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MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Angler fined for not putting back protected eel he caught
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Angler fined for not putting back protected eel he caught

Penalty also covers not having a rod licence
Environment Agency officers were called to a small fire on the banks of the River Medway, where they found Piotr Wieclaw fishing and an eel he’d caught.

A fisherman from south-west London who failed to return a critically-endangered eel to a river in Kent last summer has been fined £800.

Fisheries enforcement officers from the Environment Agency reported Piotr Wieclaw for illegal fishing in the River Medway after getting a tip-off from a member of the public.

One weekend last August, 52-year-old Wieclaw travelled from his home in Merton to a stretch of the 70-mile-long river between Tonbridge and Maidstone.

Small fire

The observant onlooker called the Environment Agency’s incident hotline, 0800 807060, after spotting a small fire burning near where Wieclaw and 3 other men were fishing. Anyone can ring the number if they think an environmental crime or pollution has been committed.

When the 2 Environment Agency officers arrived at Porters Lock, near Tonbridge, they found a dead eel under a towel next to the fire. Wieclaw was unable to produce a valid rod licence when challenged.

Anyone aged 13 or over needs a licence to fish for salmon, trout, eels or freshwater species. Information on when you need a licence and to buy one are at https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence. They can also be purchased by phone: 0344 800 5386. Concessions are available.

Kye Jerrom, a senior enforcement officer with the Environment Agency, said:

“There are many possible reasons for the decline in eel numbers in the past 40 years. Over-fishing, habitat loss and fragmentation, parasites and climate change could all be to blame, which is why eels must be returned to the water when caught.

“Fishing licences are great value and less expensive than fines. The income helps with the sustainable management of fisheries. It’s quick, easy and cheap to get a licence: by phone and online – search ‘fishing licence’ on gov.uk.

“Our fisheries enforcement officers check private lakes, rivers, ponds and canals for illegal fishing, supported by clubs, the Angling Trust and police.”

Eels are an important part of the water environment. They feed on invertebrates, fish, molluscs and crustaceans, helping to recycle nutrients. In turn, they are an important food source for other species.

Eel-fishing strictly controlled

Fishing for eels is strictly controlled to maintain stocks. Any eels caught must be returned to the river with as little harm as possible.

Wieclaw, of Hillyard Place, in Merton, pleaded guilty to fishing without a valid rod licence, and removing one eel from the Medway.

Wimbledon magistrates’ court fined him £800, with costs of £135, and a victim surcharge of £320.

For not having a current rod licence to fish for freshwater fish or eels on 3 August 2024, Wieclaw was charged under section 27 (1) (a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.

In removing the eel from the water and not putting it back on the same date, Wieclaw broke national byelaw 3 under schedule 25 and sections 210 and 211 of the Water Resources Act 1991.

Contact us:

Journalists only: 0800 141 2743 or communications_se@environment-agency.gov.uk.

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Published 7 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 8, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Kingdom of Lesotho: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

Source: IMF – News in Russian

July 7, 2025

A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

Against a backdrop of low growth, high unemployment, and widespread poverty, Lesotho’s government-led growth model has long struggled to deliver on the authorities’ growth and development goals. Now, an additional set of external shocks has further clouded the outlook. From a modest peak of 2.6 percent in FY24/25, GDP growth is expected to almost halve to 1.4 percent in FY25/26, reflecting a much more turbulent and uncertain external environment. The peg to the Rand has continued to serve Lesotho well, helping bring inflation down from a peak of 8.2 percent in early 2024 to 4.0 percent in April 2025.
Prudent government spending during FY24/25, along with buoyant South African Customs Union (SACU) transfers and water royalties have once again resulted in a sizable fiscal surplus. This has enhanced longer-term fiscal sustainability and helped strengthen foreign reserves, which supports the peg. Looking forward, increased water royalties from South Africa will further boost revenue, and help offset easing SACU transfers.
The main challenge for the authorities is to transform these fiscal surpluses into sustainable and high-quality growth — now even more urgent in light of recent shocks. Public funds should be saved wisely and spent strategically, with an emphasis on high-return investment projects. More effective use of public funds, alongside structural reforms, should support longer-term private sector-led growth.

Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Andrew Tiffin held meetings in Maseru with the authorities of Lesotho and other counterparts from the public and private sectors and civil society from June 4 to 17, 2025, as part of the 2025 Article IV consultation. Discussions focused on the mix of fiscal and monetary policies to ensure macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, as well as the structural reforms needed to create jobs, reduce poverty, and facilitate the transition to private-sector-led growth.

Context and Outlook

IMF staff estimates suggest that real GDP growth picked up modestly in FY24/25 to 2.6 percent, up from 2.0 percent the previous year. In large part, this reflects spillovers from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP-II), which has helped offset declining competitiveness in the apparel sector and the impact on exports of lower diamond prices. Headline inflation was 4.0 percent in April, down from a peak of 8.2 percent in January 2024. The gap between CPI inflation in Lesotho and South Africa mainly reflects the larger share of food in Lesotho’s CPI basket.

Lesotho’s fiscal balance registered a sizable surplus in FY24/25. South African Customs Union (SACU) transfers are up by almost 14 percent of GDP compared with FY23/24, and recurrent spending has remained steady as a proportion of GDP, owing to a moratorium on public sector hiring and a reduction in the in-kind social assistance benefits. Capital spending increased but execution remained short of budgeted levels. The net impact has been a fiscal surplus of 9.0 percent of GDP in FY24/25, which helped lift gross international reserves to 6 months of imports; strengthening the peg. With less issuance of domestic debt, clearance of domestic arrears, and repayment of an IMF arrangement under the Rapid Financing Facility, public debt fell to 56.6 percent of GDP in FY24/25, down from 61.5 percent in FY23/24.

However, a more uncertain global environment has undermined Lesotho’s economic outlook, with growth expected to almost halve to 1.4 percent in FY25/26. In particular, the sudden shift in policies by the United States on tariffs and official development assistance (ODA) will hit the economy hard. Details of US intentions are still unclear, but as a small and vulnerable country, Lesotho is one of the most exposed countries in Africa to changing US priorities. Exports to the United States represent 10 percent of Lesotho’s GDP, and foreign assistance from the United States has typically amounted to around 3½ percent of GDP, mostly concentrated on disease prevention and other critical health needs.

Looking ahead, Lesotho has options. SACU transfers are expected to drop to their long-term average this year (down 6 percentage points to less than 20 percent of GDP). Filling the gap, however, renegotiated water royalty rates under the Treaty with South Africa on the LHWP-II represent a significant source of revenue—rising to almost 13 percent of GDP in FY25/26 and then settling at around 10 percent of GDP every year over the medium term. In sum, domestic revenues are expected to be around 8-10 percent of GDP higher than just a few years ago. On the monetary side, the peg to the Rand continues to serve the economy well and should remain the main focus of monetary policy. Policy rates should continue to follow South African rates closely. The central bank should take advantage of the current easing cycle to close the remaining gap with South Africa.

The key challenge for the authorities is to transform Lesotho’s fiscal surpluses into sustained, high-quality growth. A striking lesson from the country’s recent history, however, is that greater public spending is no guarantee of higher living standards. As a proportion of GDP, for example, government spending in Lesotho is well above international norms—more than double the SACU average. But this has not been matched by improved economic performance. Indeed, real per capita incomes shrunk by 12 percent between 2016 and 2023, and unemployment and inequality remain high. Considering the possible uses of Lesotho’s surpluses, therefore, the main goal of the authorities should be to ensure that this time is different, and that these funds are saved wisely and spent strategically.

Saving Wisely

Greater savings will require continued fiscal prudence. To this end, the authorities should maintain their efforts to control recurrent spending and enhance capacity in tax revenue analysis and administration.

Contain the wage bill. Lesotho’s wage bill (as a share of GDP) is the highest among SACU members and triple the sub-Saharan African average. Reducing the amount spent on wages has long been a key recommendation of past Article IV consultations. And the government’s continued restraint over the past year has been a critical step in the right direction—this effort should continue, with a continued moratorium on hiring, streamlining of the establishment list, and regular reviews of the compensation system. It should be noted, however, that reducing the wage bill is not an end in itself. Ultimately the objective is a fair and performance-based public employment system that rewards productivity and ensures better delivery of public services.
Improve tax policy design and strengthen tax administration. The Tax Policy Unit has been established and key staff are being hired. With help from the IMF, the unit’s capacity to accurately forecast revenue and improve tax-system design should be strengthened quickly. On tax administration, a phased reform strategy is being implemented in line with the IMF’s 2023 TADAT assessment. Prompt approval of the two tax policy bills and tax administration bill could help address identified deficiencies in many areas.
Improve the efficiency of social spending to target the most needy. Social spending is several times that of neighboring countries as a share of GDP but the targeting of social safety schemes should be improved. For example, the tertiary loan bursary fund education scheme (2.7 percent of GDP) provides loans to many who typically do not need support and fail to repay (loan recovery is only 2 percent). A better targeted safety net would not only free resources for the most vulnerable but would also help enhance Lesotho’s resilience to new shocks. In this regard, the authorities should move proactively to take stock of services likely to be disrupted by cuts in U.S. assistance and swiftly develop a coordinated plan to ensure continued delivery of essential health services. More broadly, the authorities should enhance the operation of existing cash transfer programs, reinstate the national digital system for social registry to better streamline the identification and registration of beneficiaries, and accelerate the deployment of new benefit delivery tools.

The authorities should quickly establish a well-governed savings framework (stabilization fund). The details of a framework have been developed in close cooperation with Lesotho’s development partners and aim to ensure a stable source of government funding going forward, which in turn would allow for uninterrupted service delivery even in the face of shocks. With sufficient savings, the fund might also help finance future development spending, such as infrastructure investment. To be effective, the fund needs to be anchored by a clear and credible fiscal rule, which would guide the conditions under which funds are deposited and withdrawn. The fund should also be set within a firm legal framework, with a clear governance structure that is independent from political influence, safeguarding Lesotho’s savings until they can be used wisely. In this regard, the authorities are currently developing the policy, expected by July 2025, that will guide the stipulated legal framework for the stabilization fund.

Within the framework, a key anchor would be a target for Lesotho’s public debt. Until very recently, debt has trended steadily upward, rising sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline over the past year has been welcome, but the IMF’s Debt Sustainability Analysis still suggests that, although the risk of debt distress is “moderate,” there is little scope to absorb any further shocks. These might easily push debt to a level where the risk of debt distress is high. A medium-term goal of 50 percent of GDP would be appropriate, as it would allow for greater resilience and is consistent with the debt anchor proposed in the fiscal rules. The authorities should therefore scale back new borrowing but might also consider first retiring existing (high cost) debt. In addition, the authorities should clear any remaining or new domestic arrears as soon as possible.

Spending Strategically

Improved public investment management is needed to increase the quality of capital spending. Before Lesotho’s savings are allocated for investment or infrastructure projects, sufficient controls should be in place to ensure that this investment represents value for money. Historically, high levels of public investment in Lesotho have not resulted in a capital stock of equal quality. And owing to longstanding capacity constraints, the capital budget continues to be significantly under executed. Authorities should take steps to boost the efficiency of public investment, including by creating a centralized asset registry, establishing a prioritized project pipeline and enhancing capacity for project management and monitoring. In this regard, the request for a Public Investment Management Assessment from the IMF is timely and welcome.

In support of efforts to ensure value for money, the authorities should redouble their efforts to enhance Public Financial Management (PFM). Without these measures in place, there is a danger that new revenues will simply be wasted.

Budget preparation and execution must be strengthened to enhance budget credibility. This requires improved expenditure control through better collaboration between departments, monitoring and identification of mis-appropriated funds, and regular and timely audits. More broadly, the authorities should implement the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework to better align policy objectives with budget allocations over a multi-year timeframe and enhance long-term planning.
To build further trust in PFM, the authorities should strengthen internal controls within the integrated financial management system. The authorities should accelerate the deployment of digital signatures to strengthen payment processes and prevent the accumulation of arrears.
The authorities should also continue their efforts to ensure a comprehensive analysis and management of fiscal risks. Several fiscal risks have materialized in recent years, including from collapsed public private partnerships; unquantified arrears; and transfers and contingent liabilities from state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The authorities should further strengthen the effectiveness of SOE management and reporting and continue the release of a fiscal risk statement as part of the annual budget process.

As a matter of priority, therefore, pending PFM legislation should be passed as soon as possible. Currently, the most pressing items include i) the Public Financial Management and Accountability Bill; ii) the Public Debt Management Bill; and iii) secondary legislation to implement the 2023 Public Procurement Act. Together, this legislation will improve the efficiency and transparency of procurement, enhance fiscal responsibility and budget processes, strengthen financial management and fiscal reporting. The legislation will also help ensure that the government’s public borrowing plan is well integrated with the budget process.

With these measures and controls in place, Lesotho would be in a much better position to transform its accumulated surpluses into high-quality growth. In line with the authorities’ announced shift in emphasis from recurrent spending to capital spending, a focus on the cost effectiveness of public investment would allow for increased levels of better-quality investment, and ultimately higher growth. This would naturally entail lower fiscal surpluses going forward. However, in this context, a more relaxed fiscal stance would not necessarily entail a higher debt path, but would instead result in a slower, but acceptable, pace of reserve accumulation.

Supporting Private-Sector Growth

Improved public investment will need to be accompanied by broad structural reforms. Better service delivery and higher-quality investment will be helpful. But the current government-led growth model has resulted in an economy with a small and undiversified private sector—contributing to low productivity, anemic private investment, declining competitiveness, and high informality. In parallel, therefore, the authorities should accelerate efforts to unlock the growth potential of the private sector.

Supporting financial inclusion and literacy is imperative. Evidence suggests that access to finance remains a key challenge, particularly for small and informal firms. This in turn undermines private-sector job creation. The authorities have addressed this through various interventions, including partial credit guarantees, establishment of a moveable asset registry, and support of a credit bureau. And signs of a positive impact are emerging, particularly in financial access for small enterprises. Building on this success, the new Financial Sector Development Strategy and National Financial Inclusion Strategy are welcome and should be implemented swiftly as a matter of priority.
Providing a stable, predictable, and well-regulated business environment is also essential. For larger firms, needed reforms include measures to reduce the cost of doing business, and efforts to boost private investor confidence—including through transparent and consistent regulatory frameworks, greater policy consistency, and a clear long-term strategy for infrastructure development. To reverse the long-term decline of some industries (e.g., textiles) and take full advantage of new opportunities, the authorities should focus on coordinating and streamlining the efforts of the Lesotho National Development Corporation and the Basotho Enterprise Development Corporation. The authorities should also enhance the regulatory framework for the establishment, operation, and oversight of SOEs, while developing a strategy for the gradual privatization of non-performing SOEs to enhance efficiency and attract investment.
Mitigating corruption and strengthening the rule of law is essential to restoring confidence, investment, and growth. Legacy fraud cases point to underlying vulnerabilities in payment and procurement, underscoring the need for the transparency and accountability that would result from successful PFM reform. More broadly, strengthening key bodies such as the Office of the Auditor General and the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) would also send a strong signal of the government’s resolve, and help incentivize private sector development. In this regard, the increased funding and expansion of the DCEO has been most welcome.

The IMF team thanks the Lesotho authorities and other counterparts for their hospitality and for a candid and productive set of discussions.

Lesotho: Selected Economic Indicators, 2020/21–2030/31 1/

Population (thousands; 2023 est.)	2,330	Per capita GDP (US$, 2024)	1,067
Quota (current, millions SDR)	69.8	Poverty rate at national poverty line (percent, 2017 est.)	49.7
Main exports	Textiles, Diamond, Water	Literacy rate (2022)	82.0
Key export markets	South Africa, U.S.

	2020/21	2021/22	2022/23	2023/24	2024/25	2025/26	2026/27	2027/28	2028/29	2029/30	2030/31
	Actual			Est.	Projections
	(Percentage Change)
Real GDP growth (%, including LHWP-II)	-5.3	1.9	2.0	2.0	2.6	1.4	1.1	0.8	1.4	1.5	1.5
Real GDP growth (%, excluding LHWP-II)	-4.4	2.2	1.2	1.5	2.0	0.2	1.3	2.1	1.6	1.6	1.7
Inflation (%)	5.4	6.5	8.2	6.5	5.2	4.5	4.8	5.1	5.1	5.0	5.0
	(Percent of GDP)
Revenue	55.6	48.8	44.4	56.7	62.2	59.5	58.7	58.8	57.2	57.4	56.6
Of which: SACU transfers	26.2	16.5	14.0	24.5	26.0	19.6	20.4	21.6	19.9	20.0	19.1
Recurrent Expenditure	43.0	38.3	38.9	40.8	40.9	43.8	42.0	42.5	42.6	42.6	42.7
Capital Expenditure	11.4	15.4	12.0	8.6	12.3	12.8	12.9	12.9	13.0	13.1	13.1
Fiscal balance	1.2	-4.9	-6.4	7.3	9.0	2.8	3.8	3.4	1.7	1.7	0.8
Public debt	54.7	58.0	64.4	61.5	56.6	56.9	57.1	57.5	57.6	57.6	57.6

Broad money (% change)	12.2	0.0	8.7	15.2	9.4	2.1	3.3	4.2	4.8	4.6	4.6
Credit to the private sector (% change)	-3.0	6.7	8.7	12.4	11.5	6.6	4.6	7.1	6.8	7.2	7.3
Interest rate (%)	4.1	3.5	5.3	7.6	7.7	#N/A	#N/A	#N/A	#N/A	#N/A	#N/A

Current account	-5.7	-9.1	-14.0	-0.8	2.2	-4.6	-2.9	-3.1	-3.9	-2.7	-1.5
CA excl. LHWP – II imports	-2.6	-6.8	-10.9	3.9	10.4	1.4	1.4	1.0	-1.6	-2.0	-1.2
FDI, net	-1.3	1.5	-0.8	1.9	0.4	-0.5	-0.5	-0.5	-0.5	-0.8	-0.8
External debt	42.9	42.0	47.1	47.0	45.3	45.6	45.7	46.0	46.1	46.2	46.1

REER (% change)	-6.0	8.7	-1.8	-6.8	#N/A	#N/A	#N/A	#N/A	#N/A	#N/A	#N/A
Source: Lesotho authorities, World Bank, and IMF staff calculations. 1/ The fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Julie Ziegler

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/07/07/kingdom-of-lesotho-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2025-art-iv-mission

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 8, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. ⁠Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye

Source: United Nations secretary general

The Secretary-General met with H.E. ⁠Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, in the margins of the BRICS Summit. The Secretary-General and the Minister discussed the strong partnership between the United Nations and Türkiye. They also exchanged views on the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the next round of meetings on Cyprus.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 8, 2025
Climate justice a “moral obligation”: PM Modi urges fair tech access and finance for developing nations at BRICS Summit

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday underscored India’s commitment to climate action and equitable health security, calling for urgent technology transfer and affordable financing for developing nations to bridge the gap between climate ambition and action.

Addressing a session on ‘Environment, COP-30 and Global Health’ at the BRICS Summit in Brazil, PM Modi said he was glad that under Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s chairmanship, BRICS has prioritised key issues that are “interconnected and vital for the bright future of humanity.”

“This year, COP-30 is being held in Brazil, making these discussions timely and relevant,” he said. “For India, climate change is not just about managing energy demands but about maintaining the delicate balance between life and nature.”

The Prime Minister noted that climate action is deeply woven into India’s culture and daily life. “In our tradition, the Earth is respected as a mother. When Mother Earth needs us, we respond — by transforming mindsets, behaviours, and lifestyles.”

The PM highlighted India’s flagship initiatives such as Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in the Name of Mother), the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuels Alliance, the Green Hydrogen Mission, and the Big Cats Alliance.

PM Modi also pointed out that India had fulfilled its Paris Climate Agreement commitments ahead of schedule, despite being the world’s fastest-growing major economy, and was progressing steadily towards its Net Zero target for 2070. “In the last decade, India has seen a 4000% increase in its installed solar energy capacity,” he said.

Calling climate justice a “moral obligation,” PM Modi emphasised that developing countries must receive fair access to technology and affordable finance. “Bridging the gap between climate ambition and financing is a special responsibility of developed nations. Without this, climate action will remain limited to climate talk,” he said.

The PM also welcomed the “Framework Declaration on Climate Finance” adopted by BRICS leaders, calling it an “important step in the right direction.”

On health, PM Modi said the pandemic demonstrated how “viruses do not require visas and solutions cannot be chosen based on passports.” He added that India’s “One Earth, One Health” approach had guided its global cooperation during COVID-19 and beyond.

Outlining India’s health initiatives, including Ayushman Bharat — the world’s largest health insurance scheme — and the expansion of traditional medicine systems and digital health services, the PM said, “We are ready to share our experience with countries of the Global South.”

The Prime Minister welcomed the BRICS Vaccine R&D Centre, launched in 2022, and the new “Leader’s Statement on BRICS Partnership for Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases,” saying it would inspire stronger cooperation.

Looking ahead to India’s chairmanship of BRICS in 2026, PM Modi pledged to keep the concerns of the Global South at the forefront and redefine the grouping as “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.”

“Just as we brought inclusivity to the G20, we will take BRICS forward with a people-centric, ‘Humanity First’ approach,” he said, congratulating President Lula for successfully hosting the summit and for Brazil’s warm hospitality.

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Breaking ground on CFB Trenton’s new Strategic Tanker Transport Capability

Source: Government of Canada News (2)

July 7, 2025 – Trenton, ON – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, participated in a groundbreaking ceremony at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton to mark the start of construction on a major infrastructure project that will support the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) project.

Through an investment of $850 million, the Department of National Defence (DND) is moving forward with significant upgrades and additional infrastructure for the Main Operating Base (MOB) – East at CFB Trenton. These critical infrastructure upgrades will support the arrival and long-term operation of up to seven CC-330 Husky aircraft at CFB Trenton, while a second MOB under development in Edmonton will be able to support up to three and the creation of up to 1,000 jobs in the Trenton and Belleville area.

This first phase of construction, expected to continue into 2026, includes resurfacing the existing runway, aprons and taxiways. Preparations are also underway for the construction of a new two-bay hangar, training facility, fuel depot, and ramp extension. All required construction for the project, including fuelling and defuelling infrastructure, training facilities, and cargo and passenger processing infrastructure is anticipated to be completed by 2033.

MIL OSI Canada News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: USDA to forecast grape production

Source: US Government environment energy and agriculture

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2025 – Starting at the end of July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail the Grape Inquiry – August 2025 survey to approximately 2,000 U.S. growers. The survey asks for grape acreage and projected production. NASS will forecast 2025 grape production based on the information collected.

“The information from this survey directly impacts U.S. grape growers,” said USDA NASS Administrator Joseph L. Parsons. “Growers can use the forecast data when making business plans and marketing decisions. The data can also inform programs and projects provided by agencies, Cooperative Extension, state and local governments, and other industry groups in service to our nation’s growers.”

Growers can respond to the survey securely online at agcounts.usda.gov, by mail, or fax. The information provided is protected and confidential in accordance with federal law (Title V, Subtitle A, Public Law 107-347). For assistance with the survey, please call 888-424-7828.

The 2025 U.S. grape forecast will be released at noon ET, Aug. 12, 2025, in the Crop ProductionCrop Production report. All NASS reports are available online at nass.usda.gov.

Mark your calendar for Aug. 12, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. ET for a live Stat Chat following the forecast release. Join #NASS Agricultural Statistics Board Chair Lance Honig @usda_nass on X and use #StatChat when posting your question.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: With Improved Conditions, DHS Ends TPS for Honduras

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: With Improved Conditions, DHS Ends TPS for Honduras

ASHINGTON – After finding improved country conditions in Honduras, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem today announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status, as required by the statute

The termination will be effective 60 days after the publication of the Federal Register notice

Honduras was designated for TPS in 1999 after the impact of Hurricane Mitch in 1998

The Government of Honduras has made tremendous strides over the years to recover from the hurricane and, as a result of those efforts, it is safe for their nationals to return home

“Temporary Protected Status was designed to be just that—temporary,” said Secretary Kristi Noem

“It is clear that the Government of Honduras has taken all of the necessary steps to overcome the impacts of Hurricane Mitch, almost 27 years ago

Honduran citizens can safely return home, and DHS is here to help facilitate their voluntary return

Honduras has been a wonderful partner of the Trump Administration, helping us deliver on key promises to the American people

We look forward to continuing our work with them

”
After conferring with interagency partners, Secretary Noem determined that conditions in Honduras no longer meet the TPS statutory requirements

The Secretary’s decision was based on a U

S

Citizenship and Immigration Services review of the conditions in Honduras and in consultation with the Department of State

The Secretary determined that, overall, country conditions have improved to the point where Hondurans can return home in safety

Additionally, under President Castro, Honduras has taken steps to welcome home their citizens, providing access to economic and food assistance programs, as well as labor integration and job training

Honduran nationals departing the United States are encouraged to use the U

S

Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app to report their departure from the United States and take advantage of a safe, secure way to leave the United States with a complimentary plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus to help them resettle in Honduras, and preserve future opportunities for legal immigration

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: DHS Terminates TPS for Nicaragua: It Was Never Meant to Last 25 Years

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: DHS Terminates TPS for Nicaragua: It Was Never Meant to Last 25 Years

ASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem today announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Nicaragua, which will expire on July 5, 2025

The termination will be effective 60 days after the publication of the Federal Register notice

At least 60 days before a TPS designation expires, the Secretary of Homeland Security, after consultation with appropriate U

S

government agencies, must review the conditions in a country designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions supporting the designation continue to be met and, if so, how long to extend the designation

“Temporary Protected Status was never meant to last a quarter of a century,” said a DHS Spokesperson

“The impacts of a natural disaster impacting Nicaragua in 1999 no longer exist

The environmental situation has improved enough that it is safe enough for Nicaraguan citizens to return home

This decision restores integrity in our immigration system and ensures that TPS remains temporary

”
After conferring with interagency partners, Secretary Noem determined that conditions in Nicaragua no longer meet the TPS statutory requirements

The Secretary’s decision was based on a U

S

Citizenship and Immigration Services review of the conditions in Nicaragua and in consultation with the Department of State

The Secretary determined that, overall, country conditions have improved to the point where Nicaraguans can return home in safety

Nicaraguan nationals departing the United States are encouraged to use the U

S

Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app to report their departure from the United States and take advantage of a safe, secure way to self-deport which includes a complimentary plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus, and potential future opportunities for legal immigration

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Hubble and Webb Telescopes Reveal Two Faces of a Star Cluster Duo

Source: NASA

A riotous expanse of gas, dust, and stars stake out the dazzling territory of a duo of star clusters in this combined image from NASA’s Hubble and Webb space telescopes.
Open clusters NGC 460 and NGC 456 reside in the Small Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy orbiting the Milky Way. Open clusters consist of anywhere from a few dozen to a few thousand young stars loosely bound together by gravity. These particular clusters are part of an extensive complex of star clusters and nebulae that are likely linked to one another. As clouds of gas collapse, stars are born. These young, hot stars expel intense stellar winds that shape the nebulae around them, carving out the clouds and triggering other collapses, which in turn give rise to more stars.
In these images, Hubble’s view captures the glowing, ionized gas as stellar radiation blows “bubbles” in the clouds of gas and dust (blue), while Webb’s infrared vision highlights the clumps and delicate filamentary structures of dust (red). In Hubble images, dust is often seen silhouetted against and blocking light, but in Webb’s view, the dust – warmed by starlight – shines with its own infrared glow. This mixture of gas and dust between the universe’s stars is known as the interstellar medium.

The nodules visible in these images are scenes of active star formation, with stars ranging from just one to 10 million years old. In contrast, our Sun is 4.5 billion years old. The region that holds these clusters, known as the N83-84-85 complex, is home to multiple, rare O-type stars, hot and extremely massive stars that burn hydrogen like our Sun. Astronomers estimate there are only around 20,000 O-type stars among the approximately 400 billion stars in the Milky Way.

The Small Magellanic Cloud is of great interest to researchers because it is less enriched in metals than the Milky Way. Astronomers call all elements heavier than hydrogen and helium – that is, with more than two protons in the atom’s nucleus – “metals.” This state mimics conditions in the early universe, so the Small Magellanic Cloud provides a relatively nearby laboratory to explore theories about star formation and the interstellar medium at early stages of cosmic history. With these observations of NGC 460 and NGC 456, researchers intend to study how gas flows in the region converge or divide; refine the collision history between the Small Magellanic Cloud and its fellow dwarf galaxy, the Large Magellanic Cloud; examine how bursts of star formation occur in such gravitational interactions between galaxies; and better understand the interstellar medium.
Explore More

Media Contact:
Claire AndreoliNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MDclaire.andreoli@nasa.gov

MIL OSI USA News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Selects Law Enforcement Candidate Hal Nash to Serve as Chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles

Source: US State of Alabama

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced she has selected law enforcement candidate Hal Nash to serve as Chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. Pursuant to the law, the governor selects the candidate from a list of five qualified persons nominated by a board consisting of the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives and President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

Nash currently serves as Chief Corrections Deputy with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The governor sought to identify a tough-on-crime, fair and pro-law enforcement candidate with leadership experience from the list of nominees.

“In 2019, we amended the law to ensure that the Board of Pardons and Paroles’ paramount duty will always be to ensure public safety, and Hal Nash is well-equipped to maintain the Board’s effectiveness in performing that task. He has a law enforcement perspective, and he has assured me he will approach each decision fairly and with that top goal in mind, which is to keep the people of Alabama safe,” said Governor Ivey. “Since he was a little boy, Mr. Nash dreamed of being in law enforcement, and it was not until age 40, he got his start. However, ever since then, he has been a dedicated member of law enforcement and brings wide-ranging law enforcement and leadership experience to this Board.”

Nash has been with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for the last five years.

“I am humbled by the appointment as Chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles by Governor Ivey and look forward to working with the other board members as we serve Alabama in this important public safety role,” said Nash. “This is not a position to be taken lightly. While remembering that people can choose to change for the better, this task will require weighing the safety of all the citizens of Alabama first. I pray for the wisdom to recognize both as I strive to serve the very best I can.”

Nash has also held leadership positions in civic organizations, serving as international vice president of the Jaycees, and on various public boards, including as the Chairman of the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Board and the Jackson County Hospital Authority.

“Here in Jackson County, we are proud Hal has been selected as Chair of the Board of Pardons and Paroles,” said Jackson County Sheriff Rocky Harnen. “We know Hal has a wealth of experience in law enforcement, both on the enforcement and corrections sides, and we are confident he will do the state of Alabama well.”

He also worked as an investigator, narcotics agent, deputy commander and commander under the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office after beginning his Alabama career with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. While in DeKalb County, he served five years with the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force Huntsville Office.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Hal for over two decades and have personal experience with his character, integrity and discernment,” said Jackson County District Attorney Jason Pierce. “I am confident that his experiences as a law enforcement officer for multiple jurisdictions as well as working as the Chief Corrections Deputy for the Jackson County Jail gives Hal a unique perspective that well equips him to make the difficult decisions necessary as a member of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. He is an excellent appointment.”

Nash’s experience also includes time with the Chattanooga Police Reserve.

“A safe Alabama is our goal, and Hal Nash will help build on public safety successes already achieved so far. I am grateful to outgoing Chair Leigh Gwathney, who has stood firm for public safety. Leigh was an important part of our reform of Pardons and Paroles for the better, and I commend her for serving at the helm and helping make a safer Alabama,” Governor Ivey concluded.

The appointment is effective immediately.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory: RIDOT to Shift and Narrow Lanes on Sections of I-95 and Route 10 Between Warwick and Providence

Source: US State of Rhode Island

On Thursday night, July 10, the Rhode Island Department Transportation (RIDOT) will begin making numerous minor traffic changes as part of the ongoing I-95 15 Bridges project, affecting different sections of I-95 and Route 10 between Warwick and Providence.

No highway lanes, ramps or exits will be closed, but travel lanes may be shifted and narrowed, and some local roads may have lane closures. RIDOT encourages drivers to reduce their speed and drive carefully through the work zones. The schedule of changes includes:

July 10

Elmwood Avenue at the Route 10 overpass: All lanes will be narrowed at the overpass and one of the two lanes on Elmwood Avenue southbound will be closed. The sidewalk along Elmwood Avenue northbound will be closed but RIDOT will maintain pedestrian access under the bridge at all times along Elmwood Avenue southbound. This change also is associated with the reconstruction of the Route 10 bridge over Elmwood Avenue. (Providence)

July 11

I-95 at Eddy Street: All lanes will be narrowed and shifted to the left on I-95 North and South at this overpass, located near the Thurbers Avenue (Exit 35) interchange. This will create work zones to begin bridge reconstruction work on the overpass. (Providence)

July 25

Route 10 over I-95: All lanes northbound and southbound will be shifted to the southbound side of the Huntington Viaduct crossing I-95. RIDOT is eliminating this bridge as part of the new design for the I-95/Route 10 interchange, and this is the first phase of this work. (Cranston)

Route 10 North at I-95 North Exit: The travel lane for Route 10 North at the I-95 North exit will be shifted to the northbound side of the bridge over Elmwood Avenue, to allow the Department to begin phased reconstruction of the bridge. It will be in place until the end of the year, followed by another shift to allow reconstruction on the other half of the bridge which will extend through 2026. (Cranston/Providence line)

The I-95 15 Bridges project will remove 15 bridges from the state’s backlog of poor and fair to poor condition bridges along I-95 and Route 10 between Providence and Warwick. Nine of the 15 bridges are structurally deficient. Three are rated among the top five most traveled structurally deficient bridges in Rhode Island. At the Huntington Viaduct, RIDOT will redesign the entire interchange of Route 10 with I-95. More details are available at www.ridot.net/The-I-95-15.

All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings, and weather.

The I-95 15 Bridges project is made possible by RhodeWorks. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: AIXA Miner Announces Global Expansion of Cloud-Based Crypto Mining Platform
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Denver, Colorado, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AIXA Miner a technology-forward cloud crypto mining company, today announced the global expansion of its infrastructure and platform capabilities, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of scalable, energy-efficient crypto mining services. The company now operates over 200 data centers across six continents and serves more than 2.5 million registered users.

As cryptocurrency becomes a mainstream institutional asset, AIXA Miner is expanding its services to support growing interest from both individual and institutional users, offering a robust set of differentiators that meet modern crypto mining needs. The company also provides a powerful mobile app for ultra-efficient mining, with apps for Android, iOS, and Windows support that allow their users to control, monitor, and withdraw funds with their smartphones or laptops using the AIXA Miner mobile and desktop apps available from their website.

AIXA Miner In 2025: Cloud Crypto Mining Industry-Leading Differentiators

These differentiators support AIXA Miner’s mission to deliver reliable, scalable, and sustainable crypto cloud mining services.
- Global AI optimization protocol for maximizing ROI
- 200+ data centers on six continents
- FinCEN MSB certification by the US Government.
- Powerful Android and iOS mobile apps
- Automated daily bank account payments
- 2.5 million users and counting
- 100% green energy sustainability achieved
Cloud Crypto Mining Mobile App: Both Android and iOS are supported

AIXA Miner has a mobile app available on both Android and iOS smartphones through the AIXA Miner website. The innovative app eliminates traditional mining barriers by enabling users to mine Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major cryptocurrencies from their smartphones. No software or hardware expertise is required. Just connect the user’s crypto wallet and begin cloud mining from their smartphone.
- Setup is simple with free mining trials for new users.
- This allows crypto mining activation within minutes.
- Over 200 countries are supported, with multilingual capabilities.
- 24/7/365 customer service is available.
- The app allows the user to track profits in real-time.
- Secure crypto wallet integration
- Flexible contract plans are available.
The mobile app enables users to control AIXA Miner worldwide from the palm of their hand.

Global Data Centers and Optimized Cloud Mining Operations in 2025

AIXA Miner operates advanced data centers across six continents. These worldwide facilities feature latest-generation ASIC hardware kits that are regularly upgraded and constantly monitored for failures, with rollback systems as backups, ensuring safe levels of redundancy. This provides passive income generation for all clients. The mobile app offers real-time feedback and constant monitoring capabilities, along with the ability to withdraw profits at any time through secure crypto wallet integration. AIXA Miner’s resource allocation worldwide is optimized by high-tech AI protocols that adjust mining according to hash rate and fluctuating crypto prices.

Global Network Benefits:
- Geographic risk diversification that protects against natural disasters
- Optimal energy cost management by the advanced AI protocol
- The AI protocol factors hundreds of crypto mining factors worldwide and optimizes for the highest possible returns.
- Regulatory compliance is strictly followed in every data center worldwide.
- The worldwide network gives the AI a huge variety of factors and options to adjust mining rewards optimally, unlike other competitors.
How to Get Started With AIXA Miner With a Smartphone: Three Simple Steps
1. Install the app: Visit the AIXAminer.com website and download the AIXA Miner mobile app (Android/iOS).
2. Sign up with a username and password and a valid email address to activate the free trial and gain access to the mining platform.
3. Select the mining contract, connect the user crypto wallet, and start earning.
And that is all!

The app allows users to track their earnings daily and provides options to withdraw or reinvest their profits at will.

Start Earning Passive Income with AIXA Cloud Mining App in 2025

Start exploring passive income opportunities with AIXA Miner’s global cloud mining platform – register at aixaminer.com and start crypto cloud mining today, using the mobile apps available at the website.

About AIXA Miner

AIXA Miner is a leading provider of cloud mining services. Utilizing the latest technology and renewable energy sources, we offer our clients the opportunity to engage in cryptocurrency mining without the need for personal hardware. Our services are designed to ensure compliance with the highest security standards, including FinCEN Certification. For more information on how we can help you achieve your crypto mining goals, visit our website at aixaminer.com.

The MIL Network –
July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Official Visit of Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria Ahmed Attaf to Singapore, 6 to 8 July 2025

Source: APO

.

His Excellency Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, is on an Official Visit to Singapore from 6 to 8 July 2025 at the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. This is Minister Attaf’s first visit to Singapore.

Minister Attaf met with and was hosted to lunch by Minister Balakrishnan today. Both Ministers reaffirmed the good relations between Singapore and Algeria. They discussed ways to strengthen cooperation, including in the fields of economic cooperation and education. Both Ministers had a useful exchange of views on regional developments. Minister Balakrishnan welcomed Algeria’s interest to engage ASEAN and looked forward to Algeria’s signing of the Instrument of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia at the upcoming 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 9 July.

Following their meeting, Minister Attaf and Minister Balakrishnan signed an Agreement on the Mutual Visa Exemption for Diplomatic, Service and Official Passports. This will facilitate government-to-government exchanges between the two countries and support closer people-to-people ties.

Minister Attaf called on Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng during which they discussed ways to promote inter-parliamentary cooperation. Minister Attaf was also briefed by the Centre for Liveable Cities on Singapore’s experience in urban city management and sustainable development which may be of interest to Algeria.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Singapore.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Agriculture Committee sets priorities for post-2027 CAP funding

Source: European Parliament

The Agriculture and Rural Development Committee is calling for an increased and standalone post-2027 CAP budget and a reduced administrative burden for farmers.

In the current geopolitical context, EU farming that secures constant access to food is a critical component of EU security and defence policies, say MEPs. Their report on the future of agriculture and the post-2027 common agricultural policy (CAP) was adopted by the Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) Committee on Monday by 29 votes in favour, 9 votes against, and with 8 abstentions.

MEPs therefore demand an increased and standalone CAP budget. The CAP must not be integrated with other funding areas in a single fund or become part of a total envelope used by member states for purposes other than agriculture.

Direct income support for all active, professional farmers following an area-based model should be reinforced. To support rural development efficiently, the CAP’s second pillar must remain independent from cohesion policies. Voluntary coupled income support payments for sectors in difficulty should be maintained or increased, add MEPs.

Simplification and digitalisation

Reducing the administrative burden for farmers must be one of the CAP’s guiding principles. MEPs call for an incentive-based system for farmers to achieve environmental and social objectives. Eco-schemes should therefore remain voluntary and be accompanied by remuneration. The implementation of good agricultural and environmental conditions (GAEC) requirements must take existing farming practices into account.

All farmers must have access to innovative and digital solutions that support sustainable agriculture, boost their income and reduce the administrative workload. To minimise stressful farm inspection procedures, monitoring of the use of CAP funds should be based on satellite imagery and self-certification, in a centralised, electronic reporting system, say MEPs.

Generational renewal on farms

Generational renewal is essential for the future of EU agriculture. Yet almost 58% of farmers in the EU are over 55 years of age while those aged under 35 represent only 6% of all farmers. The AGRI Committee therefore wants to increase financing from the CAP and raise the number of tax and loan incentives, so as to remove barriers to becoming a farmer.

Harmonised EU labelling of agri-food products

More than 70% of consumers in the EU decide what to buy based on the information on packaging. To prevent them from being misled, MEPs are calling for harmonised European labelling including information about the origin, quality and production standards of agri-food products.

Quote

Rapporteur Carmen Crespo Díaz (EPP, ES) said: “We need a CAP that strengthens food supply, supports rural communities, and empowers farmers through innovation, generational renewal, and fair market conditions. But we strongly reject any attempts to nationalise the CAP or merge its funding with other EU instruments. It must remain a true common policy with dedicated funds and independent pillars, ensuring equal support for all European farmers.”

Follow a press conference with the rapporteur on Tuesday at 9:00 CEST.

Next steps

The report will now be put to a plenary vote, possibly during the 8‑11 September session.

Background

The European Commission plans to announce the 2028-2034 common agriculture policy proposal together with the next long‑term budget in mid-July 2025.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Metsola: “We continue to keep the memories of the victims of Srebrenica alive”

Source: European Parliament

President Metsola led members in remembering the victims of the Srebrenica genocide at the opening of the July plenary session in Strasbourg.

30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide

After opening the session, President Metsola led members in commemorating the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, where thousands of Bosnian Muslims were murdered or disappeared, and tens of thousands more were forcibly expelled from the enclave. Tragically many victims remain unidentified. MEPs paid homage to two survivors of the massacre, Lamasa and Almir Salihović, who were present in the hemicycle. “This House honours you and all survivors, just as we continue to keep the memories of the victims alive”, Metsola said. She went on to quote the words of the Srebrenica Prayer recited every year; “May mothers’ tears become prayers that Srebrenica never happens again”.

Possible fast-tracking of European Climate Law revision

The President announced a request by the Greens/EFA Group to apply the urgent procedure under Rule 170(5) of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure to the revision of the European Climate Law. The vote will take place on Tuesday.

MEPs to debate alleged misuse of EU funds by members of the far right

Statements on the alleged misuse of EU funds by members of the far right and measures to ensure institutional integrity are added as a fifth point on Wednesday afternoon, after the debate on stockpiling strategies. As a consequence, Wednesday’s sitting will be extended until 23:00.

Requests by several committees to start negotiations with Council and Commission

The Committees on Budgets, Economic and Monetary Affairs, Transport, Legal Affairs, Employment and Regional Development have decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations, pursuant to Rule 72, paragraph 1 of the Rules of procedure, on the basis of the reports available on the plenary website.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Agenda – Wednesday, 9 July 2025 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament
88 Objection pursuant to Rule 114(3): amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675 to add certain countries to the list of high-risk third countries, and to remove other countries from that list – Amendments Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 83 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Deforestation Regulation – list of countries presenting a low or high risk – Amendments Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 25 Amending Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 on certain measures for the purpose of the conservation of fish stocks in relation to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing
Thomas Bajada (A10-0070/2025) – Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 48 Draft amending budget no 1/2025: entering the surplus of the financial year 2024
Victor Negrescu (A10-0116/2025) – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 52 Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: assistance to Austria, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia and Moldova relating to floods that occurred in September 2024 and Bosnia and Herzegovina relating to floods that occurred in October 2024
Andrzej Halicki (A10-0114/2025) – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 53 Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: Application EGF/2025/000 TA 2025 – Technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission
Jean-Marc Germain (A10-0115/2025) – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 27 Product safety and regulatory compliance in e-commerce and non-EU imports
Salvatore De Meo (A10-0133/2025) – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Thursday, 3 July 2025, 13:00 19 2023 and 2024 reports on Albania
Andreas Schieder (A10-0106/2025) – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 18 2023 and 2024 reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ondřej Kolář (A10-0108/2025) – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 46 2023 and 2024 reports on North Macedonia
Thomas Waitz (A10-0118/2025) – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 17 2023 and 2024 reports on Georgia
Rasa Juknevičienė (A10-0110/2025) – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 28 Implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals in view of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum
Robert Biedroń, Nikolas Farantouris (A10-0125/2025) – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least, Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 60 The human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression: the situation of illegally detained civilians and prisoners of war, and the continued bombing of civilians – Motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Friday, 4 July 2025, 13:00 80 Case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 81 Arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 82 Urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the recent terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Situation of children on summer camp programmes for children from the Romanian diaspora, stranded at the border with Ukraine – P-002714/2025
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002714/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Gheorghe Cârciu (S&D)

Every year, the Romanian Government organises, through the Department for Romanians Everywhere (Departamentul pentru Românii de Pretutindeni), which it finances, summer camp programmes for children from the Romanian diaspora, so as to preserve the national cultural identity by promoting education in Romanian and furthering knowledge of Romanian culture.

This year, some 7 000 Romanian children and young people from the diaspora are expected to participate in cultural and educational activities under the Tabere Arc Programme, with over 5 000 of those children coming from historical Romanian communities in Ukraine, Moldova, Hungary, Albania and Serbia.

On 1 July 2025, 200 children from Ukraine waited eight hours at the border between Ukraine and Romania (Porubne BCP) during a heatwave. Since this situation constituted a significant risk for the health of minors, can the Commission state:

1.What steps can be taken to ensure that all Europeans crossing the border are awarded priority, and especially European children travelling in organised groups from a country outside the EU into the Member States, or vice versa?

2.How it ensures that the authorities in the Member States cooperate effectively to prevent bottlenecks of this kind from occurring?

Submitted: 2.7.2025
Last updated: 7 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Agenda – Thursday, 10 July 2025 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament
80 Case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 81 Arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 82 Urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the recent terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 56 Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 as regards obligations of economic operators concerning battery due diligence policies
Antonio Decaro (A10-0134/2025) – Amendments; rejection Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00 – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 16:00 37 Future of the EU biotechnology and biomanufacturing sector: leveraging research, boosting innovation and enhancing competitiveness
Hildegard Bentele (A10-0123/2025) – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 84 Tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions – Motions for resolutions Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 12:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00 – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Circular economy: new EU rules to make the automotive sector more sustainable

Source: European Parliament

On Monday, the Environment and Internal Market Committees adopted their proposals on new EU rules to cover the entire vehicle lifecycle, from design to final end-of-life treatment.

The regulation would apply to cars and vans one year after its entry into force (five years for buses, heavy-duty vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, quads, mopeds and minicars). There are some exceptions, for instance for special-purpose vehicles and vehicles of historical interest. MEPs also want to exempt vehicles designed and built for use by the armed forces, civil defence, fire and emergency medical services, and vehicles of special cultural interest.

The new rules would require new vehicles to be designed so as to allow the easy removal of as many parts and components as possible by authorised treatment facilities, with a view to their replacement, reuse, recycling, remanufacturing or refurbishing, where technically possible. MEPs add that manufacturers should not hinder the removal and replacement of parts and components using software updates.

MEPs also want the plastic used in each new vehicle type to contain minimum 20% recycled plastic, within six years of the rules’ entry into force. To ensure the necessary long-term perspective for the industry and unlock investment, they want manufacturers to meet a target of at least 25% within 10 years of entry into force, if enough recycled plastic is available at non-excessive prices. The Commission should introduce targets for recycled steel and aluminium and its alloys, following a feasibility study.

Improving end-of-life management of vehicles and enforcement of rules

Manufacturers would have extended producer responsibility, covering the cost of the collection and treatment of their vehicles that have reached the end-of-life stage. Specific requirements would apply for the removal of parts and components, of liquids, and of components containing gases, refrigerants, and hazardous substances before shredding. MEPs want national authorities to do more regular inspections of facilities involved in the handling and treatment of end-of-life vehicles, and to develop inspection plans to identify illegal activities.

Strengthening export rules for used vehicles

Used vehicles should only be exported if they are not considered end-of-life vehicles, the text says. MEPs propose to clarify the criteria determining when a used vehicle is an end-of-life vehicle, as well as the necessary documentation for customs authorities.

Quote

Co-rapporteurs Jens Gieseke (EPP, DE – ENVI) and Paulius Saudargas (EPP, LT – IMCO) said: “Today’s committee vote is a success: the Parliament compromise, supported by a broad majority, promotes a circular economy in the automotive sector. It advances resource security, protects the environment, and ensures sustainability. To avoid overburdening the industry, we secured feasibility with realistic targets, less red tape, and fair competition. A solid basis for the plenary vote in September.”

Next steps

The report, adopted by 79 votes in favour, 27 against and 11 abstentions, is expected to be adopted during the 8-11 September plenary session.

Background

On 13 July 2023, the Commission proposed a new regulation on circularity requirements for vehicle design and improved management of end-of-life vehicles, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the circular economy action plan.

In 2023, 14.8 million motor vehicles were manufactured in the EU, while 12.4 million vehicles were registered. There are 285.6 million motor vehicles on EU roads and every year around 6.5 million vehicles come to the end of their lives.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Agenda – Tuesday, 8 July 2025 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament
84 Tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions – Motions for resolutions Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 12:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00 – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00 55 The role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season
Borys Budka (A10-0079/2025) – Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 39 Temporary derogation from certain provisions of Regulations (EU) 2017/2226 and (EU) 2016/399
Assita Kanko (A10-0082/2025) – Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 30 EU-Greenland and Denmark Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement: Implementing Protocol 2025-2030 (Resolution)
Emma Fourreau (A10-0103/2025) – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 23 Financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2024
Francisco Assis (A10-0112/2025) – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 44 Security of energy supply in the EU
Beata Szydło (A10-0121/2025) – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 19 2023 and 2024 reports on Albania
Andreas Schieder (A10-0106/2025) – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 18 2023 and 2024 reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ondřej Kolář (A10-0108/2025) – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 46 2023 and 2024 reports on North Macedonia
Thomas Waitz (A10-0118/2025) – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 17 2023 and 2024 reports on Georgia
Rasa Juknevičienė (A10-0110/2025) – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Agenda – Monday, 7 July 2025 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

23 Financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2024
Francisco Assis (A10-0112/2025)

– Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00

27 Product safety and regulatory compliance in e-commerce and non-EU imports
Salvatore De Meo (A10-0133/2025)

– Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Thursday, 3 July 2025, 13:00

Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00

Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00

Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00

Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU harmonisation of vitamin and mineral content – E-002582/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002582/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Laurent Castillo (PPE)

The Member States and the Commission are currently discussing harmonising the maximum permitted levels of vitamins and minerals in food supplements and enriched foodstuffs, in accordance with Directive 2002/46/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006.

If these levels are lowered, many food supplements could be reformulated.

1.Has an impact assessment been carried out or is one ongoing?

2.Have there been any official scientific reports of adverse reactions? If so, what reactions have been reported, concerning European citizens, and what are the Commission’s sources?

3.Does the Commission intend to lower the maximum levels of vitamins and minerals? If so, how does it intend to limit the impact of this harmonisation on companies in the sector, and how does it intend to regulate the import of food supplements produced outside the EU, which are often bought online and which do not always comply with European standards?

Submitted: 26.6.2025
Last updated: 7 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Zelenskyy’s propagandistic alert over alleged imminent Russian military operations in Europe – E-002623/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002623/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Petra Steger (PfE)

On 22 July 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted an alarming message on the Telegram platform claiming that his government had evidence Russian leaders were preparing new military operations in Europe. He said he would inform his international partners about these supposed facts from the Ukrainian intelligence services. Joint defence decisions are already in progress, particularly with the EU and the UK.[1]

This approach of confronting the European public with unsubstantiated war alerts must be seen as a targeted, propagandistic escalation strategy. It raises serious questions, especially as defence decisions do not fall within the EU’s remit and cannot be centrally coordinated by Brussels. Zelenskyy is presenting himself as a compliant EU centralist – seemingly in return for generous Western ‘war backing’ – who is willing to drag the entire continent into a regional conflict.

1.Has the Commission received robust evidence from the Zelenskyy Government of alleged imminent Russian military operations in Europe?

2.According to the information provided, which EU Member States are under threat and how will these military operations take place in the light of Russia’s stalling offensive in Ukraine?

3.What common defence actions have been taken by the Commission and Ukraine and what legal basis does the Commission believe supports its competence in this regard?

Submitted: 30.6.2025

[1] ^{https://www.diepresse.com/19821031/ukraine-krieg-selenskij-warnt-vor-russischen-militaeroperationen-in-europa}
Last updated: 7 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ban on the export of live animals from Romania to the EU – P-002708/2025
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002708/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă (NI)

Peste des petits ruminants (Ovine Rinderpest) is a viral disease that affects ruminants, sheep and goats, but does not affect humans, if and where it is present.

After applying initial restrictions to Romania, the Commission recently announced the extension of the ban on exports of live animals from Romania to the EU, including their transit through EU countries, although there is no evidence to support this.

I should point out that, in November 2024, I warned of a violation of Romanian law, the absence of the disease, and abuses of power by the authorities, and that, following my actions, Romania and the Commission decided not to apply any sanctions. However, the Romanian authorities have slaughtered around 600 000 sheep without any evidence for doing this, which is ruining Romanian farmers.

If this peste is present, it has come from Ukraine because there are no checks on goods transiting Romania from Ukraine.

1.What criteria underpin this decision, bearing in mind there is no official information on research into this disease in Romania? Might it not be that the aim is to ruin Romanian farmers?

2.What criteria have been used to determine the size of the restricted area, protection area and monitoring area, in which farmers are prohibited from exporting live animals to other EU countries, even if no relevant research has been conducted into the disease, unlike in the other Member States?

Submitted: 2.7.2025
Last updated: 7 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The Comprehensive Programme for Palestinian Recovery and Resilience – E-002893/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Letter of Intent with the Palestinian Authority [1](PA) signed on 19 July 2024 consisted of: (i) a short-term emergency financial support of EUR 400 million of grants and loans, (ii) a multi-year comprehensive programme for Palestinian recovery and resilience.

As part of the EU emergency support package to the PA of EUR 400 million, the Commission has disbursed EUR 382.5 million between July and November 2024. The pending tranche of EUR 17.5 million was disbursed in February 2025.

All the disbursements were linked to PA actions identified in the Letter of Intent. The PA reached all prior actions from the Letter of Intent. The Commission and the PA have agreed on the Reform Matrix[2] that will be at the core of the comprehensive programme for Palestinian recovery and resilience.

The Reform Matrix, anchored on the PA’s own reform agenda, will be the basis for future disbursements under the comprehensive programme.

The multiannual comprehensive support programme for Palestinian recovery and resilience for 2025-2027, was announced on 14 April 2025 during the High-Level Political Dialogue between the EU and the PA. It consists of up to EUR 1.6 billion: a grant amount of up to EUR 1.196 billion as well as guarantees from the Commission to enable EUR 400 million loans by the European Investment Bank.

The milestones for future disbursements will be identified in the framework of the financing agreement between the Commission and the PA to be signed in June 2025.

The Commission is also in discussions with other donors and partners, as their active participation and involvement is crucial for the sustainability of the support to the PA.

[1] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/597ce07b-fb47-4bd2-b7ef-46c4401487de_en?filename=Letter%20of%20Intent%20-%20EU%20PA%20final.pdf.

[2] The Reform Matrix has been developed in close cooperation between the PA and the Commission and based on the PA’s own reform agenda. It includes important fiscal, economic and governance reforms, as well as social protection.
Last updated: 7 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The EU energy network strategy: ideology, centralisation and the burden on consumers – E-002637/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002637/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Markus Buchheit (ESN)

The latest report adopted by the European Parliament on the future of the EU electricity grid appears, at first glance, to promote necessary goals: modernisation, digitalisation and supply security. However, beneath the surface lies a massive subsidy-driven programme rooted in a unilateral climate ideology and advancing EU centralism.

The financial cost is staggering: EUR 584 billion by 2030 and EUR 2.3 trillion by 2050, to be paid by consumers and industry. The energy agenda driven by Greens and Liberals in Parliament endangers our supply security, pushes prices ever higher, and further erodes the sovereignty of Member States in determining their national energy strategies.

1.How does the Commission justify this centralised, top-down approach to energy infrastructure, which imposes immense costs on citizens and industry?

2.What guarantees can it provide that this strategy respects Member States’ right to pursue technologically neutral and economically viable energy solutions?

3.Does the Commission acknowledge the risk that such ideological planning from Brussels will undermine both public trust and energy affordability across the European Union?

Submitted: 30.6.2025
Last updated: 7 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Reshoring pharmaceutical production back to Europe and conditions for accessing the European market – E-001139/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
Under the Union pharmaceutical legislation, the granting of an EU marketing authorisation for a medicine is based on a scientific opinion of the European Medicine Agency concluding that, following a thorough assessment of the medicine quality, efficacy and safety, the benefit-risk balance for the medicine is positive.

There are no current plans to propose a local production quota as a prerequisite for obtaining a marketing authorisation from the Commission.

The Commission fully agrees with the need to strengthen the manufacturing of medicines, in particular critical medicines, in the EU. This is why the Commission adopted a proposal for a Critical Medicines Act[1] on 11 March 2025.

The proposed Act aims to support manufacturing and improve the availability of critical medicines in the EU. Key elements of the proposal include facilitating investments in EU’s manufacturing capacity for critical medicines through the identification of strategic projects and using public procurement to encourage reliable supply chains of critical medicines.

In case of high dependency on a single or a limited number of countries, procurers would also have to use procurement requirements that support the production of critical medicines in the EU in line with EU international commitments.

[1] COM(2025) 102 final.
Last updated: 7 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The European Green Deal and its unintended role in Europe’s deindustrialisation – E-002639/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002639/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Markus Buchheit (ESN)

Despite claims that the European Green Deal would boost the EU’s industrial strength, its real impact has been the opposite[1]. Excessive regulations and soaring energy prices are driving manufacturers out of Europe, while subsidised Chinese electric vehicles are flooding our markets. Meanwhile, the US Inflation Reduction Act is attracting investment with competitive incentives. EU climate ideology is putting the survival of our industry at risk.

1.Does the Commission admit that the European Green Deal has weakened the EU’s industry and helped expand the market share of non-EU, state-subsidised competitors, such as China?

2.What concrete measures will the Commission take to protect the EU’s manufacturers from unfair global competition and internal regulatory disadvantages?

3.Will the Commission revise its industrial and climate policy to prioritise industrial resilience, technological sovereignty and fair global trade conditions?

Submitted: 30.6.2025

[1] https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/italys-meloni-warns-eu-green-policies-risk-industrial-desertification-2025-05-17/?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
Last updated: 7 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Addressing impunity through EU sanctions (study and presentation of the draft report) – Subcommittee on Human Rights

Source: European Parliament

EU Human Rights Sanctions © Image used under license from Adobe Stock

On 16 July at 11:00 during the Human Rights subcommittee meeting, Prof. Clara Portela and Associate Professor Nathanael Tilahun will present the study “Effectiveness of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime”. The work examines the implementation of the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime since its adoption in 2020, assessing its use and impact.

The session will be followed by the presentation of the draft report on “Addressing impunity through EU sanctions, including the EU Global Human Rights sanctions regime – so called EU Magnitsky Act.”

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Early childhood care – assessing structural distortions of competition between private and public providers. – E-002624/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002624/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Pascal Arimont (PPE)

In the early childhood care sector, structural distortions of competition can occur between private and public providers.

1.What is the Commission’s assessment of such distortions of competition, in particular when public providers benefit from State aid and private providers offering comparable childcare services are placed at a disadvantage?

2.What legally sound possibilities are available to Member States to financially support private early childhood care providers without violating European State aid and competition law rules?

3.What criteria are used to determine whether a childcare service, especially when co-financed with a mix of both public funding and parental contributions, is considered non-economic and thus exempt from EU competition law?

Submitted: 30.6.2025
Last updated: 7 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 8, 2025

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