NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Roadmap for women’s rights: Next steps for EU action on gender equality – 20-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    On 7 March 2025, the European Commission published a roadmap for women’s rights, to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to gender equality, speed up progress in this area, and counteract political movements that contest EU gender equality policies. The roadmap outlines the challenges and benefits of gender equality today, emphasising its political and economic importance. In an annex, a declaration of eight principles for a gender-equal society, inspired by and phrased in the language of human rights, takes a women’s rights-centric approach. The roadmap expresses the Commission’s commitment to women’s rights and invites other EU institutions to adhere to it. The roadmap will serve to guide future EU action and particularly for the new gender equality strategy from 2026, as well as EU external action. To a significant extent, the objectives outlined in the declaration are covered already by EU legislation or non-legislative measures, depending on the extent of the EU’s own competences. Since, in some areas, the EU only has limited competences to support and coordinate the action of Member States (such as on health and education), the roadmap emphasises the importance of involving the Member States. The European Parliament held a first debate in plenary on the roadmap on 11 March. In various previous resolutions, the Parliament has expressed support for women’s rights and has called on the EU to act against any regression and contestation of gender equality both internally and externally. Various civil society organisations have welcomed the Commission’s initiative and called for a recognition of sexual and reproductive rights, as well as an emphasis on intersectional discrimination and vulnerable women, such as disabled women or women with children. The roadmap addresses sexual and reproductive rights, but more as a health issue than a women’s rights issue, probably taking into account the EU’s limited competences in the area.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – Europe’s policy options in the face of Trump’s global economic reordering – 20-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    In this paper, we propose and analyse four scenarios of a second Trump administration’s economic policy and its impact on Europe, ranging all the way from moderate tariffs to full trade war, a full multilateral breakdown with the US leaving the IMF down to a more cooperative exchange rate realignment agreement. We assess two trade scenarios quantitatively and outline broader policy shocks and their economic consequences. Our findings highlight significant challenges for the ECB, requiring responses to trade disruptions, financial instability, and potential global economic reordering. We offer specific policy recommendations for the ECB to navigate these uncertainties. This document was provided by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 20 March 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of 20 March 2025, Brussels – Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia

    Source: European Parliament

    An ordinary meeting of the Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia (DSAS) was held on Thursday, 20 March 2025 at 14.00-15.30 in Brussels.

    As main topic on the draft agenda there was an exchange of views on the latest developments in Bangladesh with:

    • Ms Lene VILLADSEN, Policy officer on Bangladesh, Asia and Pacific (ASIAPAC.6), European External Action Service (EEAS)
    • H.E. Khandker MASUDUL ALAM, Ambassador-designate and Head of Mission, Embassy of Bangladesh to Belgium and Luxembourg, and Mission to the European Union
    • Mr Paulo CASACA, Director, South Asia Democratic Forum
    • Ms Meenakshi GANGULY, Deputy director, Human Rights Watch, Asia Division

    The meeting was held in camera.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024–2029) – A10-0028/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

    on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024–2029)

    (12475/2024 – C10‑0108/2024 – 2024/0159(NLE))

    (Consent)

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the draft Council decision (12475/2024),

    – having regard to the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024–2029)(12189/2024),

    – having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 43(2) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v), and Article 218(7), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C10‑0108/2024),

    – having regard to its non-legislative resolution of …[1] on the draft decision,

    – having regard to the budgetary assessment by the Committee on Budgets,

    – having regard to Rule 107(1) and (4), and Rule 117(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Development,

    – having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on Fisheries (A10-0028/2025),

    1. Gives its consent to the conclusion of the agreement;

    2. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Republic of Guinea Bissau.

    EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

    The Republic of Guinea-Bissau

    Guinea-Bissau has 1.9 million inhabitants from 11 ethnic groups. Half of the population lives in urban areas. This figure is expected to rise. Approximately 60% of the population is under the age of 25. The country has both a high fertility rate and a high infant mortality rate (54.8 deaths per thousand births). More than 40% of the population is illiterate. Since the signing of the previous protocol the country has dropped 2 places and is ranked 179th out of 193 in the United Nations Human Development Index (UNDP, 2021).

    Domestic natural resources have always been the mainstay of Guinea-Bissau’s economy. The contribution of agriculture to national GDP and to exports stands at 56% and 90%, respectively, and is based around a single crop – cashew nuts. One of the main challenges facing the country is to diversify production.

     

    Almost a third of public revenue came from international donors, with a third of this amount coming from the EU. The funding provided through the Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA, in its most recent version) between the EU and Guinea-Bissau as compensation for access to resources make a significant contribution to the country’s national public finances.

     

    Guinea-Bissau’s broad continental shelf, fed by rivers, and the seasonal upwelling of ocean currents help to ensure rich stocks of both coastal and oceanic fish species. The main stocks of commercial value include demersal species, small pelagic species, large migratory pelagic species, crustaceans (shrimp, including deep-water shrimp) and cephalopods (squid and octopus).

     

    Artisanal fishing, including subsistence fishing, provides a livelihood for several thousand fishermen and their families, some of whom come from neighbouring countries (the numbers vary according to different estimates).

     

    Trade in fisheries products with the EU has been impeded owing to the country’s inability to comply with EU health standards, despite its best efforts. It is hoped that the strengthening of Guinea-Bissau’s capacities in this field, thanks to the creation and – following a long process – accreditation of a quality control and analysis laboratory (in July 2014 and development ongoing), can help to change the situation.

     

    EU-Guinea-Bissau Fisheries Agreement

     

    The first fisheries agreement concluded between the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and the European Community dates back to 1980. Fleets from EEC/EU Member States have had access to fishing opportunities in Guinea-Bissau waters since that time. In 2007, both parties signed the Fisheries Partnership Agreement. Since then, successive protocols implementing the Agreement have been tacitly renewed and/or negotiated. The Agreement was suspended at the EU’s initiative between April 2012 and October 2014, following a military coup. More recently, talks on the Protocol highlighted the need for a review of the financial contributions provided in exchange for fishing opportunities for EU fleets under the Protocol.

    The current Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024-2029) was applied provisionally from the date of signature, i.e. 18 September 2024. This fisheries agreement allows vessels from a number of EU Member States to fish in Guinea-Bissau waters.

    The Protocol provides for fishing opportunities in the following categories: freezer shrimp trawlers; freezer fin-fish and cephalopod trawlers; small pelagic trawlers; tuna freezer vessels and longliners; pole-and-line tuna vessels:

    The Agreement is multi-species and covers tuna, cephalopods, shrimps and demersal species. The Agreement is part of a network of tuna agreements in West Africa and is one of only three multi-species agreements in the region (the others being with Morocco and with Mauritania).

    The fishing opportunities provided for in the Agreement are based on the best scientific advice available and on the recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).

    The EU contribution to this new protocol is estimated at €85 million over the 5 years, consisting of €17 million per year, of which €4.5 million will be dedicated to promoting Guinea-Bissau’s sustainable fisheries management, control and surveillance capacities, and supporting local fishing communities. 

    In addition to the EU contribution, shipowners will pay licence and capture fees to the Guinea-Bissau administration to be authorised to fish. The combination of the EU’s contribution and fees paid by EU operators puts the total estimated financial envelope beyond €100 million over the 5 year period.

    The rapporteur hopes that the new protocol will enable the EU and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau to work more closely in order to promote the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources in Guinea-Bissau waters and to support the country’s efforts to develop the national fisheries sector and related areas.

    Recent investment by the African Development Bank and other investors (e.g. China) in infrastructure, as well as a fishing port for artisanal fishing (landing and processing) in Alto Bandim, represent an opportunity for the country, but are insufficient to meet needs. Developing infrastructure for landing, storing and processing fish for use by industrial fleets operating in Guinea-Bissau waters would be of particular importance, not only for operational purposes, but also for the development of the country’s fisheries sector, and would allow for the creation of markets, distribution and marketing structures as well as laboratories for quality analysis.

    The rapporteur is of the opinion that the Agreement should help to make the country more self-sufficient, to sustain its development strategy and to guarantee its sovereignty.

    He therefore recommends that Parliament approve the conclusion of this SFPA and its Protocol, given its importance for both the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and the EU fleets already operating in that country’s waters.

    In view of Parliament’s role and powers in this area, he considers it appropriate and necessary to adopt a non-legislative resolution on this agreement, setting out considerations and recommendations that the Commission should take into account while the current Protocol is in force (which, regrettably, it has not always done in the past).

    The rapporteur wishes to highlight the following issues, in addition to those mentioned above, as requiring particular attention.

    The Agreement must promote genuine sustainable development in the Guinean fisheries sector and related industries and activities, increasing the added value that stays in the country as a result of the exploitation of its natural resources.

    Finally, the rapporteur stresses that the European Parliament should, at each stage, be fully and promptly informed of the procedures related to the Protocol, its renewal and its implementation, as detailed in the non-legislative resolution accompanying this recommendation.

     

     

    The Committee on Budgets has carried out a budgetary assessment of the proposal under Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure and has reached the following conclusions:

    – having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union[2],

    – having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) of 16 December 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources[3], and in particular point 20 thereof,

    A. whereas the financial contribution for the entire duration of the Protocol is EUR 85 000 000 (i.e. EUR 17 000 000 per year), based on:

    (a) an annual amount of EUR 12 500 000 for access to fishery resources in the fishing zone of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau; and

    (b) a specific amount of EUR 4 500 000 per year in support of the sectoral policy of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau;

    B. whereas the implementation of the Protocol requires the use of operational appropriations, as explained below:

    EUR million (to three decimal places)

    DG MARE

     

     

    Year
    N

    Year
    N+1

    Year
    N+3

    Year
    N+4

    TOTAL

    □ Operational appropriations

     

     

     

     

     

    Budget line 08.05.01

    Commitments

    (1a)

    17.000

    17.000

    17.000

    17.000

    85.000

    Payments

    (2 a)

    17.000

    17.000

    17.000

    17.000

    85.000

     

    1. Notes that the support allocated to the Protocol should meet the objectives of cooperation in the fields of sustainable exploitation of fishery resources, aquaculture, sustainable development of the oceans, protection of the marine environment, and the blue economy; considers that this should be thoroughly scrutinised to ensure that this is done effectively during the implementation of the Protocol; notes that the support has a direct link to the principles of the Samoa Agreement, reinforcing the Union’s external action towards African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and particularly taking into account the Union’s objectives with regard to democratic principles and human rights, strengthening the Union presence in the region and the cooperation with an important strategic partner;

    2. Recommends that, for future agreements, an impact assessment of the added value and socio-economic benefits derived from the previous agreement be taken into account; considers that this assessment should guide the negotiation and renewal of subsequent agreements to ensure that they align with the objectives of sustainable development and efficient use of the Union’s financial resources;

    3. Notes that the Protocol with Guinea-Bissau was signed on 18 September 2024;

    4. Notes that the transfer of appropriations for an amount of EUR 17 000 000 in commitment appropriations and EUR 12 500 000 in payment appropriations, requested by the Commission in DEC 07/2024 and approved by the budgetary authority, has made available the respective appropriations on operational line 08 05 01 for 2024;

    5. Stresses that the financial programming of line 08 05 01 needs to be enough to cater for the financial obligations in the years 2025-2027 subject to the decision of the budgetary authority in the annual budgetary procedures; in this regard, notes that line 08 05 01 in the 2025 Draft Budget and in the Council Position on the 2025 Draft Budget include an amount of EUR 150 560 000 in commitment appropriations and EUR 135 275 000 in payment appropriations; calls for scrutiny regarding the financial programming of line 08 05 01 in the annual budgets of 2026 and 2027;

    6. Recalls that in line with Article 33 of the Financial Regulation, EU funding needs to respect the principle of efficiency and effectiveness in addition to sound financial management in order for the financial support granted from the EU budget to fully deliver on its objectives; believes that any possible circumvention of an EU Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, including, for instance, that with Guinea-Bissau, by European boats or vessels with ownership or management links to European companies sailing and fishing under local flags poses a risk to the sound financial management and implementation of the EU budget; asks the Commission, therefore, to present an analysis of the impact of such circumventions on the efficiency and effectiveness of the implementation to the Budgetary Authority and to take corrective measures if needed;

    7. Concludes that the Committee on Budgets is in a position to advise the Committee on Fisheries, as the committee responsible, to recommend approval of the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Implementing Protocol (2024-2029) to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

     

     

    OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON DEVELOPMENT (28.1.2025)

    for the Committee on Fisheries

    on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Implementing Protocol (2024-2029) to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau

    (12475/2024 – C10‑0108/2024 – 2024/0159(NLE))

    Rapporteur for opinion: Udo Bullmann

     

    SHORT JUSTIFICATION

    The Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau entered into force on 15 April 2008, being tacitly renewable. The previous 5-year Protocol to the FPA entered into force on 15 June 2019 and expired on 14 June 2024.

    With a view to adopt a new Protocol to the FPA, the European Commission conducted negotiations with the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. Following these negotiations, a new Protocol was initialled on 16 May 2024. This new Protocol covers a period of five years, allowing Union vessels to access Guinea-Bissau’s fishing zone and to fish for demersal species (crustaceans, cephalopods and fish), small pelagic species, and tuna and associated species there.

    The aim of the Protocol is to provide an updated framework that takes into account the priorities of the common fisheries policy and the external dimension, in accordance with scientific advice and the recommendations of the Joint Scientific Committee and the relevant regional fisheries management organisations. It intends to enhance cooperation between the EU and Guinea-Bissau by implementing a partnership framework within which to develop a sustainable fisheries policy and the responsible exploitation of fishery resources in the waters of the Guinea-Bissau, in the interest of both Parties.

    The EU’s financial contribution allocated to the Protocol is EUR 17 000 000 per year. This total is broken down into an annual amount of EUR 12 500 000 for access to fishery resources and another EUR 4 500 000 for the development of Guinea-Bissau’s sectoral fisheries policy, which represents an increase for sectoral support in comparison with the previous protocol. 

    Guinea-Bissau suffers from chronic malnutrition that is affecting over a quarter of its 1.9 million population, and fisheries offer an important way for the country to fight this. Stretching over 200 nautical miles from its coastline, it encompasses some of West Africa’s most abundant fishing grounds. Small-scale fishing provides over 35% of citizens’ animal protein intake and employs more than 255,000 people. However, threats to the blue economy such as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing damage the economic and nutritional potential of the fisheries. Furthermore, the weak systems for monitoring, prevalence of corruption, and lack of finances, causes lack of fishing supervision and an inability to effectively manage fish populations.

    Your rapporteur takes the view that the Protocol has the potential to promote the responsible and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources and the development of the national fisheries policy in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and is in the interest of both Parties. The rapporteur also emphasises the need of stepping up the control and surveillance of fishing activities in order to more effectively tackle illegal fishing. For this reason, your rapporteur is proposing that the protocol be approved.

    *******

    The Committee on Development calls on the Committee on Fisheries, as the committee responsible, to recommend approval of the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Implementing Protocol (2024-2029) to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Loss of trust in fact-checking agencies and their funding from the public purse – P-000082/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Since 2021, the beginning of the current Multiannual Financial Framework, the Commission has provided support to five organisations (Agence France Presse; Agencia EFE SAU, S.M.E.; Asociación Maldita contra la Desinformación, Periodismo, Educación, Investigación y Datos en Nuevos Formatos; Associació Verificat; Newtral) that are relevant to the request of the Honourable Member, domiciled or headquartered in Spain and that meet the criteria to be considered fact-checking organisations according to the European Digital Media Observatory[1]. The information regarding EU funding is public[2][3].

    As stated in the recent Commission Opinion on the assessment of the Code of Practice on Disinformation[4], independent, impartial fact-checking can significantly contribute to identifying and addressing risks linked with the dissemination of disinformation, negative effects on civic discourse and electoral integrity while fully respecting freedom of expression, in line with the Digital Services Act’s[5] objective of creating a safer online space respectful of fundamental rights.

    The Commission does not interfere with the independence of fact-checking organisations; candidates are in fact required to demonstrate their independence when applying for funding.

    • [1] https://edmo.eu/resources/repositories/fact-checking-organisations-in-the-eu/
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/budget/financial-transparency-system/
    • [4] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/code-conduct-disinformation
    • [5] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act), https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-services-act-package
    Last updated: 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the request for waiver of the immunity of Jana Nagyová – A10-0029/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    PR_IMM_Waiver

    CONTENTS

    Page

    PROPOSAL FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DECISION

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    PROPOSAL FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DECISION

    on the request for waiver of the immunity of Jana Nagyová

    (2024/2035(IMM))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the request for waiver of the immunity of Jana Nagyová, dated 1 July 2024 and submitted by the High Court in Prague in connection with criminal proceedings pending before that court, on appeal, under reference 3 To 34/2024, and announced in plenary on 19 July 2024,

    – having heard Jana Nagyová on 29 January 2025 in accordance with Rule 9(6) of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to Articles 8 and 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage,

    – having regard to the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 21 October 2008, 19 March 2010, 6 September 2011, 17 January 2013, 19 December 2019 and 5 July 2023[1],

    – having regard to Article 27 of the Constitution of the Czech Republic and Section l0(1) of Act No 141/1961 Coll. on Criminal Procedure (the Czech Criminal Procedure Code),

    – having regard to Rule 5(2), Rule 6(1) and Rule 9 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A10-0029/2025),

    A. whereas on 1 July 2024 the High Court in Prague submitted a request for waiver of the parliamentary immunity of Jana Nagyová, a Member of the European Parliament elected in the Czech Republic, with a view to continuing criminal proceedings currently pending before it on appeal, concerning the charge of committing the offence of subsidy fraud pursuant to Section 212(1) and (6), point (a), and the offence of damage to the financial interests of the European Union pursuant to Section 260(1) and (5) of Act No 40/2009 Coll. (the Criminal Code of the Czech Republic);

    B. whereas the criminal proceedings against Jana Nagyová are being conducted on the basis of the indictment of the Municipal State Prosecutor’s Office in Prague, dated 21 March 2022, for an act she allegedly committed jointly with a co-accused person, on the grounds that she, in her capacity as a person with a professional focus on EU grants and, in the period from 17 January 2008 to 5 January 2010, as vice-chair of the board of directors of a Czech company, applied for a grant knowing that that company was not entitled to it and providing false information that the company was a small enterprise and an independent enterprise;

    C. whereas the purpose of parliamentary immunity is to protect Parliament and its Members from legal proceedings in relation to activities carried out in the performance of parliamentary duties and which cannot be separated from those duties;

    D. whereas the alleged offences do not concern opinions expressed or votes cast in the performance of the duties of a Member of the European Parliament within the meaning of Article 8 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union;

    E. whereas Article 9, first paragraph, point (a), of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union provides that Members of the European Parliament enjoy, in the territory of their own State, the immunities accorded to members of their parliament;

    F. whereas Article 27(4) of the Constitution of the Czech Republic provides that Deputies and Senators may not be criminally prosecuted except with the consent of the chamber of which they are a member and that if that chamber withholds its consent, such criminal prosecution shall be foreclosed for the duration of their mandate;

    G. whereas in this case, Parliament has found no evidence of fumus persecutionis, i.e. factual elements which indicate that the intention underlying the legal proceeding may be to damage a Member’s political activity and thus the European Parliament;

    H. whereas Parliament cannot assume the role of a court, and whereas, in a waiver of immunity procedure, a Member cannot be regarded as a ‘defendant’[2];

    1. Decides to waive the immunity of Jana Nagyová;

    2. Instructs its President to forward this decision and the report of its committee responsible immediately to the competent authority of the Czech Republic and to Jana Nagyová.

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

     

     

    The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

     

     

    INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    Date adopted

    18.3.2025

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    15

    7

    0

    Members present for the final vote

    Maravillas Abadía Jover, Tobiasz Bocheński, Ton Diepeveen, Mario Furore, Mary Khan, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Sergey Lagodinsky, Mario Mantovani, Pascale Piera, René Repasi, Krzysztof Śmiszek, Dominik Tarczyński, Adrián Vázquez Lázara, Axel Voss, Marion Walsmann, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Dainius Žalimas

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    David Cormand, Billy Kelleher, Arash Saeidi, Ernő Schaller-Baross, Kosma Złotowski

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Nacho Sánchez Amor, Angelika Winzig

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the request for waiver of the immunity of Petr Bystron – A10-0030/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    PROPOSAL FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DECISION

    on the request for waiver of the immunity of Petr Bystron

    (2024/2048(IMM))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the request for waiver of the immunity of Petr Bystron, received by letter dated 27 August 2024 from the German Federal Ministry of Justice, transmitting a request from the Munich I Chief Public Prosecutor, in connection with criminal proceedings pending before the Munich District Court, and announced in plenary on 16 September 2024,

    – having heard Petr Bystron in accordance with Rule 9(6) of its Rules of Procedure on 29 January 2025 and having regard to the documents submitted by him during the hearing,

    – having regard to Articles 8 and 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage,

    – having regard to the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 21 October 2008, 19 March 2010, 6 September 2011, 17 January 2013, 19 December 2019 and 5 July 2023[1],

    – having regard to Article 46 of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany,

    – having regard to Rule 5(2), Rule 6(1) and Rule 9 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A10-0030/2025),

    A. whereas the Munich I Chief Public Prosecutor has requested the waiver of the parliamentary immunity of Petr Bystron, Member of the European Parliament, in the context of accusations brought against him under Section 86a of the German Criminal Code and in connection with Section 86 of the Code, regarding the alleged use of symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organisations;

    B. whereas the request indicates that, following the dismissal from office of the Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany on 12 July 2022, Petr Bystron allegedly published a photo montage on his Twitter account, showing clippings from pictures of persons having formerly occupied high public office, with each holding up their right or left arm with the hand outstretched and fingers pointing upwards; whereas the published collage is accompanied by the caption ‘Bye, bye […]! German politicians wave goodbye!’[2]; whereas Petr Bystron was accused of at least tacit acceptance that this photo montage would leave an objective Twitter user with the impression that the arm position depicted was the ‘Hitler salute’, as this was a form of greeting used by the Nazi regime; whereas Petr Bystron was charged with having distributed or publicly used in Germany symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organisations;

    C. whereas after carrying out investigations, the competent authorities submitted a request for waiver of the immunity of Petr Bystron, addressed to the German Bundestag, of which he was a member at the time; whereas the German Bundestag waived his immunity on 7 September 2023;

    D. whereas Petr Bystron was elected to the European Parliament at the European elections in 2024; whereas after the announcement of the final election result, the competent authorities, by decision of 9 July 2024, provisionally suspended the criminal proceedings against him in order to proceed with the request for waiver of his immunity;

    E. whereas Petr Bystron was not a Member of the European Parliament at the time of the alleged offence;

    F. whereas the alleged offence and the subsequent request for waiver of his immunity are not related to an opinion expressed or a vote cast by Petr Bystron in the performance of his duties within the meaning of Article 8 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union;

    G. whereas Article 9, first paragraph, point (a), of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union provides that Members of the European Parliament enjoy, in the territory of their own state, the immunities accorded to members of their parliament;

    H. whereas Article 46(2), (3) and (4) of the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany provides that:

    ‘(2) A Member may not be called to account or arrested for a punishable offence without permission of the Bundestag unless he is apprehended while committing the offence or in the course of the following day.

    (3) The permission of the Bundestag shall also be required for any other restriction of a Member’s freedom of the person or for the initiation of proceedings against a Member under Article 18.

    (4) Any criminal proceedings or any proceedings under Article 18 against a Member and any detention or other restriction of the freedom of his person shall be suspended at the demand of the Bundestag.’;

    I. whereas the purpose of parliamentary immunity is to protect Parliament and its Members from legal proceedings in relation to activities carried out in the performance of parliamentary duties and which cannot be separated from those duties;

    J. whereas in accordance with Rule 5(2) of the Rules of Procedure, parliamentary immunity is not a personal privilege of the Member but a guarantee of the independence of Parliament as a whole and of its Members;

    K. whereas in this case, Parliament found no evidence of fumus persecutionis, which is to say factual elements indicating that the intention underlying the legal proceedings in question is to undermine the Member’s political activity in his capacity as a Member of the European Parliament;

    L. whereas Parliament cannot assume the role of a court, and whereas, in a waiver of immunity procedure, a Member cannot be regarded as a defendant[3];

    1. Decides to waive the immunity of Petr Bystron;

    2. Instructs its President to forward this decision and the report of its committee responsible immediately to the competent authority of the Federal Republic of Germany and to Petr Bystron.

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

     

     

    The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Addressing the rising youth mental health crisis linked to fast fashion advertisements on social media – E-001056/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001056/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Irena Joveva (Renew)

    Young Europeans, susceptible to media influence, are constantly being exposed to fashion advertisements. 50 % of young Europeans are following fast fashion trends just to avoid mockery and maintain friendships. 34 % have not worn an item again after posting a picture of it online, or after being seen wearing it by friends. Media-driven appearance ideals lower self-esteem by making people equate their worth with their physical appearance. A decline in body image affects overall well-being, contributing to depression, anxiety and body dissatisfaction.

    In Europe, people aged 16 to 34 represent about 50 % of the fast fashion industry’s consumer base. Social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, shape trends, while influencer partnerships create pressure to adopt the latest styles. This pressure majorly contributes to the youth mental health crisis we are seeing in Europe today.

    • 1.How will the Commission address the omission of fast fashion advertisements from online safety legislation?
    • 2.When and how will the Commission increase its focus on preventing mental health issues among young people and creating a nourishing physical and online environment for them to develop into healthy adults?
    • 3.How will the Commission address the significant negative impact on young people’s mental health caused by fast fashion advertisements?

    Submitted: 12.3.2025

    Last updated: 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of the DCAM Delegation of 20 March 2025 – Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America, including the EU-Central America Association Parliamentary Committee

    Source: European Parliament

    The meeting of the Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America, including the EU-Central America Association Parliamentary Committee (DCAM) took place on:

    Thursday, 20 March 2025, 15.00-17.00

    Room: SPINELLI 1G2

    and included as main topics:

    • Presentation of the study “State of play of the civic space in Latin America” of EU-LAT;
    • Exchange of views on the impact on the Countries of Central America of the new geopolitical situation in the American continent;

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Legal options for a Member State to withdraw from the European electricity market – E-001057/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001057/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE)

    Since the 2022 energy crisis, several political parties and national governments have expressed concerns about how the European electricity market is operating, asserting that it is ineffective in guaranteeing stable and affordable prices for consumers. Some are calling for a partial or total withdrawal from this market as part of a move towards regulating electricity generation and distribution at the national level. This is a market based on the rules of integration and free competition established by a number of directives and regulations, in particular Regulation (EU) 2019/943 on the internal market for electricity and Directive (EU) 2019/944 on common rules for the internal market for electricity.

    Some political commentators have countered this by claiming that it is not possible to leave this market without risking fines.

    • 1.Therefore, can the Commission specify the legal provisions that would enable a Member State to withdraw from the European electricity market while remaining in the European Union?
    • 2.Would such a move be incompatible with the current internal market rules and Member States’ commitments with regard to competition and the energy transition?
    • 3.Lastly, is the Commission considering proposing a reform of the electricity market that would allow Member States to regain greater autonomy in their energy policies?

    Submitted: 12.3.2025

    Last updated: 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Timeframes and the effectiveness of the Commission’s measures to monitor very large online platform (VLOP) commitments – E-001058/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001058/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová (Renew)

    In its answer to question E-000326/2025[1], the Commission stated that it would assess the commitment levels and implementation by VLOPs and VLOSEs and, where necessary, hold regulatory dialogues and decide about appropriate follow-up actions, for example on the dissemination of disinformation.

    Given the fast-paced nature of the digital environment and the risks posed by, for example, the spread of disinformation, a delayed response could pose a significant threat to the EU’s information space, civil debate and even electoral processes.

    • 1.Can the Commission give specific timeframes for the completion of its assessment of commitment levels and the holding of the necessary regulatory dialogues?
    • 2.What measures is it considering in order to expedite its response in the event that platforms fail to meet their commitments in a scenario that calls for swift action?

    Submitted: 12.3.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-000326_EN.html
    Last updated: 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact of US aid freeze on non-governmental organisations and EU-supported projects – P-000532/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU takes note of the announcement made by the President of the United States (US) on 20 January 2025 to temporarily suspend all US foreign assistance programmes for 90 days pending a review by the administration.

    It also observes that on 28 January 2025, the US State Secretary extended the waivers of the pause to lifesaving humanitarian programmes.

    The impact of the temporary freeze on US foreign assistance, notwithstanding the waivers in force, cannot be fully ascertained yet, but impacts can already be felt globally .

    The EU is in close contact with its Member States, donors and aid organisations to assess the impact on EU-funded projects and affected populations.

    Mitigation measures, including early use of financial reserves, will be put in place, if necessary, to safeguard EU humanitarian response.

    Measures will be taken on a case-by-case basis in coordination with relevant stakeholders. However, despite all mitigating measures and efforts, the EU cannot be expected to fully compensate for the US foreign aid freeze.

    As a major development and humanitarian donor, the EU remains at the forefront of global efforts to promote sustainable development and tackle crises. The EU continues its efforts in addressing poverty and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals[1].

    The EU also remains engaged in fragile countries or in complex settings with specific policy focused on lifesaving actions, supporting the populations’ most immediate needs in terms of food, health, shelter, protection and education.

    The EU will not step back from its humanitarian commitments and will continue working to save lives and alleviate suffering, in line with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.

    • [1] https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Challenging the Law of the Sea – E-002799/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU has repeatedly stated, including at the highest level, that it expects Türkiye to fully respect international law, to de-escalate tensions in the interest of regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and to promote good neighbourly relations in a sustainable way[1]. Türkiye needs to respect the sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all Member States, as well as all their sovereign rights.

    Delimitation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zones should be addressed through dialogue and negotiations in good faith, in accordance with international law, including as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and any dispute settled peacefully, including through the International Court of Justice.

    Unequivocal commitment to good neighbourly relations, to international agreements and to the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter, as well as abstaining from unilateral actions which run counter to EU interests, violate international law and the sovereign rights of Member States, remains an essential requirement to ensure a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and the development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship between the EU and Türkiye[2].

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/57442/2022-06-2324-euco-conclusions-en.pdf
    • [2] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/16679fa1-cb73-4481-bc02-e3620b8c6dd3_en?filename=Joint%20Communication%20to%20the%20European%20Council%20-%20State%20of%20play%20of%20EU-Turkiye%20political%2C%20economic%20and%20trade%20relations.pdf
    Last updated: 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Delegation Meeting on 19 March 2025 – Delegation to the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

    Source: European Parliament

    Members of the Delegation to the EU-Montenegro SAPC met on 19 March 2025, from 14:00 to 15:00.

    They exchanged views on the political and economic situation in Montenegro and on the status of negotiations with the country, with

    – Ms Heinke VEIT, Deputy Head, Montenegro/Bosnia and Herzegovina unit, DG ENEST, European Commission

    – Mr Ivo SCHUTTE, Deputy Head, Western Balkans division, European External Action Service

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: SEM alters asylum practice for Afghanistan

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is adapting its asylum and removal practices with regard to Afghanistan. Single men whose asylum application has been rejected may again be removed under certain circumstances. SEM considers return to Afghanistan to be reasonable in some cases.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Protecting maternity in professional sport and eliminating discrimination on grounds of pregnancy – E-000227/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is fully committed to gender equality and women’s rights, including supporting female athletes, in line with the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025[1].

    The Commission’s High-Level Group on gender equality in sport[2] in its recommendations published in 2022 called upon ensuring legal frameworks, equal opportunities and conditions, and securing social benefits for female athletes.

    The recommendations specify that their rights under national labour laws should be fully applied, and sport organisations should develop maternity policies.

    Moreover, EU legislation protects against discrimination on grounds of sex in conditions for access to employment and to self-employment.[3]

    It also protects against discrimination in employment and working conditions, including dismissals.[4] It prohibits the reduction of rights of women, when returning to their jobs after maternity leave.[5]

    In addition, an employee who is pregnant, has given birth or has adopted a child, has the right to maternity leave for a period of at least 14 weeks before and/or after the birth or adoption.[6]

    In line with Directive (EU) 2019/1158,[7] the Commission has been analysing the transposition and implementation of the rights to family-related leave in Member States, including the rights granted to self-employed persons as of 2027.[8]

    The 2019 Council Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed[9] encourages Member States to extend access to adequate social protection to all workers and the self-employed, including those in non-traditional contracts and sectors such as professional sports.

    This covers a broad range of social security branches, including maternity and paternity benefits.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/just/items/682425/en
    • [2] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/684ab3af-9f57-11ec-83e1-01aa75ed71a1
    • [3] Article 14 of Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (recast), OJ L 204, 26.7.2006, p. 23-36.
    • [4] See footnote 3.
    • [5] Article 15 of Directive 2006/54/EC.
    • [6] Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (tenth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC).
    • [7] Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU, OJ L 188, 12.7.2019, p. 79-93.
    • [8] Article 18 of Directive (EU) 2019/1158.
    • [9] Council Recommendation (EU) 2019/118, OJ C 387, 15.11.2019.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – ‘Demographic change in Europe: a toolbox for action’ – European Social Fund Plus – E-000215/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) can mitigate the impact of demographic change in various ways. 22 Member States have used ESF+ resources to support health and long-term care (LTC) sectors and services — reaching a total of EUR 6.7 billion during the 2021-2027 programming period.

    This includes activities that promote active and healthy aging, enhance family and community-based care services and improve the accessibility, effectiveness and resilience of healthcare systems. The ESF+ also helps reskill and upskill care workers; it funds measures to help improve their working conditions.

    The Council Recommendation on access to affordable high-quality LTC[1] provides a policy framework addressing all people in need of LTC. Member States’ implementation reports[2] are summarised in the 2024 Annual Report of the Social Protection Committee (SPC)[3].

    The Commission will publish an indicator-based monitoring framework and a progress report on the implementation of the LTC Recommendation to the Council by 2027.

    Horizon Europe[4] contributes to research on demography and the modernisation of welfare states, including LTC. In this framework, the Horizon project ‘BB-Future’[5], aims to quantify, based on a set of quantitative models and key micro and macroeconomic outcomes, the size of the care wave, understand its implications on economic and social outcomes, and develop policy recommendations to prepare for the care wave at EU and national level. Started in 2023, the project will run until December 2026.

    Its eighth and last work-package will consist in dissemination activities, including conferences and workshops with policy-makers and stakeholders.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=oj:JOC_2022_476_R_0001
    • [2] https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/social-protection-social-inclusion/social-protection/long-term-care_en
    • [3] https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/social-protection-committee-annual-report-2024-review-social-protection-performance-monitor-sppm-and_en
    • [4] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
    • [5] https://www.bruegel.org/bb-future
    Last updated: 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Port of Fiumicino – a substantial concession that has not been through a European tender process – E-003084/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Directive 2014/23/EU[1] applies to the award of concession contracts within the meaning of Article 5(1) of that directive with a value exceeding the thresholds laid down in that same Directive.

    Under Article 43 of Directive 2014/23/EU, concessions may be modified during their term without a new procurement procedure only provided that the conditions laid down exhaustively in the first two paragraphs of that provision are met.

    In the case at hand, based on the elements available, it is unclear whether the contract referred to in the Honourable Members’ question can be qualified as a concession within the meaning of Directive 2014/23/EU or whether it should rather be considered as an authorisation for the pursuit of an economic activity falling outside the scope of that directive.

    However, should the contract referred to by the Honourable Members fall within the scope of Directive 2014/23/EU, the national review bodies laid down under the directives on remedies in public procurement (Directive 89/665/EEC[2] and Directive 92/13/EEC[3], as amended by Directive 2007/66/EC[4] and Directive 2014/23/EU) are in the best position to assess, according to the facts of each case, whether these requirements are met in the specific dispute, and therefore whether contracting authorities and contracting entities respected their obligations under EU law.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32014L0023
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:01989L0665-20140417
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:31992L0013
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32007L0066
    Last updated: 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Reasoned opinion to Spain for failing to comply with the Services Directive when granting coastal concessions – E-003057/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Spain (INFR(2022)4121[1]) given that the legislation of this Member State does not provide for the obligation to use an impartial and transparent selection procedure to award concessions to build permanent premises on the coastal public domain and carry out economic activities therein and it does allow for the extension of certain concessions for up to 75 years.

    In the Commission’s view, this legislation breaches the Services Directive[2] and the principle of the freedom of establishment enshrined in Article 49 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Commission expects this infringement procedure to help opening up the single market in the area of coastal concessions.

    It should also be noted that Spain has not been singled out. The Commission has opened similar infringement procedures against Italy (INFR(2020)4118[3]), Portugal (INFR(2022)2020[4]) and Greece (INFR(2024)2243[5]).

    The Commission is bound by a confidentiality obligation while handling infringement procedures, with a view to attain an appropriate solution, and thus cannot disclose the reasoned opinion or information about the ongoing dialogue with the Spanish authorities.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/?langCode=EN&version=v1&typeOfSearch=byDecision&refId=INFR(2022)4121&page=1&size=10&order=desc&sortColumns=decisionDate
    • [2] Directive 2006/123/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on services in the internal market, OJ L 376, 27.12.2006, p. 36-68.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/?langCode=EN&version=v1&typeOfSearch=byDecision&refId=INFR(2020)4118&page=1&size=10&order=desc&sortColumns=decisionDate
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/?langCode=EN&version=v1&typeOfSearch=byDecision&refId=INFR(2022)2020&page=1&size=10&order=desc&sortColumns=decisionDate
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/?langCode=EN&version=v1&typeOfSearch=byDecision&refId=INFR(2024)2243&page=1&size=10&order=desc&sortColumns=decisionDate
    Last updated: 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Toy Safety Directive – E-002862/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission proposal[1] aims to ensure the highest level of safety for children, including by strengthening the protection of children from the most harmful chemicals when playing with toys, and to enable the free circulation of toys in the EU.

    The overall impacts, including costs, administrative burden and environmental impacts, are set out in the impact assessment[2], but costs and other impacts of transitional provisions were not individualised. The impact assessment estimates significant health benefits and avoided health damage for children[3].

    The objective of Article 54 of the proposal is to ensure that children benefit from this protection in the swiftest manner, while allowing companies to adapt to the rules and exhaust stocks.

    Any remaining toy on the market after that period specified in Article 54 would be handled by economic operators in the distribution chain.

    The Commission notes that both the Council and the European Parliament propose longer periods in Article 54 and that this will be further discussed with the co-legislators.

    The proposal, like the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation[4], requires a data carrier but not specifically the use of a quick-response (QR) code as the data carrier.

    The Commission is carrying out a security analysis on QR codes. Any measure appropriate to protect consumers from fraud through QR codes or other data carriers will be considered when the data carrier(s) will be specified in secondary legislation.

    • [1] COM(2023)462.
    • [2] SWD(2023)269.
    • [3] The impact assessment estimated that banning the most harmful substances from toys would have considerable health benefits (between EUR 240 million and EUR 1.2 billion per year) in terms of avoided health damage from endocrine disruptors alone. These would accrue over the lifetime of a child exposed (or not exposed) to the harmful substances.
    • [4] Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for sustainable products, amending Directive (EU) 2020/1828 and Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 and repealing Directive 2009/125/EC.
    Last updated: 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The demographic problem: Greece and the EU are dying a slow death – E-002545/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Demography Toolbox[1] provides a comprehensive mapping of tools and policy measures to support Member States on demographic change.

    It aims to reconcile family aspirations with paid work, promote gender equality, empower younger and older generations, and where necessary address labour shortages through legal migration. The effective integration of third-country nationals legally residing in the EU is essential.

    The European Social Funds Plus is the main EU funding instrument that invests in people and thus helps to address the demographic challenges. It has a total budget of EUR 142 billion. (EU funding and national co-financing) during 2021-2027.

    It supports measures as access to employment, including for youth and women, access to services, such as long-term care and childcare services, and education and skills.

    Well-managed legal migration can help reducing labour shortages. Migration in itself will not offset demographic decline. In line with the Pact on Migration and Asylum[2], providing a strong European response to irregular migration and migrant smuggling is an essential part of the comprehensive approach to migration (the EU has launched the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling).

    The Pact is also establishing a set of new rules for managing migration and establishing a common asylum system at EU level. The new system will address the issue of irregular arrivals of non-EU nationals at the EU external borders.

    It will set up fast, efficient and streamlined procedures for asylum and return, as well as strong safeguards for the people concerned.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/publications/communication-demographic-change-europe-toolbox-action_en
    • [2] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/pact-migration-and-asylum_en
    Last updated: 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: UK, France and Switzerland announce new alliance to tackle bribery and corruption threat

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    On 20 March 2025, the UK’s Serious Fraud Office, France’s Parquet National Financier (PNF) and the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) affirmed their shared commitment to tackling international bribery and corruption. To strengthen their cooperation, the three partners signed a ‘Founding Statement’ that includes the establishment of a task force.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Energy from renewable sources – EU legislation and Member States’ measures – E-003053/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    As outlined by the Affordable Energy Action Plan[1] adopted on 26 February 2025, it is urgent to support the roll out of cheap homegrown renewable energy sources which will ultimately contribute to lower energy bills of all European consumers.

    In this regard, the reduction of permitting times is instrumental, starting by a timely implementation of the recently adopted legislative framework.

    The Commission will provide Member States with dedicated implementation support and reinforce exchanges in order to identify best practices, barriers and solutions.

    Article 15 of the Renewable Energy Directive[2] notably requires that national rules concerning the authorisation, certification and licensing procedures be proportionate and necessary, not unduly restricting the development of a certain technology.

    The Commission is already in contact with the Italian authorities regarding their ongoing transposition work and there is an open infringement case against Italy for failing to transpose Directive (EU) 2023/2413 into national law.

    Against this background the Commission will assess any measures that will be notified by Italy as transposing Directive (EU) 2023/2413[3] and may take further steps if necessary.

    Moreover, pursuant to the Governance Regulation (Regulation 2018/1999), Member States are due to submit national contributions to the overall EU target, set in the Renewable Energy Directive (Directive 2018/2001 as amended by Directive 2023/2413).

    Italy submitted its final National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) on 1 July 2024, and the Commission is currently assessing it. As mentioned in the Mission letter of the Commissioner for Energy and Housing, the Commission will follow up on the assessment of those plans.

    • [1] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/publications/action-plan-affordable-energy-unlocking-true-value-our-energy-union-secure-affordable-efficient-and_en
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02018L2001-20240716
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023L2413&qid=1737728921215

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – European Union Agency for Asylum promotes Islamic veil – E-000314/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Article 59 of the regulation governing the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA)[1] establishes that the Agency is independent as regards operational and technical matters.

    This independence includes communication activities, which are carried out on the own initiative of the Agency. The EUAA is informed of the Commission’s communication guidelines but the Agency does not consult the Commission on individual posts, reports or materials.

    The Commission promotes inclusion, diversity and unity in the EU — in line with the EU Treaties. The Commission’s communications reflect this.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2021/2303 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 2021 on the European Union Agency for Asylum and repealing Regulation (EU) No 439/2010, OJ L 468, 30.12.2021, p. 1-54, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/2303/oj.
    Last updated: 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – US influencing of media in the EU through USAID – E-001047/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001047/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Barbara Bonte (PfE)

    Following US President Trump’s decision last February to suspend USAID’s activities, it came to light that said organisation, which is tasked with providing funds for development and emergency aid, has also paid out considerable sums of money to the media in Europe in recent years.

    • 1.Has the Commission launched an investigation into this unacceptable US influence on European media?
    • 2.Which EU media outlets, independent or otherwise, have received funds from USAID?
    • 3.What measures does the Commission envisage to prevent the funding of European media by third countries?

    Submitted: 11.3.2025

    Last updated: 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Slovenian Health Services Act – E-001048/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001048/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomislav Sokol (PPE), Zala Tomašič (PPE), Matej Tonin (PPE), Romana Tomc (PPE), Milan Zver (PPE)

    The parliament of the Republic of Slovenia is currently considering an amendment to the Health Services Act to prohibit healthcare workers employed in public institutions from providing market-based healthcare services and operating as private healthcare providers. It also strictly limits working at more than one public healthcare institution at a time. Under the proposed law, anyone wishing to operate as a healthcare provider will be required to have two years of work experience, regardless of whether they hold a licence certifying their competence for independent medical practice. The government has ignored objections from medical professionals and national medical organisations, and is proceeding with the legislative process to amend the Health Services Act.

    • 1.Does the Commission consider that the proposed amendments to Slovenia’s Health Services Act might create a barrier to the free movement of services promoted by the Treaty on European Union?
    • 2.Does the Commission believe the proposed restrictions will negatively impact the free movement of healthcare workers within the EU?
    • 3.How does the Commission plan to monitor legislative developments in Slovenia to ensure that concerns raised by medical professionals and national organisations are considered?

    Submitted: 11.3.2025

    Last updated: 20 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Educational inclusion and recognition of foreign qualifications for special-needs teachers – E-002688/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The first strategic priority of the European Education Area is improving quality, equity, inclusion and success for all. The Commission supports Member States to address shortages in Special Needs Education and quality inclusive education, aligning with the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030[1].

    The EU and Member States are parties to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)[2] yet the organisation of education systems, including actions on student diversity, is the responsibility of Member States[3] which limits scope for introducing common standards.

    The Commission promotes inclusive education through initiatives such as Pathways to School Success[4], which promotes inclusion of learners with disabilities and/or special educational needs in mainstream schools, with support from educators and health professionals .

    The Commission facilitates mutual learning via the European Education Area Working Groups on Equality and Values in Education and Training[5] and on Schools — Pathways to School Success[6].

    Support is also extended under the Technical Support Instrument and the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education (EASNIE).

    Finally, Member States determine how school support roles are regulated and set access and training criteria.

    • [1] https://epale.ec.europa.eu/en/content/ec-presents-union-equality-strategy-rights-persons-disabilities-2021-2030
    • [2] https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-persons-disabilities
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022H1209%2801%29
    • [5] https://wikis.ec.europa.eu/display/EAC/Equality+and+Values+Documents
    • [6] https://wikis.ec.europa.eu/display/EAC/Pathways+to+School+Success+Documents
    Last updated: 20 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Forthcoming visit of the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – P-000285/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The High Representative/Vice-President regularly emphasises these aspects in her exchanges with her Turkish counterpart.

    Delimitation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zones should be addressed through dialogue and negotiations in good faith, in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea[1], having recourse, if necessary, to the International Court of Justice.

    The European Council conclusions of 12 December 2019[2] clearly stated that the Türkiye-Libya memorandum of understanding on the delimitation of maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea infringes upon the sovereign rights of third states, does not comply with the Law of the Sea and cannot produce any legal consequences for third states.

    The EU has a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Türkiye.

    In this context, the EU continues to expect Türkiye to respect the sovereignty and the sovereign rights of all Member States and to unequivocally commit to and promote good neighbourly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

    • [1] https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf
    • [2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/41768/12-euco-final-conclusions-en.pdf
    Last updated: 20 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Deterioration of human rights in Cambodia and consequences on the tariff preferences under the EBA scheme – P-000436/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU is continuously engaging with the Cambodian authorities and relevant stakeholders on the ground as well as in all available international fora.

    On 21 November 2023, the Commission published a Report on EU Enhanced Engagement with Cambodia[1], which contains a public assessment of the developments in Cambodia in the areas of concern.

    A detailed discussion took place at the 12th EU-Cambodia Joint Committee and its Subcommittees held in Brussels on 22-25 April 2024. A substantial discussion covered inter alia civil and political, labour and women’s rights.

    Regarding the Everything But Arms trade scheme, the EU’s current focus is on implementation of the decision taken in 2020 to partially withdraw preferences[2].

    The EU will also continue to support human rights and democracy in Cambodia through its cooperation instruments. The EU Delegation and Member States continue to engage with diverse civil society actors and monitor court hearings of human rights defenders, politicians and activists.

    In 2024, the EU managed eleven grants addressing a broad range of human rights issues including inter alia freedom of expression, labour rights and in support of networks of civil society organisations, and support to human rights defenders.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=SWD(2023)360&lang=en
    • [2] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/550 of 12 February 2020, OJ L127 of 22.4.2020, p.1.
    Last updated: 20 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Failure to ensure compliance with public procurement and State aid rules under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) – E-001041/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001041/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dick Erixon (ECR)

    The European Court of Auditors’ special report 09/2025 exposes a deeply troubling reality: the Commission has failed to ensure that Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) funds are properly monitored for compliance with public procurement and State aid rules. The report highlights ongoing weaknesses in the Commission’s audit and control processes, weak oversight and guidance for the Member States and serious inconsistencies in enforcement. Despite repeated warnings, the Commission has neither imposed effective corrective measures nor ensured that the Member States carry out adequate checks before receiving RRF payments. This lack of accountability is entirely unacceptable and undermines trust in the responsible management of EU funds.

    Given the gravity of these findings:

    • 1.How does the Commission justify allowing RRF payments to be made despite clear evidence that Member States are not conducting adequate compliance checks?
    • 2.Will the Commission finally introduce binding and enforceable corrective measures to prevent further misuse of EU funds under the RRF?
    • 3.What concrete steps will the Commission take to overhaul its audit system and ensure that its assurance declarations reflect actual risks, rather than presenting an illusion of control?

    Submitted: 11.3.2025

    Last updated: 20 March 2025

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