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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Consequences of a possible reclassification of the eel under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora – P-000590/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In preparation of the next Conference of Parties (CoP) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)[1] that will take place on 24 November — 5 December 2025, the Commission, in cooperation with the experts from the Member States, has identified a number of species that required to be analysed in view of potential EU listing proposals.

    Amongst others, the listing of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla, currently listed in Appendix II) in Appendix I was considered in this context, taking into account the advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.

    However, the analysis and the input from Member States experts, stakeholders and other Range States of European eel have led the Commission to conclude that it is necessary to further analyse the potential impact of the uplisting of the European eel on the conservation status of the species.

    Therefore, at this stage, the Commission does not intend to propose to the Council listing of European eel in CITES Appendix I.

    • [1] https://cites.org/eng
    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU geothermal strategy – E-003008/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has taken note of the Parliament resolution of January 2024[1], and of the Council conclusions of December 2024 and acknowledges that geothermal energy has an important role to play in the decarbonisation of the EU’s energy system.

    The potential of geothermal energy has been so far hindered by challenges related inter alia to planning, permitting, skills, financing and availability of data.

    As underlined in Affordable Energy Action Plan adopted on 26 February 2025[2], the Commission is committed to work on a comprehensive strategy to further advance on the decarbonisation of heating and cooling and will prepare a Heating and Cooling Strategy (first quarter of 2026), which will be accompanied by an action plan on geothermal energy.

    In the meantime, timely transposition and implementation of recent legislation will benefit geothermal energy, in particular renewables targets on heating and cooling under the revised Renewable Energy Directive[3], and provisions in the Energy Efficiency Directive[4] concerning decarbonisation pathways towards 2050 for district heating and cooling networks (a key user of geothermal energy), and on local heating and cooling plans.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/5738/oj
    • [2] Action Plan for Affordable Energy: Unlocking the true value of our Energy Union to secure affordable, efficient and clean energy for all Europeans, COM (2025) 79 final.
    • [3] Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (recast): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02018L2001-20240716
    • [4] Directive (EU) 2023/1791 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023 on energy efficiency and amending Regulation (EU) 2023/955 (recast): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ%3AJOL_2023_231_R_0001&qid=1695186598766
    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – 13 March 2025 – meeting – Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly

    Source: European Parliament

    On Thursday, 13 March 2025 (10.00-11.30), the DAFR delegation held a meeting in Strasbourg (room: DE MADARIAGA S5); the main point was an “Exchange of views on the political, humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan”.

    The key speakers were:
    • H.E Kabeir Abdelbagi, Ambassador of Sudan to the European Union
    • Ms Mona Rishmawi, Member of the UN Independent Fact-finding Mission for the Sudan (remote connection)

    The meeting was webstreamed and it can be consulted.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ensuring workplace safety at industrial sites with high toxic chemical risk – E-000459/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The current EU occupational safety and health (OSH) regulatory framework providing protection for workers exposed to hazardous chemicals on industrial sites consists of the framework Directive 89/391/EEC[1] and its related Directives in the area of chemicals, i.e. Directive 98/24/EC[2] and Directive 2004/37/EC[3].

    The latter provide adequate protection for exposed workers and are updated when there is need to reflect new scientific findings concerning dangerous chemicals, or as a result of the five-yearly ex post evaluation of the health and safety at work Directives[4], which may signal any needs for improvement. Member States are however allowed to adopt more stringent and specific provisions in this regard.

    Safety and health at work of temporary agency workers is regulated under Directive 91/383/EEC[5] which ensures that temporary agency workers are afforded, as regards safety and health at work, the same level of protection as that of other workers in the user undertaking and/or establishment. Directive 89/391/EEC and the related EU OSH Directives apply fully to all workers in the EU including temporary agency workers.

    It is primarily for the Member States’ competent authorities to ensure that the national legislation transposing these directives is properly enforced.

    The Senior Labour Inspectors’ Committee[6] assists the Commission regarding the enforcement aspects of the EU OSH legislation at the national level.

    The Commission monitors the correct implementation of these Directives by Member States and may decide to take appropriate action if the Member State fails to fully or correctly transpose EU rules, or if the Member State fails to fulfil its obligations under the relevant EU legal provisions.

    • [1] Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work, OJ L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=celex%3A31989L0391
    • [2] Council Directive 98/24/EC of 7 April 1998 on the protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work, OJ L 131, 5.5.1998, p. 11; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/1998/24/oj/eng
    • [3] Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work (Sixth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Council Directive 89/391/EEC), OJ L 158, 30.4.2004, p. 50; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2004/37/oj/eng
    • [4] See Article 17a of Directive 89/391/EEC.
    • [5] Council Directive 91/383/EEC of 25 June 1991 supplementing the measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of workers with a fixed- duration employment relationship or a temporary employment relationship, OJ L 206, 29.7.1991, p. 19-21; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/1991/383/oj/eng
    • [6] https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/rights-work/health-and-safety-work/senior-labour-inspectors-committee-0_en
    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The impact of tax hikes in Spain – A threat to competitiveness and social cohesion – E-000251/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In the framework of the European Semester, the Commission monitors the performance of the Member States’ tax systems, including Spain. In 2024, the Council issued its recommendation on the economic, social, employment, structural and budgetary policies of Spain[1].

    The view of the Council (Recital 20), based on the Commission’s recommendation, is that tax reforms should be a central part of Spain’s fiscal consolidation strategy.

    Thus, it was recommended to Spain to ensure fiscal sustainability including by: reviewing and simplifying the tax system in order to support economic growth and employment, cohesion and the green transition; and improving the quality, efficiency and equity of public spending.

    According to the Council Implementing Decision approving the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Spain[2], the objectives pursued by the reform of the Spanish tax system that was included as a measure in that plan (Component 28) are to make it more equitable, progressive, sustainable and fair, while deepening the design of green taxation, incorporating a gender perspective and enhancing public policies of general interest, such as health protection. Other objectives include to increase tax compliance and collect more tax revenue (Component 27).

    In this context, Spain has adopted a number of measures to increase the efficiency of the structure of the tax system by: implementing the ‘polluter pays’ principle; improving income redistribution; addressing tax evasion; internalizing social costs; and modernizing the tax system.

    These measures have been positively assessed by the Commission in past payment requests, while other tax measures are being assessed now or will be in the future[3].

    Efforts made by Member states to ensure fiscal stability are welcome and encouraged by the Commission.

    • [1] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-11701-2024-INIT/en/pdf
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/ed27b95c-50d1-4db2-907a-619ec619d635_en?filename=COM_2024_592_1_EN_annexe_proposition_cp_part1_v4.pdf
    • [3] See for further reference: Commission’s preliminary assessment of the first payment request of Spain: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/183d154f-dd37-4220-b542-3ad88cfd2052_en?filename=rrf-preliminary-assessment-1st-payment-request-spain.pdf
      Commission’s preliminary assessment of the 2nd payment request of Spain: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/df0421da-e704-44e9-8b1e-9e3a9bce45d7_en?filename=c_2022_4574_1_annexe_en.pdf
      Commission’s preliminary assessment of the 3rd payment request of Spain: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/31ffd973-ed88-4055-91ab-a6663b65d08f_en?filename=C_2023_1280_1_annexe_en.pdf
      Commission’s preliminary assessment of the 4th payment request of Spain: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e8b93743-5a80-4c10-9caa-4dabedc95728_en?filename=C_2024_4171_1_EN_annexe_acte_autonome_nlw_part1_v2_1.pdf

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Targeted amendment of the Habitats Directive to downgrade the protection status of the wolf – E-000102/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The decision of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention[1] on the protection status of the wolf will come into effect on 7 March 2025 after the 3-month objection period elapses, at which point it will be possible for the EU to reflect that change at EU level.

    In the EU, this change would require the wolf to be moved from Annex IV (strict protection) to Annex V (protection) of the Habitats Directive[2].

    The Commission will put forward a legislative proposal amending the protection status of the wolf while ensuring that the integrity and ambition of the directive are maintained.

    A change of the protection status of the wolf in the Habitats Directive[3] would not remove the obligation for Member States to reach or maintain good conservation status of wolf populations.

    It will provide additional flexibility to the Member States that need it, without obliging other Member States, to change the protection status of the wolf at national level.

    • [1] https://www.coe.int/en/web/bern-convention/institutions
    • [2] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.
    • [3] i.e. moving the species to Annex V of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.
    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – NRRP and other EU instruments supporting the construction of student halls of residence – E-000161/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) envisages the investment of EUR 516million[1] in loans for the construction or renovation of existing residences for higher education students, notably in areas where housing pressure is most acute.

    It plans to make available 18 000 new and renovated higher education students’ accommodation places at affordable prices (11 699 new beds and 6 444 renovated existing beds) by 2026 in the frame of the national plan for housing in higher education 2022-2026 (PNAES)[2]. The PNAES website provides detailed information of the financed projects.

    Currently, there are around 15 000 students’ beds in public residences. According to the 2022-2026 PNAES, it is expected that the 11 699 new beds will represent a 78% increase in capacity by 2026. The public network of students’ accommodations will then integrate the total of 26 772 beds available at affordable prices.

    As mentioned above, investments for student housing under the Portuguese RRP are provided through loan support to the Member State, and therefore no grants are earmarked for this purpose.

    • [1] After the revision of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, in September 2023 (incorporating additional loan support), budget has been increased to EUR 516 million from 447 million.
    • [2] https://pnaes.pt/
    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The way forward towards appointing a new EU small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) Envoy – E-001291/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The College Decision of 31 January 2024 appointing Mr Pieper put an end to the selection procedure for the EU SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) Envoy. 

    Following the withdrawal of Mr Pieper from the recruitment procedure before his contract came into effect, the post of EU SME Envoy remains vacant and no decision has yet been taken concerning its possible republication.

    Unless otherwise specified in the vacancy notice for a post, selection procedures for senior officials aim to select a person for a particular post and not to create a reserve list from which the Commission could recruit during a given period of time.

    Since the successful candidate withdrew after the appointment, which put an end to the selection procedure, it is not now possible to select any of the other candidates, as the selection procedure is closed.

    The Commission reiterates that the selection procedure for the EU SME Envoy was run in accordance with the established rules.

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impacts of quartz mining in north-east Segovia and its alignment with EU strategic policies – E-002938/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    According to the available information[1], the project is currently undergoing the assessment procedure pursuant to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive[2] and has not yet received development consent.

    During this procedure, the competent authorities would need to assess any potential impact on the environment, independently of the origin of the company leading the project, and to ensure that the project complies with applicable EU legislation such as the Mining Waste[3], Nature[4] and Water Framework[5] Directives.

    The Commission is not aware of CO2 storage permits in preparation in Spain that would need the application of Directive 2009/31/EC[6].

    Mining activities normally falls under the scope of Regulation (EC) 2018/842[7], setting limits to Member States on emissions of greenhouse gases and leaving them the freedom to choose the measures to achieve such targets .

    Member States are primarily responsible to ensure compliance with EU law. In line with its strategic approach on enforcement action[8], which focuses on cases of systemic non-compliance, the Commission considers that the means of redress available under national legislation are the most appropriate mechanism to address individual cases of possible non-compliance, such as the issue raised by the Honourable Members.

    Moreover, the competent national Courts could order the suspension of the project, where appropriate. In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will continue monitoring the situation and may decide to take appropriate action.

    • [1] https://energia.jcyl.es/web/jcyl/Energia/es/Plantilla100Detalle/1284766759323/Texto%20Generico/1285446129394/Texto
    • [2] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1-21, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of 16 April 2014 — OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1-18.
    • [3] Directive 2006/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the management of waste from extractive industries and amending Directive 2004/35/EC. OJ L 102, 11.4.2006, p. 15-34.
    • [4] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50); Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (Codified version), OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7-25
    • [5] Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy — OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1-73
    • [6] Directive 2009/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the geological storage of carbon dioxide and amending Council Directive 85/337/EEC, European Parliament and Council Directives 2000/60/EC, 2001/80/EC, 2004/35/EC, 2006/12/EC, 2008/1/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006. OJ L 140, 5.6.2009, p. 114-135.
    • [7] Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030 contributing to climate action to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 (Text with EEA relevance). PE/3/2018/REV/2. OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 26-42.
    • [8] As set out in the communication of 19 January 2017 (EU law: Better results through better application — C/2016/8600, OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, p. 10-20) and in the communication of 13 October 2022 COM(2022) 518 final — Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers.
    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Adapting organic crop production conditions – E-000557/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has set out a comprehensive organic action plan for the EU[1]. Through it, the Commission will aim to achieve the European Green Deal target of 25% of agricultural land under organic farming by 2030.

    Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products[2] sets the rules and the criteria under which organic production can be maintained and further developed.

    It also provides for a number of derogations that may be applied, such as the possibilities to derogate to the link to the soil to produce sprouted seeds[3], chicory heads[4], ornamentals plants and herbs in pots [5], or crops in demarcated beds[6]. Additional derogations may also apply in case of catastrophic circumstances[7].

    The criteria and procedure to authorise or not the use of potassium phosphonates in organic viticulture as an active substance to be used as a plant protection product are laid down in Article 24 of the same Regulation. Germany submitted a dossier asking for the re-examination of this active substance that will be assessed by the Expert Group on Organic Production (EGTOP)[8] in March 2025.

    Once the EGTOP recommendations are published, the re-examination of the potential authorisation of potassium phosphonates will be discussed with the Member States in the Organic Production Committee.

    • [1] COM/2021/141 final/2.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007, OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/848/2024-12-01
    • [3] Point 1.3 (a )of Annex II Part I of Regulation (EU) 2018/848.
    • [4] Point 1.3 (b )of Annex II Part I of Regulation (EU) 2018/848.
    • [5] Point 1.4 (a ) of Annex II Part I of Regulation (EU) 2018/848.
    • [6] Point 1.5 of Annex II Part I of Regulation (EU) 2018/848.
    • [7] Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848.
    • [8] https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farming/organic-farming/cooperation-and-expert-advice_en
    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Farmland bought by private investment funds – P-000546/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Property ownership is a Member State competence. Therefore, Member States decide on the adoption and implementation of agricultural land market regulations, provided that the Treaty freedoms are respected.

    However, it is necessary to increase transparency and cooperation between Member States on this area, as access to farmland is an essential element for agriculture.

    In this regard, as announced in the Vision for Agriculture and Food[1], responding to the European Parliament’s request and following the recommendation from the Strategic Dialogue, the Commission will work towards establishing an ‘EU Observatory for Agricultural Land’, starting with a pilot project this year[2].

    It will enhance transparency and cooperation in land transactions and transfers of land use rights, price trends and market behaviour, changes in land use, and loss of agricultural and natural land. The Observatory will also help Member States take informed decisions on the regulation of their farmland markets.

    Access to granular data on agricultural land values and rents at EU level is limited. Information on land transactions and transfers of land use rights is not widely compiled, analysed and published across the EU.

    Therefore, there is insufficient information to confirm or deny that large foreign investment funds are buying up agricultural land, or that they are determining the cost of land. In this sense, this pilot project will bring clarity to this matter.

    Lastly, the Commission is analysing further proposals at EU and at Member States level to facilitate access to land, credit and knowledge for young farmers.

    The Generational Renewal strategy, announced in the Vision for Agriculture and Food, will propose concrete and innovative measures in this regard.

    • [1] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions ‘A Vision for Agriculture and Food: Shaping together and attractive farming and agri-food sector for future generations’ COM(2025) 75 final: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0075
    • [2] ‘PP 08 25 01 — EU observatory for agricultural land, control and access to farmland’, as adopted in the European Parliament legislative resolution of 27 November 2024 on the ‘2025 budgetary procedure: Joint text’: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-10-2024-0050_EN.html#

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Polysilicon between the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) and the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) – P-002919/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA)[1] and the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA)[2] Regulations entered into force on 28 June and 3 May 2024, respectively, aiming to strengthen the EU’s manufacturing capacity for net-zero technologies, such as solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, batteries, and heat pumps, while ensuring access to critical raw materials essential for their production.

    To provide additional clarity on its scope of application, the NZIA includes an Annex that lists final products and specific components considered to be primarily used for the production of net-zero technologies.

    This Annex will be finalised through a Delegated Act, for which the work is ongoing and for which assessments are being carried out to also determine which materials fall within the scope of the NZIA or CRMA.

    This includes considerations with regards to polysilicon, which has been included under NZIA in the draft Delegated Act that has been published on 23 January 2025 on Have Your Say[3] portal for a four-week public feedback period.

    Value chains for critical raw materials are often highly complex. As provided for by the NZIA, critical raw materials falling under the scope of the CRMA are excluded from the scope of the NZIA.

    Components (including potentially some processed raw materials) primarily used to produce net-zero technologies fall under the scope of the NZIA.

    Relevant value chains have been analysed in accordance with these provisions. This has resulted, for example, in the differentiation between precursor battery active materials (pCAM) that are covered under CRMA and battery active materials (CAM) that have been included in the draft Delegated Act of NZIA.

    • [1]  OJ L, 2024/1735, 28.6.2024 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1735/oj/eng).
    • [2]  OJ L, 2024/1252, 3.5.2024 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1252/oj/eng).
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14409-Delegated-act-on-primarily-used-components-under-the-Net-Zero-Industry-Act_en

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Request for clarification regarding language guidelines – E-000964/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000964/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anna Maria Cisint (PfE), Susanna Ceccardi (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Raffaele Stancanelli (PfE), Roberto Vannacci (PfE)

    On 14 February 2025, the Commission published an update to its English Style Guide[1]. Given the major global challenges that the EU is facing, and as the question of how much attention should be given to activities of that kind is debatable, it is appropriate for us to seek clarification on this matter. In the light of those factors, the Commission should consider withdrawing the text, so that it can remove the most controversial parts, which could be seen as attempts to manipulate language.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.How much did it cost in total – in economic terms and in terms of time spent by staff – to write the text, including any resources allocated to external parties that the Commission was asked to identify specifically, where involved?
    • 2.With reference to Chapter 15, ‘Inclusive language’ (part I, pages 68 to 71), what criteria were followed for its drafting, and can the Commission provide specific references to any scientific or other documents used as a basis and give a detailed explanation of the content of each entry in the chapter?
    • 3.Why were the guidelines published?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/system/files/2023-11/styleguide_english_dgt_en.pdf.
    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission’s position on economic involvement in the occupied Palestinian territories – E-000966/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000966/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jaume Asens Llodrà (Verts/ALE)

    The International Court of Justice has confirmed that states and other economic actors must do everything possible to prevent and not participate in the colonisation of the occupied Palestinian territories. The UN Human Rights Council already has a database listing a limited number of companies profiting from the occupation and colonisation of the occupied Palestinian territories.

    Despite being warned about their unlawful actions, some of these companies – such as CAF, Booking, Carrefour, and eDreams – argue that there are no national laws explicitly prohibiting them from conducting business and profiting from activities that support colonisation in violation of international law.

    • 1.Given that the Commission considers occupation and colonisation by force illegal and has imposed sanctions on states and companies benefiting from such activities in various parts of the world, does it, in the case of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, allow and become complicit in the occupation and colonisation of Palestine and the Syrian Golan Heights by failing to enact EU regulations prohibiting economic activities in territories occupied by Israel?
    • 2.Does the Commission believe that it is up to the Member States to legislate or enforce existing laws to prevent violations of international law in this matter?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Türkiye and the European defence architecture – E-000967/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000967/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Loucas Fourlas (PPE)

    The current geopolitical situation, with the gradual reduction of US security guarantees, is creating new dynamics in European defence cooperation. Türkiye, taking advantage of this situation, is attempting to strengthen its involvement in European defence structures and in the EU’s joint armaments programmes.

    However, this is a country that has illegally occupied European territory in Cyprus for 50 years, threatens European states with constant provocations and violations of international law, and operates as it pleases with regard to the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.

    In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.How is Türkiye’s inclusion in European defence initiatives justified, given its constant challenges to the EU and its member states, and at a time when it is obstructing Cyprus’s participation in European and other institutions?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to set specific conditions and restrictions for the participation of third countries in European armaments programmes, so as not to undermine the Union’s strategic interests?
    • 3.Will steps be taken to prevent Türkiye from using defence cooperation as a means of extracting political and military concessions from the EU?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Promoting knowledge learning and transfer in the crafts and heritage restoration professions – E-000968/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000968/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Catherine Griset (PfE)

    In France, the local, non-relocatable heritage restoration sector has around 234 000 enterprises, with 500 000 direct and indirect jobs, including 35 000 craft jobs.

    Woodworkers, stonemasons, ceramicists, leatherworkers, weavers, as well as paintwork and stained glass restorers: these professions are almost exclusively carried out by micro-enterprises employing fewer than 10 people and the managers are often older people.

    A lack of time and funding, as well as the administrative burden involved, mean that these entrepreneurs take on very few apprentices, with the risk that precious and sometimes age-old know-how is being lost forever.

    New ways to fund this learning need to be imagined and developed, reducing the administrative burden on apprenticeship managers, freeing up their time and giving them access to more suitable, cheaper premises, etc.

    • 1.Is the Commission planning such initiatives, for example through its Horizon Europe research and innovation programme?
    • 2.Is the Erasmus exchange programme effectively involved in funding this learning and exchange of know-how in the crafts?
    • 3.Along the lines of artists’ residences, are there residences for artisans specialising in heritage restoration?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Delay in the absorption of CAP funds by Greece – E-000954/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000954/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D)

    In the first pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy, significant delays seem to be appearing in the disbursement of direct payments to farmers due to bureaucratic obstacles, negatively affecting the primary sector. Also, in the second pillar of the CAP, the low absorption rate of funds is limiting investment in the modernisation and sustainable development of rural areas.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What is the Commission’s assessment of the absorption rates of CAP funds (first and second pillars) by Greece?
    • 2.Will the Commission consider putting in place special measures or providing technical assistance to speed up payments and remove bureaucratic obstacles?
    • 3.How does the Commission assess the effectiveness of the Greek administration in implementing CAP programmes and what actions does it intend to take to strengthen transparency and resource management?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Measures to support fire response, particularly in southern Member States – E-000960/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000960/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Geadis Geadi (ECR)

    Every summer, European Union countries are faced with devastating fires, which endanger forests, citizens and biodiversity. The consequences of such phenomena are irreversible and directly and indirectly affect the economy and quality of life of every country affected by them. The combination of high temperatures and drought raises the level of risk, making immediate and effective intervention by EU mechanisms and services imperative wherever and whenever needed.

    Accordingly:

    • 1.What specific measures has the Commission put in place to improve and strengthen the Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM), so that all the services involved are at high levels of operational readiness?
    • 2.What measures has the Commission put in place to improve coordination between Member States to ensure the delivery of aid, particularly to the southern Member States?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – 17-21 March: Work in Parliamentary Committees

    Source: European Parliament

    In the week of 17 March, a large part of Members’ work this week will be in Parliamentary Committees.

    A number of exchanges and debates will be held with Commissioners as well as with the European Chief Prosecutor and the President of the European Central Bank.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The abominable massacre of Christians and Alawites in Syria and the urgent need for an immediate and decisive EU response – P-001051/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001051/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)

    The recent massacres in Syria, in which 1 300 people, most of them civilians from the Alawite minority and Christians, were killed by Islamist security forces, constitute crimes against humanity and cannot go unanswered. This heinous attack against Christian minorities shows the true colours of the new government, which was formed from a group that has radical Islamist origins.

    While Europe stands by and watches as a passive observer, Christian communities and other minorities in Syria face an existential threat, adding to a long list of persecutions in the region.

    Considering the unquestionable responsibility the EU has to protect Christian minorities and combat religious persecution, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.Why has it still not firmly condemned these massacres, calling them by their real name, i.e. ethnic cleansing and genocide against Christians and Alawites?
    • 2.What immediate and specific measures will it take to put an end to the bloodshed and ensure the protection of the remaining Christian and Alawite communities in Syria?
    • 3.When will it finally acknowledge the obvious danger posed by the spread of radical Islamism in the region and take effective measures to protect European values and religious freedoms?

    Submitted: 12.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Migration policy and the TFEU – E-000970/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000970/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marcin Sypniewski (ESN)

    Germany has been carrying out border controls for several months now in order to limit the influx of illegal migrants. Incidents have also been reported in which the German authorities have transported migrants they had expelled to the Polish border.

    Pursuant to Article 72 TFEU, Member States have the right to take unilateral decisions regarding the maintenance of law and order and internal security.

    In light of the foregoing:

    • 1.Does the Commission consider the interpretation of Article 72 TFEU to be in line with EU law, and therefore, can each country unilaterally adapt its migration policy to address security threats?
    • 2.Given the provisions of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, would the Commission accept a possible Polish policy of turning back or refusing entry to migrants on the basis of the aforementioned article of the TFEU?
    • 3.Does the Commission condone the actions of the German authorities in transporting migrants to the Polish border, and if not, what measures does it plan to take against such actions?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Anti-dumping measures for titanium dioxide imports – E-000983/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000983/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    João Oliveira (The Left)

    We were alerted by the Associação Portuguesa de Tintas (Portuguese Paint and Ink Association) to the fact that the Commission has adopted an implementing regulation imposing customs duties on imports of titanium dioxide (TiO2).

    According to the association and to the European Council of the Paint, Printing Ink, and Artist’s Colours Industry, titanium dioxide accounts for some 20% of the industry’s total raw material costs. As a result, the application of those duties could increase costs, putting EU manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage. What is more, no alternative to titanium dioxide exists, making it a strategic pigment for the paint and inks industry in Portugal and for the production of white inks and paints, as it has a high refractive index and excellent opacity and white properties.

    On 9 January 2025, the new implementing regulation set the definitive customs duties in this regard, at rates that are slightly lower than those in the previous implementing regulation but still significant (between EUR 0.25 and EUR 0.74 per kilo, equivalent to 11.4 % and 32.3 %).

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Bearing in mind the sector’s concerns, what figures does the Commission have on the impacts of that measure on production costs?
    • 2.Is it considering repealing the implementing regulation?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ending of the work programme of the Major Accident Hazards Bureau – E-000953/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000953/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Wouter Beke (PPE)

    The Major Accident Hazards Bureau (MAHB) is part of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and provides scientific and technical support for policy associated with chemical safety and security. It was created in the 1980s to support the Seveso Directive on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances and has become a leading centre for industrial safety expertise in the EU and globally. The MAHB’s work programme (a shared responsibility of the Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV) and the JRC) will end in 2025. It has been brought to my attention that several stakeholders have expressed concerns to DG ENV and the JRC on multiple occasions about the impact of stopping the key activities of the MAHB, especially given the emerging safety challenges related to large-scale hydrogen and ammonia use arising from the energy transition.

    • 1.Can the JRC clarify why the key activities of the MAHB (e.g. accident analysis and lessons learnt studies, identifying emerging trends, risk modeling software, facilitating knowledge exchange and providing technical and scientific support at EU-level) are being terminated?
    • 2.How will the Commission ensure the continuity of competent and sustainable technical and scientific support in this policy domain?
    • 3.If the support is not going to be continued, can the Commission provide the key points of its impact assessment?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Status of clear aligners in light of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 – E-000956/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000956/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE)

    The regulation defines ‘custom-made device’ as a device that is specifically made in accordance with a written prescription from an authorised person and intended for the sole use of a particular patient to meet their individual conditions and needs.

    In recent years, there has been a growth in the market for clear aligners that can be purchased directly online or without consulting a healthcare structure or professional. This is because they are not considered custom-made devices if they are manufactured in series production.

    This is despite the fact that all aligners are expressly designed to be prescribed to individual patients based on a diagnosis of their specific dento-skeletal conditions by a healthcare professional.

    This situation puts custom-made clear aligners at a competitive disadvantage as they cannot be placed directly on the market.

    In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.Does it not consider that the possibility of placing non-custom-made clear aligners directly on the market puts prescribing dentists and manufacturers of custom-made clear aligners at a competitive disadvantage?
    • 2.Bearing in mind that all clear aligners, regardless of the manufacturer, are intended for use by a single patient based on their specific anatomy and on a treatment plan that must be drawn up by a professional, does it not consider it appropriate to classify clear aligners as custom-made devices in the context of the revision of the regulation?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Preventing harm to European businesses with regard to the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) – E-000989/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000989/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sebastian Kruis (PfE)

    The implementation of the DMA presents significant challenges for Europe’s digital ecosystem, with potential repercussions for the well-being of all stakeholders, including users, advertisers and the broader economy. Rather than enhancing the competitiveness of European businesses, the DMA introduces the risk of increasing advertising costs, which could disproportionally impact small and meduim-sized enterprises that rely on digital advertising to reach their customers. The importance of digital advertising in the European economy is well-supported by data. This model generates – via Meta’s ad platform alone – EUR 107 billion annually for European businesses, with a return of EUR 3.79 for every euro invested (according to Meta). Additionally, a study published on 11 May 2022 confirmed that 80 % of campaigns generate profits, highlighting its key role in business competitiveness in Europe (according to Kantar Group).

    • 1.Does the Commission not consider that increasing restrictions and costs for ‘gatekeeper platforms’ will lead to higher advertising costs for European businesses relying on these platforms, ultimately affecting their competitiveness?
    • 2.Subscription for No Ads models are well-established in the market across different sectors and endorsed by the Court of Justice of the EU. Does the Commission agree that these models are fit to comply with the requirements of the DMA, while preventing excessive harm to European businesses, as well as avoiding potential repercussions for trade with the US?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Definition of homelessness – E-000890/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000890/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Idoia Mendia (S&D), Alicia Homs Ginel (S&D)

    Tackling homelessness, which covers a range of experiences beyond simply not having a home, is of vital importance in working towards the EU’s first Anti-Poverty Strategy, as announced in the Commission’s 2024-2029 priorities.

    In order to eradicate homelessness by 2030, we must establish a common framework or definition as a jumping-off point.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.To what degree does the Commission intend to adopt a broad operational definition of homelessness based on the three domains of the home – the physical, i.e. sufficient space to live; the social, i.e. somewhere to form relationships and maintain a certain level of privacy; and the legal, i.e. guaranteeing legal protection?
    • 2.How will the Commission take ‘hidden’ homelessness into consideration as a form of housing exclusion and of insecure and inadequate housing?

    Submitted: 3.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports competitions – E-000971/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000971/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marcin Sypniewski (ESN)

    In recent years, the participation of transgender women in women’s sports has been the subject of intense debate around the world. In the United States, President Donald Trump’s administration has taken steps to protect the rights of biological women in sports by opposing the participation of transgender people in women’s categories. These decisions are supported by sports organisations and female athletes, who argue that the presence of biological men in women’s competitions poses a threat to the principles of fair competition and sports safety.

    In view of the growing tensions in the sports world and the calls from female athletes for the protection of women’s categories, we believe that the EU should clearly set out its position on this issue.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission plan to develop uniform guidelines for the participation of transgender women in sports competitions in the EU, while taking account of issues of fairness and the safety of biological women?
    • 2.Are sports organisations that receive EU funding obliged to apply certain standards regarding the participation of transgender people in women’s sports categories?
    • 3.Is the Commission considering taking action to protect women’s rights in sport, as the USA has recently done under President Donald Trump?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Deadly attacks in Syria against Alawite and Christian minorities – P-001075/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001075/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Laurent Castillo (PPE), François-Xavier Bellamy (PPE), Christophe Gomart (PPE), Céline Imart (PPE), Nadine Morano (PPE)

    For several days, deadly attacks have been taking place in Syria against the Alawite and Christian minorities, which we condemn. Syria’s transitional government must assume its responsibilities and provide evidence to the European Union of its full commitment to prosecute and convict the perpetrators of these hate crimes. Syria must not descend into Islamism, as happened in Iraq and Libya when their dictatorial regimes fell, nor must it be so naive as to overlook the fact that Ahmed al-Sharaa was an al-Qaeda and Islamic State fighter before becoming President of the Syrian Arab Republic. On 17 January 2025 the Commission announced EUR 235 million in humanitarian aid for Syria and neighbouring countries, and on 24 February 2025 the Council of the European Union announced the suspension of sectoral measures, but we should be vigilant about any normalisation of diplomatic relations.

    • 1.How does the EU monitor the use of the funds allocated to Syria?
    • 2.How does the EU intend to investigate the deadly attacks committed in early March 2025 and determine the involvement of the new regime in those attacks?
    • 3.How will the EU’s sanctions regime against Syria change?

    Submitted: 12.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Urgent measures for sea rescue – E-000979/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000979/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Alessandro Zan (S&D), Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D), Marit Maij (S&D), Mélissa Camara (Verts/ALE), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Brando Benifei (S&D), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Emma Rafowicz (S&D), Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Estrella Galán (The Left), Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE), Chloé Ridel (S&D), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Damien Carême (The Left), Sebastian Everding (The Left), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Sandra Gómez López (S&D), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE), Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D), Jaume Asens Llodrà (Verts/ALE), Pasquale Tridico (The Left), Elisabeth Grossmann (S&D)

    32 people fleeing Libya, including women and children, were left stranded for four days on the British Gas-owned Miskar oil platform off the Tunisian coast in the central Mediterranean. One person has died and many others have suffered due to a lack of food, water and shelter. Despite numerous alerts sent by Alarm Phone to the Italian and Maltese authorities, no rescue operation was initiated.

    Sea-Watch was the only rescue organisation to intervene, sending its emergency vessel Aurora. The migrants were finally rescued and are now safe aboard Aurora, after being stranded for days without any assistance.

    • 1.Does the Commission consider the inaction of the authorities a violation of Regulation (EU) No 656/2014?
    • 2.What immediate measures will it take to prevent such negligence in the future?
    • 3.How will it ensure that the rescued individuals are not sent back to Tunisia, given that this would pose a risk of violating non-refoulement obligations?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Future of wine exports – new target markets and trade agreements by 2050 – E-000974/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000974/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Schneider (PPE)

    Because of falling birth rates and declining per capita consumption in the largest and traditional consumer countries, the potential for growth in wine sales over the next 20 years is likely to be concentrated in new regions and countries.

    By 2050, half of global population growth is likely to be concentrated in just nine countries: India, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, the United States of America, Uganda and Indonesia. Accordingly, those countries are potential target markets for wine exports.

    • 1.Which countries does the Commission regard as promising outlets for EU wines by 2050?
    • 2.With which of those countries are there already trade agreements to promote wine exports, and with which of them is the Commission planning to enter into new agreements?
    • 3.How do sales promotion arrangements need to be adapted so that these prospective export markets can be targeted now?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –