 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    35 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × NK603     – Amendments Wednesday, 20 November 2024, 13:00 36 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified cotton COT102     – Amendments Wednesday, 20 November 2024, 13:00 37 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 and eight of its sub-combinations     – Amendments Wednesday, 20 November 2024, 13:00 32 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified maize MON 810     – Amendments Wednesday, 20 November 2024, 13:00 38 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified maize DP915635     – Amendments Wednesday, 20 November 2024, 13:00 33 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified maize DP23211     – Amendments Wednesday, 20 November 2024, 13:00 34 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified maize DP202216     – Amendments Wednesday, 20 November 2024, 13:00 31 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified maize MON 94804     – Amendments Wednesday, 20 November 2024, 13:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 22 November 2024, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 25 November 2024, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 26 November 2024, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 27 November 2024, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Draft agenda – Monday, 25 November 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    1     Resumption of session and order of business
    42   International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
    Parliament’s statements
    [2024/2908(RSP)]
    41   Outcome of the UN Biodiversity Conference 2024 in Cali, Colombia (COP16)
    Commission statement
    [2024/2909(RSP)]
    2     One-minute speeches (Rule 179)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on limiting the freedom of movement for criminals – B10-0075/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0075/2024

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on limiting the freedom of movement for serious criminals

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the freedom of movement and the growing threat posed by organised criminal gangs,

    – having regard to Rule 149 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas securing the external border is essential to maintain free movement within the Schengen area;

    B. whereas massive numbers of illegal crossings of the external border have taken place, resulting in the growth of parallel societies that often finance their existence through criminal activities;

    C. whereas large economic disparities between Member States incentivise cross-border crime;

    D. whereas cross-border crime leads to financial and societal disruptions and a loss of trust in national authorities and EU institutions;

    1. Calls on the Commission to limit the freedom of movement for career criminals, repeat offenders and anyone aiding or assisting organised criminal gangs, by introducing an ‘individual ban on freedom of movement (IBFM)’ framework that empowers Member States to prohibit entry to criminals, and to issue lifelong entry bans in certain cases, such as those of repeat offenders or organised criminals;

    2. Calls for the automatic application of the IBFM framework to anyone who has crossed the external border illegally and for those persons to be subjected to mandatory detention until they can be deported.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Orange juice cartel – E-002160/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    18.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002160/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Kefalogiannis (PPE)

    Greek orange growers and orange juice businesses are complaining about the existence of a ‘cartel’ in Brazil that is controlling orange juice prices worldwide. This creates an uncompetitive business environment, whereby a handful of large companies are unduly amassing huge profits to the detriment of smaller competitors, with Greek and European consumers left at the mercy of unjustified price increases.

    Given that the orange juice sector makes a significant contribution to the Greek economy and provides a source of income for thousands of families:

    • 1.What steps will the Commission take to verify the substance of these complaints, ensure transparent competition and guarantee fair and affordable prices for European consumers?
    • 2.What are the findings so far from the investigations carried out in the context of the complaints lodged by Greek businesses?

    Submitted: 18.10.2024

    Last updated: 29 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: 20 years of ch.ch: A successful public service model

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Since its launch in October 2004, the ch.ch portal has developed into a highly valued source of information. The portal, which is available in five languages, receives around 20 million queries a year. It laid the foundations for citizen-centred communication on the part of Switzerland’s authorities and will continue to develop in that vein to reflect the ongoing trend towards digital transformation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Managed security services – 25-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Managed security services are services carrying out or providing assistance for activities relating to customers’ cybersecurity risk management. They are gaining increasing importance in the prevention and mitigation of cybersecurity incidents. Yet they were not included in the scope of the EU cybersecurity certification framework in the 2019 Cybersecurity Act. As some Member States have begun adopting certification schemes for managed security services that are divergent or inconsistent, there is a need to avoid fragmentation in the internal market. The present proposal therefore includes targeted amendments to the scope of the Cybersecurity Act, seeking to enable managed security services schemes by means of Commission implementing acts. In the European Parliament, the file has been assigned to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). ITRE adopted its report on 25 October 2023. On 9 November 2023, the committee decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations was confirmed by plenary. Trilogue negotiations started on 4 December 2023. On 6 March 2024, the EU co-legislators reached a provisional agreement on the file, which was adopted by Parliament in first reading on 24 April 2024. The text still needs to be formally adopted by the Council before it can enter into force. Second edition. The ‘EU Legislation in Progress’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the audit of green investments in light of Northvolt developments – B10-0069/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0069/2024

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the audit of green investments in light of Northvolt developments

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Rule 149 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas concerns have arisen over the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of EU climate policy, with companies such as Northvolt benefiting from public subsidies and loans from the European Investment Bank, despite considerable financial difficulties;

    B. whereas the European Court of Auditors’ special report 14/2024 found that green spending under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) could be overestimated by up to EUR 34.5 billion, with some projects having minimal impact on the energy transition or even causing environmental harm;

    1. Urges the Commission to ensure rigorous oversight of green investments benefiting from EU funding and to assess their efficiency and overall contribution to the EU’s efforts to improve its competitiveness;

    2. Stresses the importance of safeguarding taxpayer contributions by ensuring that public funds and subsidies from the EU budget and the RRF are used transparently and provide clear value for money;

    3. Calls for the establishment of clear, measurable criteria for green investments under the EU budget and RRF to ensure that only projects with significant and proven environmental and economic benefits receive funding, thereby enhancing accountability and long-term sustainability.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Horizon Europe: undue interference in human resources – P-002256/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    24.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002256/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christian Ehler (PPE)

    The most valuable part of a research project is the research team involved. Putting that team together is the prerogative of the researchers themselves. However, the Commission seems to increasingly get involved in the personnel questions of Horizon Europe projects. For example, Horizon Europe beneficiaries have reported being questioned regarding the seniority and associated costs of the researchers involved in the projects. There have even been reports of direct requests to replace more senior researchers with cheaper junior researchers.

    Can the Commission refer to the legal basis for its intervention or the intervention of an executive agency in the personnel choices of beneficiaries in relation to specific projects?

    Supporters[1]

    Submitted: 24.10.2024

    • [1] This question is supported by Members other than the author: Ondřej Krutílek (ECR), Ivars Ijabs (Renew)
    Last updated: 29 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Authorisation of Mpox vaccines and transparency – P-001831/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission authorises medicines based on a recommendation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

    The vaccine Imvanex[1] is authorised in the EU to protect against smallpox, mpox and diseases caused by vaccinia virus in individuals aged 12 and older.

    The product information[2] includes advice on the use of Imvanex in vulnerable populations, such as immunocompromised, pregnant women or children.

    The recommendation to extend the use of Imvanex to adolescents is based on the interim results of a study[3] showing its ability to generate an immune response in adolescents similar to that in adults.

    No additional risk was identified for the use of Imvanex in adolescents compared to adults. EMA requested the marketing authorisation holder to submit the study final results by 30 May 2025 to further characterise the safety information for adolescents[4].

    As for all medicines, data on the use of Imvanex are continuously monitored. Side effects reported with Imvanex are evaluated, and any necessary action taken to protect patients.

    On 13 September 2024, Imvanex was prequalified by the World Health Organisation (WHO)[5], with EMA as regulatory agency of record, i.e. EMA’s assessment was the basis for WHO prequalification to facilitate timely and increased access to this vaccine in communities with urgent need.

    WHO also cooperated in EMA’s assessment of the extension of indication to adolescents, a population particularly vulnerable to mpox.

    The Commission will continue to strive for the greatest transparency possible by complying with Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents[6] when applicable.

    • [1] Union Register of medicinal products https://ec.europa.eu/health/documents/community-register/html/h855.htm
    • [2] IMVANEX II-108 https://ec.europa.eu/health/documents/community-register/2024/20240919164097/anx_164097_en.pdf
    • [3] A Phase 2 Randomized Multisite Trial to Inform Public Health Strategies Involving the Use of MVA-BN Vaccine for Mpox https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05740982
    • [4] EMA recommends extending indication of mpox vaccine to adolescents https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-recommends-extending-indication-mpox-vaccine-adolescents
    • [5] https://www.who.int/news/item/13-09-2024-who-prequalifies-the-first-vaccine-against-mpox
    • [6] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32001R1049

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Information on managing and preventing fires in Sicily and Italy – E-001700/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The primary responsibility for disaster risk management lies with Member State authorities. The Commission’s main role is to coordinate a response through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)[1] when activated. The Commission also supports national efforts with financial support such as under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)[2] or the forest fire prevention and restoration measures under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development[3].

    2. The Commission supports local and regional authorities in implementing effective prevention strategies through funding from the ERDF in technologies for early detection and monitoring of fires, as well as critical infrastructure to enhance resilience against fire hazards. In Sicily the ERDF Regional Programme 2021-2027 allocates around EUR 204 million of EU resources to investments related to environmental risks[4].

    3. The Commission has established a fleet of planes and helicopters under rescEU[5] in 2019. The Commission is also working on creating a permanent wildfire fleet, comprising new aircraft[6] dedicated to EU-coordinated response operations.

    One of the key activities for institutional capacity development is the UCPM peer review programme[7]. After the 2023 wildfire season, the Italian Civil Protection Department requested a peer review of its wildfire risk management system[8].

    Finally, the Commission has established the Expert Group on Forest Fires, which allows for the exchange of good practices among the fire management services of the EU countries and its neighbours. Through the Copernicus European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), the Commission also provides most advance technology for the assessment of fire danger and real time monitoring of wildfires.

    • [1] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/erdf_en
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-agricultural-fund-rural-development-eafrd_en
    • [4] Of which EUR 55 million are estimated to be invested on risk prevention and management measures related to fires.
    • [5] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/resceu_en
    • [6] Planned to become gradually operational as of end 2027.
    • [7] https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/disaster-prevention-and-risk-management/ucpm-peer-review-programme
    • [8] The report is planned to be finalised before end of 2024 and will highlight good practices and provide recommendations.
    Last updated: 29 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: New committee to improve workplace equality in the public sector

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    The Charter for equal pay in the public sector brings together the Confederation, can-tons, communes and state-associated organisations that have undertaken to actively promote equal pay for women and men. The Federal Council intends to strengthen this Charter, in particular by setting up a committee to coordinate various measures and en-sure the exchange of information among signatories. At its first meeting yesterday in Bern, the committee chose three action areas to be prioritised in the coming years.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on solutions to the housing crisis – B10-0068/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0068/2024

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on solutions to the housing crisis

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Rule 149 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas families are facing overly high housing costs and it is increasingly difficult to find affordable housing to purchase or rent;

    B. whereas that situation is the result of policies that liberalise the sector, favour real estate funds and speculation, prioritise the tourism industry over housing, make renting more precarious, and abandon the role of the state;

    1. Calls on the Member States to urgently address the housing crisis by embracing their role as guardians of the right to housing, promoting and boosting public housing solutions and efficient land use, controlling rents and combating property speculation;

    2. Calls for additional dedicated European Union funding that can be deployed by Member States to expand and renovate public housing stocks and uphold the right to decent, affordable housing for all;

    3. Calls on the Commission and the Council to create conditions for Member States to have interest rates appropriate for families’ living conditions, the development of their economies and the needs of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including the possibility of reversing the policy of high interest rates.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Further work on ‘chat control’ (CSAM) – E-002183/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    20.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002183/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Piotr Müller (ECR)

    In light of information about the suspension of work due for completion in June 2024 on the child sexual abuse material regulation (CSAM), commonly referred to as ‘chat control’, I would like to ask the following questions:

    • 1.What further plans does the Commission have for the CSAM regulation, particularly in view of the fears expressed by many legal experts and organisations dealing with privacy protection, who stress the need to protect encrypted communication?
    • 2.Is it considering amendments to the draft to address widely expressed concerns about breaches to the confidentiality of private communications, particularly with end-to-end encrypted applications like Signal and WhatsApp and if so, what are these proposed amendments?
    • 3.Is there a timeline for a possible resumption of work on the regulation and deadlines for the implementation of the new proposals in 2024 or the coming years and if so, please give details.

    I would point out that encrypted communication is a key element in protecting users’ privacy and should not be breached on the pretext of tackling illegal content. I expect the Commission to set out a clear position that will assuage fears of a massive violation of citizens’ privacy.

    Submitted: 20.10.2024

    Last updated: 29 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Investing in the first peatland UNESCO world heritage site in the world

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Flow Country Partnership has received funding from the Community Loan Fund towards their pioneering peatland restoration project in Sutherland. The fund is delivered by Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited, HOIL, on behalf of The Highland Council.

    The Community Loan fund aims to encourage and support Highland based community and third sector organisations to start up and grow and contribute to a thriving and sustainable Highland and Scottish economy.  Loans can be used for capital start up-costs, growth of an existing organisation, working capital and bridging finance, with a repayment period of 1 to 10 years.

    Peatland restoration is a vital part of Scotland’s twin goals of reducing emissions and restoring nature.  The Flow Country Partnership was founded in 2006 and became a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) in February 2024 to bring together a community including crofters, farmers, landowners/managers, local businesses, residents, ecologists and local government to grow the resilience of the Flow Country and its people. This restoration will help achieve emission reduction by restoring the capacity of the peatlands to store carbon and improving biodiversity in the first and only peatland UNESCO World Heritage Site in the World.

    The partnership approached HOIL for funding to finance the peatlands restoration project on a farming and sporting estate.  Securing loan funding before the sale of carbon credits will support its long-term aspirations to become a self-sustaining organisation whilst restoring and protecting the ecosystem. 

    The Flow Country Partnership is a SCIO, with a trading subsidiary, Flow Country Restoration Limited and blends public and private finance to deliver its objectives. This project is supported by The Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS) and is being delivered by NatureScot in collaboration with The Scottish Government and in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Scottish Government’s Peatland ACTION Fund.  Trustees,  initiative partners and stakeholders,  amongst others are The Highland Council,  Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, RSPB,  North Highland Initiative, the Environmental Research Institute UHI and local landowners, farmers, crofters and estate owners.

    Councillor Paul Oldham, Chair of HOIl said: “I welcome this opportunity to help The Flow Country Partnership move forward with their Peatland Restoration project which not only helps improve the environment and create carbon storage but also brings local work to Caithness and Sutherland.

    “The Community Loan Fund which is managed by HOIL provides accessible and affordable finance for community projects across the Highlands and is one of several funds we can use to help projects across the area.”

    Graham Neville, Flow Country Partnership Vice-chair and director of Flow Country Restoration Limited added: “We are pleased to have the support of Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited for our peatland restoration project. This funding is a key step in restoring this vital landscape, which plays a crucial role in carbon storage and biodiversity, while also contributing to Scotland’s Net Zero ambitions. By working with local partners, we aim to create lasting community benefits, support sustainable carbon investments, and protect The Flow Country.”

    To find out more about the support HOIL can provide to Highland community organisations and businesses please visit their website

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –