Source: United Nations (Video News)
Comments to the media by Barbara Woodward, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the United Nations, on the hit on the UN Compound in Gaza and other topics.
Category: Europe
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MIL-OSI USA: What They Are Saying: Trump Cabinet Voices Support for Cassidy’s Trade, Manufacturing Bill to Hold China Accountable
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
[embedded content]
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released a new video featuring vocal support from several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees for his Foreign Pollution Fee Act to level the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expand American production.
During their confirmation hearings, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer all express interest in the proposal, noting that it aligns well with the Trump administration’s trade agenda. These exchanges come after Cassidy, joined by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), released a new discussion draft of their Foreign Pollution Fee Act for public comment.
A range of industries has expressed support for Cassidy’s efforts to craft a trade policy that strengthens U.S. manufacturers’ competitiveness and counter unfair competition from China, including the Steel Manufacturers Association, the American Iron and Steel Institute, the Portland Cement Association, the Aluminum Association, and the Solar Energy Manufacturers for America (SEMA) Coalition.
“A strong border measure will allow American steel producers to benefit from the fact that they are global leaders in emissions efficiency. This can be a key part of any long-term solution to safeguard the domestic steel industry from the devastating effects of global overcapacity,” said Philip K. Bell, President, Steel Manufacturers Association. “We are encouraged to see Senator Cassidy and numerous Trump administration officials show aligned interest in advancing this policy design. We stand ready to work with them to advance a trade policy that helps U.S. steel manufacturers compete on a level playing field.”
“Steel made in the United States is the cleanest in the world. Senator Cassidy has rightly determined that legislation is needed to hold foreign polluters accountable for their dirtier products, while enhancing the competitiveness of American steel manufacturers. AISI looks forward to working with him and others in Congress to craft a foreign pollution fee that applies to all imported steel products with higher emissions than products made the U.S., without imposing a carbon fee or tax on American manufacturers,” said Kevin Dempsey, President and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute.
“American cement manufacturers believe that a well-constructed border measure will allow them to leverage their leadership in emissions efficiency. This is essential for any lasting strategy to protect the domestic cement industry from any global challenges,” said Mike Ireland, President and CEO of the Portland Cement Association. “It’s great to see Senator Cassidy and Trump administration officials expressing support for this policy approach. We are prepared to continue to collaborate with them to advance a trade policy that strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. cement producers.”
“The SEMA Coalition supports Senator Cassidy’s 2025 Foreign Pollution Fee Act. For American solar manufacturers to compete on a level playing field and outcompete China, we need innovative border measures such as a foreign pollution fee. Any successful, long-term strategy to reshore the solar value chain must prioritize taking these steps to safeguard the domestic solar industry from the impacts of global overcapacity,” said Mike Carr, Executive Director of the Solar Energy Manufacturers for America (SEMA) Coalition. “We are grateful for Senator Cassidy’s leadership and look forward to working closely with him and the administration to advance trade and tax policies that ensure a level playing field with China and longevity for U.S. solar manufacturers and workers.”
The US aluminum industry produces some of the cleanest aluminum products in the world while facing ongoing pressure from international producers not subject to traditional market forces. Smart tariff policy recognizes this and provides incentives for both domestic and international production of cleaner aluminum.” said Will Brown, VP of Government Relations and International Programs, The Aluminum Association. “At the Aluminum Association, we look forward to continuing to work with Senator Cassidy to advance trade policies that strengthen the U.S. aluminum industry and its competitiveness in the global marketplace.”
“According to recently released data from the US International Trade Commission (ITC), the carbon intensity of American-made Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) is well below that of OCTG produced by China and its satellites. This environmental dumping combines with other forms of unfair trade practices that need to be addressed. Senator Cassidy’s legislation is a major step in holding foreign producers from China and its satellites accountable, as it not only strengthens American industries but also supports a cleaner, more competitive market for all,” said Luca Zanotti, Chairman of the United States OCTG Manufacturers Association (USOMA).
The Foreign Pollution Fee Act:
Combats China’s Exploitation of Trade Rules: By countering the unfair practices of non-market economies like China, ensuring American manufacturers can compete and thrive on a level playing field.
Strengthens Global Supply Chain Resilience: Diversifying trade relationships will reduce dependence on adversarial nations, making supply chains more secure against geopolitical disruptions and enhancing national security.
Revitalizes American Manufacturing: By discouraging imports of pollution-intensive goods, this policy will bring jobs back home, strengthen domestic industries, and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
Expands U.S. Export Markets: As high-polluting countries modernize their industries, they’ll increasingly demand American-made inputs, feedstocks, and cutting-edge technologies, opening new opportunities for U.S. exports.
Deepens Trade Ties with Allies: By promoting partnerships with nations that share our economic and environmental values, the Foreign Pollution Fee Act builds a coalition against predatory practices by the Chinese Communist Party, supporting emerging markets and allies alike.
Rewards Leadership in Cleaner Manufacturing: By incentivizing international partners to adopt cleaner production methods while ensuring that domestic manufacturers maintain a competitive edge by continuing to lead in industrial decarbonization.
Background
Cassidy and Graham introduced an earlier version of their Foreign Pollution Fee Act to level the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expand American production in 2023.
The Foreign Pollution Fee Act was a key topic at Cassidy’s Louisiana Energy Security Summit in October 2024.The summit featured ten panels that explored protecting U.S. interests from unfair trade practices, Louisiana’s low-pollution manufacturing advantage, and the role of natural gas in strengthening U.S. geopolitical influence. Panelists included presidents and CEOs from Entergy, First Solar, Buzzi UnicemUSA, Orsted, and Aluminum Technologies, former Trump administration officials, and leaders from Louisiana trade associations and major energy and Fortune 500 companies.
In September 2024, he released the 3rd episode of Bill on the Hill, where he highlights his Foreign Pollution Fee Act and discusses China’s growing economy and military coming at the expense of the American worker. After hearing fellow Americans share their concerns, Cassidy presented his plan to address the nexus between economic development, national security, and the environment.
He penned editorials in Foreign Affairs, The Washington Times, and jointly in the USA Today Network discussing the geopolitical threat that China poses to U.S. global standing.
In 2023, the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution urging Congress to pursue an industrial manufacturing and trade policy to counter competition from China. Learn more here. -
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: MFI loan portfolio grew by more than 40% in 2024
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Central Bank of Russia –
The loan portfolio of microfinance organizations reached 624 billion rubles last year, growth stimulated by increased consumer demand.
More than half of the loans were medium-term, the total cost of the loan for them was close to bank rates. Such loans were issued, among other things, for the purchase of goods on marketplaces. The share of the most expensive short-term loans “until payday” fell from 34 to 25% over the year.
The industry’s profit decreased by 7% and amounted to 36 billion rubles. At the same time, against the backdrop of restrictions on the full cost of credit and macroprudential limits, companies increased their income from additional areas of activity, which accounted for more than a quarter of all industry income.
Read more in“Review of key indicators of microfinance institutions” for the fourth quarter of 2024.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: From April 1, the restriction of the PSC on consumer loans and credits will be resumed (03/28/2025)
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Central Bank of Russia –
The total cost of credit (TCC) under consumer credit (loan) agreements concluded or amended from April 1, 2025, must not exceed by more than a third average market value for the relevant category of credit (loan). Limiting the APR will help control the growth of interest rates on loans, which will ensure the protection of people’s interests.
In Q4 2024, the Bank of Russia decided to temporarily lift the PSC1 restriction so that financial institutions could adapt to the tightened monetary conditions. During the relaxation, market participants managed to adjust the cost of their credit products. Now that market conditions have generally stabilized and the cost of funding has begun to decline, financial institutions can comply with the PSC restriction as usual.
1 From October 10, 2024 to March 31, 2025 suspended limitation of the APR for credit institutions on consumer mortgage loans for the purchase (construction) of housing or land.
From January 1 to March 31, 2025 suspended limitation of the APR for credit institutions for all other categories of consumer loans (credits); for credit consumer cooperatives, agricultural credit consumer cooperatives, pawnshops – for all categories of consumer loans; for microfinance organizations – for certain categories of consumer loans.
When using the material, a link to the Press Service of the Bank of Russia is required.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Vitaly Savelyev and Marat Khusnullin took part in the work of the final board of the Ministry of Transport
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Vitaly Savelyev and Marat Khusnullin took part in the work of the final board of the Ministry of Transport.
The final board meeting of the Ministry of Transport was held in the Column Hall of the House of Unions. The board meeting was attended by Transport Minister Roman Starovoit, heads of relevant committees of the State Duma and the Federation Council, subordinate organizations of the Ministry of Transport, and veterans of the transport industry.
Speaking to the participants, Vitaly Savelyev separately focused on some of the results of 2024. The 2nd stage has been completed, the 3rd stage of the development of the Eastern Polygon of the railways has started. The target parameter of carrying capacity for control sections in the amount of 180 million tons has been achieved. The construction of the first high-speed railway in Russia Moscow – St. Petersburg has begun – this summer, construction work will be launched on several sections of the high-speed railway at once. The volume of passenger transportation in civil aviation in 2024 reached 111.7 million people. This is 6% more than in 2023. The capacity of seaports in 2024 reached 1.4 billion tons. The fleet of unmanned trucks on the M-11 highway already amounts to 67 vehicles, in the future – the launch of unmanned trucks on the Central Ring Road this year, and on the M-12 “Vostok” highway in 2026. Modernization, technical equipment and fitting out of 85 checkpoints across the state border of the Russian Federation were carried out.
“The transport complex is a backbone sector of the national economy. It defines a solid foundation for the socio-economic development of the country. An important event in the transport sector was the formation in 2024, on the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, of the national project “Efficient Transport System”. The implementation of the national project’s activities will increase the volume of transportation along international transport corridors by at least one and a half times by 2030 compared to the 2021 level and ensure an increase in the aviation mobility of the population by at least 50% compared to the 2023 level,” said Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev.
“Thanks to systemic solutions, constant attention and control from the President, personal involvement of the Prime Minister, coordinated staff work with governors, the construction industry in terms of road transport activities has shown stable growth and very decent results in recent years. From 2019 to 2024, we built and reconstructed more than 5 thousand km of highways, since 2018 we have laid more than 1 billion square meters of asphalt pavement. All this is an unprecedented scale of road construction in our country. It is especially valuable that the national project “Safe High-Quality Roads”, which was successfully completed, not only achieved high indicators, but also received maximum support from the population. This year, we have begun implementing a new national project “Infrastructure for Life”, in which work will also continue in the road section. The new national project has serious tasks, including increasing the share of federal roads, roads in agglomerations and the backbone network that meet standards to 85%, and regional roads to 60%. We have already formed a road activity plan, and a new six-year plan will soon be signed. It will include the construction of the international corridors “North-South” and “East-West”, the transport route “Russia”, as well as 50 bypasses of cities and other key tasks that are necessary to improve the road framework of our country,” said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.
In 2024, eight bypass sections were put into operation on the federal road network of Rosavtodor, their total length was 367.7 km. In particular, a bypass was built around five settlements (Isametovo, Verkhneyarkeevo, Layashty, Ishkarovo and Asyanovo) on the M-7 Volga highway in the Republic of Bashkortostan.
The Minister of Transport Roman Starovoit emphasized that the past year was a turning point for the country’s transport complex. “A number of fateful decisions for the industry were made. The most important comprehensive programs were approved, which largely determined the vector of development of domestic transport. The new national projects “Efficient Transport System” and “Infrastructure for Life” prepared on the instructions of the President have already started working. This is a real program of our actions for the next six years,” said Roman Starovoit.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 03/28/2025 Changes in the parameters of the fourth deposit auction of the Federal Treasury
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –
Application selection parameters. Application selection date 03/28/2025. Unique application selection identifier 22025080. Deposit currency rubles. Type of funds funds of the single treasury account. Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 310,000. Placement period, in days 4. Date of depositing funds 03/28/2025. Date of return of funds 04/01/2025. Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) FIXED. Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum 20.05. Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds-Minimum spread, % per annum-Terms of conclusion of the bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special)Fixed-term. Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000. Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5 Application selection form (open or closed) Open. Application selection schedule (Moscow time).
Place of selection of applications Moscow Exchange PJSC Acceptance of applications: from 18:30 to 18:40. Applications in preliminary mode: from 18:30 to 18:35. Applications in competition mode: from 18:35 to 18:40 Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 18:40 to 18:50 Setting the cutoff rate and (or) recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 18:40 to 18:50. Sending an offer to credit institutions to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 18:50 to 19:30. Receipt from credit institutions of acceptance of the offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 18:50 to 19:30. Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraphs 63 and 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On the admission of shares of PJSC KuibyshevAzot to REPO transactions with the Central Committee from March 31, 2025
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –
In accordance with the Rules for conducting trading on the stock market, deposit market and credit market of the Public Joint Stock Company Moscow Exchange MICEX-RTS, from August 5, 2024, ordinary shares of PJSC KuibyshevAzot (trading code – KAZT; ISIN – RU000A0B9BV2) and preferred shares of PJSC KuibyshevAzot (trading code – KAZTP; ISIN – RU000A0B9BW0) are admitted to trading in the REPO trading modes with the CCP.
Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom
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MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Rights Committee Closes One Hundred and Forty-Third Session
Source: United Nations – Geneva
The Human Rights Committee today closed its one hundred and forty-third session after adopting concluding observations on the reports of Albania, Burkina Faso, Mongolia, Montenegro and Zimbabwe.
Changrok Soh, Committee Chairperson, said the Committee had come to the end of a productive session and commended the Commitete members for their commitment and professionalism. The Committee had held constructive dialogues with Albania, Burkina Faso, Mongolia, Montenegro and Zimbabwe and the concluding observations would be posted on the Committee’s webpage later today. The review of Haiti was postponed upon the request of the State party due to the difficult human rights situation. The Committee expressed solidarity with the people of Haiti and looked forward to engaging with the State in the next session in July.
During the session, the Committee adopted a list of issues on Chad and lists of issues prior to reporting on Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mauritius, New Zealand and Samoa, which would serve as important tools to guide dialogues with these States.
On individual communications, the Committee considered 19 drafts, including one draft prepared in accordance with the simplified format adopted by the Committee at its one hundred and fortieth session. The drafts related to 66 communications: 38 were decided on the merits, five communications were declared inadmissible, and 23 communications were discontinued. Regarding the communications decided on the merits, the Committee found violations in 37 of them.
The Committee also adopted its annual report reflecting its work undertaken during its one hundred and forty-first, one hundred and forty-second and one hundred and forty-third sessions.
At its next one hundred and forty-fourth session, the Committee would review the initial and periodic reports of Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain and Viet Nam. The Committee would also adopt the lists of issues prior to reporting on Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Denmark, Ghana, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Rwanda, Sweden and Switzerland. It would evaluate the reports of Armenia and Germany under its follow-up procedure to concluding observations.
In closing, Mr. Soh expressed appreciation to members of the bureau as well as the members of the Secretariat, the Petitions Section, United Nations entities, civil society and all those who made the session possible.
Before the meeting closed, several Committee Members took the floor, congratulating the five new Committee members and paying tribute to the Chair’s leadership throughout the session. The Committee was going through challenging times, and it was vital that it continued to work as a united body promoting and protecting human rights around the world.
The Committee’s next session will be held from 23 June to 18 July 2025, during which it will review the reports of Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain and Viet Nam.
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Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media;
not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.CCPR25.008E
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MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Management of stray animals in the EU – E-001104/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001104/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nikos Pappas (The Left)Protecting stray animals is of vital importance to their welfare and to public health in the European Union. Article 13 of the TFEU recognises that animals are ‘sentient beings’ and the Commission recently put forward a proposal for a Regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability’ with the aim of establishing a single legislative framework for ensuring animal welfare and the uniform and more effective management of animals across all Member States. However, the current lack of a common legislative framework means there are significant discrepancies between national policies, with some states having developed systematic actions to monitor and care for stray animals, while others, such as Greece, continue to face challenges due to limited resources and the failure to properly implement protection measures.
In view of the above, can the Commission say:
- 1.How does it intend to manage stray animals in the EU that do not live in shelters? Are there plans for a single policy on sterilising, keeping a record of and protecting stray animals with a view to ensuring their well-being and preventing abandonment?
- 2.What EU financial instruments can be used to manage and protect stray animals? Is the Commission considering the possibility of setting up a funding mechanism to support targeted actions in this field?
Submitted: 14.3.2025
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Impact of Regulation (EU) 2024/1745 – E-001213/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001213/2025
to the Council
Rule 144
Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN)Article 1(7)(b) of Council Regulation (EU) 2024/1745 of 24 June 2024 […] amends Article 3ea(3)(a) of Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 of 31 July 2014 […] in such a way that replicas of historical ships are made subject to the EU’s sanctions against the Russian Federation.
- 1.How does the Council justify making replicas of historical vessels subject to the EU’s sanctions against the Russian Federation, and what specific security or economic risks does this move intend to address?
- 2.To what extent does the Council consider that this ruling presents a risk of sanction overreach, which ultimately affects cultural and/or historical projects rather than actual security-related areas?
- 3.Has the Council assessed whether this measure imposes a disproportionate burden on EU citizens, businesses or museums cooperating with Russian partners in the field of maritime history?
Submitted: 21.3.2025
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Compliance check on online second-hand goods traders and consumer rights protection – E-001214/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001214/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dimitris Tsiodras (PPE)According to the results[1] of the latest sweep investigation carried out by the European Commission and national consumer protection authorities in 25 Member States, more than half (52 %) of the online second-hand traders that were checked were found to be in breach of EU consumer law. It is particularly concerning that 45 % of the traders checked did not provide full and comprehensible information on the right to return faulty goods and 57 % did not respect the minimum legal guarantee period of one year for second-hand goods.
In light of the above, can the Commission say:
- 1.What measures are planned to strengthen checks on and enforcement of EU legislation on unfair commercial practices, especially in relation to the online sale of second-hand goods?
- 2.What steps will it take to ensure that online traders fully comply with their obligations to inform consumers about their rights and implement the rules on the minimum legal guarantee period?
- 3.What additional measures does it intend to take to ensure that national consumer authorities have the tools and resources required to carry out effective checks and impose sanctions if necessary?
Submitted: 21.3.2025
- [1] https://commission.europa.eu/live-work-travel-eu/consumer-rights-and-complaints/enforcement-consumer-protection/sweeps_en?prefLang=en
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU Talent Pool – E-001212/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001212/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Erik Kaliňák (NI)The Commission is pushing for an EU Talent Pool, once again imposing a centralised migration policy on Member States under the guise of a ‘search for talent’ from third countries. This plan clearly ignores persistent unemployment in the EU and the risks associated with an uncontrolled influx of migrants.
- 1.Why does the Commission prefer to import foreign workers instead of supporting its own EU citizens facing unemployment and economic insecurity?
- 2.How does the Commission intend to prevent the ‘EU Talent Pool’ from becoming a vehicle for a massive influx of cheap labour that undermines the wages and social standards of Europeans?
- 3.When will the Commission stop circumventing the sovereignty of Member States and forcing unwanted migration experiments on them?
Submitted: 21.3.2025
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU-wide minimum taxation of high net worth individuals – E-001207/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001207/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Fabio De Masi (NI)- 1.Does the Commission support the proposal for an EU-wide minimum tax on high net worth individuals, as set out in the recent report of the EU Tax Observatory[1]?
- 2.To what extent is the Commission planning initiatives, action plans or measures that reflect or embrace this proposal?
Submitted: 20.3.2025
- [1] https://www.taxobservatory.eu//www-site/uploads/2025/03/Resources-for-a-Safe-and-Resilient-Europe_The-Case-for-Minimum-Taxation-of-Ultra-High-Net-Worth-Individuals-in-the-EU-1.pdf
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation – E-001210/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001210/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Benoit Cassart (Renew)On 12 March 2025, the Congress of the Republic of Peru adopted amendments to the law regulating the Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation, with a view to increasing transparency and accountability. However, these changes increase government control and impose excessive restrictions on civil society organisations working in key areas, such as the defence of human rights, social justice, sustainable development and the improvement of living conditions.
New measures include the requirement to obtain prior approval for international cooperation projects, a ban on legal advice and legal defence activities, and increased risks of censorship and arbitrary penalties that can stifle dissenting voices or even lead to the closure of certain institutions.
What does the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy intend to do to defend the rights and autonomy of non-governmental organisations and civil society organisations that work with international funds, among other things?
Submitted: 21.3.2025
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU action to accelerate biotech solutions for autoimmune disease patients – E-001203/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001203/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Wouter Beke (PPE), Liesbet Sommen (PPE)Over the past decade, autoimmune diseases have surged across Europe, driving social, economic and healthcare costs to over EUR 50 billion[1]. The upcoming EU biotech act is a top political priority, aimed at harnessing European biotech innovation to enable quicker and more effective diagnoses and treatments. This bold initiative seeks to turn the tide against autoimmune diseases, a mounting challenge for public health.
- 1.What specific measures is the Commission considering to help boost collaboration between biotech companies, academia and healthcare providers, and in turn to accelerate the development of innovative diagnostics and treatments for autoimmune disease patients?
- 2.How will the new biotech act enhance regulatory pathways for innovative biotech therapies, ensuring both faster deployment and the continued prioritisation of patient safety?
- 3.How does the Commission plan to encourage ongoing research and development for multiple indications of both current and future products?
Submitted: 20.3.2025
- [1] Greiner, W., Patel, K., Crossman-Barnes, C. J., Rye-Andersen, T. V., Hvid, C., & Vandebrouck, T. ‘High-Expenditure Disease in the EU-28: Does Drug Spend Correspond to Clinical and Economic Burden in Oncology, Autoimmune Disease and Diabetes?’. PharmacoEconomics – open, 5(3), 385–396. (2021) https://doi.org/10.1007/s41669-020-00253-4.
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Meta’s discriminatory terms and conditions against the LGBTQIA+ community under the Digital Services Act – E-000384/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
Meta has recently shared ad hoc risk assessments with the Commission regarding the changes announced on 7 January 2025 as required[1] by the Digital Services Act (DSA).[2]
The Commission is currently examining those assessments and cannot comment on whether Meta has properly complied with its DSA obligations at this stage, neither as regards whether the ad hoc risk assessments were properly conducted, nor on the implications of the hate speech policy changes for users in the EU.
To address illegal hate speech, the DSA requires Meta to put in place a notice and action mechanism[3] for its online platforms where users can report content that contains illegal hate speech within the meaning of EU or Member State law, independently of the content’s status under Meta’s hate speech policy.
As part of this mechanism, the DSA requires providers of online platforms to prioritise reports of content considered illegal by trusted flaggers.[4]
Meta is also a signatory of the revised Code of Conduct on Countering Illegal Hate Speech Online +,[5] a voluntary code of conduct that was recognised as a code of conduct within the meaning of Article 45 DSA, [6] which seeks to prevent and address the spread of illegal hate speech online.
The Commission cannot comment on the compliance of Meta’s notice and action system with the DSA at this stage because it is part of an ongoing investigation.[7]
As part of its general supervisory task, the Commission consistently monitors whether Meta’s terms and conditions comply with the DSA, including its Article 14(4) DSA.
The Commission is committed to promoting LGBTIQ rights, as outlined in the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025,[8] and will remain so in the future.[9]
- [1] Articles 34 and 42 DSA.
- [2] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) OJ L277/1. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022R2065
- [3] Article 16 DSA.
- [4] Article 22 DSA.
- [5] https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/dae/redirection/document/111777
- [6] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/code-conduct-countering-illegal-hate-speech-online
- [7] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_2373
- [8] Union of Equality: LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 COM(2020) 698 final. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52020DC0698
- [9] See Commission work programme 2025, COM(2025) 45 final p. 9. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0045
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Poland’s new migration strategy – E-002189/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The EU’s Eastern border neighbouring Russia and Belarus is being subjected to tactics of hybrid warfare, exercising pressure by weaponising migration, undermining the security of the EU. Member States have a responsibility to protect the external borders, in line with EU and international law.
On 11 December 2024, the Commission adopted a communication on countering hybrid threats from the weaponisation of migration[1], setting out the legal context in which exceptional measures can be taken to tackle this threat, including as arising from case-law, and in full compliance with EU and international law.
To complete the set of legislative reforms undertaken with the Pact on Migration and Asylum[2], t he Commission works with Member States to pursue EU level responses to common challenges related to irregular migration.
For instance, in November 2023, the Commission launched a Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling and proposed to strengthen the EU legal framework against migrant smuggling with two legal instruments[3].
The Commission has presented a proposal for a new Regulation on a common approach on the return of irregular migrants[4], to increase the efficiency of the return process by providing Member States with clear, simplified and uniform rules for managing returns.
- [1] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on countering hybrid threats from the weaponisation of migration and strengthening security at the EU’s external borders, COM/2024/570 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52024DC0570
- [2] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/pact-migration-and-asylum_en
- [3] Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down minimum rules to prevent and counter the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and stay in the Union, and replacing Council Directive 2002/90/EC and Council Framework Decision 2002/946 JHA, COM(2023) 755 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2023:755:FIN; and Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on enhancing police cooperation in relation to the prevention, detection and investigation of migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings, and on enhancing Europol’s support to preventing and combating such crimes and amending Regulation (EU) 2016/794, COM(2023) 754 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52023PC0754
- [4] Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the Union, and repealing Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and the Council, Council Directive 2001/40/EC and Council Decision 2004/191/EC, COM(2025) 101 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025PC0101
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Mandatory hygiene locks for mobile poultry coops – E-001201/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001201/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christine Schneider (PPE)Germany’s Poultry Salmonella Ordinance provides that, for every flock, poultry coops must be equipped with hygiene locks. This obligation was introduced to transpose at national level the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 on the control of salmonella and other specified food-borne zoonotic agents.
- 1.To what extent do the Commission’s plans for controlling salmonella and other agents align with the German Government’s interpretation and the resulting national obligation to have hygiene locks for each flock/epidemiological unit?
- 2.To what extent does the hygiene lock obligation apply to mobile poultry coops, especially given that, in such contexts, the presence of pathogens spread by third parties, wild animals or birds cannot in any way be ruled out?
- 3.What affordable technical solutions for installing these mandatory hygiene locks does the Commission know of, which can be retrofitted onto existing mobile coops if necessary, meet the requirements and are practical and safe for day-to-day operations, especially as mobile poultry coops generally have limited space and water and electricity supply available?
Submitted: 20.3.2025
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Public hearing: Human rights situation in Cuba – Subcommittee on Human Rights
Source: European Parliament
On 8 April 2025, the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) is organising a public hearing on the “Human rights situation in Cuba”. In the programme of the hearing – two main topics: 1) Human rights situation and fundamental freedoms in Cuba; 2) EU response, state of play and future perspectives.
Holding a public hearing on the situation of Human Rights in Cuba will allow DROI subcommittee to assess the current situation of Human Rights in Cuba, including the situation of the remaining political prisoners in the framework of the liberation of 553 of them under a Vatican-mediated deal.Furthermore, the recent change of Administration in the USA makes it more urgent to monitor the Human Rights situation in the island, with U.S. President Donald Trump signing an omnibus executive order revoking 78 executive actions by the previous administration on 20 January 2025, including the revocation of the order of 14 January 2025 to remove Cuba from a blacklist of nations that sponsor terrorism and the reintroduction of sanctions that had contributed to the island’s worst economic crisis in decades.
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MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Urgent implementation and strengthening of tariff measures on fertilisers from Russia and Belarus – P-000434/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Commission proposed on 28 January 2025 a regulation to the Council and the European Parliament with the aim to increase gradually customs duties on nitrogen-based fertilisers imported from Russia and Belarus[1].
This proposal responds to a surge in imports, which could disrupt the EU market and harm the EU producers. In addition, this measure is vital to ensuring the EU food security and addressing growing utilization of Russian gas in its fertilisers’ production. At the same time, the proposal is carefully calibrated to minimise the risk of price increases for EU farmers.
The Commission proposal does not include codes of the Combined Nomenclature 3103 (phosphorus fertilisers) or 3104 (potash). These are mineral fertilisers that are not produced from natural gas.
All imports of phosphorus fertilisers from Russia are covered by the measures proposed, since they consist of monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), not of phosphates.
Furthermore, unlike for nitrogen fertilisers, whose sources of supplies are more diverse and sufficient, the pool of alternative suppliers on phosphorus and potash is more limited.
Also, imports of potash from Russia and Belarus are subject to quantitative restrictions under Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014[2], as subsequently amended[3], and the import ban under the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the Council Regulation (EU) 2022/355[4].
The Commission continues monitoring the market of fertilisers inter alia through the Fertiliser Market Observatory and will do its utmost to facilitate the ordinary legislative process.
- [1] COM(2025) 34 final; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025PC0034
- [2] OJ L 229, 31.7.2014, p. 1-1; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L:2014:229:FULL
- [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/833/oj/eng
- [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/355/oj/eng
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Request to eliminate subsidies for Morocco – E-000245/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
EU development cooperation with non-EU countries is a parallel competence of the EU and the Member States. The Commission ensures that cooperation with non-EU countries aligns with EU interests and does not harm Member States by enforcing strict eligibility criteria, transparency standards and robust monitoring systems.
Concerning the logistical corridors in southern Europe, the Algeciras — Bobadilla railway forms an integral part of the Mediterranean and Atlantic European Transport Corridors.
The designated coordinators of both corridors are committed to ensuring that this line is developed and upgraded within the given deadlines and complies with the defined infrastructure standards of the new trans-European transport network (TEN-T) Regulation (EU) 1679/2024[1], which was adopted in June 2024. In the TEN-T Regulation, the Algeciras — Bobadilla railway line is designated as a core network line for both freight and passenger services.
The Commission closely analyses and monitors EU country partners’ policies that may affect the European economy. For instance, as regards tax good governance standards that were developed based on t he Commission’s 2016 External Strategy for Effective Taxation[2], Morocco currently complies with all the criteria of the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, after amending the preferential tax regime (Casablanca Finance City) in 2020, thus addressing potential threats to Member States’ tax base.
The Code of Conduct Group for business taxation, with technical assistance of the Commission, will monitor that Morocco continues to comply with the EU listing criteria.
Understanding the impact that Morocco’s policies could have is vital for crafting appropriate strategies to support EU industries’ growth and competitiveness and safeguard the EU common market.
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Human rights situation in Cuba – 08-04-2025 – Subcommittee on Human Rights
Source: European Parliament
On 8 April 2025, the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) is organising a public hearing on the “Human rights situation in Cuba”. In the programme of the hearing – two main topics: 1) Human rights situation and fundamental freedoms in Cuba; 2) EU response, state of play and future perspectives.
Holding a public hearing on the situation of Human Rights in Cuba will allow DROI to assess the current situation of Human Rights in Cuba, including the situation of the remaining political prisoners in the framework of the liberation of 553 of them under a Vatican-mediated deal.Furthermore, the recent change of Administration in the USA makes it more urgent to monitor the Human Rights situation in the island, with U.S. President Donald Trump signing an omnibus executive order revoking 78 executive actions by the previous administration on 20 January 2025, including the revocation of the order of 14 January 2025 to remove Cuba from a blacklist of nations that sponsor terrorism and the reintroduction of sanctions that had contributed to the island’s worst economic crisis in decades.
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MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Exacerbation of industrial relocation driven by EU policy through US tariffs – P-000555/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
On 10 February 2025 the United States (US) announced the imposition a 25% tariff on all US imports of steel and aluminium as of 12 March 2025 and subsequently published a list of downstream products to which the tariffs will also apply[1][2][3]. On 13 February 2025, the US announced plans to impose so-called ‘reciprocal tariffs’[4].
The President of the Commission and the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security publicly stated that while the EU is ready to discuss mutually beneficial solutions, any unjustified tariffs will trigger firm and proportionate EU countermeasures . The President spoke to the Vice-President of the United States on 11 February 2025.
Moreover, the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security also discussed this with his counterparts, including during a meeting in Washington on 19 February 2025.
The Commission will spare no effort to avert unnecessary tensions but is ready to act to safeguard its economic interests. The EU has at its disposal instruments that allow addressing unjustified measures, including with tariffs.
To promote European competitiveness, the Commission adopted its Competitiveness Compass[5], the strategic framework for the Commission’s work in this mandate, and other industrial policy initiatives[6].
The Competitiveness Compass sets out an approach and a selection of flagship measures on three transformational imperatives to boost competitiveness: closing the innovation gap, a joint roadmap for decarbonisation and competitiveness, and reducing excessive dependencies and increasing security.
The 2025 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report[7] provide an analytical basis for the EU’s industrial strategy.
- [1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/adjusting-imports-of-steel-into-the-united-states/
- [2] https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/02/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-restores-section-232-tariffs/
- [3] https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-02-18/pdf/2025-02832.pdf and https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-02-18/pdf/2025-02833.pdf
- [4] https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/02/reciprocal-trade-and-tariffs/
- [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0030
- [6] For example, the Clean Industrial Deal proposes six business drivers for a competitive yet decarbonising economy: (1) affordable energy, (2) lead markets, (3) financing, (4) circularity and access to materials, (5) global markets and international partnerships and (6) skills.
- [7] https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/publications/2025-annual-single-market-and-competitiveness-report_en
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Addressing the impact of mass tourism in Spain – E-000445/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission is aware of the challenges that unbalanced tourism may create for the infrastructure, the environment, the economy and/or the social fabric of certain local destinations, as well as affecting the quality of the experience for visitors. This was acknowledged by the 2022 report on Unbalanced tourism growth at destination level[1]. The Commission supports through several projects the exchange of good practices among the Destination Management Organisations, including on tourist flows management. The link between tourism and the housing crisis lacks more detailed studies, which will be needed in order to better understand their potential mutual influence. The Commission has already established a Housing Task Force to steer and coordinate the preparation of the European Affordable Housing Plan[2], with a view to addressing structural drivers of the housing crisis.
2. As announced in the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism confirmation hearing[3], the Commission will present in early 2026 its Sustainable Tourism Strategy, following consultations in the next few months with the European Parliament, Member States, Local and Regional Authorities, other stakeholders of the sector, and tourism destinations.
3. In terms of financing, a guide for EU funding is available for tourism stakeholders[4], as no single specific instrument is dedicated to promote or manage tourism. For example, EUR 1,79 billion are allocated to Spain for the development of Tourism Sustainability Plans under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RFF)[5]. Moreover, EUR 4.2 billion between 2021 and 2027 are allocated to sustainable tourism under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), out of which EUR 700 million have been earmarked to Spain.
- [1] Root causes, impacts, existing solutions and good practices,
https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/816f1561-3a32-11ed-9c68-01aa75ed71a1/language-en - [2] https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/proximity-and-social-economy/social-economy-eu/affordable-housing-initiative_en
- [3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/nl/press-room/20241029IPR25032/hearing-of-commissioner-designate-apostolos-tzitzikostas
- [4] https://transport.ec.europa.eu/tourism/eu-funding-and-businesses/guide-eu-funding-tourism_en
- [5] https://www.igae.pap.hacienda.gob.es/sitios/igae/es-ES/Control/Documents/Anexo%20Decisi%C3%B3n%20ST-9303-2024-ADD-1_es.pdf
Last updated: 28 March 2025 - [1] Root causes, impacts, existing solutions and good practices,
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MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Potential misuse of EU funds by pro-migrant association Equalis – E-000658/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
Equalis received EUR 4 million in European funding from the European Social Fund (ESF)[1] between 2015 and 2022 (through the 2014-2020 French national programme) and EUR 1.14 million between 2022 and 2024 (through the FSE+ 2021-2027 French national programme). Equalis does not receive funding from the FSE+ regional programme of Île-de-France.
La Commission carried out a compliance audit on the FSE+ French national programme in 2021 with a view to providing reasonable assurance that the management and control systems of this programme were working effectively to prevent, detect and correct errors and irregularities, thereby guaranteeing the lawfulness and regularity of expenditure declared to the Commission.
The audit conclusions were positive. However, it should be noted that the sample selected by the Commission auditors did not include any operations of which Equalis was the beneficiary.
It is the Member States which are primarily responsible for the management and control of the structural funds. In the event of irregularities, the authorities must deduct the expenses in question from the amounts declared to the Commission (in the annual accounts). The Member State is responsible for recovering these amounts from the beneficiary.
The Commission checks the control systems put in place by the Member States. In the event of significant weaknesses, the Commission can interrupt payments and request corrective measures such as financial corrections and measures aimed at improving the functioning of the management and control systems.
- [1] https://fse.be/
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Chile: European Union, EIB and KfW to provide up to €216.5 million to finance renewable hydrogen projects
Source: European Investment Bank
- The Team Europe Renewable Hydrogen Funding Platform for Chile will support Chile’s renewable hydrogen industry and help meet the country’s target of 100% clean energy by 2050.
Today the European Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB), KfW Development Bank, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the European Commission, Corporación de Fomento de la Producción (CORFO) and the Chilean Ministry of Energy signed agreements to support Chile’s growing renewable hydrogen industry via the Team Europe Renewable Hydrogen Funding Platform for Chile. The signing ceremony took place in Santiago de Chile and was attended by European Commissioner for International Partnership Jozef Sikela, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Chile Diego Pardow, Executive Vice-President of CORFO José Miguel Benavente, EIB Director of the International Partners Department Thouraya Triki, and, representing KfW, Thomas Schmitt, Chargé d’Affaires of the German Embassy to Chile.
The funding platform will support the decarbonisation of Chile’s economy, creating green jobs and generating business opportunities for Chilean and European companies while also helping Europe meet its import demand for renewable hydrogen. The Team Europe Renewable Hydrogen Funding Platform for Chile is part of the European Union – Latin America and the Caribbean Global Gateway Investment Agenda that facilitates priority investment projects to help address infrastructure needs in Latin America and the Caribbean, while creating local added value and promoting growth, decent jobs and social cohesion.
Under the platform, the EIB and KfW can provide financing to the Republic of Chile of up to €200 million (€100 million each), with CORFO as the implementing agency to channel the funds to renewable hydrogen initiatives. The EU Latin America and Caribbean Investment Facility (LACIF) will provide an additional grant of €16.5 million. The Team Europe Renewable Hydrogen Funding Platform for Chile supports Chile’s ambition to make its main sources of energy generation renewable and clean, with 100% clean energy before 2050. It is estimated that the operation will contribute to the development of at least 150 MW of new renewable energy generation capacity and 150 MW of new electrolysers capacity in the country.
“With this agreement, the European Union reaffirms its vision of renewable hydrogen as a pillar of the energy of the future, and together with Chile, a leader in the region in this field, we are advancing the development of this key industry. The collaborative work between CORFO, the European Investment Bank (EIB), KfW, and the European Union channels strategic resources towards innovative projects, generating mutual benefits for Chile and Europe. This initiative is a clear example of Team Europe’s commitment to sustainability, the creation of green jobs, and the strengthening of our economic ties,” said European Commissioner for International Partnership Jozef Sikela.
“The Team Europe Renewable Hydrogen Funding Platform for Chile will play a key role in supporting the Chilean government’s efforts to develop a sustainable and competitive renewable hydrogen sector. Through this platform, Team Europe is once again demonstrating its commitment to advance key Global Gateway investment priorities. By aligning with Chile’s ambitious climate action goals, we are fostering green energy solutions that create jobs, drive innovation and strengthen EU-Latin America cooperation. This partnership reflects our shared vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Vice-President of the European Investment Bank Ioannis Tsakiris.
“The creation of the green hydrogen industry is not only an opportunity to continue the decarbonisation process but can also contribute to providing quality jobs and opportunities for the regions where future projects will be located. Therefore, this initiative led by the European Union, which is another step in our long and close collaboration, is great news for the energy industry but also for the citizens of our country,” said Minister of Energy of the Republic of Chile Diego Pardow.
“The development of the green hydrogen industry represents a major challenge, not only in Chile but also globally. The creation of CORFO’s Green Hydrogen Facility, with contributions from multilateral institutions, including KfW and the European Investment Bank, constitutes a very relevant and necessary step forward to have financial instruments that can provide an important signal from the State in order to support the development of the industry and large-scale projects. We take on this challenge with great energy and enthusiasm,” said Executive Vice-President of CORFO José Miguel Benavente.
“Chile has outstanding renewable energy potential for the development of green hydrogen production. To realise this potential, it is essential to leverage private investment. KfW financing on behalf of BMWK will support the mobilisation of private capital for Chilean hydrogen projects at an early stage. At a later stage, this should also enable the export of green hydrogen to European customers within the framework of hydrogen partnerships,” said Chargé d’Affaires of the German Embassy to Chile Thomas Schmitt.
The Team Europe Renewable Hydrogen Funding Platform for Chile is part of the European Union’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda supporting projects that improve global and regional connectivity in the digital, climate, transport, health, energy and education sectors. The Global Gateway is the European Union’s contribution to narrowing the global investment gap worldwide. Between 2021 and 2027, the European Union expects to mobilise up to €300 billion of investments for sustainable and high-quality projects, taking into account the needs of partner countries and ensuring lasting benefits for local communities.
Background information
About EIB Global
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives.
EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 — around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world. High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eib-global/
About EIB Global in Chile
The EIB is the largest multilateral public bank in the world. In 2024 it financed around €8.4 billion in investments outside the European Union via EIB Global, the arm of the EIB created in 2022 for activities beyond Europe. Since the EIB started working in Chile in 1994, it has provided over €942 million to finance investments on favourable conditions — in terms of both maturity and interest rates — with the aim of improving Chileans’ quality of life.
About EIB Global in Latin America
EIB Global has been providing economic support for projects in Latin America since 2022, facilitating long-term investment with favourable conditions and offering the technical support needed to ensure that these projects deliver positive social, economic and environmental results. Since the EIB began operating in Latin America in 1993, it has provided total financing of around €15 billion to support more than 170 projects in 15 countries in the region.
About the Global Gateway Investment Agenda
EIB Global is a key partner in the implementation of the European Union’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda, supporting sound projects that improve global and regional connectivity in the digital, climate, transport, health, energy and education sectors. Investing in connectivity is at the very heart of what EIB Global does, building on the Bank’s 65 years of experience in this domain. Alongside our partners, fellow EU institutions and Member States, we aim to support investment of €100 billion (around one-third of the overall budget of the initiative) by the end of 2027, including in Chile and Latin America.
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MIL-OSI Europe: Chile: EIB to provide $110 million to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy investments
Source: European Investment Bank
- $110 million loan to Banco del Estado de Chile to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy investments for small and medium businesses and industries among others, including the value chain companies for critical raw materials in the country.
Today the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Banco del Estado de Chile signed in Santiago de Chile a $110 million loan to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy investments for small and medium businesses and industries among others, including the value chain companies for critical raw materials in the country. The operation is in line with the EU Global Gateway Investment Agenda in Chile and fosters partnerships to develop sustainable local value chains in the critical raw materials segment.
The loan was signed by Daniel Hojman, President of Banco del Estado de Chile, and by Thouraya Triki, EIB Director of the International Partners Department, in the presence of the European Commissioner for International Partnership Jozef Sikela.
The project, 100% climate action, supports Chile’s transition to a decarbonised, environmentally friendly, and inclusive economy, reinforcing the country’s efforts to enhance renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. Mining companies or companies providing services to the critical raw materials sector, and implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy sub-projects, can also be targeted as final beneficiaries, thus supporting the decarbonisation of the critical raw materials supply chain, which is needed to ensure a clean energy transition in the country.
“This $110 million financing agreement between the European Investment Bank and Banco del Estado de Chile is a relevant contribution towards a cleaner and more efficient energy future. We are investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency, especially for small and medium businesses, thereby strengthening the decarbonisation of the Chilean economy. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to climate action. Through the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, Chile and the European Union are strengthening our collaboration, ensuring that economic growth and environmental protection go hand in hand,” said Jozef Sikela, European Commissioner for International Partnership.
“This agreement between BancoEstado and the European Investment Bank strengthens the cooperation between our two financial institutions, with the aim of accelerating the adoption of green energy. This complements our previous partnership, which sought to improve the financial access conditions for housing with enhanced energy efficiency standards. Sustainability is an integral part of our identity as a public bank, and green financing is one of our strategic pillars, in line with supporting Chile’s transition towards an economy committed to climate action and environmental conservation,” said Daniel Hojman, President of Banco del Estado de Chile.
“The $110 million EIB financing in energy efficiency and renewable energy generation supports Chile’s green transition and the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda in Chile while strengthening energy security in the years ahead. This operation contributes significantly to decarbonise the energy supply in the country and unlocks energy efficiency potential in small and medium businesses and industry, including in the critical raw materials sector. This cooperation with Banco del Estado de Chile builds on the EIB’s global climate engagement and our support for climate action in Chile over the last three decades,” said Ioannis Tsakiris, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank.
The operation is part of the European Union’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda (GGIA) supporting projects that improve global and regional connectivity in the digital, climate, transport, health, energy and education sectors. The Global Gateway is the European Union’s contribution to narrowing the global investment gap worldwide. Between 2021 and 2027, the European Union expects to mobilise up to €300 billion of investments for sustainable and high-quality projects, taking into account the needs of partner countries and ensuring lasting benefits for local communities.
Background information
About EIB Global
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. It finances investments that pursue EU policy objectives.
EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. It aims to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 – around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through its offices across the world. Photos of EIB headquarters for media use are available here.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
About EIB Global in Chile
The EIB is the largest multilateral public bank in the world. In 2024 it financed around €8.4 billion in investments outside the European Union via EIB Global, the arm of the EIB created in 2022 for activities beyond Europe. Since the EIB started working in Chile in 1994, it has provided over €942 million to finance investments on favourable conditions — in terms of both maturity and interest rates — with the aim of improving Chileans’ quality of life.
About EIB Global in Latin America
EIB Global has been providing economic support for projects in Latin America since 2022, facilitating long-term investment with favourable conditions and offering the technical support needed to ensure that these projects deliver positive social, economic and environmental results. Since the EIB began operating in Latin America in 1993, it has provided total financing of around €14.9 billion to support more than 170 projects in 15 countries in the region.
About the Global Gateway Investment Agenda
EIB Global is a key partner in the implementation of the European Union’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda (GGIA), supporting sound projects that improve global and regional connectivity in the digital, climate, transport, health, energy and education sectors. Investing in connectivity is at the very heart of what EIB Global does, building on the Bank’s 65 years of experience in this domain. Alongside our partners, fellow EU institutions and Member States, we aim to support investment of €100 billion (around one-third of the overall budget of the initiative) by the end of 2027, including in Chile and Latin America.
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MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Bankruptcy of Swedish manufacturer Northvolt – the crash of the ‘Airbus of batteries’ – E-001140/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001140/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jordan Bardella (PfE)The recent bankruptcy of Northvolt, which once carried Europe’s hopes in the electric vehicle battery sector, highlights Europe’s incoherence in the face of Asian dominance in the sector.
Despite massive investments of USD 15 billion, Northvolt failed to compete with Chinese giants such as CATL and BYD, which hold 37% and 13% respectively of the global battery market. This development only increases Europe’s dependence on Asian suppliers and undermines our strategic autonomy.
- 1.What lessons does the Commission draw from Northvolt’s failure to ensure the future success of European initiatives, in particular the ‘battery production recovery plan’ presented in recent weeks?
- 2.Given the industrial and strategic uncertainties surrounding electric batteries, does the Commission intend to encourage the reintroduction of hybrid engines and biofuels as part of the revision of the regulation banning the sale of new combustion-engine vehicles?
Submitted: 18.3.2025
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Need for an updated list of high-risk countries in the annex to Directive (EU) 2018/843 – E-001187/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001187/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Alexander Sell (ESN)Parliament rejected the Commission Delegated Regulation of 14 March 2024 amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675 as regards adding Kenya and Namibia to the table in point I of the Annex and deleting Barbados, Gibraltar, Panama, Uganda and the United Arab Emirates from that table.
In its resolution, Parliament called on the Commission to submit a new delegated act. However, as of today, the most recent version of the list of high-risk non-EU countries remains dated 12 December 2023.
Directive (EU) 2018/843 on combating money laundering and terrorist financing requires an up-to-date list of high-risk non-EU countries. This list must be regularly updated, not only to add new high-risk countries but also to remove those that no longer present strategic deficiencies in anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT).
Given the above considerations:
- 1.Is the Commission considering aligning its methodology with that of the Financial Action Task Force by establishing a ‘blacklist’ for non-EU countries subject to a call for action and a ‘grey list’ for those actively working to address their strategic AML/CFT deficiencies?
- 2.When does the Commission intend to present a new proposal for a delegated act to update the list?
Submitted: 20.3.2025
Last updated: 28 March 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Fire ant invasion in Sicily – risks and containment measures – E-001150/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001150/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Stefano Cavedagna (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Giuseppe Milazzo (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR)The invasion of Solenopsis invicta (fire ant) in Sicily is extremely worrying, as it could spread throughout Europe. This invasive species from South America has already caused serious environmental and economic damage in the United States and Australia.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) classifies it as a high-risk invasive pest, capable of establishing itself in southern European countries with a temperate, Mediterranean climate.
Its spread could have devastating consequences on ecosystems, agriculture and public health. In Australia and the USA, it has wiped out native species, damaged crops and put humans at danger with its painful stings.
The costs of controlling it are huge: Australia estimates the impact to be around AUD 1.65 billion per year, and has spent more than 400 million on eradication programmes since 2001.
Timely and coordinated action is essential to avoid it spreading uncontrollably, which would make its eradication more difficult and expensive. Delays could exacerbate the problem, increasing the cost of containment.
In view of this:
- 1.Is there a structured monitoring programme and an updated map of the spread of S. invicta in Europe?
- 2.What action has been taken to limit and eradicate its presence in infested areas?
- 3.What funds and instruments have been or will be allocated to address this emergency at EU level?
Submitted: 18.3.2025
Last updated: 28 March 2025