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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Dropped landing obligation infringement procedures – P-002982/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002982/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Isabella Lövin (Verts/ALE)

    In July 2024, The Financial Times[1] reported that the Commission had dropped infringement proceedings launched in 2021 against France, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium for failing to enforce the EU’s ban on discarding unwanted fish at sea. These proceedings aimed to ensure compliance with the landing obligation, requiring catches, including by-catch, to be landed and counted against quotas. The Financial Times reported that the Commission ‘quietly’ dropped the cases without explanation, and that no evidence was seen that the breaches had been addressed.

    Experts have long warned that undocumented discards undermine quota monitoring and the scientific data underpinning fishing limits. Commission staff working document SWD(2025)0149 of 6 June 2025 echoed these warnings, citing a ‘lack of effective control measures adopted by Member States to date’[2], making such violations ‘very difficult to detect and confirm’. The European Fisheries Control Agency’s 2024 Annual Report[3] also found ‘low occurrence’ of detecting landing obligation infringements, while a recent report by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency[4] found ‘ineffective monitoring and enforcement’ of this rule at Member State level.

    Considering the above:

    • 1.Did the Commission receive any evidence that the identified non-compliance was corrected before closing the five cases?
    • 2.Has it since verified that compliance has improved in the Member States concerned?

    Submitted: 17.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.ft.com/content/92f54b80-24b7-4b57-80f6-a2eadd2a8211?accessToken=zwAGHiDi-6u4kdOS9UuAJLdLV9OA9qLq3SqCEQ.MEUCIBrgX1ar-IVixBkl3pH23gfxiYiS9Z15xqG6RGm62OmIAiEAoJ1fXbcn6CY7R9bUzWpzT_sZxJMVxmOSZSO4nhPbXT0&sharetype=gift&token=1ba2b62f-8594-41df-ba65-7d2607e2fdde.
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14725-Sustainable-fishing-in-the-EU-state-of-play-and-orientations-for-2026_en.
    • [3] https://www.efca.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2025-05/Annual%20Report%202024%20.pdf.
    • [4] https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/document/download/4a34e7aa-8548-4c4f-b8da-be8cdcf2681c_en?filename=Final%20report%20LO_en.pdf.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Human rights monitoring of EU border management funding in Libya – E-002912/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002912/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE)

    In its answer to Written Question E-000728/2025[1], the Commission states that it ‘monitors its programmes through regular reports from implementing partners, on-the-ground visits, independent expert evaluations and external monitoring’. However, this contradicts European Court of Auditors (ECA) Special Report 17/2024, which concluded that ‘there was no evidence of checks being carried out’.

    The ECA report also concluded that Commission staff possess no in-depth knowledge of the activities funded by the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa in Libya, including their location, and therefore cannot assess whether EU-funded equipment is being used as intended and in line with the do-no-harm principle.

    • 1.How many checks have been carried out on EU-funded assets in total?
    • 2.Can the Commission confirm whether it is in possession of a list of all EU-funded equipment, including its exact location?
    • 3.How does the Commission assess whether EU-funded equipment is being used as intended and in line with the do-no-harm principle?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-000728-ASW_EN.html.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The 13-hour exhausting workday is a risk to life and safety for workers – E-002875/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002875/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI)

    Two full city buses collided resulting in dozens of injuries, including to young children, as a result of the workers’ exhausting work schedules. The driver had worked two 16-hour shifts and two 8-hour shifts in the preceding days.

    The New Democracy Government is promoting a new anti-labour bill, which now provides for 13 hours of daily work for one employer. At the same time, an annual arrangement of working hours is being promoted with slashed overtime pay and the effective abolition of summer leave by cutting it into four. In Greece, almost one worker loses their life every week.

    This is an implementation of the anti-worker Directive 2003/88/EC, which provides that employers may employ workers from a few hours a day up to 78 hours a week and for up to 12 days of continuous work without a day off. At the same time, Directive (EU) 2019/1152 on ‘transparent and predictable working conditions’ imposes flexible forms of employment.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What is the Commission’s position on the fact that the New Democracy Government is imposing an exhausting 13-hour working day on workers, citing the Commission’s 2023 Interpretative Communication, legalising ‘round-the-clock’ work and putting the lives and safety of workers at risk?
    • 2.What is the Commission’s position on the fact that, on the basis of EU directives, the Greek Government is not obliged to make mandatory the collective bargaining agreements that workers have achieved, struggling for permanent and stable employment, with humane working hours of 7 hours-5 days-35 hours, decent wages and health and safety rules in the workplace?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Retaliatory demolitions of properties in Albania – E-002943/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002943/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Fredis Beleris (PPE)

    Recently, the Albanian authorities seem to have engaged in demolitions of private tourist properties, with the most recent in the Thethi region, where some of the properties had been licensed by the authorities and taxes paid to the Municipality and the State for several years. The owners, both Albanians and European citizens, point out that these buildings are on their property and the demolitions are selective and occur without warning, during the tourist season. At the same time, they complain that the demolitions are retaliatory in nature and punish citizens for their actions in the recent elections, while the citizens in question were never given the right to appeal to the courts against the administrative acts of demolition.

    Acts such as these prove that the Albanian Government does not respect the separation of powers. As part of their accession process, candidate countries must fully comply with EU requirements on the rule of law, property and the right to a fair trial, as enshrined in Articles 17 and 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and Protocol No 1 to the ECHR. These practices call into question the commitment to the European path and raise issues of discrimination against specific communities.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of any cases of arbitrary demolitions of properties by the Albanian authorities?
    • 2.What measures does the Commission intend to put in place to ensure that every citizen’s right to a fair trial against any administrative act is respected?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Türkiye’s use of pre-accession assistance (IPA) funds to finance espionage operations – Production of biometric passports – E-002880/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002880/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolas Farantouris (The Left)

    Reliable and substantiated international reports[1] reveal that a large part of the EU’s IPA funds to Türkiye have been channelled by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Government into funding espionage operations across Europe. The Turkish Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs are alleged to have used hundreds of millions of euro to gather intelligence against Member States. The issue is further complicated by the fact that Türkiye is becoming a major producer of biometric passports and is already printing passports on behalf of Hungary and France,[2] while cooperation with the new Al-Jolani regime in Syria has also recently been announced.[3]

    In light of the above:

    • 1.What measures does the Commission intend to put in place to monitor the funds received by Türkiye in the framework of pre-accession assistance?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to request the return of any funds not used for the purposes for which they were granted to Türkiye?
    • 3.Does the Commission intend to take measures to protect the biometric data of European citizens from non-EU countries such as Türkiye, which are involved in the collection and processing of such sensitive data?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    • [1] https://nordicmonitor.com/2025/06/eus-aid-to-turkey-diverted-to-spying-operations-in-europe-by-erdogan-government/
    • [2] https://www.biometricupdate.com/202209/turkey-to-print-hungarian-french-biometric-passports
    • [3] https://www.biometricupdate.com/202501/new-syrian-leadership-asks-turkey-to-supply-identity-cards-passports
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strategic autonomy and EU support for the New Caledonian nickel sector – E-002999/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002999/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    André Rougé (PfE)

    Nickel is vital for the strategic and industrial autonomy of Europe, which is dependent on production from China and Indonesia (in partnership with China) for 80 % of its nickel. That figure rises to 90 % for refined nickel.

    With Greek and Cypriot production shutting down and Finnish mineral reserves only meeting a small proportion of our countries’ needs, the New Caledonian nickel deposit is the main, if not the only, one in the world that is under EU sovereignty. In fact, the overseas territory is home to 25 % of the world’s lateritic nickel reserves.

    At a time when the EU is aiming to secure its supply chain with the Critical Raw Materials Act, New Caledonia is the only territory in a position to ensure that the EU stands a chance of producing 30 to 40 % of net-zero technologies.

    • 1.In light of this, what action does the Commission intend to take to restore the competitiveness of French nickel from New Caledonia?
    • 2.What trade measures does the Commission intend to adopt to counter the influx of Indonesian nickel – produced without complying with environmental, social and governance standards – and to prevent the objectives established in the Critical Raw Materials Act from becoming more and more difficult to achieve?

    Submitted: 18.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Granting of derogations having a significant impact on electricity prices in South-East Europe – E-002930/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002930/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolas Farantouris (The Left)

    According to Article 16(8) of Regulation (EU) 2019/943,[1] electricity transmission system operators must ensure minimum levels of available capacity and are not allowed to limit the available volume of interconnection capacity as a means of resolving congestion within their own bidding zone. Exceptionally, derogations may be granted for reasons of maintaining the security of system operations, while avoiding discrimination between intra- and cross-zonal exchanges (paragraph 9 of the same Article).

    The Austrian transmission system operator (APG) has received six consecutive derogations,[2] essentially remaining outside the above requirements. By granting derogations consecutively, this exceptional possibility becomes an established situation, significantly affecting the volume of capacity provided to other states participating in the energy market. This, in turn, affects the price level, creating large differences in electricity prices on the day-ahead markets between South-East and Central Europe, significantly affecting households, businesses and industries in South-East Europe.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission consider the granting to APG of successive derogations justified, given their impact on electricity prices in South-East Europe?
    • 2.Will the Commission collaborate with ACER to end abuse of the derogation?
    • 3.What measures does the Commission intend to put in place to address the significantly higher electricity prices in the countries of South-East Europe, such as Greece?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EL/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02019R0943-20240716
    • [2] For instance in relation to 2025, see the request by APG (https://markt.apg.at/dokumenten-hub/apg-request-for-derogation-for-core-region-2025-englische-version/) and approval by the national body (https://www.e-control.at/documents/1785851/10641279/Bescheid%20vom%205.12.2024,%20V%20ELBM%2004%252F24%20an%20Austrian%20Power%20Grid%20AG/55bf1cad-f683-9b00-f023-d61054dc0995).
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Irish initiative to boycott trade with Israel and its violation of EU trade competence – E-002928/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002928/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR)

    In recent months, Ireland has revived the so-called Occupied Territories Bill[1], which aims to restrict or fully prohibit the importation to Ireland of any goods produced in Israeli settlements, including those in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. However, according to Article 3(1)(e) and Article 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), only the EU institutions may adopt trade restrictions or embargoes. Individual Member States are therefore not allowed to impose unilateral trade restrictions. Moreover, previous Commission statements[2] on an earlier version of the bill mentioned how it would be in breach of EU trade rules.

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of the renewed debate on the Occupied Territories Bill in the Houses of the Oireachtas (the Irish Parliament)?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider these developments compatible with EU trade competence under Article 207 TFEU, and if not, in what way do they constitute a breach?
    • 3.Will the Commission take legal action against Ireland if the adoption of this law breaches EU trade rules, and what form might such actions take?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] Leahy, P. ‘Foreign affairs committee begins discussions on contentious Occupied Territories Bill’, Irish Times, 1 July 2025, https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/07/01/foreign-affairs-committee-begins-discussions-on-contentious-occupied-territories-bill/.
    • [2] European Parliament, ‘Answer given by Vice-President Mogherini on behalf of the European Commission [to Written Question P-000081-2019]’, 14 February 2019, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-8-2019-000081-ASW_EN.html.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ban on the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases for high-voltage electrical switchgear – E-002924/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002924/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Andreas Glück (Renew)

    Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases (f-gases) sets out an ambitious path for phasing out the use of f-gases in electrical switchgear. From 2032, f-gases with a global warming potential of one or more will be prohibited in new high-voltage electrical switchgear.

    For its current uses, sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) can be replaced with fluoronitrile (C4-FN) or vacuum technology. Fluoronitrile is the only alternative that has been tested at scale for high-voltage applications of more than 145kV. With a much lower global warming potential and low leakage rates, fluoronitrile represents an environmentally sound alternative to SF6 or vacuum technology. However, under Regulation (EU) 2024/573, it is set to be banned from 2032.

    According to Article 13, paragraph 13 of Regulation (EU) 2024/573, fluorinated gases with higher global warming potential can be used, if it has been established that the life cycle CO2 emissions of the switchgear are lower than equivalent equipment.

    • 1.Is the Commission planning to analyse the life cycle CO2 emissions of electrical switchgear using fluoronitrile as an insulation gas?
    • 2.Is the Commission aware that due to the strict phase-out timeline and the lack of alternatives, especially in the high-voltage range, many transmission system operators are currently ordering electrical switchgear using SF6 as an insulation gas?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Is the proposed Dutch waste treatment tax compatible with the self-sufficiency principle? – E-002944/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002944/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sander Smit (PPE)

    The Netherlands plans to tax the waste sector an additional EUR 567 million annually from 2028. This disproportionate levy will make waste treatment in the Netherlands economically unattractive, leading to the displacement of waste to other Member States and third countries where treatment standards are lower. That will heighten the risk of waste being landfilled instead of being used for energy recovery in waste incinerators and recycled, resulting in higher methane emissions at EU level. The impending reduced treatment capacity will undermine not only the circular transition, but also cross-border circularity clusters, cross-border cooperation, regional heat supply and CO2 capture (CCU and CCS).

    Article 16 of Directive 2008/98/EC requires Member States to cooperate on an integrated network of waste installations so as to ensure EU-wide self-sufficiency.

    • 1.How is the Commission safeguarding Article 16 of Directive 2008/98/EC, now that fiscal pressure is disrupting cooperation with neighbouring border regions and could lead to a reduction in regional waste treatment capacity?
    • 2.What harmonising measures is the Commission planning to take under Article 192 TFEU so as to counter unilateral national tax measures that undermine EU self-sufficiency and cross-border cooperation?
    • 3.Does the Commission acknowledge that, in the context of an existing shortfall in EU waste treatment capacity, the ‘waterbed effect’ – caused by divergent national tax measures – is undermining the objectives of current EU waste legislation and the intended objectives of prospective circular-economy legislation?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Fee for handling parcels worth less than EUR 150 – E-002917/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002917/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Maria Grapini (S&D)

    The introduction of the handling fee in the E-commerce Communication is supposed to cover the increased supervision costs incurred when goods are placed in free circulation in the EU, specifically parcels with declared values less than EUR 150.

    The question is: how will the introduction of the fee collected at European level support the development of national customs authorities, which are feeling the shock of checking thousands of parcels worth less than EUR 150 coming from outside the EU?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Extension of the EU’s ‘roam like at home’ area to the Western Balkans – E-002926/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002926/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    András Gyürk (PfE), Annamária Vicsek (PfE), Tamás Deutsch (PfE), Csaba Dömötör (PfE), Viktória Ferenc (PfE), Kinga Gál (PfE), Enikő Győri (PfE), György Hölvényi (PfE), András László (PfE), Ernő Schaller-Baross (PfE), Pál Szekeres (PfE)

    The countries of the Western Balkans are crucial partners for the European Union. The integration of the Western Balkans was identified as a priority for EU enlargement in 2003 and five countries have since been granted candidate status. This fact, as well as the meaningful contribution of the millions of citizens of these countries to the EU economy, demonstrates the region’s commitment to EU values and policies.

    Therefore, it is concerning that while Ukraine’s inclusion in the EU’s roam like at home area is being fast-tracked to 1 January 2026, the same determination from the Commission seems to be missing for the Western Balkans. We firmly believe that the accession process to the EU should be merit-based and avoid the perception of double standards.

    • 1.Does the Commission share our assessment that a fast-tracked inclusion of the Western Balkans into the roam like at home area would send a much needed positive signal to the citizens of the region?
    • 2.Is the Commission ready to accelerate and complete the Western Balkans inclusion in the roam like at home area by 1 January 2026?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Shortcomings in the EU’s support to firefighters and the need to improve training and stability for volunteer firefighters – E-002873/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002873/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Aldo Patriciello (PfE)

    In recent years, according to the European Forest Fire Information System, more than 500 000 hectares of natural area have been destroyed by forest fires in the EU, with Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal among the most affected countries.

    The EU promotes initiatives such as the exchange of good practices and the Civil Protection Mechanism, but these instruments are insufficient and fragmented, and do not have any structural impact on the most vulnerable territories.

    In particular, volunteer firefighters, who are key to managing forest fires, suffer from lack of training, recognition and job stability, limiting their ability to work effectively and safely.

    In the light of this:

    • 1.Will the Commission fund training courses and specific programmes to offer stable conditions to volunteer firefighters and professionally integrate them into the Member States’ national bodies?
    • 2.Will it allocate dedicated resources for the training, support and stable employment of volunteer firefighters, especially in the countries most affected by forest fires?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Public procurement in healthcare – E-002931/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002931/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomislav Sokol (PPE)

    The ongoing review of the EU’s Public Procurement Directive[1] presents a key opportunity to embed a modern, sustainability-driven approach to procurement across Member States, including in sensitive sectors such as healthcare.

    Public tenders increasingly include environmental criteria, often focused on greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the EU’s Green Deal and efforts to promote value-based, circular procurement. However, environmental considerations must be counterbalanced with a broader, more holistic view, particularly in sectors like healthcare, where the human component is central. Here, sustainability should be understood not only in environmental terms, but also in terms of its economic, social, and human impact, meaning patient outcomes, patient safety, and the well-being of the healthcare workforce.

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure that the revised Public Procurement Directive supports a holistic approach to the definition of sustainability – including human and economic impact in sectors such as healthcare?
    • 2.How will the Commission support procurement authorities in applying such an approach – e.g. through technical guidance, capacity-building or funding – to ensure a shared understanding of sustainability across Member States and a level playing field for economic operators?
    • 3.What steps will be taken to ensure sustainability criteria do not hamper innovation, safety or patient outcomes in healthcare environments?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] Directive 2014/24/EU of 26 February 2014 on public procurement, OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/24/oj.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – CAP cuts as a result of increased military spending and the consequences of this on the sustainability of the agricultural sector – E-002998/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002998/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Irene Montero (The Left)

    Article 39 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union establishes that the common agricultural policy (CAP) should ensure a fair standard of living for the agricultural community, assure the availability of supplies and ensure supplies at reasonable prices. However, the EU is making more and more cuts to the CAP in order to increase resources for military spending and rearmament. The Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034 proposal, presented on 16 July 2025, strengthens instruments such as the European Defence Fund while reducing the CAP budget by at least 20 %. These cuts – coupled with production costs, an uneven playing field and red tape – are threatening the sustainability of the sector.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure economic and ecological sustainability for the agricultural sector, as well as generational renewal, against this backdrop of cuts?
    • 2.What measures will the Commission adopt to safeguard the agricultural sector in the face of geopolitical instability and the volatility of energy prices arising from increased military spending and international conflicts?
    • 3.How will the Commission prioritise support to a key sector for food sovereignty and strategic autonomy for the EU in the context of increased focus on defence?

    Submitted: 18.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Social leasing schemes and used vehicles – E-002996/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002996/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE)

    In its communication of 5 March 2025 entitled ‘Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector’ (COM(2025)0095), the Commission declared that social leasing schemes ‘can support affordable clean mobility for less advantaged consumers, while giving a direct boost to zero-emission vehicles sales’. In its recommendation of 22 May 2025 on transport poverty, the Commission recognised the need to establish social leasing schemes for both new and second-hand zero-emission vehicles. Yet it did not really detail how second-hand zero-emission vehicles could be included in these social leasing schemes.

    Given the large stocks of used vehicles currently present in the Member States and the opportunity to make them more accessible to vulnerable groups by including them in social leasing schemes:

    • 1.has the Commission already conducted impact studies on the inclusion of used vehicles in social leasing schemes, and would it be willing to share the results?
    • 2.what would be the Commission’s recommendations on how precisely to include them in the social leasing schemes?
    • 3.does the Commission envisage any EU legislation on the matter to avoid fragmentation of the EU single market and promote the inclusion of both EU new and used electric vehicles in social leasing schemes?

    Submitted: 18.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Backsliding on the 8th Environment Action Programme’s environmental indicators and inconsistencies with the Commission’s deregulatory approach – E-002874/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002874/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    César Luena (S&D)

    The EEA’s Monitoring report on progress towards the 8th EAP objectives – 2024 edition[1] revealed a shocking statistic: 20 out of the 28 headline environmental indicators are stagnating or backsliding. Despite this, the Commission insists on pursuing an agenda of legislative simplification and deregulation that jeopardises the 8th EAP objectives, the Green Deal and the EU’s international commitments.

    • 1.What is the Commission’s justification for pushing to reduce and deregulate environmental legislation given the widespread environmental backsliding highlighted in the EEA’s own official report?
    • 2.What specific measures will the Commission adopt to reverse this negative trend and how will it guarantee that future legislation (such as omnibus packages) does not further weaken environmental protection?
    • 3.Will the Commission commit to introducing a clause or principle of environmental non-regression in its agenda of regulatory simplification, as recommended by scientific and social organisations?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/monitoring-progress-towards-8th-eap-objectives
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – ‘Choose Europe’ plan: budgetary transparency and impact on EU researchers – E-002760/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002760/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    András Gyürk (PfE)

    On 5 May 2025, the Commission announced the ‘Choose Europe’ initiative. According to statements made by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, this programme, with a budget of EUR 500 million, intends to attract researchers to Europe from countries outside the EU. However, the Commission failed to reveal the exact source of funding for this initiative. Furthermore, based on the Commission’s legal proposal, the Council implementing decision (EU) 2022/2506, prohibits 21 Hungarian universities and one Austrian university from receiving European research and development and innovation (RDI) funding. In practice, this significantly hinders these universities’ participation in Horizon Europe, even as consortium members.

    • 1.Can the Commission clearly identify all the budgetary sources that are funding this programme, and what criteria does the Commission intend to use to award the grants?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider the introduction of a new funding programme for researchers outside the EU while denying EU-based researchers access to European RDI funding a fair practice?
    • 3.Can the Commission unequivocally state that funding originally allocated to support EU-based scientists and research is not being reallocated to researchers from non-EU countries?

    Submitted: 7.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – FISC mission to Nicosia (Cyprus) – 16-09-2025 – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    FISC Mission to Nicosia (Cyprus) © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    Members of the FISC Subcommittee will travel to Nicosia (Cyprus) from 15 to 17 September 2025. The delegation, led by the Chair, Mr Pasquale Tridico, will meet with representatives of key institutions, such as the Ministry of Finance, the Tax Department and the Standing Committee on Financial and Budgetary Affairs of the House of Representatives, as well as stakeholders from the private sector, trade unions, experts and civil society.

    The discussions will focus on topical international tax issues and challenges, such as the implementation of the OECD’s two-pillar tax reform, the implementation of key EU laws in the area of taxation, including on exchange of tax information and anti-tax abuse measures, the simplification of tax systems and improving competitiveness through tax measures, tax incentives, and energy taxation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Supervisor of Camden County Jail Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation in the Assault of Pretrial Detainee

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    A former deputy sheriff and Jail Corporal with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office was sentenced today to 16 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for assaulting a pretrial detainee, identified by the initials J.H.

    Ryan Robert Biegel, 27, of Kingsland, Georgia, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Lisa G. Wood on January 28 to one count of using unreasonable force against the detainee. According to the plea agreement, on September 3, 2022, Biegel and two other correctional officers entered a holding cell in which J.H. was being detained. Upon entering the cell, two other correctional officers restrained J.H.’s arms and pushed him against a wall. Biegel admitted that he punched J.H. five times in the back of the head, which he knew was not reasonable or necessary to accomplish a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and then struck J.H. in the head and body an additional twenty-two times with his fists and knees.

    The FBI Brunswick RA Field Office investigated the matter along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer J. Kirkland for the Southern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Sues New York City Over Sanctuary Policies

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against New York City, Mayor Eric Adams, and several other city officials to challenge New York’s sanctuary city laws.

    As detailed in the complaint, New York’s sanctuary policies have allowed dangerous criminals to roam the streets and commit heinous crimes within the community. These policies reflect an intentional effort to obstruct federal law enforcement and thus are preempted under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

    “New York City has released thousands of criminals on the streets to commit violent crimes against law-abiding citizens due to sanctuary city policies,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “If New York City won’t stand up for the safety of its citizens, we will.”

    “For too long, New York City has been at the vanguard of interfering with enforcing our immigration laws,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate. “Its efforts to thwart federal immigration enforcement end now.”

    The case, filed in the Eastern District of New York, is the latest action from the Justice Department fighting back against unlawful obstruction of enforcement of federal immigration laws. In the past three months, the Department has filed lawsuits against Los Angeles, New York State, Colorado, Illinois, the city of Rochester, New York, and several New Jersey cities to invalidate unconstitutional sanctuary policies. Recently, the Mayor of Louisville revoked the city’s sanctuary policy after the Justice Department threatened legal action.

    Read the full complaint here.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Liberia salutes African Development Bank President Adesina in landmark Government session

    Source: APO – Report:

    • I want you to know that your legacy in Liberia is strong and enduring, President Boakai tells Adesina
    • “With your vast natural resources, Liberia has no business being poor.” — Adesina

    Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai convened the full spectrum of his government leadership to hear from African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (www.AfDB.org), whom he lauded for a transformative decade at the helm of Africa’s premier development finance institution.

    The expanded cabinet meeting, held Tuesday 22 July at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, brought together all three branches of the Liberian government: executive ministers, legislative leaders, the Chief Justice, and heads of state-owned enterprises. The event served as both a celebration of partnership and a platform for Adesina to share leadership insights as he nears the end of his term in August 2025.

    “You have shown the world that bold ideas, when combined with clear vision and determination, can produce extraordinary results,” President Boakai declared. “Through your leadership, the African Development Bank has invested in real solutions that touch lives every day.”

    Underscoring the gravity of the occasion, the Liberian president added: “The fact that all three branches of our government are represented speaks volumes about the value we place on your visit and the respect we have for your leadership and contributions.”

    In his rousing keynote address titled “Liberia: Arise, and Shine!”, Dr. Adesina reflected on the Bank’s enduring partnership with Liberia, which has resulted in $1.02 billion in investments across 72 projects since 1967.

    Key achievements include nearly 2,500 km of electricity transmission lines connecting Liberia with Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Guinea; the Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project, which delivered nearly 40,000 new grid connections; and 177 km of new roads including the transformational Fish Town-Harper and Karloken to Fish Town corridors.

    A central highlight of the event was the launch of the Liberia Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB), a flagship $17 million initiative under the African Development Bank’s Youth in Africa strategy. Liberia becomes the first African country to establish the dedicated youth-focused financial institution, aimed at equipping young Liberians aged 18-35 with the tools and capital to drive national development through entrepreneurship.

    President Boakai described the Bank’s portfolio as “more than numbers on paper.”

    “They are roads that connect our communities, energy that lights homes and businesses, and agriculture projects that strengthen food security and create income for our farmers,” he said.

    Drawing from his experience as Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture, and his decade-long leadership of the Bank, Adesina offered the Liberian cabinet a 7-point framework for transformational governance: setting clear and ambitious goals, ensuring measurable results, promoting teamwork and accountability and reforming institutions, especially the civil service and judiciary.

    “Don’t just blow the whistle, use your yellow card or red card. There is no need for rules in a soccer game if the referee never uses the yellow card or the red card,” Adesina said. “You cannot spend time baby-sitting poor performers. The public is eager for results and time is not on your side. So, be firm. Reward performers. Dispense with non-performers.”

    He recommended the adoption of a “One Government approach”, as well as the establishment of a presidential awards program to “recognize and incentivize inter-agency collaboration”; drawing from similar models at the African Development Bank.

    The Bank Group President urged the country to unlock greater value from its abundant resources. “With your vast natural resources, Liberia has no business being poor,” he stated. “The export of raw materials is the door to poverty. The export of value-added products is the highway to wealth.”

    During a Q&A session, Adesina emphasized the importance of technical and vocational training, citing that 60 percent of Liberia’s population is under the age of 35. He was responding to Education Minister Jarso Maley Jallah who inquired about strengthening entrepreneurship through the education system.

    Responding to a question from the Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmek Piah on achieving fiscal targets, Adesina urged the government to plug revenue leakages, noting that Africa loses $88 billion annually to illicit financial flows. “Make your country investable: invest in transparency, rule of law, create the right environment, provide incentives,” he added.

    Sannah Ziama, a local investor, praised Adesina’s visionary leadership and called for sustained investments in solar power to unlock Liberia’s industrial potential.

    As a low-income country and transition State, Liberia continues to benefit from the African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessional lending arm, as well as the Transition Support Facility, and the Nigeria Trust Fund.

    Liberia is also part of the inaugural group of countries that have developed energy compacts under the Mission 300 program, a joint initiative of the African Development Bank and the World Bank to deliver electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

    In recognition of his exceptional contributions, President Boakai presented Adesina with a Presidential Pin of Honour. Adesina had previously received Liberia’s highest national honour – the Order of the Star of Africa, Grade of Grand Band – in 2018.

    “Dr. Adesina, as you prepare to move on from this chapter, I want you to know that your legacy in Liberia is strong and enduring, President Boakai said. “The programs you have championed will continue to make an impact for years to come. Thank you for your faith in Liberia’s potential, and thank you for investing in our people, especially our youth.”

    Adesina was accompanied by the Bank’s Director General for West Africa, Lamin Barrow; Bank Executive Director for Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Ghana and Sudan, Rufus Darkortey; and Acting Country Manager, Foday Yusuf Bob.

    Liberia’s historical connection with the African Development Bank dates back to the institution’s founding, when Liberian official Romeo Alexander Horton served as the pioneer Chairman of the Committee of Nine that established the Bank in 1964.

    Read Dr. Adesina’s address here (https://apo-opa.co/4maNUla).

    – on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media Contacts:
    Natalie Nkembuh and Tolu Ogunlesi
    Communication and External Relations
    media@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oversight Committee Leaders Applaud President Trump’s Bold Plan to Cement America’s Dominance in Artificial Intelligence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Burlison (R-Missouri 7th District)

    WASHINGTON – Today, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), and Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Chairwoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) applauded President Trump’s new Action Plan to cement U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence (AI) and usher in a new golden age of American AI innovation. The White House unveiled “Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan,” outlining more than 90 federal policy initiatives today across three strategic pillars—Accelerating Innovation, Building American AI Infrastructure, and Advancing U.S. Leadership in Global Diplomacy and Security—that the Trump Administration will implement in the coming weeks and months.

    “President Trump’s bold leadership has once again delivered a transformative vision for America’s future in artificial intelligence. This Administration understands that AI represents the next frontier, and maintaining our technological edge is a critical priority in the years ahead. This AI Action Plan embraces AI innovation in the United States and aims to reduce barriers in the AI field to ensure America’s dominance on the international stage. The House Oversight Committee will continue to support the Trump Administration’s AI initiatives and evaluate legislative opportunities aimed at addressing the barriers and challenges preventing the federal government from fully realizing the benefits of AI,” said Chairman James Comer. 

    “Under President Trump’s leadership, America is charting a bold course to secure global dominance in artificial intelligence. The President’s AI Action Plan embraces American innovation and takes decisive steps to eliminate bureaucratic barriers that have slowed AI progress. America has the talent, expertise, and resources to lead the world in AI but what we needed most was a president with the vision to recognize its importance for our future prosperity. Alongside President Trump’s Administration, the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs will discuss ways to effectively and responsibly harness AI to bolster the United States’ economic competitiveness, national security, and technological leadership,” said Subcommittee Chair Eric Burlison.   

    “President Trump’s AI Action Plan—reshaping AI regulatory frameworks, investing in infrastructure, and championing American AI values globally—is a critical step toward ensuring we win the AI race. This Administration recognizes that barriers remain, and challenges must be addressed if the government is to fully realize the benefits of this transformative technology. The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation will continue working to ensure the entire federal government is equipped with the tools and authority needed to responsibly deploy AI at scale and unlock its full potential,” said Subcommittee Chair Nancy Mace.

    Alongside President Trump’s efforts to secure America’s leadership in AI, the House Oversight Committee is spearheading efforts to remove unnecessary barriers and accelerate responsible AI innovation—boosting efficiency, improving public services, and delivering savings for taxpayers. In addition, the Committee is engaging with AI industry leaders on how to unleash the technology the right way: effectively and responsibly. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: BREAKING: Rep. Miller Joins Senator Hawley in Effort to Ban Chinese Ownership of American Land

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) introduced the House companion to Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-MO) Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act. This legislation would ban Chinese corporations and individuals affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from purchasing American agricultural land and residential property.

    This effort comes in direct response to growing concerns over the CCP’s aggressive campaign to acquire U.S. farmland and real estate. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Chinese entities own around 265,000 acres of agricultural land across the country.

    “Prized American land is not for sale to our enemies,” said Congresswoman Mary Miller. “The Chinese Communist Party is the greatest threat to our national security, and their aggressive push to buy up our farmland and homes is a direct attack on our sovereignty. It’s long past time we take back control and put America’s food supply and communities back in American hands — where they belong.”

    The legislation aligns with President Trump’s recently announced National Farm Security Action Plan, a bold initiative led by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins alongside U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to safeguard American agriculture and prevent foreign adversaries from exploiting American land and resources.

    The Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act would:

    • Prohibit Chinese corporations and individuals affiliated with the CCP from acquiring or leasing United States’ agricultural land;
    • Prohibit Chinese corporations and individuals associated with the CCP from purchasing residential real estate in the United States for a period of at least two years, with an option for the President to renew the prohibition biennially;
    • Require Chinese corporations and individuals affiliated with the CCP to divest ownership of United States’ agricultural land and residential real estate within one year.
    • Establish civil fines and criminal penalties for noncompliance, including forfeiture.

    Read more about the bill on Fox News.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Introduces FORKS Made in America Permanency Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced the FORKS Made in America Permanency Act to permanently bolster American manufacturing that produces stainless steel flatware and equips our military with high-quality products.

    This bill would permanently add stainless steel flatware to the Berry Amendment. This longstanding federal provision requires the Department of Defense to source certain materials exclusively from U.S. manufacturers when available in sufficient quantities and at fair market prices.

    Tenney has championed this issue since her first term in Congress, introducing the SPOONSS Act in 2017 to include stainless steel flatware under the Berry Amendment. Her efforts led to the temporary addition of stainless steel flatware and dinnerware to the Berry Amendment as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), but the provision is set to expire on January 1, 2029. The FORKS Made in America Permanency Act would eliminate the sunset clause and make this requirement permanent.

    “Permanently adding stainless steel flatware and dinnerware to the Berry Amendment is a win for American manufacturing and our servicemembers. The FORKS Made in America Permanency Act will help ensure our troops are using top-quality products made right here at home, while creating good-paying jobs and driving economic growth in Central New York,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Unlocking the Development Potential of Diaspora Communities and Helping Reduce Reliance on Foreign Aid

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Rep. Jonathan J. Jackson (D-IL) introduced the African Diaspora Investment and Development Act (AIDA), groundbreaking legislation that harnesses the economic power of African and Caribbean diaspora communities to advance sustainable development, reduce remittance costs, and align U.S. foreign policy with grassroots investment.

    Millions of Americans with heritage in Africa and the Caribbean send billions of dollars annually to support loved ones and communities in their countries of origin. Yet, they often face high transaction fees, limited investment tools, and few incentives to grow their impact. AIDA addresses these barriers head-on.

    As highlighted in Realizing Africa’s Potential: A Journey to Prosperity by Professor Landry Signé, published by the Brookings Institution, the diaspora can be a powerful driver of development in their home countries—not just through remittances, but by fostering trade, investment, research, innovation, and the transfer of knowledge and technology. This dynamic strengthens U.S. interests by empowering African and Caribbean diaspora communities, who are an integral part of the American fabric, to spur economic growth and innovation both abroad and at home, reinforcing U.S. global partnerships and domestic prosperity.

    The African Diaspora Investment and Development Act:

    • Reduces the cost of remittances by promoting transparency, competition, and innovation in money transfers.
    • Creates tax incentives for diaspora investments that drive sustainable economic development in African and Caribbean countries.
    • Encourages financial inclusion through fintech and diaspora-owned money transfer platforms.
    • Supports diaspora-led investments with U.S. financial backing.
    • Advances U.S. development goals by strengthening diaspora engagement in entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and community development projects abroad.

    “The African and Caribbean diasporas are economic engines that deserve recognition and support,” said Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). “This bill creates smart incentives that empower families, foster sustainable development, and reflect our values in U.S. foreign policy. AIDA is about unlocking diaspora investment potential. By empowering these communities, we can reduce reliance on foreign aid and embrace a model based on investment, dignity, and shared prosperity.”

    “This bill is timely and vital, especially at a time when US policy towards Africa and the Diaspora is shifting from aid to trade,” said Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL). “Remittances ($90 billion inflow to Africa in 2023) have surpassed both foreign assistance and direct investment in many countries in Africa and the Caribbean; a source for development and economic growth. AIDA strengthens the Diaspora contributions in GPD growth through investments and family support – food, housing, education, health care, etc.”

    “Reducing remittance costs and eliminating taxes on remittances are critical measures that ensure every dollar sent goes further, directly benefiting health, education, small businesses, and local infrastructure,” said President of the Nigerian Physicians Advocacy Group, Susan Edionwe. “These changes will empower organizations like ours, whose work relies heavily on diaspora contributions, to expand our impact and better serve the people of Nigeria and beyond.”

    “The proposed AIDA bill is a fundamental recognition that as a nation of immigrants, the USA holds the ultimate power of transformation in the contributions of its diaspora to the rest of the world,” said Founder and CEO of Hamstrings, Inc., Eric V. Guichard. “AIDA is about leveraging these diaspora resources for good. It is a paradigm shift in development finance whose time has come.”

    “Remittances from family and friends in the U.S. to these regions primarily address basic necessities for recipients, including housing, food, education, services, small business support, and humanitarian assistance,” said Haiti Renewal Alliance. “A framework for partnerships with the U.S. DFC and diasporas via the AIDA Act to channel remittances for coordinated and robust investments with people on the ground in African and Caribbean countries, ushers the U.S. leading the next generation of successful global development for inclusive growth, peace, stability and opportunity, appreciating diaspora from Africa and Caribbean as key contributors.”

    During a time when development assistance from the United States in Africa and in the Caribbean is being drastically curtailed or even eliminated, African and Caribbean countries will need to increasingly rely on remittances coming from the Diaspora to meet basic needs and to get by,” said President of Constituency for Africa (CFA), Melvin Foote. “The proposed AIDA legislation, if passed, would certainly be a huge step in the right direction.”

    The legislation has received early praise from diaspora organizations, development experts, and financial inclusion advocates.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REP. OGLES SECURES $74 MILLION FOR VETERANS

    Source:

    WASHINGTON, DC — After securing House passage of amendments supporting the expansion of community-based care for veterans, Congressman Ogles is thrilled to welcome a $74 million award for Veterans Affairs (VA) Community-Based Outpatient Clinic to Davidson County. The facility will offer services including medical treatment, counseling, and community-based programs. Congressman Ogles, along with President Trump and other congressional Republicans, promised to invest in the VA and improve veterans’ care systems, and they are keeping that promise.

    “This clinic will provide enhanced access to healthcare and benefits for the brave men and women who selflessly served our nation,” said Congressman Ogles. “Additionally, constructing and managing this new VA facility will create jobs for hardworking Middle Tennesseans, delivering both economic and social benefits to the constituents of the Fifth Congressional District. It took considerable time and effort to make this happen, but I couldn’t be more honored to help bring this opportunity to Middle Tennessee.”

    Congressman Ogles worked tirelessly during the 118th and 119th Congresses to draft and pass amendments that provide veterans with improved benefits across the board. These amendments include increased funding for PTSD medical care, securing grants for the construction and maintenance of extended-care facilities, and more.

    READ THE LETTER

    WATCH THE VIDEO

    # # #

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bean Urges Swift Action to Release K-12 Education Funds

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—In response to the U.S. Department of Education’s abrupt hold on $6.8 billion in K-12 formula grant funding, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) sent a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon urging immediate release of the money, citing urgent needs as school districts gear up for the new year.

    “Delaying critical education funding at the last-minute puts school districts in an impossible position. With students just weeks away from returning, it’s vital we get these dollars into Northeast Florida classrooms where they belong,” said Congressman Bean.

    KEY BACKGROUND

    Florida has been disproportionately impacted, with six school districts—Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, Orange, Duval, and Lee—on the list of 20 jurisdictions experiencing delays.

    Among the funding under review are Title II-A, Title IV-A and IV-B, Title III-A, Title I-C, and Adult Basic and Literacy Education grants—programs that support teacher development, enrichment services, English language learners, and more.

    To read the full letter, click HERE. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • PM Modi condoles loss of lives in Himachal accident; announces assistance

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a road accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office shared PM Modi’s message, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to an accident in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the mishap. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.”

    According to officials, the bus, carrying 30 passengers, skidded off the road and rolled down a hillside near Tarangala in the Sarkaghat subdivision.

    Emergency services rushed to the scene, with police and administrative personnel from the Sarkaghat police station and the office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police leading rescue operations. Ambulances were quickly deployed, but access to the crash site posed challenges due to the steep terrain.

    Locals were the first to respond and initiated rescue efforts before authorities arrived.

    Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma confirmed that four people – two men and two women – died on the spot. Several injured passengers were taken to the Civil Hospital in Sarkaghat. Three critically injured individuals were later referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bilaspur.

    The cause of the accident is yet to be determined, and an investigation is underway.

    Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the incident and said the administration has been directed to ensure proper treatment of the injured.

    “In this hour of sorrow, I offer my condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he wrote on X.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall & Risch Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Local Partnerships with Federal Immigration Authorities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) in introducing the 287(g) Program Protection Act to streamline partnerships between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refused to process new 287(g) program applications during the Biden-Harris Administration, resulting in a significant backlog. In January 2025, President Trump issued an executive order to approve hundreds of 287(g) agreements, allowing local law enforcement officers to enforce immigration laws.
    “On Inauguration Day, President Trump vowed to secure the southern border and empower local law enforcement. With border encounters at nearly zero, he has fulfilled his first promise,” said Senator Marshall. “Now, it’s time to act on the second promise. The 287(g) Program Protection Act delivers tools to our local Kansas law enforcement agencies to undo the damage caused by the Biden-Harris Administration. I am proud to stand alongside Senator Risch and introduce this important legislation.”
    “President Trump’s enforcement of our immigration laws has brought encounters at the southern border to a screeching halt,” said Senator Risch. “To finish cleaning up the Biden administration’s mess, we must empower our local law enforcement to assist ICE in identifying and detaining the illegal immigrants in our communities.”
    The bill is also cosponsored by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), and Rick Scott (R-Florida).
    Click here to read the bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –