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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Medical devices: potential effects of their inclusion in countermeasures to US customs duties – P-002201/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002201/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Laurent Castillo (PPE)

    On 12 March 2025, the United States imposed customs duties of up to 20% on all goods from the European Union.

    In response, the Commission initiated a series of countermeasures. The process of adopting these countermeasures was originally scheduled to be completed in mid-April 2025[1] with the entry into force of the act imposing them.

    Given the United States’ decision to postpone the entry into force of its universal country-wide tariffs, the EU decided to suspend, for the same period, the planned countermeasures affecting US exports worth EUR 26 billion. Medical devices were not covered by these countermeasures.

    However on 8 May 2025[2], the Commission launched a public consultation on a list of US imports liable to be covered by countermeasures by the EU, this time including finished medical devices or apparatus for the manufacture of medical devices produced in the EU.

    Can the Commission therefore say:

    • 1.What was the reasoning behind this potential U-turn?
    • 2.If medical devices were to be included in the countermeasures to US customs duties, what would be the EU’s internal and/or external sources of supply for these products?
    • 3.Will these sources of supply be sufficient and enable the health of European citizens to be safeguarded?

    Submitted: 2.6.2025

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_25_750
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/fr/ip_25_1149.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU startup and scaleup strategy – P-002204/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002204/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kathleen Funchion (The Left)

    The Commission has announced a new EU startup and scaleup strategy.

    This announcement has caused great anxiety, owing to the implication that once the strategy is up and running, some new and expanding companies will be exempt from complying with certain EU labour laws.

    • 1.Can the Commission outline precisely what EU rules, laws and/or directives the proposed strategy would permit certain companies to break?
    • 2.What evidence is there to suggest that backsliding in the area of labour rights leads to better conditions and outcomes for workers?
    • 3.Is the Commission concerned that its proposed plan could discourage responsible business practices?

    Submitted: 2.6.2025

    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Single Market Strategy – 25-06-2025 – Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

    Source: European Parliament

    IMCO committee © European Parliament (2022)

    This hearing brings together policymakers, experts and stakeholders to examine the Single Market Strategy adopted by the Commission on 21 May 2025. The Strategy aims to expand and strengthen the Single Market. It sets out to modernise the governance framework, remove barriers within the EU and prevent market fragmentation. It also introduces a fresh approach to implementation and enforcement, aiming to ensure more effective and consistent outcomes across the Union.

    The new Strategy should help companies scale up and compete globally, as well as enable citizens to fully reap the benefits that a further integrated Single Market offers them in terms of cross-border provision of services and free movement of goods.
    In that perspective, relevant issues are to be addressed, regarding the implementation of the rules, the existing regulatory and administrative barriers, the challenges posed by the current trade tensions and the opportunities that emerge from the promotion of the policies for the Single Market, as a standing pillar of EU interests and core values.
    These are key issues for the work of the IMCO Committee. The objective of the hearing is to invite high-level representatives of the Commission, representatives of companies and consumers and academic experts to discuss the actions foreseen in the Strategy and state of play and challenges related to the completion of the Single Market. The detailed programme of the hearing will be available here.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Scaling up European Innovation – 04-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Union (EU) is seeking to boost its competitiveness to help ensure the well-being of its society in the face of global challenges. Central to this objective is the EU’s innovation ecosystem, which has fallen behind the United States (US) and China. As innovative European companies grow, they struggle to attract the necessary technical and financial support within the continent. The European Commission plans to put forward a legislative proposal for a 28th regime as part of a programme of measures to boost the EU’s innovation ecosystem. The European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) is preparing a legislative-initiative report to inform the development of this proposal. This briefing, produced at the request of the committee, seeks to support its work on the file. The research identified four issues that are relevant for EU action: (1) the EU financial system has a low appetite for risk; (2) innovative companies struggle to attract workers (within the EU and beyond) with the relevant skills; (3) innovative companies face a high cost of failure and/or restructuring; and (4) there is high variation in laws affecting companies across the EU. While the proposed Savings and Investments Union could help to address the immediate and pressing demand for capital from innovative European companies, other measures such as the 28th regime could be complementary and offer European added value. Establishing one common set of EU-wide rules and introducing an EU stock option plan could boost the regime’s attractiveness for innovative European companies. Embedding links to the EU innovation ecosystem and ‘European preference’ incentives could also be beneficial. Levelling the playing field for innovative European companies, particularly by reducing the period of time to establish a company, complete funding rounds and advance through the lifecycle, could help to attract venture capital and boost the number of innovative scale-ups.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Increase in number of attacks with explosives in the Netherlands – Need for European action – E-002111/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002111/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tom Berendsen (PPE), Jeroen Lenaers (PPE)

    Nowhere in Europe are there as many attacks with powerful fireworks and explosives as in the Netherlands. In 2024, there were as many as 1543. In addition, we see this trend spreading further in Europe to Germany, Belgium, France and Sweden. At issue, in particular, are flash bangers (as sold under the brand name Cobra) – fireworks belonging to category F4, intended for professional use only. Flash bangers indeed fall under this category but are rarely, if ever, used professionally and mainly end up in the hands of criminals.

    Legal production and storage take place largely outside the Netherlands. Flash bangers from abroad then enter the black market through criminal networks and are then resold cheaply and easily, for example on online platforms.

    To counter the worrying developments, European action is necessary. Both trade in and production of powerful fireworks such as flash bangers need to be more strictly regulated and controlled.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission prepared to introduce a ban on the production of powerful, loud-bang fireworks such as flash bangers, as they are not being used for professional purposes?
    • 2.In the meantime, what action will the Commission take to prevent this type of explosive from entering the black market?

    Submitted: 27.5.2025

    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Commission White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030 – P-001284/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030[1] focuses on how the Union could best support Member States in filling their most urgent and critical conventional capability gaps.

    In this regard, it proposes actions and instruments to financially support Member States (in particular through the coordinated activation of the National escape clause under the Stability and Growth Pact, and the proposed new instrument Security Action for Europe — SAFE), increase the EU defence industrial readiness, including through simplification efforts, or work more closely with Ukraine and other partners.

    The Commission kindly notes that the questions submitted go beyond the scope of the White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030. They also fall outside the competences of the Commission. It is the prerogative of Member States to decide upon mobilisation of their armed forces, regardless of the framework in which to deploy them (North Atlantic Treaty Oganisation, EU, United Nations, coalition, national, etc.).

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025JC0120.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Plan worth over EUR 100 billion – E-001001/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Clean Industrial Deal[1] includes measures to speed up the decarbonisation of European industry by strengthening the business case for decarbonisation.

    The action plan for Affordable Energy[2], presents actions to lower energy bills in the short term, while accelerating the implementation of much-needed cost-saving structural reforms and strengthening energy systems to mitigate future price shocks.

    The Commission also reviews state aid rules to make it easier for Member States to demonstrate compatibility of proposed support measures with State rules.

    The Steel and Metals Action Plan[3] introduces several immediate measures to support industry and protect workers. To address high energy costs, the plan promotes the use of power purchase agreements and encourages Member States to apply energy tax flexibility and reduced network tariffs, to stabilise electricity prices for energy-intensive industries.

    Trade protection measures are also strengthened. Before the end of the year, the Commission will propose a new long-term measure to maintain highly effective protection of the EU’s steel sector once the current safeguard expires in mid-2026.

    The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism[4] ensures that foreign producers pay an equivalent price to that paid by European producers under the Emissions Trading System.

    The Commission provides support to Member States that have identified territories expected to be the most negatively impacted by the transition towards climate-neutrality.

    The Just Transition Fund[5] supports the economic diversification and reconversion of the territories concerned. This includes among others the upskilling and reskilling of workers and investments in small and medium-sized enterprises.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/9db1c5c8-9e82-467b-ab6a-905feeb4b6b0_en?filename=Communication%20-%20Clean%20Industrial%20Deal_en.pdf.
    • [2] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/publications/action-plan-affordable-energy-unlocking-true-value-our-energy-union-secure-affordable-efficient-and_en.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_805.
    • [4] https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism_en.
    • [5] https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/just-transition-fund_en.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Urgent need to regulate teleworking and the right to disconnect in the European Union – E-001377/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    As a follow-up to the European Parliament’s resolution of 21 January 2021 on the right to disconnect and telework, the Commission has launched a two-stage consultation of European social partners on workers’ right to disconnect and on telework, pursuant to Article 154 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.

    The first stage of this consultation ended in June 2024 and the second stage is currently in preparation. In addition, and in line with the applicable rules on Better Regulation, it continues to pursue evidence gathering and analysis of potential EU action in these areas, including through a dedicated study.

    The outcome of this study, as well as the consultations with social partners will feed into the Commission’s reflections on the next steps to address the challenges raised by an ‘always-on’ work culture and telework.

    In order to address the challenges related to occupational safety and health, among others, in the context of telework, the Commission is currently also working on the review of the Workplace[1] and Display Screen Equipment[2] Directives.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A01989L0654-20190726.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A01990L0270-20190726.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – A Europe ready for war by 2030 – P-001202/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The deterioration of the security context requires Member States to rapidly invest in defence, with a major impact on public finances. This exceptional situation, beyond Member State control, justifies Article 122 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)[1] as a legal basis, allowing the Council to adopt measures in crisis situations. Security Action for Europe (SAFE) is a new specific and temporary instrument in the form of a regulation.

    The role of the European Parliament is pivotal, and the Commissioner for Defence and Space is committed to regularly engage with the European Parliament.

    Defence is a Member States’ prerogative. The Commission has the economic and regulatory means to support them.

    SAFE loans are not expenditure arising from Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) operations with military or defence implications pursuant to Article 41(2) of the Treaty on European Union[2]. These loans are provided on the basis of Article 122 of the TFEU.

    The allocation of the EUR 150 billion loans to Member States for common procurements will be demand driven.

    Member States wishing to receive loans will have to submit a Defence Industry Investment Plan to the Commission. The plan will need to include the loan size and pre-financing, a description of the activities, expenditures and measures for which the loan is requested, and, where relevant, the foreseen benefits for Ukraine.

    Member States will report every six months on the progress. Where the Commission concludes that the report is unsatisfactory, the payment of all or part of the loan shall be suspended.

    The Commission will provide an annual report on the use of financial assistance to the European Parliament and the Council.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX%3A12008E122%3AEN%3AHTML.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/teu_2008/art_41/oj/eng.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Lifting unnecessary burden in the EU market in response to the crisis faced by the wine and spirits sector – E-001413/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is aware of the challenges the wine and spirits sector is currently facing.

    Common EU rules and the EU Excise Movement and Control System (EMCS) facilitates business-to-business transactions, which represent most intra-EU movements of excise goods.

    Nonetheless, as recognised in the action plan for a fair and simple taxation supporting the recovery strategy ( COM(2020) 312 final[1]) there is a need to also simplify and harmonise the rules currently applicable for the distance selling of alcoholic beverages (business-to-consumer). Economic operators incur costs of compliance related to national administrative procedures for the declaration and the payment of excise duty.

    Any initiative in this area must strike a balance between the simplification of current rules for distance selling and fraud prevention.

    The Commission has published a study conducted by a contractor on this issue[2] and supports discussions among interested Member States based on the Fiscalis programme. In the context of ongoing discussions with experts from a number of Member States, the development of a tool inspired from the Value-added tax (VAT) One-Stop-shop for the payment of excise duty is indeed being considered.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0312.
    • [2] https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2020-06/study_assessing_articles_32_and_36_of_council_directive_2008118ec_concerning_the_general_arrangements_for_excise_duty.pdf.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Democratic legitimacy and involving school student unions at EU level – E-001200/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU) is funded through the Erasmus+ programme. This aligns with the programme’s goals to promote youth participation, citizenship and inclusive, high-quality education and training.

    Funding decisions are based on the extent to which an organisation’s activities align with the objectives and priorities of the programme. The Commission is not in a position to assess the organisational structure or internal decision-making rules of an organisation.

    According to EU law, the content of education and the organisation of the national educational systems (including the development and organisation of student representation) fall within Member States’ competence. The Commission does therefore not intend to establish a pan-European school student union.

    However, the Commission will encourage OBESSU to expand by including more national school student unions in their membership.

    We note and welcome that a goal of OBESSU in their Development Strategy 2025-2029 is to ‘expand the membership to new countries in a sustainable way’.

    The Commission will also encourage Member States to establish democratic school student representation structures in order to strengthen student voice in decisions related to education.

    Furthermore, the Commission promotes democratic school student and youth representation structures through the EU Youth Stakeholders Group[1]. OBESSU is one of the organisational members of the Group[2]. Other members include the European Students’ Union (ESU) and the European Democrat Students (EDS).

    All EU national youth councils are members of the Group. Students take part in individual or organisational capacity in many of the actions of the Commission dedicated to young people, among them the youth policy dialogues with Commissioners[3] and the EU Youth Dialogue[4].

    • [1] https://youth.europa.eu/strategy/euyouthstrategygroup_en.
    • [2] https://youth.europa.eu/sites/default/files/inline-files/EU-Youth-Stakeholders-Group—List-of-selected-organisations_en_0.pdf.
    • [3] https://youth.europa.eu/youth-policy/dialogues_en.
    • [4] https://youth.europa.eu/eu-youth-dialogue_en.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Al Jazeera – E-001439/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    To date, the EU has imposed restrictive measures in the broadcasting sector in the form of the broadcast or dissemination restrictions only in clearly defined circumstances, most notably in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as set out in Council Decision 2014/512/CFSP[1] and Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014[2] concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.

    The restrictions on the broadcasting and dissemination of content of certain media outlets (designated entities), including those under the control of the Russian Federation in this sanctions regime are justified by the designated outlets’ essential and instrumental role in systematically spreading disinformation and propaganda campaigns in support of that war of aggression, and by their permanent direct or indirect control by the leadership of the Russian Federation as justified in the relevant statement of reasons.

    Under the Council Decision 2014/512/CFSP and Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 any proposal to consider restrictive measures against a media outlet would need to be assessed in light of such criteria, namely substantial evidence of systemically spreading disinformation and propaganda and a demonstrable link to Russian state control.

    Any potential restrictive measures on media outlets operating within the jurisdiction of the EU would fall under the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and require unanimous agreement by the Council.

    • [1] OJ L 229, 31.7.2014, p. 13-17.
    • [2] OJ L 229, 31.7.2014, p. 1-11.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – Mission report following the ECON mission to Paris, France, from 14 to 16 April 2025 – 14-04-2025 – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    During its mission to Paris, the ECON delegation met the French Finance Minister, the Governor of the Banque de France and the Premier Président of the Cour des comptes, as well as other French government officials, regulatory agencies, businesses, economists and trade unions’ representatives.

    The ECON delegation also met with the European Banking Authority (EBA), the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

    Location : Paris, France

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Potential revision of combustion-enhancing fuel additives under Directive 98/70/EC – E-001384/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Delivering on the EU’s net greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 and the climate neutrality target by 2050, enshrined in the European Climate Law[1], call for ambitious policies and action to ensure a swift and sufficient decrease in emissions from all sectors, including transport.

    This transition will also contribute to reducing Europe’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. The transport sector needs to contribute to such objectives with a reduction of 90% of its emissions by 2050.

    Concerning certain fuel additives, which might have combustion enhancing properties, they would not be able to deliver the necessary emissions reductions.

    The Fuel Quality Directive[2] (FQD) aims to ensure a single market for fuels used in the European Union for both road vehicles and non-road mobile machinery, as well as a high level of environmental and health protection in the use of those fuels.

    The FQD regulates requirements for fuels by setting limitations in Articles 3 and 4 and corresponding Annexes I and II for certain parameters and chemical compounds, without any other restriction to the chemical composition of fuels.

    The Commission conducted a technical study[3] in 2023, which did not identify a need for regulatory changes as regards additives.

    Finally, the Commission fosters innovation through a broad range of financial and regulatory means aimed at advancing zero-emission mobility and the decarbonisation of transport fuels and energy sources, such as the Renewable Energy Directive[4].

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020PC0080.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:01998L0070-20181224&from=EN.
    • [3] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/0dd983bf-ee82-11eb-a71c-01aa75ed71a1/language-en.
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/2413/oj/eng.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Possible deportation of EU nationals from Germany owing to their participation in public demonstrations – E-001457/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The definition and application of rules governing the holding of demonstrations and any related sanctions pertain to the Member States.

    Article 4(2) of the Treaty on European Union underlines that the maintenance of law and order and the safeguarding of internal security in the Member States, including policing laws and the regulation of demonstrations, fall within national competence and consequently outside the scope of EU law.

    As provided for in its Article 51(1), the Charter of Fundamental Rights likewise applies to Member States only when they are implementing EU law.

    Therefore, it is for Member States to ensure that fundamental rights are effectively respected and protected in the context of demonstrations, in accordance with their national legislation and international human rights obligations.

    Member States may restrict the freedom of movement of EU citizens on grounds of public policy or public security[1]. This includes the possibility to expel a beneficiary of the right of free movement, while complying with the requirements and procedural safeguards set out under EU law[2].

    Restrictive measures may be taken where the personal conduct of an individual represents a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat to one of the fundamental interests of the society of the host Member State. Decisions must be proportionate.

    The persons concerned must be informed of the reasons for the decision and must have access to redress procedures at national level[3]. National courts are competent for assessing whether a specific measure is justified and proportionate and whether the relevant procedural safeguards have been complied with.

    • [1] See Chapter VI of Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States amending Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 and repealing Directives 64/221/EEC, 68/360/EEC, 72/194/EEC, 73/148/EEC, 75/34/EEC, 75/35/EEC, 90/364/EEC, 90/365/EEC and 93/96/EEC, OJ L 158, 30.4.2004, p. 77-123.
    • [2] Articles 30 to 33 of Directive 2004/38/EC.
    • [3] Articles 30 and 31 of Directive 2004/38/EC.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Concerns regarding integrity mechanisms for EPPO national representatives – E-001356/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is independent from the Commission. The Commission is not involved in the administrative inquiry concerning the European Prosecutor from Bulgaria, nor in the vetting or the assessment of the asset disclosure requirements of the members of the EPPO, for which the EPPO is responsible in accordance with the relevant rules and procedures.

    The Commission is evaluating the implementation and impact of Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 (‘EPPO Regulation’)[1], as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of the EPPO and its working practices. The evaluation report is due in 2026.

    In this context, the Commission will also assess whether the existing measures to strengthen integrity checks, transparency and asset verification for EPPO staff are sufficient.

    The cooperation between the EPPO and national authorities will be covered by the same evaluation. In addition, the Commission has been receiving from the EPPO, since 2023 and on an annual basis, a contribution on the cooperation between the national authorities and the EPPO in the context of the annual Rule of Law Cycle.

    This information will feed into the evaluation of the EPPO Regulation and the EPPO’s effectiveness, efficiency and working practices.

    • [1] Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 of 12 October 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘the EPPO’), OJ L 283, 31.10.2017, p. 1-71.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Support for small and medium-sized enterprises and challenges posed by the new Directive on liability for defective products – E-001194/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Directive (EU) 2024/2853[1] on a liability for defective products (the ‘2024 Directive’) updates the EU liability framework under Council Directive 85/374/EEC[2] (the ‘1985 Directive’), by ensuring that victims of damage caused by a defective product can claim compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product.

    The 2024 Directive maintains the key principles established by the 1985 Directive. Specifically, it requires the victim to prove the defect, the damage, and the causal link between the two in order to obtain compensation in court.

    Similar to the 1985 Directive, the 2024 Directive applies to all manufacturers, regardless of their size, with the objective of providing a safety net for victims when a defective product causes damage.

    The directive does not impose obligations on small and medium-sized enterprises, except that they must compensate victims for damage caused by a product they placed on the market that failed to provide the appropriate level of safety.

    The Commission is actively monitoring implementation of the 2024 Directive and, while the Commission does not intend to introduce any additional specific measures at this point, a review procedure is provided for in the directive[3].

    • [1] Directive (EU) 2024/2853 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 on liability for defective products and repealing Council Directive 85/374/EEC PE/7/2024/REV/1.
    • [2] Council Directive 85/374/EEC of 25 July 1985 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning liability for defective products, OJ L 210, 7.8.1985, p. 29-33.
    • [3] Article 20 of Directive (EU) 2024/2853.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Support for the Ionian Islands in relation to landslides – E-001597/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Based on their national or subnational climate risk assessments, Member States can use Cohesion Policy to support disaster risk management, particularly by financing prevention, response and resilience measures in islands or coastal areas. This may also include measures to address soil erosion.

    Specifically for Greece, over EUR 726 million in public funding is allocated to prevent and manage climate-related flood risks, including coastal and land erosion management . Under the shared management principle governing these funds, national authorities are responsible for selecting projects for funding and overseeing their implementation.

    Furthermore, Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Plan[1] invests in anti-erosion and flood protection across Greece in response to the floods and wildfires in 2023 (measure 16849). The related interventions include the construction of dams, stream stabilisation structures and rainwater retention systems, with the aim to improve soil retention, biodiversity conservation and agricultural production. By end-2025, a total area of 5 000 hectares of anti-erosion works and 175 000 square meters of flood protection works is expected to be completed.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/country-pages/greeces-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Consequences of the EU-Mercosur agreement for Polish agriculture – E-000681/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The agreement between the EU and the Mercosur represents a key geostrategic and economic interest for the EU, particularly under the current threats to the global trade order.

    The agreement creates new opportunities for EU agri-food products in the highly protected Mercosur markets, by eliminating duties on key EU products.

    It also protects EU sensitive products, such as beef, poultry and sugar, through carefully calibrated tariff rate quotas, which are limited to a very small share of EU consumption, and robust safeguards in case of adverse market effects.

    Economic studies carried out by the Commission confirm that the market impact of the Mercosur agreement for EU sensitive products would be very limited[1].

    Although these studies are carried out at EU level, it is unlikely that there would be a disproportionate impact on a particular region or Member State, such as Poland, given that potential increased import flows are expected to be absorbed by the whole EU internal market.

    Moreover, one study commissioned by a national administration broadly confirms the results of the EU-wide studies[2]. In addition, the Commission will develop a Unity Safety Net to protect Member States ‘in the unlikely event that the agricultural market situation in the EU is negatively impacted following the implementation of the Agreement’ that will include the announced EUR 1 billion reserve in the context of the proposal for the next multiannual financial framework.

    Finally, the Commission is currently analysing the economic impact of the E U-Mercosur agreement negotiated outcome, which is expected to be presented by the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament simultaneously with the proposal for signature and conclusion of the agreement.

    • [1] Sustainability Impact Assessment in support of the Association Agreement negotiations between the EU and Mercosur: https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/analysis-and-assessment/sustainability-impact-assessments_en; Cumulative economic impact of upcoming trade agreements on EU agriculture: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC135540.
    • [2] https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1c8a6-economic-and-sustainability-impact-assessment-for-ireland-of-the-eu-mercosur-trade-agreement/.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Supporting East Macedonia and Thrace in the face of the demographic crisis – E-001062/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission recognises the challenge of population decline and encourages Member States to develop integrated policies to manage demographic change.

    The Commission’s Demographic Toolbox provides a set of tools that can support Member States and regions in these efforts. As part of the Demographic Toolbox, the Talent Booster Mechanism is targeted towards EU regions that are experiencing a decline in their working-age population and that are affected by the departure of young people. The EU Long-term Vision for Rural Areas also includes strategies to address demographic decline.

    Cohesion Policy is committed to reducing disparities between regions in different Member States, including Greece, ensuring inter alia that people can effectively stay in the place they call home.

    Some EUR 639 million has been allocated to the regional programme for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, aimed among others at fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening education and social care infrastructure, and promoting the region’s natural and cultural heritage to boost the region’s attractiveness. These investments will create jobs and upgrade public infrastructure, improving quality of life of residents.

    Additionally, the region benefits from a programme under the European Social Fund Plus aimed at boosting employment. It improves job access and activation measures for all jobseekers, focusing on youth, the long-term unemployed, disadvantaged groups in the labour market, and inactive people.

    The program also promotes self-employment and the social economy with a budget of EUR 12.75 million. Current actions include supporting enterprises in hiring highly qualified unemployed individuals and helping unemployed people start businesses.

    Last updated: 4 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to adapt to the Cyber Resilience Act – E-001244/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is fully committed to ensuring that the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/2847 (the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA))[1] is tailored to the needs of companies, and in particular micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including start-ups (henceforth, SMEs).

    Under the Digital Europe Programme, the Commission finances a range of projects aimed at actively supporting SMEs, including the ‘SECURE’ project[2], which will provide up to EUR 16.5 million of financial support to SMEs, the ‘Cyberstand.eu’ project[3] to raise awareness and fund more than 200 EU cybersecurity experts to work on harmonised standards, as well as projects focused on the development of automated tools to ease compliance.

    Additionally, the Commission intends to provide guidance to assist with the implementation of the CRA, with a specific focus on SMEs. In line with Article 33(5), the Commission will also adopt a simplified technical documentation form targeted at the needs of microenterprises and small enterprises, to alleviate the administrative compliance burden.

    The Commission has also established an informal expert group, where SMEs are represented, that will assist with the implementation of the CRA[4]. An administrative cooperation group of national market surveillance authorities will also be set up, to promote best practices and ensure the uniform application of the regulation. In accordance with Article 33, Member States should also, where appropriate, put in place support actions tailored to the needs of microenterprises and small enterprises.

    Finally, European Digital Innovation Hubs will also provide support to SMEs, offering one-stop shops that will assist companies to respond to digital challenges and to become more competitive[5].

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/2847/oj/eng.
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projects-details/43152860/101190325 and https://secure4sme.eu/.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projects-details/43152860/101158521 and https://cyberstand.eu/.
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/expert-groups/consult?lang=en&groupID=3967.
    • [5] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/edihs.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Simplifying requirements for trade in collectors’ items – E-000145/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    As stated in the Commission’s response to Written Question E-001775/2024[1] on the sale of second-hand items on the Internet, whether specific items, such as CDs, DVDs or video games, qualify as antiques or fall under the category of collectors’ items exempted from the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)[2] must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    Recital 18 of the GPSR specifies that ‘collectors’ items are of a sufficient rarity and historical or scientific interest to justify their collection and preservation’[3].

    This assessment is primarily the responsibility of the relevant economic operators involved in the placing/making available of these items on the EU single market as well as of the national market surveillance authorities.

    Online platforms themselves are not tasked with determining the classification of such products. Nonetheless, they must comply with their obligations set out in the GPSR and enable economic operators to provide the necessary product information.

    The Commission provides guidance to support businesses’ compliance with the GSPR, taking into account the needs of smaller businesses[4].

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2024-001775-ASW_EN.html.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2023/988 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 on general product safety, amending Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Directive (EU) 2020/1828 of the European Parliament and the Council, and repealing Directive 2001/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Directive 87/357/EEC, PE/79/2022/REV/1 OJ L 135, 23.5.2023, p. 1-51.
    • [3] These definitions stem from the Council Directive 2006/112/EC of 28 November 2006 on the common system of value added tax (tax (OJ L 347, 11.12.2006, p. 1), as referred to in Recital 18 GPSR.
    • [4] In accordance with Article 17 GPSR, support designed to facilitate compliance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the GPSR will be made available. In particular, the Commission is in the process of adopting guidelines for economic operators, focusing on the needs of SMEs, including micro-enterprises, on how to fulfil their obligations. Furthermore, in accordance with Article 47 of the GPSR, the Commission is to carry out an evaluation by the end of 2029, where it will assess if the regulation has achieved its objectives while also taking into account its impact on SMEs.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU funding for NGOs – transparency and administrative accountability – P-001894/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001894/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Alexander Sell (ESN), Hans Neuhoff (ESN)

    The European Court of Auditors Special Report 11/2025, entitled ‘Transparency of EU funding granted to NGOs – Despite progress, the overview is still not reliable’, published on 7 April 2025, reveals serious deficiencies in the management of funds allocated to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) between 2021 and 2023. The document states that over EUR 7 billion was granted to organisations that, in many cases, self-declared as NGOs without proper verification by the Commission, and that some of them carried out undeclared lobbying activities in favour of the Commission itself.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission able to provide the full list of NGOs, or putative NGOs, cited anonymously in the ECA report referred to above, along with the specific irregularities identified in each case?
    • 2.Why did the Commission fail to carry out the necessary checks on the legal status, independence and actual activities of the recipients of EU funds, particularly in cases of organisations that self-declared as NGOs, in breach of the principles of sound administration and transparency?
    • 3.Under what procedure and within what timeframe does the Commission intend to launch an internal investigation to clarify any administrative or political responsibilities in the allocation and management of the above-mentioned funds?

    Submitted: 13.5.2025

    Last updated: 4 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the CPC Central Committee’s Foreign Affairs Commission, Meets with UAE Presidential Envoy for China Affairs

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) — Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, met with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, special envoy of the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Chinese affairs, in Beijing on Wednesday.

    The Chinese diplomat noted that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, relations between China and the UAE have maintained positive development dynamics.

    Wang Yi said that China hopes to work with the UAE to provide mutual support on issues affecting each other’s core interests, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, maintain close coordination on international and regional affairs, and promote the deepening and further development of the China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership.

    Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, for his part, said that the UAE intends to strengthen high-level exchanges with China to further enhance the level of interstate relations of a comprehensive strategic partnership characterized by special friendship.

    The UAE firmly adheres to the one-China principle and will adhere to the principles of independence and self-sufficiency, steadily advancing cooperation with China, the special envoy assured. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Decisions on terrorist attacks in Kursk and Bryansk regions of the Russian Federation were made in Ukraine at the political level — Russian President

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, June 4 /Xinhua/ — The decisions on terrorist attacks in the Kursk and Bryansk regions of the Russian Federation were made in Ukraine at the political level, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

    “The blowing up of railway tracks in the Bryansk and Kursk regions is, of course, a terrorist act. The decisions to commit such crimes were, of course, made in Ukraine at the political level,” V. Putin noted during a meeting with members of the government. The Russian President emphasized that what happened in Bryansk was a targeted attack on civilians aimed at disrupting the negotiation process.

    According to the Russian leader, Kiev’s “illegitimate regime is degenerating into a terrorist organization, and its sponsors are becoming accomplices of terrorists.” Ukraine “is trying to intimidate Russia with terrorist attacks” because “it is suffering huge losses and retreating along the entire front line,” the head of state said.

    V. Putin noted that Moscow is not surprised by Kyiv’s refusal to agree to a truce for humanitarian reasons for 2-3 days. According to him, “the Kyiv regime does not need peace at all,” since it would mean the loss of power.

    “Peace means the loss of power. And power for this regime, apparently, is more important than peace and the lives of people, whom they do not consider people at all,” the Russian president pointed out. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia protests Japan over training shootings in open sea without warning — Russian Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, June 4 (Xinhua) — Moscow lodged a strong protest with Tokyo over the Japanese military’s shooting exercises near the Russian border, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

    “On June 4, a strong protest was lodged with the Japanese Embassy in Moscow in connection with the training exercises conducted on May 23 in the open sea 18.5 km northeast of Cape Shiretoko (Hokkaido Island) involving the patrol boat Kawagiri of the Japan Maritime Safety Agency without prior notification to foreign ships and vessels,” reads a statement published on the agency’s website.

    It is stated that “irresponsible actions of this kind in the immediate vicinity of the borders of the Russian Federation constitute a clear violation of international law, create direct risks for civil shipping, the life and health of Russian citizens and are categorically unacceptable.”

    “The corresponding note from the Russian Foreign Ministry also sets out a demand for the Japanese side to properly explain the essence of what happened and take comprehensive measures to ensure that similar incidents do not recur in the future,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian economy enters cooling period — Russian Minister of Economic Development

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, June 4 (Xinhua) — Russia’s economy has entered a period of cooling after high growth rates in the previous two years, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said. The ministry’s press service reported this on Tuesday.

    Speaking in the Federation Council of Russia, M. Reshetnikov noted that more and more industries in the real sector are demonstrating a decline in output. The growth rate of consumer demand is slowing down, and the increase in the population’s income is being sent to savings, while a slowdown in inflation is being recorded, the minister added.

    M. Reshetnikov pointed out that Russia needs to go through the cooling-off period wisely and expressed hope for a timely easing of monetary policy in order to maintain GDP growth rates of 3 percent in the long term. In addition, he also assured that the government is taking steps to optimize the investment programs of the largest companies. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: V. Zelensky called the Russian memorandum with the terms of the ceasefire an ultimatum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    KYIV, June 4 (Xinhua) — The document listing the terms of the ceasefire that Russia handed over to Ukraine on June 2 is not a memorandum of understanding, but an ultimatum, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a briefing on Wednesday, Interfax-Ukraine reported.

    According to him, in the memorandum, Moscow set out demands in an ultimatum form, the fulfillment of which is obviously impossible. First of all, we are talking about Russia’s territorial claims. V. Zelensky emphasized that these claims contradict the UN Charter, the Constitution of Ukraine and “common sense.”

    The Ukrainian leader added that the demand for the country’s neutrality is also unfulfillable.

    On June 2, the second round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia since 2022 took place in Istanbul. At this meeting, Kyiv received a memorandum from Moscow on the terms of a ceasefire. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cooperation between China and Russia in the field of cinema is an important factor in strengthening friendship between the peoples of the two countries and a contribution to the global cultural treasury – Russian Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, June 4 (Xinhua) — Cooperation between China and Russia in the film industry is an important factor in strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries, as well as a contribution to the global treasury of culture and art, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Wednesday, answering a question from a Xinhua correspondent.

    “I think that this is an important factor for strengthening mutual understanding, good-neighborly relations and friendship between the peoples of our countries. But I will say more: I think that this is a good, correct and very necessary contribution to the global treasury of culture and art – our bilateral cooperation in the field of cinematography,” she noted, commenting on the recent release in Russia of the highest-grossing Chinese animated film in the world, “Nezha Defeats the Dragon King” /”Nezha 2″/.

    As M. Zakharova noted, cooperation between China and Russia in the field of cinematography is developing steadily and dynamically. “This area is in the focus of attention of the leaders of our countries,” she emphasized, adding that issues of developing joint film production were discussed by the heads of state on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan in October last year.

    In addition, during the state visit of the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping to Moscow in May of this year, an action plan in the field of joint film production was signed between the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the State Film Administration of the People’s Republic of China until 2030. “The document provides for a number of specific projects, measures for further promotion of specialized contacts. They are already, as you know, rich in content, and it is expected that they will be developed further,” explained M. Zakharova.

    The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry also recalled the 18th meeting of the Subcommittee on Cooperation in Cinematography of the Bilateral Commission on Humanitarian Cooperation held in May, during which new creative projects were presented. In addition, the Chinese Film Festival was held in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan.

    M. Zakharova congratulated the creators of the cartoon “Nezha 2” on the impressive results and high praise from experts. “We are happy about the success of our Chinese partners in the field of cinematography,” she noted, assuring that she would try to find time to watch the new Chinese cartoon.

    “I am confident that this animated film was made at a high technological level,” the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized, expressing hope that Russian viewers will like this film.

    “We need to fully support the development of cinematography, taking into account the traditions that our countries have,” urged M. Zakharova. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Finance Ministry issues 12.5 billion yuan in treasury bonds in Hong Kong

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) — China’s Ministry of Finance on Wednesday issued its third batch of yuan-denominated Treasury bonds this year in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), totaling 12.5 billion yuan (about 1.74 billion U.S. dollars).

    According to the department, the current bond issue includes 2-year bonds worth 3.5 billion yuan, 3-year bonds worth 3 billion, 5-year bonds worth 3 billion, and 10-year bonds worth 3 billion. The interest rates on these securities are 1.49 percent, 1.52 percent, 1.6 percent, and 1.75 percent, respectively.

    The Ministry of Finance also noted that the bond issue was positively received by investors, with the total amount of subscriptions for the purchase of securities exceeding the amount issued into circulation by 3.96 times.

    In May, the agency announced that it would issue 68 billion yuan worth of yuan-denominated treasury bonds in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by the end of the year. The issue will be carried out in six stages. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –