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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali – B10-0281/2025

    Source: European Parliament

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

    Merja Kyllönen
    on behalf of The Left Group

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

    Document selected :  

    B10-0281/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0281/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0281/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali

     

    (2025/2754(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

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

     

    1. whereas the Military Junta, in power for five years, has recently dissolved all political parties and organizations and banned political gatherings; whereas it came after opposition groups and human rights organizations condemned the National Conference’s recommendation to extend President Goïta’s term until 2030; whereas political parties had called on the authorities to respect the Transition Charter and organize elections;

     

    1. whereas these measures are part of a broader trend of restrictions on civic space, including the arrest of opposition figures; whereas since 2024 the military authorities have intensified repression; whereas between April and July 2024, the authorities suspended the activities of political parties and political associations;

     

    1. whereas the constitution enacted in 2023 by the transitional authorities, guarantees the existence of political parties and asserts their right to ‘form and operate freely under the conditions determined by law’;

     

     

    1. Supports the aspirations of the Malian people for democracy and changes and strongly rejects the repression of demonstrators and the crackdown on the opposition;
    2. Condemns the dissolution of the political parties and the suspension of political gatherings; highlights that these measures odd with the constitution and are incompatible with Mali’s international human rights obligations including under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
    3. Calls on the transitional authorities to refrain from extending the transition period again and to organise credible, free, and fair elections;
    4. Invites to the Malian transitional authorities to engage in peaceful and truly inclusive dialogue with all actors involved in legal reform processes;
    5. Requests to the transitional authorities, to end the escalating crackdown on civic space and to allow the full exercise of freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, association and the media, as well as the right to participate in public affairs, including by ceasing the harassment of critical media, journalists and peaceful dissents; urges them to release those who have been arrested on politically motivated grounds;
    6. Denounces the presence of the Wagner Group and the Africa Corps and urges to hold them accountable as well as members of the Malian security forces, for their abuses against civilians;
    7. Notes the growing rejection of the former colonial power and of European diplomacy on the continent without ignoring attempts to manipulate information by third parties including Russia; insists that the only way to regain the confidence of citizens is to replace relations of domination at military, economic, monetary and political level with relations of equals, respecting international law and the principles of non-interference in internal affairs;
    8. Condemns the economic, social and political interference implemented through the Structural Adjustment Plans of the World Bank and the IMF; reminds that making assistance contingent on general spending cuts have undermined Malian  people’s economic, social and cultural rights; calls on the IMF and  World Bank to cancel the external debt of African countries;
    9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EU institutions, Member States, and the Malian authorities.

     

     

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli – B10-0295/2025

    Source: European Parliament

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

    Adam Bielan, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Reinis Pozņaks, Rihards Kols, Alexandr Vondra, Mariusz Kamiński, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Assita Kanko, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
    on behalf of the ECR Group

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

    Document selected :  

    B10-0295/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0295/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0295/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

    (2025/2752(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

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

     

    1. whereas the democratic backsliding in Georgia has dramatically accelerated since the flawed parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024; whereas the de facto Georgian Dream authorities systematically subject civil society and independent media to pressure, legal restrictions, and physical violence; whereas at least 138 incidents of media freedom violations have been documented in the context of pro-European protests or related events since November 2024, and a total of 174 media professionals have been the target of state repression; whereas at least 30 reporters have suffered repeated violations, including physical assaults, damage to professional equipment, administrative fines, criminal charges and legal harassment; whereas Georgia’s media landscape is highly politically polarised and characterized by widespread manipulation and disinformation;

     

    1. whereas Mzia Amaglobeli, co-founder and director of the media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was arrested on 12 January 2025 in Batumi during a protest against Georgian Dream and detained on charges of insulting a police officer; whereas her criminal trial is expected to resume soon, in which she could face up to seven years imprisonment;

     

    1. Urges Georgia’s authorities to release Mzia Amaglobeli immediately and to drop all criminal charges against her;

     

    1. Calls on the authorities to immediately cease the intimidation, threats, politically motivated prosecutions and physical assaults against journalists and media workers in Georgia;

     

    1. calls for the Georgian authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety and freedom of journalists and to investigate all instances of violence and misconduct by law enforcement agencies; emphasises the importance of fostering a democratic environment where media can operate freely without fear of retaliation or censorship;

     

    1. Regrets that media and information space is suppressed and dominated by Georgian Dream supported TV and media outlets, spreading false narratives about the EU integration and thus emulating and playing into Russian-inspired propaganda and facilitating polarisation in the society;

     

    1. Is worried by the Georgian Dream government’s clear alignment with Kremlin-backed narratives, its growing economic and political ties with Russia, and its deliberate obstruction of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, which fundamentally contradicts the country’s constitutional and strategic priorities;

     

    1. Calls for the EU and its Member States to impose individual sanctions on the officials and political leaders in Georgia who are responsible for the democratic backsliding, including Irakli Kobakhidze, Kakha Kaladze, Shalva Papuashvili and Irakli Garibashvili and to extend these sanctions to judges passing politically motivated sentences, as well as to financial enablers supporting the regime and the owners of regime-aligned media outlets for their role in spreading disinformation and seeking to manipulate public discourse;

     

    1. Reiterates its urgent demand for the immediate and unconditional release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili on humanitarian grounds so he can seek medical treatment abroad; emphasises that the Georgian Dream authorities bear full responsibility for his life, health, safety and well-being and must be held fully accountable for any harm that befalls him;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Parliament and Government of Georgia.
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the situation of media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli – B10-0290/2025

    Source: European Parliament

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

    Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Tomas Tobé, Miriam Lexmann, Andrey Kovatchev, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Dariusz Joński, Loránt Vincze, Danuše Nerudová, Mirosława Nykiel, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Davor Ivo Stier, Luděk Niedermayer, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Liudas Mažylis, Inese Vaidere, Rasa Juknevičienė
    on behalf of the PPE Group

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

    Document selected :  

    B10-0290/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0290/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0290/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  the situation of media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

    (2025/2752(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

    –  having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    1. whereas since 2024, Georgia has faced a dangerous acceleration of democratic backsliding, marked by the ruling Georgian Dream party’s systematic persecution of political opponents and aggressive crackdowns on civil society and independent media;

     

    1. whereas the adoption of draconian legislation – such as the Foreign Agents Registration Act, amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, Code of Administrative Offences, Law on Grants – constitutes a deliberate authoritarian strategy to silence critical voices and mirror Russian-style governance;

     

    1. whereas the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024 were deeply flawed and marked by grave irregularities,

     

    1. whereas, on 28 November 2024, Irakli Kobakhidze announced the decision to not pursue EU accession negotiations until 2028 and refuse EU budgetary support, kicking off street protests that have persisted to this day;

     

    1. whereas Mzia Amaglobeli, a respected journalist and co-founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, two independent online publications, was arrested during pro-European protests on 12 January 2025 and now faces four to seven years in prison for a provoked incident involving a police officer;

     

    1. whereas in Amaglobeli’s case, authorities ignored procedural safeguards, imposed pre-trial detention without a clear legal basis, and assigned a presiding judge lacking qualifications in criminal law;

     

    1. whereas Lithuania has imposed personal sanctions on Georgian officials responsible for human rights violations, including police officers that gave false testimonies against Mzia Amaglobeli in court;

     

    1. Strongly condemns the Georgian Dream regime’s systemic assault on democratic institutions, political opposition, independent media, civil society, and judicial independence;

     

    1. Denounces the politically motivated arrest and prosecution of Mzia Amaglobeli and demands her immediate and unconditional release, along with the withdrawal of all charges connected to her journalistic and civic activities;

     

    1. Expresses concern over the increasing use of arbitrary detentions, fines, smear campaigns, legal harassment, and police violence against journalists, which constitute serious breaches of fundamental rights;

     

    1. Denounces the alleged violent abduction of UNM Chair Tina Bokuchava’s husband and the reported threats to the safety of her children; calls for an immediate and effective investigation to address these acts and prevent a climate of impunity; 
    2. Denounces the sentencing of 21-year-old activist Mate Devidze to four years and six months in prison and demands his immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze, NIka Melia and Nika Gvaramia;

     

    1. Reiterates its calls for the immediate repeal of all repressive legislation, the restoration of democratic norms, and the full protection of media freedom and civil liberties;

     

    1. Reiterates its call on the EU Member States to impose coordinated bilateral sanctions against the Georgian Dream regime and its enablers, including those responsible for politically-motivated arrest, detention, and trial of Mzia Amaglobeli;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and the self-appointed authorities of Georgia.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli – B10-0289/2025

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

    B10‑0289/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

    (2025/2752(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

     

    – having regard to the joint statement by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos of 2 April 2025 on latest developments in Georgia;

     

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

     

    1. whereas Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli was arrested on 12 January 2025, held in pre-trial detention over four months and now faces the threat of a prison sentence of several years;
    2. whereas during her detention Mzia Amaglobeli reportedly suffered from inhumane treatment and undertook a 38-day hunger strike;
    3. whereas the detention of Mzia Amaglobeli is part of a broader crackdown by the ruling party Georgian Dream on dissenting voices in civil society, opposition and media;
    4. whereas the personal attacks against Mzia Amaglobeli, including by the Prime Minister, government officials and other prominent members of the ruling party, and her stigmatisation as a ‘foreign agent’ appear as a deliberate fabrication of a prominent case of media persecution that would deter further independent media reporting in Georgia;

    1. Urges the Georgian authorities to immediately release Mzia Amaglobeli and to withdraw any fabricated charges against her;

    2. Calls on the EEAS and the Member States to closely monitor the legal process and thereby contribute to establishing transparency about this and similar cases against Georgian journalists and media organisations, especially in the light of concerns about the lack of judicial independence;

    3. Urges Georgian authorities to end the harassment of independent media and journalists and reminds the Georgian authorities of their obligations to uphold media freedom and freedom of expression under the Georgian constitution and in accordance with the country’s international commitments;

    4. Expresses it solidarity with the people of Georgia in their protest against the escalating repression of civil liberties, and in particular with persons such as Mzia Amaglobeli who has come to symbolize the struggle for preserving Georgia’s democratic and European future;

    5. Underlines that the new pieces of legislation, such as the Foreign Agents Registration Act and amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, unduly restrict fundamental freedoms, erode democracy and therefore, unless repealed, would make Georgia’s future EU membership impossible;

    6. Reiterates its calls on the ruling party to end the repression against citizens, release all persons unduly detained, suspend and repeal all repressive legislation and return to the path of democracy;

    7. Calls for the EU to continue supporting Georgia’s civil society, human rights defenders and independent media despite the increasingly hostile environment marked by repressive laws such as the ‘Foreign Agents Registration Act’;

    8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission/ High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and to the self-appointed authorities of Georgia.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli – B10-0288/2025

    Source: European Parliament

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

    Petr Bystron, Tomasz Froelich, Hans Neuhoff, Alexander Sell
    on behalf of the ESN Group

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

    B10‑0288/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

    (2025/2752(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

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

     

    A. whereas, on 12 January 2025 Mzia Amaglobeli, journalist, was arrested on 12 January 2025

     after slapping Batumi police chief Irakli Dgebuadze in the face, which was classified as a criminal offense of “assaulting a police offer” under Article 353 of the Criminal Code of Georgia;

     

    B. whereas the Batumi City Court hearings in the trial have been attended by diplomats from different EU Member States;

     

    C.  whereas Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is pushing the EU to suspend or limit Georgia’s visa-free travel; 

     

    1. Emphasises that the arrest of Amaglobeli happened within the context of the street protests of the opposition, demanding a re-run of the parliamentary elections of October 2024 and that the trial is taking place against the background of a very polarised political environment;

     

    2. Affirms that the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024 were free and fair, conducted in broad compliance with national and international legal standards and that the Georgian people made a clear choice regarding the composition of their new government;

     

    3. Is concerned about the active involvement of foreign actors in actions of the opposition, aimed at overthrowing the elected government through street power and other extra-constitutional means; warns the EU that by supporting efforts to overturn a legitimate election result because of dissatisfaction with its outcome, it is undermining democracy in Georgia and fuelling polarisation and instability;

     

    4.  Considers that decisive in the conflict between civil society organisations (CSOs) and the ruling Georgian Dream party, is the partisan role that many opposition-linked CSOs have taken, agitating for the overthrow of the government; notes, furthermore,  that there is a lack of public trust in CSOs  due to a mismatch between the issues CSOs work on and the economic concerns of the majority of the population;

     

    5. Calls on the EU to end its confrontational approach and to avoid a black-and-white contrast between the different parties; urges the EU to recognise the complexity of the situation in Georgia and not to continue its current policy, which only increases the polarisation of  Georgian society and politics;

     

    6. Notes that the online media environment in Georgia is diverse and that content on a wide range of topics is available; notes that the online environment is free due to strong internet access and limited website blocking; notes that there are few explicit restrictions on internet access and online content; notes that, in general, online content is not subject to deletion, and government requests to remove online content are relatively rare;

     

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

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The situation of media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli – B10-0287/2025

    Source: European Parliament

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

    Urmas Paet, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas, Olivier Chastel
    on behalf of the Renew Group

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

    B10‑0287/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  the situation of media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

    (2025/2752(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

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

     

    1. Whereas Mzia Amaglobeli, prominent journalist and co-founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, has been held in pre-trial detention since 12 January 2025 and faces a prison sentence of four to seven years; 
    2. whereas Georgia’s Public Defender  has contested Amaglobeli’s pre-trial detention, citing insufficient evidence and procedural violations contrary to Georgian law and international standards; whereas Mzia Amaglobeli has endured a 38-day hunger strike since arrest and her health has deteriorated;
    3. whereas this case demonstrates the authorities’ abuse of the justice system to punish Mzia Amaglobeli for exposing corruption and for reporting on election fraud during the  2024  elections;
       

    1. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Mzia Amaglobeli, dropping of all charges against her, and impartial investigation into the circumstances of her detention and ill-treatment endured during arrest;

    2. Reiterates its call for the immediate release of peaceful demonstrators, media representatives and opposition leaders, including former President Mikheil Saakashvili, Zurab Japaridze, Nika Melia, Nika Gvaramia, and Mate Devidze, and to end all political persecution; urges authorities to respect citizens’ right to freedom of expression and assembly, and refrain from using unwarranted force against protesters;

    3. Strongly condemns the use of violence and degrading treatment against journalists and protesters in detention facilities and calls for independent investigations to bring those responsible to account; 

    4. Reiterates its demand to repeal recently adopted repressive legislation; strongly urges to end the weaponisation of legislation to silence independent media and civil society;

    5. Regrets that the media and information space is dominated by ruling party-backed TV and media outlets spreading false narratives about EU integration and pro-democracy actors; condemns the Government’s pressure on digital media, bloggers and online platforms, using cyberattacks, internet shutdowns, and harassment against independent voices; 

    6. Reiterates calls on the EU and Member States to impose  personal sanctions, including suspension of visa-free travel and asset freezes, on the Georgian officials, political leaders, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, judges, and security forces responsible for democratic backsliding; 

    7. Reiterates that, until authorities demonstrate a credible commitment to democratic principles and new parliamentary elections are held under improved electoral conditions with strong international presence, the EU will maintain its policy of non-recognition of the current President and one-party parliament; calls on EEAS, remaining EU institutions and Member States to limit diplomatic engagement with Georgian officials;  

    8. Reiterates its support for the Georgian people’s legitimate European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations; calls on the Commission to increase financial support for civil society and independent media broadcasting impartial news towards Georgia, and accelerate the provision of grants, such as financing and advertising activists travelling to the EU, notably through the European Endowment for Democracy; calls on Member States to support Georgian independent media and civil society, including those working in exile;

    9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, Commission, HR/VP, Member States, President Salomé Zurabishvili and self-appointed current Georgian authorities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The situation of media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli – B10-0283/2025

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

    B10‑0283/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  The situation of media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case  of Mzia Amaglobeli

    (2025/2752(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

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

     

     

    A. whereas the exercise of freedom of opinion, expression, association and peaceful assembly is a fundamental right enshrined in the Georgian constitution;

     

    B. whereas Georgia, as a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, has committed itself to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights;

     

    C. whereas UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk recently called on the Georgian authorities to respect and protect the rights to freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly;

     

    D. whereas several international NGOs are expressing growing concern over the media freedom situation in the country, in particular for the amendments introduced to the Law on Broadcasting;

     

    E. whereas Georgian journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder and director of the online newspapers Batumelebi and Netgazeti, is facing charges of assaulting a police officer—carrying a sentence of up to seven years in prison;

     

     

    1. Emphasises that the rights to freedom of expression and assembly and to peaceful protest are fundamental freedoms and must be respected in all circumstances; expresses concern over reports of the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force against demonstrators; condemns the arrest of the journalist Mzia Amaglobeli;

     

    2. Calls on the Government of Georgia to respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights, in particular freedom of press and political rights;

     

    3.  Call for the release of Mzia Amaglobeli and call the Georgian authorities to fully guarantee independent journalists freedom of expression and media pluralism, according to its own constitution and its international obligations; 

     

    4. Stresses that Georgia’s future must be determined by the will of its people, free from external pressure or interference; emphasises that Georgia’s sovereignty and political trajectory should reflect the aspirations of its citizens; condemns any attempts, whether foreign or domestic, to undermine Georgia’s democratic institutions;

     

     

    5. Recalls that the EU accession process is based on objective criteria; regrets the European Council’s decision to suspend financial assistance to Georgia; underlines the benefits of the visa facilitation agreement and the need to maintain it; emphasises the need for a constructive dialogue between the Government of Georgia and the EU;

     

    6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the UN as well as the President, Government and Parliament of the Georgia.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobel – B10-0282/2025

    Source: European Parliament

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

    Lena Schilling, Mélissa Camara, Mounir Satouri, Ville Niinistö, Maria Ohisalo, Mārtiņš Staķis, Nicolae Ștefănuță, Markéta Gregorová
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

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

    Document selected :  

    B10-0282/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0282/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0282/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  Media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

     

    (2025/2752(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

     

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

     

     

    1. whereas Mzia Amaglobeli, renowned figure in independent journalism and the director of the independent news websites “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti“, was detained on the night of 11-12 January and ordered to pre-trial detention on January 14; whereas she faces up to seven years in prison; whereas Amaglobeli’s case is considered emblematic for the unrelenting campaign of repression unleashed by the ruling Georgian Dream party against independent journalists, civil society, and peaceful protesters;

     

    1. whereas on during her arrests Amaglobeli was subjected to sexist abuse by police, with Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze allegedly spitting on her and threatening violence; whereas police in Georgia are increasingly using gender-based violence, including degrading strip searches, against women involved in protests; whereas the authorities to date, have failed to investigate any police officers who allegedly ill-treated and otherwise abused her and other protesters;

     

    1. whereas Georgian independent media is expected to be left decimated following the entry into force of the new Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) on 1 June, which grants the state authority to criminally prosecute media for failing to register as a “foreign agent”;

     

    1. whereas the response from the EU and Member States to Georgian Dream’s crackdown against dissenters has been seriously lacking, with only few Member States imposing targeted sanctions on those responsible; whereas HRVP Kallas’ recent proposal for a Black Sea Strategy to boost mutual partnerships in the region also presents plans for enhanced cooperation with Georgia;
    1. Condemns the illegal arrest and politically motivated prosecution of prominent Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli and calls for her immediate and unconditional release; urges the Georgian authorities to halt its harassment of peaceful protesters and release all political prisoners and others illegally detained without delay;

     

    1. Expresses deep concern over reports, including in the case of Amaglobeli, of the systematic use of gender-based violence by the Georgian police to intimidate and punish peaceful protesters;

     

    1. Regrets the persistent lack of action on behalf of the EU and Member States to ensure that their condemnation of Georgian Dream’s actions is not just stated, but felt by those responsible; reiterates its call on the EU and Member States to take coordinated action to surmount the political obstacles to adopting EU-wide sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili; calls similarly for sanctions against public officials and law enforcement that responsible for implementing repressive measures against peaceful protesters;

     

    1. Expresses concern about the extent to which the EU’s plans within the Black Sea Strategy will entail a normalisation of relations with the Georgian authorities;

     

    1. Calls on the EU to step up support for Georgia’s independent media following the entry into force of FARA, including by facilitating operations from EU Member States as needed;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and to the Georgian authorities.

     

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran – B10-0300/2025

    Source: European Parliament

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

    Adam Bielan, Reinis Pozņaks, Rihards Kols, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Mariusz Kamiński, Alexandr Vondra, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Alberico Gambino, Carlo Fidanza, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Assita Kanko, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Cristian Terheş, Diego Solier, Nora Junco García, Michał Dworczyk, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Marion Maréchal
    on behalf of the ECR Group

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

    B10‑0300/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran

     

    (2025/2753(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    —  having regard to its previous resolutions on Iran,

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

     

    1. whereas Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish-Iranian lecturer and researcher at the Vrije Universiteit in Brussels (VUB) Belgium and Universita degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale in Italy, was arrested in April 2016 after he visited Iran to attend workshops on disaster medicine and sentenced to death in October 2017 on false charges of espionage, after being severely pressured into false confessions under torture;

     

    1. whereas Djalali has been detained in the Evin prison since 2016 in violation of international law; whereas his health situation has further deteriorated and resulted in a heart attack last month; whereas his case remains under an active death sentence, with no execution date set, and execution threats continue to loom amid political back-and-forth;

     

    1. whereas Iranian courts, and particularly revolutionary courts, regularly fall short of providing fair trials and use confessions obtained under torture as evidence in court; whereas authorities also restrict detainees’ access to legal counsel, particularly during the investigation period;

     

    1. whereas European-Iranian dual nationals continue to be arrested, receive unfair trials, are placed in solitary confinement and sentenced based on false and vague espionage charges;

     

    1. whereas Iran uses arbitrary detentions of dual and foreign nationals or residents as bargaining tools to put pressure on foreign Governments and in prisoner exchanges;

     

     

    1. Calls on Iran to immediately and unconditionally release Ahmadreza Djalali and all others imprisoned on false charges or for solely exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly and human rights activities;

     

    1. Expresses grave concern about the situation of Ahmadreza Djalali and all others unlawfully imprisoned in Iran; firmly calls on the Iranian authorities to ensure that the rights of prisoners are protected at all times, including access to proper medical care, family visits, and chosen legal representation; 

     

    1. Condemns Iran’s hostage diplomacy; calls on Iran to immediately and unconditionally release all detained EU and dual EU nationals; urges the EU and its Member States to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter hostage diplomacy, including with a dedicated task force on Iran to better assist detainees’ families and effectively prevent further hostage-taking;

     

    1. Firmly denounces the Iranian authorities’ weaponization of the death penalty as a tool of intimidation against the population, aimed at silencing dissent and disproportionately targeting women, political opponents, and persecuted ethnic and religious groups;

     

    1. Is deeply concerned by the increasing and systematic repression of ethnic and religious minorities, women and dissidents in Iran – that face arbitrary arrest and detention, unfair trials and lengthy imprisonment – through laws and regulations that severely restrict their freedoms and rights;

     

    1. Reiterates its call on the Council to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, noting that the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court’s ruling on the 2022 Bochum synagogue attack provides the necessary legal grounds;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Parliament and Government of Iran.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Study – Key Issues in the European Council – State of play in June 2025 – 13-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This EPRS publication, ‘Key issues in the European Council’, seeks to provide an overview of the institution’s activities on major EU issues. It analyses nine broad policy areas, which have been identified as priorities in the European Council’s Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, outlining the main orientations defined by the European Council, the legal and political background, and the results of its involvement to date in each policy field. It is updated every half a year before the June and December regular meetings of EU Heads of State or Government.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Greece’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan: Latest state of play – 17-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Greece was among the first four EU Member States to submit its national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) in April 2021. Since then, Greece has modified its plan in December 2023, adding a REPowerEU chapter and expanding its loan programme, and in July and December 2024, introducing smaller targeted revisions. The plan now envisages investment and reforms worth €35.9 billion, to be implemented up to 2026; €18.2 billion will be financed from non-repayable financial support (grants), while the loans amount to €17.7 billion. Corresponding to 4.8 % of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the plan represents 19.6 % of Greece’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019 (the RRF being 5.2 % of EU-27 GDP in 2019). This is the fifth largest national allocation and the highest amount as a share of national GDP across the EU. The five-pillar Greek plan addresses the country’s specific challenges, and also contributes to EU priorities such as the green transition and digital transformation, allocating 38.2 % and 21.6 % to the respective targets. Greece has so far received €21.3 billion (59.3 % of its total allocation) in the form of pre-financing (€4 billion), and five payments each for grants and loans. Another four disbursements for grants and loans are envisaged up to 2026 on fulfilment of the agreed milestones and targets, of which Greece has achieved 35 %. The 2025 country report notes that implementation is underway, but increased efforts are needed to complete all measures by 31 August 2026. The European Parliament, which supported an EU recovery instrument from the start of the pandemic, is involved through a regular, structured dialogue with the European Commission and the Council, and is competent to scrutinise RRF implementation. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Fourth edition. The authors would like to thank Amalia Fumagalli, trainee in the Next Generation EU Monitoring Service, for her research assistance. The ‘NGEU delivery’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Welfare and traceability of dogs and cats – 17-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    In 2023, the Commission introduced a proposal for new rules on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats. The initiative establishes EU-wide minimum standards for the first time, covering – among other things – the accommodation, care, and treatment of these animals. The European Parliament is expected to adopt its position at first reading on the Commission proposal during its June session.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Deal on new rules for European political parties and foundations

    Source: European Parliament

    On Tuesday, Parliament and Council negotiators agreed on revised rules for the statute and funding of European political parties and foundations.

    The new rules for European political parties and foundations will boost transparency, cut red tape, and equip them to fight foreign interference more effectively This way, they can keep contributing “to forming European political awareness and to expressing the will of citizens of the Union” while operating in an increasingly complex landscape.

    Preventing foreign interference and promoting transparency

    According to the agreed text, associated member parties and foundations from neighbouring or candidate countries will continue to participate in the work of their pan-European umbrella organisations, as this cooperation is key in promoting European values and maintaining cross-border dialogue. However, their votes can never be used to secure a majority and they cannot pay membership fees.

    To increase transparency, co-legislators agreed on a simplified due-diligence mechanism that obliges parties to collect full ID data for donors above €3 000. A common online repository managed by the Authority for European Political Parties and Foundations will publish real-time data on donations and contributions.

    Provisions for European values

    To be formally recognised and be granted funding, European political parties and foundations will have to submit a declaration that member parties or organisations from outside the EU subscribe to values aligning with Article 2 TEU. This will be reviewed if their membership changes. They also must adopt internal rules promoting gender balance, implement anti-harassment protocols, and produce annual reports on representation gaps.

    While maintaining the ban on the direct or indirect funding of national parties and candidates by European political parties and foundations, the new rules provide additional clarity on how European political parties can publicly support and engage with their member parties and organisations, including through joint activities, ending years of legal uncertainty for cross-border collaborations.

    Long-term financial stability for Europe’s cross-border political organisations

    The co-financing rate (i.e. the percentage of their budget that can be financed by the EU) has been harmonised at 95%, a five-point increase. Furthermore, self-generated resources (e.g. conference fees and publication sales) have been introduced as a new category of income, capped at 3% for parties and 5% for foundations, giving them some room to diversify revenues without jeopardising oversight.

    Cognisant of the challenges specific to European political foundations, the EU institutions have committed to revisit conditions related to their financing, on the earliest possible opportunity under applicable rules.

    Quotes

    “European political parties and foundations have for a long time faced uncertainty regarding collaboration on projects with their members. This agreement changes that. By formally introducing joint political activities into the regulation, we are giving parties and foundations the legal certainty and confidence to act together as truly European political families. At the same time, the regulation improves financial sustainability, reduces administrative burden, and strengthens safeguards against foreign interference. These are thoughtful, balanced reforms that will make democratic engagement atthe European level more effective” co-rapporteur Loránt VINCZE (EPP, RO) said.

    Co-rapporteur Charles GOERENS (Renew, LU) added: “After years of intense negotiations, I warmly welcome the conclusion of an agreement on the reform of the financing of European Political Parties and Foundations. While the result is not perfect and some key elements of the Parliament’s mandate — such as participation in national referenda and full voting rights for non-EU members — were not retained, the final text still represents meaningful progress. These proposals remain important for fostering a more democratic and inclusive European political space, both within and beyond the EU. Europe must move beyond timidity and embrace greater ambition in shaping its democratic future”.

    Next steps

    The provisional deal now needs formal endorsement by both Parliament and Council in order to enter into force. Most provisions are expected to start being applicable as of 1 January 2026.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – France’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan: Latest state of play – 17-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    France’s national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) is a subpart of ‘France Relance’, a larger recovery strategy France adopted in 2020, worth €100 billion in total (4.1 % of France’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019). The NRRP had an initial value of €40.9 billion (total costs), while the plan as amended in 2023 is worth €41.9 billion. Under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), at the core of the Next Generation EU (NGEU) instrument, France’s RRF grant allocation decreased from €39.4 billion to €37.5 billion, following the June 2022 update. In April 2023, France submitted a request to amend its NRRP – partly in order to take into account the decrease in the EU’s financial contribution, but also to add a new REPowerEU chapter, which comes with an additional grant allocation of €2.3 billion. France also asked to transfer a portion of its share of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to its plan (€504 million). The EU contribution to the French amended plan totals €40.3 billion in grants, with the rest to be covered by national means. France has not requested loans. The RRF resources allocated to France represent 5.3 % of the entire RRF resources for the EU, and 1.6 % of the country’s GDP in 2019 (the RRF representing 5.2 % of EU-27 GDP in 2019). Measures under the plan are to be completed by August 2026. France is the most advanced Member State in terms of progress in NRRP implementation: so far, it has received €34.1 billion (85 % of funds) and has fulfilled 82 % of the milestones and targets. The European Parliament, which was a major advocate of the creation of a common EU recovery instrument, participates in interinstitutional forums for cooperation and discussion on its implementation and scrutinises the European Commission’s work. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Sixth edition. The ‘NGEU delivery’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – New EU economic security doctrine – 17-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    ISSUES AT STAKE • The EU’s 2023 economic security strategy has not proved sufficient to face an increasingly confrontational geopolitical environment. A key priority for the current European Commission is therefore to advance EU policy addressing potential harms coming from Europe’s global economic links, to boost resilience and reduce dependencies. • The next step is to adopt a new doctrine by the end of 2025, switching up a gear from risk identification to risk mitigation, and providing clarity on the strategic and coherent use of the many possible instruments already in the EU toolbox, including guidelines on how and when to deploy them in response to specific risks. The Commission is currently in the crucial phase of identifying gaps, deciding which tools to include, and whether new instruments are needed. • While the new doctrine will be non-legislative, it presents an important opportunity for the European Parliament to shape the debate and articulate its position at an early stage: once adopted by the Commission, the doctrine will link and guide many policies over which the Parliament has legislative powers.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – US digital asset strategy and the European response – 17-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    We discuss the possible effects of the US administration’s Digital Assets Strategy (DAS), on the US and Europe. If pursued consistently over time, DAS would tend to weaken the Fed’s payments oversight and monetary control mechanisms, with possible adverse consequences including for the dollar’s international role. Europe’s monetary sovereignty is unlikely to be affected. To ensure that it is indeed the case, the EU crypto markets regulation (MiCA) and the euro’s legal tender status may need strengthening. While wholesale CBDCs would benefit the cross-border payment infrastructure, the digital euro in itself would not contribute significantly to protecting Europe’s monetary sovereignty.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Joint EMPL-HOUS public hearing – 25-06-2025 – Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    On 25 June 2025, from 11:00 to 12:30, the European Parliament Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU and the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) are jointly organising a public hearing on Housing Rights, Property Rights and Tenant Protections: Addressing Evictions and Homeless.

    The exchange will focus on evaluating tenant rights, eviction policies, social housing availability, and homelessness reduction strategies, including EU best practices and policy recommendations.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Joint EMPL-HOUS public hearing – Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    On 25 June 2025, from 11:00 to 12:30, the European Parliament Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU and the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) are jointly organising a public hearing on Housing Rights, Property Rights and Tenant Protections: Addressing Evictions and Homeless.

    The exchange will focus on evaluating tenant rights, eviction policies, social housing availability, and homelessness reduction strategies, including EU best practices and policy recommendations.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Financing interferences and attacks on democracy – 23-06-2025 – Special committee on the European Democracy Shield

    Source: European Parliament

    Malicious actors use illicit financial flows to secretly finance the public debate © Adobe Stock

    In this hearing, EUDS will delve into the issue of financial networks and strategies operated by malicious state or non-state actors, which undermine democratic processes within the European Union. It is critical to understand the role of illicit financial flows, covert funding, and strategic investments in disinformation campaigns. This hearing will present concrete examples of financial interference and the different entities being used to finance attacks on European democracies.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Commission proposes simplification to speed up defence investments in the EU

    Source: European Commission

    European Commission Press release Brussels, 17 Jun 2025 Today, the European Commission proposes measures to speed up defence investments and production to make the EU more responsive to today’s security challenges, as outlined in the Commission’s White Paper for European Defence-Readiness 2030.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU potentially reestablishing relations with Russia – P-002380/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002380/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Fernand Kartheiser (NI), Thomas Geisel (NI), Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă (NI), Erik Kaliňák (NI), Tomasz Froelich (ESN), Volker Schnurrbusch (ESN), Hans Neuhoff (ESN), Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN)

    Following a recent meeting with President von der Leyen, Slovenian President Pirc Musar told the press that the EU is ‘working’ on reengaging with the Russian Federation.

    • 1.What kind of relations does the Commission hope to have with Russia in future?
    • 2.Has it already reengaged with Russia, or is it hoping to in the near future?
    • 3.Why does it want to reengage, and what priority themes would it like to address with Russia?

    Supporter[1]

    Submitted: 12.6.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Compliance with EU law of the procedure for regularising substitute judges in Spain – P-002382/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002382/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Borja Giménez Larraz (PPE)

    The Spanish Government has put forward a legislative proposal to regularise around a thousand substitute judges, allowing them to be admitted to the ordinary judiciary by means of an extraordinary system parallel to the ‘turno libre’ and ‘cuarto turno’ (respectively, open competitions and admittance of experienced legal professionals to the judiciary based on merit).

    Spanish judicial associations have complained that such regularisation could violate the constitutional principles and EU law on access to public employment on the basis of equality, merit and ability (Article 45(2) TFEU), and affect judicial independence, as provided for in Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.

    In light of this situation:

    • 1.Does the Commission consider that the mass regularisation of substitute judges – i.e. admittance to the ordinary judiciary through extraordinary channels and without respecting the principles of equality, merit and ability – is compatible with Article 47 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union on judicial independence?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider that the rules allowing the successive contract renewal of substitute judges to cover structural and permanent needs are in breach of Clause 5 of the Framework Agreement on fixed-term work (Directive 1999/70/EC), and that this would justify a regularisation without an open competition?

    Submitted: 12.6.2025

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Boosting European chip manufacturing for AI – how will the Commission ensure equal development across the EU? – E-002385/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002385/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Piotr Müller (ECR)

    The aim of the European Chips Act is to build a resilient, integrated semiconductor ecosystem in the EU, including for AI applications.

    In May 2025, a representative of the Taiwanese firm TSMC – the world’s largest chip manufacturer – publicly declared that it was prepared to support Europe in the development of its AI system production capabilities. TSMC has announced that a design centre will be established in Munich, and that a factory is to be built in Dresden, although the latter will focus on less advanced technologies for the car industry.

    In the light of the foregoing:

    • 1.Has the Commission taken any specific action in response TSMC’s statement on cooperation in the development of AI chips in Europe?
    • 2.How is the Commission intending to ensure that investments in the semiconductor industry are not concentrated in one Member State, but support the sustainable development of the entire EU market?
    • 3.Is the Commission intending to support TSMC’s investments in advanced technologies that will provide a significant boost to the EU’s capabilities in the field of AI?

    Submitted: 13.6.2025

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Joint Russian-Belarusian military exercise ‘Zapad 2025’ – P-002423/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002423/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Liudas Mažylis (PPE)

    According to information from various countries’ defence authorities, a joint Russian-Belarusian military exercise ‘Zapad 2025’ is scheduled to take place this autumn. Previous ‘Zapad’ exercises were characterised by significant build-ups of military forces near NATO’s eastern borders, including direct simulations of attacks on the Baltic states and Poland. According to official sources, around 13 000 troops are expected to take part in ‘Zapad 2025’. However, experts and intelligence analysis suggest that the actual numbers could be significantly higher. In view of the current geopolitical situation, this year’s exercise could feature even more brazen provocations, including scenarios involving the use of tactical nuclear weapons and ‘accidental’ incursions by military forces into EU territory. At the same time, there is a risk that the exercise could be used as cover for an actual military escalation.

    Could the Commission answer the following questions:

    • 1.Is the Commission closely monitoring the situation and plans for the upcoming ‘Zapad 2025’ exercise?
    • 2.What preventive measures are planned to ensure the security of the EU’s external borders and reduce the risk of military incidents at the eastern border?
    • 3.How does the Commission intend to bolster the EU’s resilience to attacks against information systems stemming from the ‘Zapad 2025’ exercise, in particular in Eastern European countries, where the risk of exposure to disinformation is heightened?

    Submitted: 16.6.2025

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Luxembourg: EIB backs Artec 3D’s cutting-edge RDI in 3D scanning technologies

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Luxembourg-based 3D scanning developer lands EIB venture debt financing to advance its RDI in next-generation scanning technologies
    • EIB funding supports Artec 3D’s investments taking place in its research facilities in both Luxembourg and Portugal.
    • The financing marks the EIB’s first venture debt operation in Luxembourg backed under the European Commission’s InvestEU initiative.

    The European Investment Bank and Luxembourg-based 3D scanning developer Artec 3D enter into a long-term partnership with €15 million committed to R&D support over the first three years. The EIB’s venture debt will enable Artec 3D to advance its next-generation 3D scanning technologies and algorithms for processing 3D data, thus supporting critical European technology and innovation. The investments that Artec 3D will pursue into new product and software development activities will also feature the use of AI. The R&D will take place primarily in Luxembourg and partially in Portugal. The EIB financing is supported by the European Commission’s InvestEU programme.

    The EIB’s financing agreement was ceremonially signed at the Luxembourg Nexus technology exhibition in the presence of H.E. Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, as well as Anne Calteux, Head of the European Commission’s representation to Luxembourg.

    “Companies like Artec 3D showcase Luxembourg as a powerhouse of European innovation.” said EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot. “Innovative companies like Artec 3D can get the financing they need to scale-up right here in Europe. The EIB offers funding for critical technology to remain within the EU. That is why initiatives like InvestEU, and our new TechEU programme, are so important. We are happy to put our venture debt behind Artec 3D, to ensure that this advanced technology can grow in Europe.”

    Artec 3D’s innovations are already driving digital transformation across various infrastructures, including energy, transportation, aerospace, healthcare, cultural heritage, education, and defence worldwide. Its in-house developed technologies include advanced 3D scanning equipment as well as the software needed to create digital twins of real-life objects. A key differentiating factor is that Artec 3D scanners are portable, versatile, and integrate seamlessly with its proprietary data processing software. This combination allows users to turn objects of all shapes, sizes, and complexity into high-resolution 3D models, while significantly reducing the time and effort required.

    “Cooperation with the European Investment Bank is, first and foremost, a recognition of Artec 3D’s role as a leader in interdisciplinary R&D, both in AI and computer vision on the high-tech map of Europe,” said Artec 3D CEO and Co-founder Art Yukhin. “For 18 years, our expert team has been developing breakthrough 3D technologies that set new standards in 3D scanning and digital twin capture. With the EIB’s support, we are scaling our R&D and accelerating the development of next-generation, industry-ready solutions that strengthen Europe’s technological leadership in the global arena.”

    “The European Investment Bank’s support for Artec 3D’s innovative work through the InvestEU programme is great news for Luxembourg and Europe. Promoting European excellence in 3D-scanning technologies and strengthening the EU’s technological leadership is very important at a time when the EU is striving to close the innovation gap. This support will directly empower the company to drive innovation and job creation in Luxembourg and across the Union. We look forward to the positive impact of their research and development activities.” added Anne Calteux, Head of the EC representation in Luxembourg.

    On a technical level, the financing will support the development of Artec 3D’s short-range, high-precision 3D scanners and advanced 3D software, enabling fast and accurate data capture for a variety of applications. The Company was the first to introduce “target free” scanning with handheld scanners, making data capture much faster and simpler than with traditional scanners that rely on fixed equipment and reference markers. Artec 3D scanning is designed to meet the varying needs of end users in many applications ranging from jewellery customization to industrial manufacturing. It can also help to preserve cultural heritage, allowing for in-depth study without risking damage to fragile artifacts.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives. EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, contribute to peace and security, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality. The Group’s AAA rating allows it to borrow at favourable conditions on the global markets, benefiting its clients within the European Union and beyond. The Group has the highest ESG standards and a tier one capital ratio of 32%.

    The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable economy. It helps generate additional investments in line with EU policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal, the digital transition and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. InvestEU brings all EU financial instruments together under one roof, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient, and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub, and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners who invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. This guarantee increases their risk-bearing capacity, thus mobilising at least €372 billion in additional investment.

    Luxembourg-based Artec 3D designs and manufactures high-precision 3D scanners and smart 3D software for fast and accurate data capture. This allows customers to quickly, easily create a 3D model of any real-life object, then reverse engineer, inspect, or reproduce that item on-demand. Artec 3D’s products and services can be used in many industries, such as in Engineering, Medicine, Design, Metrology, CGI, Heritage preservation, security technology, and more.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Rule of law in the EU: press conference with Parliament’s rapporteur (Wednesday 15:00 CEST)

    Source: European Parliament

    Following the vote in plenary, Parliament’s rapporteur Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D, Portugal), will answer questions on ongoing and new concerns about the state of European values.

    The report, endorsed in the Committee on Civil Liberties in May 2025, offers an assessment of the Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report, as well as recent developments across the member states.

    When: Wednesday 18 June, 15:00 – 15:30 CEST

    Where: European Parliament in Strasburg, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room (WEISS N-1/201) and online, with interpretation to and from English, French, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and Polish.

    How: Accredited journalists can join the press conference in person. Those wishing to actively participate and ask questions remotely can do so via Interactio. The press conference will be streamed live and become available on demand on Parliament’s Multimedia Centre.

    Using Interactio to ask questions

    Interactio is only supported on iPad (with the Safari browser) and Mac/Windows (with the Google Chrome browser).

    When connecting, enter your name and the media you are representing in the first name / last name fields.

    For better sound quality, use headphones and a microphone. Interpretation is only possible for interventions with video.

    Journalists who have never used Interactio before are asked to connect 30 minutes before the start of the press conference to perform a connection test. IT assistance can be provided if necessary.

    When connected, open the chat window (upper right corner) to be able to see the service messages.

    For more details, check the connection guidelines and recommendations for remote speakers.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – EU REFORM WITH A VIEW TO FUTURE ENLARGEMENT – TUESDAY, 24 JUNE 2025 10:00 – 12:30 – Committee on Constitutional Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    The AFCO committee and its counterpart committees in the national Parliaments of the EU Member States and Candidate Countries will hold an exchange of views on the internal groundwork and reforms necessary to make the EU fit for the future enlargement. The Interparliamentary Committee Meeting will take place in ROOM ANTALL 6Q2

    During this meeting, the rapporteur Mr Sandro Gozi (Renew) will present the draft of the AFCO own-initiative report on the ‘Institutional consequences of the EU enlargement negotiations’, which aims to convey Parliament’s key political messages on the possible ways to improve the functioning of the enlarged EU. This presentation will be followed by an in-depth exchange of views with national Parliaments.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Calviño in Börsen-Zeitung: “Europe is a very attractive safe asset”

    Source: European Investment Bank

    ©Liam McEvoy/ EIB

    Interview with Kai Johannsen and Detlef Fechtner (published in Börsen-Zeitung)

    Europe is a very attractive safe asset for investors right now, said EIB President Nadia Calviño in an interview.

    Ms Calviño, many banks and asset managers are withdrawing from net zero alliances at the moment. Is this the end for green and sustainable finance?

    We get the impression that markets and investors are still putting huge sums into supporting the green transition.

    What does this mean from the green finance market’s perspective?

    We have recently had another very positive experience on the markets. We issued our first green bond in line with the European Green Bond Standard. The €3 billion bond issue was 13 times oversubscribed. This is a clear sign that market participants still see this as a good investment.

    What does this mean for the EIB?

    We will continue in our role as the EU climate bank. We will support the green transition in Europe by investing in net zero and in new technologies that will bolster the green energy transition.

    You recently changed the EIB’s green and sustainable finance framework. Can you explain these changes?

    In the area of green finance, we haven’t changed much in itself. The main thing is that we issued our first green bond in line with the European Green Bond Standard, which only came into force in December 2024 through the European Green Bond Regulation. In terms of sustainability bonds, we have expanded the scope of eligible projects.

    Which new areas are covered by the EIB?

    Financial support for women and gender equality for all, for example. These new priorities will enable us to invest the proceeds from the EIB’s Sustainability Awareness Bonds in female-led companies, for example.

    What are your overall issue plans for this year? How much will Climate Awareness Bonds and Sustainable Awareness Bonds account for?

    Just this week, we issued a 10-year Climate Awareness Bond worth €5 billion, with a record order book of €56 billion. This brings our total issue volume for 2025 to €47 billion, or 80% of our funding target. This is roughly what we had issued in previous years up to this point. Our estimated total issue volume for this year is €60 billion. We could theoretically get to €65 billion. Planned climate bond and sustainability bond issues for 2025 make up around 35% of our target funding volume.

    Right now there is demand for safe assets, especially in Europe. With this in mind, what do you think about EU, EIB and ESM bonds? Do we still need another safe investment?

    I don’t want to comment on any current issues that go beyond the European Investment Bank’s remit. But what I can say is this: Europe is seen as a safe investment right now. It is a very attractive safe asset, which means that for many now is the time to turn to Europe.

    What makes you say that?

    There is strong investor demand for these assets. This is especially true amid the recent uncertainties we have faced. There is keen investor appetite for these bonds. This is also the case for EIB bonds.

    It is a very, very strong market.

    And what do you think is behind this demand?

    In times like these, when it feels like everything is changing all at once, Europe has a clear edge on the financial markets. It provides a beacon of clarity, stability and confidence. And the EIB will continue to offer global investors safe investments in the form of our bonds.

    Has the trade conflict made investors more cautious?

    We haven’t seen any impact on investor demand so far.

    But at the same time, what we can say is that volatility is the new normal.

    And what do the trade tensions in general mean for the EIB?

    The EIB relies on international partnerships and will continue to support and step up EU trade relations with other regions of the world, such as Mercosur, India, Mexico and Chile, to name just a few. The European Union is a trade policy powerhouse, and the EIB is helping to expand and diversify its partnerships.

    Are bond market investors shifting from the United States to Europe?

    It’s too early to say. We have seen a few shifts, of course, with some investors diversifying their portfolios a bit more. But structural asset allocation adjustments take time.

    And now what? Is this the hour of the euro?

    The current environment is a good opportunity for the euro to consolidate and expand its position as an international reserve currency. We are working together with the European Central Bank and the European Commission to further strengthen the euro’s international role. But that will also take time.

    Let’s talk about how funds are used. You recently announced ambitious investment projects to strengthen defence.

    Yes, we have a full pipeline of more than 20 projects. We are making rapid progress on this, including with our venture capital financing in the area of security and defence.

    What about innovation? What is the EIB doing to drive digital transformation and technical innovation?

    We are working on the European Union’s largest technology investment programme. We want to mobilise a total of €250 billion by 2027. We want to offer a full range of financing instruments, so equity, debt, venture debt, scale-up debt and so on, so that we can support the lifecycle of a project or innovation at every stage. We will start with clean tech so that sustainable business models that are created in Europe can also reach market maturity in Europe.

    How has your investment approach changed?

    We have increased our risk appetite and diversified the portfolio of instruments where this applies. We follow market demand.

    What does that mean?

    When it comes to defence, for example, we noticed a need for liquidity and working capital in medium-sized companies in the industry so we developed a special financing instrument for this. We are tripling financing for banks to provide liquidity to such companies in the European defence industry supply chain.

    And just this week we signed an agreement with Deutsche Bank in this area. On the equity side, we recently launched the European Tech Champions Initiative, which helps startups to scale up.

    The European Union wants to alleviate pressure on bank balance sheets by reviving the securitisation market. What role will the EIB play in this?

    We are already playing a very active role in the securitisation market – both in terms of standard transactions and in terms of market innovations. For example, we are working on creating new underlying portfolios on the market, such as solar panels.

    Investors are turning to safe bonds from Europe. According to Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Europe has the edge on the capital markets at the moment. She said that Europe provides a beacon of clarity, stability and confidence for investors, and speaks of a very strong market.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – 24 June: Hearing on the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement – Committee on International Trade

    Source: European Parliament

    INTA will hold a public hearing on “The EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement”. Committee aims to provide a comprehensive platform for discussion, reflection, and stakeholder engagement on this topical issue.

    The hearing will consist of two panels. The first panel will bring together economic stakeholders, featuring representatives from key industrial and agricultural sectors focusing on how the agreement affects business and agriculture. The second panel will involve civil society and academia and will explore social, environmental, and academic perspectives. Both panels will include interactive Q&A sessions to facilitate a dynamic dialogue.

    The event will be an opportunity to address the complexities of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, balancing economic interests with social and environmental concerns, thereby ensuring a transparent and inclusive approach to the ongoing discussion.

    More information on the Hearings website.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Votes on insolvency, protection of adults and compulsory license – Committee on Legal Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Vote © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    At the meeting of 24 June 2025, JURI Members will vote on several dossiers regarding insolvency, namely on the dossier Harmonising certain aspects of insolvency law (2022/0408(COD)) and on the Amendment of Regulation (EU) 2015/848 on insolvency proceedings to replace its Annexes A and B (2025/0023(COD)).

    JURI Members will also vote on the Jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of measures and cooperation in matters relating to the protection of adults (2023/0169(COD)) dossier and will vote on the provisional agreement resulting from interinstitutional negotiations on Compulsory licensing for crisis management and amending Regulation (EC) 816/2006 (2023/0129(COD)). At the same meeting, JURI Committee Members will hear statements by selected candidates for the post of the Chairperson of a Board of Appeal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

    MIL OSI Europe News –