Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division
Headline: Justice Department Fighting Discrimination Against U.S. Workers
The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with Epik Solutions, a California technology recruiting company, to resolve Epik Solutions’ violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by preferring to recruit foreign H-1B visa holders over U.S. workers.
Source: US State of Oregon
NDEPENDENCE, Oregon — The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene June 17 and 18 in Independence, Oregon to discuss rulemaking, small land purchases and legislative updates.
On June 17, commissioners will take a water trail boat tour and then conduct a work session on the Salmonberry Trail and Central Business Services from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Independence Event Center, 555 South Main Street.
On June 18, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. at Independence Event Center, 555 South Main Street to discuss real estate and legal issues. Executive sessions are closed to the public. A business meeting will begin at 9:45 a.m. and will be open to the public.
Anyone may attend or listen to the business meeting; instructions on how to listen will be posted on the commission web page prior to the meeting. The business meeting includes time for informal public comment related to any items not on the agenda. Registration is required to speak at the meeting if attending online, and is available online at https://bit.ly/registerjuncommission. The deadline to register to speak at the meeting virtually is 5 p.m., June 16. No advance registration is required to speak in person at the meeting. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. June 16 to OPRCpubliccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.
The full agenda and supporting documents will be posted on the commission web page. Notable requests:
Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Denise Warburton, commission assistant, at least three days in advance: denise.warburton@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-779-9729.
The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes outdoor recreation and heritage by establishing policies, adopting rules and setting the budget for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The seven members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and meet several times a year at locations across the state.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)
Washington, DC – Today, ahead of the House Foreign Affairs East Asia & Pacific Subcommittee hearing titled, “Building Bridges, Countering Rivals: Strengthening U.S.-ASEAN Ties to Combat Chinese Influence,” Subcommittee Chairwoman Young Kim (CA-40) joined Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20) to reintroduce the Providing Appropriate Recognition and Treatment Needed to Enhance Relations (PARTNER) with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Act.
The PARTNER with ASEAN Act of 2025 would amend the International Organizations Immunities Act to include a formal extension of said privileges to ASEAN, solidifying U.S.-ASEAN Relations.
“When the United States shows up as the partner of choice for our Indo-Pacific allies and partners, we win. ASEAN plays a central role in building strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific,” said Congresswoman Kim. “The PARTNER with ASEAN Act strengthens our alliances, promotes open markets, and affirms our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to deepen our partnerships with ASEAN member states and advance U.S. leadership on the global stage.”
“This legislation is an important step between the close and strategic partnership of the United States and Southeast Asian Nations. For decades, ASEAN has contributed to the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific and has increasingly grown in its geopolitical importance. This legislation promotes U.S. leadership in the region as well as mutually beneficial dialogue with surrounding countries and regions,” said Congressman Castro.
The United States has worked closely with ASEAN for more than four decades and became the first non-member to name an ambassador to ASEAN in 2008, as well as the first non-member to establish a dedicated Mission to ASEAN in 2010.
The International Organization Immunities Act, enacted in 1945, governs how the United States extends the rights and treaties generally accorded to embassies of countries that have diplomatic relations with the United States to international organizations like ASEAN. The U.S. typically extends automatic privileges and immunities to international organizations to which it belongs (e.g., the UN, NATO), but a special act of Congress is needed to extend recognition to international organizations with which the United States is not a member (e.g., ASEAN).
This legislation was first introduced in 2022 and passed the United States House of Representatives in March 2023. Bipartisan companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Duckworth in 2024, and the provisions of this bill was included in S. 1579, introduced by Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-ID) and reported out of SFRC on a bipartisan basis on June 5, 2025.
Read the PARTNER with ASEAN Act of 2025 here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani reintroduced a bipartisan, bicameral effort to address the syphilis epidemic and ensure that mothers, pregnant women, and infants are as healthy as possible.
The Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue guidance to states on the best practices for screening and treatment of congenital syphilis under Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Indian Health Service (IHS).
“As rates of congenital syphilis continue to rise in Arizona’s newborns, we must ensure that our mothers, families, and healthcare professionals have access to information, treatment, and solutions they need to address this highly preventable disease,” said Ciscomani. “Information saves lives and I am proud to co-lead the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act to promote and expand access to screenings and treatment for syphilis to ensure that mothers, pregnant women, and babies are as healthy as possible.”
Ciscomani is joined by Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM). Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) introduced companion legislation.
“We must do everything we can to protect mothers and their infants,” said Stansbury. “Congenital Syphilis is treatable, and it is critical HHS provides treatment, support, and education. I am proud to sign on to the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act so women and babies in New Mexico get the care and treatment they deserve.”
“The syphilis epidemic has impacted many Mississippians, and I am working to protect mothers and children from this disease,” said Wicker. “The Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act will expand access to life-saving screening and treatment for congenital syphilis.”
“We must do more to help stop the increase of babies born in New Mexico with congenital syphilis,” said Heinrich. “My Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act will help us improve screening and treatment to protect pregnant mothers and babies in New Mexico from this fully treatable condition.”
This legislation is supported by March of Dimes, the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD), and Affirm Sexual and Reproductive Health.
David C. Harvey, Executive Director of the NCSD: “Congenital syphilis is a national public health crisis—and it’s a crisis we can prevent. This bill ensures that every state has the tools and guidance needed to detect and treat syphilis in pregnancy. No woman or baby should suffer or die from a disease we have the power to stop.”
Karen Martinot, DNP, WHNP, Director of Programs & Clinical Administration, Affirm Sexual and Reproductive Health: “Affirm is proud to support the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act. As the HHS OPA funded Title X Family Planning Grantee in the state of Arizona, our staff are keenly aware of the devastating consequences of undetected or undertreated syphilis on babies and families in Arizona. Affirm is committed to be part of solutions aimed to increase access to syphilis screening and timely treatment, educate health professionals and our communities, and decrease stigma around this vitally important health topic. Our babies are counting on us to reduce maternal and infant syphilis. We look forward to celebrating the passage of this bill
###
Source:
Congressman Fry (SC-07) Urges Administration to Uphold Offshore Drilling Ban off South Carolina’s Coast
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum urging the Department of the Interior to maintain the moratorium on offshore oil and gas leasing off the South Carolina coast.
During President Trump’s first term, he issued a memorandum on offshore drilling off the coast of South Carolina exempting it from offshore oil and gas projects, a move that protected the state’s coastline and the industries that depend on it.
In his letter, Congressman Fry expressed his support for American energy dominance and President Trump’s energy agenda while also emphasizing the need for energy policies that reflect the unique economic and environmental character of individual regions. South Carolina’s coastline is a vital part of the state’s economy, and tourism and maritime industries serve as major economic drivers—especially in Horry and Georgetown Counties.
“There is no question that America must unleash its domestic energy potential and cut red tape, and President Trump has my full support for his energy dominance agenda,” said Congressman Fry. “At the same time, energy development must also be smart, balanced, and regionally appropriate. In many of our coastal communities in South Carolina, there is broad bipartisan opposition to offshore drilling. I urge Secretary Burgum to maintain the current exemption on offshore leasing off of South Carolina’s coast and ensure that our coastline continues to thrive for generations to come.”
Read the full letter here.
Congressman Fry serves on both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and X pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov.
Source: European Parliament
As every year, two annual procedures are central to the budgetary work of the European Parliament and the other institutions – agreeing on the 2026 budget, and granting discharge for the implementation of the 2024 budget. In addition, in 2025, the process of agreeing the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the years from 2028 will also get under way. This timeline sets out the main steps in the three procedures up to end 2025.
Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) released the following statement regarding the importance of the 1,500-hour in-flight pilot training requirement and urges the next FAA Administrator to remain committed to enforcing this law.
“As Chair of the Aviation Safety Caucus, I applaud President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy for their bold vision to take American air travel into the future by modernizing our outdated air traffic control system. Their commitment to finally delivering this long-overdue, critical upgrade is exactly what we need to restore American excellence in aviation.
“The next FAA Commissioner will be pivotal in executing this transformative undertaking. I believe Mr. Bedford has the potential to be a strong steward of the President’s vision, however, to truly ensure safety in our skies, he must commit to upholding the lifesaving 1,500-hour in-flight pilot training requirement. This law was passed in the wake of the tragic Flight 3407 crash that exposed serious deficiencies in pilot training for regional carriers. Thanks to the incredible advocacy of the Flight 3407 victims’ families, the standards were strengthened, and the results speak for themselves: there has not been a single commercial airline crash due to pilot error since it was enacted. That’s not coincidence – that’s policy working as it was intended.
“In last year’s FAA reauthorization, Congress expressly upheld these standards. If confirmed, I strongly urge Mr. Bedford to enforce the law as written. We must ensure that our progress never comes at the cost of passenger safety, and I will fight every day to make sure we do.”
###
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002273/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Fabio De Masi (NI)
On 14 May 2025, the General Court (Case T-36/23) ruled that the Commission had wrongfully denied access to certain text messages between Commission President von der Leyen and the CEO of Pfizer.
Does the Commission intend to respect the Court’s ruling and disclose the messages in question, or does it plan to appeal the judgment?
Submitted: 5.6.2025
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Cory Mills Florida (7th District)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CLOUD Aviation Act
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Cory Mills along with a group of bi-partisan legislators just introduced the COLLISION-LIMITING OPERATIONAL UPGRADE FOR DOD (CLOUD) AIRCRAFT ACT.
This bill directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, to conduct a feasibility study on equipping all Department of Defense (DoD) fixed and rotary wing aircraft that operate in highly trafficked domestic airspaces with air-to-air and air-to-ground collision detection systems. These systems must be compatible with civilian commercial aircraft.
This initiative comes in response to the tragic accident on January 29, 2025, between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk PAT-25, which resulted in the deaths of 67 passengers. Currently, not all DoD aircraft are required to have the same type of collision detection or avoidance systems that are compatible with civilian commercial aircraft.
Moreover, these systems are not always activated while flying in congested city airspace or the airspace of large commercial airports. This discrepancy has contributed to unsafe flying conditions, putting service members, civilians, and emergency responders at unnecessary risk. The proposed bill aims to address this issue by mandating a comprehensive study to determine the feasibility, costs, associated operational risks, and implementation timelines of equipping military aircraft with the appropriate collision detection and/or avoidance systems. By doing so, the study will help increase safety for all aircraft operating in the same congested airspace as civilian commercial aircraft.
Congressman Cory Mills said, “As an Army combat veteran, I understand the importance of equipping our servicemen with the tools they need to operate both safely and effectively. After the tragic loss of 67 lives earlier this year in the collision at Reagan National Airport, it is important we enhance safety for our troops, our civilians, and our first responders who share our busy domestic airspaces. This bill strengthens our military’s readiness while ensuring the DoD has the resources to keep our citizens and skies safe. This is a critical first step toward broader aviation safety reforms to prevent future tragedies and improve airspace coordination nationwide.”
“As a 25-year Army veteran and a Virginian, I know how critical it is to my community and our country that we ensure the safety of both military and civilian aircrafts operating in shared airspace. The CLOUD Aircraft Act is a smart, commonsense step to prevent avoidable tragedies and save lives. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to modernize our aviation safety standards,” said Congressman Eugene Vindman (VA-07).
“As a Navy veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know how critical safety is in every phase of military aviation. The CLOUD Aircraft Act is a commonsense step toward enhancing flight safety for our service members and the communities they operate near. By studying the feasibility of equipping military aircraft with modern collision detection systems, we can reduce risk in crowded airspaces, align with FAA best practices, and help prevent tragic accidents before they happen. I’m proud to support this effort to bring greater safety, accountability, and modernization to our skies,” said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02).
“As a Marine aviator and a House Armed Services Committee member, I am committed to the safety of our servicemembers and civilians. The tragic collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and Army Black Hawk PAT-25 highlights the urgent need for action. That’s why I am proud to cosponsor the CLOUD Aircraft Act, directing the Secretary of Defense to study equipping military aircraft with collision detection systems compatible with civilian aircraft. This crucial step will enhance safety in congested domestic airspaces, prevent future tragedies, and protect those who serve alongside the American people. I urge my colleagues to support this vital legislation,” said Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07).
“My home district leads the way in the aviation industry, so I have a particular interest in exploring any opportunity to improve our outdated systems. Secretary Duffy and Administrator Rocheleau share our focus on the modernization of the National Airspace System, and I believe that this bill is a critical step in the right direction. That is why I am so glad to work with Mr. Mills on such a proactive and prudent piece of legislation,” said Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03).
Co-Sponsors: Congressman Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07), Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03).
###
For inquires contact julie.singleton@mail.house.gov or jillian.anderson@mail.house.gov
About Cory Mills: Congressman Cory Mills represents Florida’s 7th Congressional District and serves on the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Mills is committed to protecting American sovereignty, strengthening national security, and promoting economic opportunity for a
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))
TAMARAC, FL – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) is hitting the road with her Fight Back Tour, a district-wide initiative that will uplift families, amplify local voices, and confront the everyday challenges that communities across South Florida are facing.
As part of the “100 Stops Tour,” Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) has spent the past several months visiting neighborhoods, community centers, churches, schools, and small businesses—listening directly to constituents and taking their concerns straight to Washington.
“Families are facing so much right now—from skyrocketing housing costs and health care challenges to attacks on civil rights and economic opportunity,” said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). “This tour is about fighting back together. We’re meeting people where they are and standing up for what matters most.”
The Fight Back Tour highlights Congresswoman Cherfilus McCormick’s (D-FL) commitment to accessible leadership and responsive policy. It serves as a platform to inform residents of federal resources available to them, hear firsthand what’s impacting daily life, and build collective momentum to address critical issues like housing affordability, reproductive rights, immigration, economic justice, and climate resilience.
With over 100 planned stops across South Florida, the tour prioritizes outreach to those too often left out of the conversation.
“We don’t have time to sit back. Our rights, our families, and our future are on the line,” added Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). “This is more than a tour—it’s a movement. And we’re not done yet.”
To find out when Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) will be in your city and how to get involved, visit her social media pages and follow the conversation using #FightBack.
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002233/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Michal Wiezik (Renew)
Slovakia authorised the culling of 350 bears following an amendment of the emergency law allowing the culling of brown bears in 55 of the country’s 79 districts.
Last week[1] a decision about the sale of bear meat was taken. As the Slovak populations of brown bear are listed in Appendix II to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the meat will need to be certified in order to be sold.
Submitted: 4.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002185/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Marion Maréchal (ECR), Guillaume Peltier (ECR), Laurence Trochu (ECR), Nicolas Bay (ECR), Adrian-George Axinia (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Irmhild Boßdorf (ESN), Stefano Cavedagna (ECR), Carlo Ciccioli (ECR), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Chiara Gemma (ECR), Christophe Gomart (PPE), Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Virginie Joron (PfE), Fernand Kartheiser (NI), Sarah Knafo (ESN), Rihards Kols (ECR), Lara Magoni (ECR), Giuseppe Milazzo (ECR), Tiago Moreira de Sá (PfE), Denis Nesci (ECR), Michele Picaro (ECR), Daniele Polato (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Ruggero Razza (ECR), Volker Schnurrbusch (ESN), Diego Solier (ECR), Dominik Tarczyński (ECR), Francesco Torselli (ECR), Sebastian Tynkkynen (ECR), Ivaylo Valchev (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR), Kosma Złotowski (ECR), Daniel Obajtek (ECR), António Tânger Corrêa (PfE), Stephen Nikola Bartulica (ECR)
The report ‘Muslim Brotherhood and political radical Islam in France’, commissioned by the French Government, documents the worrying rise of political radical Islam in France. It also emphasises the European dimension of the Muslim Brotherhood and the culpable naivety of the Commission.
The report highlights the Brotherhood’s network on our continent and its lobbying of European institutions[1]. As a result, the Muslim Brotherhood has become a ‘regular partner’ of the Commission and receives copious EU subsidies. This is the case for the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations, the youth branch of the Council of European Muslims, the ‘keystone’ of the European Muslim Brotherhood, and for Islamic Relief Worldwide and other organisations.
Worse still, the French Ministry of Higher Education is concerned about the proliferation of projects funded by Erasmus+ involving radical Islam activism in universities. Finally, the report claims that members of the European External Action Service have received training from a former adviser to Mohamed Morsi.
Will the Commission:
Supporters[2]
Submitted: 30.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
Member responsible: Veronika Vrecionová
B10‑0276/2025
Draft European Parliament decision to raise no objections to the Commission delegated regulation of 21 May 2025 amending Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/370 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the time period to submit requests for amendments of CAP Strategic Plans
(C(2025)03151 – 2025/2728(DEA))
The European Parliament,
– having regard to the Commission delegated regulation (C(2025)03151),
– having regard to the Commission’s letter of 21 May 2025 asking Parliament to declare that it will raise no objections to the delegated regulation,
– having regard to the letter from the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development to the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs of 3 June 2025,
– having regard to Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council[1], and in particular Article 122, point (a), thereof,
– having regard to Rule 114(6) of its Rules of Procedure,
– having regard to the recommendation for a decision of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development,
A. whereas, in the current context of ongoing instability in the agricultural sector across the Union several Member States are already encountering difficulties in deciding in the early months of 2025 on the need to review their transfer decisions taken in 2022 pursuant to Article 17(5), Article 88(7) and Article 103 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, and it is therefore considered necessary to provide Member States with additional time to plan those transfers;
B. whereas the time limit laid down in Article 3(4) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/370[2] expires on 31 May 2025; whereas it is therefore of utmost importance to establish a new time limit of 31 August 2025 for the submission of requests for amendment as soon as possible, in order to allow for appropriate planning and consideration by Member States;
C. whereas Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/370 should therefore be amended accordingly;
1. Declares that it has no objections to the delegated regulation;
2. Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and the Commission.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002184/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Yannis Maniatis (S&D)
The Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine of the God-Trodden Mount Sinai, located in the foothills of Mount Horeb, is an immortal symbol of the coexistence of the three Abrahamic religions. Founded in 548 AD, it is the world’s oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery and listed as a World Heritage Site. Last week, an Egyptian court handed down a ruling reportedly stripping the monks of their ownership rights over the monastery and its surrounding lands. According to reports, the operative part of the ruling granted the monks the right to practise their religious duties on the monastery’s land – which will be owned, however, by the Egyptian state and managed by the Office for the Protection of Antiquities. As a result, the monks – the vast majority of whom do not have Egyptian citizenship and whose residence there depends on residence permits (visas) renewed annually – are essentially ‘guests’, which endangers the functioning of the monastery after 15 centuries of continuous operation.
In view of the fact that the EU and Egypt have signed an agreement on macro-financial assistance under specific conditions, including respect for human rights, which includes the protection of freedom of religion and religious minorities, can the Commission say:
Is it aware of this ruling by the Egyptian court, and what will it do to ensure the unhindered operation and the survival of the Holy Monastery of Sinai?
Submitted: 1.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002166/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)
Greece is currently facing a profound housing crisis, which is not an isolated phenomenon but a symptom of broader systemic deregulation in the European Union. Thousands of citizens are at risk of losing their homes, either due to debt or due to the uncontrolled action of foreign investment funds that buy properties en masse, exploiting economic impoverishment and the inability in law to protect primary residences. At the same time, reports in foreign media, such as BILD, provocatively present the situation in Greece as an ‘opportunity’ for citizens of the North to acquire homes for little money, at the expense of Greeks themselves.
In view of the above:
Submitted: 29.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002226/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Andreas Glück (Renew)
High-purity vacuum salt (NaCl) is a strategically important raw material for the production of chlorine and caustic soda, and is therefore key to the manufacturing of a large number of essential products. These include plastics, pharmaceuticals, herbicides and disinfectants. While the vast majority of high-purity vacuum salt used by European industry is sourced in the EU, the low number of producers and high market-entry barriers have led to rapid price increases for high-purity vacuum salt over the last couple of years.
Submitted: 3.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002270/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Alex Agius Saliba (S&D)
On 15 May 2025, we read[1] that staffers of the International Criminal Court (ICC) were no longer able to perform their duties due to the sanctions imposed by the Trump administration. According to this report, one effect of the sanctions imposed on the chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, is that he has lost access to his Microsoft email address.
Trump’s executive order threatens any person, institution or company with fines and prison time if they provide Khan with ‘financial, material, or technological support’. That is why we want to raise several questions in relation to the digital sabotage targeted at an international organisation based in the EU.
Submitted: 5.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002024/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Bart Groothuis (Renew)
With the rise in geopolitical tensions and European armed forces’ clear dependence on civilian fuel systems, the shrinking capacity to store and refine fossil fuels in Europe could threaten military readiness. This problem is made worse by the lack of a clear strategy, contingency planning, regulatory barriers that restrict the modernisation of infrastructure, and limited coordination between the civilian and military sectors. Following a report by The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS),[1] there are doubts regarding how Mr Kubilius, the Commissioner for Defence and Space, plans to align an increasingly electrified civilian infrastructure with military fuel needs in order to ensure military readiness.
Submitted: 21.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002176/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Letizia Moratti (PPE), Fulvio Martusciello (PPE), Flavio Tosi (PPE), Massimiliano Salini (PPE), Salvatore De Meo (PPE), Giusi Princi (PPE)
The Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) lays down uniform requirements for sectors that are anything but, disregarding the fact that it covers industries and traceability systems which are, along with the producer countries’ processes and risk levels, very diverse indeed.
The EUDR’s scope, the complexity of its requirements and the inadequacy of its interpretative guidelines have resulted in a disproportionate and very burdensome law – particularly for SMEs – a state of affairs that is at odds with the Commission’s aim of simplifying red tape and cutting it by 25-35 %.
In addition, the Deforestation Regulation adopts a punitive and proscriptive approach that could harm operators while failing to meaningfully address the root causes of deforestation.
In the light of the above:
Submitted: 30.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002168/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Lena Düpont (PPE)
A fundamental objective of our EU agriculture is to become more sustainable and also more efficient. Our farmers work innovatively and in line with the latest standards. One of these methods is slurry separation. By separating slurry, nutrients can be deployed even more precisely and efficiently, while the solids can also be used in a variety of sustainable ways. One possible use of solids is as bedding in dairy stalls. However, Regulations (EC) No 1069/2009 and (EU) No 142/2011 do not, as of yet, explicitly provide for the use of slurry or slurry products, such as slurry solids, as bedding in dairy stalls.
Submitted: 29.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
1. Maximum levels (MLs) for lead and cadmium in food were established by Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915[1] and for feed by Directive 2002/32/EC[2]. Only food and feed compliant with the MLs can be placed on the market guaranteeing a high level of human and animal health protection.
Without information on the levels of thorium in feed and food in the concerned area, no assessment of the possible risk for animal or public health can be done.
2. The Commission is aware of the potential health implications arising from environmental pollution and emphasises the importance of ensuring compliance with EU legislation that aims to protect public health. However, safeguarding public health is primarily the responsibility of Member States including the investigation of potential disease clusters.
3. If the pollution is the result of a serious breach of EU environmental law, then the conduct might be framed as an environmental crime under the Environmental Crime Directive[3]. If the liable operator is identified and the contamination fulfils the criteria of environmental damage under the Environmental Liability Directive[4], the operator shall be required to remedy the damage to the environment.
Salto di Quirra is located in air quality zone IT2010 Zona Rurale according to Ambient Air Quality Directive 2008/50/EC[5], with the closest sampling point in Nuraminis. The latest data for this zone for 2022 and 2023 does not indicate the exceedance of any air quality standard[6].
Based on the information from the European Industrial Emissions Portal[7], no industrial installation covered by the industrial emissions directive was identified in the area.
Source: European Parliament
Under the common market Organisation Regulation[1] the Commission may adopt exceptional measures financed by the agricultural reserve and may provide emergency support to farmers negatively affected by extreme adverse weather events and natural disasters as it recently did for producers in Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia and Hungary[2].
This exceptional measure followed a request for support from the five Member States and was designed following an assessment of the situation and of its exceptional nature by the Commission services, based inter alia on the available information and data on actual damages and losses per sector provided by the relevant Member States.
The Commission has not received information from Romania on damages due to frost events that occurred in March 2025.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission is aware that climate change can modify growing conditions and favour a geographical shift of certain varieties more adapted to forthcoming climatic conditions.
According to Article 81 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013[1], it is for Member States to classify the wine grape varieties that may be used on their territories for wine production. Furthermore, grape varieties that can be used in each Geographical Indication (GI) are an element of the GI product specification.
Product specifications can be modified and adapted to the specific production needs of each GI, in accordance to Article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143[2].
A change of grape varieties is possible and can be made through a ‘standard amendment’ to the product specification, subject to a national procedure followed by notification to the Commission, as provided for in particular by Articles 24(4) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, 4 and 5 of Regulation (EU) 2025/27[3] and 12 of Regulation (EU) 2025/26[4].
The Commission is not planning changes to Annex IV, Part B of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33[5] considering the sensitivity of this labelling issue.
This Annex was the result of a compromise reached after a long debate in the context of the recast of EU labelling rules resulting in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.
While Article 50 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 does not allow the use of the name of the varieties Barbera or Sangiovese on the label of wines with GI in Germany, it does not preclude the use of those varieties and others to produce wine, provided that those varieties are listed in the national classification of varieties and, in the case of GIs, are set out in the product specification of the relevant protected GI.
Source: European Parliament
The respect for minority rights is enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union[1]. Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union[2] prohibits any discrimination including on grounds of ethnic or social origin, language or membership of a national minority.
The Commission is committed to ensure that there is no place for hate[3] in the EU. The 2008 Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia[4] requires Member States to criminalise public incitement to violence or hatred based on race, colour, religion, descent, or national or ethnic origin, when directed against a group of persons or a member of such group.
National authorities, including national courts, remain competent to determine whether a specific behaviour or act qualifies as hate speech or hate crime under applicable national law.
The High Level Group on combating hate speech and hate crime[5], which is in place since 2016, has contributed to develop widely used standards and guidance to support national authorities in their responses to hate crime and hate speech and the effective enforcement of national laws on the ground.
The High Level Group will maintain a comprehensive approach on all forms of hate speech and hate crime, in particular focusing on the grounds listed in the framework Decision, including ethnicity or nationality.
Enhancing the protection of individuals and groups at risk of hate victimisation based on these grounds may also bring protection for groups speaking minority languages, as relevant in specific national contexts.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission is actively working to reduce dependency on Chinese drone components by promoting diversification of supply chains and supporting EU industrial capacities.
To this end, the European Defence Fund provides funding for collaborative projects in drone and counter-drone technologies. The EU’s foreign direct investment screening framework helps identifying and mitigating risks associated with third-country dependencies.
The EU Drone Strategy 2.0[1] contributes to the objectives of the ‘Action plan on synergies between civil, defence and space industries’, exploring synergies between the civil and defence drone industries, including counter-drone technologies.
The Drone Strategy includes measures to support research related to drones and innovation with dual-use potential, sets up an EU network on civil-defence drone testing centres, promotes alignment of certification requirements for civil and military drone applications, and supports the adoption of EU counter-drone package.
Moreover, in the White Paper and Rearm Europe Plan published[2] 19 March 2025 the Commission has recognised drones and counter-drones systems as one of the critical capability shortfalls and is committed to support Member States actions aimed at reducing dependencies.
The EU counter-drone communication[3], adopted in October 2023, aims to address the terrorist threat possibly posed by non-cooperative drones. It identified 18 key actions aiming at drawing up a fully-fledged EU counter-drone policy, which are being implemented.
Source: European Parliament
In 2022 and 2023, the Commission’s Joint Research Centre provided technical information to assist Member States with the mapping of peatland and wetland as part of a project entitled ‘Satellite based mapping and monitoring of European peatland and wetland for LULUCF[1] and agriculture’ (SEPLA).
This notwithstanding , defining the territorial scope of the Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition Standard for the protection of wetland and peatland (GAEC 2) within the context of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plans lies primarily with the Member States.
The Commission services assess whether the scope proposed by the Member States aligns with the standard’s core objective, as set out in Article 109(2)(a)(i) of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115[2].
It is for the Member States to carry out the relevant mapping and to decide to publish the scientific data, methodology and potential resulting restrictions imposed on farming activity underpinning its chosen approach.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002163/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Rima Hassan (The Left), Manon Aubry (The Left), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Carola Rackete (The Left), Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Marc Botenga (The Left), Irene Montero (The Left), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Özlem Demirel (The Left), Thijs Reuten (S&D), Arash Saeidi (The Left), Damien Carême (The Left), Marina Mesure (The Left), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Hanna Gedin (The Left), Li Andersson (The Left), Maria Walsh (PPE), Diana Riba i Giner (Verts/ALE), Lucia Yar (Renew), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE)
On 6 February 2025, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). The broad and ambiguous scope of these sanctions seriously undermines the ICC’s ability to deliver on its mandate to end impunity for the most serious crimes of international concern. Asset freezes and targeted sanctions against ICC staff have a chilling effect on companies and civil society organisations that might otherwise engage with the ICC.
At a time when victims of international law violations are growing in number – in Ukraine, Palestine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan – these sanctions obstruct access to justice for all those affected by crimes within the ICC’s jurisdiction. Yet the EU has a legal instrument to counter such extraterritorial measures: the EU Blocking Statute, designed to neutralise the effects of sanctions imposed by non-EU countries.
In its 2024 annual report on human rights and democracy in the world[1], Parliament called on the Commission to ‘urgently activate the Blocking Statute’.
Submitted: 28.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002223/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Rosa Serrano Sierra (S&D)
Rural communities in the European Union manage natural resources, mitigate climate change and ensure our food production and security of supply. Our regions are drivers of progress, but they face serious and permanent challenges, such as depopulation, the price crisis in the agricultural sector or generational renewal. This is why the European Commission recognises the importance of supporting EU farming communities.
Despite this, some regional authorities prioritise the economic criterion in the public procurement of food services – such as in the kitchen canteens – without taking into account proximity or sustainability criteria. In doing so, they act to the detriment of small-scale economies that favour more environmentally and community-friendly local production.
Bearing in mind that the European Commission confirms in its ‘vision for the future of agriculture and food production’ that a fair and competitive food system must be created with affordable and sustainable food for all, I would like to ask the following questions:
Submitted: 3.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002179/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Gabriela Firea (S&D)
The Gender Equality Index is measured on a scale of 1 to 100 at European Union level. It assesses gender gaps, over a given period of time, in areas such as knowledge, work, money, time, power, health and violence.
Sadly, Romania ranks last in the EU in terms of gender equality, with an index of 57.5 according to the EIGE’s 2024 report. The gender gaps in Romania are most pronounced in the areas of power (32.8 points), violence (36.5 points) and knowledge (55.4 points), out of a total of 100 points.
In this context:
Submitted: 30.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
On 16 June, HOUS Members will hold an exchange of views with Ioannis Tsakiris, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Vice-President Tsakiris will provide an overview of the recently approved EIB housing action plan.
The meeting will also offer insight into selected projects to showcase how the EIB is assisting cities, regions and the construction sector in the development and renovation of affordable and energy efficient housing solutions.