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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact of the Green Deal on European competitiveness and industry – E-001067/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Green Deal[1] aims at putting Europe on a pathway to a climate-neutral continent. The Commission remains committed to the EU’s decarbonisation objectives, which will also allow the economy to become more resilient, while boosting industrial competitiveness.

    The Clean Industrial Deal[2] presents concrete initiatives to strengthen the business case for competitiveness, decarbonisation and circularity in Europe. It responds to clear demands of EU industry[3] for an industrial deal based on energy and materials security, and an effective market for net zero, low carbon and circular products. It therefore includes actions to improve access to affordable energy, lead markets, materials and circularity, funding and skills, as well as to an international level playing field. The Commission is also simplifying EU rules and their implementation to reduce burdens for businesses, including when it comes to sustainability reporting[4].

    The Commission notes that high energy costs have recently been caused by high fossil fuel prices. The Commission adopted the Affordable Energy Action Plan[5], aimed at lowering energy bills while promoting decarbonisation. It will also propose an Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act, with measures to ease permitting for industrial access to energy and decarbonisation.

    The EU is committed to implementing critical raw materials policies[6] by diversifying supply chains, improving access to funding for strategic projects as well as boosting circular business models. Moreover, a Critical Raw Materials Centre will coordinate joint raw material purchases on behalf of interested companies. Regarding energy supply, the Commission calls for swift adoption of the extension of the gas storage rules[7].

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en .
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/clean-industrial-deal_en .
    • [3] The Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal: https://antwerp-declaration.eu/ .
    • [4] Sustainability Omnibus: https://finance.ec.europa.eu/publications/commission-simplifies-rules-sustainability-and-eu-investments-delivering-over-eu6-billion_en .
    • [5] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/strategy/affordable-energy_en .
    • [6] See namely the Critical Raw Materials Act: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401252 .
    • [7] An update to the Security of Supply Framework is foreseen for 2026.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Criticism of the bill on developing and promoting research and the excessive level of job insecurity faced by Italian researchers – E-000986/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is aware that the Ministry of University and Research presented to the Parliament in September 2024, the bill No 1240 ‘Provisions on the valorisation and promotion of research’ with the aim of further modifying the rules concerning the career of researchers, already reformed following the entry into force of the decree-law of 30 April 2022 ‘Further urgent measures for the implementation of the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP)’, converted with amendments into law of 29 June 2022, no. 79. The Commission, in the context of the implementation of the NRRP, maintains a constant dialogue with the Italian Authorities as well as stakeholders, including trade unions, and carefully monitors the implementation of the reforms and investments. At this stage, the bill no. 1240 has not been adopted. The Commission is not in a position to comment on a draft law.

    The Commission attaches high importance to promote job security and stability for researchers[1], within the remit of EU competences. These elements are addressed in the European framework for research careers and the European Charter for Researchers[2]. The Commission supports Member States and stakeholders in the implementation of the new framework through a set of initiatives.

    Regarding the possibility for the Commission to support the structural financing of pre-tenure and tenure-track university positions , it is a responsibility of the Member State to propose measures amending its Recovery and Resilience Plan, that the Commission can then assess in accordance with the Recovery and Resilience Facility (Regulation (EU) 2021/241).

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/7282/oj/eng C/2024/7282, 05/12/2024.
    • [2] Council Recommendation of 18 December 2023 on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Container port in Lamu, Kenya – E-001225/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) had published an open competitive international tender in September 2023 for a 30-year concession contract for the development and operation of port assets for Mombasa Port Berth 11-14 and Mombasa Container Terminal 1, together with Lamu Port Container Terminal Berth 1-3 and Lamu Special Economic Zone. However, this process was on hold due to a legal case. This litigation has now been resolved and KPA intends to resume the tender process. At this time, no competitive tender has been re-issued for Lamu container port. Kenya is not a Member of the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) and has no commitments to accept EU bidders. Currently we have no information on the conditions of participation to this tender that has not been launched.

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Protecting EU patients by exempting the medical device sector from EU and US tariffs – E-001185/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission regrets the decision of the United States (US) to impose tariffs on EU exports of steel and aluminium on 12 March 2025, as well as the universal tariffs — which also cover medical devices’ exports to the US –, while welcoming the decision to pause the entry into force of these tariffs for 90 days that was taken afterwards.

    The Commission sees no justification for tariffs. The Commission has emphasised to the US its wish to work together on common challenges and that the EU is not the problem — but is part of the solution.

    The Commission’s priority is to avoid disruptions to EU-US trade and to seek negotiated solutions. The EU has stated its clear preference to find negotiated outcomes with the US, which would be balanced and mutually beneficial.

    In this sense, in light of the decision by the US to delay its country-specific universal tariffs, the EU has decided to put its countermeasures on EUR 21 billion of US exports on hold for the same length of time. Medical devices are not included in the scope of these EU countermeasures.

    The EU wants to give negotiations a chance. If, however, the talks are not satisfactory, the EU countermeasures will come into force on 14 July 2025.

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Justification for the invitation to Ahmed al-Sharaa, linked to terrorism and war crimes, to attend Brussels donor summit – E-001071/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    On 17 March 2025, the EU hosted the ninth Brussels Conference on ‘Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition’ to support Syria’s transition process and socioeconomic recovery, while also addressing the immediate humanitarian needs, both in Syria and the region. The conference brought together key regional and international partners, as well as members of the Syrian civil society. This being a ministerial event, Foreign Minister H.E. Asaad Hasan Al-Shaibani of the Syrian transitional government was the Syrian representative invited, who attended the Conference[1]. It is worth to remind that he is not listed under the EU restrictive measures against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant/Da’esh and Al-Qaeda (United Nations-EU mixed regime).

    The fall of the Assad regime signals a historic moment for the Syrian people. In this critical period, the EU supports an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition, guided by the respect for international law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, pluralism and tolerance among all components of Syrian society.

    The EU welcomes the interim authorities’ recent first steps towards an inclusive transition, such as the National Dialogue Conference, the announcement of the new transitional government on 29 March 2025 and the agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces. The EU was gravely alarmed by the recent violent events in the coastal areas and strongly condemned the crimes committed against civilians[2]. In this context, it welcomed the swift establishment of an investigative committee to hold all perpetrators accountable. The EU will remain attentive to the statements but more importantly the actions of the new authorities in ensuring the protection and fundamental freedoms of all Syrians, without distinction.

    • [1] See the press release of 18 March 2025: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/18/brussels-ix-conference-on-standing-with-syria-meeting-the-needs-for-a-successful-transition-joint-press-statement/.
    • [2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/11/syria-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-recent-wave-of-violence/.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Direct EU compensation for those affected by floods on Greek islands – P-001393/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF)[1] can only be activated at the request of Greece which has a deadline of 12 weeks as from when the first damage occurred, demonstrating that the total direct damage exceeds the thresholds specified in Article 2 Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002. The EUSF may cover a part of the costs for emergency and recovery operations incurred by public authorities[2]. Private damage is not eligible.

    Member States hit by natural disasters may also benefit from the flexibilities provided by the Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction (RESTORE) Regulation which entered into force on 24 December 2024[3]. RESTORE primarily focuses on reconstruction, but it can also support disaster resilience. In the 2021-27 programming period, all EU-funded infrastructure with a lifespan of more than 5 years must undergo a climate proofing assessment.

    Although defence was identified as one of the priorities of the mid-term review, climate adaptation and disaster risk management continue to be key priorities for Cohesion Policy. For instance, interventions addressing flood, drought or desertification risks are part of the actions envisaged under the water priority[4]. Moreover, dedicating funding to defence remains voluntary.

    Directive 2007/60/EC[5] establishes a framework for the assessment and management of flood risks, aiming at the reduction of adverse consequences associated with floods. It stipulates that the Flood Risk Management Plans, drawn up by Member States, shall take into account inter alia costs and benefits, and shall in particular address all aspects of flood risk management focusing on prevention, protection, and preparedness. The design and implementation of concrete measures lies with the competent authorities.

    • [1] Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012.
    • [2] This means, for example, the recovery of essential infrastructure, provision of temporary accommodation to the population, cleaning-up operations, and protection of the cultural heritage.
    • [3] Regulation (EU) 2024/3236 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1057 and (EU) 2021/1058 as regards Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction (RESTORE) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3236.
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/communication/mid-term-review-2025/communication-mid-term-review-2025_en.pdf .
    • [5] Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood, OJ L 288, 6.11.2007, p. 27-34. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2007/60/oj/eng.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Third-party monitoring mechanism in Libya – E-000728/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The ‘third-party monitoring mechanism’ in Libya is a tool to help the Commission better understand the situation on the ground, ensuring that EU-funded programs respect human rights and measures are taken when shortcomings in this regard are identified. The contractors’ reports track developments and identify risks. These reports are available to relevant Commission services, including the EU Delegations.

    The EU welcomes Libya’s willingness to engage in dialogue on migration, uphold human rights, and improve detention conditions, especially for vulnerable individuals. The EU continues to raise these issues with Libyan authorities who are committed to working with the EU, the United Nations, and other partners to enhance conditions and procedures. EU funding does not go directly to Libyan authorities but is channelled through international organisations or Member States.

    Respect for international law and human rights, including non-refoulement and protection of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, is central to EU policy in Libya. The EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa and the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument — Global Europe (NDICI — GE) embed human rights in their design and implementation. The NDICI Regulation[1] stresses human rights as a key aspect of EU external action, making them a criterion for funding eligibility and programs implementation.

    The Commission monitors its programmes through regular reports from implementing partners, on-the-ground visits, independent expert evaluations and external monitoring. This information supports dialogue with partner countries on migration, asylum, and border management, strengthening a rights-based approach. For border management, the EU-funded Support to Integrated border and migration management in Libya[2] action, implemented by Italy’s Ministry of Interior and the International Organisation for Migration, operates under a memorandum of understanding with Libya, ensuring compliance with the ‘do-no-harm’ principle and coordination on search-and-rescue activities.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/947/oj/eng.
    • [2] https://trust-fund-for-africa.europa.eu/our-programmes/support-integrated-border-and-migration-management-libya-first-phase_en#:~:text=The%20programme%20aims%20to%20strengthen%20the%20capacity%20of,and%20rescue%20at%20sea%20and%20in%20the%20desert.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Other events – Visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina – 26-05-2025 – Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

    Source: European Parliament

    Argentina © under the license of Adobe Stock

    From 26 May to 30 May 2025, an IMCO Delegation will visit Buenos Aires to discuss on cooperation on key policy IMCO areas while obtaining feedback from Argentinian stakeholders and authorities on the issues that relate to the responsibilities of IMCO.

    The focus will be on exchanging insights across several key areas such as digital and e-commerce cooperation, simplification and reduction of regulatory burden, consumer protection, customs, and alignment of product standards to ensure compliance for Argentinian goods available in the EU.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Exclusion of small hydropower plants from renewables acceleration areas under the Renewable Energy Directive – E-000944/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The reference to the possibility to exclude biomass combustion and hydropower plants from the designation of renewables acceleration areas was not part of the Commission’s proposal[1]. It was added by the co-legislators during the legislative process. It should be noted that under Article 15c, paragraph 1 of the revised Directive[2], Member States are not obliged to designate renewables acceleration areas for more than one technology.

    The Commission has not identified inconsistencies between Article 15b (1) and Article 16 of the revised Directive.

    Small hydropower plants constitute a renewable energy source and, thus, benefit from the supporting policies and measures accelerating renewable energy development across the EU of the Renewable Energy Directive.

    • [1]  COM(2022)0222 final.
    • [2]  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/2413/oj/eng.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Measures announced by the Commission in its communication on e-commerce – E-001161/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission’s Communication on a Comprehensive EU Toolbox for Safe and Sustainable E-commerce[1], proposes a series of measures to address challenges posed by e-commerce imports aiming to bring a level playing field based on effective customs, tax and safety controls and sustainability standards by using the tools at its disposal, and by proper coordinated enforcement of EU legislation. In this regard, the Commission calls on the co-legislator to swiftly adopt the customs reform and to reinforce it with a handling fee on e-commerce parcels.

    During the ongoing negotiations on the Customs Reform proposal, the Council is making progress in getting to a common approach ahead of trilogue negotiations, with the view of an adoption in 2025. In addition, the Commission is willing to bring forward the parts of the customs reform related to e-commerce, in particular the establishment of the EU Customs Authority and preparations for the EU Customs data hub for e-commerce to a date earlier than 2028.

    In the meantime, the Commission will coordinate intensified customs and market surveillance authorities controls on e-commerce as part of the Priority Control Area and as a horizontal Coordinated Activity for the Safety of Products as announced in the communication.

    The Commission is willing to explore with the co-legislators the introduction of such a fee to address the scaling costs of supervising the compliance of huge amounts of individual parcels. This fee should be internalised by the retailers and intermediaries, thus by the importer, i.e. the online retailer or intermediary, and not by the EU consumers.

    • [1]  COM(2025)0037 final https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/e-commerce-communication-comprehensive-eu-toolbox-safe-and-sustainable-e-commerce .
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Massive brain drain from EU universities is an existential threat to Europe’s future – E-001033/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Establishing measures to attract and retain talents and counter brain drain is a priority for the Commission, as human capital is fundamental for the competitiveness of research and innovation and of the European economy.

    The new European framework for research careers and the new European Charter for Researchers[1] support attractive careers and working conditions in universities and beyond, contributing to a balanced mobility of research talents between EU countries and sectors, to retaining European talents, and to attracting international ones.

    Horizon Europe[2] supports the implementation of the new framework, for example via the Human Resources Excellence in Research award[3], a Mutual Learning Exercise[4] supporting the exchange of good practices by Member States[5], and a Talent Ecosystems pilot call supporting attractive careers for early-career researchers[6]. Additional measures to ensure attractive careers are expected in the European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda 2025-2027[7] with Horizon Europe funding. A proposal for a legislative ERA Act is due in 2026, including measures to further strengthen researchers’ careers and mobility.

    The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)[8] play a pivotal role in retaining European researchers, bringing European talents back to Europe and attracting foreign ones[9]. A new Choose Europe MSCA action is foreseen to be launched in 2025 to provide excellent researchers coming to Europe with pathways to more stable and attractive employment.

    The European Universities alliances funded by Erasmus+ continue to support the European academic community, as they offer enhanced global visibility and attractive career development within the institutions of the alliances and across diverse ecosystems[10].

    • [1]  OJ C, C/2023/1640, 29.12.2023.
    • [2]  https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en .
    • [3]  https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/hrexcellenceaward.
    • [4] Under the Horizon Europe Policy Support Facility.
    • [5] https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/statistics/policy-support-facility/psf-challenge/mutual-learning-exercise-research-careers .
    • [6] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-ERA-02-03?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094503,31094502&frameworkProgramme=43108390&callIdentifier=HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-ERA-02&order=ASC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=identifier .
    • [7] Proposal for a Council Recommendation on the European Research Area Policy Agenda 2025-2027, COM(2025)0062 final.
    • [8] https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/ .
    • [9] See European Commission: AIT, CSES, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, PPMI, Dėlkutė, R. et al., Study on mobility flows of researchers in the context of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions — Analysis and recommendations towards a more balanced brain circulation across the European Research Area — Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2022, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/401134.
    • [10] European Commission: Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, PPMI, Grumbinaitė, I., Colus, F. and Buitrago Carvajal, H., Report on the outcomes and transformational potential of the European Universities initiative, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/32313.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Reducing and sharing network costs – P-001316/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Significant capital is required for investments in modernising and expanding our grid. This is essential to facilitate the deployment of renewables and electrification. Investing EUR 2 billion per year in cross-border networks provides EUR 5 billion in benefits for citizens yearly. In parallel, it is important to mitigate network costs impact on electricity bills. Spreading these investments over time and optimising the use of existing grids can help ensure that costs remain contained for consumers.

    In the Affordable Energy Action Plan[1], the Commission has announced a series of actions to address the impact of network tariffs on consumer bills to be put forward by the second quarter of 2025. This includes a methodology for network charges that encourages flexibility and investments in electrification, guidance on using public budgets to reduce network charges in line with state aid rules, and guidance for anticipatory investments. The EU also provides substantial funding for grids, including through the Connecting Europe Facility to support key cross-border energy infrastructure projects. In addition, the Commission has proposed to facilitate funding of energy interconnectors and related transmission infrastructure as part of a modernised cohesion policy[2].

    Infrastructure projects with cross-border impact face challenges with rising costs and fair distribution of costs and benefits. Regarding sharing costs across benefiting countries, the cross-border cost-allocation in the Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) framework has helped the allocation of costs across borders for Projects of Common Interest. In addition, the Commission will develop effective cost-sharing mechanism in the upcoming European Grids Package.

    • [1] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/strategy/affordable-energy_en.
    • [2] COM(2025)0163 final.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU action and leadership on global health in view of the US withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) – P-000773/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Through contributions to the World Health Organisation and health initiatives, the EU and its Member States are leading contributors to global health financing. The EU remains committed to global health, including by supporting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and the fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and is taking a wide range of actions such as the Team Europe Initiative on SRHR in Africa and financial contributions to the United Nations Population Fund and the Global Fund to Fight HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria[1]. The EU will continue supporting global health in line with its commitments and available resources.

    The fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a Commission priority[2]. The 2022 Global Health Strategy sets out EU’s international actions. The 2023 Council Recommendation sets recommendations to address AMR. The Commission has played an active role in reaching a preliminary agreement in recent negotiations on a Global Pandemic Agreement. This agreement includes AMR and is expected to be formally adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025. The Commission also supports the Quadripartite Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform and the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund[3] and engages with international partners (G7, G20).

    Moreover, the Commission’s proposed reform of the EU’s general pharmaceutical legislation[4] provides for incentives for the development of novel antimicrobials and contains measures for the prudent use of antimicrobials.

    Building upon the Preparedness Union Strategy, the Commission will present a medical countermeasures (MCM) strategy to enhance the EU’s preparedness for health threats such as AMR by improving innovation and access to MCM, including antibiotics and AMR products. This will complement the Commission work with Member States to develop a financial incentive pilot in the form of a revenue guarantee.

    • [1] https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/.
    • [2] The 2024 United Nations General Assembly declaration marks a milestone of international commitments: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/world-leaders-commit-decisive-action-antimicrobial-resistance.
    • [3] https://www.qjsamr.org/.
    • [4] https://health.ec.europa.eu/medicinal-products/legal-framework-governing-medicinal-products-human-use-eu/reform-eu-pharmaceutical-legislation_en.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Policies and public funding to combat depopulation – P-001419/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In the political guidelines for the Commission mandate 2024-2029, the Commission commits to address regional and social disparities and ensure all citizens have an effective right to stay in the place they call home. This is in line with the communication on the long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas[1] and further enhanced in the Vision for agriculture and food, which commits to strengthen participatory local development tools (i.e. Leader/CLLD) and other forms of cooperation (i.e. Smart villages), to update the EU Rural Action Plan[2] in 2025 and to strengthen the Rural Pact.

    Most Member States have identified demography as one of the major challenges with potential negative effects on balanced territorial development, including in rural and remote areas. Consequently, Member States can use the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), Cohesion policy funding as well as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plans to help addressing demographic challenges.

    Integrated development, promoted by Cohesion policy are crucial to help regions, notably those facing demographic decline or a talent development trap. The Commission stepped-up efforts to support these regions[3], notably via the ‘Talent Booster Mechanism’ and the Harnessing Talent Platform.[4] The Commission considers important to strengthen those investments to attract people, particularly young generations, to rural and remote areas.

    To strengthen cooperation between all governance levels, in 2022 the Commission launched and continues to facilitate a Rural Pact. The Pact produced guidance on how to improve policies for rural areas[5] and encourages national and regional governments to make official commitments to the Pact.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:6c924246-da52-11eb-895a-01aa75ed71a1.0003.02/DOC_1&format=PDF.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:6c924246-da52-11eb-895a-01aa75ed71a1.0003.02/DOC_2&format=PDF.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/communication/harnessing-talents/harnessing-talents-regions_en.pdf.
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/communities-and-networks/harnessing-talent-platform_en.
    • [5] https://ruralpact.rural-vision.europa.eu/publications/making-rural-pact-happen-member-states_en.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Agri-food imports from the USA – E-000999/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Since the start of the new United States (US) administration, the Commission has been engaging with its US counterparts to avert unnecessary tensions by seeking negotiated solutions with the US but has also been ready to act to safeguard the EU’s interests, where necessary, for instance through the adoption of countermeasures. These measures are suspended in view of the US decision to suspend for 90-days its reciprocal tariffs, for the same length of time to allow space for negotiations.

    When it comes to sanitary and phytosanitary standards, the EU has a robust system in place to ensure that all food placed on the market satisfies the requirement of a high level of human health protection and to prevent the spread of pests or diseases among plants and animals.

    All goods imported into the EU must comply with EU health and product safety requirements. The definition of such EU standards is not negotiable.

    In the Vision for Agriculture and Food[1], the Commission has set out the approach to a fairer global level playing field. This includes using bilateral free trade negotiations and Agreements to their full extent. The Commission will also pursue, in line with international rules, a stronger alignment of production standards applied to imported products, notably on pesticides and animal welfare.

    • [1] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, A Vision for Agriculture and Food Shaping together an attractive farming and agri-food sector for future generations, COM/2025/75 final; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0075 .
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Prospects of EU membership or association status for Canada – E-001336/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Canada is one of the EU’s closest and most long-standing partners. The relationship is rooted in shared values and is also shaped by extensive historical, cultural, political and economic links.

    Nonetheless, Canada does not qualify as a ‘European’ state, within the meaning of the term presently set out in Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union. There are no plans to revise the Treaties or to assess the benefits and possible consequences of Canadian accession to the EU.

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – US tariffs threaten Galician competitiveness and industry – E-000652/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission regrets the decision by the United States (US) to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminium exports to the US as of 12 March 2025 and its decision to extend tariffs also to a list of downstream products[1].

    The Commission publicly stated that any unjustified tariffs will trigger firm and proportionate EU countermeasures. On 12 March 2025, the Commission launched the process to adequately respond, foreseeing the adoption on 14 April. However, given recent developments, the application of these EU countermeasures will be delayed for 90 days to leave space for bilateral negotiations.

    The transatlantic trade and investment relationship is the most important in the world. As the EU and US economies and businesses are so closely intertwined, it is in their mutual interest to engage in positive cooperation. When it comes to steel and aluminium, EU exports to the US are not the problem. Rather, the EU and the US have an interest to cooperate on facing the common challenge of overcapacity in the world.

    The President of the Commission announced that an ‘Import Surveillance Task Force’ will be set up to monitor trade flows and protect against the indirect effects of tariffs, notably those stemming from trade diversion.

    Finally, on 19 March the Commission presented a Steel and Metal Action Plan[2] to increase competitiveness, strengthen and decarbonise the European steel and metals industries.

    • [1] https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-02-18/pdf/2025-02832.pdf and https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-02-18/pdf/2025-02833.pdf.
    • [2] https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/document/download/7807ca8b-10ce-4ee2-9c11-357afe163190_en?filename=Communication%20-%20Steel%20and%20Metals%20Action%20Plan.pdf.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Incompatibility between the list of safe countries of origin made by the Italian Government and the criteria laid down in EU law – E-002701/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The assessment of whether a third country meets the conditions set out in Annex I of Directive 2013/32[1] for the purpose of the designation as safe country of origin is conducted by Member States’ competent authorities, based on a range of sources of information. In any event, when the concept is applied in a procedure for international protection, an individual examination of the application submitted by applicants from designated safe countries of origin must always be carried out.

    Pursuant to Article 37(2) of Directive 2013/32, Member States must regularly review the situation in the designated safe countries of origin. This covers the occurrence of significant events which may affect the presumption that the concerned country can guarantee the safety of the applicant.

    • [1] Directive 2013/32/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on common procedures for granting and withdrawing international protection (recast) — OJ L 180, 29/06/2013, p. 60.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – 14 May 2025 – extraordinary meeting – Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly

    Source: European Parliament

    On Wednesday, 14 May 2025, 14.00-15.30 , the DAFR delegation held an Extraordinary meeting in Brussels (room: SPAAK 5B1). There were two main items in the agenda:

    – Exchange of views on the sustainable management of Raw Materials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the presence of:

    • Ms Martina Matarazzo, International Advocacy Coordinator “Resource Matters”
    • Ms Brenda Odimba, co-founder of the collective “Free Congo”

    – Exchange of views on the EU’s role in addressing the crisis in Eastern DRC in the presence of:

    • Mr Thomas Stevens, Africa advisor of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium
    • Dr Marie-Paule Guillaume, member of the collective “Free Congo”

    The meeting was webstreamed.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – EMPL-FEMM exchange of views with Commission EVP Roxana Mînzatu on gender care gap – Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    CARE © Image used under the license of Adobe Stock

    On 19 May 2025, the Committees on Employment and Social Affairs and on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality will jointly organise an Exchange of Views with Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness on “Advancing Towards a Care Society: Addressing the Gender Care Gap”.

    The European Care Strategy emphasizes the implementation of principles from the European Pillar of Social Rights, focusing on gender equality, work-life balance including flexible working, childcare, and support for children and long-term care. Building on the strategy, more attention is needed to discuss how to best support women and men in achieving the best care and work-life balance for carers, taking into account long-term care and both formal and informal workforce. This exchange aims to facilitate a deeper discussion on the gender care gap. It will also serve as a preparatory step for the EMPL-FEMM own-initiative report on this topic.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Implementation of the Bolkestein Directive and the new Italian healthcare accreditation system’s compliance issues – E-000542/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Based on the elements available, it is unclear whether Directive 2014/24/EU[1] or Directive 2014/23/EU[2] would apply to the legal relationships stemming from the accreditation system laid down in the law referred to in the Honourable Member’s question.

    Even if the directives were not applicable, any national measure which, albeit applicable without discrimination on grounds of nationality, is liable to hinder or render less attractive the exercise by EU nationals of the freedom of establishment guaranteed by the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union would still be prohibited under Article 49 of that Treaty.

    The Commission recalls that according to the principle of free administration of public authorities, Member States authorities may choose to perform their public interest tasks with their own resources, or in cooperation with other authorities or to confer them upon economic operators.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/24/oj/eng .
    • [2]  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/23/oj/eng .
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Environmental impact of the Commission’s AI Continent strategy – E-000722/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The initiatives of the artificial intelligence (AI) Continent Action Plan[1] are aligned with the EU Green Deal. The hosting sites of the AI Factories were notably selected on sustainability criteria. The AI Factory initiative emphasises green computing through energy-efficient supercomputers, dynamic power saving methods, and advanced cooling systems. The AI Factory in Jülich will be built around the JUPITER Exascale Supercomputer, whose first module currently is the world’s most energy-efficient system[2]. Additionally, the Commission will hold dialogues with consortia interested in launching sustainable AI Gigafactories.

    Moreover, the upcoming Cloud and AI Development Act will create the incentives to build sustainable data centres. It will aim to advance research and innovation in resource-efficient data processing infrastructures, software, and services that enable the development and adoption of AI. This includes research to improve the integration of data centres into energy and water systems. Likewise, the announced strategic roadmap for digitalisation and AI in the energy sector will propose measures to facilitate the sustainable integration of data centres into the energy system, and the forthcoming Water Resilience Strategy will look at reducing water footprint.

    The AI Act[3] requires providers of general-purpose AI models to document the computational resources used to train the model and known or estimated energy consumption[4]. The Commission, through its AI Office, is currently steering the development of a code of practice with commitments on how to implement those rules[5]. Further voluntary codes of conduct will be drawn up in the future, including as regards environmental sustainability of AI systems[6].

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/ai-continent_en
    • [2] https://top500.org/lists/green500/.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj/eng.
    • [4] See point (a) of Article 53(1) and points (d) and (e) of Annex XI(2) AI Act.
    • [5] See Article 56 AI Act. According to Article 56(9) AI Act, this code of practice should be ready in May 2025, in anticipation of the rules for general-purpose AI models entering into application on 2 August 2025 according to point (b) of Article 113 AI Act.
    • [6] See point (b) of Article 95(2) AI Act.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – The future European security architecture: Dilemmas for EU strategic autonomy – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Europeans are searching for their geopolitical footprint and trying to build a European pillar in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) at a time when the United States is likely to reduce its engagement in Europe, while Russia is looking for a reset of the European security architecture, which developed at the end of the Cold War, by waging war on Ukraine. After analysing the evolution of key security organisations in Europe – NATO, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE)/Organisation on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Union (EU) – and the defence policies of individual countries, five possible scenarios for a new European security architecture were developed with the use of foresight methodology. Based on expert consultations, four of the scenarios – Antagonism, European NATO, European Defence Union and Patchwork – point to an increasingly antagonistic world in the next decade. These scenarios consider the degree of US (dis)engagement from Europe, EU-NATO relations and the possible outcome of the Ukraine war. While Antagonism can largely be seen as a continuation of the current state of play, with a solid transatlantic relationship anchored in NATO, the Patchwork scenario is the most challenging, with no strong alliance and in which Europe becomes a playground. Conversely, a new détente (relaxation of relations among global powers) leading to a more cooperative world needs a new triggering factor. This scenario, Cooperative co-existence, would possibly require over a decade to happen, and Europeans would need to compensate for further US disengagement from Europe, either through a European NATO or a European Defence Union, if they wish to matter as a geopolitical actor. Europeans therefore need to increase defence funding (in the case of further US disengagement, possibly by above 5 % of GDP), strengthen their capabilities, including nuclear and space capabilities, keep pace with the technological race and bolster the European defence industrial network. By developing its strategic autonomy, the EU might enhance its agency in defence matters, preserve transatlantic ties and allow the European interest to prevail.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Follow-up question on substantive pledges and cabinet positions promised by the Commission to the European Greens – E-001815/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001815/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marieke Ehlers (PfE), Auke Zijlstra (PfE), Sebastiaan Stöteler (PfE), Ton Diepeveen (PfE), Rachel Blom (PfE), Sebastian Kruis (PfE)

    In its answer to Written Question P-002983/2024[1] the Commission states – in a particularly brief fashion – that its meetings with party leaders covered ‘both policy priorities and organisational issues’.

    • 1.Were all political groups represented in the Commission’s ‘exchanges of views’ and were they therefore given an equal opportunity to formulate policy positions?
    • 2.What organisational issues were discussed?
    • 3.Which advisers, cabinet members and other staff were recruited within the Commission, or as external advisers, and at the request of which political group?

    Submitted: 6.5.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-10-2024-002983-ASW_EN.html
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Greece’s climate action strategy – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Greece’s climate law sets the objective of reaching climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory in Figure 1) and of delivering a 55 % reduction of net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 compared with 1990. Greece accounted for 2.3 % of the EU’s net GHG emissions in 2023, and achieved a net emissions reduction of 48.5 % from 2005 to 2023, greater than the EU average reduction of 30.5 % over the same period. Emissions from sectors under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) fell by almost two thirds. Greece’s land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector has functioned as a moderate carbon sink throughout the 2005-2023 period. For the effort-sharing sectors, Greece has consistently overachieved its targets. Greece’s national recovery and resilience plan, amended with a REPowerEU chapter, dedicates 38.2 % of investment to the green transition. Greece submitted a draft updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) in November 2023. The European Commission assessed it and made recommendations for the final updated NECP, which was submitted in January 2025. In a 2023 survey, 44 % of Greeks, compared with an EU average of 46 %, identified climate change to be one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect national government (74 %), the EU (73 %) and/or business and industry (73 %) to tackle climate change. Less than a third find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Sustainable Development Goals in view of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum – Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

    Source: European Parliament

    On Tuesday, 20 May 2025, the FEMM Committee will vote on a draft opinion on the “Implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals in view of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum”.

    With less than five years left until the deadline for realisation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, further action is needed especially regarding SDG 5. SDG 5 seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls’ – there is still a lot to do and it’s time to implement it.

    Members will vote on 190 amendments and 16 alternative compromises to finalise the FEMM opinion to the DEVE and ENVI committees.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – Statistical Dialogue with Mariana Kotzeva, Director-General of Eurostat – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    ECON Committee Meeting on 20 May 2025 The Statistical Dialogue is a regular exchange between the Director-General of Eurostat and the ECON Committee, enabling its Members to engage on key statistical issues related to EU economic governance. It is based on Regulation (EC) No 223/2009, which enshrines principles of professional independence and accountability, and was reinforced by Regulation (EU) 2015/759, introducing a formal obligation for regular appearances before Parliament. This is the first Statistical Dialogue of the 10th parliamentary term..

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Lithuania’s climate action strategy – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Lithuania’s national climate change management agenda sets emissions reduction targets with a view to reaching climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory in Figure 1). Lithuania accounted for 0.4 % of the EU’s net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2023 and had reduced its net emissions by 31.5 % since 2005, slightly above the EU average reduction of 30.5 % over the same period. Emissions from sectors under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) were more than halved (-57.5 %). For the effort-sharing sectors, Lithuania overachieved its target for the 2013-2020 period and expects to reach its 2030 target. Lithuania’s land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector is an important carbon sink, absorbing around a third of the country’s GHG emissions. In June 2023, Lithuania modified its recovery and resilience plan, adding a REPowerEU chapter. Lithuania submitted a draft updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) in July 2023. The European Commission assessed it and made recommendations for the final updated NECP, which was published in October 2024. In a 2023 survey, a third of Lithuanians, compared with an EU average of 46 %, identified climate change as one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect national government (57 %) and/or business and industry (56 %) to tackle climate change, 50 % see it as a task of the EU, while 37 % find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Mercosur agreement: Agen prunes sector at risk! – E-001813/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001813/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gilles Pennelle (PfE), Marie Dauchy (PfE), Philippe Olivier (PfE), Mélanie Disdier (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Christophe Bay (PfE)

    France’s Agen prune has protected geographical indication status, providing the guarantee that the product’s origin and quality are attached to a specific region and specialised know-how. Some 800 producers and 60 processing companies work in this sector, making it an important economic asset.

    In the context of the agreement discussions with the Mercosur countries, the Commission agreed that European agriculture, and French agriculture in particular, would be affected by the massive imports of agricultural products from South America. On the other hand, it argued that products with designations of origin would benefit from new markets and even wider recognition than they currently enjoy in the EU.

    • 1.Can the Commission therefore confirm that the term ‘Agen’ and any reference to this French geographical indication will be protected so that they cannot be used fraudulently for plums and prunes from Mercosur countries?
    • 2.Can it guarantee that the Agen prune sector, which is subject to strict rules on the use of plant protection products, will not be placed in direct competition with third-country producers who produce prunes without having to comply with the same rules?

    Supporters[1]

    Submitted: 6.5.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by Members other than the authors: Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE)
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – EU electricity grids – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The modernisation and expansion of electricity grids lies at the heart of the EU’s energy transition and decarbonisation efforts. In the context of the rising share of electricity in final energy consumption, there is increasing demand for grid upgrades to accommodate the new generation capacity and to adapt, in particular, to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. Key concerns include ageing infrastructure, investment shortfalls, and regulatory complexities that hinder rapid modernisation of grids and efficient integration of decentralised energy production. Interconnectivity between EU Member States is important to ensure energy security and reliability: the integration of European electricity markets benefits consumers by up to €34 billion every year. To meet the challenge posed by electricity infrastructure modernisation, various innovative solutions, including the adoption of smart grids, digitalisation, and grid enhancement technologies, should be considered. In addition, ways of increasing private and public sector financing should be explored to meet the challenge of the massive investments that are needed in this sector in the coming decades; methodologies and scenarios for anticipating future needs constitute an essential element in ensuring a cost-effective approach to the development of grids. Globally, electricity grids will need to increase by more than 20 % in length by 2030 to meet energy and climate pledges in time and in full, which requires annual average investment in grids to rise to US$600 billion from around US$300 billion today, according to the International Energy Agency. Concerning supply chain risks, the need for resilient and effective grid manufacturing supply chains is recognised by the Net-Zero Industry Act, which designates grid technologies as strategic net-zero technologies. Recognising the critical importance of grids for the EU energy union and economy as a whole, the European Commission came forward with an EU action plan for grids in November 2023, while a new European grids package is expected in the coming months. Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy adopted an own-initiative report on the subject on 13 May 2025.

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