NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: What is the value of trusted data? Panel discussion at the World Economic Forum

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on 21 January, high-ranking panellists discussed how trusted data can be made more easily accessible and user-friendly in order to counteract misinformation. Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider launched the discussion. High-ranking representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), the University of Copenhagen and the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) were among the participants. The panel also presented a study on the creation of a metadata platform listing trustworthy data sources.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Official working visit by Vice Premier of the State Affairs Council of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Ding Xuexiang

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    On 20 January 2025, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Vice President of the Federal Council and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), welcomed Mr Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Affairs Council of the People’s Republic of China, in Bern for an official working visit. Switzerland and the People’s Republic of China are currently celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: What is the potential of the “atmospheric mine”? – Concrete as a carbon store

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Mining the Atmosphere, a new Empa research initiative, aims at capturing excess CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing it in building materials such as concrete. Empa researchers have now calculated the potential of this approach for the first time: Five to ten billion tons of carbon could be used annually as concrete aggregates – well enough to permanently store the current excess CO₂ within 100 years after the energy transition and thus to bring atmospheric CO2 back to climate-friendly levels.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Producer and Import Price Index with average annual inflation rate of –1.7% in 2024

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    The Producer and Import Price Index remained unchanged in December 2024 compared with the previous month, at 106.3 points (December 2020 = 100). Compared with December 2023, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products fell by 0.9%. Average annual inflation stood at –1.7% in 2024. These are the results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Programme of members of the Federal Council attending the 2025 WEF Annual Meeting

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will take place in Davos next week. Six members of the Federal Council will be attending the event. President Karin Keller-Sutter will open the event together with WEF founder Prof. Klaus Schwab on Tuesday, 21 January.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: New model for the spread of infectious diseases: Better prediction of epidemics

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    The reproduction number R is often used as an indicator to predict how quickly an infectious disease will spread. Empa researchers have developed a mathematical model that is just as easy to use but enables more accurate predictions than R. Their model is based on a reproduction matrix that takes into account the heterogeneity of society.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to attend 17th Berlin Conference of Agriculture Ministers as part of International Green Week

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will travel to Berlin on 17/18 January. There he will visit the world’s largest trade fair for food, agriculture and horticulture, attend the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture and represent Switzerland at the 17th Berlin Conference of Agriculture Ministers.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin signs free trade agreement with Thailand

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    On 23 January on the margins of the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and representatives of Switzerland’s fellow EFTA states Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway signed a free trade agreement with Thailand, represented by Pichai Naripthaphan, Thailand’s Minister of Commerce. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was also present at the signing ceremony.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Switzerland present at informal meeting of EU ministers in Warsaw

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    On 21 and 22 January 2025, the Deputy Director of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), Rémy Hübschi, took part in an informal meeting of education ministers from EU member states. The event was held in Warsaw to discuss ways to foster inclusive high-quality education in Europe. Mr Hübschi also used this opportunity for exchanges with his counterparts.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin signs free trade agreement with Kosovo

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    On 22 January on the margins of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and representatives of Switzerland’s fellow EFTA states Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway signed a free trade agreement with Kosovo, represented by Rozeta Hajdari, Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade. Prime Minister Albin Kurti was also present at the signing ceremony.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Deputy Chief of Armament to take part in the Annual Conference of the European Defence Agency

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    The Deputy Chief of Armament Thomas Rothacher is to take part with a delegation at the annual conference of the European Defence Agency (EDA) in Brussels on 22 January 2025. The topic of the conference will be: “New horizons in EU defence: enhancing ambitions, accelerating actions”. Meetings with representatives from NATO and the EDA are also planned.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Switzerland and Ukraine launch private sector partnership for reconstruction

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    On 23 January, at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland and Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding the role of Swiss businesses operating in Ukraine in the country’s recovery. The MoU was signed by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ignazio Cassis highlights Europe, Ukraine and the Middle East at Davos 2025

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    At the 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, placed particular emphasis on European policy and the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. He also raised matters relating to security and cooperation, particularly as Switzerland prepares to chair the OSCE in 2026.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ignazio Cassis highlights Europe, Ukraine and the Middle East at Davos 2025

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    At the 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, placed particular emphasis on European policy and the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. He also raised matters relating to security and cooperation, particularly as Switzerland prepares to chair the OSCE in 2026.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Sudan’s Minister of Mines to Showcase E&P Prospects at African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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    Martin Gama Abucha, Minister of Mines of South Sudan, has joined the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference as a speaker. Minister Abucha will take part in the Ministerial Forum, where he will share insight into South Sudan’s policy frameworks, investment incentives and infrastructure plans aimed at unlocking the full potential of the country’s mining sector. 

    As South Sudan seeks to increase mining investments and drive projects forward, AMW provides an ideal platform for Minister Abucha to outline the country’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with global public and private stakeholders to build a robust and competitive mining value chain. As the premier gathering for mining stakeholders in Africa, the event connects global financiers and project developers with African mining opportunities, facilitating collaboration and deal-signing. Insights shared by Minister Abucha will support future deals. 

    African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Under Minister Abucha’s leadership, South Sudan’s Ministry of Mines has been accelerating geological mapping to identify exploration hotspots and reduce investment risk. In April 2025, the Ministry hosted a delegation from Qatar, including government officials and mining investors, to discuss opportunities in seismic studies, gold refining and the extraction of lead and critical minerals. The meeting follows Qatari firms such as United Gold investing across South Sudan to establish gold marketing stations. The stations aim to formalize artisanal mining by integrating informal production into the formal economy. 

    Collaborations are also underway with South Africa to leverage the country’s mining expertise, investment portfolio and technology to better understand South Sudan’s mineral landscape. Other partnerships include with Russia’s ROSGEO, the U.S.-based REE-Magnesium and Canada’s CVMR to map the country’s mineral resources and better understand the geology. In November 2024, South Sudan’s national oil company Nilepet announced the discovery of critical minerals following a geological survey conducted in the first half of 2024 and revealed plans to establish a national mining company to support sector growth. 

    Amid these developments, AMW 2025 offers a timely opportunity for Minister Abucha to engage with global geoscience firms, mining investors and African stakeholders to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing collaborations. AMW 2025 panel discussions and project showcases will position South Sudan as an emerging mining destination on the continent. 

    – on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Constructive discussion and loyal cooperation ‘replaced’ by a different legal basis? – E-002510/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002510/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Erik Kaliňák (NI)

    There has been speculation in the media that the EU plans to ‘legally bypass’ Hungary and Slovakia in order to ban Russian gas imports by 2027, using trade and energy legal bases that do not require unanimity[1].

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm the accuracy of these speculations?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider it appropriate to ‘bend’ EU law by simply bypassing a Member State if it does not agree with a proposed measure on grounds of national interest by using an alternative legal basis?
    • 3.Does the Commission not consider such an approach to be a threat to the principle of loyal cooperation?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    • [1] https://tvpworld.com/87329765/eu-unveils-plans-to-bypass-hungary-and-slovakia-vetoes-on-russian-gas-imports-ban
    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Backlash against financing aid to Ukraine – E-002495/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002495/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Erik Kaliňák (NI)

    Following the Commission’s proposal to pledge up to EUR 40 billion in military assistance to Ukraine this year, with each country contributing according to the size of its economy, Spain and Italy voiced their opposition[1].

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.What further steps does the Commission plan to take?
    • 2.Is the Commission not aware that Member States are financially exhausted by the measures to support Ukraine that the Commission is continuously proposing?
    • 3.Does the Commission not feel that the EU should become more actively involved in pressing for a peaceful dialogue instead of endless military support and the associated need for continuous funding?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/italy-spain-not-ready-back-eu-plan-boost-ukraine-military-aid-2025-03-17/
    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Lack of effectiveness and transparency in Recovery and Resilience Facility investments in Greece – E-002518/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002518/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

    Greece was among the first four Member States to submit national recovery plans in April 2021,[1] securing through the Recovery and Resilience Facility – a critical tool for rebuilding its economy after the pandemic – resources totalling EUR 35.95 billion,[2] a significant financing opportunity for its economic transformation. However, serious concerns have been raised regarding the way in which the resources are allocated, their accessibility, and the overall transparency of the process.[3]

    According to analysts and independent bodies, a large part of the financing is directed to already strong businesses through banking tools with strict credit criteria, resulting in the exclusion of many small and medium-sized enterprises and social initiatives, especially on the periphery. There have been delays in the necessary reforms, proposals for the downgrading of projects and a lack of social consultation and accountability, as the process of evaluating and approving projects is carried out with limited publicity and without civil society playing an active role.

    In view of the above, the Commission is asked:

    • 1.What problems have been identified in the course of implementing the Greek recovery plan and what recommendations have been made?
    • 2.Are there any indications of lack of transparency or exclusion of potential beneficiaries (such as SMEs, local authorities)?
    • 3.What measures are being taken to strengthen civil society participation and democratic accountability in the management of European funds in Greece?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    • [1] https://greece20.gov.gr/to-plires-sxedio/
    • [2] https://greece20.gov.gr/me-mia-matia/
    • [3] https://www.ot.gr/2025/06/02/tameio-anakampsis/tameio-anakampsis-se-anammena-karvouna-i-eyropi-ti-perimenei-i-ellada/.
    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Immediate support for Chios due to fires – E-002517/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002517/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Georgios Aftias (PPE)

    Since the afternoon of Sunday 22 June 2025, three fires have broken out on Chios and are spreading throughout the island due to strong winds. Over the last few hours – despite the brave efforts of the fire brigade – the fires have been reigniting, resulting in 17 settlements being evacuated for safety reasons and many areas of the island being without electricity and access to basic supplies. According to an announcement by the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, in the last 48 hours in Greece, firefighters have been called to deal with 110 fires in various areas of the country.

    Given the above:

    • 1.Will the European Solidarity Fund be activated to compensate those affected by the fires and does the Commission intend to finance the establishment of a European fire brigade to assist the Mediterranean countries affected by the fires?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to provide more resources to Member States so that they can acquire the means and personnel to prevent and extinguish fires?
    • 3.Will those affected by the fires be compensated within 12 weeks, as the Commissioner responsible for Cohesion and Reforms recently announced in response to a question I asked?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Israel’s nuclear weapons programme – E-002503/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002503/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Lynn Boylan (The Left), Kathleen Funchion (The Left)

    In recent public statements, the President of the Commission has repeatedly invoked Israel’s ‘right to self-defence’ and the need for Iran to not acquire a nuclear weapon. No mention has been made of the fact that Israel is itself a nuclear power and is one of only five countries in the world not to have ratified the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Israel has also not accepted International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards on its nuclear activity.

    In her discussions with the Israeli Government, did the President of the Commission:

    • 1.call on Israel to ratify the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty?
    • 2.call on the Israeli Government to accept IAEA safeguards on its nuclear activities?
    • 3.demand a halt to nuclear weapons production and stockpiling by Israel?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB and CAF unite to drive sustainable growth in Latin America under Global Gateway

    Source: European Investment Bank

    In a significant step towards deepening international development cooperation, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and CAF Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean signed a memorandum of understanding today during a high-level meeting with Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) finance ministers and financial institutions operating in the Latin America and the Caribbean region, in advance of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) held in Seville.

    EIB President Nadia Calviño and CAF President Sergio Díaz-Granados formalised the agreement, which aims to enhance institutional collaboration and mobilise financing for high-impact projects across Latin America and the Caribbean. Central to the memorandum of understanding is the shared commitment to promote climate action and environmental sustainability, reflecting both institutions’ priorities and the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy.

    From dialogue to strategic partnership

    The signing of the memorandum of understanding marks a significant evolution in the relationship between the EIB and CAF, moving from ad hoc coordination to a more structured and strategic form of collaboration. The agreement is designed to turn shared ambitions into practical outcomes by expanding sustainable investments and tackling key development challenges across Latin America and the Caribbean.

    The memorandum of understanding outlines a broad framework for cooperation that preserves the independence of each institution while building a foundation for deeper coordination, as it offers a flexible and scalable model for collaboration.

    A shared vision for climate and development

    The partnership’s central goal is to boost financing for projects aligned with climate action and environmental sustainability, specifically those that contribute to greenhouse gas mitigation, climate resilience, biodiversity preservation and the fight against environmental degradation. The cooperation will also aim to reinforce regional value chains and accelerate the transition to green, inclusive economies.

    The memorandum of understanding envisions financial support through multiple instruments, including parallel and joint co-financing, loan guarantees, equity investments, advisory services and knowledge transfer. Both institutions will also explore the mobilisation of EU and Member State grants through platforms such as the Latin America and Caribbean Investment Facility (LACIF).

    Looking ahead

    The memorandum of understanding is supported by a clear and actionable roadmap that outlines specific steps for implementation and monitoring. Through this agreement, the EIB and CAF demonstrate a strong and unified commitment to promoting sustainable growth across Latin America and the Caribbean.

    The partnership reinforces the practical objectives of the Global Gateway strategy, turning vision into investment-driven action. By formalising and expanding their collaboration, both institutions aim to mobilise significant financial resources, close investment gaps and accelerate the region’s transition to a greener and more resilient future.

    Towards the CELAC-EU summit in Santa Marta, Colombia

    The upcoming CELAC-EU summit in Santa Marta represents a new milestone in the strategic partnership between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean. It offers a key opportunity to highlight and give full value to the renewed agreement between the EIB and CAF, showcasing it as a tangible example of joint commitment to sustainable development, climate action and deeper regional integration under the Global Gateway framework.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Removing barriers to enable delivery of sustainable aviation fuel to the EU – E-002460/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002460/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jana Nagyová (PfE)

    The current rules on renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO), particularly those related to effective carbon pricing, create obstacles that undermine EU competitiveness. The requirement for a robust carbon pricing mechanism, which is largely absent outside the EU, makes it difficult for non-EU producers to access the European market, restricting supply and increasing cost.

    Meanwhile, less restrictive policies in the UK allow RFNBO production to shift there, diverting investment and weakening the EU’s position in the global market.

    • 1.Since the Commission has already proposed simplification packages in other policy areas, is it planning to review the renewable energy rules, in particular the Delegated Acts under Articles 27 and 28 of Directive (EU) 2023/2413 (RED III)?
    • 2.Considering that the UK and the US are not limiting the sources of CO2, will the Commission follow their example and drop the phase out date for the use of industrial CO2?
    • 3.Will the Commission remove – even temporarily – the requirement for effective carbon pricing, which acts as a de facto ban on imports of US eFuels, or will it commit to finding another solution that directs eFuels to the EU instead of being diverted to the UK, which is more attractive to producers as it does not have the same carbon pricing requirement?

    Submitted: 18.6.2025

    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Other events – Strengthening EU: Tackling Hybrid Threats, Preparedness & Gender-Based Violence – 02-06-2025 – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    In a series of recent joint committee meetings at the beginning of June, Members of LIBE, EUDS, SEDE, ENVI, and FEMM addressed a spectrum of pressing challenges, from the weaponisation of migration and emerging hybrid threats to the persistent violence of female genital mutilation (FGM) within the EU. Together, these discussions underscored a growing consensus: Europe must act with unity, foresight, and resilience to safeguard its citizens and values.

    On 2nd of June, LIBE and EUDS discussed how foreign actors are turning migration in a tool of hybrid warfare, with criminal networks exploiting digital platforms and crypto payments to evade detection. Frontex stressed the need for better intelligence-sharing to anticipate and counter such threats, while the Commission reaffirmed that measures taken must remain lawful and proportionate.

    Meeting in a joint session on 3rd of June SEDE, ENVI, and LIBE reviewed the new European Preparedness Union Strategy, which calls for a shared EU approach to risks ranging from cyberattacks to climate disasters. The strategy aims to embed preparedness across all policies, though Members called for clearer governance, adequate funding, and closer cooperation with neighbours.

    On 4th of June, Members of LIBE, FEMM and DEVE focused on female genital mutilation, which continues to affect around 600,000 women and girls in at least 16 EU countries. Experts urged the Commission to enforce existing laws and boost support for front-line efforts to end this form of gender-based violence.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Other events – Strengthening EU: Tackling Hybrid Threats, Preparedness & Gender-Based Violence – 02-06-2025 – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    In a series of recent joint committee meetings at the beginning of June, Members of LIBE, EUDS, SEDE, ENVI, and FEMM addressed a spectrum of pressing challenges, from the weaponisation of migration and emerging hybrid threats to the persistent violence of female genital mutilation (FGM) within the EU. Together, these discussions underscored a growing consensus: Europe must act with unity, foresight, and resilience to safeguard its citizens and values.

    On 2nd of June, LIBE and EUDS discussed how foreign actors are turning migration in a tool of hybrid warfare, with criminal networks exploiting digital platforms and crypto payments to evade detection. Frontex stressed the need for better intelligence-sharing to anticipate and counter such threats, while the Commission reaffirmed that measures taken must remain lawful and proportionate.

    Meeting in a joint session on 3rd of June SEDE, ENVI, and LIBE reviewed the new European Preparedness Union Strategy, which calls for a shared EU approach to risks ranging from cyberattacks to climate disasters. The strategy aims to embed preparedness across all policies, though Members called for clearer governance, adequate funding, and closer cooperation with neighbours.

    On 4th of June, Members of LIBE, FEMM and DEVE focused on female genital mutilation, which continues to affect around 600,000 women and girls in at least 16 EU countries. Experts urged the Commission to enforce existing laws and boost support for front-line efforts to end this form of gender-based violence.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Other events – Strengthening EU: Tackling Hybrid Threats, Preparedness & Gender-Based Violence – 02-06-2025 – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    In a series of recent joint committee meetings at the beginning of June, Members of LIBE, EUDS, SEDE, ENVI, and FEMM addressed a spectrum of pressing challenges, from the weaponisation of migration and emerging hybrid threats to the persistent violence of female genital mutilation (FGM) within the EU. Together, these discussions underscored a growing consensus: Europe must act with unity, foresight, and resilience to safeguard its citizens and values.

    On 2nd of June, LIBE and EUDS discussed how foreign actors are turning migration in a tool of hybrid warfare, with criminal networks exploiting digital platforms and crypto payments to evade detection. Frontex stressed the need for better intelligence-sharing to anticipate and counter such threats, while the Commission reaffirmed that measures taken must remain lawful and proportionate.

    Meeting in a joint session on 3rd of June SEDE, ENVI, and LIBE reviewed the new European Preparedness Union Strategy, which calls for a shared EU approach to risks ranging from cyberattacks to climate disasters. The strategy aims to embed preparedness across all policies, though Members called for clearer governance, adequate funding, and closer cooperation with neighbours.

    On 4th of June, Members of LIBE, FEMM and DEVE focused on female genital mutilation, which continues to affect around 600,000 women and girls in at least 16 EU countries. Experts urged the Commission to enforce existing laws and boost support for front-line efforts to end this form of gender-based violence.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Election of the 3rd and 4th Vice-Chairs – Subcommittee on Human Rights

    Source: European Parliament

    On 26 June, during its ordinary meeting of 25-26 June the Subcommittee held the election of the 3rd and 4th Vice-Chairs.

    • Isabel SERRA SÁNCHEZ (The Left, Spain) was elected as 3rd Vice-Chair
    • Arkadiusz MULARCZYK (ECR, Poland) was elected as 4th Vice-Chair

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ending the funding for Islamic cultural centres that are actually conducting religious activities – P-002560/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002560/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Susanna Ceccardi (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Anna Maria Cisint (PfE)

    A number of EU Member States, including Italy, have different types of indirect public taxes, such as the ‘eight per thousand’ rule in Italy, whereby taxpayers devolve 0.8 % of their tax to state-recognised religions, or the ‘five per thousand’ rule for third-sector entities.

    It has become evident that many Islamic cultural centres, operating officially as cultural associations, can access the ‘five per thousand’ contributions while carrying out religious activities, including worship, preaching and proselytism.

    These centres do not appear to be subject to the same transparency, oversight and control requirements as state-recognised religions, and in some cases they may be linked to foreign organisations or to ideologies that are incompatible with the fundamental values enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware that, in some Member States, bodies officially presenting themselves as ‘cultural centres’ can receive public taxes, even though they mainly engage in religious activities that are not subject to any specific regulations?
    • 2.Some entities – officially described as cultural bodies – promote ideologies that run counter to the fundamental values of the European Union. Does it believe that public funding for such bodies could be a cause for concern in terms of consistency with the obligations stemming from the Charter of Fundamental Rights and pose a risk in terms of potential radicalisation?

    Submitted: 25.6.2025

    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Participation of Santos Cerdán (PSOE) in projects financed with NextGenerationEU funds – P-002530/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002530/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE), Hermann Tertsch (PfE)

    According to police reports, Santos Cerdán, the former PSOE organisational secretary being investigated for corruption, holds 45% of the shares in the company Servinabar 2000 S. L. This company was part of a joint venture together with other companies in public tenders published by the Regional Government of Navarre. In 2023, the regional government led by María Chivite (PSOE) awarded a contract (valued at EUR 6.4 million) for the construction of 46 low-cost housing units in Erripagaña (Navarre). The project, managed by the regional public company Nasuvinsa, was co-financed with NextGenerationEU funds from the Recovery and Resilience Facility. According to multiple media outlets, neither the aforementioned shareholding nor the relationship with high-ranking socialist officials were declared in the tendering documents.

    In view of the cases of corruption surrounding Pedro Sánchez, the following questions thus arise:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of the above situation and of the possible conflict of interest generated by the aforementioned shareholding?
    • 2.Has the Commission received any alerts or reports on possible irregularities in the aforementioned project financed with EU funds, for example, through the Irregularity Management System?
    • 3.When will the Commission alert OLAF and request information from the Spanish authorities to ensure that the EU’s financial interests are safeguarded?

    Submitted: 24.6.2025

    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Bombing of an orthodox church in Damascus – P-002501/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002501/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Nikolas Farantouris (The Left)

    Yesterday (Sunday 22 June 2025), a suicide bomber who was a member of the Islamic State opened fire before blowing himself up during the Sunday service at the Greek Orthodox church of Prophet Elias in Damascus, killing at least 30 and wounding more than 60 Greek Orthodox Christians. Yesterday’s dramatic events of religious fundamentalism constitute another bloody episode of violence in this ongoing series of attacks on schools, churches, public and private spaces. On 23 January[1], 17 March[2] and 7 April 2025[3], I warned of the massacres orchestrated or tolerated by the Islamist Jolani regime in Syria and called for specific EU action.

    Given the above, can the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy answer the following:

    • 1.Will a delegation of European officials, as well as a team of inspectors, go to Damascus on an exceptional basis to chronicle the attacks and atrocities that have taken place?
    • 2.Will there be an immediate review of the framework of cooperating with and lifting EU sanctions on the Government of Damascus?
    • 3.Will the Jolani regime be required to hold elections in a set timeframe?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-000295_EN.html
    • [2] https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=642935808482110&id=100082970882824&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=RXcoxKXUii42yf4D#
    • [3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-001399_EN.html
    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Other events – Strengthening EU: Tackling Hybrid Threats, Preparedness & Gender-Based Violence – 02-06-2025 – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    In a series of recent joint committee meetings at the beginning of June, Members of LIBE, EUDS, SEDE, ENVI, and FEMM addressed a spectrum of pressing challenges, from the weaponisation of migration and emerging hybrid threats to the persistent violence of female genital mutilation (FGM) within the EU. Together, these discussions underscored a growing consensus: Europe must act with unity, foresight, and resilience to safeguard its citizens and values.

    On 2nd of June, LIBE and EUDS discussed how foreign actors are turning migration in a tool of hybrid warfare, with criminal networks exploiting digital platforms and crypto payments to evade detection. Frontex stressed the need for better intelligence-sharing to anticipate and counter such threats, while the Commission reaffirmed that measures taken must remain lawful and proportionate.

    Meeting in a joint session on 3rd of June SEDE, ENVI, and LIBE reviewed the new European Preparedness Union Strategy, which calls for a shared EU approach to risks ranging from cyberattacks to climate disasters. The strategy aims to embed preparedness across all policies, though Members called for clearer governance, adequate funding, and closer cooperation with neighbours.

    On 4th of June, Members of LIBE, FEMM and DEVE focused on female genital mutilation, which continues to affect around 600,000 women and girls in at least 16 EU countries. Experts urged the Commission to enforce existing laws and boost support for front-line efforts to end this form of gender-based violence.

    MIL OSI Europe News –