NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Antisemitic remarks by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas – E-002606/2023(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In the statement issued by his spokesperson on 7 September 2023[1], the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell stressed that the speech delivered by the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas to Fatah’s 11th Revolutionary Council in late August 2023 contained false and grossly misleading remarks about Jews and antisemitism.

    It was also underlined that such historical distortions are inflammatory, deeply offensive, can only serve to exacerbate tensions in the region and serve no-one’s interests.

    They play into the hands of those who do not want a two-state solution, which President Abbas has repeatedly advocated for.

    Moreover, they trivialize the Holocaust and thereby fuel antisemitism and are an insult to the millions of victims of the Holocaust and their families. The Commission has no tolerance for incitement to hatred and violence, and antisemitism in all its forms.

    The Commission noted the discharge report by the European Parliament[2]. The EU remains firmly committed to promoting inclusive and quality education for the Palestinian people, including ensuring full adherence to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation standards in the education material.

    • [1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/palestine-statement-spokesperson-president-abbas-remarks-jews-and-anti-semitism_en
    • [2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2024-0228_EN.pdf
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Turkish attacks in Syria – P-000491/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000491/2025/rev.1
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

    The SDF is known internationally as the most democratic component in Syria. “Our vision for Syria is a decentralised, secular and civilized country based on democracy that preserves the rights of all its constituents,” the SDF leader said, referring to the country’s diverse religious groups, including Sunni Muslims, Christians, Alawites, Druze and Yazidis, and ethnic groups, including Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens and Armenians. Predictably, the SDF is the main target of Türkiye, which, along with its mercenaries, continues to attack the SDF near the Tishrin Dam, targeting innocent civilians amid international silence.

    In light of the above,

    • 1.Considering the Islamist background of HTS, EU countries should under no circumstances remove it from the terrorist list or lift sanctions until Syria has a democratic government which can adopt a new constitution that guarantees equal representation and protection for all citizens. How does the Vice-President/High Representative intend to ensure that these principles are respected?
    • 2.What measures will the Vice-President/High Representative implement to prevent Syria from becoming a new haven for Islamic radicals, similar to Afghanistan?
    • 3.What measures will the Vice-President/High Representative put in place to enforce a ceasefire across Syria and give Syrians the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and rebuild their country?

    Submitted: 4.2.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Thierry Breton’s statements to the media – E-000278/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000278/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Erik Kaliňák (NI)

    In a recent interview with the media, former Commissioner Thierry Breton threatened to interfere in Germany’s national elections, apparently in the event of an AfD victory, stating ‘we did it in Romania and of course we will have to do it, if necessary, in Germany’.

    In the light of this unprecedented admission by a former representative of the Commission:

    • 1.Can the statement by former Commissioner Thierry Breton be seen as an admission on behalf of the Commission as a whole, or does the Commission wish to distance itself from it?
    • 2.If the Commission wishes to distance itself from the statement, what steps is the Commission considering to hold accountable the former Commissioner and others responsible for acting ultra vires and interfering, to an unprecedented degree, in the internal affairs of Member States?
    • 3.On the other hand, if this is a confession on behalf of the Commission as a whole, who gave the Commission the mandate to interfere in the internal affairs of Member States, and which provision of the Treaties provides the legal basis for such action?

    Submitted: 22.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – US restrictions on AI chip exports to EU Member States – P-000495/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000495/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kateřina Konečná (NI), Maria Zacharia (NI), Branislav Ondruš (NI), Monika Beňová (NI), Katarína Roth Neveďalová (NI), Ondřej Dostál (NI), Judita Laššáková (NI), Erik Kaliňák (NI), Jaroslava Pokorná Jermanová (PfE)

    On 13 January 2025, the outgoing administration of the President of the United States Joe Biden announced restrictions on advanced AI chip exports to several countries, including the majority of the EU Member States, while excluding 10 other Member States from such restrictions. The Commission has not yet commented on whether this division of Member States into two categories undermines the European single market. Additionally, no potential solution was provided to address the potential shortage of advanced AI chips in several Member States. This is particularly striking since the US restrictions will affect a majority of EU Member States, including Greece and Luxembourg, which have been proposed among the locations for European AI factories.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission consider the division of its Member States into two categories with differing access to advanced AI chips from the United States to be in contradiction with the principles of the European single market?
    • 2.Is the Commission preparing alternatives in case of an inadequate supply of advanced AI chips from the United States, for example, by developing its own AI chip industry and diversifying its AI chip supply chains?

    Supporter[1]

    Submitted: 4.2.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Jana Nagyová (PfE)
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Funding for the water supply of the Municipality of Volos, which was affected by the natural disasters – E-000364/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000364/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Georgios Aftias (PPE)

    Thessaly – and especially Magnesia – has been hit by the recent natural disasters, resulting in a major water supply problem in the region.

    The Municipality of Volos has drawn up a specific water resources management plan with scientific precision, as emphasised by the municipal authority. That work indicates projects that need to be implemented, ensuring the sustainable and proper management of the 40-year old water supply problem. The scientific study, as described by the Municipality of Volos, processed and evaluated the area’s geological, hydrological and qualitative data, along with the water requirements for urban, touristic, irrigation and industrial uses.

    In light of the above,

    • 1.Can the Commission indicate whether the work can be financed with European funds and in what way?
    • 2.Can the Commission indicate whether the work can be included in the Thessaly Region 2025 emergency works, given that the Regions take a leading role in subsidising projects?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission communication on spyware – E-000435/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000435/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Markéta Gregorová (Verts/ALE), Nela Riehl (Verts/ALE), Reinier Van Lanschot (Verts/ALE), Damian Boeselager (Verts/ALE)

    In its follow-up to the Parliament report on the use of Pegasus and other equivalent software, the Commission stated that it is ‘exploring the possibility of presenting a non-legislative initiative’ in order to clarify ‘the interplay between EU law … and national security’[1]. Recently, reports from the press revealed that a communication from the Commission, initially scheduled to be published in June 2024, has been delayed[2]. The necessity of such clarification has become urgent, as the French Constitutional Council has partially struck down a law legalising the use of such technologies[3]. Parliament’s concerns regarding the use of spyware remain unanswered so far.

    • 1.When is the Commission planning to publish its communication on the matter?
    • 2.Will it publish information about the input it received to produce this communication?
    • 3.How will it ensure that Member States abide by the Court of Justice of the EU case-law and EU law on the matter?

    Submitted: 31.1.2025

    • [1] https://data.europarl.europa.eu/distribution/doc/SP-2023-436-TA-9-2023-0244_en.docx.
    • [2] https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-commission-national-security-does-not-justify-spying-document/.
    • [3] https://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/actualites/communique/decision-n-2023-855-dc-du-16-novembre-2023-communique-de-presse.
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Former Commissioner Thierry Breton – E-000363/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000363/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Fabio De Masi (NI)

    • 1.On what grounds was former Commissioner Thierry Breton given the green light to join Bank of America’s advisory council?
    • 2.Did this role come with remuneration attached? If so, how much?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Incorrect designation of vaccine damage as ‘long Covid’ – E-000373/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000373/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gerald Hauser (PfE)

    It is scientifically documented that the risk of contracting COVID-19 increases with the number of vaccinations administered. Under Directive 2001/83/EC, all suspected adverse reactions to medicinal products should be reported to the competent national authorities. These notifications are examined, and subsequently forwarded to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and published. However, so far, only around 6 % of all side effects of COVID-19 vaccinations have been reported. Nevertheless, more than two million cases of vaccine damage have already been documented. A further problem with COVID-19 vaccinations is that countless millions of infections after an ineffective vaccination – known as breakthrough cases – have gone largely unreported. Most of these cases of vaccination damage were wrongly declared as ‘long Covid’. This is mainly due to the fact that the accounting regarding medical services in the Member States is regulated accordingly and that, in the vast majority of cases, previous vaccinations are not taken into account at all.

    • 1.What measures does the Commission plan to take to ensure that all COVID-19 vaccine side effects and breakthrough cases in the EU are reported and documented?
    • 2.How does the Commission guarantee that damage caused by COVID-19 Vaccine breakthrough cases will in future be correctly documented as vaccine side-effects and not erroneously as ‘long Covid’?
    • 3.When will the Commission withdraw the COVID-19 vaccinations from the market, since it has been demonstrably proven that they are harmful and ineffective under the terms of Directive 2001/83/EC?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Lack of transparency, misuse of public funds and assurance of sound management in European institutions – E-000405/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000405/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    António Tânger Corrêa (PfE), Tom Vandendriessche (PfE), Anna Bryłka (PfE), Barbara Bonte (PfE), Branko Grims (PPE), Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă (NI), Filip Turek (PfE), Ondřej Knotek (PfE), Tomáš Kubín (PfE), Milan Uhrík (ESN), Petar Volgin (ESN), Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Nikola Bartůšek (PfE), Fernand Kartheiser (ECR), Claudiu-Richard Târziu (ECR), Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza (ECR), Hans Neuhoff (ESN), Hermann Tertsch (PfE), Dominik Tarczyński (ECR), Anders Vistisen (PfE), Jaroslava Pokorná Jermanová (PfE), Charlie Weimers (ECR), Dick Erixon (ECR), Jaroslav Bžoch (PfE), Jorge Martín Frías (PfE), Sebastiaan Stöteler (PfE), Marieke Ehlers (PfE), Auke Zijlstra (PfE), Sebastian Kruis (PfE), Rachel Blom (PfE), Ton Diepeveen (PfE), Ivaylo Valchev (ECR), Tiago Moreira de Sá (PfE), Angéline Furet (PfE), Tomasz Froelich (ESN), Ondřej Krutílek (ECR), Beatrice Timgren (ECR), Alexander Sell (ESN)

    Concerning information recently came to light regarding serious irregularities committed by the Commission, which allegedly distributed public funds to environmental lobbies to advocate for its own ‘green agenda’.

    • 1.What measures has the Commission taken or does it intend to take to investigate and address the identified irregularities, including holding those responsible for improper or illegal practices accountable?
    • 2.What specific tools does the Commission have or plan to implement to ensure that similar situations do not occur in the future, and how does it intend to guarantee that the existing control and audit mechanisms are effective in preventing the misuse of public funds?
    • 3.What steps will be taken to promote greater transparency and ensure that European citizens have access to clear and detailed information about the use of public funds?

    Submitted: 29.1.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – World Trade Organization’s concerns regarding the EU’s F-gas Regulation – E-000401/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000401/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Miriam Lexmann (PPE)

    Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gas Regulation) envisages a complete phaseout of F-gases in several industrial applications by 2035. As F-gases are important for numerous industries within global supply chains, this Regulation prompted concerns from several World Trade Organization (WTO) members, including the United States, Australia, Japan and Canada. These concerns highlighted the EU’s duty to avoid creating unnecessary trade barriers under the WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement.

    With the new Trump administration in the United States, the risk of protectionist policies, including retaliatory trade measures against the EU, is rising. New tariffs, for example on cars, would have a devastating impact on Europe’s automotive industry, including in Slovakia.

    • 1.Is the Commission willing to remove full bans on F-gases for certain applications from Annex IV before these bans enter into force in the 2030s, respecting the principle of technological neutrality?
    • 2.Regarding Article 35(5), will the Commission consider carrying out a review of F-gas restrictions earlier than 2030, maybe in 2025, in order to alleviate the concerns of WTO members?
    • 3.Would the review consider the specific role of HFOs as an alternative to the previous generation of F-gases (HFCs), especially given their low global warming potential and the fact that no impact assessments on their full ban have previously been carried out?

    Submitted: 29.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Labelling rules for textiles – E-000377/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000377/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Liesbet Sommen (PPE)

    The aim of the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles is to reduce the adverse environmental impact of textiles production and consumption. According to the strategy, textiles consumption by private households in the EU currently has the fourth-greatest impact on the environment and climate change and the third-greatest impact on water and land use. Furthermore, synthetic textiles are often cited as a major source of unintended microplastic pollution.

    A fresh initiative to revise EU rules on textiles labelling was announced towards the end of last year. It is to address three major issues: (1) the environmental sustainability, including climate sustainability, of the textiles industry; (2) the lack of information for consumers; and (3) the fragmentation of the single market.

    In this connection:

    • 1.When are details of the initiative going to be published?
    • 2.Will there be a straightforward colour code (along the lines of the Eco-Score and Nutri-Score for food) that informs consumers at a glance and encourages them to buy sustainable clothing?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – European scheme to prevent odometer manipulation – E-000378/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000378/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Liesbet Sommen (PPE)

    More than 60 million second-hand cars are sold every year in the EU. Unfortunately, every year, European consumers pay billions of euros too much as a result of odometer fraud. It is estimated on the basis of research that, in connection with domestic and cross-border sales, between 5% and 12% and between 30% and 50%, respectively, of used cars are being manipulated. In spite of the rules under Directive 2014/45/EU, odometer fraud is a criminal offence in only six EU Member States.

    Some EU Member States have already set up schemes to combat odometer manipulation, such as ‘Car-Pass’ in Belgium and ‘Nationale Auto Pas’ in the Netherlands. Those schemes have made it more difficult for fraudsters to roll back odometers, without being detected, in vehicles exported to the countries concerned. In Belgium, garages have recently been required to submit descriptions of services carried out. Such schemes are of great value, especially in view of the emergence of the market for second-hand electric vehicles, for which battery integrity is all-important.

    In this connection:

    • 1.Are steps being taken to implement a similar scheme at European level?
    • 2.Will such a scheme be developed as part of the revision of roadworthiness testing rules – the roadworthiness package – and will vehicle category L be included in the scope thereof?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Inquiry into the Chinese Government’s role in financing and running DeepSeek, and in applying censorship – E-000394/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000394/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mario Mantovani (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR), Pietro Fiocchi (ECR), Francesco Torselli (ECR), Giuseppe Milazzo (ECR), Daniele Polato (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Lara Magoni (ECR), Ruggero Razza (ECR), Marco Squarta (ECR), Stefano Cavedagna (ECR), Giovanni Crosetto (ECR), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR), Elena Donazzan (ECR), Michele Picaro (ECR), Chiara Gemma (ECR), Mariateresa Vivaldini (ECR), Denis Nesci (ECR), Carlo Ciccioli (ECR), Antonella Sberna (ECR), Paolo Inselvini (ECR)

    Chinese start-up DeepSeek has launched the chatbot DeepSeek V3, a highly efficient, free-to-use open-source model said to outperform western models despite using less powerful and less energy-consuming chips than the current market standard.

    The model was unveiled on Friday 24 January by Chinese hedge fund High Flyer (founded by Liang Wenfeng, the man behind Hangzhou Huanfang Technology and Ningbo Huanfang Investment) in an announcement that sparked heavy losses for technology listings across all western stock markets.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.This unveiling comes at a crucial time for other global players. Does the Commission not think that – not least to protect investors and markets – it ought to launch an urgent inquiry into the extent to which the Chinese Government backed or was involved in developing this model, the true funding costs and how the model is run?
    • 2.Censorship is clearly part and parcel of the model. Does the Commission not think it ought to check the model’s compatibility with the EU’s principles of freedom and the Digital Services Act, which could certainly be wielded to safeguard the freedom of expression and to counter censorship?
    • 3.The model is said to work even with less powerful chips. Does the Commission not think this opens up new opportunities for policies supporting European innovation?

    Submitted: 29.1.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Work-life balance – E-000369/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000369/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giorgos Georgiou (The Left)

    The work-life balance directive came into force in August 2022. However, because of the many duties they have to fulfil, women continue to struggle due to the lack of public services and social structures.

    In Cyprus, when maternity leave ends and women go back to work, they are expected to follow working hours with night shifts as normal, significantly upsetting the balance between their work life and their new duties as mothers.

    What will the Commission do to address the shortcomings in the current directive and provide solutions to the significant problems that continue to exist?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Israel’s destruction of water facilities financed by European taxpayers – E-000365/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000365/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rima Hassan (The Left), Anthony Smith (The Left), Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), Manon Aubry (The Left), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Villy Søvndal (Verts/ALE), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Irena Joveva (Renew), Marina Mesure (The Left), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Per Clausen (The Left), Catarina Martins (The Left), Marc Botenga (The Left), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Giorgos Georgiou (The Left), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Hanna Gedin (The Left)

    Since October 2023 and the start of the Israeli Government’s military offensive in Gaza, Palestinian civilians have faced one of the worst humanitarian crises of this century. Oxfam’s latest report, Water War Crimes, highlights the fact that Israel’s restrictions on water, fuel and sanitation supplies have resulted in a 94 % reduction in available water, far below emergency standards.

    By June 2024, Israeli bombardments and restrictions had devastated Gaza’s water and sanitation systems. Water production decreased by 84 %, all desalination plants were destroyed, 100 % of water warehouses and wastewater treatment plants were rendered non-functional, and over a million people now face severe water scarcity in overcrowded shelters.

    Given that much of this infrastructure is directly or indirectly funded by the European Union, the Commission is urged to address the following pressing questions:

    • 1.How is the Commission monitoring and calculating the level of EU funding lost as a result of Israel’s operations in Gaza and the West Bank?
    • 2.Will the Commission hold Israel accountable for the destruction of water facilities funded by European taxpayers?
    • 3.In the absence of compensation or reparation, does the Commission plan to impose sanctions?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Rising energy prices – E-000368/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000368/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giorgos Georgiou (The Left)

    For a long time – and particularly last year – Cyprus has seen a sharp increase in the cost of energy (fuel, electricity prices). There have also been strong indications suggesting that some companies may potentially acquire market dominance. This was reported to the competent supervisory authority, which did not, however, take the necessary steps to check and investigate the complaints. The evidence presented reveals possible irregularities, which were also highlighted by Members of Parliament in Cyprus as well as by journalists, who did not hesitate to accuse the Competition Commission of inefficiency and interference in its work.

    Can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.In light of the current situation in Cyprus and the failure to check matters relating to complaints about the market dominance of certain companies, leading to major exploitation of citizens and profiteering, what immediate measures does the Commission intend to take with regard to the competent supervisory authority?
    • 2.What action does the Commission intend to take to support the proposal for the establishment of an emergency mechanism for recovering the excessive profits of electricity producers and suppliers?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Shortcomings in the transposition of European Directive (EU) 2024/1385 into Greek national legislation on combating violence against women and domestic violence – E-000366/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000366/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Elena Kountoura (The Left)

    The transposition of European Directive (EU) 2024/1385 on combating violence against women and domestic violence is a crucial step in harmonising European and national legislation in order to protect victims and prevent and address gender-based and domestic violence[1]. However, the law adopted by the Greek Government, without meaningful consultation of the competent bodies[2], covers only selected articles of the directive, notably those relating to criminal provisions, and fails to include basic provisions on prevention and victims’ rights[3].

    In particular, there are no articles providing for:

    – sufficient accommodation facilities and victim support centres;

    – enhanced safety and support for abused women and children who are victims or witnesses of domestic violence;

    – prevention measures at various levels and information and awareness-raising campaigns;

    – training for authorities in handling cases of gender-based violence;

    – cross-sectoral cooperation and the establishment of a policy coordination body for combating violence.

    Moreover, numerous references are made to non-existent structures (Articles 26 and 27) and existing Greek laws which are not fully implemented due to a lack of implementing provisions or which concern only one form of violence (domestic).

    In view of the above, can the Commission say:

    • 1.How does it intend to ensure that Directive (EU) 2024/1385 is fully transposed into the national legislation of the Member States, including Greece?
    • 2.Does it intend to offer technical support to the Member States in order to ensure the correct transposition of the directive?
    • 3.What measures will be taken to address existing shortcomings and distortions in the implementation of the obligations set out in the directive?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    • [1] According to Article 49 of Directive (EU) 2024/1385, EU Member States are required to transpose the directive into their national legislation by June 2027.
    • [2] For the second time in one year, Law 3500/2006 is being amended without any meaningful consultation with the victims of domestic violence themselves, the vast majority of whom are women and children, or with specialised NGOs and women’s organisations who provide them with protection and support services.
    • [3] The title ‘Transposition of Directive (EU) 2024/1385’ is misleading, as the law does not transpose the directive into Greek law as it claims, but rather constitutes a partial or even distorted transposition of the directive. Of the directive’s 51 articles, 7 relate to the transposition process and 44 set out the obligations of Member States to take measures to transpose the directive into national law. Of those 44, only 17 are explicitly referred to in the draft law as having been transposed.
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Embargo on minerals labelled as originating from Rwanda – P-000489/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000489/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE), Sara Matthieu (Verts/ALE), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE)

    On 19 February 2024, the European Union and Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding on sustainable critical raw materials value chains. The memorandum provides for measures to intercept smuggled minerals entering the country and repatriate them to their country of origin. Thus the EU has implicitly recognised the risk of being supplied, via Rwanda, with ‘blood minerals’ from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, in the light of the serious ongoing attacks, the memorandum’s measures are not sufficient guarantee.

    In view of this state of affairs, is the Commission planning to:

    • 1.impose an immediate embargo on minerals labelled as of Rwandan origin, with a view to putting pressure on Rwanda to ensure that the M23 Movement and the Rwandan army withdraw from the DRC and to prevent the import of minerals of that kind into the European market;
    • 2.suspend, with immediate effect, the memorandum of understanding, the roadmap being drafted with Rwanda and all existing or future strategic projects within the framework of the Critical Raw Materials Act that involve Rwanda;
    • 3.make continued cooperation with Rwanda on critical raw materials conditional on Rwanda joining the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and on the withdrawal of its troops?

    Supporters[1]

    Submitted: 4.2.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by Members other than the authors: David Cormand (Verts/ALE), Mélissa Camara (Verts/ALE), Marie Toussaint (Verts/ALE)
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – ‘La Famiglia – The Great Mafia War’ – E-000415/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000415/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Caterina Chinnici (PPE), Fulvio Martusciello (PPE), Giusi Princi (PPE), Salvatore De Meo (PPE), Massimiliano Salini (PPE), Letizia Moratti (PPE), Flavio Tosi (PPE), Marco Falcone (PPE)

    A number of press outlets[1] have reported that German firm Boardgame Atelier has launched a product, ‘La Famiglia – The Great Mafia War’, based on the bloody Mafia wars that raged in Sicily in the 1980s.

    The game, which even won an award at a games festival in France[2], challenges its players (aged 16 and over) to wrest control of areas from Sicily’s Mafia families.

    In light of this:

    • 1.Does the Commission not consider this game to be a massive blight on the dignity of Sicilians and Sicily itself? Is it not entirely disrespectful to all those who lost their lives opposing the Mafia in the struggle to uphold the rule of law, as well as to their relatives?
    • 2.Does it not think that trivialising crimes that actually took place in a product intended for fun and, more to the point, young players spreads ignorance, goes against core European values, and disrupts public order (see the judgment handed down in case T-1/17 La Mafia Franchises, SL v EUIPO)[3], and that therefore the sale of this product on the internal market ought to be banned?

    Submitted: 30.1.2025

    • [1] https://palermo.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/25_gennaio_22/la-famiglia-il-gioco-da-tavolo-premiato-in-francia-che-simula-la-guerra-di-mafia-scoppia-la-polemica-17dc8dcd-3370-4c88-9215-d1e800703xlk.shtml; https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/23/outcry-in-italy-over-german-board-game-based-on-sicily-mafia-wars; https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/italie-un-jeu-de-societe-reproduit-la-guerre-des-mafias-en-sicile-et-suscite-la-polemique-20250123.
    • [2] https://ludovox.fr/retour-sur-la-37e-edition-du-festival-des-jeux-de-cannes/.
    • [3] https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=200262&pageIndex=0&doclang=EN&mode=lst&dir=&occ=first&part=1&cid=25949569
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – State of play – revision of the roadworthiness package – E-000381/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000381/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Liesbet Sommen (PPE)

    Periodic roadworthiness testing of vehicles and roadside inspections are crucial not only for road safety and consumer protection, but also for the environment. Vehicles are becoming increasingly complex due to intelligent transport systems and the emergence of connected and automated vehicles. It is therefore essential to keep pace with these developments and work towards a more harmonised EU framework.

    The revision of this package is an important step towards achieving, for example, unified emissions tests (PM and NOx tests), which contribute to a healthier environment. In addition, on-board diagnostics can be improved to detect advanced AdBlue fraud, facilitate access to registration data by delivering it in digital format, ensure cyber security of vehicle data and combat mileage fraud.

    The indicative schedule was for the first quarter of 2023. However, to date, this package has not been published. In view of the above:

    • 1.When can this package be expected?
    • 2.To what extent does the new Commission see this proposal as a priority?
    • 3.To what extent will this package converge with the proposal on access to in-vehicle data, which is also in the pipeline?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Request for clarification on recent policy changes at EU level – E-000418/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000418/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anna Maria Cisint (PfE)

    The will of the people emerging in the big European countries, starting with Germany, is evidence of the failure of the fragile balance on which the new Commission and its programme are based, both of which were the product of the undemocratic cordon sanitaire that excluded the right and its demands. The elections to the German Parliament, which is bringing asylum and immigration laws into focus, together with EPP statements on the change of course on the Green Deal, are testament to the inevitable shift to the right’s positions on protecting ordinary people and businesses. The risk of Islamisation in opposition to Western values and economic disasters – such as the automotive crisis, which has led to the loss of almost 90 000 jobs since 2020 (60 % of which in Germany) – shows the urgent need for radical change to EU policies.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.How long does the Commission plan to persevere with choices that are out of step with social and electoral opinion and are harmful to Europe, maintaining a cordon sanitaire that the popular vote is effectively dismantling?
    • 2.Does President Ursula von der Leyen endorse the anti-democratic cordon sanitaire established at Parliament through the strength of her majority but dropped in individual national parliaments, including her own?

    Submitted: 30.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Breach of EU habitats legislation in Greece – E-000372/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000372/2025
    to the President of the European Council
    Rule 144
    Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left)

    In 2020, the CJEU found Greece guilty of breaching its obligations under Directive 92/43/EEC (as amended by Directive 2006/105/EC) on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora[1]. Meanwhile, the Directorate-General for Environment sent EU PILOT request ref. EUP(2021)9086 to the Ministry of the Environment, asking Greece to provide answers concerning issues relating to the the correct transposition of the above-mentioned directive. By its decision (published on 15 February 2023)[2], the Commission sent a reasoned opinion to Greece [INFR(2014)4073] for failing to comply with the above directive when planning wind farm projects. This was after a letter of formal notice was sent in July 2014.

    In view of this, can the Commission say:

    • 1.What action has it taken following the CJEU judgment and at what stage are the EU Pilot request and the trajectory of the reasoned opinion?
    • 2.Why did it take 11 years – from 2014, when the first letter of formal notice as sent, until today – for it to take initiatives to protect Natura 2000 sites, even though Greece failed to review its Special Spatial Plan for RES as well as to set its national targets and conservation measures? Under the circumstances, does it consider the approval given over time for the building of numerous wind and solar farms within Natura 2000 sites (e.g. in northern and central Evia) to be legal?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    • [1] Judgment of 17 December 2020 concerning case C-849/2019 – European Commission v Greece
    • [2] See: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_23_525
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Green transition and RRF: assessment of how climate action resources have been used – E-000422/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000422/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marco Squarta (ECR), Antonella Sberna (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Giovanni Crosetto (ECR), Ruggero Razza (ECR), Stefano Cavedagna (ECR), Daniele Polato (ECR), Elena Donazzan (ECR), Carlo Ciccioli (ECR), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR), Mario Mantovani (ECR), Francesco Torselli (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Paolo Inselvini (ECR)

    According to European Court of Auditors report 14/2024, the billions of euros allocated through the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) to support the green transition do not seem to have generated significant results in terms of climate impact.

    The court notes gross inefficiencies, including overestimations in climate coefficients, lack of transparency in reporting and difficulties in identifying clear and precise indicators, despite at least 37 % of national allocations being earmarked for climate action.

    These findings highlight the limits of an ideological environmental policy, which risks directing large amounts of public resources to ineffective initiatives and diverting them from the goal to boost the EU’s competitiveness, all while creating more red tape for businesses, citizens and public administrations.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.How does the Commission justify the use of public funds for measures which, according to the European Court of Auditors, have not achieved tangible results in the green transition?
    • 2.Would it be willing to reconsider its priorities, putting more emphasis on the economy and growth with a view to achieving pertinent milestones and targets, while ensuring more flexibility for Member States?

    Submitted: 30.1.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – New framework contract for Frontex long-range drones – E-000420/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000420/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Özlem Demirel (The Left)

    Frontex has signed a new 184-million-euro framework contract for long-range drones, under which it has renewed a contract with Airbus to operate Heron 1 (from Israeli defence contractor IAI) in the Mediterranean. Bids under the tender were ranked. The company Leonardo also succeeded in the tender; in December, both bidders were invited to Frontex for a signing ceremony.

    • 1.As things stand, in what areas are the long-range drones to be deployed, and which governments have agreed to host them?
    • 2.What contribution is the company Leonardo expected to make, i.e. under what circumstances is it to receive active, specific assignments if Airbus fails to render the requested services?
    • 3.Aside from the technology specified in award decision OJ S 12/2025 of 17 January 2025, are there plans for the drones to also be equipped with a signals intelligence system (COMINT) to enable telephone locating too, or is this optional for the bidders?

    Submitted: 30.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The extension of the EU school scheme to eastern European countries with candidate status – E-000374/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000374/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gheorghe Falcă (PPE)

    The EU school scheme, which provides schoolchildren with fresh fruit, vegetables, milk and other dairy products, has proven an invaluable tool in promoting healthy eating habits and improving public health outcomes across EU Member States. The programme has successfully tackled issues such as childhood obesity, and has helped to promote sustainable agriculture and reinforce the importance of balanced diets.

    According to the most recent statistics, approximately 30.2 % of children in the Republic of Moldova live in absolute poverty. Rural areas are particularly affected, with the poverty rate reaching as high as 44.6 %. This alarming situation highlights the need for targeted initiatives to improve the well-being of children in these regions.

    Given the success of the EU school scheme, I would like to know if there are plans to extend it to countries such as Moldova and Ukraine, which have made significant progress in aligning with EU standards.

    • 1.How could the Commission support the implementation of the EU school scheme in countries with candidate status, especially Moldova and Ukraine, where the situation is particularly challenging due to the ongoing war and Russian aggression?
    • 2.Is the Commission considering extending this specific programme to these countries as part of their European integration process?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Equal pay for equal work or work of equal value – E-000370/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000370/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giorgos Georgiou (The Left)

    Article 157 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union sets out the principle that men and women should receive equal pay for work of equal value. However, this does not happen in practice in some cases in Cyprus.

    What measures does the Commission intend to put in place in cases where the right to equal pay for work of equal value is being violated at the expense of women both in Cyprus and in the other member states?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Gender-based price discrimination (pink tax) – E-000379/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000379/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Liesbet Sommen (PPE)

    Gender-based price discrimination (pink tax) is a common phenomenon. Many products such as shampoo, razors, deodorants, vitamin pills, haircuts and jeans are often more expensive for women than for men. In many instances, these products differ only superficially, e.g. as regards colour, name or description. That was confirmed by a 2017 German study that looked at 1500 products.

    The pink tax can be seen as a form of indirect discrimination, given that it is a seemingly neutral practice – different prices for products on the basis of target group marketing – that disproportionately disadvantages women. The price differences are not explicitly gender-based, but do result in higher costs for products and services offered to women without any justification that can be regarded as objective or necessary. Indirect discrimination based on sex is prohibited under Article 4(1)(b) of Directive 2004/113/EC.

    • 1.Can the Commission investigate and map this phenomenon at EU level, e.g. by making use of the Joint Research Centre?
    • 2.Is there scope for tightening up Directive 2004/113/EC so that price differences with no objective or necessary justification that result in higher costs for products and services offered to women can be tackled?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – EU action against poverty – 07-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Poverty has many dimensions. Following recent crises, not least the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, some of poverty’s known dimensions have evolved while new forms have emerged. Addressing poverty remains mainly the responsibility of EU countries’ governments acting in complex national social settings. The EU meanwhile seeks to coordinate Member States’ efforts and offers support in the form of funding and data. The new European Commission is stepping up efforts to meet the EU’s poverty reduction targets.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Concerns about the absence of a commissioner for equality, and the future for the rights of people with disabilities – E-001978/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission will continue to uphold and strengthen the Union of Equality during this mandate. This concerns the rights of persons with disabilities as well as other aspects of equality.

    The mission letter of the Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management[1] outlines concrete first steps for each equality area.

    On the rights of persons with disabilities, the Commissioner highlighted her commitment in her written answers to the European Parliament: ‘If confirmed, one of my early priorities would be to close the remaining gaps and contribute to a barrier-free Europe for persons with disabilities. Key areas for attention will continue to be employment, independent living, accessibility, and mainstreaming of disability considerations across all policy areas’.

    The combination of equality and the crisis management and preparedness portfolios can lead to positive synergies, helping ensure that no one is left behind in times of crisis, in particular persons with disabilities.

    Moreover, the Commission will continue to mainstream equality. This is also enabled by the designation of equality contact points in the cabinets of each Member of the College.

    Persons with disabilities have the right to live independently and to participate in society on an equal basis to others[2]. The Commission will keep working towards this objective within the framework of the strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030[3] and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities[4].

    The Commission will present a progress report on the implementation of the strategy to date. It will be presented to the European Parliament, Member States and civil society organisations.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/faaf33ff-c8c7-49a1-b01d-56681e11a5e6_en?filename=Mission%20letter%20-%20LAHBIB.pdf
    • [2] I ncluding in education and the labour market.
    • [3] https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/social-protection-social-inclusion/persons-disabilities/union-equality-strategy-rights-persons-disabilities-2021-2030_en
    • [4] https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/social-protection-social-inclusion/persons-disabilities/united-nations-convention-rights-persons-disabilities_en
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: European Parliament

    On Thursday, 13 February 2025 (10.00-11.30), the DAFR delegation will hold a meeting in Strasbourg (DE MADARIAGA S5) on the risk of the regionalisation of the conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    The meeting will be webstreamed.

    MIL OSI Europe News –