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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu – B10-0111/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0111/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu

    (2025/2548(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Nigeria,

    –  having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,  

     

    A. whereas on 10 August 2020, Nigerian singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was brought before an upper Sharia court in Kano State, where he was tried without legal representation and sentenced to death by hanging for alleged blasphemy in a song he composed and shared on social media containing allegedly derogatory comments regarding the Prophet Muhammad;

    B. whereas on 21 January 2021, Kano State High Court ordered a retrial on the grounds of procedural irregularities and on 17 August 2022 the Court of Appeal upheld the constitutionality of the blasphemy provisions in the Sharia Penal Code and affirmed the retrial order;

    C. whereas in November 2022, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against his conviction, arguing that the blasphemy law under Kano State’s Sharia Penal Code directly violates Nigeria’s Constitution and binding international human rights treaties; whereas he remains in prison;

    D. whereas many other people have been harmed by Nigeria’s blasphemy laws

    E. Recalls that Nigeria is party of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which restricts capital punishment to the most serious crimes, and that the Sharia is practiced in at least 12 states in northern Nigeria and imposes the death penalty for blasphemy;

    F. whereas blasphemy laws in Nigeria are in violation of its international human rights commitments, the African Charter and the Nigerian Constitution;

    1. Urges the Nigerian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, drop all charges against him and guarantee his due process rights and to all others who face blasphemy allegations;

    2. Recalls that blasphemy laws are in clear breach of international human rights obligations, in particular the ICCPR, and contrary to the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom and freedom of expression;

    3. Urges the Nigerian authorities to uphold human rights and religious liberty throughout the country by ensuring that federal and state law do not deny Nigerians protection under the national Constitution and international conventions neither their freedom of faith;

    4. Recalls that Nigeria has enormous influence throughout Africa and the Muslim world, and stresses that this case presents an unprecedented opportunity to lead the way in addressing the Islamic fundamentalist backsliding in the region;

    5. Urges the Nigerian Government to tackle the impunity surrounding blasphemy accusations and to repeal the blasphemy laws at federal and state level;

    6. Recalls the international efforts to fight Islamic terrorist groups,  such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, who are attacking, killing and displacing  Nigerians and particularly Christians and urges Nigeria to immediately take action to fight and prevent their terrorist attack;

    7. Calls for the EU and its Member States, as key development partners, to raise individual cases, human rights concerns and blasphemy laws with the Nigerian authorities;

    8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Nigerian authorities and international institutions.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye – B10-0100/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Isabel Serra Sánchez, Özlem Demirel
    on behalf of The Left Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0100/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0100/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0100/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye

    (2025/2546(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

     

    1. whereas after the 2024 municipal elections the Interior Ministry has ordered the appointment of “trustees” in place of eight mayors and municipalities from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party, DEM (Ahmet Türk, Gülistan Sönük, Mehmet Karayılan, Cevdet Konak, Ayvaz Hazır removed in November 2024;  Sıddık Akış removed in June 2024; and Hoşyar Sarıyıldız and Sofya Alağaş removed in January 2025), and two Kurdish mayors elected from the main opposition Republican People’s Party, CHP (Ahmet Özer, removed in October 2024 and Mustafa Sarıgül, removed in November); whereas two DEM mayors and one CHP mayor are currently in detention; whereas these actions have been widely criticized as politically motivated;

     

    1. whereas Riza Akpolat, the mayor of Istanbul’s Besiktas district and a member of the CHP, has been controversially detained on allegations of tender rigging; whereas Ekrem Imamoglu, Mayor of Istanbul, is facing multiple legal challenges and faces possible political disqualification if his conviction for allegedly insulting members of Türkiye’s high electoral board, is upheld;

     

    1. whereas these cases are part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and undermine democratic processes; whereas the replacement of mayors with “trustees” has happened twice before, first in the period 2016-17 and then in 2019;

     

     

     

    1. Deplores the serious backsliding on fundamental freedoms, the human rights situation in Türkiye and the continued erosion of democracy and the rule of law;
    2. Calls on the authorities to cease the practice of removing mayors and appointing trustees which eliminate the Kurds’ right to vote, to be elected and to representation, and is a violation of the right to free and fair elections and erode local democracy; urges the release and reinstatement of democratically elected mayors and officials;
    3. Urges to put an end to the repression of political opponents, human rights defenders, civil servants, journalists, writers and academics; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all people arbitrarily detained such as Figen Yüksekdağ, Selahattin Demirtaş, Osman Kavala, Çiğdem Mater, Mine Özerden, Can Atalay, and Tayfun Kahraman, and that the charges against them be immediately dropped or cancelled;
    4. Strongly condemns the use of the justice system for political purposes; requires to ensure the independence of the judiciary, and to guarantee the right to due process;
    5. Urges the authorities to ensure that existing legislation – in particular the anti-terror Law, the Criminal Code, the law on assemblies and demonstrations and the law on disinformation– is revised to comply with international standards;
    6. Condemns the repression faced by those demonstrating against these disqualifications and calls on the authorities to respect the right to freedom of assembly and association;
    7. Requires to the Council to ensure that full implementation by Türkiye of its rule of law and fundamental rights obligations be an integral part of the EU-Türkiye relationship;
    8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EU institutions, Member States, and the Türkiyes authorities.

     

    Last updated: 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – SEDE in association with DNAT – Exchange of views with NATO DASG James Appathurai – Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

    Source: European Parliament

    The Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) – in association with the Delegation for relations with the NATO PA (DNAT) – hold an exchange of views with James Appathurai, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid, and Cyber on the Baltic Sentry and hybrid threats, on Tuesday, 28 January 2025 in Brussels.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular – B10-0134/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0134/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular

    (2025/2547(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    − having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas since 2018, the Nicaraguan Government has systematically persecuted, repressed and incarcerated dissidents, political opponents, community and religious leaders, human rights defenders, civil society organisations and journalists;

    B. whereas the regime has intensified its repression through the forced expulsion, arbitrary deprivation of nationality and confiscation of assets of over 400 Nicaraguans, with 135 deported to Guatemala in September 2024; whereas Spain has consistently offered its citizenship to Nicaraguan exiles;

    C. whereas 46 people are reported to remain imprisoned in Nicaragua for political reasons; whereas families of detainees have denounced inhumane conditions;

    D. whereas the regime has deployed a strategy of systematic repression against civil society and religious communities; whereas the government has closed at least 58 media outlets, and, according to the IACHR, has revoked the legal status of over 5,000 non-governmental organisations, with more than 1,500 shut down on 20 August 2024;

    E. whereas in September 2024, the Criminal Code was amended to allow for prosecuting in absentia people outside the country, facilitating the persecution of dissidents in exile and the seizure of assets;

    F. whereas in November 2024, the Constitution was amended, deepening the concentration of power in the executive, and providing legal cover to the arbitrary deprivation of nationality;

    G. whereas in February 2025, Nicaragua announced its withdrawal from the Food and Agriculture Organization, adding to the increasing isolation of the country from the international community;

    1. Strongly condemns the Nicaraguan government for its systematic persecution and repression, including through the use of forced exile and statelessness, of dissident voices, community and religious leaders, human rights defenders, civil society organisations and journalists;

    2. Expresses its deep concerns over recent legislative and constitutional changes; strongly urges Nicaragua to repeal all repressive legislation passed since 2018;

    3. Urges the Nicaraguan Government to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners; to ensure, in the meantime, that they have regular and unrestricted access to food, medical care, their family and lawyers of their choice; to withdraw all legal proceedings against them; to allow the safe return of refugees and exiles; to return all unduly seized assets; and to restore full respect for human rights;

    4. Calls on the Nicaraguan authorities to stop unduly closing non-governmental organisations, to restore the legal personality of all organisations, political parties, universities and media outlets that have been arbitrarily shut down, and to return all unduly seized assets;

    5. Calls on the EU and its Member States to provide support to the people that are detained, to strengthen support for civil society organisations, journalists and human rights defenders both in Nicaragua and in exile, and to intensify efforts to host, protect and assist those displaced and expelled from Nicaragua; welcomes the Spanish government’s initiative to offer nationality to exiles and their families;

    6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Nicaraguan authorities, the Council, the Commission, and the HR/VP.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular – B10-0131/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    Bernard Guetta, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0131/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular

    (2025/2547(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Nicaragua,

    – having regard to Rules 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas on 30th January 2025 the Nicaraguan National Assembly approved a constitutional reform that, radically changes the foundations of the State and the Nicaraguan political system; whereas it eliminates the division of powers, gives the Presidency control over all branches of government, independent institutions and the media and ignores the adherence of Nicaragua to international human rights conventions and treaties, including the one prohibiting torture;

    B. whereas since 2018, the Nicaraguan regime has systematically, repeatedly and arbitrarily incarcerated, harassed and intimidated human rights defenders, opposition and religious representatives, among others; whereas over 5600 NGOs have been dissolved, including religious groups, and their assets have been confiscated;

    C. whereas the main political opponents were imprisoned months before the elections, later expelled from the country together with human rights defenders, stripped of their nationality, and deprived of their political rights after being accused of “coup plotting” and “treason”;

    1. Strongly condemns the Nicaraguan regime’s widespread repression; calls on the release of all those arbitrarily detained, the restoration of the rule of law and freedoms, the cessation of repression, the restoration of rights to exiles and their safe return; insist that they are sine qua non conditions for any prospect of meaningful dialogue;

    2. Denounces the use of statelessness and exile as a weapon against any dissenting voice; reiterates the need to put an end to restrictions on civic space and respect the right to dissent;

    3. Calls on the Nicaraguan regime to reverse the constitutional reform and all repressive laws, to fully respect its international human rights obligations and to implement the recommendations made by the UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua;

    4. Calls on the European Union and its Member States to include specific guarantees of respect for human rights with regard to the European funds allocated, as well as funds channelled through multilateral and financial institutions, and to ensure, through strict control, that these funds do not contribute to reinforce the Nicaraguan regime;

    5. Calls on the relevant authorities to strengthen support for the Nicaraguan opposition currently in exile, and to maintain close cooperation with countries receiving large numbers of migrants fleeing the country;

    6. Recalls that in the light of the Association Agreement between the EU and Central America, Nicaragua must respect and consolidate the principles of the rule of law, democracy and human rights; reiterates its demand to trigger the democratic clause of the Association Agreement;

    7. Reiterates its call to include Daniel Ortega and his inner circle in the list of EU sanctioned individuals and entities;

    8. Calls for the immediate extradition of Alessio Casimirri to Italy;

    9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the HR/VP, the OAS, the EuroLat Parliamentary Assembly, the Central American Parliament, the Presidency Pro Tempore of CELAC, the Vatican and the Government and Parliament of the Republic of Nicaragua.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular – B10-0135/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    Adam Bielan, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Mariusz Kamiński, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Assita Kanko, Ivaylo Valchev, Alexandr Vondra, Aurelijus Veryga, Alberico Gambino
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0135/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular

    (2025/2547(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Nicaragua,

    – having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas since 2018 Nicaragua’s Ortega-Murillo regime intensified repression, expanding the use of forced exile and citizenship revocation as ways to target government critics and human rights defenders; whereas over 450 people have been deprived of Nicaraguan nationality since February 2023; whereas the situation is exploited by smuggling gangs operating across the region, often in collaboration with Ortega-aligned regimes in Venezuela and Cuba;

    B. whereas in January 2025 Nicaragua’s parliament ratified a constitutional amendment that elevates Ortega’s wife, Rosario Murillo, to the position of co-president and grants the Ortega-Murillo regime powers to coordinate all previously independent legislative, judicial, electoral and supervisory bodies;

    C. whereas the government has intensified its campaign against religious institutions, in particular the Catholic church; whereas since October 2023, Nicaragua has forced over 240 religious figures, including 46 priests and bishops, into exile, deported them, or barred their return to the country: whereas Bishop Rolando Álvarez was sentenced to 26 years in prison and later forced into exile; whereas dozens of churches have had their legal status revoked and around 80 percent of NGO that operated in Nicaragua were shut down, including charitable organization; whereas in January 2025 around 30 Poor Clare nuns and the Discalced Carmelite friars were forced into exile;

    1. Strongly condemns the Ortega-Murillo regime’s widespread perpetration of systematic and deliberate human rights violations against its population for purely political reasons; expresses concern  about the manipulation of criminal law and the use of the justice system as a tool to criminalise the exercise of civil and political rights, as well as the freedom of religion and belief;

    2. Condemns recent attacks on the leadership of the Catholic Church; denounces the repression against political opposition figures and Christian believers, as well as human rights defenders and journalists; urges the Nicaraguan regime to immediately end the repression and restore full respect for all human rights, including freedom of expression, religion and belief;

    3. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all imprisoned religious leaders and political prisoners, and for all legal proceedings against them to be annulled; condemns the abusive detention and the lack of trial guarantees and the illegal convictions of political prisoners;

    4. Calls on the authorities to restore Nicaraguan citizenship to all those from whom it has been arbitrarily and illegally removed;

    5. Calls on the government to reinstate the legal status of all civil society organizations and to unfreeze the bank accounts of universities, non-governmental organizations and religious groups;

    6. Deplores Nicaragua’s bond with authoritarian regimes in Havana and Caracas, as well as political, and military strategic alignment with Russia and China;

    7. Reiterates its call for the list of individuals and entities sanctioned by the EU to be expanded, and to cooperate with the US on fighting human trafficking gangs and drug cartels;

    8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Parliament and Government of Nicaragua.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular – B10-0132/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    Hermann Tertsch, Jorge Martín Frías, Gerolf Annemans, Nikola Bartůšek, Roberto Vannacci, Susanna Ceccardi
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0132/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular

    (2025/2547(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas on 15 September, 2022, this Parliament approved a resolution strongly condemning the systematic repression by the Daniel Ortega-Rosario Murillo regime in Nicaragua, in particular against the Catholic Church, with the case of bishop, and Sakharov prize finalist, Orlando Alvarez;

    B. whereas persecution and harassment against the Catholic Church is a consequence of its role as mediators in the 2018 National Dialogue;

    C. whereas, according to Open Doors International and its World Watch List, hundreds of Christian organisations have lost their legal status in Nicaragua due to arbitrary regime decisions;

    D. whereas attacks against the Catholic Church, other religious communities, and critics with the regime include killings, arbitrarily arrests, dead threats, tortures, enforces disappearances, forced exiles, closure of missionaries and charity associations, and closing of radio/TV stations;

    E. whereas, according to the International Republican Institute, after April 2018 more than 730 citizens were arbitrarily imprisoned, including political and religious leaders, human rights defenders, students, journalists and other members of  civil society, being accused of crimes such as terrorist acts, conspiracy or treachery, and facing harsh imprisonment conditions; whereas, according to the OAS, 36 citizens remained imprisoned;

    F. whereas human rights violations and abuses perpetrated since April 2018 are not an isolated phenomenon, but the result of a planned process to concentrate all powers in the figures of the dictators Ortega-Murillo;

    G. whereas systematic repression has triggered a migration and humanitarian crisis in the region, with thousands of Nicaraguans fleeing the country every year; whereas migration is being weaponised by the Ortega-Murillo regime to destabilize the region;

    H. whereas the Nicaraguan regime has been consistently supported to remain in power by other dictatorships in the region such as Cuba and Venezuela; whereas Russia has an increasing military presence;

    1. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the repression and arbitrary arrests by the Nicaraguan regime against members of the Catholic Church, religious and political leaders, human rights defenders, and all those citizens critics with the regime;

    2. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained, and for all legal proceedings against them to be annulled, including their sentences; calls for the immediate extradition of Alessio Casimirri, currently living in Managua under the protection of the Nicaraguan regime, to Italy;

    3. Stresses that the judicial system lacks independence from the executive branch; expresses concern about the manipulation of criminal law and the use of the justice system as a tool to criminalise the exercise of civil and political rights in the country;

    4. Calls on the Council to immediately adopt further and tougher sanctions against Ortega-Murillo and all their proxies, responsible for systematic human rights violations in Nicaragua; demands the immediate cessation of all financial aid from the EU to Nicaragua;

    5. Calls on the EU and its Member States to support investigations leading to prosecute Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo for crimes against humanity;

    6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the relevant parties.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular – B10-0130/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0130/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular

    (2025/2547(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the Ortega-Murillo regime has since 2018 targeted Christians in retaliation for their peaceful opposition to a social security reform; whereas, in addition to the repression against the Catholic Church in recent years, the evangelical church and other religious communities are now also increasingly targeted; whereas Christian schools, TV stations and charities have been closed and churches monitored and intimidated;

    B. whereas the Ortega-Murillo regime traffics migrants to systematically increase migration pressure on the United States (US) and fuel remittance payments, which now comprise 30 per cent of Nicaragua’s gross domestic product; whereas the Ortega-Murillo regime has loosened visa restrictions for countries across the Caribbean, Asia and Africa and sells short-time visas to migrants; whereas the Ortega-Murillo regime organises charter flights for migrants, charging migrants exorbitant visa fees; whereas 10 per cent of all migrants arriving at the US’ southern border start the trek in Nicaragua;

    C. whereas according to US Customs and Border Protection figures, more than 80 per cent of people held or denied entry between October 2020 and June 2024 were citizens from Latin America;

    1. Strongly condemns the severe persecution of Christians and political opponents by the Ortega-Murillo regime;

    2. Strongly condemns the weaponisation of migration by the Ortega-Murillo regime; emphasises that migration is becoming a systemic geopolitical challenge;

    3. Notes that the increasing number of illegal migrants to the US directly relates to the growth in human trafficking and smuggling by criminal groups; refers, in this regard, to a 2023 report by the US Department of Homeland Security, indicating that 80 per cent of illegal border crossings were organised by smugglers, resulting in an estimated revenue between 4 billion to 12 billion US dollar a year;

    4. Strongly supports the executive orders of the new US Donald Trump administration in the field of asylum and migration;

    5. Is of the opinion, that the sanctions imposed on Nicaragua, particularly by the USA and the EU, are counterproductive, worsening the economic and humanitarian situation;

    6. Notes that more than a fifth of Nicaragua’s population has already left the country and is worried that new punitive economic sanctions will only lead to further emigration;

    7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice- President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European External Action Service, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the President, government and parliament of Nicaragua.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular – B10-0128/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    Diana Riba i Giner, Catarina Vieira, Maria Ohisalo, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Ville Niinistö
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0128/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular

    (2025/2547(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the National Assembly approved a constitutional reform establishing a co-presidency, eliminating all guarantees of separation of powers and political pluralism, eliminating the right to strike, the explicit prohibition of torture and weakening essential procedural guarantees;

    B. whereas the ongoing deterioration of fundamental rights takes place in a context of an increasingly repressive regulatory framework, systematic persecution, criminalization, harassment, police hounding and acts of repression; whereas attacks on freedom of expression, conscience and religion have intensified;

    C. whereas over 450 people have been deprived of Nicaraguan nationality;

    D. whereas since April 2018, the Nicaraguan authorities have cancelled over 5,600 NGOs;

    1. Is deeply concerned by the changes introduced by the constitutional reform which seriously impacts the guarantees of future free and fair elections; urges the authorities to review this reform in order to guarantee rule of law and the separation of the executive, legislative, electoral and judicial branches;

    2. Condemns the systematic repression against the opposition, indigenous people, students, NGOs and religious leaders; condemns the use of the criminal law to persecute opponents, to suppress any criticism or opposition; calls on the Nicaraguan authorities to cease politically motivated persecution, criminalization, arbitrary detention;

    3. Condemns the provisions institutionalizing the state’s power to strip citizens’ nationality for the broadly defined crime of treason; condemns the arbitrary deprivation of Nicaraguan citizenship for at least 450 individuals; urges the Nicaraguan authorities to ensure full access to and enjoyment of the right to nationality to all, and to take measures to prevent and eradicate statelessness; urges the Nicaraguan authorities to guarantee family reunification, facilitating the issue and validity of basic official documentation in order for those affected by the violations to be able to exercise citizenship rights;

    4. Calls for the immediate release of the 45 remaining political prisoners;

    5. Supports the renewal of the Human Rights Council’s Group of Expert on Nicaragua;

    6. Calls on the Nicaraguan authorities to guarantee the life and integrity of human rights defenders who remain in Nicaragua; highlights the key role played by civil society, human rights defenders, journalists and religious leaders in Nicaragua; calls on the EU to increase support for those still in the country and currently in exile;

    7. Is particularly worried by the impact of the US aid freeze on programs and NGOs in Nicaragua;

    8. Urges the EU to hold the Nicaraguan authorities accountable including through Universal Jurisdiction cases, for repression in the country and to explore international mechanisms to hold Nicaraguan authorities accountable for violations of the 1961 convention on the reduction of statelessness and the 1984 convention against torture;

    9. Supports the efforts of the EU Delegations to closely monitor developments that are taking place in Nicaragua, including trial monitoring and visiting political prisoners in prison or under house arrest;

    10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Member States, the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly, the Central American Parliament and the authorities of the Republic of Nicaragua.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye – B10-0115/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Sebastiaan Stöteler, Marieke Ehlers, Jaroslav Bžoch, Roberto Vannacci, Susanna Ceccardi
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0115/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0115/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0115/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye

    (2025/2546(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

      having regard to its previous resolutions on Türkiye,

     

    – having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

     

    1. whereas human rights and the rule of law continue to deteriorate in Türkiye; whereas Turkish authorities have increasingly dismissed and replaced elected mayors and stepped up investigations and detentions of opposition figures, raising concerns about a growing crackdown on dissent against the government; whereas increasingly CHP and pro-Kurdish DEM Party mayors have been arrested and ousted, including for alleged terrorism ties and for alleged tender rigging;

     

    1. whereas a judicial probe has been launched against the mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, a member of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), a reported future presidential challenger; whereas Istanbul’s Chief Prosecutor’s Office is seeking a prison term of up to seven years and four months, for charges including insulting a public official and threatening and targeting people tasked with counter-terrorism;

     

    1. whereas the CHP has criticised the Istanbul prosecutor and the judiciary of being a tool used by President Erdogan’s ruling AK Party (AKP) to silence opposition; whereas in the municipal elections held in March 2024, the AKP suffered heavy losses; whereas Türkiye’s Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc has dismissed the accusation that the judiciary is politicised;

     

    1. whereas President Erdogan and Turkish senior officials have met with senior members of EU-listed terror organisations, such as Hamas, and Türkiye has provided passports and identity cards to Hamas members; whereas Türkiye has openly expressed support for Hamas’ mission and movement; whereas Türkiye has donated hundreds of millions of euros to Hamas and has increased its support to the organisation since the 7 October 2023 Hamas massacre and kidnapping of Israelis;

     

    D.  whereas in 1987, Türkiye applied to join the European Economic Community, and in 1999 was eligible to join the EU; whereas Accession negotiations started in 2005, but have been stalled by the Council due to Türkiye’s continued backsliding in the functioning of the democratic system, respect for fundamental rights and judicial independence; whereas in 2013, a visa liberalisation dialogue was launched, however, several outstanding benchmarks by Türkiye still remain;

     

    1. Expresses concern about the dismissal and arrests of mayors in Türkiye and calls on the Turkish government and authorities to cease its practice, including the end of judicial harassment against critics of the Turkish government and authorities;

     

    1. Stresses that the Turkish authorities must respect the democratic outcomes of elections and calls for the politically motivated charges against arrested mayors to be dropped;

     

    1. Calls on the Commission and the Council to consider terminating negotiations regarding Türkiye’s accession to the EU and ceasing all pre-accession funding; stresses that Türkiye is not a European country;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Parliaments of Member States and the Turkish Government and Parliament.

     

    Last updated: 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular – B10-0126/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    Sebastião Bugalho, Željana Zovko, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Gabriel Mato, David McAllister, Vangelis Meimarakis, Wouter Beke, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Tomáš Zdechovský, Mirosława Nykiel, Jessica Polfjärd, Luděk Niedermayer, Jan Farský, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0126/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular

    (2025/2547(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Nicaragua, in particular, the one of 15 September 2022 on the arrest of the bishop Rolando Álvarez,

    – having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas since 2018, the Nicaraguan regime systematically and arbitrarily incarcerated and persecuted presidential pre-candidates, opposition leaders, religious leaders – mainly Catholic-, journalists, human rights defenders, civil society organisations (CSOs), business representatives, among others; whereas since 2018, 245 members of the clergy were either arbitrarily arrested or expelled, including Bishop Rolando Álvarez, Sakharov Prize finalist;

    B. whereas on August 2024, the Ortega-Murillo regime disbanded 1,500 CSOs, among those affected are numerous religious groups mainly Catholic, bringing the total number of organisations that the regime has shut down by the regime to over 5000 since 2018;

    C. whereas on 30 January 2025, constitutional reforms were approved, giving the Ortega-Murillo regime absolute power and further dismantling the separation of powers; whereas this reform allows the regime to strip the nationality dissident voices within the country and to impose tighter control over the media and the Church;

    1. Strongly condemns the Nicaraguan regime’s widespread perpetration of systematic human rights violations against its population, democratic opposition, students, CSOs, and the persecution of the Catholic Church;

    2. Rejects the constitutional reform, as it is regressive in terms of human rights, institutionalising a totalitarian regime that is incompatible with the characteristics of a modern democratic state;

    3. Requests the Nicaraguan regime to implement the recommendations made by the GHREN, as well as those of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights;

    4. Calls for the EU and its Member States to include specific guarantees of compliance with human rights regarding European funds allocated, including through multilateral and financial institutions such as the Central American Bank for Economic Integration, and to carry out strict monitoring to ensure that they do not contribute to strengthening the Nicaraguan regime;

    5. Urges the EU to increase support for members of the Nicaraguan opposition and CSOs in exile, and to support countries receiving migrants fleeing Nicaragua, like Costa Rica;

    6. Highlights the key role played by CSOs, human rights defenders, the Church and journalists in Nicaragua; asks the EU to reinforce their regular dialogue with them and strengthen mechanisms to support their vital work;

    7. Calls on the EU Member States and the UN Security Council, in accordance with the Rome Statute, to open investigations through the International Criminal Court into Nicaragua and Daniel Ortega for crimes against humanity;

    8. Reiterates its demand that the democratic clause of the Association Agreement be triggered; rejects any prospect of holding any dialogue thought the Joint-Parliamentary Committee that includes members of the regime-controlled Nicaraguan National Assembly;

    9. Reiterates its call to expand the list of sanctioned individuals and entities to include Ortega and his inner circle;

    10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, Commission, the VP/HR, EU Member States, the Organization of American States, the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly, the PARLACEN, and the Nicaraguan authorities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Turkey – B10-0119/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Evin Incir, Nikos Papandreou, Pina Picierno
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0119/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Turkey

    (2025/2546(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

     – having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

     

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Türkiye,

     

     

    A. whereas in recent months the Turkish government has intensified actions against opposition mayors mainly by abusive use of anti-terror laws,

     

    B. whereas since the last local elections in Türkiye in March 2024, the Ministry of Interior has dismissed democratically elected mayors of 10 municipalities and districts (Hakkari, Mardin, Batman, Halfeti, Tunceli, Bahçesaray, Akdeniz and Siirt won by DEM Party, and Esenyurt and Ovacık won by CHP Party) and replaced them with government-appointed trustees,

     

    C. whereas the provision allowing for the dismissal of mayors was introduced under the state

    of emergency that followed the 2016 attempted military coup; whereas it was then immediately used as a tool against democratic opposition and predominantly targeted Kurdish regions; whereas even under this law there is no impediment for the trustee to be another elected member from the winning party;

     

    D. whereas on 17 January 2025 Riza Akpolat, the mayor of the Istanbul district of Besiktas, was arrested on allegations denounced to be politically motivated, and on 29 January 2025 Sofya Alagas, the elected mayor of Siirt, was removed from office and similarly replaced,

    1. Strongly condemns the Turkish Government’s unlawful decision to dismiss the democratically elected mayors of 10 municipalities and districts won by opposition parties such as the pro-Kurdish DEM Party and the main opposition party CHP and to replace them with trustees appointed by the interior ministry; considers this long-standing practice of appointing trustees as a blatant attack on basic principles of local democracy and a tool to supress political opposition;

    2. Calls on the Turkish government to immediately reinstate the dismissed mayors unless there is a conviction following a due process or credible evidence of having committed a serious crime;

    3. Urges Turkish authorities to fully respect the voters’ right to free and fair elections, and to apply, in the event of a mayor being removed, measures respecting the will of voters, such as allowing the municipal councils to democratically choose a replacement;

    4. Calls on the Turkish authorities to abolish the trustee system in line with the recommendations of the Council of Europe and the Venice Commission;

    5. Deplores the continued targeting of political parties and members of the opposition, who continue to suffer increasing pressure, such as the recent cases against Beşiktaş district mayor Rıza Akpolat, and the new and the standing cases against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and the mayor of Siirt Sofya Alagas,

    6. Calls on the HR/VP to consider imposing restrictive measures under the EU Human Rights sanction regime against Turkish officials accepting to be trustees;

    7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the European Commission, the council of the European Union, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative, the Government and Parliament of Türkiye, and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the continuing detention and risk of death penalty for individuals in Nigeria based on blasphemy charge, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu – B10-0120/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Hannes Heide
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0120/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0120/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0120/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the continuing detention and risk of death penalty for individuals in Nigeria based on blasphemy charge, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu

    (2025/2548(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    —  having regard to its previous resolution on Yahaya Sharif Aminu in Nigeria,

     

    —  having regard to the Constitution of Nigeria,

     

    —  having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is party,

     

    —  having regard to the Samoa Agreement,

     

    —  having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

     

     

    1. whereas in March 2020 Nigerian singer Yahaya Sharif Aminu was accused of singing lyrics which were deemed to contain derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad; whereas he was arrested and charged with blasphemy; whereas his family faced harassment and persecution following his arrest;

     

    1. whereas in August 2020 Sharif Aminu was tried without legal representation and convicted for blasphemy; whereas he was sentenced by the Upper Sharia court in Kano State to death by hanging; whereas in January 2021 the Kano State High Court ordered a retrial;

     

    1. whereas in August 2022 the Court of Appeal issued a judgement confirming it considers the Sharia Penal Code to be compatible with the Nigerian constitution; whereas Sharif Aminu appealed to the Supreme Court in November 2022; whereas he is still awaiting a trial date for the appeal;

     

    1. whereas reports indicate his health has deteriorated and he is detained in unsuitable conditions without sufficient food, clothing, or medication;

     

    1. whereas blasphemy laws are a violation of international human rights commitments and stifle freedom of expression and of religion and belief; whereas accusations of blasphemy frequently lead to harassment, violence and in the most serious cases mob killing;

     

    1. whereas the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights restricts the use of capital punishment to only the most serious crimes; whereas death penalty sentences continue to be handed down in blasphemy cases in northern Nigerian states under Sharia law;

     

     

    1. Calls on the Nigerian authorities to immediately release Sharif Aminu and withdraw the blasphemy charges against him; insists that while he remains in detention his access to adequate food, clothing and medical treatment must be ensured;
    2. Calls on the Supreme Court of Nigeria to ensure an expedited and fair appeals process, pending his release;

     

    1. Urges the Governor of Kano to refrain from signing any warrant for the execution of Sharif Aminu;

     

    1. Underlines the EU’s strong opposition to the death penalty, in all cases and without exception; reiterates its calls for the Government of Nigeria to immediately withdraw the use of capital punishment for blasphemy, and take steps towards full abolition;
    2. Calls on the HR/VP and Member States to raise the case of Sharif Aminu in engagement with the Nigerian authorities;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the HR/VP, and the President, Government and Parliament of Nigeria, and the Governor of Kano State.

     

     

     

     

    Last updated: 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu – B10-0117/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Jan‑Christoph Oetjen, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0117/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0117/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0117/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu

    (2025/2548(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolution of 20 April 2023 on the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu,

    – having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

     

    A. whereas in March 2020, Nigerian singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was arrested and his family attacked following accusations of blasphemy over a song shared online;

    B. whereas on 10 August 2020, he was sentenced to death by an Upper Sharia Court in Kano State without legal representation; whereas on 27 August 2020, the Kano State Governor publicly stated he would sign the execution warrant;

    C. whereas following legal challenges citing procedural violations and constitutional concerns, the Kano State High Court ordered a retrial in January 2021; whereas in August 2022, the Court of Appeal upheld this ruling but affirmed the constitutionality of Sharia blasphemy laws;

    D. whereas Yahaya Sharif-Aminu’s appeal to the Supreme Court remains pending; whereas in May 2024, UN human rights experts demanded his immediate release, condemning his detention as a violation of fundamental rights;

    E. whereas in November 2024, his legal counsel petitioned Nigeria’s National Assembly to challenge the constitutionality of his detention and advocate for legislative reform;

    F. whereas similar cases persist, including Deborah Yakubu, a student lynched in 2022, and Mubarak Bala, sentenced to 24 years in prison for blasphemy; whereas Rhoda Jatau was detained for two years before her acquittal in December 2024;

    G. whereas religious freedom and freedom of expression are fundamental rights that must be upheld globally;

     

    1. Condemns the continued imprisonment of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and calls for his immediate and unconditional release and the dismissal of all charges;
    2. Welcomes Rhoda Jatau’s acquittal, but expresses grave concern over Mubarak Bala’s continued detention, and urges authorities to protect acquitted individuals from reprisals;
    3. Calls on Nigeria to repeal blasphemy laws, including Section 204 of the Criminal Code, and align national laws with international human rights obligations;
    4. Urges Nigeria to immediately impose a nationwide moratorium on executions and work towards full abolition of the death penalty for blasphemy and non-violent offenses;
    5. Denounces impunity surrounding blasphemy accusations and calls for protection against mob violence; 
    6. Calls on the Nigerian police to ensure prompt investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of mob killings related to blasphemy;
    7. Stresses Nigeria’s responsibility to lead by example in abolishing blasphemy laws that systematically endanger religious minorities, violate fundamental freedoms and fuel sectarian violence;
    8. Reaffirms the importance of international cooperation in advancing human rights and urges diplomatic engagement on blasphemy laws;
    9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Nigerian government, National Assembly, African Union, UN, and EU institutions.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Short-range drones: The deadliest threat to civilians in Ukraine

    Source: United Nations 4

    Human Rights

    In January 2025, short-range drones caused more casualties than any other weapon in Ukraine, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) said in a new report released on Tuesday. 

    With increasing reports of these drones striking civilians in cars, on buses and on public streets, UN monitors have raised serious concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law.

    According to HRMMU’s latest monthly update on the protection of civilians, at least 139 were killed and 738 injured in Ukraine last month. Attacks using short-range drones accounted for almost 30 per cent of these incidents.

    “Short-range drones now pose one of the deadliest threats to civilians in frontline areas,” said Danielle Bell, Head of HRMMU.

    Terror in the skies

    The mission reports that 95 per cent of casualties from short-range drones in January occurred in territory controlled by Ukraine, with the remaining five per cent in areas occupied by Russia.

    Many of the attacks involved first-person-view drones, that is, drones equipped with real time cameras, allowing operators to identify and track their targets with precision.

    While such technology should, in theory, enable drone operators to distinguish between military and civilian targets, the UN’s findings suggest otherwise.

    “Our data shows a clear and disturbing pattern of short-range drones being used in ways that put civilians at grave risk,” Ms. Bell noted.

    Deadly incidents on the frontline

    The new year brought no respite in frontline regions but rather an escalation and even expansion of the fighting.

    Casualties due to short-range drones were responsible for 70 per cent of civilian deaths in the Kherson region, which suffered the highest number of casualties.

    One of the most shocking incidents took place on 6 January, when a drone targeted a public transit bus in Kherson City during rush hour. The attack killed a man and a woman and injured eight others.

    HRMMU also recorded an increase in drone-related casualties in other frontline regions, including Kharkiv, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia.

    First-hand account of strikes

    Survivors have described the moments leading up to these attacks with harrowing detail.

    A civilian from Mykolaiv recounted how a small drone circled above his head before diving directly at him while he was working in his home’s garden.

    “I realised that I did not have time to hide. I dropped to the ground and covered my head with my hands,” he told HRMMU.

    “The blast wave tore off all my clothes. I somehow instinctively tried to protect my eyes. This saved my eyesight, because after the drone explosion, the backs of my palms were covered with small metal fragments, which surgeons later removed. My wedding ring was so pressed into my finger that they had to saw it off to remove it from my finger,” he continued.

    A disturbing trend

    HRMMU’s data shows a sharp increase in civilian casualties from short-range drones throughout 2024, with a particularly alarming spike in the last six months.

    “The on-board cameras should allow operators to distinguish with a higher degree of certainty between civilians and military objectives”, Ms. Bell said, “yet civilians continue to be killed in alarming numbers”.

    As Ukraine’s conflict continues, UN monitors have reiterated calls for all parties to take immediate measures to safeguard civilians, in line with international humanitarian principles.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister addresses the 14th India-France CEOs Forum

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister’s Office

    Prime Minister addresses the 14th India-France CEOs Forum

    Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 12:16AM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of France, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron jointly addressed the 14th India-France CEOs Forum today in Paris. The forum brought together CEOs from a diverse group of companies from both sides, focusing on sectors such as defence, aerospace, critical and emerging technologies, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life-sciences, wellness and lifestyle, and food and hospitality.

    Prime Minister in his address noted the expanding India-France business and economic collaboration and the impetus it has provided to the strategic partnership between the two countries. He highlighted India’s attractiveness as a favored global investment destination, based on its stable polity and predictable policy ecosystem. Talking of the reforms announced in the recent budget, PM noted that the insurance sector was now open for 100% FDI and civil nuclear energy sector for private participation with focus on SMR and AMR technologies; customs rate structure was rationalized; and simplified income tax code was being brought in to enhance Ease of Living. Referring to the government’s commitment to continue ushering in reforms, he noted that a high-level committee for regulatory reforms had been constituted to establish trust based economic governance. In the same spirit, more than 40,000 compliances had been rationalized in the last few years.

    Prime Minister invited French companies to look at the immense opportunities offered by the India growth story, in the defense, energy, highway, civil aviation, space, healthcare, fintech and sustainable development sectors. Underlining global appreciation and interest in India’s skills, talent and innovation and in its newly launched AI, Semiconductor, Quantum, Critical Minerals and Hydrogen missions, he called upon French enterprises to partner India for mutual growth and prosperity. He outlined the importance of active engagement in these sectors, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to fostering innovation, investment, and technology-driven partnerships. Full remarks of Prime Minister may be seen here

    External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, alongside the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, H.E. Jean-Noël Barrot, and the Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty of France, H.E. Eric Lombard also addressed the Forum.

    5. CEOs from both sides who attended the meeting were:

    Indian Side:

      Company Name(Sector) Name and Designation

    1

    Jubiliant Foodsworks/Jubiliant Life Sciences, Food and Beverage

    Hari Bhartia, Co-Chairman and Director

    2.

    CII

    Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General

    3.

    Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Railways and Infrastructure

    Umesh Chowdhary, Vice Chairman and Managing Director

    4.

    Bharat Light & Power Private Limited, (Renewable Energy)

    Tejpreet Chopra, President & CEO

    5.

    P Mafatlal Group, Textiles and Industrial Products

    Vishad Mafatlal, Chairman

    6.

    boat, Consumer Electronics (Wearables)

    Aman Gupta, Co-Founder

    7.

    Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DICCI), Business Advocacy and Inclusion

    Milind Kamble, Founder/Chairman

    8.

    Skyroot Aerospace, Aerospace & Space and Technology

    Pawan Kumar Chandana,Co-Founder

    9.

    Agnikul, Aerospace & Space and Technology

    Srinath Ravichandran, Co-Founder & CEO

    10.

    Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, Aerospace and Defense

    Sukaran Singh, Managing Director

    11

    UPL Group, Agrochemical and Agribusiness

    Vikram Shroff, Vice Chairman and Co-CEO

    12.

    Sula Vineyards, Food and Beverage

    Rajeev Samant, CEO

    13.

    Dynamatic Technologies Ltd, Aerospace & Defence, and Engineering

    Udayant Malhoutra, CEO & Managing Director

    14.

    Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE), Engineering and Consulting

    Amit Sharma, Managing Director & CEO

    15.

    Nykaa, Cosmetics and consumer goods

    Falguni Nayyar,CEO

    French Side:

      Company Name(Sector) Name and Designation

    1

    Air Bus, Aerospace & Defence

    Guillaume Faury, CEO

    2.

    Air Liquide, Chemicals, Health care, Engineering

    François Jackow, CEO & a member of the Board of Directors of the Air Liquide Group

    3.

    BlaBlaCar, Transport, Services

    Nicolas Brusson, CEO & Co-Founder

    4

    Capgemini Group, Information Technology, Engineering

    Aiman Ezzat, CEO

    5

    Danone, Food & Beverages

    Antoine de SAINT-AFFRIQUE, CEO

    6

    EDF, Energy, Power

    Luc Rémont, Chairman &CEO

    7

    Egis Group, Architecture Construction Engineering

    Laurent Germain,CEO

    8.

    Engie Group, Energy, Renewable Energy

    Catherine MacGregor, CEO & Board Member of ENGIE.

    9

    L’Oréal, Cosmetics & Consumer Goods

    Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO & Member of Board of Directors

    10

    Mistral AI, Artificial Intelligence

    Arthur Mensch, CEO & Co-Founder

    11

    Naval Group, Defence, Shipbuilding, Engineering

    Pierre Eric Pommellet, Chairman & CEO

    12.

    Pernod Ricard, Alcohol Beverages, FMCG

    Alexandre Ricard, Chairman & CEO

    13

    Safran, Aerospace & Defence

    Olivier Andriès, CEO

    14.

    Servier, Pharmaceuticals, Health care

    Olivier Laureau, President & CEO

    15

    Total Energies SE, Energy

    PATRICK Pouyanné, Chairman & CEO

    16

    Vicat, Construction

    Guy Sidos, Chairman & CEO

     

    ****

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2102056)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Exhibition “Legacy of Indo- Oman Relations” Mounted at Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Hall, Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Exhibition “Legacy of Indo- Oman Relations”  Mounted at Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar  Hall, Delhi

    Open to the Public from 11 February to 13 February, 2025

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 8:58PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Archives of India (NAI) in collaboration with the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA), Sultanate of Oman, jointly inaugurated an exhibition on the theme “Legacy of Indo-Oman Relations” on 11th February 2025 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi. India and Oman.

    The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, historians, and scholars from both nations. Their Excellencies, the Ambassadors of Kuwait, Syria, Jordan, Arab League, Egypt, Algeria, UAE, Palestine, Bahrain, Honorary Consul General of Montenegro were among the dignitaries who attended the inaugural function. The exhibition showcases a collection of rare archival documents that trace centuries-old trade, diplomatic relations, and cultural exchanges between India and Oman. It highlights significant historical moments and collaborations that have shaped bilateral relations over time.

    Inaugurating the exhibition, Shri. Arun Singhal, Director General of Archives, National Archives of India, stated, “This exhibition stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and shared history between India and Oman. It offers a unique opportunity to reflect on our historical connections and further strengthen archival collaboration between our two nations.”  Speaking at the event, H.E. Dr. Hamed Mohd. Al Dhawaini, Chairman of the National Records & Archives Authority, Oman stated that Oman and India have witnessed remarkable growth in bilateral relations, forming strategic partnerships based on trust and mutual respect. He emphasized that historical records and correspondence demonstrate the lasting significance of these ties, which continue to shape the social and cultural constituent of both countries.

    The joint initiative aims to promote cultural understanding and academic research through archival exchanges. Open to the public from 11 February to 13 February, 2025, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the rich legacy of Indo-Oman relations.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2102027) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Aero India 2025: CEOs Rountable receives unprecedent response with the participation of 116 global CEOs

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Aero India 2025: CEOs Rountable receives unprecedent response with the participation of 116 global CEOs

    Announcements made regarding plans for investments, collaborations and setting-up of development centres & Centre of Excellence

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 8:53PM by PIB Delhi

    The CEOs Rountable, which was graced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on the opening day of 15th Aero India on February 10, 2025, received an unprecedent response with the participation of 116 global CEOs. Many foreign as well as Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) made announcements regarding their plans for investments, collaborations and setting-up of development centres & Centre of Excellence etc. These include:

     

    • Announcement by Ultra Maritime & Bharat Dynamics Limited for signing of an initial contract for the co-production of US specification
    • Announcement by Bharat Forge for their plan for the manufacturing of Landing Gear for certain commercial aircrafts 100% in the country.
    • Announcement by Safran, France & Bharat Electronics Limited for their partnership for co-production of Hammer missile in India.

     

    Fifty eight (58) foreign OEMs including John Cockerill (Belgium), Airbus (France), Ultra Maritime (USA), GNT (South Korea), Mitsubishi (Japan), Safran (France), Liebherr Aerospace (France), L3Harris Technologies Inc. (USA), Thales (France), Lockheed Martin (USA), Martin Baker (UK) attended the Roundtable. The Indian OEMs included Bharat Forge Ltd, Adani Defence & Aerospace, Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd, Ashok Leyland Defence and Defence Public Sector Undertakings.

    During the meeting, Raksha Mantri invited the global OEMs to utilise the opportunities offered by the expanding Indian defence ecosystem and find targeted solutions & counter measures to the challenges emerging due to the volatile geopolitical landscape of today.

    The event was organised on the theme E.D.G.E i.e. ‘Enabling Defence Cooperation through Global Engagement’, based on  Business Centric Technology Development, Joint Ventures, Manufacturing Excellence Hubs, Industry Led Capacity Building, Joint Ventures, Co-Development & Co-Production and Technology Transfer.

    During the event, Raksha Mantri also inaugurated ‘Defence Testing Portal (DTP)’ and released a booklet on ‘Defence Testing Capabilities’ of the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA). DTP will enhance ease of doing business in defence testing by improving the visibility of defence testing infrastructure and improved transparency and accountability in conduct of defence tests. The booklet will serve as a guiding document for defence manufacturers and acts as a ready reckoner during important stages of defence procurement and delivery processes.

    A short film highlighting the robust Indian defence ecosystem and vividly capturing the remarkable evolution and strides of India’s Aerospace & Defence Sector, was showcased as a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment and bold vision for the future.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi co-chairs AI Action Summit in Paris

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi co-chairs AI Action Summit in Paris

    AI is writing the code for humanity in this century: PM

    There is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that uphold our shared values, address risks and build trust: PM

    AI can help transform millions of lives by improving health, education, agriculture and so much more: PM

    We need to invest in skilling and re-skilling our people for an AI-driven future: PM

    We are developing AI applications for public good: PM

    India is ready to share its experience and expertise to ensure that the AI future is for Good, and for All: PM

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 7:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit today along with the President of France, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The week-long summit, which began with the Science Days on February 6-7, followed by the Cultural Weekend on February 8-9, culminated in a High-Level Segment attended by global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts.

    The High-Level Segment commenced with a dinner hosted by President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on February 10, bringing together Heads of State and Government, leaders of international organizations, CEOs of major AI companies and other distinguished participants.

    At the Plenary Session today, President Macron invited Prime Minister to deliver the opening address as the co-chair of the summit. In his address, Prime Minister noted that the world was at the dawn of the AI age where this technology was fast writing the code for humanity and re-shaping our polity, economy, security and society. Emphasizing that AI was very different from other technological milestones in human history in terms of impact, he called for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that uphold shared values, address risks and build trust. He further added that governance was not just about managing risks but also about promoting innovation and deploying it for the global good. In this regard, he advocated for ensuring access to AI for all, especially the Global South. He called for democratizing technology and its people-centric applications so that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals becomes a reality. Alluding to the success of India-France sustainability partnership through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, PM stated that it was only natural that the two countries were joining hands to forge an innovation partnership for a smart and responsible future.

    Prime Minister highlighted India’s success in building a Digital Public Infrastructure for its 1.4 billion citizens based on open and accessible technology. Talking about India’s AI Mission, PM noted that India, considering its diversity, was building its own Large Language Model for AI. He underlined that India was ready to share its experience to ensure that the benefits of AI reach everyone. Prime Minister announced that India will be hosting the next AI Summit. The full address of Prime Minister may be seen here [ Opening Address ; Concluding Address ]

    The Summit concluded with the adoption of the Leaders’ Statement. The summit featured discussions on critical themes, including greater access to AI infrastructure to ensure inclusion, the responsible use of AI, AI for public interest, making AI more diverse and sustainable, and ensuring safe and trusted governance of AI.

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Concluding Address by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the AI Action Summit, Paris

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 6:25PM by PIB Delhi

    Today’s discussions have brought out one thing – there is unity in vision and unity in purpose across stakeholders.

    I welcome the decision to set up the “AI Foundation” and the “Council for Sustainable AI”. I congratulate France and my dear friend President Macron for these initiatives and assure our full support.

    We must also make the “Global Partnership for AI” truly global in nature. It should be more inclusive of the Global South and its priorities, concerns and needs.

    To build on the momentum of this Action Summit, India would be happy to host the next Summit.

    Thank you.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Video: Artificial Intelligence, Middle East & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    ———————————

    Highlights:

    – Artificial Intelligence
    – Middle East
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo
    – Ukraine
    – Women & Girls in Science
    – Guest

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=11%20February%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27gaH5k6Vqs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work is well underway on homes built at former Coventry garage sites

    Source: City of Coventry

    Work is progressing well on eight former garage sites across Coventry.

    Housing association, Citizen, is working with Excelsior Land and LoCaL Homes with support from Coventry City Council to build 19 properties at eight sites across the city including Whoberley, Stoke Aldermoor, Bell Green, Holbrooks and Cheylesmore.

    The homes are being built using timber frames which is a modern method of construction. The frames are built in the LoCaL factory in Walsall and are transported to the sites in Coventry where they are then assembled and built by Excelsior Land.

    There are several benefits to using timber frames including speed of build and sustainability – a new tree is planted for every tree that is felled to build the timber frame and there is very little waste.

    Councillor Naeem Akhtar from Coventry City Council said: “I was really impressed when I saw the way the homes are built. I visited the site on Henley Road in Bell Green and saw a derelict site now set to provide homes for families in Coventry.

    “There is a real need for good homes in Coventry, and as a partnership with Citizen, this highlights our commitment to find innovative ways of building houses where they are most needed.

    “Social housing is a real priority for the Council, and I’m delighted to see the progress that Citizen and other partners are making on the garage sites. I spoke to the workers on the site, and they are impressed with speed the properties go up and how little waste is generated.”

    Executive Director of Development at Citizen, Nick Byrne, said: “Work is progressing really well on our garage sites across Coventry.

    “We’re working with our partners to provide much needed housing in the area alongside transforming former garage sites.

    “Using timber frames as a Modern Method of Construction at this site will help produce less carbon dioxide emissions as opposed to traditional brick. The homes are also assembled on site quickly which means they can be built at a much faster pace compared to traditional build.

    “We also chose timber frames for the garage sites as they have limited access and space to store materials, so by using this construction method the homes were able to be built effectively.

    “At Citizen we are committed to working with our partners to make a positive difference to our customers and are looking forward to seeing these homes progress.”

    The homes at the sites will be a mix of one and three bed houses as well as one and two bed bungalows.

    Katie O’Cearbhhaill from Excelsior Land said: “Excelsior Land are delighted to be partnering with Citizen to provide much needed homes in the Coventry area. All of the homes we create are low carbon and this scheme is no exception.

    “We pride ourselves on working with our clients to regenerate local communities, and reduce crime hotspots by transforming these challenging garage sites into first class accommodation for the local residents. We are currently running 13% ahead of our programme schedule and attribute this to the positive partnership and proactive collaboration between Citizen Housing Group, LoCaL Homes and Excelsior Land.

    “Regenerating local communities using brown field sites is important to Excelsior Land and we look forward to carrying out many more projects like this!”

    Mike Doolan, Sales and Partnership Manager at LoCaL Homes added: “We are delighted to be working with Citizen, Coventry  City Council and Excelsior Land to deliver 19 new, thermally-efficient home which will meet a variety of housing need across the city.

    “Our off-site manufactured Eco-200 timber frame solutions, complete with brick slips, reduce construction time on site and produce less waste when compared to traditional building methods. This brings both environmental benefits and results in quicker handovers. The future occupants will be paying, on average, lower fuel bills thanks to the thermal-efficiency of our fabric-first approach.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Future use of Grantown on Spey Common Good Fund

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members of the Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee have discussed the finances of the Grantown on Spey Common Fund and welcomed the potential future good uses it will be used for to benefit the people of Grantown on Spey.

    Chair of the Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee Cllr Russell Jones said: “The development of the Grantown on Spey Common Good Fund is a long-term commitment that Badenoch and Strathspey Councillors are laying down the foundations now for future generations to come.

    “Members have welcomed the potential future uses of the Common Good Fund including examples such as: giving financial support to local charities and supporting community projects and community events.

    “The creation of the Fund will however take time before it can use disbursed, and we hope that in future the income to the Grantown on Spey Common Good Fund collected now and over the years will enable the creation of specific budgets for events and festivals and community projects to benefit the local community.

    “These ambitions to support the people of Grantown on Spey will take time to build the income streams Common Good Fund for future generations.”

    Cllr Bill Lobban added: “We want to see the Grantown on Spey Common Good Fund grow in the future and benefit the local community. It’s important that people know that the Fund will be used exclusively for the benefit of the people of Grantown on Spey and not on Council projects.

    Councillors noted a forecast 2024/25 year end position of the Common Good Fund revenue reserves of £910 and approved a proposed budget for 2025/26 with an anticipated income of £500 and year end revenue reserves of £1,410.

    In time all future proposals that would benefit the Grantown on Spey area alone, would come to the Area Committee for local Members consideration.

    11 Feb 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Council directive on equal treatment: Potential European added value – 11-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    In June 2024, the Belgian Council Presidency put forward a compromise proposal for a new Council directive on equal treatment and it won the support of 24 of the 27 Member States. The proposed law calls for the EU acquis on non-discrimination and equality to be extended to four new grounds beyond the area of employment (religion or belief, age, sexual orientation and disability). This briefing looks into what might be the European added value of such a directive. While most Member States already offer legal protection for the stated grounds and areas, the proposed law could still be expected to generate benefits for society by ensuring comprehensive and consistent protection against discrimination throughout the EU. Everyone living in the EU could stand to benefit from the proposed law, although those groups that face greater risk of discrimination would likely benefit to a greater extent. An analysis of European Social Survey data suggests that about three quarters of the EU population (aged over 15) identify with at least one of four characteristics: (i) belonging to a religion or denomination; (ii) over 65 years of age; (iii) hampered in daily activities to some extent; (iv) not heterosexual. Providers of goods and services (e.g. businesses, schools, hospitals, landlords) could be expected to incur some costs to comply with the proposed law. Such costs, however, would be subject to proportionality and the availability of public support. Other costs could include the preparation of guidelines to ensure neutral provision of goods and services in times of limited supply. The compromise proposal could offer EU added value by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the EU’s anti-discrimination framework in fulfilling Treaty commitments. This added value would depend on the extent to which legal certainty were improved and discrimination recognised and internalised by service providers. The proposed law could nevertheless promote more harmonised living standards and free movement in the internal market.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ensuring fair trade and protecting Spanish and European fisheries – E-002723/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Since 2015 the EU and China cooperate in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing through a working group under the bilateral Ocean Partnership[1].

    It facilitates exchanges on the respective anti-IUU policies, the implementation of the EU catch certification scheme and on Chinese investigations and actions regarding alleged and confirmed IUU fishing activities of their distant waters fleet. The group meets at least once a year but intersessional exchanges are continuous regarding new cases of traceability or law enforcement.

    The IUU working group has been successful in increasing transparency and encouraging China to go into concrete results in fighting IUU fishing.

    One of the deliverables has been to trigger investigations and sanctions by Chinese authorities on national vessels that had perpetrated IUU fishing.

    Another important deliverable of the IUU working group is the adoption by China in 2023 of a dedicated legal basis for sanctioning non-compliance with the EU catch certification scheme.

    Since then, seven Chinese companies had their export permits revoked thanks to joint investigations by the Commission, Member States and other market states. Controls by Member States at EU borders are crucial to enhance traceability in the seafood supply chain.

    The digitalisation of the EU catch certification scheme, which was agreed by co-legislators in the revised Fisheries Control Regulation, will become effective in January 2026 and will further strengthen traceability and help safeguard European fishers.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/mare/document.cfm?doc_id=53843
    Last updated: 11 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Urgent need to support beekeeping sector in the EU, especially in Greece – E-002941/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. As expressed in the replies to written questions 2466/2024[1] and 2537/2024[2], the sustainability of the European apiculture sector and fight against honey adulteration are key priorities for the Commission. Towards this end, significant support is provided to beekeepers under th e Common Agricultural policy (CAP) as well as through various policy initiatives to safeguard pollinators, including honeybees, and their environment. In addition to the support for the apiculture sector in the CAP Strategic Plans, aid is also available to farmers, including beekeepers, for the adoption of bee-friendly farming practices under eco-schemes and agri-environmental measures. These include the creation of feeding areas for pollinators, cultivation of melliferous plants and reduction of pesticide use, amongst others.

    The most recently introduced measures to fight against honey adulteration are detailed in the above-mentioned replies.

    2. While an annual pollination subsidy is not currently provided for in the legislation, the Commission will continue to engage with stakeholders and Member States to develop effective strategies for the future of the sector.

    3. Under the Greek CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027[3], over EUR 61 million (public expenditure) have been earmarked to support beekeepers through targeted interventions for apiculture, including for training and advisory services, research, investments for transhumance and honey analysis to enhance quality and improve marketing. Additional support is also available under various rural development interventions including for agri-environment commitments, with over EUR 18 million (public expenditure) allocated to beekeepers to introduce and maintain organic apiculture practices.

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2024-002466-ASW_EN.pdf
    • [2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2024-002537-ASW_EN.pdf
    • [3] https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/cap-my-country/cap-strategic-plans/greece_en
    Last updated: 11 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Connectors for e-bike chargers – E-002923/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Electrically powered assisted cycles (EPACs) are subject to the Machinery Directive[1] as regards their safety. The harmonised standard EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 on EPACs was cited in the Official Journal on 15 May 2024[2] with a transitional period of 24 months, to allow the industry to gradually implement the new provisions including those on interoperability.

    Manufacturers of e-bikes will have to respect the harmonised standard in order to benefit from the presumption of conformity. Although harmonised standards are not mandatory, the presumption of conformity is a powerful incentive encouraging manufacturers to comply with them.

    With respect to the harmonisation of charging connector types for e-bikes and other light electric vehicles, the standards address the comunication aspects between vehicles and the electricity grid, but are not sufficient to ensure the physical interoperability between charging points and vehicle connectors.

    Following Article 94(6) of the Batteries Regulation[3], the Commission conducted in 2024 a study[4] ‘Assessment of harmonised standards for “common chargers” for rechargeable batteries powering light means of transport and specific categories of electrical and electronic equipment covered by Directive 2012/19/EU’.

    The study describes the fragmentation that exists in the market for battery-operated light means of transport with respect to their charging interoperability and the different market-led alternatives that are emerging.

    The Commission is currently reflecting how to further promote interoperability for battery-operated light means of tranport and intends to adopt a report in the first half of 2025.

    • [1] Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on machinery, and amending Directive 95/16/EC, OJ L 157, 9.6.2006, p. 24.
    • [2] Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1329 of 13 May 2024 amending and correcting Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/1586, OJ L, 2024/1329, 15.5.2024.
    • [3]  Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2023 concerning batteries and waste batteries, amending Directive 2008/98/EC and Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repealing Directive 2006/66/EC, OJ L 191, 28.7.2023, p. 1-117.
    • [4] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/0f8e257e-8526-11ef-a67d-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
    Last updated: 11 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Recycling targets under the Packaging Directive – E-002353/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD)[1], in its Article 6(1) (f) to (i), lays down the obligation for Member States to reach certain recycling targets. Based on Article 6(1a), Member States may postpone the deadlines for achieving those targets, provided the conditions listed in that provision are fulfilled.

    The choice of whether to postpone any of those targets is made at national level, and this intention must be notified to the Commission at the latest 24 months before the respective deadline, pursuant to Article 6(1a) (d). If the conditions for the postponement are fulfilled, the postponed target(s) are implemented and applied at national level, as a matter of national law. Therefore, the recycling targets that are postponed at national level are not included in the proposal for a new Regulation on PPW (PPWR)[2].

    Article 52 of the new PPWR takes over the 2025 and 2030 packaging waste recycling targets from the PPWD. While the decision to postpone the targets will still be made at national level, the regulation empowers the Commission to reject a Member State’s intention to postpone the 2030 targets in case the mandatory implementation plan is not sufficiently compliant with the requirements. The regulation, adopted by the co-legislators, will be published in January 2025, and be applicable 18 months after its entry into force.

    2. Article 70 of the PPWR establishes provisions to govern the transition from the directive to the regulation. The aim is to ensure continuity of the legal regimes. Therefore, any non-conformity vis a vis the directive will be assessed according to these rules.

    • [1] European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste, OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 10-23, amended by Directive (EU) 2018/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018, OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 141-154.
    • [2] Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904, and repealing Directive 94/62/EC, COM/2022/677 final.
    Last updated: 11 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – IUCN red list update, tree species and deforestation – E-002320/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The regulation on Deforestation-free products (EUDR)[1] aims to prevent the placing on the EU market of products associated with deforestation and forest degradation.

    The EUDR requires that specific commodities — soy, beef, palm oil, wood, cocoa, rubber or coffee and their derived products — placed in the EU market are deforestation free, i.e. were produced on land that has not been subject to deforestation after 31 December 2020.

    The EUDR sets mandatory due diligence requirements for any company intending to place those commodities and products on the EU market or to export such products from the EU.

    The Commission remains fully committed to the Green Deal’s[2] central objective of making the EU climate-neutral by 2050. To this end, the Commission intends to propose setting out a 90% emissions reduction target for 2040 in the European Climate Law[3]. The Commission will also develop an ambitious and robust European Climate Adaptation Plan[4].

    The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030[5] provides that 30% of all EU land and sea area should be covered by protected areas, and that 10% of land and sea areas, including all remaining primary and old-growth forests in the EU, should become strictly protected areas by 2030.

    According to the subsidiarity principle it is, however, up to Member States, to define the criteria and the concrete protection measures for their old-growth forests.

    A Commission Staff working document[6] with further criteria and guidance for protected area designations recommends that additional protected area designations should focus, amongst others, on the information included in European and national red lists. A European Red list of trees[7] has been published in 2019.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010, OJ L 150, 9.6.2023, p. 206-247.
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en
    • [3] https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/european-climate-law_en
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/document/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en (p. 22).
    • [5] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/biodiversity-strategy-2030_en
    • [6] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/criteria-and-guidance-protected-areas-designations-staff-working-document_en
    • [7] https://iucn.org/resources/publication/european-red-list-trees

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Water crisis in the province of Enna, compliance with EU legislation on sustainable water management and respect for the right of access to water – E-002008/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) [1] supports Member States and regions in improving water management systems and infrastructures. Under the Regional Programme Sicily ERDF 2014-2020 and 2021-2027 and the National Programme Infrastructures and Networks ERDF 2014-2020, some EUR 460 million have been allocated to support sustainable water management in Sicily, with priority for infrastructural interventions reducing losses in the water supply network. These investments concern new and upgraded water supply networks, improvements to reservoirs and the reuse of wastewater.

    While Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan allocates EUR 4.8 billion to enhance water supply management through targeted projects, the Council Implementing Decision Annex does not allocate resources specifically to the province of Enna. Any allocation to Enna is a decision of national and regional authorities.

    2. According to the Common Provisions Regulation[2] (CPR), the selection and funding of operations is the responsibility of the regional or national authorities managing the programmes. Furthermore, the CPR lays down enabling conditions for Member States to access the ERDF with a view to ensuring that the necessary prerequisites are met for the effective and efficient implementation of a selected specific objective.

    For the Regional Programme Sicily ERDF 2021-2027, the enabling condition ‘2.5 Updated planning for required investments in water and wastewater sectors’ is not yet fulfilled; therefore, payments of EU contributions to this sector have not started.

    The Commission monitors the programmes’ implementation and progress towards the fulfilment of the applicable enabling conditions in regular meetings with the managing authorities.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/erdf_en
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy.
    Last updated: 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –