NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Ammaad Akhtar, 33, of Stockton, was arrested today and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

    According to court documents, since February 2025, Akhtar has been communicating online with a law enforcement-controlled individual, whom Akhtar believed was a member of ISIS. In these conversations, Akhtar voiced his support for ISIS and jihad, expressed a desire to travel overseas to join and fight with ISIS, and stated a desire to send guns and money to ISIS.

    In April 2025, during this investigation, Akhtar demonstrated a desire to provide support for ISIS and did so by providing financial funding on multiple occasions. After a few payments, the law enforcement-controlled individual indicated that ISIS had procured several guns with the money Akhtar had sent. In his response, Akhtar said, “may Allah destroy our enemies” and affirmed that he would send more money that same day.

    Akhtar also talked about planning acts of violence, including conducting an attack against a specific individual and an attack utilizing homemade explosives. He said he “want[s] to die in the cause of Allah fighting the kuffar [infidels]” and asked for instructions on how to make a homemade explosive device in order “to make a boom” at a populated event.

    Then, on June 23, 2025, Akhtar met with an individual he believed was an ISIS associate, but who was actually an undercover employee. Akhtar provided clothing, binoculars, $400 cash, two loaded guns, and six additional magazines. Akhtar then swore bayat (a pledge of loyalty) to ISIS.

    If convicted, Akhtar faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California, and Assistant Director Donald M. Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division made the announcement.

    The FBI’s Sacramento Field Office is investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by the FBI’s New York Field Office and the New York City Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wong for the Eastern District of California and Trial Attorney Ryan D. White of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Gas storage: deal with Council on refill flexibility to bring down prices

    Source: European Parliament

    The draft legislation aims to address speculation on the gas market and bring down prices, by introducing greater flexibility in rules on gas storage refilling.

    MEPs and the Polish Presidency of the Council reached an informal agreement on Tuesday to extend the EU’s 2022 gas storage scheme until 31 December 2027, as it would otherwise have expired at the end of 2025. The provision is designed to ensure gas supply security ahead of the winter season.

    MEPs and Council also introduced several amendments to ease tensions in the gas market, as speculation surrounding the existing mandatory 90% fill rate target by 1 November each year was driving the cost of refilling during the summer.

    Refilling flexibilities

    The agreed text will allow Member States to achieve the 90% filling target at any point in time between 1 October and 1 December, taking into account the start of the Member States withdrawal period. Once the 90% target is met, it should not be required to maintain that level until 1 December.

    Member States should have the possibility to deviate by up to ten percentage points from the filling target in case of difficult market conditions, such as indications of speculation hindering cost-effective storage filling.

    The Commission may further increase this deviation by delegated act, for one filling season, if these market conditions persist.

    Towards full independence from Russian imports

    The competent authority monitoring gas refilling shall also include information on the share of gas originating in the Russian federation being stored in that Member State, in line with the 17 June proposals from the European Commission, which will help in monitoring whether Russian gas is stored in the EU.

    Quote

    “The 2022 legislation showed that Europe was able to protect its citizens in a situation where Russia was using gas as a weapon of blackmail”, said rapporteur Borys Budka (EPP, Poland). “This revision will provide for more flexibility and less bureaucracy but above all to bring Europe’s gas prices down, while we continue towards energy independence from unreliable suppliers” he said.

    Next steps

    The informal agreement will be put to a vote in the Industry, Research and Energy committee on the 26th of June.

    Background

    Gas-storage facilities provide for 30% of the Union’s gas consumption during winter months. The EU’s energy security has been a critical concern in recent years, not least in light of its dependence on non-EU countries for primary energy supplies. The 2022 energy crisis, exacerbated by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent weaponisation of gas supplies, highlighted the urgent need for additional measures to ensure stable and affordable energy supplies.

    In response, the EU introduced new gas storage rules. However, the global gas market remains tight, with increased competition for liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies and persistent price volatility.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – 26 June: INTA mission to Ghent – Committee on International Trade

    Source: European Parliament

    A delegation of 6 Members of the Committee on International Trade (INTA) will travel to Ghent on 26 June to visit a steel and automotive company.

    The one day mission will provide an opportunity to INTA Members to visit the ArcelorMittal and Volvo Cars plant in the port of Ghent. This will allow more insight into the trade-related challenges the steel and automotive sectors are facing, in particular with regard to the US tariffs, unfair trade practices and geopolitical tensions.

    The delegation will be led by the INTA Chair, Bernd Lange (S&D, DE).

    The composition of the delegation:

    LANGE Bernd (S&D)

    JOŃSKI Dariusz (EPP)

    VAN DIJCK Kris (ECR)

    SBAI Majdouline (Greens/EFA)

    BRICMONT Saskia (Greens/EFA)

    KENNES Rudi (The Left)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Public hearing on the human rights dimension of the EU Memoranda of Understanding – 25-06-2025 – Subcommittee on Human Rights

    Source: European Parliament

    On 25 June 2025, DROI Subcommittee is organising a public hearing on “The Human Rights dimension of the EU memoranda of Understanding in its Southern Neighbourhood (Mauritania, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, with a focus on the use of EU funds)”. It will allow to reflect upon the EU cooperation policy in the region from a human rights perspective and discuss solutions for the monitoring of the informal agreements and related funding and improving the human rights conditionality in the EU policy tools.

    Civil society voices will share testimonies and analysis of situations on the ground after the conclusion of those informal agreements, which include but are not limited to migration and asylum-related measures. Representatives of the EU Commission, the European External Action Service and the European Court of Accounts will explain EU action in the field, also against the background of the upcoming EU Pact for the Mediterranean. Each panel will be followed by a Q&A session with MEPs.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Water cycle restoration and focusing on nature-based solutions – E-002417/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002417/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    César Luena (S&D)

    According to the EU Water Resilience Strategy, water management should prioritise nature-based solutions. However, using human-made infrastructure alone or in combination with nature-based solutions is also necessary, provided that the environmental impacts of this are carefully assessed and that all relevant stakeholders are involved. In addition, these actions must form part of an integrated and sustainable water management strategy that fully reflects long-term climate reference scenarios and projections to avoid stranded investments.

    The strategy also stipulates that the Nature Restoration Regulation provide an opportunity to support water quantity management and enhance resilience against droughts and floods with nature-based solutions. Water and climate resilience must be fully integrated in the national restoration plans that are to be prepared by 2026.

    In light of this:

    How will the Commission ensure that Member States effectively prioritise nature-based solutions over grey infrastructure in restoring the water cycle, and that they take heed of long-term climate scenarios to avoid new investments becoming stranded assets?

    Submitted: 16.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Challenging rhetoric from the Government of Skopje and the reaction of the European Commission – E-002474/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002474/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)

    Recently, we have witnessed an unprecedented escalation of nationalist provocations from the Government of Skopje, with direct challenges to Greek history and the agreement they themselves signed. The policy of tolerance and equidistance that the European Union systematically demonstrates undermines its credibility towards its Member States and strengthens extremist voices in the Western Balkans. Greek citizens, but also the peoples who believe in the Europe of Nations and Fatherlands, demand clear answers:

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to react to the escalating unacceptable rhetoric from Government officials in Skopje, which undermines stability in the region and offends the values and principles of the European Union?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider that the public questioning of the historical and cultural heritage of Member States by political figures from non-EU countries is compatible with the obligation to respect the European acquis and good neighbourly relations, a prerequisite for the country’s progress towards Europe?
    • 3.What specific actions does the Commission intend to take to protect the standing, sovereign rights and cultural heritage of Member States, such as Greece, when they are subjected to public insults and historical distortions by government officials of candidate countries?

    Submitted: 18.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – European water resilience strategy – E-002418/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002418/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    César Luena (S&D)

    The European water resilience strategy proposes an overall improvement in water efficiency of 10 % by 2030, but does not set binding targets for individual sectors (e.g. agriculture, industry, tourism or energy).

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure that the most water-intensive sectors effectively reduce their abstractions – especially in water-stressed regions – if clear and mandatory sectoral targets are not set, in line with the prevention principle and the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)?
    • 2.Some 81 % of the water consumed in the EU goes to users who abstract water directly at the source using private systems, and many of these are not properly registered or controlled by the national authorities. In view of this, why has the Commission not announced in its European water resilience strategy specific legislative measures to improve the control and monitoring of these abstractions, in line with the requirements laid down in Article 11(3) of the Water Framework Directive?

    Submitted: 16.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Support for EU border regions and the impact of illegal immigration on quality of life – E-002473/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002473/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)

    The proposal to allocate additional resources to EU border regions is confirmation of the serious pressures faced by local communities. However, the deterioration in quality of life and the increase in the cost of living are largely due to uncontrolled illegal immigration, a result of the Government’s inadequacy in protecting the borders and effectively managing immigration.

    It is crucial that funding is not used to cover Government failures, but is directed exclusively to providing essential support to Greek citizens who are struggling.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Recognising that EU border regions are under particular pressure, to what extent does the Commission attribute the deterioration in the quality of life, the increase in the cost of living and the degradation of social cohesion to uncontrolled illegal immigration?
    • 2.How does the Commission intend to ensure that the additional financial resources do not simply cover the failures of Member State governments to manage illegal immigration, but are used exclusively to provide essential relief to local populations and restore public safety and well-being?
    • 3.Will the Commission request specific data from Member States, such as Greece, on how illegal immigration affects daily life and the economic situation in local communities?

    Submitted: 18.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Toxic cloud in Kefalonia – Public health risk and need for immediate European support – E-002459/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002459/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D)

    A few days ago, a fire broke out at an illegal landfill in the Langada area of Kefalonia, causing the release of a toxic cloud which has affected the island’s capital (Argostoli), Lixouri and the surrounding areas. The event is causing serious concerns regarding the health of residents and the impact on the local environment.

    In addition to the dangerous nature of the phenomenon, there are complaints regarding the competent authorities’ inability to prevent it and their delayed response, as well earlier warnings that were allegedly ignored.

    This is a serious incident of environmental degradation with potential cross-border impacts (due to the atmospheric transport of pollutants) and serious risks to public health.

    Accordingly:

    • 1.Has the Commission received official information from the Greek authorities regarding the fire in Langada, Kefalonia, and its environmental impact?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to mobilise EU technical assistance and/or take scientific steps to measure pollution and assess the risks to the health of residents?

    Submitted: 18.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – European rules on waste incineration and the impact on smaller Member States – E-002469/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002469/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Alex Agius Saliba (S&D)

    Following reports[1] in my Member State, Malta, on the topic of waste incineration, and false claims that this facility can negatively affect the population, I would like to request some clarification in order to be able to debunk potential misinterpretation of the European rules. In the particular case of Malta, due to the limited physical space on the islands, we cannot rely on landfill for non-recyclable waste as a solution, and waste incineration is an important part of our waste management system.

    • 1.Could the Commission confirm that waste incineration will continue to be allowed under the relevant EU rules, such as the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) or other legal requirements?
    • 2.Does the Commission take into account the physical limitations of small island Member States when making its policy on waste management and circularity?
    • 3.Could the Commission clarify what is expected from waste incineration plants to comply with European requirements under, for example, the best available techniques principles and how the prescribed environmental impact assessment (EIA) gives assurances on air quality and other aspects that are important for neighbouring inhabitants?

    Submitted: 18.6.2025

    • [1] https://timesofmalta.com/article/no-ecohive-save-lives-residents-protest-planned-waste-incinerator.1109520, and https://timesofmalta.com/article/wasteserv-complains-standards-commissioner.1109939.
    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Support for the establishment of a European university in Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan) – E-002447/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002447/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sabrina Repp (S&D)

    The Kyrgyz Republic has repeatedly proposed the creation of a European university in Central Asia as part of its national education and digitalisation strategies. This initiative is reflected in several joint EU-Central Asia documents, including the EU-CA Roadmap 2021-2023 and the 2022 Foreign Ministers’ Joint Communiqué. It is also aligned with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the EUR 300 million allocation for education and digitalisation in the region.

    • 1.How is the Commission supporting, or planning to support, the establishment of a European university in Central Asia, particularly in Kyrgyzstan, within the framework of the Global Gateway strategy?
    • 2.Will the Commission consider including this initiative in future EU-CA cooperation frameworks, and what concrete steps are envisaged to involve European higher education institutions in this regional project?

    Submitted: 18.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Abuse of copyright infringement claims to censor the press – P-002235/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002235/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tiemo Wölken (S&D)

    In March 2025, Investigate Europe[1] and other media outlets revealed that Soft2bet, a gambling firm headquartered in Cyprus and Malta, is linked to 114 online casinos that have been blacklisted by Member States. Since the publication of the investigation, anonymous actors have filed false US Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) complaints to de-index these news articles from Google in the EU. In over 60 complaints, fake claimants copied the original investigation and backdated it, making Google believe that their copy was the original article and/or posed as Investigate Europe, filing infringement claims against outlets that co-published or shared the investigation. This has led to the de-indexing of genuine articles about Soft2bet in Greece[2], Poland[3], Malta[4], Estonia[5] and other countries.

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure that journalistic work published within the EU is not subject to false copyright complaints, so as to guarantee that Google and other search engines properly filter false infringement claims in the future?
    • 2.Is the Commission aware of Google’s use of potentially error-prone algorithmic or AI filtering systems to assess copyright claims?
    • 3.Is the Commission aware of any other cases of systematic abuses of copyright protections in the EU aimed at censoring the press?

    Submitted: 4.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.investigate-europe.eu/posts/shady-bets-blacklisted-gambling-sites-connected-to-soft2bet-award-winning-european-firm
    • [2] https://lumendatabase.org/notices/50067895?access_token=INKWQV49dp1dmRZMCAkVUg
    • [3] https://lumendatabase.org/notices/50130061?access_token=CYq0sYjCl-OzG_o0T8QpHQ
    • [4] https://lumendatabase.org/notices/50550335
    • [5] https://lumendatabase.org/notices/50266670?access_token=kZ9oB1Hqs377Y87Afzrkrg
    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Need for attention to risks in the EU beauty industry – E-002454/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002454/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Peter Agius (PPE)

    Reports from practitioners in the beauty industry, including tattoo artists, massage therapists, beauticians and manicurists, indicate that inadequate regulatory oversight at both national and EU levels is leading to a rise in the number of unqualified practitioners performing treatments. In some cases, this poses significant health risks, including scarring, burns and infections. Furthermore, the initial treatments may be performed poorly, requiring multiple corrective interventions.

    A key issue is the complete lack of harmonisation in beauty education standards across Member States, which results in inconsistencies in training quality, course duration and certification requirements. Moreover, non-EU nationals are entering EU Member States and delivering substandard services, which gives rise to concerns about consumer safety and fair competition.

    The industry is further disrupted by impromptu educators offering rapid certification courses that allow individuals to enter these professions without adequate training.

    Given this:

    • 1.What measures can the Commission consider to address the safety and health concerns resulting from the number of unqualified practitioners in the beauty sector, which poses a risk to European citizens?
    • 2.How does the Commission plan to address the issue of unqualified practitioners operating within the beauty sector and posing a risk to their clients, particularly practitioners from non-EU countries?

    Submitted: 18.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Urgent measures taken by EC to protect women exposed to domestic violence in real time – P-002466/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002466/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gabriela Firea (S&D)

    In the space of less than a month, two pregnant women in Romania were killed by their partners. These shattering tragedies oblige us to act decisively to prevent such incidents and protect women in real time.

    Therefore:

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to transfer good practices between Member States that have implemented real-time protection measures for women, and what support can the Commission offer so that Romania can develop discreet mobile alert applications, electronic tags for attackers and digital monitoring systems along the lines of VioGén/AlertCops in Spain?
    • 2.What specific financing lines, especially within the CERV programme or other existing mechanisms, can be activated immediately to help Member States to develop these tools, with a focus on countries in central and eastern Europe, where femicide is increasing?
    • 3.How does the Commission intend to monitor the implementation of these measures fairly between Member States, so that women all over the EU, including in Romania, can benefit effectively from real-time protection, and not just from limited pilot projects?

    Submitted: 18.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Urgent measures taken by EC to protect women exposed to domestic violence in real time – P-002466/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002466/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gabriela Firea (S&D)

    In the space of less than a month, two pregnant women in Romania were killed by their partners. These shattering tragedies oblige us to act decisively to prevent such incidents and protect women in real time.

    Therefore:

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to transfer good practices between Member States that have implemented real-time protection measures for women, and what support can the Commission offer so that Romania can develop discreet mobile alert applications, electronic tags for attackers and digital monitoring systems along the lines of VioGén/AlertCops in Spain?
    • 2.What specific financing lines, especially within the CERV programme or other existing mechanisms, can be activated immediately to help Member States to develop these tools, with a focus on countries in central and eastern Europe, where femicide is increasing?
    • 3.How does the Commission intend to monitor the implementation of these measures fairly between Member States, so that women all over the EU, including in Romania, can benefit effectively from real-time protection, and not just from limited pilot projects?

    Submitted: 18.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The disproportionate burden Greece bears in managing migration – E-000885/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Since 2015, the Commission and the EU Agencies active in the field of migration[1] have provided significant operational support, while the financial support made available to Greece under the Home Affairs Funds is over EUR 5 billion[2], providing Greece with the means for an ambitious and comprehensive migration management policy.

    In the context of the reform of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the EU has a permanent, legally binding but flexible solidarity mechanism as laid down in the Asylum[3] and Migration Management Regulation[4], guaranteeing that no Member State will be left alone when under pressure.

    Greece has so far benefitted from various solidarity schemes, for example the relocation schemes established by the 2015 Commission Decisions, the 2020 voluntary relocation scheme[5], and the ongoing Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism (VSM)[6].

    The Commission supports external border management through policy, funding, and operational support. This support includes the multiannual strategic policy for European integrated border management by the European Border and Coast Guard[7], strengthened European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) operations, and deploying digitalised systems[8].

    Under the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, Greece is benefitting from more than EUR 1.1 billion under the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI)[9] to implement measures related to border surveillance and integrated border management.

    The Commission also enhances cooperation with third countries and implements crisis response mechanisms to address irregular migration, migrant smuggling, and security risks.

    Finally, the management of EU external borders is closely linked to the Pact on Migration and Asylum, particularly through the Screening Regulation[10] and contingency planning.

    • [1]  EU Agency for Asylum (EUAA), European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol).
    • [2]  During the 2014-2020 programming period, more than EUR 3.39 billion were made available to Greece to manage migration and borders under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), the Internal Security Fund (ISF- Borders and Visa, Police) and the Emergency Support Instrument (ESI). Under the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework, so far more than EUR 1.66 billion have been made available under the Home Affairs Funds (AMIF, Border Management and Visa Policy Instrument, ISF) to support the implementation of existing and upcoming priorities in the area of migration, border management and internal security.
    • [3]  Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a New Pact on Migration and Asylum, COM/2020/609 final.
    • [4]  Regulation (EU) 2024/1351 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on asylum and migration management, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1147 and (EU) 2021/1060 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, PE/21/2024/REV/1, OJ L, 2024/1351, 22.5.2024; ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1351/oj.
    • [5]  More than 5,300 vulnerable persons were relocated from Greece, including 1,500 unaccompanied minors (UAMs).
    • [6]  https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/migration-management/relocation-eu-solidarity-practice_en#:~:text=Voluntary%20relocations%20from%20Greece&text=Under%20this%20plan%2C%20following%20the,Greece%20to%20other%20European%20countries.
    • [7]  The national authorities of Member States responsible for border management, including coast guards to the extent that they carry out border control tasks, the national authorities responsible for return and Frontex constitute the European Border and Coast Guard.
    • [8]  Like the Entry Exit System and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System.
    • [9]  Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund, the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy PE/57/2021/INIT, OJ L 251, 15.7.2021, p. 48-93.
    • [10]  Regulation (EU) 2024/1356 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 introducing the screening of third-country nationals at the external borders and amending Regulations (EC) No 767/2008, (EU) 2017/2226, (EU) 2018/1240 and (EU) 2019/817, PE/20/2024/REV/1, OJ L, 2024/1356, 22.5.2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Hearing on the ICJ and ICC decisions on Israeli/Palestinian conflict and the EU role – Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    AFET hearing on the ICJ and ICC.jpeg © Image used under license from Adobe Stock

    On Tuesday, 15 July 2025, from 11:00 to 12:30 in Brussels (room Antall 2Q2), the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) will hold a public hearing on the implications of the decisions of the ICJ and ICC on the EU’s role in supporting a peaceful solution for the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. This hearing intends to clarify the overall situation and to provide both legal and political insights in the search for constructive EU positions on the matter.

    The experts invited are Gleider Hernández, Professor of Public International Law, KU Leuven and Michael Meier, Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center (GULC) and Associate Fellow. Geneva Centre for Security Policy.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: EIB and Andalusia regional government sign €133 million loan to finance projects in education, healthcare, labour inclusion, the energy transition, sustainable transport and digitalisation in Andalusia

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The loan will co-finance projects included in the 2021-2027 plan of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and other EU funds.
    • The EIB loan will enable the Andalusia regional government to co-finance projects in various provinces of the region, from healthcare and education infrastructure improvement to sustainable urban transport and digitalisation.
    • The agreement highlights efforts to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion, one of the EIB Group’s cross-cutting strategic priorities.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €133 million loan with the Andalusia regional government (the Junta de Andalucía) to co-finance social, green and digital investment in the Spanish region. The EIB loan and co-financing from the Junta de Andalucía will make it possible to back projects contributing to the dual green and digital transition, social infrastructure development, jobs and training, and cohesion in Andalusia.

    The loan is part of the EU operational programme for cohesion policy funding 2021-2027, particularly the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Just Transition Fund.

    The loan will co-finance projects in various provinces of the autonomous community, including the renovation and improvement of infrastructure like hospitals, health centres, music conservatories or primary and secondary schools where climate change adaptation works will also be undertaken; job incentives, training and labour inclusion; support for research, development and innovation in universities; and digitalisation, sustainable urban mobility and energy transition projects.

    The agreement highlights the commitment of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) to economic, social and territorial cohesion, which is one of the cross-cutting priorities set out in the Group’s strategic roadmap for 2024-2027. All the projects will be implemented in Andalusia, which is considered to be a cohesion region by the European Union.

    This is the third loan signed by the Junta de Andalucía and the EIB under the 2021-2027 plan of the European Regional Development Fund, with the first €195 million loan being signed in December 2022, and the second €215 million loan signed in April 2024.

    Background information

    EIB

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the green and digital transition , economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for citizens in Spain.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the EIB Group’s headquarters for media use are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: EIB and Andalusia regional government sign €133 million loan to finance projects in education, healthcare, labour inclusion, the energy transition, sustainable transport and digitalisation in Andalusia

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The loan will co-finance projects included in the 2021-2027 plan of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and other EU funds.
    • The EIB loan will enable the Andalusia regional government to co-finance projects in various provinces of the region, from healthcare and education infrastructure improvement to sustainable urban transport and digitalisation.
    • The agreement highlights efforts to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion, one of the EIB Group’s cross-cutting strategic priorities.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €133 million loan with the Andalusia regional government (the Junta de Andalucía) to co-finance social, green and digital investment in the Spanish region. The EIB loan and co-financing from the Junta de Andalucía will make it possible to back projects contributing to the dual green and digital transition, social infrastructure development, jobs and training, and cohesion in Andalusia.

    The loan is part of the EU operational programme for cohesion policy funding 2021-2027, particularly the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Just Transition Fund.

    The loan will co-finance projects in various provinces of the autonomous community, including the renovation and improvement of infrastructure like hospitals, health centres, music conservatories or primary and secondary schools where climate change adaptation works will also be undertaken; job incentives, training and labour inclusion; support for research, development and innovation in universities; and digitalisation, sustainable urban mobility and energy transition projects.

    The agreement highlights the commitment of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) to economic, social and territorial cohesion, which is one of the cross-cutting priorities set out in the Group’s strategic roadmap for 2024-2027. All the projects will be implemented in Andalusia, which is considered to be a cohesion region by the European Union.

    This is the third loan signed by the Junta de Andalucía and the EIB under the 2021-2027 plan of the European Regional Development Fund, with the first €195 million loan being signed in December 2022, and the second €215 million loan signed in April 2024.

    Background information

    EIB

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the green and digital transition , economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for citizens in Spain.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the EIB Group’s headquarters for media use are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Alleged illegal exports of protected wildlife to India’s Vantara zoo raise concerns over CITES compliance and EU-funded conservation in the DRC – E-002411/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002411/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE)

    Since 2022, tens of thousands of wild animals, mostly protected species, are reported to have been exported to the ‘Vantara’ zoological complex, located within an oil refinery complex in India. Numerous sources indicate that these exports do not comply with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) requirements, particularly for species listed in Appendix I. The European Union is among the main exporters, having sent over 5 400 specimens from its Member States. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is also implicated: chimpanzees, declared as captive-bred by the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) despite the lack of known CITES-compliant breeding facilities, are being exported to Vantara. Yet the ICCN receives significant EU funding for conservation projects.

    The CITES Secretariat has been tasked with investigating this matter, while non-governmental organisations are urging the Commission to take action.

    • 1.What checks has the Commission carried out to ensure the legality of exports from the EU?
    • 2.What evaluations have been carried out concerning the ICCN, and does the Commission plan to suspend its funding until the CITES technical assessment and verification mission is completed?

    Submitted: 16.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Alleged illegal exports of protected wildlife to India’s Vantara zoo raise concerns over CITES compliance and EU-funded conservation in the DRC – E-002411/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002411/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE)

    Since 2022, tens of thousands of wild animals, mostly protected species, are reported to have been exported to the ‘Vantara’ zoological complex, located within an oil refinery complex in India. Numerous sources indicate that these exports do not comply with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) requirements, particularly for species listed in Appendix I. The European Union is among the main exporters, having sent over 5 400 specimens from its Member States. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is also implicated: chimpanzees, declared as captive-bred by the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) despite the lack of known CITES-compliant breeding facilities, are being exported to Vantara. Yet the ICCN receives significant EU funding for conservation projects.

    The CITES Secretariat has been tasked with investigating this matter, while non-governmental organisations are urging the Commission to take action.

    • 1.What checks has the Commission carried out to ensure the legality of exports from the EU?
    • 2.What evaluations have been carried out concerning the ICCN, and does the Commission plan to suspend its funding until the CITES technical assessment and verification mission is completed?

    Submitted: 16.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strengthening audit capacity in the light of expanding EU budgets and high error rates – E-002426/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002426/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dick Erixon (ECR)

    The European Court of Auditors’ Review 03/2025 highlights a growing mismatch between the EU’s expanding financial ambitions and its capacity for effective oversight. With calls for a larger post-2027 multiannual financial framework (MFF) to fund new priorities and crisis responses, the review stresses that this must be accompanied by strengthened audit and control mechanisms. The experience of NextGenerationEU demonstrated that neither the Court of Auditors nor national audit institutions were sufficiently resourced to fully cover the surge in spending.

    This concern is reinforced by the Court’s finding of a record-high error rate in EU spending in recent years, signalling increasing risks to sound financial management.

    In the light of this:

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to ensure that increases in the post-2027 EU budget are accompanied by a proportional strengthening of audit and control capacity?
    • 2.Will the Commission commit to linking future budget expansions to guaranteed increases in resources for the European Court of Auditors and relevant national bodies?
    • 3.What concrete steps will the Commission take to reduce error rates and ensure effective use of EU funds under the next MFF?

    Submitted: 16.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Targeted, linguistically and culturally accessible mental health support for Hungarian women in Transcarpathia – E-002405/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002405/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Viktória Ferenc (PfE), Tamás Deutsch (PfE), Kinga Gál (PfE), Enikő Győri (PfE), András Gyürk (PfE), Annamária Vicsek (PfE), András László (PfE), György Hölvényi (PfE), Csaba Dömötör (PfE), Ernő Schaller-Baross (PfE), Pál Szekeres (PfE)

    The ongoing war in Ukraine has had a severe impact on society as a whole, including women on the home front. Due to mass conscription and the constant existential threat of war, many of these women are alone, left caring for multigenerational families under increasing psychological strain. Rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD and burnout are rising.

    At the same time, women belonging to the Ukraine’s Hungarian community often face additional linguistic and cultural barriers that limit their access to appropriate mental health services. Identity – especially cultural, national and linguistic identity – is one of the most powerful psychological protective factors, especially in crisis situations. Any efforts to promote mental health regeneration must recognise that mental health interventions cannot work in a culturally neutral environment.

    • 1.What concrete measures has the Commission taken, or is it planning to take, to ensure targeted, linguistically and culturally accessible mental health support for Hungarian women in Transcarpathia, in view of the war-related challenges and the heightened vulnerability of these women?
    • 2.When does the Commission plan to publish the EU4Health 2025 work programme, and how will it support mental health interventions targeting national minority populations in war-affected areas, such as the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia?

    Submitted: 16.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Rosatom’s plans to resume operations at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant – E-002422/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002422/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Liudas Mažylis (PPE)

    Since the Russian Federation began its occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in 2022, this piece of strategically important infrastructure has become the focus of constant military action and geopolitical blackmail. On 6 June 2025, Russian nuclear energy chief Alexey Likhachev informed the IAEA that a detailed plan to restart the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant had been drawn up. There have also been reports that Russia intends to disconnect the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from Ukraine’s electricity grid and integrate it into Russia’s energy system. Given Russia’s ongoing military operations around the nuclear power plant, restarting it would only increase the risk of a nuclear disaster.

    In light of this, could the Commission answer the following questions:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of Russia’s plans to restart the reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and has an assessment been carried out in cooperation with the IAEA on the possible consequences for nuclear safety?
    • 2.How does the Commission assess the role of Rosatom in this process, and would it consider urgently adding this company and its subsidiaries in Europe to the EU sanctions list for its direct involvement in the reckless operation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant?
    • 3.Given that some Member States, such as Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland, have already imposed national sanctions on Rosatom and its management, will the Commission consider adopting measures to coordinate these national decisions at EU level in order to ensure the overall effectiveness of the sanctions regime?

    Submitted: 16.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Ammaad Akhtar, 33, of Stockton, was arrested today and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

    According to court documents, since February 2025, Akhtar has been communicating online with a law enforcement-controlled individual, whom Akhtar believed was a member of ISIS. In these conversations, Akhtar voiced his support for ISIS and jihad, expressed a desire to travel overseas to join and fight with ISIS, and stated a desire to send guns and money to ISIS.

    In April 2025, during this investigation, Akhtar demonstrated a desire to provide support for ISIS and did so by providing financial funding on multiple occasions. After a few payments, the law enforcement-controlled individual indicated that ISIS had procured several guns with the money Akhtar had sent. In his response, Akhtar said, “may Allah destroy our enemies” and affirmed that he would send more money that same day.

    Akhtar also talked about planning acts of violence, including conducting an attack against a specific individual and an attack utilizing homemade explosives. He said he “want[s] to die in the cause of Allah fighting the kuffar [infidels]” and asked for instructions on how to make a homemade explosive device in order “to make a boom” at a populated event.

    Then, on June 23, 2025, Akhtar met with an individual he believed was an ISIS associate, but who was actually an undercover employee. Akhtar provided clothing, binoculars, $400 cash, two loaded guns, and six additional magazines. Akhtar then swore bayat (a pledge of loyalty) to ISIS.

    If convicted, Akhtar faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California, and Assistant Director Donald M. Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division made the announcement.

    The FBI’s Sacramento Field Office is investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by the FBI’s New York Field Office and the New York City Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wong for the Eastern District of California and Trial Attorney Ryan D. White of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition headset launches in collaboration with Meta

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition headset launches in collaboration with Meta

    Over the past several years, Xbox has expanded the Xbox cloud gaming experience to more places and more players. Since the announcement of the Xbox app on Quest, our goal has been to empower more people to play their favorite games whenever and wherever they want. Today, with the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, we are bringing this vision to life with a new design that celebrates Xbox’s iconic aesthetic.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Preparing the post-2027 multiannual financial framework – addressing structural weaknesses and accountability gaps – E-002425/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002425/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dick Erixon (ECR)

    The European Court of Auditors’ Review 03/2025 highlights several structural weaknesses in the current multiannual financial framework (MFF) that should be addressed in the post-2027 period. These include the insufficient flexibility of the budget to respond to crises, the proliferation of instruments outside the MFF, and a lack of clarity concerning accountability for new tools such as NextGenerationEU. The review also stresses the need for better alignment between political priorities and financial programming, and the importance of strengthening transparency, parliamentary oversight and performance orientation.

    In the light of these concerns:

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to strengthen budgetary unity and democratic accountability in the design of the post-2027 MFF?
    • 2.What measures will be taken to ensure that future crisis instruments remain within the MFF and under proper parliamentary scrutiny?
    • 3.Will the Commission commit to a comprehensive review of spending effectiveness and institutional transparency before proposing the next MFF?

    Submitted: 16.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Preparing the post-2027 multiannual financial framework – addressing structural weaknesses and accountability gaps – E-002425/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002425/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dick Erixon (ECR)

    The European Court of Auditors’ Review 03/2025 highlights several structural weaknesses in the current multiannual financial framework (MFF) that should be addressed in the post-2027 period. These include the insufficient flexibility of the budget to respond to crises, the proliferation of instruments outside the MFF, and a lack of clarity concerning accountability for new tools such as NextGenerationEU. The review also stresses the need for better alignment between political priorities and financial programming, and the importance of strengthening transparency, parliamentary oversight and performance orientation.

    In the light of these concerns:

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to strengthen budgetary unity and democratic accountability in the design of the post-2027 MFF?
    • 2.What measures will be taken to ensure that future crisis instruments remain within the MFF and under proper parliamentary scrutiny?
    • 3.Will the Commission commit to a comprehensive review of spending effectiveness and institutional transparency before proposing the next MFF?

    Submitted: 16.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Return brochure for children and young people – E-002409/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002409/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Özlem Demirel (The Left)

    In 2023, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) published a brochure titled ‘My guidebook on return’ to prepare children, young people and unaccompanied minors for their removal. Until recently widely overlooked, the illustrated publication trivialises the coercive measure of deportation with child-friendly language and colourful images, as if it were an exciting adventure.

    • 1.Who was tasked respectively with producing, designing, translating and printing the brochure, and what resources were spent on it?
    • 2.When, in what volume and in which languages were the brochures published, and where are they handed out in printed form?
    • 3.How does Frontex respond to the criticism that the brochure does not speak openly about the return process, thus concealing the reality of the often traumatising measures?

    Submitted: 16.6.2025

    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Possibility of triggering extraordinary Erasmus+ measures to support students impacted by the conflict in Gaza – E-002413/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002413/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marco Squarta (ECR), Pietro Fiocchi (ECR), Ruggero Razza (ECR), Mario Mantovani (ECR), Francesco Torselli (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Carlo Ciccioli (ECR), Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR), Daniele Polato (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Giuseppe Milazzo (ECR), Lara Magoni (ECR), Denis Nesci (ECR)

    The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has had serious educational consequences in recent months in that it has jeopardised access to higher education for thousands of young people. Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2021/817 governing the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2021‑2027 provides for the possibility of targeted measures being triggered in crisis situations or exceptional circumstances so as to ensure continuity of education.

    Such flexibility has already been used in response to the Ukraine crisis, through ad hoc measures such as Erasmus 4Ukraine, extraordinary scholarships and facilitated mobility.

    In view of the need to support the right to education of young people impacted by conflicts in order to promote academic cohesion, resilience and cooperation at international level, it would be appropriate to consider extraordinary instruments for Gaza too, without ignoring the need to carefully check that all the requisite security conditions are fulfilled.

    In the light of the above, can the Commission state whether it plans to assess, within the framework of the Erasmus+ Regulation and its flexibility clauses, the possibility of triggering an extraordinary call for proposals or specific measures to support the academic mobility of students from Gaza, conceivably also through hybrid (online or in person) learning, in partnership with European universities?

    Submitted: 16.6.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –