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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – The EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement – 24-06-2025 – Committee on International Trade

    Source: European Parliament

    Amid ongoing debates surrounding the EU-Mercosur Partnership, on 24 June 2025 the International Trade Committee of the European Parliament will hold a public hearing on “The EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement” from 15.00-17.20 in Brussels. 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.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Public hearing – EU Budget: Management and Preparedness for Extreme Weather events – Committee on Budgets

    Source: European Parliament

    The public hearing on “Management and Preparedness for Extreme Weather Events and Natural Disasters in the EU Budget” will examine the effects of the rising frequency and severity of natural disasters on the current EU budget, as well as on the planning and implementation of the EU’s long term budget.

    The Committee on Budgets will hold a public hearing to understand which mechanisms within the EU budget are in place to respond to severe weather and climate emergencies. They will also gain insight into the appropriateness of existing instruments, the level of preparedness to face climate risks, and reflect on future requirements.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – King Abdullah II of Jordan: “A shameful version of humanity is unfolding in Gaza”

    Source: European Parliament

    On Tuesday, the King of Jordan, His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, addressed MEPs during a formal sitting in Strasbourg.

    Welcoming King Abdullah II of Jordan to the hemicycle, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “Jordan is not only a great friend to this Parliament but an important partner for the European Union. Europe is grateful to Jordan’s commitment to stability and peace in the Middle East. The European Parliament appreciates Jordan’s critical efforts in reducing regional tensions, in pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza and for the return of hostages whilst also facilitating so much urgently needed humanitarian aid, as well as for the unwavering support for Palestinian and Syrian refugees and a two-State solution as a path to lasting peace.”

    Referring to the array of conflicts taking place around the world, the King said that “our world feels untethered – like it has lost its moral gravity”.

    He reminded MEPs that it is precisely at these junctures of history that “we must recommit to our values (…) Because when the world loses its moral bearings, we lose our shared sense of right and wrong – of what is just, and what is cruel. And when that happens, conflict is never far behind”.

    “Today that world is in moral decline, he added, saying that “a shameful version of our humanity is unfolding before our eyes in real time (…) Nowhere is that clearer than in Gaza”.

    Talking about the Israeli attacks and raids in Gaza, the King asked MEPs: “How is it that what was considered an atrocity just 20 months ago is now so commonplace it barely registers? What version of our humanity allows the unthinkable to become routine? Permits weaponising famine against children? Normalises the targeting of health workers, journalists, and civilians seeking refuge in camps?”

    “We are at another crossroads in our history (…) This is not just about Gaza. And it is not just another political moment. It is a struggle over who we are as a global community, and who we will become.”

    Concluding his address, King Abdullah II said that “this year is likely to be a time of pivotal decisions for our entire world. Europe’s leadership will be vital in choosing the right course. And you can count on Jordan as your staunch partner.”

    The King outlined two essential areas for action: first, supporting development, because a thriving Middle East creates opportunities that benefit us all; second, strong, coordinated action to ensure global security.

    “Our mutual security won’t be assured until our global community acts, not only to end the three-year war in Ukraine, but also the world’s longest and most destructive flashpoint, the eight-decade-long Palestinian-Israeli conflict.”

    King Abdullah II added: “Palestinians, like all people, deserve the rights to freedom, sovereignty, and, yes, statehood (…) The path to peace has been walked before. It can be again, if we have the courage to choose it, and the will to walk it together.”

    You can watch the speech here (17.6.2025).

    Background

    This was King Abdullah II’s sixth plenary address to the European Parliament, following his previous speeches in 2002, 2007, 2012, 2015 and 2020.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – Navigating Neutrality: ECB Policy Amid Heightened Uncertainty – 17-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This paper assesses the European Central Bank (ECB)’s monetary policy stance as of June 2025, analysing its evolving interest rate path, balance sheet developments, and communication strategy. It highlights the transition toward a neutral policy rate, ongoing quantitative tightening, persistent inflation dispersion, and increasing macroeconomic uncertainty. The analysis concludes that while inflation is converging toward target, elevated uncertainty, and divergence between interest rate policy and balance sheet reduction demand cautious calibration and transparent communication.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Violence in Buenaventura and the role of European companies – E-001350/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission takes the issues of corporate responsibility and accountability seriously and has established frameworks such as Directive 2014/95/EU[1] to improve corporate disclosure of social and environmental information.

    The directive 2022/2464 on Corporate Sustainability Reporting[2] broadens the scope, mandates EU Sustainability Reporting Standards and enhances consistency and comparability in non-financial reporting.

    With the directive 2024/1760 on corporate sustainability due diligence (CSDDD)[3], the Commission sets clear expectations for large companies to identify and address adverse human rights and environmental impacts.

    The Commission regularly engages with a broad range of stakeholders, and takes their concerns into account in its policymaking. The CSDDD requires companies to engage meaningfully with stakeholders, in particular with affected communities, as part of their due diligence .

    The Commission is committed to simplifying, not weakening, directives related to due diligence, sustainability reporting, and taxonomy.

    The proposal COM (2025) 81 final[4] aims to ensure that European companies contribute positively to sustainable development and respect for human rights and the environment globally, while remaining competitive by doing so in the most cost-efficient way.

    The EU is following closely the situation in Buenaventura and regularly engages with authorities and civil society to promote respect of human rights and socioeconomic development.

    The EU is currently implementing Human Rights and Civil Society projects for a total budget of 9,239,032 EUR, including activities specifically targeted to the city of Buenaventura.

    • [1] Directive 2014/95/EU amending Directive 2013/34/EU as regards disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large undertakings and groups.
    • [2] Directive (EU) 2022/2464 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 amending Regulation (EU) No 537/2014, Directive 2004/109/EC, Directive 2006/43/EC and Directive 2013/34/EU, as regards corporate sustainability reporting.
    • [3] Directive 2024/1760 on corporate sustainability due diligence.
    • [4] Proposal for a directive amending 2006/43/EC, 2013/34/EU, 2022/2464 and 2024/1760 as regards as regards certain corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Fulton County Jail Sergeant Charged with Federal Civil Rights Violations and Falsifying Reports

    Source: United States Attorneys General 5

    A six-count indictment was unsealed today in the Northern District of Georgia charging former Fulton County Jail Sergeant, Khadijah Solomon, 47, with using excessive force by repeatedly deploying tasers against compliant, non-resisting pretrial detainees on three separate occasions in January 2025 and writing false reports about each of the incidents.

    “The Civil Rights Division has zero tolerance for law enforcement officers who abuse public trust through excessive force and concealing their misconduct,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will vigorously safeguard the constitutional rights of all individuals, including those in custody, and ensure accountability in this case.”

    “Law enforcement officers in this district perform their duties professionally and honorably, but those who abuse their power will be held accountable for their unlawful conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia. “On three occasions, Khadijah Solomon allegedly tased Fulton County Jail detainees without a legitimate purpose, causing each of them pain and injury. Abuses of power of this kind are unconstitutional, erode our community’s trust, and will be prosecuted.”

    Solomon faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each federal civil rights violation, and 20 years in prison for each false report. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case based on a referral from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret Hobson and Brent Gray for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Briana M. Clark of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Spanish National Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export U.S. Military-Grade Radios to Russian Government End Users

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Bence Horvath, 47, a Spanish national living in the United Arab Emirates, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with conspiring to illegally export U.S.-origin radio communications technology to Russian end users without a license.

    Horvath pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to unlawfully export goods to Russia. U.S. District Court Judge John D. Bates scheduled sentencing for Sept. 30.

    According to court documents, beginning at least around January 2023, Horvath and others initiated discussions with a small U.S. radio distribution company about procuring and exporting to Russia U.S.-manufactured military-grade radios and related accessories. Over the next several months, Horvath continued his efforts to secure those items, which he intended to transship to Russia via a freight forwarder in Latvia.

    As part of the conspiracy, Horvath purchased 200 of the military-grade radios and intended to export them to Russia. But he was not successful, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained the shipment, preventing the radios from falling into the hands of prohibited Russian end users.

    Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Southeast Field Office, and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California provided valuable assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tortorice and Maeghan Mikorski for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Sean Heiden of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Provision Banning Taxpayer Funding of ‘Gender Transition’ Surgeries Included in Senate’s Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his Stop Funding Genital Mutilation Act, a bill that would prohibit federal funding from Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from going towards gender transition procedures at any age, was included in the Senate Finance Committee’s legislative text for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:

    “No American taxpayer should have to fund radical gender transition surgeries, and I am proud that my bill to prohibit federal dollars from funding these dangerous procedures has been included in the Senate’s One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I will continue to fight alongside President Trump to protect our most vulnerable and ensure taxpayer dollars are no longer used to advance the far left’s woke agenda.”

    Background:

    A recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) review of gender dysphoria medical interventions “highlights a growing body of evidence pointing to significant risks—including irreversible harms such as infertility—while finding very weak evidence of benefit.”

    Nearly 30 states have laws or policies that limit access to gender transition procedures for minors, including Texas. Texas prohibits health care providers from prescribing, administering or dispensing hormone or puberty blocking medications or providing gender transition surgeries to minors. Other countries have begun putting limits on these procedures over concerns about the long-term effects. In 2024, NHS England began limiting access to puberty blockers as “routine treatment” for children under 18. Finland, Sweden, and Denmark have also limited access to these procedures for minors.

    The Stop Funding Genital Mutilation Act, which was cosponsored by Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), would prohibit CHIP and Medicaid federal funds from being used to provide gender transition procedures at any age. It makes exceptions for those needing puberty blocking drugs or medical procedures for medically necessary reasons, including medically verifiable sex development disorders or injury from previous gender transition procedures.

    This bill builds on President Trump’s Executive Order, signed on January 28, 2025, which called for cutting federal funding for gender transition procedures for minors and directs federally run insurance programs, including Medicaid, to stop covering these services.

    The legislation aligns with language included in the House’s version of Pres. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Information with a view to the effective and swift pursuit of the objectives set in Directive (EU) 2023/2668 on asbestos – E-001860/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    As requested by Directive (EU) 2023/2668[1], the Commission will make available, by the end of 2025, guidelines to facilitate the implementation of the revised Asbestos at Work Directive.

    The Commission services, when preparing the guidelines, involve a large number of relevant stakeholders including employers, workers and national authorities’ representatives, European industry associations and asbestos experts, by means of workshops, consultation rounds, on-site-pilots and case studies. For example, nearly 900 stakeholders have participated in ten workshops exchanging on different aspects of asbestos management.

    The guidelines aim to cover specific topics such as risk assessment and safe removal of asbestos, as well as existing good practice examples in the different Member States.

    The guidelines would present a holistic approach addressing different target groups including public and private entities and cover all relevant topics such as risk assessment, training, cleaning up and waste disposal along the asbestos lifecycle.

    The Committee of Senior Labour Inspectors will carry out from 2026 until 2027 an EU-wide awareness and inspection campaign on asbestos at work.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02009L0148-20231220.
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Pending approval of state aid for the biomass package – E-001850/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Germany has not yet notified the measure indicated by the Honourable Member to the Commission.

    The Commission has two months after receipt of a complete notification from the Member State to render a decision on the measure’s compatibility with EU State aid rules.

    The Commission recalls the importance of ensuring that such support measures are fully aligned with relevant EU secondary legislation.

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Violation of European legislation due to discrimination in maternity leave for substitute teachers in Greece – E-001020/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    EU equality legislation sets minimum standards for the protection of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding, including fixed term workers[1].This includes a period of maternity leave of at least 14 weeks[2].

    An assessment of the implementation of this directive has not shown problems or gaps in the implementation of the directive in Greece. T he Commission does not have sufficient information to provide a detailed answer and will conduct research on the matter.

    The Work-Life Balance Directive[3] provides for minimum standards regarding the duration and remuneration of parental leave in all Member States.

    The Commission is currently assessing the conformity of the implementation of the directive. If it considers that the transposing legislation in a Member State does not comply with the requirements of the directive, the Commission will take the necessary action.

    In relation to the potential breach of the framework Agreement on fixed-term work annexed to Council Directive 1999/70/EC[4], , the Commission is aware that Greek law contains less favourable employment conditions for fixed-term teachers working in public schools compared to permanent teachers, including differences in relation to access to maternity leave and on 25 July 2024, it decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Greece (INFR(2024)4013)[5].

    The explanations received from the Greek authorities were considered unsatisfactory and, on 7 May 2025, the Commission issued a reasoned opinion to Greece[6], which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures.

    The Commission is open for dialogue and ready to provide guidance to Member States concerning correct implementation of the EU legislation.

    • [1] Council Directive 92/85 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding, OJ L348, 28.11.92, p. 1 e.s.
    • [2] Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (tenth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC).
    • [3] Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU, OJ L 188, 12.7.2019, p. 79-93.
    • [4] Council Directive 1999/70/EC of 28 June 1999 concerning the framework agreement on fixed-term work concluded by ETUC, UNICE and CEEP, OJ L 175, 10.7.1999, p. 43-4.
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/search-infringement-decisions/?lang_code=en&langCode=EN&version=v1&typeOfSearch=byDecision&refId=INFR(2024)4013&page=1&size=10&order=desc&sortColumns=decisionDate.
    • [6] More information is available in the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_25_982.
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Unjustified hike in fares for sea connections to Sicily’s smaller islands and protection of the right to mobility – E-001518/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92[1] (the regulation) opens the EU internal market to competition in domestic maritime transport (cabotage), ensuring equal access for EU shipowners. Under normal circumstances, domestic fares are typically set by private operators themselves. However, under the regulation, Member States may derogate from the freedom to provide services by imposing public service obligations and/or concluding public service contracts to ensure adequate (notably affordable) transport services. It is for each Member State to decide whether to impose public service obligations or introduce social tariff schemes for specific groups (such as students, pensioners, or persons with disabilities), if the public authorities deem that commercial prices are not adequate to ensure connectivity, such as in this case between Sicilian Islands and mainland Italy/Sicily.

    2. State aid rules for services of general economic interest (such as the maritime services at hand) impose transparency requirements at various levels. First, the entrustment act governing the provisions of the services must clearly foresee the compensation mechanism and the parameters for establishing the compensation, that may include a reasonable profit. Second, for large contracts (exceeding EUR 15 million), the entrustment act as well as the annual compensation amounts must be published[2]. Finally, concerns about unjustified compensation can be reported to the Commission as potential incompatible state aid.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/1992/3577/oj/eng.
    • [2] Commission Decision 2012/21/EU of 20 December 2011 on the application of Article 106(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to state aid in the form of public service compensation granted to certain undertakings entrusted with the operation of services of general economic interest.
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Safeguarding long-term cohesion policy investments – E-001657/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The investments targeted by the legislative proposal[1] are intended as long-term development efforts aimed at promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion.

    The implementation data submitted by the Member States indicates that parts of the 2021-2027 allocations remain unallocated. The Commission expects that where Member States choose to direct resources toward the specific objectives outlined in the legislative proposal, they will mostly consider using these unallocated funds that would otherwise risk to remain unspent.

    2. The indicators are defined in Article 1(7) of the legislative proposal. The proposal does not modify the existing provisions for monitoring programme implementation. The monitoring committee will continue to assess progress, including the achievement of milestones and targets related to the defence-specific objectives.

    3. Investments in the thematic areas addressed by the legislative proposal were already permitted. The proposal now introduces incentives and flexibilities to accelerate their uptake.

    • [1] COM(2025) 123 final.
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Languages Bill passed

    Source: Scottish Government

    Growing Gaelic and Scots

    Plans to boost and encourage the use of Gaelic and Scots have been passed by the Scottish Parliament.

    The Scottish Languages Bill will enable parents to ask for a Gaelic school to be established in their area. Local authorities would then be required to assess if the request was practical and affordable. After taking advice, ministers could direct local authorities to proceed with the establishment a new Gaelic school if the authority’s assessment considers it to be viable. 

    Other measures include:

    • introducing educational standards for Gaelic and Scots
    • establishing Gaelic and Scots as official languages
    • supporting the creation of areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities so that ministers can better target policies to support the language’s growth
    • enabling parents in every part of Scotland to apply for Gaelic nursery and early years places for their children
    • ensuring that more qualifications are available in Gaelic
    • introducing targets on the number of people speaking and learning Gaelic

    Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes said:

    “This legislation will introduce powers to accelerate the growth of Gaelic and Scots. It will establish them as official languages, introduce new educational standards and support the creation of areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities.

    “While there has been an encouraging increase in the number of Gaelic speakers across Scotland, we recognise that more support is needed in communities where the language is traditionally spoken.

    “That’s why the Scottish Government is providing an additional £5.7 million to promote Scotland’s languages. We are also working to drive growth in Gaelic communities so that more people who speak the language continue to live in those areas.” 

    Background.

    Census statistics show that 130,161 people in Scotland had some Gaelic skills in 2022, an increase of 43,105 from 2011. The census shows that 2,444,659 people in Scotland had some Scots skills in 2022, an increase of 515,215 from 2011.

    The latest version of the Scottish Languages Bill is available online.

    Chaidh aontachadh ri Bile nan Cànan Albannach

    A’ leasachadh Gàidhlig agus Albais

    Tha Pàrlamaid na h-Alba air aontachadh ri planaichean gus cleachdadh na Gàidhlig agus na h-Albais a mheudachadh agus a bhrosnachadh.

    Tro Bhile nan Cànan Albannach, faodaidh pàrantan iarraidh gun tèid sgoil Ghàidhlig a stèidheachadh anns na sgìrean aca. Dh’fheumadh ùghdarrasan ionadail measadh a dhèanamh an uair sin air so-dhèantachd agus reusantachd cosgaisean an iarrtais. Às dèidh dhaibh comhairle a ghabhail, dh’fhaodadh ministearan iarraidh air ùghdarrasan ionadail a dhol air adhart le stèidheachadh sgoil Ghàidhlig ùr, ma cho-dhùineas measadh an ùghdarrais gun gabh a dhèanamh. 

    Am measg cheumannan eile:

    • thèid bun-inbhean foghlaim a thoirt a-steach do Ghàidhlig agus do dh’Albais
    • thèid Gàidhlig agus Albais a stèidheachadh mar chànain oifigeil
    • thèid taic a chumail ri cruthachadh sgìrean cànain sònraichte ann an coimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig, airson ’s gum faod ministearan poileasaidhean a thaghadh nas fheàrr leis an gabh an cànan a leasachadh
    • faodaidh pàrantan ann an gach ceàrn na h-Alba tagradh a chur airson àitichean sgoil àraich agus tràth-ìre Gàidhlig fhaighinn dhan cuid chloinne
    • nithear cinnteach gu bheil barrachd theisteanasan rim faotainn ann an Gàidhlig
    • thèid targaidean a thoirt a-steach a thaobh àireamh nan daoine a tha a’ bruidhinn agus ag ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig

    Thuirt an Leas-Phrìomh Mhinistear agus Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit airson na h-Eaconamaidh agus na Gàidhlig, Ceit Fhoirbeis:

    “Bheir an reachdas seo cumhachdan a-steach gus fàs na Gàidhlig agus na h-Albais a luathachadh. Bidh e gan stèidheachadh mar chànain oifigeil, a’ toirt a-steach bun-inbhean foghlaim ùra agus a’ cumail taic ri cruthachadh sgìrean cànain sònraichte ann an coimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig.

    “Ged a thathar air àrdachadh brosnachail fhaicinn ann an àireamh luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig air feadh Alba, tha sinn mothachail gu bheil barrachd taic a dhìth ann an coimhearsnachdan dham buin an cànan gu traidiseanta.

    “Sin an t-adhbhar a tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba a’ toirt seachad £5.7 millean a bharrachd gus cànain na h-Alba a bhrosnachadh. Tha sinn cuideachd ag obair gus leasachaidhean a bhrosnachadh ann an coimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig, airson ’s gum bi barrachd dhaoine aig a bheil an cànan fhathast a’ fuireach anns na sgìrean sin.”

    Cùl-fhiosrachadh

    Tha àireamhan a’ chunntais-shluaigh a’ sealltainn gun robh beagan sgilean Gàidhlig aig 130,161 neach ann an Alba ann an 2022, àrdachadh de 43,105 neach bho 2011. Tha an cunntas-sluaigh a’ sealltainn gun robh beagan sgilean Albais aig 2,444,659 neach ann an Alba ann an 2022, àrdachadh de 515,215 neach bho 2011.

    Tha an dreachd as ùire de Bhile nan Cànan Albannach ri fhaotainn air loidhne.

    Scottish Languages Bill passed

    Forderin Gaelic and Scots

    Plans tae forder and uphaud the uise o Gaelic and Scots hae been passed by the Scots Pairliament.

    The Scottish Languages Bill will allou parents tae speir for a Gaelic schuil tae be set up whaur they bide. It wad then be necessar for local authorities tae luik intae gin the speirin wis practical and affordable. Efter takkin advice, ministers micht caw upon local authorities tae gang forrit wi the settin up o a new Gaelic schuil if the authority’s ettles shaw it tae be daeable.

    Ither meisures include:

    • bringin in educational staunards for Gaelic and Scots
    • settin forrit Gaelic and Scots as official leids
    • uphaudin the settin oot o areas o muckle linguistic mense in Gaelic communities sae that ministers can better ettle at policies tae uphaud the growin o the leid
    • allouin parents in ilka pairt o Scotland tae speir efter Gaelic nursery and early years places for their bairns
    • makkin siccar that mair qualifications can be taen in Gaelic
    • settin forrit targets on the nummer o fowk spikkin and lairnin Gaelic

    Depute First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes said:

    “This legislation will set oot pouers tae forder forrit wi the growth o Gaelic and Scots. It will set them oot as official leids, bring in new educational staunards and uphaud the settin oot o areas o muckle linguistic mense in Gaelic communities.

    “For aw that there has been a hertenin increase in the nummer o Gaelic spikkers aw ower Scotland, we ken that mair uphaudin is necessar in communities whaur the leid is traditionally spikken.

    “Thon’s whit wey the Scots Government is pittin forrit an extra £5.7 million tae uphaud Scotland’s leids. We’re wirkin forby tae spur growth in Gaelic communities sae as mair fowk that spik the leid will haud forrit wi bidin in thon pairts.” 

    Backgrund.

    Census statistics report that 130,161 fowk in Scotland had some Gaelic skills in 2022, an increase o 43,105 fowk syne 2011. The census reports that 2,444,659 fowk in Scotland had some Scots skills in 2022, an increase o 515,215 syne 2011.

    The latest version o the Scottish Languages Bill is set furth online.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Average daily turnover of the interbank loan (deposit) market and repo transactions

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia (2) –

    In connection with the entry into force of the Bank of Russia Instruction of May 28, 2003 No. 1283-U “On the procedure for establishing by the Bank of Russia official prices for refined precious metals”, from July 7, 2003 the Bank of Russia introduced the following procedure for establishing official prices for refined precious metals (gold, silver, platinum and palladium).

    Every working day, the Bank of Russia calculates official prices based on the fixing values for gold, silver, platinum and palladium on the London spot metal market in effect at the time of calculation, and converts them into rubles at the official exchange rate of the US dollar to the Russian ruble in effect on the day following the day the official prices were established.

    Book prices are used for accounting purposes in credit organizations.

    anizations, starting from the calendar day following the day of their establishment, and are valid until the new values of the accounting prices come into force.

    By Bank of Russia Instruction No. 1284-U of 28 May 2003 “On the Recognition of Certain Regulatory Acts of the Bank of Russia as Invalid”, the Bank of Russia Instruction No. 652-U of 30 September 1999 “On the Procedure for Calculating Quotations for the Purchase and Sale of Refined Precious Metals by the Bank of Russia in Transactions with Credit Institutions” (with amendments and additions), which determined the procedure for establishing prices for transactions for the purchase and sale of precious metals by the Bank of Russia on the domestic market, was cancelled.

    Transactions for the purchase and sale of refined precious metals by the Bank of Russia on the domestic market will be concluded on market terms at prices that take into account the current situation on the world market and the level of risks of the Bank of Russia associated with fluctuations in world prices for refined precious metals.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Eliminating the bureaucratic vortex in hospitals

    Since Alberta’s government announced plans to refocus the health care system in November 2023, a consistent message has emerged from patients, front-line health care workers and concerned Albertans alike about the flaws of the prior system. Alberta Health Services’ current zone-based leadership structure is overly complex and bureaucratic. It lacks the flexibility and responsiveness needed to effectively support facilities and staff – particularly when it comes to hiring, securing supplies and adopting necessary technologies.

    That’s why Alberta’s government is changing to a hospital-based leadership structure. On-site leadership teams will be responsible for hiring staff, managing resources and solving problems to effectively serve their patients and communities. Hospitals will now have the flexibility to respond, freedom to adapt and authority to act, so they can meet the needs of their facilities, patients and workforce in real time.

    “What works in Calgary or Edmonton isn’t always what works in Camrose or Peace River. That’s why we’re cutting through bureaucracy and putting real decision-making power back in the hands of local hospital leaders, so they can act fast, hire who they need and deliver better care for their communities.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    “Hospital-based leadership ensures decisions on hiring, supplies and services are made efficiently by those closest to care – strengthening acute care, supporting staff and helping patients get the timely, high-quality care they need and deserve.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services

    “By rethinking how decisions are made, we’re working to improve health care through a more balanced and practical approach. By removing delays and empowering our on-site leaders, we’re giving facilities the tools to respond to real-time needs and ultimately provide better care to Albertans.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

    AHS’ health zones will be eliminated, and acute care sites will be integrated into the seven regional corridors. These sites will operate under a new leadership model that emphasizes site-level performance management. Clear expectations will be set by Acute Care Alberta, and site operations will be managed by AHS through a hospital-based management framework. All acute care sites will be required to report to Acute Care Alberta based on these defined performance standards.

    “Standing up Acute Care Alberta has allowed AHS to shift its focus to hospital-based services. This change will enable the local leadership teams at those hospitals to make site-based decisions in real and tangible ways that are best for their patients, families and staff. Acute Care Alberta will provide oversight and monitor site-level performance, and I’m confident overall hospital performance will improve when hospital leadership and staff have more authority to do what they know is best.”

    Dr. Chris Eagle, interim CEO, Acute Care Alberta

    “AHS is focused on reducing wait times and improving care for patients. By shifting to hospital-based leadership, we’re empowering hospital leaders to make real-time decisions based on what’s happening on the ground and respond to patient needs as they arise. It also means leaders can address issues we know have been frustrating, like hiring staff where they’re needed most and advancing hospital operations. This change enables front-line teams to act on ideas they see every day to improve care.”

    Andre Tremblay, interim president & CEO, Alberta Health Services

    The Ministry of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, Acute Care Alberta and Alberta Health Services will work collaboratively to design and establish the new leadership and management model with an interim model to be established by November 2025, followed by full implementation by summer 2026.

    Quick facts

    • Countries like the Netherlands and Norway, and parts of Australia have already made the shift to hospital-based leadership.
    • The interim hospital-based leadership model will be implemented at one site before being implemented provincewide.
    • Hospital-based leadership, once implemented, will apply only to AHS acute care facilities. Other acute care organizations will not be affected at the time of implementation.

    Related information

    • Hospital-based Leadership
    • Refocusing health care in Alberta

    Multimedia

    Related news

    • Ensuring a successfully refocused health system (Nov. 18, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Financial support from the Commission to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) – P-002320/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002320/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Friedrich Pürner (NI)

    Serious allegations have been made repeatedly with regard to the Commission’s financial support to NGOs. The European Court of Auditors[1] found in April 2025 that EU funding of NGOs lacks transparency. The awarding practice was described as ‘too opaque’. Moreover, it was noted that NGO activities in the field of lobbying and advocacy were not clearly disclosed. Under the Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE programme), funding contracts were concluded with environmental associations to provide political support for the Green Deal and provided a firm footing in society. According to media reports[2], these funds are said to have been used to campaign against German companies and to exert a targeted influence on Members of the European Parliament.

    • 1.What disciplinary, legal, or administrative consequences will the Commission draw with regard to NGOs and, where applicable, to EU officials involved in the cases mentioned, in particular in relation to ClientEarth (legal action against German coal-fired power plants) and Friends of the Earth (campaigns against the Mercosur Agreement)?
    • 2.When does the Commission intend to publish all grant agreements with the NGOs concerned, including the related work programmes, and in what format will this be done?
    • 3.What ‘further measures’[3] are specifically planned to increase transparency and put in place appropriate control mechanisms, and in particular does the Commission intend to withdraw the draft implementing decision on the financing of the LIFE programme, as well as the work programme for the years 2025-2027, in particular Annex I, and to submit a revised proposal to the ENVI committee?

    Submitted: 10.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.eca.europa.eu/en/news/news-sr-2025-11
    • [2] https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/plus256221718/geheime-vertraege-eu-kommission-bezahlte-aktivisten-fuer-klimalobbyismus.html
    • [3] https://de.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/06/07/europaische-kommission-weist-vorwurf-geheimvertrage-mit-klimalobbyisten-zu-unterhalten-zur
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Establishing whether ERDF and ESF + resources can, in the wake of exceptional events, be used to fund emergency operations to help the university system – P-002401/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002401/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Antonella Sberna (ECR), Chiara Gemma (ECR), Marco Squarta (ECR), Ruggero Razza (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Mariateresa Vivaldini (ECR), Michele Picaro (ECR)

    On 4 June 2025, a fire broke out at the University of Tuscia’s Viterbo campus, destroying part of the Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE)’s main building. One of Italy’s centres of excellence, DAFNE is looking at a bill in the region of EUR 25 million for the structural damage alone. It will also have to replace all the scientific equipment lost in the blaze and cover the indirect costs resulting from the suspension of all research activities and lectures and from extraordinary staff-related expenses.

    Though it has an important role to play in the realms of education and science, Tuscia is also vital to the socio-economic development of northern Lazio, as it is the only public university in the area.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Can EU structural funds – particularly the ERDF and ESF + – be used in a flexible manner to finance the rebuilding of infrastructure, including by means of derogations from the regional programmes’ original funding priorities?
    • 2.Could the aforementioned funds be mobilised to cover the cost of rapidly kickstarting teaching and research activities, as well as to support the students and young researchers affected?
    • 3.What kind of technical support could the Commission provide to assist local authorities in identifying fund reprogramming and flexibility mechanisms?

    Supporters[1]

    Submitted: 13.6.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by Members other than the authors: Elena Donazzan (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR)
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Response to blackouts in the power grid – P-001760/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has closely followed the incident and is continuously in touch with national authorities to support where needed. According to EU law[1], an investigation by an independent panel composed of Transmission System Operators, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators ( ACER) and national regulatory authorities has started.

    Moreover, the Risk Preparedness Regulation[2] requires Spain and Portugal to submit a report within three months describing the event, its economic impact and possible lessons, among others. The Commission will analyse and take into considerations the findings of the investigation.

    The Commission will put forward a Grids Package by end 2025 with measures to, among others, achieve a more efficient use of existing infrastructure, ensure cross-border integrated planning and delivery of projects, and better protection of critical energy infrastructure.

    Furthermore, to ensure energy security, the EU needs a well-integrated, interconnected energy network that provides stability. By supporting the construction of the necessary infrastructure, the EU is helping to better integrate Iberian peninsula to the EU power system as stated in the Affordable Energy Action Plan.

    The Commission is working[3] with Member States, Transmission System Operators and National Regulatory Authorities to accelerate the implementation of interconnection priority projects in the region[4].

    The Commission has not received information on structural damages resulting from the incident.

    • [1] Guideline on electricity transmission system operation, Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1485, OJ L 220, 25.8.2017, p. 1-120.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2019/941 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on risk-preparedness in the electricity sector, OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 1-21.
    • [3] In the framework of the High-Level Group on Interconnections for South-West Europe.
    • [4] As an example, interconnectivity between France and Spain will double with the commissioning in 2028 of the Biscay Bay project, which is under construction and progressing well in both countries.
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Open consultation on the future of the automotive sector – P-001295/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Out of the 1 906 respondents, 881 provided inputs under the question ‘Do you have any other comments or remarks as regards the EU industrial action plan for the automotive sector?’ (634 from Spain); the answers provided show a significant variation, from single-sentence inputs to page-long detailed contributions.

    In accordance with Article 4(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001[1], the Commission is obligated to protect the privacy and integrity of the individuals who provided personal information.

    The Commission has therefore presented the main contents of the comments received in the Summary Report published on the public consultation page[2], ensuring the protection of respondents’ personal data and maintaining the integrity of the consultation process.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2001/1049/oj/eng.
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14487-Future-of-the-European-automotive-industry/public-consultation_en.
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Regulation of airborne microplastics under EU environmental and health legislation – E-001389/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Ambient Air Quality Directive[1] entered into force on 10 December 2024. It does not include specific references to microplastics.

    However, provisions regulating particulate matter concentrations have become more stringent, thus requiring the Member States to take the appropriate measures to reduce overall particulate matter concentrations.

    Also, the Commission should regularly review the scientific evidence related to pollutants, their effects on human health and the environment with first review carried out by 31 December 2030.

    Under EU legislation on occupational safety and health, employers are required to assess all occupational risks to the health and safety of their workers, and to take the measures necessary for the prevention of these risks and the protection of their workers[2]. This includes risks arising from exposure to microplastics at the workplace.

    The Industrial Emissions Directive[3] provides a legal basis for Member States to include emission limit values for airborne microplastics in industrial permits, particularly when emissions are scientifically recognised as harmful and likely to occur.

    The Commission is supporting the development of harmonised methodologies for monitoring microplastics and the establishment of threshold exposure levels for different sources.

    For tyres, EURO 7 Regulation[4] provides for abrasion limits to be set for passenger car (type C1), light truck (C2), and heavy truck (C3) tyres based on methods developed at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe level.

    Microplastics from textiles and pellets are covered in the 2025 annual Union work programme for European standardisation[5].

    • [1] Directive (EU) 2024/2881 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe (recast), OJ L, 2024/2881, 20.11.2024.
    • [2] Among others, Article 5(1) and Article 6 of Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work, OJ L 183 29.6.1989, p. 1.
    • [3] Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control), OJ L 334, 17.12.2010, p. 17-119.
    • [4] Regulation (EU) 2024/1257 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 April 2024 on type-approval of motor vehicles and engines and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7), amending Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Regulations (EC) No 715/2007 and (EC) No 595/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Regulation (EU) No 582/2011, Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151, Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2400 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1362, OJ L, 2024/1257, 8.5.2024.
    • [5] Commission Notice — The 2025 annual Union work programme for European standardisation, C/2025/1654, OJ C, C/2025/1818, 27.3.2025.
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Scientific basis for the re-authorisation of turtle dove hunting – E-001381/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has developed and implements, with the support of a scientific consortium, an adaptive harvest management mechanism aimed at ensuring the recovery of the European turtle dove.

    In this framework, the Commission issues non-binding recommendations on sustainable hunting of the species, developed in cooperation with national authorities, scientists and stakeholders and underpinned by the best available scientific data.

    Following the recommendations and the hunting moratorium along the western flyway countries[1], a positive noticeable effect was noted during three breeding seasons corresponding to the hunting ban (springs 2022-24).

    There was a population increase of 40.5%, equivalent to 615 000 additional breeding pairs, leading to 2.13 million breeding pairs in 2024, the highest total since 2009[2].

    Considering this population increase, the increase in the survival that led to a robust growth rate and the improved control systems in the countries[3], the Commission considered that hunting could be reopened, within the limits of a 1.5% quota.

    The effects of this quota will be enforced by national authorities and closely monitored, so corrective action through new recommendations in 2026 can be adopted, as necessary.

    In parallel, the Commission also developed a document presenting key actions to address habitat-related pressures and threats on migratory bird species, including the turtle dove and other migratory bird species[4].

    When relevant , climate change related issues are addressed. The actions’ implementation is the competence of national authorities.

    • [1] Italy, France, Portugal and Spain.
    • [2] This was demonstrated by the monitoring results by the Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme: https://pecbms.info/european-wild-bird-indicators-2020-update/.
    • [3] On the three agreed conditions for resuming hunting: the documents of the Task Force on the recovery of birds (https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/nature-and-biodiversity/birds-directive/sustainable-hunting-under-birds-directive_en) and in particular the ‘March 2025 annual review Turtle Dove AHMM (Adaptive Harvest Management Mechanism) Management scenarios and technical recommendation’ (https://www.operationturtledove.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/TFRB-25-03-02-Technical-recommendation-2025.pdf).
    • [4] https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/e21159fc-a026-4045-a47f-9ff1a319e1c5/library/4f0995cc-c7f4-4cab-8168-e3912d432672.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Threat to health from PFAS in food – E-001626/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Regulation (EU) 2023/915[1] sets maximum levels (MLs) at EU level for 4 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and for the sum of them in foods of animal origin[2], including eggs.

    The enforcement of EU food safety rules is under the responsibility of the Member States. In this context, the Commission has adopted Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/931[3] and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/932[4], setting out rules on the combinations of contaminants and commodity groups (including PFAS in eggs) to be sampled by the Member States and the sampling strategy, to ensure that they are efficiently targeted in all Member States.

    Furthermore, Recommendation (EU) 2022/1431[5] advises that Member States monitor between 2022 and 2025 a wide range of PFAS in a wide range of foods, including eggs. Once these data are available, discussions will follow on the need for possible new or lowered MLs for PFAS in food.

    Free range chickens ingest soil and earthworms, which can contain PFAS. Commercially produced eggs from free range chickens, which are placed on the market, need to comply with the relevant MLs.

    Eggs that are produced by home grown chickens for home consumption do not fall under these obligations as they are not placed on the market and are therefore not controlled for their PFAS concentration.

    Private laying hen keepers do not usually know whether their garden is polluted with PFAS, and they tend to consume a large amount of these eggs.

    Therefore, Member States’ recommendations to consume less or no home-grown eggs can be justified, depending on the information on possible soil pollution available to the Member States.

    • [1] Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006. OJ L 119, 5.5.2023, p. 103, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/915/oj.
    • [2]  PFOS: perfluorooctane sulfonic acid; PFOA: perfluorooctanoic acid; PFNA: perfluorononanoic acid; PFHxS: perfluorohexane sulfonic acid.
    • [3] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/931 of 23 March 2022 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council by laying down rules for the performance of official controls as regards contaminants in food. OJ L 162, 17.6.2022, p. 7-12 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2022/931/oj.
    • [4] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/932 of 9 June 2022 on uniform practical arrangements for the performance of official controls as regards contaminants in food, on specific additional content of multi-annual national control plans and specific additional arrangements for their preparation. OJ L 162, 17.6.2022, p. 13-22. ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2022/932/oj.
    • [5] Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/1431 of 24 August 2022 on the monitoring of perfluoroalkyl substances in food. OJ L221/105, 26.8.2022, P.105 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2022/1431/oj.
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Threat to health from PFAS in food – E-001626/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Regulation (EU) 2023/915[1] sets maximum levels (MLs) at EU level for 4 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and for the sum of them in foods of animal origin[2], including eggs.

    The enforcement of EU food safety rules is under the responsibility of the Member States. In this context, the Commission has adopted Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/931[3] and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/932[4], setting out rules on the combinations of contaminants and commodity groups (including PFAS in eggs) to be sampled by the Member States and the sampling strategy, to ensure that they are efficiently targeted in all Member States.

    Furthermore, Recommendation (EU) 2022/1431[5] advises that Member States monitor between 2022 and 2025 a wide range of PFAS in a wide range of foods, including eggs. Once these data are available, discussions will follow on the need for possible new or lowered MLs for PFAS in food.

    Free range chickens ingest soil and earthworms, which can contain PFAS. Commercially produced eggs from free range chickens, which are placed on the market, need to comply with the relevant MLs.

    Eggs that are produced by home grown chickens for home consumption do not fall under these obligations as they are not placed on the market and are therefore not controlled for their PFAS concentration.

    Private laying hen keepers do not usually know whether their garden is polluted with PFAS, and they tend to consume a large amount of these eggs.

    Therefore, Member States’ recommendations to consume less or no home-grown eggs can be justified, depending on the information on possible soil pollution available to the Member States.

    • [1] Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006. OJ L 119, 5.5.2023, p. 103, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/915/oj.
    • [2]  PFOS: perfluorooctane sulfonic acid; PFOA: perfluorooctanoic acid; PFNA: perfluorononanoic acid; PFHxS: perfluorohexane sulfonic acid.
    • [3] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/931 of 23 March 2022 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council by laying down rules for the performance of official controls as regards contaminants in food. OJ L 162, 17.6.2022, p. 7-12 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2022/931/oj.
    • [4] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/932 of 9 June 2022 on uniform practical arrangements for the performance of official controls as regards contaminants in food, on specific additional content of multi-annual national control plans and specific additional arrangements for their preparation. OJ L 162, 17.6.2022, p. 13-22. ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2022/932/oj.
    • [5] Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/1431 of 24 August 2022 on the monitoring of perfluoroalkyl substances in food. OJ L221/105, 26.8.2022, P.105 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2022/1431/oj.
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Oxfam: EUR 1 billion for a colossal NGO that is costing us a fortune? – P-001591/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission would like to clarify that the sum of EUR 795 million disclosed on the Financial Transparency System (FTS)[1] represents the amount consumed on commitments in which Oxfam was one of the recipients (direct management) or an implementing partner (indirect management), considering all beneficiaries and the project as a whole .

    Within this amount, in the period 2014-2023, 26 entities, residing in 19 countries, having the word Oxfam in their name, have been awarded EUR 636 million (direct management) and two of them have also implemented EUR 1 million (indirect management[2]).

    I n accordance with the validation rules[3], ‘non-profit entity’ means an ‘entity that is non-profit making by its legal form or legal purpose (e.g. charitable organisations), or that has a legal or statutory obligation not to distribute profits to its shareholders or members’. This status is systematically checked against supporting documents and validated by the Central Validation Service of the Commission.

    The Commission refers to its replies to the European Court of Auditor’s Special Report 11/2025[4], where it mentioned that ‘carrying out an economic activity is compatible with the nature of a non-governmental organisation (NGO), for as long as any profits it generates from its activities are not distributed to its members’.

    In this sense, engaging in commercial transactions or the salary level of employees of an entity do not prevent a ‘non-profit’ status of an entity.

    If the activity of the NGO qualifies as economic, the NGO can be subject to state aid rules. Article 107 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union[5] (TFEU) generally prohibits state aid by Member States to prevent distortions of competition in the internal market.

    However, exemptions from this general ban exist based on the TFEU. Member States are required to notify the aid to the Commission, unless their measure is covered by a block exemption[6] or is too low to raise competition concerns[7]. For EU funding, State aid rules do not in principle apply.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/budget/financial-transparency-system/index.html (The annual publications are based on Article 38 of the Financial Regulation whereby data on recipients is not disclosed for very low value contracts below EUR  15 000 and where disclosure risks threatening the rights and freedoms of the persons or entities).
    • [2] The Financial Transparency System (FTS) discloses information on the implementing partners of EU funds managed under indirect management mode since year 2020. The information for the period 2014-2019 is not available on the FTS portal.
    • [3] EU Funding & Tenders Portal validation rules : https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/rules-lev-lear-fca_en.pdf.
    • [4] https://www.eca.europa.eu/en/publications?ref=SR-2025-11.
    • [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:12008E107.
    • [6] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=LEGISSUM%3A0802_4.
    • [7] De minimis aid (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=LEGISSUM%3A0802_2).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Closer-to-nature forest management – E-001628/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The voluntary guidelines on Closer to Nature Forest (CNF) Management[1] aim to promote biodiversity-friendly and adaptive forest management for forest multifunctionality and climate change resilience without neglecting socioeconomic benefits.

    They reflect the various forest management practices in the EU and include region specific chapters on challenges and opportunities for implementing CNF objectives, principles and tools in different forest types and forestry approaches.

    The guidelines were prepared with a broad consultation of relevant stakeholders and active co-authorship of the Forest and Nature Working Group.

    The Commission is currently exploring all follow up options, including in relation to incentives for nature-positive actions and private investments such as nature credits.

    • [1] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/2d1a6e8f-8cda-11ee-8aa6-01aa75ed71a1.
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Fire ant invasion in Sicily – risks and containment measures – E-001150/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Solenopsis invicta is on the list of invasive alien species (IAS) of Union concern established under the IAS Regulation[1]. Article 14 requires Member States to set up surveillance systems for IAS of Union concern, including Solenopsis invicta.

    Member States must notify the Commission and other Member States of new introductions and spread, and the management measures applied.

    Italy notified the detection of the fire ant in Sicily on 27 November 2023. No other notifications have been submitted. Species occurrence maps are available on the European Alien Species Information Network website of the Joint Research Centre[2].

    Italy has not formally notified the management measures taken and their effectiveness in accordance with Article 17, although the Commission is aware that an action plan is adopted[3].

    On 14 November 2024, the Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Italy[4] for failing to prevent and manage the introduction and spread of Solenopsis invicta as required by the IAS Regulation. Currently the Commission is assessing Italy’s reply and will act accordingly.

    One of the priorities of the EU programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE)[5] is tackling invasive alien species, and projects for the eradication and management of IAS of Union concern can be submitted.

    In addition, the LIFE programme will finance a European Invasive Alien Species Rapid-Response Fund that will run until 2028 to support Member States for rapid eradication measures in response to early detections of potential IAS .

    • [1] Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, OJ L 317, 4.11.2014, p. 35.
    • [2] https://easin.jrc.ec.europa.eu/easin.
    • [3] https://www2.regione.sicilia.it/deliberegiunta/file/giunta/allegati/N.242_04.07.2024.pdf.
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_24_5223.
    • [5] LIFE: https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life_en.
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali – B10-0297/2025

    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, Christophe Gomart, Željana Zovko, David McAllister, 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
    on behalf of the PPE Group

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

    Document selected :  

    B10-0297/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0297/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0297/2025

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

    (2025/2754(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

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

    1. whereas Mali has been under military rule since coups in 2020 and 2021; whereas the military junta under interim-President General Goita had cancelled the previously announced February 2022 elections;

     

    1. whereas on 13 May 2025 the military government announced a ban of all political parties and political organisations; whereas already beforehand the junta brutally beat down a number of pro-democracy activists who were protesting against these new measures; whereas numerous opposition figures and civil society actors are imprisoned and face severe repressions;

     

    1. whereas on 11 June 2025 the Malian Council of Ministers adopted a bill authorising a five-year renewable presidential term for General Goïta without setting any timetable for elections;

     

    1. whereas Al Qaida-affiliate Islamist terrorist groups have been killing civilians, including many Christians, and destroying villages in rebel-held regions for years;

     

    1. whereas after the suspension of the EU’s military support and the closure of the EUTM (European Union Training Mission) Mali the Russian sponsored Wagner Group has failed to pacify the country and fight terrorism; whereas the Wagner Group has been the culprit of numerous severe human rights violations, including killing of innocent civilians;

     

    1. whereas Mali is among the countries most negatively affected by Russia’s disinformation campaigns;

     

    1. whereas for 2021-2024, the EU committed an estimated envelope of 403,8 million euro for cooperation with Mali;

     

    1. Is alarmed by the further deterioration of the domestic situation and the total shrinking of public and civic space and in this light strongly condemns the dissolution of political parties and organisations and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali;

     

    1. Urges the rapid organisation of elections and strongly criticises that despite its initial promises the military junta has given up all efforts to lead a transition towards a civilian government and inclusive elections;

     

    1. Underlines the EU’s clear support for a multiparty democratic system and thus urges the Malian authorities to quickly reverse their policies and initiate a true domestic reform in order to properly achieve a political system which represents the true wishes and aspirations of the Malian people;

     

    1. Reiterates its serious concern over the humanitarian and security situation and calls for the immediate release of all those imprisoned in the wake of recent protests;

     

    1. Notes with regret that the country is still plagued by violence and Islamist terrorism; appeals to the Malian government’s primary responsibility to protect its population and ensure peace and stability in the country;

     

    1. Supports the efforts of the EU Special Representative for the Sahel to engage with relevant actors in the region in order to among others advance the human rights situations on the ground;

     

    1. Recalls that the Russian sponsored Wagner Group has failed to bring stability, but has committed a number of severe human rights violations against the Malian population;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the AU, ECOWAS, the HR/VP and the Malian authorities.

     

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali – B10-0298/2025

    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, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Alexandr Vondra, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Assita Kanko, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Małgorzata Gosiewska
    on behalf of the ECR Group

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

    B10‑0298/2025

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

    (2025/2754(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on Western and Sahelian Africa;

     

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

     

     

    1. Whereas Mali has been under military rule since coups in 2020 and 2021, with repeated delays in returning to constitutional order;

     

    1. Whereas in April 2024 Mali’s transitional president Assimi Goita suspended all political parties activities and in May 2025 dissolved them all by decree, citing national unity and security and ordering all media to stop coverage of any political party or association activities;

     

    1. Whereas this action effectively suspends political pluralism and violates both the transitional charter and Mali’s international obligations under the African Charter on Democracy and other human rights instruments installing de facto the junta as the only political party;

     

    1. Whereas Mali has also exited the West African regional bloc ECOWAS and formed a new security and economic alliance with fellow military-led states Burkina Faso and Niger;

     

    1. Whereas the EU and its Member States have interests in a stable, democratic Mali, particularly in the context of irregular migration, terrorism, and growing foreign authoritarian influence in the region;

     

    1. Whereas Al-Qaida-affiliated groups, especially JNIM, have launched deadly attacks against military bases across the country and the Wagner Group, previously backing the junta, officially withdrew in early June, with Russia’s Africa Corps now stepping in;

     

    1. Whereas the domestic response saw in May 2025, for the first time, pro-democracy rallies in Bamako and political leaders called on citizens to resist the junta;

     

    ***

     

    1. Urges Mali to fulfil its commitments under international and regional democratic frameworks and to resume a credible, time-bound transition to constitutional rule;

     

    1. Calls on the Member States to condition future engagement and support in restoring democratic norms and political freedoms;

     

    1. Calls on the transitional authorities to immediately reinstate political parties, respect freedoms of expression and association, and guarantee an inclusive political process;

     

    1. Urges the Government of Mali to uphold the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and political pluralism, and to refrain from any actions that may intimidate, silence, or endanger opposition figures and civil society actors;

     

    1. Encourages closer cooperation between the EU, ECOWAS, and the African Union in addressing Mali’s political crisis and promoting stability and democratic governance;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Malian Government, the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the African Union, and ECOWAS.

     

     

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of the dissolution of political parties and crackdown on opposition in Mali – B10-0293/2025

    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

    Matthieu Valet, Pierre‑Romain Thionnet, Nikola Bartůšek
    on behalf of the PfE Group

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

    Document selected :  

    B10-0293/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0293/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0293/2025

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

    (2025/2754(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

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

     

      –  having regard to its previous human rights resolutions on Mali,

     

    1. Whereas on 13 May 2025, Mali’s transitional authorities issued a decree dissolving all political parties and banning political activities;
    2. Whereas this provoked protests in several cities and followed a national consultation process whose legitimacy was highly disputed by several political and civil actors;
    3. Whereas recent months have seen arrests and disappearances of political figures and activists;
    4. Whereas on 11 June 2025, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft law allowing for the appointment of the transitional president to a renewable five-year term;
    5. Whereas several media outlets, including RFI and France 24, have been suspended from broadcasting in Mali;
    6. Whereas the country continues to face persistent attacks from armed jihadist groups, particularly in the north and centre, with significant civilian and military casualties;
    7. Whereas large parts of Malian territory are now beyond effective government control, and humanitarian access is increasingly limited;
    8. Whereas violence, political and economic instability in Mali contribute to migratory movements towards neighbouring countries, North Africa, and the European Union; whereas a further destabilization of the Sahel could have catastrophic migratory impact for Europe;

     

    1. Expresses deep concern over the deterioration of democratic governance in Mali, including the suspension of political parties and shrinking space for opposition voices;

     

    1. Stresses the importance of restoring political dialogue and constitutional order in consultation with all stakeholders;

     

    1. Calls for the protection of civil liberties, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as essential to both national reconciliation and long-term stability;

     

    1. Condemns in the strongest terms the continued wave of terrorist attacks perpetrated by jihadist groups across Mali, whose operations have severely destabilised the country and led to the de facto loss of state control over vast regions of national territory; stresses the urgent need for a coordinated response to restore security and protect civilian populations;

     

    1. Recalls that France, alongside several European partners, has been engaged in Mali until 2022 to support regional security and that 53 French soldiers gave their lives to defend the region against the Islamist threat;

     

    1. Denounces the rise of hostile anti-Western rhetoric promoted by segments of the transitional authorities and certain media outlets, which fuels misinformation, undermines long-standing diplomatic ties and distracts the population from Mali’s internal challenges;

     

    1. Expresses serious concern over the growing irregular migration flows from Mali towards Europe, fuelled by growing insecurity, political instability and economic stagnation; calls on the Malian authorities to take full responsibility for preventing uncontrolled departures and urges the EU to strengthen return policies and migration control cooperation with Mali and transit countries;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, and the transitional authorities in Mali.

     

     

     

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

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