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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Cabo Verde: Unlocking Inclusive Growth Through Increased Resilience and Equal Opportunities


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    Cabo Verde’s economy continues on a strong recovery path, according to the latest Cabo Verde Economic Update 2025, released today by the World Bank. Real GDP in Cabo Verde grew by 7.3% in 2024, supported by robust tourism activity and a modest recovery in agriculture. However, while the country has made notable strides – particularly in macroeconomic management, debt reduction, and poverty alleviation – key vulnerabilities remain. These include reliance on tourism, exposure to external shocks, and fiscal pressures from state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

    The report, titled Unlocking Women’s Economic Potential, analyses the country’s economic growth projections, highlights progress on poverty alleviation, and outlines the structural reforms needed to ensure sustained and inclusive growth. The report also includes a special topic, focused on leveraging women’s economic potential.

    “Cabo Verde’s recovery is a testament to the resilience of its people and institutions. But to transform this rebound into lasting and inclusive prosperity, bold reforms are needed – particularly to improve SOE governance, support women’s economic participation, and diversify the economy,” said Indira Campos, World Bank Resident Representative for Cabo Verde.

    The report notes that inflation dropped to 1% in 2024 – its lowest level in recent years – helping to bring poverty down to 14.4% ($3.65 a day 2017PPP line). Public investment execution increased, debt levels continued to decline, and the current account posted a surplus for the first time in four years.

    Looking ahead, GDP growth is projected at 5.9% in 2025, with poverty expected to fall further. However, the report warns that global uncertainties, commodity price shocks, and climate risks could affect the pace of growth and reform. Among the recommendations, the report calls for accelerated efforts to improve SOE performance, prudence in creating new ventures, and for maintaining fiscal discipline while investing in high-impact projects.

    The report highlights the critical need for policies to ensure growth is inclusive. Despite progress in education and health, Cabo Verdean women continue to face labor market barriers. The report finds that closing gender gaps in employment and earnings could boost GDP by up to 12.2% in the long-term.

    To achieve this, the report recommends:

    • Expanding access to childcare and flexible work arrangements.
    • Promoting women’s skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as in technical and vocational education and training.
    • Tackling employer discrimination and transforming social norms.

    “By aligning reform efforts with inclusive policies, Cabo Verde has a unique opportunity to strengthen resilience, empower more citizens – especially women – and build a more sustainable and equitable future,” said Anna Carlotta Massingue, Senior Country Economist.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Demand SDNY Misconduct Records Ahead of Emil Bove’s Nomination Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Alex Padilla (D-CA), all members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, wrote a letter to Interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) Jay Clayton requesting personnel records relevant to Emil Bove III, President Trump’s nominee to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

    From 2012 to 2021, Mr. Bove served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY). During his tenure at SDNY, Mr. Bove was promoted to Acting Deputy Chief for the Narcotics Unit in 2019 and, later, Co-Chief of the Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit from 2019 to 2021.

    “According to public reporting, Mr. Bove’s unprofessional and unethical conduct and his vindictive and angry temperament with opposing counsel and his own colleagues led to multiple complaints, professional interventions, and the threat of demotion throughout his career at SDNY. In 2018, a group of federal criminal defense attorneys in Manhattan were so alarmed by Mr. Bove’s pattern of unethical conduct that they wrote his supervisors at SDNY to warn them that he was a liability for the office,” the Senators wrote. The Senators’ letter includes the text of that complaint, which described Mr. Bove as the “prosecutor version of a drunk driver — completely reckless and out of control.”

    “Mr. Bove’s record of alleged abuse of power, ethical lapses, dishonesty, and unstable, abusive behavior during his tenure as a federal prosecutor warrants a thorough review of his employment

    history at SDNY by members of the Judiciary Committee. Mr. Bove now seeks a lifetime appointment to a federal appeals court, an office that carries immense power and limited accountability. It is also a role that requires constant collaboration with and deep trust amongst all of the judges on the appeals court. Bove’s documented conduct raises serious concerns about his fitness for such a role,” the Senators continued. 

    The Senators requested the following records by no later than June 23, 2025:

    1. All internal complaints, formal and informal, against Mr. Bove during his tenure at the SDNY.
    2. All external complaints submitted to SDNY, including from opposing counsel, during his tenure at the SDNY.
    3. All records regarding Mr. Bove’s management style and alleged abusive behavior.

    To read the full text of the letter, click here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Demand SDNY Misconduct Records Ahead of Emil Bove’s Nomination Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Alex Padilla (D-CA), all members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, wrote a letter to Interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) Jay Clayton requesting personnel records relevant to Emil Bove III, President Trump’s nominee to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

    From 2012 to 2021, Mr. Bove served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY). During his tenure at SDNY, Mr. Bove was promoted to Acting Deputy Chief for the Narcotics Unit in 2019 and, later, Co-Chief of the Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit from 2019 to 2021.

    “According to public reporting, Mr. Bove’s unprofessional and unethical conduct and his vindictive and angry temperament with opposing counsel and his own colleagues led to multiple complaints, professional interventions, and the threat of demotion throughout his career at SDNY. In 2018, a group of federal criminal defense attorneys in Manhattan were so alarmed by Mr. Bove’s pattern of unethical conduct that they wrote his supervisors at SDNY to warn them that he was a liability for the office,” the Senators wrote. The Senators’ letter includes the text of that complaint, which described Mr. Bove as the “prosecutor version of a drunk driver — completely reckless and out of control.”

    “Mr. Bove’s record of alleged abuse of power, ethical lapses, dishonesty, and unstable, abusive behavior during his tenure as a federal prosecutor warrants a thorough review of his employment

    history at SDNY by members of the Judiciary Committee. Mr. Bove now seeks a lifetime appointment to a federal appeals court, an office that carries immense power and limited accountability. It is also a role that requires constant collaboration with and deep trust amongst all of the judges on the appeals court. Bove’s documented conduct raises serious concerns about his fitness for such a role,” the Senators continued. 

    The Senators requested the following records by no later than June 23, 2025:

    1. All internal complaints, formal and informal, against Mr. Bove during his tenure at the SDNY.
    2. All external complaints submitted to SDNY, including from opposing counsel, during his tenure at the SDNY.
    3. All records regarding Mr. Bove’s management style and alleged abusive behavior.

    To read the full text of the letter, click here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) launch second phase of the Africa Phytosanitary Programme

    The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), in collaboration with the Government of South Africa, represented by the Department of Agriculture, launched the second phase of the Africa Phytosanitary Programme (APP) today – representing a major effort to stop the spread of plant pests and diseases in Africa using cutting-edge digital tools.

    The launch event was hosted by the Government of South Africa and brought together over 50 phytosanitary specialists from nine countries: Algeria, Cape Verde, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Liberia, Malawi, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia. They will participate in a weeklong Train-the-Trainer (ToT) workshop in advanced pest surveillance techniques, including the use of customised digital tools and applications for monitoring, detecting and reporting major pests of economic, regulatory and environmental importance in Africa. Participants will receive state-of-the-art tablets for geospatial pest surveillance, use field survey protocols developed by technical experts, and undertake practical sessions using the pest survey tools.

    “Africa stands at a turning point. With immense biodiversity, rising agricultural productivity, and growing opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we are well-positioned to become a global leader in the trade of high-quality plant products. But this vision can only be achieved if we ensure that the movement of plants and plant products is safe, traceable, and fully compliant with international phytosanitary standards” said John Henry Steenhuisen, Honourable Minister of Agriculture, in South Africa, in remarks read on his behalf by Jan Hendrik Venter, South Africa’s Director of Plant Health.

    “Well-trained, well-equipped plant health officials across the continent are our best line of defence in maintaining pest-free or low-prevalence status, an essential condition for accessing these lucrative markets”, he added.

    The first and pilot phase of APP started in 2023, engaging phytosanitary specialists from Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Mali, Morocco, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Phase 2 builds on achievements made in the pilot phase and aims to train plant health officers, who upon their return to their countries will teach their peers in the national plant protection organisations (NPPOs) and other government stakeholders on the use of the APP suite of digital tools.

    “We are building a critical mass of phytosanitary inspectors, technicians and officers across Africa by equipping plant health officers with the tools and skills to prevent and address major plant pest threats, that ultimately jeopardize food security, agricultural trade, economic growth and the environment”, said Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director-General and Officer-in-Charge of the IPPC, in her video message.

    Funded through generous contributions from the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, APP phase two builds on support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) which funded phase one in 2023. FAO and the IPPC are working to replicate and scale up the benefits from APP to more African countries and other regions. 

    Mitigating the pest problem in Africa

    Worldwide, plant pests destroy about 40 percent of crop yields, resulting in approximately USD 220 billion in economic losses[1]. In Africa, the impacts of climate change are worsening  the problem, with invasive pests – such as, fruit flies, false codling moth, maize lethal necrosis disease, citrus greening and fall armyworm – causing major damages. Fall armyworm alone is estimated to cause the highest yield loss in Africa – USD 9.4 billion annually –, based on data from the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI). 

    The African Union’s Plant Health Strategy for Africa highlights that limited technical capability remains a key barrier to achieving sustainable agriculture on the continent. Through APP, FAO, the IPPC and partners aim to strengthen plant health systems and build national phytosanitary capacity across Africa.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 67th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit: H.E. Julius Maada bio, President of Sierra Leone, is the new chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government for a one-year term


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    The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held its Sixty-Seventh Ordinary Session, today, 22 June 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria.

    During the Session, the Heads of State considered the report of the 94th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers, and reports on the State of the Community, the Security and Political Situations in the Region, among others.

    H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, warmly welcomed ECOWAS leaders while paying tribute to Nigeria’s leadership and hospitality under H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Chairmanship of the Authority.

    Dr. Touray highlighted ECOWAS’s achievements over the past 50 years, reaffirming its standing as Africa’s most advanced Regional Economic Community despite ongoing challenges. He stressed that dialogue with the three member states that have withdrawn is progressing positively, and he called for stronger support for the region’s private sector to drive sustainable growth, job creation, and deeper integration. He paid tribute to ECOWAS’s Founding Fathers for laying the foundation for unity and regional cooperation.

    In his opening statement, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chair of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, reflected on ECOWAS’s remarkable achievements for the past 50 years while urging leaders to confront persistent security threats. He emphasized that no single country could tackle terrorism, violent extremism, and cross-border crimes alone, and called for stronger coordination, political will, and decisive collective action to safeguard peace and stability across West Africa.

    “While celebrating our achievements over the past 50 years, we must also confront the challenges that continue to impede our aspirations; like the security threats, violent extremism and other cross-border crimes that continue to widen and deepen in their intensity. No single Nation 

    can address these challenges alone. We must rethink coordination, amplify political will, and prioritise a collective approach to security. We must act decisively on the fight against terrorism to serve as instrument for peace and stability for our region”, he stressed.

    H.E. Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), in his statement, conveyed the UN Secretary-General’s warm greetings and reiterated the United Nations’ commitment to supporting peace, security, and regional integration in West Africa. He highlighted the UN’s active diplomatic engagement across the region and underscored the urgent need for collective action against terrorism, which remains the most significant threat to stability.

    In his message, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, delivered by H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission, conveyed heartfelt congratulations to ECOWAS leaders and citizens on the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS. He celebrated ECOWAS’s legacy as a symbol of unity, resilience, and regional integration since its founding in 1975.

    Looking ahead, the AU Chairperson urged a united and coordinated response to pressing challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, and unconstitutional changes of government, while deepening efforts to tackle poverty and inequality. He reaffirmed the AU’s unwavering support for ECOWAS and called for a people-centred Community where youth and women lead regional transformation through innovation, technology, and quality education.

    The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government at the end of the Summit elected H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone as the Chairman of the Authority to replace H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose tenure came to an end. A communique will be issued at the end of the Summit.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Current Membership of the European Council June 2025 – 23-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Council consists of the 27 Heads of State or Government of the EU Member States, who are voting members, together with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, who have no vote (Article 15(2) Treaty on European Union). The chart shows the current members, the national office they hold, their most recent European political affiliation, and the year their membership began.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Understanding and Raising Awareness on Sexual Consent – 23-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This briefing has been prepared by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens, Equality and Culture at the request of the FEMM Committee, in the framework of the workshop ‘Consent-based rape legislation in the EU’ (organised on 19 May 2025). It provides a brief overview of literature and guidance as regards understanding consent, and highlights examples of evidence-based consent education and awareness raising initiatives.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Targeted scrutiny of the EU chemicals strategy for sustainability – 23-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU chemicals strategy for sustainability (CSS), introduced in 2020 as part of the European Green Deal, sets out 85 actions to curb chemical pollution, safeguard human and environmental health, and boost innovation and competitiveness in the chemicals sector. While notable progress has been made – such as the revision of the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation and the Industrial Emissions Directive – several key actions remain unfulfilled. Foremost among them are the delayed revision of the REACH Regulation and the failure to ban exports of hazardous chemicals prohibited within the EU. Scientific research continues to reveal the health risks posed by man-made chemicals, particularly chemical mixtures and persistent substances such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are widely present in human populations and the environment. These substances are linked to chronic illnesses, ecosystem degradation, and significant economic losses, with pollution-related health impacts costing an estimated 5 % of global gross domestic product. Efforts to manage these risks are undermined by regulatory delays and fragmented implementation, challenging the EU’s ambition for a toxic-free environment and its credibility as a global leader in chemical safety. Newly launched or forthcoming initiatives such as the Clean Industrial Deal, the competitiveness compass and the chemicals industry package reflect the EU’s continued commitment to sustainable chemicals policy. However, without clear alignment with the long-term strategies for a competitive and sustainable chemicals industry that were developed by the European Commission during its previous mandate (the CSS and the transition pathway for the chemicals industry), and without proper coordination, these overlapping strategies risk duplicating efforts and creating confusion. Key elements to ensure consistent and effective delivery include putting renewed focus on completing outstanding commitments, assessing existing strategies, integrating scientific insights, and streamlining governance to build a coherent and resilient regulatory framework.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Green claims: Committee Chairs react to cancellation of negotiations

    Source: European Parliament

    Following the Commission’s announcement it intends to withdraw the legislative proposal on green claims, the Council decided to cancel talks with Parliament scheduled for today.

    Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA, DE), Chair of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection, and Antonio Decaro (S&D, IT), Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety, commented on this last-minute cancellation:

    “Less than three hours before the start of the final trilogue, we learned of the Presidency’s unwillingness to engage in negotiations with the Parliament and the Commission, because of the Commission’s recent announcements and the change of positions within the Council itself.

    “This modus operandi could set a dangerous precedent for the legislative process and institutional procedures, leading to unnecessary and avoidable confrontation among co-legislators. We do not believe it is fair to deprive Parliament of the opportunity to finalise the negotiations on a directive after two years of legislative process and countless hours of work.

    “We are thus being prevented from discussing and hopefully agreeing on an important directive that serves to build environmental awareness and consumer trust by making environmental marketing claims more reliable and verifiable. What’s more, fighting greenwashing would create a more level playing field for businesses that already work sustainably.

    As Chairs of the responsible committees at the European Parliament, we are ready to continue negotiations as soon as possible by resuming the institutional dialogue.”

    Parliament’s co-rapporteurs Sandro Gozi (Renew, FR) from the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection and Tiemo Wölken (S&D, DE) from the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety also responded to the decision during a press conference today where they explained their position and answered media questions. See the recording here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Humanitarian aid in a time of polycrisis – draft opinion – Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

    Source: European Parliament

    On Wednesday, 25 June 2025, the FEMM Committee will consider a draft opinion on “Humanitarian aid in a time of polycrisis – reaffirming our principles for a more effective and ambitious response to humanitarian crises”.

    Women and girls face exacerbated risks in the face of overlapping crises–such as armed conflict, climate change, and the breakdown of essential public services. These simultaneous emergencies deepen existing gender inequalities and disproportionately affect their safety and access to basic needs. The Rapporteur urgently calls for the integration of gender equality into all aspects of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. Immediate action is needed to ensure women and girls have equitable access to food, education, employment, and healthcare, as the compounded impact of these polycrises on their lives is severe and far-reaching

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Image based sexual violence in the context of AI and social media – Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

    Source: European Parliament

    Image based sexual violence, AI and social media © Image used under the licence of Adobe Stock

    On Thursday, 26 June 2025, the FEMM Committee will hold a public hearing on “Image based sexual violence in the context of AI and social media, specifically exploring the role of undressing apps and the responsibilities of platforms”.

    The Violence against Women Directive criminalizes non-consensual sharing of intimate or manipulated material. The hearing will explore how AI is used to create such material, thus contributing to sexual violence and violation of other rights of women and girls, especially the right to privacy. It will also look into the protocols of the platforms to deal with sharing of such material.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Strategies to attract US researchers to the EU – E-001337/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission aims to make the EU the most attractive and secure place for both EU and non-EU scientific talent, especially amid today’s uncertainties. Europe is already a safe haven for scientists, and this role must be protected by enshrining the freedom of scientific research in EU law.

    The Commission will put forward a new EUR 500 million package for 2025 -2027 to make Europe a magnet for researchers. This includes the Marie Skłodowska-Curie ‘Choose Europe’ pilot,[1] which will support early-career researchers with attractive allowances and longer contracts, and a seven-year ‘super grant’ under the European Research Council.

    The EU is also making it easier for researchers to relocate and integrate. The ‘Students and Researchers’ Directive[2] provides a framework[3] for researchers to enter and reside in the EU, and the upcoming visa strategy aims to build on this by further easing migration procedures.

    EURAXESS[4] offers information and personalised assistance, helping researchers connect with institutions and regional innovation ecosystems.

    The European Research Area Act, expected in 2026, will aim to introduce measures strengthening the freedom of scientific research, research careers, mobility and coordination across Member States.

    The Commission supports European regions through initiatives like Regional Innovation Valleys to boost local innovation, particularly in digital and healthcare sectors.

    This is complemented by tools such as the Artificial Intelligence factories[5], the European Institute of Innovation and Technology[6], Digital Innovation Hubs[7] and Startup Europe[8].

    These efforts are further supported by EU Cohesion Policy, which helps regions leverage funding to support innovation and digitalisation.

    • [1] In addition to the ‘Choose Europe’ pilot, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) provide a wide range of training, mobility and career development opportunities that are open to researchers of all nationalities, including United States researchers, for them to successfully relocate to Europe.
    • [2] Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au pairing (recast).
    • [3] This framework includes, amongst others, equal treatment rights with EU citizens in many areas, possibility to bring their families to the EU, intra-EU mobility rights, right to stay for up to nine months after the end of the research to look for a job, possibility to teach while conducting research, etc.
    • [4] https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/.
    • [5] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/ai-factories.
    • [6] https://www.eit.europa.eu/.
    • [7] https://european-digital-innovation-hubs.ec.europa.eu/home.
    • [8] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/startup-europe.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EMA’s role in COVID-19 vaccine approval procedures, inspections and good clinical practice checks – P-001695/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The highest standards in the evaluation of COVID-19 vaccines were applied by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). As for every other product it evaluates, EMA’s human medicines committee[1] (CHMP) considered the need for good clinical practice (GCP) inspections.

    Studies supporting the authorisation of a medicine must comply with GCP. Regulators can request and conduct inspections to verify compliance with the standards.

    Criteria used to select a GCP inspection is published[2]. When a GCP inspection is requested by the CHMP, EMA makes a call for available EU national GCP inspection resources.

    The Member States have the final say on whether to send inspectors for an EMA-coordinated inspection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the restrictions to travel with a view to protect public health, regulators assessed the need for inspections and decided on a case-by-case basis the most appropriate and viable approach to take.

    The European Public Assessment Reports for Vaxzevria[3] and Comirnaty[4] are publicly available.

    The first cases of myocarditis that occurred in Israel in 2021 following vaccination with Comirnaty triggered a formal review by EMA[5].

    The outcome was that the risk for myocarditis and pericarditis was overall ‘very rare’ (up to one in 10 000 vaccinated people may be affected) with the highest risk in younger males[6].

    The product information of Comirnaty and Spikevax was revised adding myocarditis and pericarditis as new side effects with a warning to raise awareness.

    • [1] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/committees/committee-medicinal-products-human-use-chmp.
    • [2] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/points-consider-assessors-inspectors-european-medicines-agency-inspection-coordinators-identification-triggers-selection-applications-routine-cause-inspections-their-investigation-scope-such_en.pdf.
    • [3] Vaxzevria (previously COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca), INN-COVID-19-Vaccine-(ChAdOx1-S-[recombinant]) https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/assessment-report/vaxzevria-previously-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca-epar-public-assessment-report_en.pdf.
    • [4] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/assessment-report/comirnaty-epar-public-assessment-report_en.pdf.
    • [5] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/report/report-pharmacovigilance-tasks-eu-member-states-and-european-medicines-agency-ema-2019-2022_en.pdf.
    • [6] Meeting highlights from the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) 29 November — 2 December 2021 https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/meeting-highlights-pharmacovigilance-risk-assessment-committee-prac-29-november-2-december-2021.
    Last updated: 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – 2025 report on gender equality in the EU – Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

    Source: European Parliament

    On Wednesday, 25 June 2025, FEMM Members will debate the 2025 gender equality report following a presentation by Katja Lenzing, Deputy Head of Unit for Gender Equality, DG JUST.

    The report covers the main initiatives from March 2024 until February 2025 to advance gender equality in the Gender Equality Strategy’s key areas, focussing on the key actions and achievements of EU institutions and Member States in this area over the past year. It also provides examples of national initiatives on gender equality and of EU-funded projects aimed at gender equality.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Women’s entrepreneurship in rural and island areas – Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

    Source: European Parliament

    On Wednesday, 25 June 2025, the FEMM Committee with the participation of the Committee on Agriculture will hold a public hearing on “Women’s entrepreneurship in rural and island areas and outermost regions”.

    Boosting female entrepreneurship is an effective way to develop rural, island and outermost areas: these EU regions face unique gender equality challenges due to their geographic and economic characteristics. Encouraging women and supporting them to start their own businesses can help to create opportunities and increase their participation in economy.

    The hearing aims to explore effective ways to support women in fostering resilient local economies, accessing finance, digital tools, and markets, encouraging innovation and sustainability, and advancing both policy solutions and grassroots initiatives.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ability to enter the USA as a transgender, intersex or non-binary person from the EU – E-000910/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Passports issued by EU Member States adhere to globally interoperable standards adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation[1], including rules on specifying the sex of the holder. Nevertheless, States remain free to impose rules on entry, immigration and documents that are accepted for those purposes.

    The Commission remains committed to achieving a Union of Equality, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion for all, notably through the LGBTIQ[2] Equality Strategy 2020-2025[3], which pays particular attention to trans, non-binary and intersex persons.

    As announced in the Commission President’s Political Guidelines[4] and in the 2025 Commission Work Programme[5], the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy will be renewed beyond 2025 .

    • [1]  International Civil Aviation Organisation, Doc 9303, Machine Readable Travel Documents.
    • [2] Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52020DC0698
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf.
    • [5] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/7617998c-86e6-4a74-b33c-249e8a7938cd_en?filename=COM_2025_45_1_annexes_EN.pdf.
    Last updated: 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Liability exemptions in EU vaccine contracts – E-001495/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The (Advanced) Purchase Agreements for the supply of COVID-19 vaccines to the Member States were concluded in full transparency with the Member States. Negotiations were carried out by a Joint Negotiation Team that consisted of representatives of the Commission and of several Member States.

    This team reported regularly to a Vaccines Steering Board co-chaired by the Commission and a Participating Member State, which provided guidance throughout the process.

    The Commission has provided information to the Parliament on a continuous basis, in line with its Treaty obligations and the framework Agreement on relations between the two institutions[1].

    All mRNA vaccines that receive a marketing authorisation are based on a thorough review by the European Medicine Agency (EMA), of clinical evidence confirming a favourable benefit-risk profile.

    Adapted versions are also approved based on data showing their ability to induce an immune response that can predict clinical efficacy and safety.

    T he safety profile of all medicinal products authorised in the EU, including mRNA vaccines, is subject to continuous monitoring. There is a robust pharmacovigilance system established in the EU to detect, assess, and address potential side effects[2].

    The Commission and Member States considered early introduction of the vaccine to be in the interest of public health. Member States were therefore willing to reduce manufacturers’ risks linked to liability for adverse effects[3].

    A citizen who has suffered adverse effects from one of the COVID-19 vaccines purchased under the contracts can claim damages against the manufacturer of the vaccine[4].

    • [1] The Commission has pro-actively published redacted versions of the contracts concluded with the vaccine producers on its website.
    • [2] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory-overview/pharmacovigilance-overview.
    • [3] This was intended as a risk sharing principle in the vaccine strategy.
    • [4] If the claim is successful, the Member State that administered the vaccine can, under certain conditions, be responsible for compensating the injured party and paying the vaccine manufacturer’s legal costs (indemnification).
    Last updated: 23 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Hungary’s ban on Pride – E-001277/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Equality and the respect for human dignity and human rights are core values of the EU, enshrined in the Treaty of the European Union and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights[1].

    These also include the right to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly and association. The Commission is committed to promoting and safeguarding these rights.

    In December 2022, the Commission referred Hungary to the Court of Justice of the EU over national rules that discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity[2].

    The Commission considered that they violate several EU laws, both single market rules and the fundamental rights of individuals, in particular of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people, as well as the common values at the core of the EU.

    The case is pending before the Court of Justice. A hearing on this case took place on 19 November 2024 and the Advocate General issued her Opinion on 5 June 2025.

    The Commission is assessing the recent legislative amendments and closely monitoring the situation in Hungary. The Commission remains fully committed to addressing inequality and discrimination affecting LGBTIQ persons as outlined in the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025[3].

    • [1] 2012/C 326/02, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:C2012/326/02.
    • [2] C-769/22 Commission v Hungary (Valeurs de l’Union).
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52020DC0698.
    Last updated: 23 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ongoing delays to the introduction of the entry/exit system (EES) – E-001070/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The start date for the Entry/Exit System (EES ) operations has been revised due to several reasons, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, technical complexities of the EES design and specific implementation difficulties at central and national levels . In October 2024, the Justice and Home Affairs Council agreed that a progressive launch of the EES would be the best way forward. Subsequently, the Commission adopted on 4 December 2024 a proposal for a regulation on a temporary derogation from certain provisions of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 and Regulation (EU) 2016/399 as regards a progressive start of operations of the EES[1]. Co-legislators reached a provisional agreement on the proposal on 19 May 2025. According to the revised interoperability roadmap, endorsed by the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 5 March 2025, the EES entry into operation is foreseen in October 2025.

    2. The EES procurement was carried out by the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice ( eu-LISA). The Commission has asked the Agency to provide the information requested by the Honourable Member.

    3. As regards the costs for the development of the EES, the Commission has asked the eu-LISA to provide the information requested by the Honourable Member.

    The Commission will send the Agency’s reply to the Honourable Member as soon as possible .

    • [1] COM(2024) 567 final.
    Last updated: 23 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU action to accelerate biotech solutions for autoimmune disease patients – E-001203/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission is in the preparatory phase of the Biotech Act[1]. The Commission will conduct extensive consultations with stakeholders to determine the most appropriate measures to translate innovation in the field of biotechnology into products which can be brought to the market and benefit citizens. The Act will cover different sectors of biotechnology, in particular health. Its actions on the health sector will indirectly also benefit patients suffering from autoimmune diseases.

    2. The reform of the EU’s general pharmaceutical legislation[2], currently being discussed by the co-legislators, includes many measures to streamline and modernise the regulatory framework to foster and facilitate innovation especially for breakthrough therapies. The Biotech Act could complement the pharmaceutical reform for example in facilitating the authorisation of clinical trials in the EU.

    3. The pharmaceutical reform proposes incentives for research in areas of unmet medical needs through additional regulatory protection and pre-authorisation regulatory support. In particular, early advice in the framework of PRIME programme will facilitate timely access to medicines that bring significant innovation. It also introduces incentives in the field of repurposing existing medicines to new indications especially in case of unmet medical needs.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14627-Biotech-Act_en.
    • [2] COM/2023/193 final and COM/2023/192 final.
    Last updated: 23 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Shortages of health workers in France and the EU – E-001540/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is currently implementing an Action Plan on labour and skills shortages of 20 March 2024[1]. The action plan sets out 87 actions or commitments that the EU, Member States and social partners will or should take to tackle these shortages.

    It contains a call to Member States to develop policies to attract and retain nurses through improving working conditions and mentoring young professionals, with the support of the EU4Health Programme .

    The collection of data for a survey on the health professionals’ mental health was carried out by the World Health Organisation (WHO) with EU4Health funding, and its results are planned to be published in October 2025. The WHO will then develop a set of proposed policy actions to protect the mental health of the health workforce, planned for publication before the end of 2025[2].

    The Commission’s Expert Group on Health Systems Performance Assessment[3] is mapping various approaches to ensuring safe staffing levels in healthcare.

    The Commission also helps Member States, including France, in seizing opportunities from the digitalisation of health systems. Among others, the European Health Data Space initiative[4] aims to establish a common framework for the use and exchange of electronic health data.

    T hrough the European Semester, t he Commission provides country-specific policy advice to support health system reforms , including those related to the health workforce. Substantial EU funding[5] is available to support skills development programmes[6] and planning and forecasting tools[7].

    I n the context of the Union of Skills[8] and its Skills Portability Initiative, the Commission will explore common rules for recognising the qualifications of third-country nationals, and thus facilitate the integration of non-EU workers into the EU labour markets, including in the healthcare sector.

    The forthcoming Quality Jobs Roadmap will support progress on the various dimensions of job quality in the evolving world of work.

    • [1]  Commission Communication on Labour and skills shortages in the EU: an action plan, COM(2024) 131 final (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52024DC0131).
    • [2]  https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/promoting-our-european-way-life/european-health-union/comprehensive-approach-mental-health_en.
    • [3]  https://health.ec.europa.eu/health-systems-performance-assessment_en.
    • [4]  https://health.ec.europa.eu/ehealth-digital-health-and-care/european-health-data-space-regulation-ehds_en.
    • [5]  https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/2024-eu4health-work-programme_en.
    • [6]  Erasmus+ programme funded actions: AMR EDUCare https://www.amreducare.eu/, ‘BeWell’ https://bewell-project.eu/, DDS-MAP https://ddsmap.easpd.eu/, DigiCanTrain https://digicantrain.turkuamk.fi/contact-us/, e-Hospital4Future https://eh4future.eu/, EHMA https://hpass.healthworkforce.eu/EU4Health training https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/2022-eu4health-work-programme_en; GESEA Educational Programme https://gesea.eu/ and TRANSiTION https://ehma.org/projects/transition/.
    • [7]  EU4Health Programme funded Joint Action Heroes: https://www.agenas.gov.it/ricerca-e-sviluppo/ricerca-internazionale/personale-sanitario-ri/heroes-health-workforce-to-meet-health-challenges.
    • [8]  https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/5c5c5399-fa8a-11ef-b7db-01aa75ed71a1.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Employment of people on the autism spectrum in the EU – E-000626/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Staff Regulations[1] prohibit discrimination based on any ground and promote equal opportunities. In the new mandate, the Commission will continue to improve recruitment and talent management to attract and retain a skilled, diverse, versatile, and motivated workforce[2].

    As part of its Human Resources Strategy[3], the Commission is working on attracting and catering for the needs of diverse staff, including people with disabilities, and aims for a discrimination free and accessible workplace. The Diversity and inclusion in the workplace action plan 2023-2024[4] includes more targeted actions in this area.

    The European Personnel Selection Office and the Commission provide support to candidates with medical conditions and offer reasonable accommodation[5].

    Fostering access to quality and sustainable jobs is one of the priorities of the strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities[6]. The Commission cooperates with stakeholders focusing on specific disabilities, and financially supports organisations such as Autism Europe.

    The Commission also takes into account the European Parliament Resolution of 4 October 2023 on harmonising the rights of autistic persons[7] in its action.

    • [1]  OJ L 56, 4.3.1968, p. 1.
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/58e66b7e-850f-439f-b448-652cc4f6743e_en?filename=mission-letter-serafin.pdf.
    • [3]  C(2022) 2229 final, 5.4.2022.
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/196676b9-9b29-4034-84ca-d75d3cd5912c_en?filename=fact-sheet-diversity-inclusion-in-workplace-action-plan-2023-2024_en_0.pdf.
    • [5]  C(2004)1318, 07.04.2004; https://eu-careers.europa.eu/en/selection-procedure/equal-opportunities-diversity-inclusion.
    • [6] COM/2021/101 final, 3.3.2021.
    • [7] P9_TA(2023)0343.
    Last updated: 23 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) – E-001052/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Under Erasmus+, FEMYSO was selected, after assessing the criteria set out in the calls for proposals and on the basis of the relevant programme rules, as applicant for grants of a total value of EUR 119 881, further to the calls for proposals ‘Dialogue and cooperation — Civil Society cooperation: Education, Training and Youth’ in 2014, 2015 and 2017.

    Actual payments for the Erasmus+ projects referred to above amounted to EUR 117 423 (payments processed from 2014 to 2017). Other payments were made in 2015 for an amount of EUR 3 198.28 (estimated share of FEMYSO in the final payment for the project ‘Combatting human rights violations associated with Islamophobia’) under the Fundamental Rights and Justice programme, and in 2019 for an amount of EUR 14 397.92 (project ‘Meet’) under the then Rights, Equality and Citizenship programme.

    The Commission and its Coordinator on combating anti-Muslim hatred interact with a wide range of relevant stakeholders who respect EU values.

    The Coordinator liaises with Member States, European institutions, civil society and academia to strengthen policy responses to combat anti-Muslim hatred. In this role, the Coordinator is the main point of contact for organisations working in this field in the EU.

    Last updated: 23 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Systematic analysis of innovative cancer treatment options and patient survival – E-001448/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission is fully committed to improving health outcomes for cancer patients through innovative therapies[1]. Under the EU4Health programme, the Joint Action on Personalised Cancer Medicine[2] will address the effectiveness of therapies. The European Cancer Information System[3] provides relevant data.

    2. For primary use, the European Health Data Space will ensure citizens’ right to access and control their health data in an electronic format, and for secondary use, it will facilitate the access for research, innovation and policy making, contributing to optimise treatment and improve delivery of care.

    3. The Horizon Europe[4] Cancer Mission[5] supports pragmatic clinical trials to test the effectiveness of therapies, including on surgery-centred technologies[6]. The Euratom Research and Training Programme[7] addresses research in the medical applications of ionising radiation, notably novel uses of radionuclides for the screening and treatment of cancer.

    • [1] For example, through Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Regulation (EU) 2021/2282, applicable since January 2025, which includes assessment of new cancer treatments, and the CAN.HEAL project developed common protocols to assess effectiveness of new cancer technologies.
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/eu4h-2024-pj-03-4.
    • [3] ECIS https://ecis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/; ECIS provides comparable statistical indicators and trends of cancer incidence, prevalence, mortality, and survival to monitor outcomes.
    • [4] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en.
    • [5] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/eu-mission-cancer_en.
    • [6] E.g. HORIZON-MISS-2025-02-CANCER-03, HORIZON-MISS-2025-02-CANCER-04; https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/reference-documents;programCode=HORIZON?programmePeriod=2021-2027&frameworkProgramme=43108390.
    • [7] Council Regulation (Euratom) 2021/765 of 10 May 2021 establishing the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period 2021-2025 complementing Horizon Europe — the framework Programme for Research and Innovation and repealing Regulation (Euratom) 2018/1563 (OJ 167I, 12.5.2021, p. 81, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/765/oj).
    Last updated: 23 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Attack on Gaza Freedom Flotilla – E-001794/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU is very concerned about reports of a drone attack on a ship carrying humanitarian aid and activists heading for Gaza. The EU discourages flotillas as a means for aid delivery.

    They risk the safety of their participants and carry the potential for escalation. However, nothing justifies attacking participants of flotillas with drones.

    Humanitarian aid is needed in Gaza to help people in desperate need. The EU repeats its call on Israel to allow unimpeded humanitarian aid to flow at scale into and throughout the strip.

    The High Representative/Vice-President has been engaged on this issue, including through calls with Israeli Foreign Minister and with international partners including the United Nations (UN).

    The High Representative/Vice-President expressed deep concern at the humanitarian blockade, which has lasted more than two months, and at the intensified Israeli ground operation in Gaza[1].

    The EU has consistently reiterated that in exercising its right to defend itself, Israel must fully comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, in all circumstances.

    The EU firmly condemns any attack on humanitarian aid workers and calls for accountability. The EU reiterates the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians, including humanitarian workers, at all times, as well as civilian infrastructures, including medical facilities, schools and UN premises.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/de/statement_25_1155;
      https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/joint-donor-statement-humanitarian-aid-gaza%C2%A0_en.
    Last updated: 23 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ensuring transparency, efficiency and equal access in the Recovery and Resilience Facility’s digitalisation projects – E-001668/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The RRF[1] supports reforms and investments proposed by the Member States, who are responsible both for their design and their implementation.

    In their Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs), Member States explain how measures contribute to the digital transition. They are also required to assign relevant measures in their plan to a digital intervention field (IF) according to the methodology in Annex VII of the RRF Regulation[2].

    Several IFs focus on the digitalisation of s mall and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and startups and on actions supporting digital skills development, which can benefit SMEs. Support for the digitalisation of public administration, including the regional level, are captured, too.

    Member States update the Commission on the implementation status of milestones and targets twice a year and the Commission assesses the fulfilment of the requirements set in the Council implementing decisions in the context of the payment requests submitted by Member States.

    The RRF Regulation requires Member States to report twice a year on the 100 final recipients of the largest amount of funding, which are published on the Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard. Many digital projects can also be found in the map on the Commission’s RRF website[3].

    Member States are encouraged to consult and involve stakeholders in each phase — design and implementation — to ensure impactful and relevant measures.

    During implementation, Member States must comply with national and EU legislation, including state aid and public procurement rules.

    However, the RRF Regulation does not set any requirement for RRPs to benefit a specific sector or type of beneficiaries, leaving it to the Member States to identify the most appropriate ones according to their own national challenges.

    • [1] Recovery and Resilience Facility.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en#map .

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Cost of violence against women – E-001046/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The figure for the cost of violence against women in question is from a 2021 study by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE): The costs of gender-based violence in the European Union, available on the agency website.[1]

    EIGE, the EU agency for gender equality, is governed by the rules set out in its founding regulation[2]. EIGE’s independent research is supported by an Experts’ Forum, the Institute’s advisory body, composed of members from relevant responsible bodies that deal with gender equality from all EU Member States.

    A technical document accompanying the report, explains EIGE’s rigorous methodologies in depth. Costs were calculated based on available data on economic output loss, health system utilization, criminal justice system costs, and the emotional and physical impact on victims.

    The methodologies ensure a comprehensive understanding and estimation of the economic costs related to gender-based and intimate partner violence.

    • [1]  https://eige.europa.eu/newsroom/news/gender-based-violence-costs-eu-eu366-billion-year?language_content_entity=en#:~:text=The%20European%20Institute%20for%20Gender,do%20not%20have%20a%20price.
    • [2]  Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on establishing a European Institute for Gender Equality, OJ L 403, 30.12.2006, p. 9-17.
    Last updated: 23 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Energy sanctions against Russia and audit request – E-001144/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Following the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, the EU has acted firmly to cut its reliance on Russian energy. REPowerEU[1] aims to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports, accelerate the clean transition, diversify supplies and enhance EU energy resilience.

    To put pressure on Russia to cease its war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU has adopted 17 packages of massive and unprecedented restrictive measures[2], including sanctions to ban coal and oil imports from Russia and to target the ‘shadow’ fleet[3].

    Sanctions and diversification away from an unreliable supplier have reduced the share of oil imports from Russia from almost a third to 3% of total EU imports .

    Losing this lucrative market has a significant effect on Russia’s economy, whose budget relies largely on oil revenues. Price caps, agreed with the international G7+ Price Cap Coalition, have further reduced Russia’s oil revenues and helped to stabilise global energy markets.

    There are no sanctions on the import of Russian natural gas. Sanctions therefore play no role in the increase in gas prices in 2022. This was largely due to Russia weaponising gas supplies and inflating prices with its reduced supply.

    The EU cut its Russian gas imports from over 45% in 2021 to 19% in 2024, replacing it with alternatives like liquefied natural gas from other sources.

    Moving to reliable suppliers has made the EU more resilient to price shocks. This will further be taken into account in the revision of the Security of Supply Framework due in 2026.

    Sanctions have an impact on the Russian economy, which is shrinking, facing serious inflationary pressures and challenges with cross-border payments as well as inability to attract funds in the international markets and distortions in various economic sectors.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/publications/key-documents-repowereu_en.
    • [2] https://finance.ec.europa.eu/eu-and-world/sanctions-restrictive-measures/sanctions-adopted-following-russias-military-aggression-against-ukraine_en.
    • [3] The ‘shadow’ fleet is composed of vessels practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices as set out in the International Maritime Organisation General Assembly resolution A.1192(33).

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Influence on policy- and opinion-making – E-001649/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission does not have specific data on the number of civil society organisations supported by EU funding involved in the Commission’s policymaking processes as advisors, project partners or stakeholders since 2018.

    The Commission’s approach follows the principles of better regulation[1] and ensures that policymaking is transparent, inclusive and based on sound analysis, minimising the risk of undue influence from any group or interest.

    The Commission seeks to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society organisations to gather diverse perspectives and expertise to improve its policymaking.

    The Commission is not aware of EU-funded organisations with ‘targeted narratives against populist, migration-critical or conservative positions’. The recipients of EU grants remain fully and solely responsible for their own views.

    The Commission closely monitors the implementation of projects. In case of misconduct such as a serious breach of obligations and grave professional misconduct, including lack of respect of EU values, the Commission may suspend or terminate the grant agreement, in line with the contractual provisions[2] and the Financial Regulation[3].

    The Commission issued guidance[4], clarifying which activities should not be mandated as a condition for EU financing. Support for activities related to policy development and implementation, including enhancing the involvement of civil society organisations, remains an important and legitimate funding objective, as designed by the co-legislators in the relevant legislation.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-making-process/better-regulation/better-regulation-guidelines-and-toolbox_en.
    • [2] See for example the Justice Programme Model Grant Agreement: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/just/agr-contr/general-mga_just_en.pdf.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202402509.
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/guidance-funding-dev-impl-monit-enforce-of-eu-law_en.pdf.
    Last updated: 23 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EUR 2.5 billion in financial aid earmarked by the EU for Syria – E-001300/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU continues to call for an end of violence across Syria and urges all parties to protect all Syrians from all backgrounds without discrimination.

    The EU, gravely alarmed by the violence in Syria’s coastal region, issued a statement strongly condemning the horrific crimes committed against civilians[1].

    It also called for a swift, transparent and impartial investigation to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice and to prevent any such crimes from happening again and welcomed the commitments made by the transitional authorities, particularly the establishment of an investigative committee.

    The EU remains attentive to the actions of the new authorities in ensuring the protection of all Syrians without any kind of discrimination and consistently supports an inclusive, peaceful, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political transition grounded in the respect for international law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, pluralism and tolerance among all components of society. It continues to be a staunch supporter of accountability mechanisms working on Syria.

    The EU’s current approach, in terms of non-humanitarian assistance, is gradual and conditional to the steps taken by the transition government.

    Such EU assistance provided follows strict implementation parameters and is subjected to extensive monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, including third party monitoring and risk assessments.

    The EU delivers humanitarian assistance through pre-certified partners in all parts of Syria without discrimination, based on people’s needs, humanitarian principles, accountability to affected populations, transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness.

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/11/syria-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-recent-wave-of-violence/pdf/.

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