NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Registration of applicants for international protection in Tunisia – E-002911/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002911/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE)

    In June 2024, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) was ordered to cease the registration of applicants for international protection in Tunisia, which it had been performing due to the absence of a formal asylum procedure. Instead, the authorities indicated that they would assume responsibility for registration. At the same time, the UNHCR’s implementing partner, the Tunisian Council for Refugees, is being criminalised through arrests and legal action.

    • 1.Does the Commission agree that the ceasing of registration for international protection by the UNHCR leaves individuals with no remaining way to state their need for international protection – a fundamental right under international law – in Tunisia, and if not, what options can the Commission identify for an individual to apply for asylum?
    • 2.How does the Commission consider that the memorandum of understanding with Tunisia, which includes provisions on and funding for migration management, complies with its obligations under Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union[1], given that the people who are intercepted by the Tunisian authorities cannot exercise their basic human rights if they are in need of international protection?
    • 3.What efforts is the Commission making to ensure both the resumption of registration for international protection in Tunisia, and the protection of the UNHCR’s implementing partners?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] ‘The Union’s action on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which it seeks to advance in the wider world: democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity, and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.’.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Long-term financing and development of Rail Baltica in light of EU and NATO strategic objectives – E-002997/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002997/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Michał Dworczyk (ECR)

    Russia’s war against Ukraine has confirmed the crucial importance of military mobility for maintaining NATO and EU security. Therefore, Rail Baltica – as a pan-European project of strategic geopolitical and economic importance – not only strengthens the single market, but is also crucial to the security of the eastern flank.

    Given the continued delays in the implementation of the project, ongoing work on the new Multiannual Financial Framework, and the rapid exhaustion of funds under the Action Plan on Military Mobility 2.0, stable and long-term financing must be secured for the next stages of Rail Baltica, including from other European funds.

    I would therefore like to ask:

    • 1.How does the Commission plan to ensure stable and adequate co-financing for this project under the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework, given that the current annual calls for proposals do not provide the predictability necessary for the long-term planning of infrastructure investments?
    • 2.Given that the Commission has recognised Rail Baltica as a project of strategic importance for the EU’s security and military mobility, are additional support instruments – including dedicated financing mechanisms – planned to enable faster implementation of the project under future programmes on defence, military mobility and critical infrastructure?
    • 3.Is the Commission considering extending the route with a section from Warsaw to Ukraine and to allied countries in the Black Sea region[1]?

    Submitted: 18.7.2025

    • [1] This matter is raised in point 1 of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1332 of 9 July 2025, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202501332.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Concerns over Portugal’s waste fee increases and compliance with Article 8a of the Waste Framework Directive – E-002906/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002906/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ana Vasconcelos (Renew), João Cotrim De Figueiredo (Renew)

    The Portuguese Government has decided to almost double the fees that companies must pay to municipalities – from EUR 125 million in 2024 to EUR 235 million in 2025 – without proper consultation, clear performance goals or the infrastructure needed to improve recycling outcomes. This comes at a time when Portugal is already off track to meet its 2025 EU recycling targets.

    This decision risks undermining the principles of Article 8a of the Waste Framework Directive (WFD)[1], which require extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes to ensure fair cost allocation, efficient use of funds and clearly defined roles for public and private actors. Instead of reforming a dysfunctional system, the government has simply increased the financial burden on companies.

    The Commission flagged Portugal’s underperformance in its 2023 early warning report and has now opened an infringement procedure (INFR(2024)2145).

    • 1.What steps will it take to ensure Portugal complies with Article 8a of the WFD?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider Portugal’s brutal fee increases to be compatible with EU law and can Portugal collect a waste management fee without clearly linking it to actions supporting EU recycling targets?
    • 3.What action will it take if Portugal continues to miss its recycling targets and fails to address structural shortcomings?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2008/98/2024-02-18.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Climate target for 2040 – E-002879/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002879/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Daniel Buda (PPE)

    The Commission proposes a 90 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as part of the pathway to climate neutrality by 2050. This measure supports clean industry, investment and energy security, and will be debated by Parliament and the Council.

    • 1.In view of the proposed climate goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 90 % by 2040, how does the Commission intend to ensure an equitable transition for Member States with less decarbonised economies so that they are not disadvantaged in the process of implementing the new measures, and so that their industrial competitiveness is not significantly affected?
    • 2.How will the Commission provide sufficient funds to ensure a fair transition to the 2040 climate goal so that no one and no region is left behind?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – European support for Bulgaria’s accelerated energy transition to alternative fuels – E-002905/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002905/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew)

    In view of the European Union’s goals of achieving climate neutrality and pursuing energy independence from third countries, the accelerated transition to alternative fuels is of key importance for Bulgaria. Imports of petroleum products continue to account for a significant share of the country’s energy balance, making it vulnerable both economically and strategically. At the same time, national capacity for investment in sustainable energy solutions remains limited, particularly in the context of the socio-economic challenges associated with the transformation of the energy sector.

    In the light of this,

    • 1.what specific mechanisms and instruments does the European Commission envisage to assist Bulgaria in accelerating its transition to alternative fuels?
    • 2.Are there any targeted programs within REPowerEU, the Just Transition Fund, or other initiatives through which our country can receive financial, regulatory or technical support to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and increase energy sustainability?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Dropped landing obligation infringement procedures – P-002982/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002982/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Isabella Lövin (Verts/ALE)

    In July 2024, The Financial Times[1] reported that the Commission had dropped infringement proceedings launched in 2021 against France, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium for failing to enforce the EU’s ban on discarding unwanted fish at sea. These proceedings aimed to ensure compliance with the landing obligation, requiring catches, including by-catch, to be landed and counted against quotas. The Financial Times reported that the Commission ‘quietly’ dropped the cases without explanation, and that no evidence was seen that the breaches had been addressed.

    Experts have long warned that undocumented discards undermine quota monitoring and the scientific data underpinning fishing limits. Commission staff working document SWD(2025)0149 of 6 June 2025 echoed these warnings, citing a ‘lack of effective control measures adopted by Member States to date’[2], making such violations ‘very difficult to detect and confirm’. The European Fisheries Control Agency’s 2024 Annual Report[3] also found ‘low occurrence’ of detecting landing obligation infringements, while a recent report by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency[4] found ‘ineffective monitoring and enforcement’ of this rule at Member State level.

    Considering the above:

    • 1.Did the Commission receive any evidence that the identified non-compliance was corrected before closing the five cases?
    • 2.Has it since verified that compliance has improved in the Member States concerned?

    Submitted: 17.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.ft.com/content/92f54b80-24b7-4b57-80f6-a2eadd2a8211?accessToken=zwAGHiDi-6u4kdOS9UuAJLdLV9OA9qLq3SqCEQ.MEUCIBrgX1ar-IVixBkl3pH23gfxiYiS9Z15xqG6RGm62OmIAiEAoJ1fXbcn6CY7R9bUzWpzT_sZxJMVxmOSZSO4nhPbXT0&sharetype=gift&token=1ba2b62f-8594-41df-ba65-7d2607e2fdde.
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14725-Sustainable-fishing-in-the-EU-state-of-play-and-orientations-for-2026_en.
    • [3] https://www.efca.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2025-05/Annual%20Report%202024%20.pdf.
    • [4] https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/document/download/4a34e7aa-8548-4c4f-b8da-be8cdcf2681c_en?filename=Final%20report%20LO_en.pdf.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Human rights monitoring of EU border management funding in Libya – E-002912/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002912/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE)

    In its answer to Written Question E-000728/2025[1], the Commission states that it ‘monitors its programmes through regular reports from implementing partners, on-the-ground visits, independent expert evaluations and external monitoring’. However, this contradicts European Court of Auditors (ECA) Special Report 17/2024, which concluded that ‘there was no evidence of checks being carried out’.

    The ECA report also concluded that Commission staff possess no in-depth knowledge of the activities funded by the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa in Libya, including their location, and therefore cannot assess whether EU-funded equipment is being used as intended and in line with the do-no-harm principle.

    • 1.How many checks have been carried out on EU-funded assets in total?
    • 2.Can the Commission confirm whether it is in possession of a list of all EU-funded equipment, including its exact location?
    • 3.How does the Commission assess whether EU-funded equipment is being used as intended and in line with the do-no-harm principle?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-000728-ASW_EN.html.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The 13-hour exhausting workday is a risk to life and safety for workers – E-002875/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002875/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI)

    Two full city buses collided resulting in dozens of injuries, including to young children, as a result of the workers’ exhausting work schedules. The driver had worked two 16-hour shifts and two 8-hour shifts in the preceding days.

    The New Democracy Government is promoting a new anti-labour bill, which now provides for 13 hours of daily work for one employer. At the same time, an annual arrangement of working hours is being promoted with slashed overtime pay and the effective abolition of summer leave by cutting it into four. In Greece, almost one worker loses their life every week.

    This is an implementation of the anti-worker Directive 2003/88/EC, which provides that employers may employ workers from a few hours a day up to 78 hours a week and for up to 12 days of continuous work without a day off. At the same time, Directive (EU) 2019/1152 on ‘transparent and predictable working conditions’ imposes flexible forms of employment.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What is the Commission’s position on the fact that the New Democracy Government is imposing an exhausting 13-hour working day on workers, citing the Commission’s 2023 Interpretative Communication, legalising ‘round-the-clock’ work and putting the lives and safety of workers at risk?
    • 2.What is the Commission’s position on the fact that, on the basis of EU directives, the Greek Government is not obliged to make mandatory the collective bargaining agreements that workers have achieved, struggling for permanent and stable employment, with humane working hours of 7 hours-5 days-35 hours, decent wages and health and safety rules in the workplace?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Retaliatory demolitions of properties in Albania – E-002943/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002943/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Fredis Beleris (PPE)

    Recently, the Albanian authorities seem to have engaged in demolitions of private tourist properties, with the most recent in the Thethi region, where some of the properties had been licensed by the authorities and taxes paid to the Municipality and the State for several years. The owners, both Albanians and European citizens, point out that these buildings are on their property and the demolitions are selective and occur without warning, during the tourist season. At the same time, they complain that the demolitions are retaliatory in nature and punish citizens for their actions in the recent elections, while the citizens in question were never given the right to appeal to the courts against the administrative acts of demolition.

    Acts such as these prove that the Albanian Government does not respect the separation of powers. As part of their accession process, candidate countries must fully comply with EU requirements on the rule of law, property and the right to a fair trial, as enshrined in Articles 17 and 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and Protocol No 1 to the ECHR. These practices call into question the commitment to the European path and raise issues of discrimination against specific communities.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of any cases of arbitrary demolitions of properties by the Albanian authorities?
    • 2.What measures does the Commission intend to put in place to ensure that every citizen’s right to a fair trial against any administrative act is respected?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Türkiye’s use of pre-accession assistance (IPA) funds to finance espionage operations – Production of biometric passports – E-002880/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002880/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolas Farantouris (The Left)

    Reliable and substantiated international reports[1] reveal that a large part of the EU’s IPA funds to Türkiye have been channelled by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Government into funding espionage operations across Europe. The Turkish Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs are alleged to have used hundreds of millions of euro to gather intelligence against Member States. The issue is further complicated by the fact that Türkiye is becoming a major producer of biometric passports and is already printing passports on behalf of Hungary and France,[2] while cooperation with the new Al-Jolani regime in Syria has also recently been announced.[3]

    In light of the above:

    • 1.What measures does the Commission intend to put in place to monitor the funds received by Türkiye in the framework of pre-accession assistance?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to request the return of any funds not used for the purposes for which they were granted to Türkiye?
    • 3.Does the Commission intend to take measures to protect the biometric data of European citizens from non-EU countries such as Türkiye, which are involved in the collection and processing of such sensitive data?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    • [1] https://nordicmonitor.com/2025/06/eus-aid-to-turkey-diverted-to-spying-operations-in-europe-by-erdogan-government/
    • [2] https://www.biometricupdate.com/202209/turkey-to-print-hungarian-french-biometric-passports
    • [3] https://www.biometricupdate.com/202501/new-syrian-leadership-asks-turkey-to-supply-identity-cards-passports
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strategic autonomy and EU support for the New Caledonian nickel sector – E-002999/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002999/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    André Rougé (PfE)

    Nickel is vital for the strategic and industrial autonomy of Europe, which is dependent on production from China and Indonesia (in partnership with China) for 80 % of its nickel. That figure rises to 90 % for refined nickel.

    With Greek and Cypriot production shutting down and Finnish mineral reserves only meeting a small proportion of our countries’ needs, the New Caledonian nickel deposit is the main, if not the only, one in the world that is under EU sovereignty. In fact, the overseas territory is home to 25 % of the world’s lateritic nickel reserves.

    At a time when the EU is aiming to secure its supply chain with the Critical Raw Materials Act, New Caledonia is the only territory in a position to ensure that the EU stands a chance of producing 30 to 40 % of net-zero technologies.

    • 1.In light of this, what action does the Commission intend to take to restore the competitiveness of French nickel from New Caledonia?
    • 2.What trade measures does the Commission intend to adopt to counter the influx of Indonesian nickel – produced without complying with environmental, social and governance standards – and to prevent the objectives established in the Critical Raw Materials Act from becoming more and more difficult to achieve?

    Submitted: 18.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Granting of derogations having a significant impact on electricity prices in South-East Europe – E-002930/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002930/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolas Farantouris (The Left)

    According to Article 16(8) of Regulation (EU) 2019/943,[1] electricity transmission system operators must ensure minimum levels of available capacity and are not allowed to limit the available volume of interconnection capacity as a means of resolving congestion within their own bidding zone. Exceptionally, derogations may be granted for reasons of maintaining the security of system operations, while avoiding discrimination between intra- and cross-zonal exchanges (paragraph 9 of the same Article).

    The Austrian transmission system operator (APG) has received six consecutive derogations,[2] essentially remaining outside the above requirements. By granting derogations consecutively, this exceptional possibility becomes an established situation, significantly affecting the volume of capacity provided to other states participating in the energy market. This, in turn, affects the price level, creating large differences in electricity prices on the day-ahead markets between South-East and Central Europe, significantly affecting households, businesses and industries in South-East Europe.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission consider the granting to APG of successive derogations justified, given their impact on electricity prices in South-East Europe?
    • 2.Will the Commission collaborate with ACER to end abuse of the derogation?
    • 3.What measures does the Commission intend to put in place to address the significantly higher electricity prices in the countries of South-East Europe, such as Greece?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EL/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02019R0943-20240716
    • [2] For instance in relation to 2025, see the request by APG (https://markt.apg.at/dokumenten-hub/apg-request-for-derogation-for-core-region-2025-englische-version/) and approval by the national body (https://www.e-control.at/documents/1785851/10641279/Bescheid%20vom%205.12.2024,%20V%20ELBM%2004%252F24%20an%20Austrian%20Power%20Grid%20AG/55bf1cad-f683-9b00-f023-d61054dc0995).
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Irish initiative to boycott trade with Israel and its violation of EU trade competence – E-002928/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002928/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR)

    In recent months, Ireland has revived the so-called Occupied Territories Bill[1], which aims to restrict or fully prohibit the importation to Ireland of any goods produced in Israeli settlements, including those in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. However, according to Article 3(1)(e) and Article 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), only the EU institutions may adopt trade restrictions or embargoes. Individual Member States are therefore not allowed to impose unilateral trade restrictions. Moreover, previous Commission statements[2] on an earlier version of the bill mentioned how it would be in breach of EU trade rules.

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of the renewed debate on the Occupied Territories Bill in the Houses of the Oireachtas (the Irish Parliament)?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider these developments compatible with EU trade competence under Article 207 TFEU, and if not, in what way do they constitute a breach?
    • 3.Will the Commission take legal action against Ireland if the adoption of this law breaches EU trade rules, and what form might such actions take?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] Leahy, P. ‘Foreign affairs committee begins discussions on contentious Occupied Territories Bill’, Irish Times, 1 July 2025, https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/07/01/foreign-affairs-committee-begins-discussions-on-contentious-occupied-territories-bill/.
    • [2] European Parliament, ‘Answer given by Vice-President Mogherini on behalf of the European Commission [to Written Question P-000081-2019]’, 14 February 2019, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-8-2019-000081-ASW_EN.html.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ban on the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases for high-voltage electrical switchgear – E-002924/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002924/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Andreas Glück (Renew)

    Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases (f-gases) sets out an ambitious path for phasing out the use of f-gases in electrical switchgear. From 2032, f-gases with a global warming potential of one or more will be prohibited in new high-voltage electrical switchgear.

    For its current uses, sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) can be replaced with fluoronitrile (C4-FN) or vacuum technology. Fluoronitrile is the only alternative that has been tested at scale for high-voltage applications of more than 145kV. With a much lower global warming potential and low leakage rates, fluoronitrile represents an environmentally sound alternative to SF6 or vacuum technology. However, under Regulation (EU) 2024/573, it is set to be banned from 2032.

    According to Article 13, paragraph 13 of Regulation (EU) 2024/573, fluorinated gases with higher global warming potential can be used, if it has been established that the life cycle CO2 emissions of the switchgear are lower than equivalent equipment.

    • 1.Is the Commission planning to analyse the life cycle CO2 emissions of electrical switchgear using fluoronitrile as an insulation gas?
    • 2.Is the Commission aware that due to the strict phase-out timeline and the lack of alternatives, especially in the high-voltage range, many transmission system operators are currently ordering electrical switchgear using SF6 as an insulation gas?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Is the proposed Dutch waste treatment tax compatible with the self-sufficiency principle? – E-002944/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002944/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sander Smit (PPE)

    The Netherlands plans to tax the waste sector an additional EUR 567 million annually from 2028. This disproportionate levy will make waste treatment in the Netherlands economically unattractive, leading to the displacement of waste to other Member States and third countries where treatment standards are lower. That will heighten the risk of waste being landfilled instead of being used for energy recovery in waste incinerators and recycled, resulting in higher methane emissions at EU level. The impending reduced treatment capacity will undermine not only the circular transition, but also cross-border circularity clusters, cross-border cooperation, regional heat supply and CO2 capture (CCU and CCS).

    Article 16 of Directive 2008/98/EC requires Member States to cooperate on an integrated network of waste installations so as to ensure EU-wide self-sufficiency.

    • 1.How is the Commission safeguarding Article 16 of Directive 2008/98/EC, now that fiscal pressure is disrupting cooperation with neighbouring border regions and could lead to a reduction in regional waste treatment capacity?
    • 2.What harmonising measures is the Commission planning to take under Article 192 TFEU so as to counter unilateral national tax measures that undermine EU self-sufficiency and cross-border cooperation?
    • 3.Does the Commission acknowledge that, in the context of an existing shortfall in EU waste treatment capacity, the ‘waterbed effect’ – caused by divergent national tax measures – is undermining the objectives of current EU waste legislation and the intended objectives of prospective circular-economy legislation?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Fee for handling parcels worth less than EUR 150 – E-002917/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002917/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Maria Grapini (S&D)

    The introduction of the handling fee in the E-commerce Communication is supposed to cover the increased supervision costs incurred when goods are placed in free circulation in the EU, specifically parcels with declared values less than EUR 150.

    The question is: how will the introduction of the fee collected at European level support the development of national customs authorities, which are feeling the shock of checking thousands of parcels worth less than EUR 150 coming from outside the EU?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Extension of the EU’s ‘roam like at home’ area to the Western Balkans – E-002926/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002926/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    András Gyürk (PfE), Annamária Vicsek (PfE), Tamás Deutsch (PfE), Csaba Dömötör (PfE), Viktória Ferenc (PfE), Kinga Gál (PfE), Enikő Győri (PfE), György Hölvényi (PfE), András László (PfE), Ernő Schaller-Baross (PfE), Pál Szekeres (PfE)

    The countries of the Western Balkans are crucial partners for the European Union. The integration of the Western Balkans was identified as a priority for EU enlargement in 2003 and five countries have since been granted candidate status. This fact, as well as the meaningful contribution of the millions of citizens of these countries to the EU economy, demonstrates the region’s commitment to EU values and policies.

    Therefore, it is concerning that while Ukraine’s inclusion in the EU’s roam like at home area is being fast-tracked to 1 January 2026, the same determination from the Commission seems to be missing for the Western Balkans. We firmly believe that the accession process to the EU should be merit-based and avoid the perception of double standards.

    • 1.Does the Commission share our assessment that a fast-tracked inclusion of the Western Balkans into the roam like at home area would send a much needed positive signal to the citizens of the region?
    • 2.Is the Commission ready to accelerate and complete the Western Balkans inclusion in the roam like at home area by 1 January 2026?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Shortcomings in the EU’s support to firefighters and the need to improve training and stability for volunteer firefighters – E-002873/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002873/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Aldo Patriciello (PfE)

    In recent years, according to the European Forest Fire Information System, more than 500 000 hectares of natural area have been destroyed by forest fires in the EU, with Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal among the most affected countries.

    The EU promotes initiatives such as the exchange of good practices and the Civil Protection Mechanism, but these instruments are insufficient and fragmented, and do not have any structural impact on the most vulnerable territories.

    In particular, volunteer firefighters, who are key to managing forest fires, suffer from lack of training, recognition and job stability, limiting their ability to work effectively and safely.

    In the light of this:

    • 1.Will the Commission fund training courses and specific programmes to offer stable conditions to volunteer firefighters and professionally integrate them into the Member States’ national bodies?
    • 2.Will it allocate dedicated resources for the training, support and stable employment of volunteer firefighters, especially in the countries most affected by forest fires?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Public procurement in healthcare – E-002931/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002931/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomislav Sokol (PPE)

    The ongoing review of the EU’s Public Procurement Directive[1] presents a key opportunity to embed a modern, sustainability-driven approach to procurement across Member States, including in sensitive sectors such as healthcare.

    Public tenders increasingly include environmental criteria, often focused on greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the EU’s Green Deal and efforts to promote value-based, circular procurement. However, environmental considerations must be counterbalanced with a broader, more holistic view, particularly in sectors like healthcare, where the human component is central. Here, sustainability should be understood not only in environmental terms, but also in terms of its economic, social, and human impact, meaning patient outcomes, patient safety, and the well-being of the healthcare workforce.

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure that the revised Public Procurement Directive supports a holistic approach to the definition of sustainability – including human and economic impact in sectors such as healthcare?
    • 2.How will the Commission support procurement authorities in applying such an approach – e.g. through technical guidance, capacity-building or funding – to ensure a shared understanding of sustainability across Member States and a level playing field for economic operators?
    • 3.What steps will be taken to ensure sustainability criteria do not hamper innovation, safety or patient outcomes in healthcare environments?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] Directive 2014/24/EU of 26 February 2014 on public procurement, OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/24/oj.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – CAP cuts as a result of increased military spending and the consequences of this on the sustainability of the agricultural sector – E-002998/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002998/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Irene Montero (The Left)

    Article 39 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union establishes that the common agricultural policy (CAP) should ensure a fair standard of living for the agricultural community, assure the availability of supplies and ensure supplies at reasonable prices. However, the EU is making more and more cuts to the CAP in order to increase resources for military spending and rearmament. The Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034 proposal, presented on 16 July 2025, strengthens instruments such as the European Defence Fund while reducing the CAP budget by at least 20 %. These cuts – coupled with production costs, an uneven playing field and red tape – are threatening the sustainability of the sector.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure economic and ecological sustainability for the agricultural sector, as well as generational renewal, against this backdrop of cuts?
    • 2.What measures will the Commission adopt to safeguard the agricultural sector in the face of geopolitical instability and the volatility of energy prices arising from increased military spending and international conflicts?
    • 3.How will the Commission prioritise support to a key sector for food sovereignty and strategic autonomy for the EU in the context of increased focus on defence?

    Submitted: 18.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Social leasing schemes and used vehicles – E-002996/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002996/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE)

    In its communication of 5 March 2025 entitled ‘Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector’ (COM(2025)0095), the Commission declared that social leasing schemes ‘can support affordable clean mobility for less advantaged consumers, while giving a direct boost to zero-emission vehicles sales’. In its recommendation of 22 May 2025 on transport poverty, the Commission recognised the need to establish social leasing schemes for both new and second-hand zero-emission vehicles. Yet it did not really detail how second-hand zero-emission vehicles could be included in these social leasing schemes.

    Given the large stocks of used vehicles currently present in the Member States and the opportunity to make them more accessible to vulnerable groups by including them in social leasing schemes:

    • 1.has the Commission already conducted impact studies on the inclusion of used vehicles in social leasing schemes, and would it be willing to share the results?
    • 2.what would be the Commission’s recommendations on how precisely to include them in the social leasing schemes?
    • 3.does the Commission envisage any EU legislation on the matter to avoid fragmentation of the EU single market and promote the inclusion of both EU new and used electric vehicles in social leasing schemes?

    Submitted: 18.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Backsliding on the 8th Environment Action Programme’s environmental indicators and inconsistencies with the Commission’s deregulatory approach – E-002874/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002874/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    César Luena (S&D)

    The EEA’s Monitoring report on progress towards the 8th EAP objectives – 2024 edition[1] revealed a shocking statistic: 20 out of the 28 headline environmental indicators are stagnating or backsliding. Despite this, the Commission insists on pursuing an agenda of legislative simplification and deregulation that jeopardises the 8th EAP objectives, the Green Deal and the EU’s international commitments.

    • 1.What is the Commission’s justification for pushing to reduce and deregulate environmental legislation given the widespread environmental backsliding highlighted in the EEA’s own official report?
    • 2.What specific measures will the Commission adopt to reverse this negative trend and how will it guarantee that future legislation (such as omnibus packages) does not further weaken environmental protection?
    • 3.Will the Commission commit to introducing a clause or principle of environmental non-regression in its agenda of regulatory simplification, as recommended by scientific and social organisations?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/monitoring-progress-towards-8th-eap-objectives
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – ‘Choose Europe’ plan: budgetary transparency and impact on EU researchers – E-002760/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002760/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    András Gyürk (PfE)

    On 5 May 2025, the Commission announced the ‘Choose Europe’ initiative. According to statements made by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, this programme, with a budget of EUR 500 million, intends to attract researchers to Europe from countries outside the EU. However, the Commission failed to reveal the exact source of funding for this initiative. Furthermore, based on the Commission’s legal proposal, the Council implementing decision (EU) 2022/2506, prohibits 21 Hungarian universities and one Austrian university from receiving European research and development and innovation (RDI) funding. In practice, this significantly hinders these universities’ participation in Horizon Europe, even as consortium members.

    • 1.Can the Commission clearly identify all the budgetary sources that are funding this programme, and what criteria does the Commission intend to use to award the grants?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider the introduction of a new funding programme for researchers outside the EU while denying EU-based researchers access to European RDI funding a fair practice?
    • 3.Can the Commission unequivocally state that funding originally allocated to support EU-based scientists and research is not being reallocated to researchers from non-EU countries?

    Submitted: 7.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – FISC mission to Nicosia (Cyprus) – 16-09-2025 – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    FISC Mission to Nicosia (Cyprus) © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    Members of the FISC Subcommittee will travel to Nicosia (Cyprus) from 15 to 17 September 2025. The delegation, led by the Chair, Mr Pasquale Tridico, will meet with representatives of key institutions, such as the Ministry of Finance, the Tax Department and the Standing Committee on Financial and Budgetary Affairs of the House of Representatives, as well as stakeholders from the private sector, trade unions, experts and civil society.

    The discussions will focus on topical international tax issues and challenges, such as the implementation of the OECD’s two-pillar tax reform, the implementation of key EU laws in the area of taxation, including on exchange of tax information and anti-tax abuse measures, the simplification of tax systems and improving competitiveness through tax measures, tax incentives, and energy taxation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Supervisor of Camden County Jail Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation in the Assault of Pretrial Detainee

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    A former deputy sheriff and Jail Corporal with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office was sentenced today to 16 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for assaulting a pretrial detainee, identified by the initials J.H.

    Ryan Robert Biegel, 27, of Kingsland, Georgia, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Lisa G. Wood on January 28 to one count of using unreasonable force against the detainee. According to the plea agreement, on September 3, 2022, Biegel and two other correctional officers entered a holding cell in which J.H. was being detained. Upon entering the cell, two other correctional officers restrained J.H.’s arms and pushed him against a wall. Biegel admitted that he punched J.H. five times in the back of the head, which he knew was not reasonable or necessary to accomplish a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and then struck J.H. in the head and body an additional twenty-two times with his fists and knees.

    The FBI Brunswick RA Field Office investigated the matter along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer J. Kirkland for the Southern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: The Obama White House Was the True Threat to Democracy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Joins Newsmax Live to Discuss The DNI Report and August Recess
    Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Marc Lotter and Emma Rechenberg on Newmax’s National Report to discuss the revelations from Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard’s report that indicate President Obama knew that the Russian misinformation story was a hoax, and how the Senator believes the Senate should stay through August to confirm President Trump’s nominees.

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    On the contents of the new DNI report on the Obama White House:
    “Well, this is the true threat to Democracy. The smoking gun is very evident right here, where in the Oval Office, Barack Obama switched what the intelligence community had told him. He dreamed up this story, and why did he do it? Number one is, he wanted to delegitimize the election. Number two, he wanted to cripple the President’s [Trump] legacy going forward as well. When I look at something like this, I want to think about a little bit of logic here. You know, what was their motivation? I just described that…
    “And this is the new report, okay, Congress had never seen this report from the Oval Office. It’s consistent with the rest of the story. You all have reported on the FISA abuse, Russia, Russia, Russia. This is the next chapter. And then here’s the evidence, here’s the evidence, here’s the smoking gun. Here is a report from the Oval Office itself, saying Barack Obama, in the room with Joe Biden and all of his cronies, saying: ‘Let’s switch the narrative of the story, let’s say that Russia interfered with the election, let’s delegitimize the election and the will of the people.’”
    On why the media wants to bury this story:
    “Yeah, I’m reminded of that Jack Nicholson saying, ‘mister, you can’t [handle] the truth…’ but look here’s the truth, yeah, look at the evidence. Here’s a report from the Oval Office: Barack Obama is given a report from the Intelligence Agency saying that Russia had minimal impact on the election.
    “And Barack says, ‘Oh no, let’s change that narrative, let’s go out there and delegitimize the election and tell the American people that Russia interfered with the election.’ Otherwise, how in the world could Hillary Clinton be beaten? Never mind that she was on tranquilizers at the time and to her wits’ end, and was craving for all the power she can get.
    “Look, again, this is the threat to Democracy. This is the true threat to Democracy when the President of the United States weaponizes the entire Intelligence Agency and the legacy media against the future President of the United States, the duly elected future President of the United States.”
    On whether the Senate will remain in DC during the August recess period:
    “Well, look, I certainly am out there publicly saying I want to stay. We have lunch together as Republican Senators every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I’ve been very consistent with our message. We need to stay here to fulfill the will of the American people, the 78 million people who voted for President Trump.
    “Look, the political appointees right now that he has in those agencies are drowning. They need their junior members, their colonels, so to speak, to push back on the swamp. I had no idea how deep and wide this swamp is up here.
    “So, we need more of those political appointees in there to push back and then go through and fulfill the President’s agenda, which is the will of the people. So, I’m absolutely committed to staying here, whatever it takes. We need to get these appointees across the finish line.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Supervisor of Camden County Jail Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation in the Assault of Pretrial Detainee

    Source: US State of California

    A former deputy sheriff and Jail Corporal with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office was sentenced today to 16 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for assaulting a pretrial detainee, identified by the initials J.H.

    Ryan Robert Biegel, 27, of Kingsland, Georgia, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Lisa G. Wood on January 28 to one count of using unreasonable force against the detainee. According to the plea agreement, on September 3, 2022, Biegel and two other correctional officers entered a holding cell in which J.H. was being detained. Upon entering the cell, two other correctional officers restrained J.H.’s arms and pushed him against a wall. Biegel admitted that he punched J.H. five times in the back of the head, which he knew was not reasonable or necessary to accomplish a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and then struck J.H. in the head and body an additional twenty-two times with his fists and knees.

    The FBI Brunswick RA Field Office investigated the matter along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer J. Kirkland for the Southern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Road closure – U1207 – Quoich Bridge – Loch Hourn Road

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council would like to reassure road users that the C114 road from the A87 at Loch Garry, through Glen Garry, to Tomdoun and along the eastern section of the Loch Quoich Road remains open and has no closures restriction on it at all. 

    Where the C114 road meets the start of the U1207- Quoich Bridge – Loch Hourn Road it is then closed from 1 July 2025 to Sunday 1 March 2026 under the prescribed days and times below.

    Commencing at the Quoich Bridge and extending in a westerly and north westerly direction to the jetty at the head of Loch Hourn the U1207- Quoich Bridge – Loch Hourn Road is closed for a distance of around 6 miles 563 yards.

    This section of the U1207- Quoich Bridge – Loch Hourn Road is closed Monday to Friday 08:30 to 17:30. Monday to Friday there will be no amnesty opening times due to major construction works.

    On Saturdays and Sundays the road remains open.

    The road closures are necessary for SSEN Transmissions to carry out their works on their Skye Reinforcement project. For more information on SSEN’s project visit: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/skye-reinforcement/

    The following map shows the section of C114 road that remains open at all times and the section of U1207 that is affected by closure.

    Map of road closure – U1207 – Quoich Bridge – Loch Hourn Road

    24 Jul 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Isle of Canna opens the doors to its brand new visitor hub 

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Issued by The National Trust for Scotland

    • A major project to create a visitor hub on the Isle of Canna is now complete and open to visitors.
    • The £771,000 project, operated and managed by the Isle of Canna Community Development Trust and led by the National Trust for Scotland, was funded by the Scottish Government, VisitScotland, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and the Trust.
    • Facilities include toilets and showers, public laundry facilities, a room for NHS health workers and other professionals, and a base for the Trust Ranger.

    The Isle of Canna Community Development Trust (IoCCDT) has celebrated the opening of the new Canna Visitor Hub, where a range of facilities are now available for visitors.

    The need for accessible visitor facilities was recognised as the island continues to welcome an increasing number of visitors each year. The Canna Visitor Hub now boasts a range of amenities, including toilets and showers, public laundry facilities, a base for the National Trust for Scotland Ranger, as well as a dedicated room for NHS health workers and other professionals for community use.

    The building was designed with its surrounding landscape in mind and was constructed using environmentally conscious materials. It runs on the island’s renewable energy infrastructure, utilising solar panels, to align with the island’s vision for environmental sustainability. Through archaeological surveys, the project was approached sensitively, and the Canna Visitor Hub now sits naturally within its surroundings and serves as a focal point for visitors as they arrive at the harbour.

    Spey Building & Joinery Ltd, which was responsible for building the Canna Visitor Hub, was also awarded the Scotland Commercial or Public Sector Project award by the Federation of Master Builders this year for its team’s exceptional work on the Canna Visitor Hub. The project was delivered by the Canna Partnership, through which the IoCCDT and the National Trust for Scotland work together to preserve the landscape and culture for future generations.

    Isebail MacKinnon, Director of the Isle of Canna Community Development Trust, said: “The new Canna Visitor Hub supports our vision for the sustainability of the island and community-owned tourism, and to provide a good experience for visitors. By providing facilities at the visitor hub, we hope to encourage people to stay on the island for longer, moving away from short visits and towards longer stays, and more engaged visitors.

    “We are very grateful for the support and funding received from those who made this project happen and are very excited for the Canna Visitor Hub to be part of the island infrastructure for many years to come. Thank you to Scottish Government, VisitScotland, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and the National Trust for Scotland for their support.”

    Managed by VisitScotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) was created to improve the quality of the visitor experience in rural parts of Scotland that have faced pressure on their infrastructure due to an increase in visitor numbers. In Highland mainland and islands (excluding Shetland and Orkney) there have been a total of 36 RTIF-supported approved projects with a total RTIF investment of £7,937,883.

    Chris Taylor, Destination Development Manager at Visit Scotland, said: “The fantastic new visitor facilities on Canna are a core part of the tourism offer on the island.

    “Along with investment by the National Trust for Scotland in Canna House, proposals for a new high-quality bunkhouse by the community and ongoing hard work of small island businesses, this makes for a unique visitor experience and promises a very exciting future.

    “A healthy visitor economy is crucial and is at the heart of the community’s plan in Canna for a thriving, sustainable island – it attracts and retains people and generates jobs and incomes.”

    Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “The Highland Council is proud to have supported the Isle of Canna Visitor Facilities through VisitScotland’s Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund, the Place Based Investment Programme, and the Islands Infrastructure Fund. This project represents a vital investment in sustainable tourism and community resilience on one of Highland’s unique and remote islands.

    “By delivering modern, accessible welfare facilities and a dedicated visitor hub, the project is not only enhancing the visitor experience but also helping to protect Canna’s fragile environment and support its long-term regeneration. This development will enable the local community to manage tourism more effectively, create new opportunities, and ensure that Canna remains a welcoming and sustainable destination for generations to come.”

    The £771,000 project is operated and managed by the Isle of Canna Community Development Trust and led by the National Trust for Scotland, and was funded by the Scottish Government, VisitScotland, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and the Trust. An official opening event for the Canna Visitor Hub was hosted by the IoCCDT this month to celebrate this new milestone for the community and its visitors.

    The Canna Visitor Hub runs on an honesty basis, and donations from visitors are welcome for the use of the facilities. For more information about the Canna Visitor Hub and all that the Isle of Canna has to offer, visit the Isle of Canna Community Development Trust website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to UK-France leaders’ declaration reaffirming commitment to Taiwan Strait peace and stability

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to UK-France leaders’ declaration reaffirming commitment to Taiwan Strait peace and stability

    July 11, 2025Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom and President Emmanuel Macron of France met in London on July 10 for the 37th UK-France summit. In a declaration issued after their meeting, the two leaders said that European security was inextricably linked to the Indo-Pacific and that they would strengthen their coordination and work together for a free, open, and sovereign Indo-Pacific. They also jointly reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula, in the South and East China Seas, and in the Taiwan Strait, calling for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely welcomes and appreciates this declaration.The fact that the leaders of the United Kingdom and France once again expressed their commitment to cross-strait peace and stability following a similar statement released after the G7 leaders’ summit in June demonstrates that maintaining Taiwan Strait peace and stability has become a matter of international consensus. As a responsible and democratic member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners around the world to contribute to the freedom, openness, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and jointly defend the rules-based international order.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –