NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Tackling digital threats to youth mental health – E-002673/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002673/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)

    At the EU Health Council on 20 June 2025, ministers called for stronger action to protect the mental health of children and adolescents in the digital era. The conclusions emphasise the need for a safer and more age-appropriate digital environment, particularly given concerns over the impact of social media on young users.

    France has proposed a ban on social networks for minors under 15, citing links to substance abuse and cyberbullying. Germany highlighted the harmful effects of ‘manipulative and addictive design’ in digital platforms, while Spain advocated for youth mental health to be prioritised in the upcoming 2028–2034 multiannual financial framework.

    Despite broad agreement on the seriousness of the issue, there is still no unified EU strategy or regulatory framework to address these risks effectively.

    • 1.Given the urgency, what policy measures does the Commission plan to introduce to curb harmful digital practices, ensure age-appropriate content and support the mental well-being of young users?
    • 2.How will the Commission coordinate with the Member States to implement meaningful protections across the EU and ensure that digital platforms are held accountable for their impact on youth mental health?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strengthening EU measures against unsafe imports and unfair online competition – E-002672/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002672/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)

    Seven major European industry associations have criticised the Commission’s proposal to introduce a EUR 2 handling fee on parcels arriving from outside the EU. They argue that the measure is largely symbolic and fails to address the core issue: the widespread sale of non-compliant and unsafe goods via online platforms that evade accountability.

    With approximately 12 million parcels entering the EU daily, often without proper safety checks, industry representatives warn that relying on this fee risks delaying more effective reforms. They stress the need to close legal loopholes that allow online marketplaces to act as intermediaries without being held responsible for the products sold. In their view, the current proposal may create a false sense of action being taken while failing to curb the influx of unsafe imports or protect EU businesses from unfair competition.

    Given this situation:

    • 1.What steps does the Commission plan to take to hold online platforms accountable for goods sold within the EU?
    • 2.How will the Commission ensure proper enforcement of product safety rules at scale, beyond this minimal fee, and prevent further delays in implementing necessary legislative reforms?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Implementation and enforcement of the ban on rubber granules on sports fields – E-002644/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002644/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Biljana Borzan (S&D)

    In 2021, the Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2021/1199, which limits the concentration of eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in granules and mulches used as infill material on artificial turf pitches. Additionally, in 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) supported a proposal for a complete ban on the intentional use of microplastics, including rubber granules, with a transition period lasting until 2031.

    However, there are concerns that these restrictions are poorly enforced in certain Member States, that PAH content in infill materials is not being properly monitored, and that new pitches are still being installed with materials that may pose health risks, particularly for children.

    • 1.How does the Commission monitor the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2021/1199 in Member States, and are there mechanisms in place to ensure compliance with the PAH limits for infill materials used on sports pitches?
    • 2.Does the Commission, in cooperation with the ECHA and the Member States, plan to publish guidance to support a safe transition to microplastic-free sports pitches?
    • 3.Will it support Member States, in particular local and regional authorities, through financial instruments or EU funds to accelerate the replacement of hazardous infill materials with more environmentally friendly alternatives?

    Submitted: 30.6.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of the DCAM Delegation: 8 July 2025 – Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America, including the EU-Central America Association Parliamentary Committee

    Source: European Parliament

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

    Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 11.00-11.30 in Strasbourg

    Room: CHURCHILL 200

    The meeting had as main point the election of the first and second Vice-Chairs of the Delegation

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Rise of consumer prices in the single market – 15-07-2025 – Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

    Source: European Parliament

    Inflation in the EU © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    The IMCO Committee will host a public hearing to analyse the persistent rise of consumer prices across the EU internal market and its implications for consumer welfare and the resilience of the Single Market.

    This event will bring together representatives from consumer and business organisations, the European Commission, other institutions and international organisations as well as academic experts in order to explore the impact of rising prices on consumer choice, product availability and price transparency.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Meagre pensions for former temporary employees in the public administration in Sicily – E-002676/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002676/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)

    Sicily is faced with a serious social welfare problem concerning temporary and former temporary workers in the island’s public administration.

    As pointed out by the Regional Committee of the National Social Security Institute (INPS), around 9 000 of these workers are destined to receive social welfare payouts that are ‘bordering on the breadline’[1].

    They are said to be receiving pensions that are totally insufficient to meet the demands of everyday living, especially with the rise in the cost of living[2].

    This problem calls for immediate action, since around one thousand of these workers have just retired and are receiving payments of just EUR 600 per month, despite having worked for at least 35 years[3].

    The reason for this unacceptable situation lies in the tendency for public administrations (municipal, provincial and regional councils and publicly-owned companies) to resort to temporary and intermittent, fixed-term and part-time contracts. For the workers involved, these types of contract lead to piecemeal careers, low wages and insufficient contribution payments. As a corollary of this, they then receive equally inappropriate pensions.

    Can the Commission state whether it is aware of this unacceptable social welfare treatment of public servants who have had to work in precarious contractual conditions, how it views this situation and how it might intervene?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    • [1] https://tg24.sky.it/economia/2025/06/06/pensioni-precari-pa-sicilia-inps?card=5.
    • [2] https://www.palermotoday.it/cronaca/lavoratori-ex-precari-regione-enti-locali-cisl-fp-sicilia.html.
    • [3] https://palermo.gds.it/articoli/politica/2025/06/04/le-pensioni-povere-degli-ex-precari-il-comitato-inps-sicilia-intervengano-politica-e-sindacati-434bb156-a3cf-407a-a0cb-b3e467ecd0e5/.
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – European cardiovascular health plan – E-002661/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002661/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Grégory Allione (Renew), Valérie Devaux (Renew), Pascal Canfin (Renew)

    Cardiovascular diseases are still the main cause of death in the EU, with almost 1.7 million deaths per year. Structural heart diseases affect more than 14 million people in Europe. Although the latter are easy to treat when detected at an early stage, they are still underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to avoidable hospitalisations, premature deaths and an increase in health inequalities.

    In December 2024, EU health ministers unanimously adopted a set of conclusions on improving cardiovascular health in the EU, and the Commission promised to bring forward a European cardiovascular health plan.

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure that structural heart diseases are included in the plan, with clear commitments on early detection (including through auscultation), rapid referral pathways and equitable access to treatment?
    • 2.What action does the Commission intend to take to address the persistent gender gaps in research and in the diagnosis and treatment of structural heart diseases, given that women are diagnosed later, are under-represented in clinical trials and undergo fewer routine heart check-ups?
    • 3.How is the Commission planning to ensure that Member States receive sustainable financial support at EU level so that the cardiovascular health plan can be put into practice?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Implementation of the UWWTD and pending analysis of the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme – E-002662/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002662/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Susana Solís Pérez (PPE), Oliver Schenk (PPE), Carmen Crespo Díaz (PPE), Esther Herranz García (PPE), Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE), Dolors Montserrat (PPE), Elena Nevado del Campo (PPE)

    The revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) introduces an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, which has raised concerns about the proportionality of the cost allocation among sectors. Poland has challenged the directive before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), specifically contesting the application of the EPR to the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors. Most recently, the European water resilience strategy, published on 3 June 2025, announced an updated analysis of the costs and sectoral impacts of the EPR scheme. Nevertheless, national implementation of the UWWTD is already under way in some Member States, even though this updated analysis has not yet been carried out.

    In this context:

    • 1.When exactly does the Commission plan to carry out the updated cost and impact analysis referred to in the water resilience strategy?
    • 2.What specific aspects will be examined – will the analysis take into account the relative contribution of different sectors to micropollution, the economic impact on SMEs, and the implications for research and innovation?
    • 3.In the light of ongoing national implementation and the legal challenge currently before the CJEU, will the Commission recommend that Member States postpone national implementation of the EPR scheme until the updated analysis is completed and its findings properly considered?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Impact of the EU-Mercosur agreement on the EU wine sector – E-002663/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002663/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marko Vešligaj (S&D)

    The EU’s wine sector represents a key pillar of agricultural production and the economy, while also holding significant value for European culture and identity. The sector is now facing significant instability and a range of challenges, from oversupply in certain regions to the loss of vineyards in others, in conjunction with major changes in consumer trends. There is also a significant risk posed by the import of wine from non-EU countries and its effect on the European market.

    In anticipation of the official presentation of the EU-Mercosur agreement, the Commission should already be preparing mitigation and protection measures that will address the risks associated with the importing of wine from non-EU countries in relation to the aforementioned trade agreement.

    • 1.Has the Commission conducted an impact assessment of the EU-Mercosur agreement specifically with regard to the wine sector and in relation to the import of wines from the Mercosur regions, and if so, what are the conclusions of this assessment?
    • 2.Has it drawn up a plan to mitigate the risks and dangers for European wine producers with regard to the import of wine which would, potentially, be lower priced and of lower quality?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Assessment under international law of Israel’s and the USA’s attacks on Iran – E-002616/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002616/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Fabio De Masi (NI)

    • 1.What view does the Commission take, in respect of international law, of Israel’s attack on Iran given the Washington Post’s[1]revelations that it was not preceded by an imminent threat from nuclear weapons and that other reasons were decisive?
    • 2.Does the Commission share the view of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who qualified the US attack on Iran as ‘decisive action’ and ‘truly extraordinary’ in a text message to Donald Trump[2]?

    Submitted: 30.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/23/netanyahu-iran-attack-nuclear-intelligence/
    • [2] https://www.zdfheute.de/politik/ausland/nato-gipfel-trump-rutte-sms-100.html
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The importance of simplification for SMEs when decarbonising corporate fleets – E-002666/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002666/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomas Tobé (PPE), Jörgen Warborn (PPE)

    In its communication entitled ‘A Competitiveness Compass for the EU’[1], the Commission sets a target of reducing the cost of all administrative burdens on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by 35 %. In its communication on decarbonising corporate fleets, reducing the reporting and administrative burden is stated as one of the key aspects in the preparation of the coming legislative proposal[2].

    The measures presented in the communication on decarbonising corporate fleets are intended to boost demand for zero-emission vehicles and support the decarbonisation of the transport sector. However, it is of the utmost importance that the Commission deliver on its promises of simplification, including as part of this initiative.

    • 1.What measures will the Commission take to ensure that its legislative proposal on decarbonising corporate fleets is in line with the priorities of the competitiveness compass regarding simplification and a reduction in the administrative burden on SMEs?
    • 2.What other measures will it take to support SMEs in their transition to a decarbonised corporate fleet?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/10017eb1-4722-4333-add2-e0ed18105a34_en?filename=Communication_1.pdf.
    • [2] https://transport.ec.europa.eu/document/download/1498648c-63fc-4715-975d-ccbc64703da5_en?filename=Communication%20-%20Decarbonising%20corporate%20fleets.pdf.
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Need to update the EU regulatory framework on phytosanitary treatments to include precision technologies such as drone use – E-002667/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002667/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE)

    Directive 2009/128/EC prohibits, with certain exceptions, the aerial spraying of plant protection products. In 2017, the European Commission judged that drone treatments should be considered aerial, and did not make a distinction between them and conventional aerial techniques, despite the fact that drone spraying is often carried out at a lower height than some land-based treatments. This interpretation, based solely on their ability to fly, prevents drones from being used, even when they increase precision, reduce drift and enable a smaller dose to be used, which means they align with the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Farm to Fork Strategy and digital agriculture. Many Member States have expressed interest in reviewing this classification.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to review the interpretation of Article 9 of Directive 2009/128/EC to allow the use of drones when their lower environmental impact is proven?
    • 2.Does it consider it necessary to define a specific category for drones based on technical criteria – such as low height and drift – and not only on their ability to fly?
    • 3.What action does the Commission propose to take to adapt the regulatory framework and avoid the uptake of precision agriculture technologies being held back?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Need to update the EU regulatory framework on phytosanitary treatments to include precision technologies such as drone use – E-002667/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002667/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE)

    Directive 2009/128/EC prohibits, with certain exceptions, the aerial spraying of plant protection products. In 2017, the European Commission judged that drone treatments should be considered aerial, and did not make a distinction between them and conventional aerial techniques, despite the fact that drone spraying is often carried out at a lower height than some land-based treatments. This interpretation, based solely on their ability to fly, prevents drones from being used, even when they increase precision, reduce drift and enable a smaller dose to be used, which means they align with the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Farm to Fork Strategy and digital agriculture. Many Member States have expressed interest in reviewing this classification.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to review the interpretation of Article 9 of Directive 2009/128/EC to allow the use of drones when their lower environmental impact is proven?
    • 2.Does it consider it necessary to define a specific category for drones based on technical criteria – such as low height and drift – and not only on their ability to fly?
    • 3.What action does the Commission propose to take to adapt the regulatory framework and avoid the uptake of precision agriculture technologies being held back?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE – KingsRock Advisors Announces Dr. Josef Ackermann as Chairman of New Advisory Board, Additional Senior Hires and Senior Advisors, and Inaugural Capital Raise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – This Strengthens KingsRock’s Business Across Geographies and Industries

    NEW YORK and LONDON and STOCKHOLM and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KingsRock Advisors, LLC (“KingsRock”), an independent global advisory firm, announced today the formation of a new Advisory Board chaired by Dr. Josef Ackermann, previously the long-term CEO of Deutsche Bank. Furthermore, the firm announced a series of new Senior Hires, additional Senior Advisors, and an inaugural Capital Raise. This expansion aims to accelerate the growth of KingsRock’s capital solutions and corporate finance business across industries, geographies, and capital structures.

    We are pleased to welcome Dr. Josef Ackermann as Chairman and the following Senior Banking Executives who have agreed to serve as Members of our new KingsRock Advisory Board:

    Dr. Josef Ackermann Zurich, former Chairman of the Management Board, Deutsche Bank
    Fred Brettschneider New York, former Head of Deutsche Bank Global Markets Americas
    Yassine Bouhara Dubai, CEO Tell Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank Global Equities
    Kevin Parker New York, CEO SICM,  former CEO of Deutsche Asset Management
    Bernardo Parnes Sao Paolo, CEO of One Partners, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Latin America
    Jon Vaccaro Darien, Founder V20 Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank CRE
    Seth Waugh Palm Beach, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas, former Chairman of PGA
       

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Investment Bankers who have joined KingsRock recently in the US and EMEA as Managing Directors, with further expansion planned:

    David Barcus New York, former BNP and Raymond James
    John Doyamis New York, former EBG, and Bear Stearns
    Leo-Hendrik Greve Amsterdam, former ING, Citi and MS
    Rony Jawhar Dubai, former Arqaam and Deutsche Bank
    Bray Kelly New York, former JBK Capital and UBS
    Joe Lovrics Madrid, former Societe General, Citi, and BNP
    Bill Miller New York, Commerce Street, TPG Sixth Street, Citi
    Hans Narberhaus Madrid, former Deutsche Bank 
    Laurent Quelin London, former Chenavari, and CS
    Francois-Louise Ricard Paris, former Groupe Caisse des Depots, MS and SG
    Jorge de los Rios Madrid, former Santander, S&P and Lehman
    Mike Turnbull London, former StormHarbour, BAML and MS
    Andrew Whittaker New York, Lazard, GSAM and Lehman 
       

    In Q2 we were also joined by Gregor Bates, Associate, London, and Analysts Matt Farrell, Nikita Spivakov, and Tim O’Callaghan in New York.

    We also welcome George Parker, New York, as Senior Advisor for Operations.

    This team’s decades of investment banking experience across Origination, Advisory, Capital Markets, Structuring, and Leveraged Finance should help propel our growth and strategy to originate, structure, and distribute private capital markets transactions and provide strategic advisory services. Our goal is to further strengthen KingsRock’s ability to serve issuer clients and the private credit, special situations and private equity investor universe with ever more tailor-made capital solutions and investment opportunities.

    Expansion of our Global Network of Senior Advisors

    We are also pleased to announce that we now have 120 (one hundred and twenty) Senior Advisors from approximately 50 countries around the world. Each is a truly Independent Advisor with his or her own interest and focus, some with companies that we have partnered with, etc. Many of these advisors comprised the most senior leadership of Deutsche Bank and oversaw a wide range of functions, from CEO and six other former Management Board Members, to Country Heads and Divisional Heads of M&A, Capital Markets, and Heads of Sales, Coverage, Industry Groups, Economists, Operations, etc.

    This unique Global Network of former colleagues and friends as our Senior Advisors allows KingsRock access to key decision makers nearly anywhere in the world, spanning companies, institutional investors, financial institutions, and the public sector. It also offers mutual benefits in deal making through origination, execution, and distribution, be it a cross-border M&A transaction or bespoke institutional capital raising deal.

    We are also pleased to Announce a successful close of our inaugural third-party capital raise for KingsRock Advisors LLC, to support our expansion and elevate our investment banking boutique, with further strategic growth planned. We thank all of our investors for their strong support.

    “We are excited to welcome our new Senior Advisory Board Members, our new Managing Directors, Associate and Analyst colleagues, and our Senior Advisors network to KingsRock as we continue to expand the global reach of our capital solutions business. Together with our inaugural capital raise to boost and increase the visibility of our platform, successfully concluded in Q2, we are truly thrilled with the progress our young firm is making to serve our clients and support our ambitious growth. In the near term, we will share more details about our expansion across our financial services offering,” said Håkan Wohlin, Founder & Managing Partner, and Louis Jaffe, Co-Founder & Managing Partner.

    KingsRock has already announced and closed several significant transactions in 2025. Angel Oak’s recently announced sale to Brookfield, where KingsRock Advisors served as the Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak, is indeed a landmark transaction. On April 1st, 2025, Brookfield Asset Management and Angel Oak to Entered into Strategic Partnership. KingsRock Securities LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC, acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak Companies.

    About KingsRock:

    KingsRock Advisors, LLC headquartered at 900 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, is an independent global advisory firm, with securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and SIPC, as well as KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd and KingsRock Advisors Europe AB, both wholly owned subsidiaries of KingsRock Advisors LLC.

    Founded in 2020, KingsRock comprises a team of approximately 40 full time professionals who advise on a wide range of private capital markets transactions including debt, hybrid, equity and M&A covering structures from vanilla to highly structured. The team collectively has worked on thousands of transactions across various industry sectors worldwide. Clients include private equity and private credit firms, corporations, financial institutions, government-related entities, and institutional investors.

    KingsRock Advisors offers the experience and global reach of a large firm, combined with the structural agility and creativity of a boutique. An independent advisory firm with a global network that provides unconflicted strategic and financial advisory services, along with innovative capital solutions and special situations. The firms’ bankers excel in complex transactions and deliver swift results often where large banks and traditional sources of financing do not have the ability to engage. KingsRock advisors operates across all major industry sectors and is supported by a global network of 120 independent Senior Advisors across 50 countries, who bring decades of deal making experience.

    Disclaimer:

    Securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and a member of SIPC., a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC. • 900 Third Avenue, 10th Floor • New York, NY 10022.

    KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd is a private limited company registered in England and Wales with registration number 15240371. KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd (FRN 1006329) is an Appointed Representative under Bluegrove Capital Management Ltd (FRN: 960363), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

    KingsRock Advisors Europe AB is incorporated in Sweden (EU), with registered office at Grev Turegatan 14, 114 46 Stockholm, Sweden, and is a tied agent of Svensk Värdepappersservice i Stockholm AB, a Swedish investment firm authorized and regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) under the Swedish Securities Market Act (Sw. lag (2007:528) om värdepappersmarknaden).

    This message is provided for information purposes and does not constitute an invitation, solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or investment. Neither KingsRock Securities, LLC nor its affiliates provide accounting, tax or legal advice; such matters should be discussed with your advisors and/or counsel.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE – KingsRock Advisors Announces Dr. Josef Ackermann as Chairman of New Advisory Board, Additional Senior Hires and Senior Advisors, and Inaugural Capital Raise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – This Strengthens KingsRock’s Business Across Geographies and Industries

    NEW YORK and LONDON and STOCKHOLM and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KingsRock Advisors, LLC (“KingsRock”), an independent global advisory firm, announced today the formation of a new Advisory Board chaired by Dr. Josef Ackermann, previously the long-term CEO of Deutsche Bank. Furthermore, the firm announced a series of new Senior Hires, additional Senior Advisors, and an inaugural Capital Raise. This expansion aims to accelerate the growth of KingsRock’s capital solutions and corporate finance business across industries, geographies, and capital structures.

    We are pleased to welcome Dr. Josef Ackermann as Chairman and the following Senior Banking Executives who have agreed to serve as Members of our new KingsRock Advisory Board:

    Dr. Josef Ackermann Zurich, former Chairman of the Management Board, Deutsche Bank
    Fred Brettschneider New York, former Head of Deutsche Bank Global Markets Americas
    Yassine Bouhara Dubai, CEO Tell Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank Global Equities
    Kevin Parker New York, CEO SICM,  former CEO of Deutsche Asset Management
    Bernardo Parnes Sao Paolo, CEO of One Partners, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Latin America
    Jon Vaccaro Darien, Founder V20 Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank CRE
    Seth Waugh Palm Beach, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas, former Chairman of PGA
       

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Investment Bankers who have joined KingsRock recently in the US and EMEA as Managing Directors, with further expansion planned:

    David Barcus New York, former BNP and Raymond James
    John Doyamis New York, former EBG, and Bear Stearns
    Leo-Hendrik Greve Amsterdam, former ING, Citi and MS
    Rony Jawhar Dubai, former Arqaam and Deutsche Bank
    Bray Kelly New York, former JBK Capital and UBS
    Joe Lovrics Madrid, former Societe General, Citi, and BNP
    Bill Miller New York, Commerce Street, TPG Sixth Street, Citi
    Hans Narberhaus Madrid, former Deutsche Bank 
    Laurent Quelin London, former Chenavari, and CS
    Francois-Louise Ricard Paris, former Groupe Caisse des Depots, MS and SG
    Jorge de los Rios Madrid, former Santander, S&P and Lehman
    Mike Turnbull London, former StormHarbour, BAML and MS
    Andrew Whittaker New York, Lazard, GSAM and Lehman 
       

    In Q2 we were also joined by Gregor Bates, Associate, London, and Analysts Matt Farrell, Nikita Spivakov, and Tim O’Callaghan in New York.

    We also welcome George Parker, New York, as Senior Advisor for Operations.

    This team’s decades of investment banking experience across Origination, Advisory, Capital Markets, Structuring, and Leveraged Finance should help propel our growth and strategy to originate, structure, and distribute private capital markets transactions and provide strategic advisory services. Our goal is to further strengthen KingsRock’s ability to serve issuer clients and the private credit, special situations and private equity investor universe with ever more tailor-made capital solutions and investment opportunities.

    Expansion of our Global Network of Senior Advisors

    We are also pleased to announce that we now have 120 (one hundred and twenty) Senior Advisors from approximately 50 countries around the world. Each is a truly Independent Advisor with his or her own interest and focus, some with companies that we have partnered with, etc. Many of these advisors comprised the most senior leadership of Deutsche Bank and oversaw a wide range of functions, from CEO and six other former Management Board Members, to Country Heads and Divisional Heads of M&A, Capital Markets, and Heads of Sales, Coverage, Industry Groups, Economists, Operations, etc.

    This unique Global Network of former colleagues and friends as our Senior Advisors allows KingsRock access to key decision makers nearly anywhere in the world, spanning companies, institutional investors, financial institutions, and the public sector. It also offers mutual benefits in deal making through origination, execution, and distribution, be it a cross-border M&A transaction or bespoke institutional capital raising deal.

    We are also pleased to Announce a successful close of our inaugural third-party capital raise for KingsRock Advisors LLC, to support our expansion and elevate our investment banking boutique, with further strategic growth planned. We thank all of our investors for their strong support.

    “We are excited to welcome our new Senior Advisory Board Members, our new Managing Directors, Associate and Analyst colleagues, and our Senior Advisors network to KingsRock as we continue to expand the global reach of our capital solutions business. Together with our inaugural capital raise to boost and increase the visibility of our platform, successfully concluded in Q2, we are truly thrilled with the progress our young firm is making to serve our clients and support our ambitious growth. In the near term, we will share more details about our expansion across our financial services offering,” said Håkan Wohlin, Founder & Managing Partner, and Louis Jaffe, Co-Founder & Managing Partner.

    KingsRock has already announced and closed several significant transactions in 2025. Angel Oak’s recently announced sale to Brookfield, where KingsRock Advisors served as the Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak, is indeed a landmark transaction. On April 1st, 2025, Brookfield Asset Management and Angel Oak to Entered into Strategic Partnership. KingsRock Securities LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC, acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak Companies.

    About KingsRock:

    KingsRock Advisors, LLC headquartered at 900 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, is an independent global advisory firm, with securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and SIPC, as well as KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd and KingsRock Advisors Europe AB, both wholly owned subsidiaries of KingsRock Advisors LLC.

    Founded in 2020, KingsRock comprises a team of approximately 40 full time professionals who advise on a wide range of private capital markets transactions including debt, hybrid, equity and M&A covering structures from vanilla to highly structured. The team collectively has worked on thousands of transactions across various industry sectors worldwide. Clients include private equity and private credit firms, corporations, financial institutions, government-related entities, and institutional investors.

    KingsRock Advisors offers the experience and global reach of a large firm, combined with the structural agility and creativity of a boutique. An independent advisory firm with a global network that provides unconflicted strategic and financial advisory services, along with innovative capital solutions and special situations. The firms’ bankers excel in complex transactions and deliver swift results often where large banks and traditional sources of financing do not have the ability to engage. KingsRock advisors operates across all major industry sectors and is supported by a global network of 120 independent Senior Advisors across 50 countries, who bring decades of deal making experience.

    Disclaimer:

    Securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and a member of SIPC., a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC. • 900 Third Avenue, 10th Floor • New York, NY 10022.

    KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd is a private limited company registered in England and Wales with registration number 15240371. KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd (FRN 1006329) is an Appointed Representative under Bluegrove Capital Management Ltd (FRN: 960363), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

    KingsRock Advisors Europe AB is incorporated in Sweden (EU), with registered office at Grev Turegatan 14, 114 46 Stockholm, Sweden, and is a tied agent of Svensk Värdepappersservice i Stockholm AB, a Swedish investment firm authorized and regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) under the Swedish Securities Market Act (Sw. lag (2007:528) om värdepappersmarknaden).

    This message is provided for information purposes and does not constitute an invitation, solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or investment. Neither KingsRock Securities, LLC nor its affiliates provide accounting, tax or legal advice; such matters should be discussed with your advisors and/or counsel.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Releases Names of Worst of the Worst Convicted Criminal Illegal Aliens Detained at Guantanamo Bay

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Releases Names of Worst of the Worst Convicted Criminal Illegal Aliens Detained at Guantanamo Bay

    lass=”text-align-center”>Pedophiles, murderers, kidnappers, and other violent criminals are being held at the military facility
    WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the names of some of the dangerous, criminal illegal aliens detained at the Guantanamo Bay

      
    “We’re arresting criminal illegal aliens and getting them off America’s streets

    Guantanamo Bay is holding the worst of the worst including child predators, rapists and murderers,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “Whether it is CECOT, Alligator Alcatraz, Guantanamo Bay or another detention facility, these dangerous criminals will not be allowed to terrorize U

    S

    citizens

    President Trump and Secretary Noem are using every tool available to get criminal illegal aliens off our streets and out of our country

    Our message is clear: Criminals are not welcome in the United States

    ” 
    Below are examples of nearly 30 high-threat, violent criminal illegal aliens that have committed heinous crimes and are detained at Guantanamo Bay

    These dangerous illegal aliens are convicted criminals with final orders of removal from an immigration judge

    Olma Juarez-Mendez, an illegal alien from Guatemala, has been convicted of domestic abuse

    Hung Vo, an illegal alien from Vietnam, has been convicted of robbery with a weapon

    Quan Phung, an illegal alien from Vietnam, has been convicted of aggravated assault with a weapon

    Andis Noe Cortes Zepeda, an illegal alien from Honduras, has been convicted of sexual assault

    Antonio Erazo-Ramos, an illegal alien from Honduras, has been convicted of assault

    Xiang Liu, an illegal alien from China, has been convicted of robbery

    Jin Feng Lu, an illegal alien from China, has been convicted of homicide

    Hieu Tran, an illegal alien from Vietnam, has been convicted of robbery

    Shubham Singh, an illegal alien from India, has been convicted of child pornography

    Franklin Almendarez-Alvarez, an illegal alien from Honduras, has been convicted of lewd acts with a minor

    Ramiro Villanueva, an illegal alien from Colombia, has been convicted of smuggling cocaine

    Tien Minh Cao, an illegal alien from Vietnam, has been convicted of kidnapping

    Khang Huy Trang, an illegal alien from Vietnam, has been convicted of kidnapping for ransom

    Carlos Olivo Orellana, an illegal alien from El Salvador, has been convicted of lewd acts with a minor

    Wen Lin, an illegal alien from China, has been convicted of robbery

    Guillermo Gonzales-Tiul, an illegal alien from Guatemala, has been convicted of assault

    Yong Liang, an illegal alien from China, has been convicted of kidnapping

    Luis Fernando Ospina Tabarez, an illegal alien from Colombia, has been convicted of smuggling heroin

    Ilie Bogde, an illegal alien from Romania, has been convicted of robbery

    Jose Diego Pereira Valdez, and illegal alien from El Salvador, has been convicted of aggravated assault with a gun

    Larry Medina, an illegal alien from Venezuela, has been convicted of sexual assault

    Brayan Vasquez-Montero, an illegal alien from Colombia, has been convicted of aggravated assault with a weapon

    Nathaniel Akeen, an illegal alien from Liberia, has been convicted of robbery

    Eric Gresford Miller, an illegal alien from Jamaica, has been convicted of aggravated assault with a gun

    Nigel Tomlinson, an illegal alien from the United Kingdom, has been convicted of child sexual abuse

    Victor Bonilla-Alvarez, an illegal alien from El Salvador, has been convicted of trafficking weapons

    On January 29, 2025, President Donald J

    Trump signed an executive order, Expanding Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to Full Capacity, directing Secretary Noem to expand the Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to provide additional detention space for high-priority criminal aliens illegally present in the United States

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Mercosur: Economic indicators and trade with EU – 08-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This infographic provides insight into the economic performance of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay with the European Union (EU) and examines the trade dynamics among them. With the exception of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay have all experienced GDP growth exceeding 3%. Inflation trends are similar as Argentina continues to face hyperinflation at a rate of 219.9%, while Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay are moving toward more stable price levels after significant increases recorded between 2021 and 2022. Among the four analysed Mercosur countries, the EU27 stands as the second-largest trade partner after China. Collectively, these countries rank as the tenth-largest trading partners for the EU27. Both trade in goods and services between the EU27 and the four countries have been growing since 2020.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Use of EU funds for educational activities on ‘gender’ aimed at primary school children – E-002655/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002655/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Susanna Ceccardi (PfE)

    As part of the ‘GEnder BUdgeting e DIffusione della CUltura di Genere’ project, organised by the University of Florence in partnership with the Metropolitan City of Florence and co-financed by the European Union, pupils in the fourth year of primary school are involved in educational activities addressing issues related to ‘gender’, ‘appreciating diversity’, ‘inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals’ and ‘deconstructing stereotypes’.

    The aim of this project is to influence language, the perception of gender roles and the recognition of ‘hostile behaviour’ through questionnaires, play-based workshops and educational materials aimed at young children whose sense of self is still developing.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of this project and the use of EU funds for educational activities on ‘gender identity’ aimed at primary school children?
    • 2.What monitoring tools does the Commission employ to ensure that use of EU funds in educational projects does not result in ideological indoctrination of minors?
    • 3.Does the Commission believe the funding of initiatives that promote controversial ideological views in the school environment, without prior and informed parental consent, is compatible with the principles of subsidiarity and educational freedom, as well as with Article 14 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/996 of 20 May 2025 as regards Hüseyin Doğru – P-002725/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002725/2025
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    Michael von der Schulenburg (NI)

    Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/966 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities adds 21 natural persons and six legal persons, entities or bodies to the list of natural and legal persons, entities or bodies set out in the Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643, one of whom is Hüseyin Doğru.

    • 1.Was the inclusion of Hüseyin Doğru in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies set out in the Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 prompted by a Member State and, if so, by which one?
    • 2.Does the Council or a Member State have concrete information on Hüseyin Doğru’s financial and organisational links with organisations and actors of state propaganda in Russia and, if so, what information?
    • 3.What hybrid activities led to the Council’s decision to include Hüseyin Doğru on the above-mentioned list?

    Submitted: 3.7.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Information on the EU infringement procedure against Italy for failure to transpose Directive (EU) 2021/555 on firearms – E-002677/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002677/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)

    The Commission recently sent a letter of formal notice to Italy (procedure INFR(2025)2070) for failing to transpose Directive (EU) 2021/555 laying down strict rules on the control and traceability of civilian firearms in the European Union.

    The Directive is designed to harmonise the laws of the Member States with a view to combating illicit arms trafficking and ensuring greater security for the European public. The deadline for full transposition was 31 January 2023, but Italy has not yet completed this legislative process.

    Given the importance of the Directive in preventing criminal activities and ensuring greater public security across Europe, can the Commission state what its views are of the response provided by the Italian authorities under procedure INFR(2025)2070 and say what steps it considers need to be taken for Italy to correctly transpose Directive (EU) 2021/555?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Returns of migrants from detention centres in Albania and breach of Directive 2008/115/EC by the Italian Government – E-002653/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002653/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Alessandro Zan (S&D), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Lucia Annunziata (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Giorgio Gori (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Elisabetta Gualmini (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Nicola Zingaretti (S&D), Pina Picierno (S&D), Stefano Bonaccini (S&D), Giuseppe Lupo (S&D), Camilla Laureti (S&D), Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D), Matteo Ricci (S&D), Raffaele Topo (S&D), Dario Nardella (S&D), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Ignazio Roberto Marino (Verts/ALE), Pasquale Tridico (The Left), Carolina Morace (The Left), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Mario Furore (The Left), Valentina Palmisano (The Left), Danilo Della Valle (The Left)

    On 9 May 2025, the Italian Government carried out the first repatriation of five Egyptian nationals directly from Albania, taking them from the Gjadër detention centre for repatriation and putting them onto a flight to Cairo, without any Italian judicial oversight at the transfer stage and in the absence of clear regulatory coverage[1].

    There are serious doubts as to whether these actions are compatible with Directive 2008/115/EC on returns and with the principles enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular with the right to an effective remedy and the protection of fundamental rights.

    The Italian Court of Cassation has questioned the compatibility of the extraterritorial management of detentions and returns at the centres in Albania, indicating that such centres are not considered to be on Italian or EU territory. It has raised the issue with the Court of Justice of the European Union.

    The Commission has already said that the extraterritorial management of returns has no basis in EU law.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of what happened on 9 May 2025?
    • 2.Does it consider this action by the Italian Government to be in line with the EU legislation in force? If not, where is there a conflict?
    • 3.Will it take action to ensure full compliance with EU law on returns and also uniform application of EU migration and asylum rules?

    Supporter[2]

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    • [1] https://altreconomia.it/il-primo-rimpatrio-italiano-di-migranti-irregolari-direttamente-dallalbania/.
    • [2] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Dario Tamburrano (The Left)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Impact of the rise of artificial intelligence on translation services – E-002680/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002680/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Fernand Kartheiser (NI)

    Artificial intelligence is progressing rapidly, including in the field of translation. Specialised tools are already widely used in the translation services of the Commission and other EU institutions.

    These tools enable translators to work more efficiently, but they still have to check the texts produced to ensure that they are reliable and of sufficient quality.

    • 1.Will the Commission ensure that translators’ jobs are sustainable in spite of AI developments, or will it cut staff numbers?
    • 2.Can it guarantee that humans will continue to verify the quality of the services provided and that it will not introduce fully automated translation workflows?
    • 3.Will it support the development of AI for the smaller official languages?

    Submitted: 2.7.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Escalation in commercialisation of cultural heritage sites – E-001798/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Commission supports the accessibility for all cultural heritage and will work to improve access to cultural heritage, with a special focus on young people. One of the first steps will be to develop a Culture Compass which will improve the strategic framework for culture at the EU level.

    The New European Agenda for Culture, adopted by the Commission in 2018[1], provides the framework for cooperation on culture at the EU level. It highlights the positive contribution of culture to European society and social cohesion, as well as to the economy and international relations.

    The Commission supports the preservation of cultural heritage in Europe through its funding programmes and dedicated actions such as the European Heritage Awards, the European Heritage Days and the European Heritage Label.

    Under Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the EU’s role is limited to encourage cooperation and to support and supplement Member States’ actions in the field of culture and cultural heritage.

    The Commission has no say in the management of, or access to, cultural heritage sites in the Member States.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52018DC0267.
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Foreign interference in Hungary and recommendations on the transparency of foreign-funded non-governmental organisations – P-002264/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The organisation and conduct of elections are the competence and responsibility of the Member States, in accordance with their national constitutional rules and legislation, as well as their international obligations and applicable EU law. National authorities and courts are primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with the applicable rules.

    The Commission supports Member States on electoral matters, mainly through the framework of the European Coordination Network on Elections.

    This brings together national authorities with competence in electoral matters and facilitates the exchanges of information and best practices.

    Different EU rules are relevant in national electoral contexts within the EU. In particular, the new Regulation 2024/900 on the transparency and targeting of political advertising[1], which will become fully applicable from October 2025, will increase transparency, address disinformation, and prevent funding of political advertisements from third country sponsors three months preceding elections.

    In addition, in 2023, the Commission published a recommendation on inclusive and resilient electoral processes in the EU[2]. The Commission has also put forward a proposal for a directive on establishing harmonised requirements in the internal market on transparency of interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries.[3]

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/900/oj/eng.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reco/2023/2829/oj/eng.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52023PC0637.
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Prosecution of infringements of the Transport Regulation on the protection of animals during transport and related operations – E-001752/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. Current EU legislation on the protection of animals during transport[1] requires Member States to impose penalties if necessary. An overview of their enforcement actions is regularly made publicly available by Member States, but this information is not detailed enough for the Commission to identify specific cases, such as penalties imposed following the notification of infringement through a journey log.

    2. According to the Official Controls Regulation (OCR)[2], it is the responsibility of Member States to take the appropriate actions in the event of non-compliances established by their risk-based controls, including controls of journey logs submitted within one month after the journey concerned has been completed. In the case of a non-compliance that concerns more than one Member State, the OCR contains detailed rules and procedures for administrative assistance and cooperation, which require, among others, to inform the competent authority of the Member State concerned[3]. The Commission has recently launched a Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (iRASFF) animal welfare module, which constitutes the IT tool that Member States must use to implement certain provisions of the OCR on administrative assistance and cooperation[4]. Filing a non-compliance in this module requires the notified Member States to take certain obligatory actions[5], including actions to ensure compliance with the rules on the protection of animals during transport.

    3. In its proposal for a regulation on the protection of animals during transport, the Commission introduces a new approach to harmonise sanctions in case of infringements of the rules on animal transport[6]. The debate is ongoing. The Commission remains open to work with the co-legislators in this area.

    • [1] Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations, OJ L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1-44.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products (Official Controls Regulation), OJ L 95, 7.4.2017, p. 1-142.
    • [3] See in particular Title IV of the Official Controls Regulation.
    • [4] In particular, Articles 105 and 106 of the Official Controls Regulation.
    • [5] Article 50 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety and Articles 102 to 108 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625.
    • [6] Chapter IX ‘Sanctions’, Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of animals during transport and related operations, COM/2023/770 final.
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact of strengthened controls on Brazilian black pepper: unfair competition for Italian and European spice processors – E-001849/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Available statistics show a significant decrease of EU imports of Brazilian pepper either crushed or ground over the last three years. However, statistical data do not indicate the quantity of Brazilian pepper contained in spice mixtures imported into the EU from other third countries.

    A Commission priority is to ensure a strong and effective protection of human, animal, and plant health, which may comprise related aspects provided in the Commission Notice[1] on the evaluation of risks, on a case-by-case basis.

    Article 11 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002[2] requires that food and feed imported for placing it on the market within the EU comply with the relevant requirements of food law.

    Regulation (EU) 2019/1793[3] lays down the list of food and feed of non-animal origin subject to a temporary increase of official controls or special conditions upon their entry into the EU, aiming to enhance food safety and thus public health by ensuring compliance with EU agri-food legislation. Black pepper (piper nigrum) originating from Brazil is listed in that regulation due to possible contamination by Salmonella.

    When a consignment of pepper is declared as non-compliant due to a presence of Salmonella exceeding the criteria laid down in EU legislation, Article 66 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625[4] provides that the consignment must be destroyed, re-dispatched outside the EU or subject to special treatment. This is a safety measure to protect the health of EU consumers.

    The compliance level of Brazilian peppers observed in 2024 was satisfactory.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=oj:JOC_2022_265_R_0001.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2002/178/oj/eng.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2019/1793/oj.
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/625/oj.
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Managing illegal migration: controls on NGO funding and action – E-001717/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission and the EU Agencies are providing financial, technical and operational support to Greece to address the challenges it faces in migration and border management[1].

    The Commission conducts audits and on-the-spot checks to ensure that funds from the EU budget are spent in line with the applicable rules[2], and generate Union added value[3]. Member States’ authorities are responsible for selecting the projects to finance in accordance with the relevant EU rules.

    Non-governmental organisations and international organisations are audited as part of the Commission audit procedures[4]. If the Commission discovers deficiencies, it can intervene by interrupting or suspending payments to beneficiaries or Member States.

    If at a later stage the Commission spots any wrongdoing, it can introduce financial corrections and recover the funds already paid. In the event of fraud, the European Anti-Fraud Office steps in to investigate, and, if it confirms that fraud has been committed with EU money, the Commission recovers the funds.

    With regards to regulating EU-funded activities, the current EU framework envisages effective mechanisms to ensure that the implementation of the EU budget is in compliance with the principle of sound financial management.

    • [1] The total amount of financial support under the EU Home Affairs Funds made available to Greece since 2015 is just over EUR 5 billion, while more than 1000 experts and officers are currently deployed in Greece on behalf of the EU Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and Europol, providing Greece with the means for an ambitious, robust and comprehensive migration management policy.
    • [2] Common Provisions Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, Home Affairs Funds Regulations (Regulations (EU) 2021/1147, 2021/1148/2021 and 2021/1149).
    • [3] In the case of the financial support under the Home Affairs Funds implemented in shared management, the Member States’ authorities are responsible for selecting the projects to finance in accordance with the relevant EU rules and assume responsibility for the day-to-day management and for ensuring that the actions supported by the Funds are implemented correctly and effectively.
    • [4] In accordance with Article 127 of the regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (recast).
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Direct support schemes for bee-keeping under the CAP: access to finance and inclusion of the industry in strategic planning – E-002025/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission recognises the importance of facilitating access to funding for small and medium-sized beekeepers, particularly in less-developed regions. While the implementation of the mandatory apiculture sectoral support under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plans rests with Member States, the Commission is continuously engaged with the latter to ensure that the available support measures are effectively implemented and adapted to address the needs of their beekeepers effectively. Under the CAP simplification package[1] presented by the Commission on 14 May 2025, payments per beehive will be allowed for agri-environment-climate commitments and eco-schemes providing Member States more flexibility to support their beekeepers.

    2. The Commission supports mechanisms for transparent and effective consultation with representatives of the apiculture sector. During the drawing up of the CAP Strategic Plans, Member States were required to collaborate with the representatives of organisations in the beekeeping field and they continue to be actively involved in the development and implementation of apiculture sectoral support. The Commission also facilitates dialogue and exchange of best practices among Member States to enhance stakeholder involvement.

    3. The continued support to beekeeping, together with the various policy initiatives to safeguard pollinators and their environment, will remain a key focus in the future under the CAP. The Commission will continue to engage with stakeholders and Member States to develop effective strategies to enhance the sustainability and resilience of the bee-keeping sector, considering its vital role for sustainable agriculture and the environment.

    • [1] https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/circabc-ewpp/d/d/workspace/SpacesStore/b595fc96-2988-44fb-86a5-4383cb070119/download.
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The Greek islands’ lack of resilience to natural disasters and the need for sustainable spatial planning – E-001667/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. In 2021-2027, at least EUR 14.8 billion from Cohesion Policy funds is allocated to support islands, targeting competitiveness, green transition, better connectivity, housing, sustainable tourism and inclusive growth. Member States may also use these funds for disaster risk management, including flood prevention, response and resilience measures in islands, based on the national or subnational climate risk assessments. Greece, in particular, allocates EUR 726 million in public funding for flood risk prevention and management, including in insular areas, under the Cohesion Policy programmes. As per the shared management principle, national authorities are responsible for selecting and implementing projects. Furthermore, under the Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan[1], the reform for the preparation of urban plans addresses gaps in spatial planning and land use to promote sustainable economic activity and environmental protection.

    2. The Commission acknowledges the pressure from excessive tourism and construction in islands. However, the EU has no competence on construction policy.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/country-pages/greeces-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en.
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Liver damage as a side effect of COVID-19 vaccination – E-001675/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The authorisation of COVID-19 vaccines is based on a thorough scientific assessment by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) about the vaccine quality, safety, and efficacy[1].

    Initially, COVID-19 vaccines were granted a conditional marketing authorisation (CMA)[2], a pathway used to expedite access to medicines addressing unmet needs, particularly during public health emergencies. A CMA requires the marketing authorisation holder to provide further data post-authorisation to confirm the benefit-risk balance.

    Following authorisation, all medicinal products authorised in the EU, are subject to continuous and rigorous safety monitoring, which was further enhanced for COVID-19 vaccines.

    The EU pharmacovigilance system detects, assesses, and addresses potential side effects[3], with the EMA’s safety Committee (PRAC)[4] analysing new risks that may emerge from various sources, including clinical practice, clinical studies, and medical literature.

    Current scientific data from over 13 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses administered worldwide shows a very good safety profile. Most adverse drug reactions are mild and short-lived.

    Serious effects are very rare[5] and thoroughly assessed. In 2022, PRAC concluded that there was no evidence supporting a causal link between mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and AIH[6].

    Each vaccine has published product information and an assessment report detailing all examined aspects[7]. If a reasonable possibility exists that a side effect is linked to the vaccine, it is included in the product information to ensure transparency for healthcare professionals and patients.

    • [1] Approval of vaccines in the EU: https://vaccination-info.europa.eu/en/about-vaccines/approval-vaccines-eu; COVID-19 vaccines: development, evaluation, approval and monitoring: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory-overview/public-health-threats/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-19-public-health-emergency-international-concern-2020-23/covid-19-vaccines-development-evaluation-approval-monitoring.
    • [2] Conditional marketing authorisation: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory-overview/marketing-authorisation/conditional-marketing-authorisation.
    • [3] Pharmacovigilance: Overview: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory-overview/pharmacovigilance-overview.
    • [4] Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC): https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/committees/pharmacovigilance-risk-assessment-committee-prac.
    • [5] Safety of COVID-19 vaccines: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory-overview/public-health-threats/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-19-medicines/safety-covid-19-vaccines#suspected-side-effects-13834.
    • [6] Meeting highlights from the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) 4-7 April 2022: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/meeting-highlights-pharmacovigilance-risk-assessment-committee-prac-4-7-april-2022.
    • [7]  COVID-19 medicines: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory-overview/public-health-threats/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-19-medicines.

    MIL OSI Europe News –