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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The use of diesel particulate filters by consumers and businesses in small EU Member States – E-001368/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001368/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Alex Agius Saliba (S&D)

    This question follows an exchange with the former EU Commissioner for Consumer Rights, Didier Reynders, in April 2023 during a meeting of Parliament’s Internal Market Committee. The issue is the use of diesel particulate filters (DPFs) by consumers and businesses in small Member States.

    DPFs do not have the same benefits when used in countries where only short distances are covered, such as Malta, because they do not have the technology to be clean themselves automatically, as they do when vehicles are used over longer distances. This reduces the engine’s efficiency significantly and results in additional costs for the owners of these vehicles, who have to periodically replace these expensive filters.

    • 1.Given that the overwhelming majority of these filters cannot even be cleaned, thus obliging consumers to buy new ones, are there possibilities in EU law to make it mandatory for it to be possible to open filters in diesel engine cars for regular cleaning?
    • 2.When setting diesel vehicle norms, such as the Euro standards, does the Commission take into consideration that there are Member States in which consumers do not drive long distances?
    • 3.More specifically, could the cleaning of DPFs be enforced as part of the circular economy initiatives, such as the Directive on common rules promoting the repair of goods?

    Submitted: 2.4.2025

    Last updated: 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ban or suspension of hunting trophy imports from Tanzania due to severe adverse human rights impact on Maasai indigenous peoples in Ngorongoro Conservation Area – E-001333/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001333/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Carola Rackete (The Left), Lynn Boylan (The Left), Anja Hazekamp (The Left), Sebastian Everding (The Left), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Catarina Martins (The Left), Ignazio Roberto Marino (Verts/ALE), Andreas Schieder (S&D), Damien Carême (The Left), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Rima Hassan (The Left), Jussi Saramo (The Left), Hanna Gedin (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Nikos Papandreou (S&D), Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D)

    The Tanzanian Government has been evicting Maasai peoples from their ancestral lands in Loliondo since 2022 and is currently taking action to evict 150 000 Maasai from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Loliondo.

    The UN criticised the Tanzanian Government plans in a report[1], identifying trophy hunting as having severe adverse effects on Maasai peoples.

    In a 2024 report,[2] Amnesty International detailed how Otterlo Business Corporation, a trophy hunting company linked to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the UAE and a member of the ruling royal family, has participated in forcibly evicting Maasai communities.

    In October 2022, Parliament adopted a resolution urging a ban on the ‘import of hunting trophies derived from the CITES-listed species’[3]. Yet, during its debate with the ENVI Committee on 1 March 2023, the Commission asserted that trophy hunting was sustainable and, when ‘well-regulated’, could sustain local, indigenous populations.

    • 1.Will the Commission reconsider its existing position, as set out in its reply to Written Question E-001394/2023[4], in relation to a general ban on the import of hunting trophies derived from CITES-listed species?
    • 2.Will the Commission consider a ban on, or at least the suspension of, the import of hunting trophies specifically from Tanzania, given the clear and extremely significant adverse human rights effects of such imports on the Maasai indigenous peoples?

    ​

    Submitted: 1.4.2025

    • [1] Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), ‘Tanzania: UN experts warn of escalating violence amidst plans to forcibly evict Maasai from ancestral lands’, 15 June 2022, https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/06/tanzania-un-experts-warn-escalating-violence-amidst-plans-forcibly-evict.
    • [2] Amnesty International, ‘Tanzania: Business as usual in bloodied land? Role of businesses in forced evictions in Loliondo, Tanzania’, 7 August 2024, https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr56/8320/2024/en/.
    • [3] European Parliament resolution of 5 October 2022 on the EU strategic objectives for the 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to be held in Panama from 14 to 25 November 2022 (OJ C 132, 14.4.2023, p. 41, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52022IP0344).
    • [4] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2023-001394-ASW_EN.html.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The major shortages in staff and flight safety systems under the EU’s Single European Sky initiative – E-000764/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. Most Member States own the designated Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs). This is also the case in Greece, where the Hellenic Aviation Service Provider (HASP) is part of the Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Networks. Since ANSPs are monopolistic service providers, they are subject to economic regulation. The regulation requires the setting of binding targets for the key performance areas of safety, capacity, environment and cost-efficiency. ANSPs shall put in place the necessary measures to reach these targets, including via hiring of staff and via investments. With regard to profits, as referred to by the Honourable Member, the legislation in force[1] allows for ‘a reasonable return on assets’.

    2. The Single European Sky regulatory framework aims at putting in place rules that contribute to a safe, sustainable and efficient air traffic management system in the EU. Very importantly, the application of this framework is without prejudice to Member States’ sovereignty over their airspace. This sovereignty also applies to the way in which Member States coordinate operations between civil and military users, who are sharing the same airspace. In the case of larger cross-border military exercises, the Eurocontrol Network Manager — appointed by the Commission — typically offers to assist ANSPs in planning such events.

    • [1] Article 29.3 of Regulation (EU) 2024/2803: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/2803/oj/eng
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – European military mobility infrastructure – E-000700/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission recognises the critical role of high-quality infrastructure in ensuring connectivity and rapid response to crises at the EU’s borders.

    In the Multiannual financial framework ( MFF) 2021-2027 negotiations, the Commission initially proposed EUR 6.5 billion for dual-use transport infrastructure under Connecting Europe Facility — Transport (CEF-T), but the final budget concluded by the Member States in the Council was reduced to EUR 1.7 billion.

    Since the adoption of the current MFF, geopolitical circumstances have changed significantly. In response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Commission accelerated the implementation of the military mobility budget, fully allocating it over three calls (2021 -2023), supporting 95 projects in 21 Member States.

    The 2023 call alone saw funding requests totalling EUR 3.7 billion, demonstrating the increased urgency and the scale of investment needs.

    To enhance coordination and prioritisation, the Commission, in cooperation with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), identified four EU military mobility corridors, endorsed by the EU Military Committee in October 2024.

    These corridors were included in the revised Annex II to the Military Requirements for Military Mobility[1], adopted by the Council on 17 March 2025.

    Work is ongoing to assess main bottlenecks and investment needs on these corridors, particularly for short-term upgrades to enhance resilience and adapt to dual-use standards (e.g. rail capacity increase, tunnel widening, bridge reinforcements).

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=celex:52025JC0011

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – LEZs and their lack of transparency and order – E-000247/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Ambient Air Quality Directive[1] obliges Member States to take measures to ensure that limits are not exceeded. The choice of the specific type of measure, e.g. low emission zones (LEZ), is the prerogative of the Member States under the subsidiarity principle.

    The Commission supports Member States with good practices such as the Civitas ReVeAL project[2] to prepare e.g. LEZs, including a toolkit for evaluating economic impacts.

    The transition to clean road mobility is supported by the CO2 emission standards[3] for new cars, vans and heavy-duty vehicles which sets progressively higher emission reduction targets.

    These standards provide long-term certainty and predictability for investors, while allowing sufficient lead time for a fair transition. As announced in the Industrial Action Plan for the automotive sector[4] adopted on 5 March 2025, the Commission will accelerate work on the foreseen review of the regulation.

    The review will be based on a fact-based analysis, taking relevant technological developments and the importance of an economically viable and socially fair transition towards zero-emission mobility into account.

    Whereas the Commission oversees the allocation and management of funds to comply with EU Regulations and goals, it is for Member States to implement funds.

    They are responsible for management/control system for the use of funds which is based on a combination of detailed monitoring systems, control mechanisms, and stringent independent auditing processes.

    In addition, the Commission, along with the European Court of Auditors, regularly audits the management of EU funds in Member States.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2008/50/oj/eng
    • [2] https://civitas-reveal.eu/
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32023R0851
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_25_636

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU and Ukraine extend Road Transport Agreement until end 2025

    Source: European Commission

    European Commission Press release Brussels, 10 Apr 2025 To facilitate Ukraine’s access to global markets by enabling smoother transit through EU countries and strengthening trade links with the EU market, the EU and Ukraine have extended their Road Transport Agreement until 31 December 2025. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Damage caused by Storm Elena in Attica – E-000222/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Cohesion policy supports disaster prevention and preparedness measures in the 2021-2027 period, including those addressing flood risk. Moreover, as indicated in the Common Provisions Regulation[1], all EU-funded infrastructure that has an expected lifespan of at least 5 years must undergo a climate proofing assessment.

    This procedure, carried out at the project level, ensures that new infrastructure is adapted to the climate risks of the territory, including, in certain cases, to flood risk.

    The Commission is also aware of the need to address the increasingly frequent and intense climate-related disasters. Therefore, RESTORE (Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction)[2] provides additional assistance to Member States affected by disasters in 2024 and 2025, helping them to quickly mobilise cohesion policy funds for disaster reconstruction and resilience interventions.

    It should be noted that under shared management, it is the Member States responsibility to select and carry out the projects that are in line with the programme agreed with the Commission, and that all resources must be used before the end of 2029.

    Discussion between the Commission and the Member States on progress of investments takes place regularly in the context of the monitoring committees, which must take place at least once a year for every programme, and of the annual review meeting of all programmes once a year.

    In addition, under the Floods Directive[3], all EU countries are required to assess all areas where significant floods could take place, map the flood extent, assets and humans at risk in these areas and take adequate and coordinated measures to reduce this flood risk.

    • [1] Article 73(2) — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02021R1060-20240630
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/whats-new/newsroom/18-12-2024-commission-welcomes-adoption-of-restore-proposal-helping-member-states-recover-from-climate-related-disasters_en
    • [3] Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Improving drinking water quality and checking the safety of plastic packaging – E-000648/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The recast Drinking Water Directive[1], which had to be transposed into national law by January 2023, sets quality standards for bottled spring waters when the water is put into the bottles, ensuring that the initial water quality is guaranteed. The Natural Mineral Waters Directive[2] aims to ensure the protection of consumer’s health, preventing them from being misled and ensuring fair trading.

    2. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation[3] sets requirements for substances in packaging. It limits the use of certain hazardous substances[4] on food contact packaging materials, including those used for bottled water to ensure they do not pose a risk to human health. The placing on the market of food contact materials (FCM) and articles is governed in the EU by Regulation No 1935/2004[5]. Regulation (EU) No 10/2011[6] establishes a list of substances permitted for use in the manufacture of plastic packaging materials in contact with foods, including bottled water. Regulation (EU) No 2022/1616[7] sets strict safety requirements for using recycled plastic in FCM. Furthermore, Regulation (EU) 2017/625[8] requires that Member States conduct official controls for the verification of compliance of food and food packaging.

    3. The main aim of the recast Drinking Water Directive is to ensure access to clean drinking water. It includes new provisions on substances of concern such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, microplastics and endocrine disruptors. The directive promotes the use of tap water by ensuring that outdoor and indoor equipment is set up in public spaces and encourages the provision of tap water, for instance in restaurants.

    • [1] Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on the quality of water intended for human consumption (recast), OJ L 435, 23.12.2020, p. 1-62.
    • [2] Directive 2009/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 on the exploitation and marketing of natural mineral waters (Recast), OJ L 164, 26.6.2009, p. 45-58.
    • [3] Regulation (EU) 2025/40 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 on packaging and packaging waste, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904, and repealing Directive 94/62/EC, OJ L, 2025/40, 22.1.2025.
    • [4] Article 5 of the (EU) 2025/40 limits in food contact packaging the use of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and concentrations levels of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium (
    • [5] Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food and repealing Directives 80/590/EEC and 89/109/EEC, OJ L 338, 13.11.2004, p. 4-17.
    • [6] Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 of 14 January 2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, OJ L 12, 15.1.2011, p. 1-89.
    • [7] Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 of 15 September 2022 on recycled plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foods, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 282/2008, OJ L 243, 20.9.2022, p. 3-46.
    • [8] Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products, OJ L 137, 24.5.2017, p. 40.
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Agricultural policy comments during Grüne Woche – E-000596/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is convinced that agricultural production and nature preservation must go hand in hand to face climate change by improving water resilience and give young farmers a farming future. Balance between agriculture and nature has both an EU and a national dimension.

    The present Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)[1] and existing environmental and climate acquis, provide a solid legal framework for Member States to identify fit for purpose targets, based on National Strategic Plans, offering them more margin for manoeuvre than before.

    Member States have designed tailor-made interventions in their CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs) which also target livestock-related pollution. Eco-Schemes and Agri-Environmental and Climate Commitments support interventions to improve water quality and nutrient management, addressing manure surplus, on 21% and 15.5% of EU farmland[2] respectively.

    Other interventions include livestock density adjustments, aiming at reducing Greenhouse Gases, water and air (ammonia) emissions (for example, the Luxembourgish CSP[3] offers financial aid to less intensive animal husbandry systems).

    In his speech during the Grüne Woche[4] (Green Week), the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food reflected on targeted territorial solutions for balancing the livestock sector’s competitiveness with environmental sustainability, as published later in the Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food[5].

    This approach includes maintaining grasslands, valorising the link with carbon sinks and improved water resilience, as well as more extensive systems beneficial in preserving biodiversity while reducing negative externalities.

    • [1] https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/cap-overview/cap-glance_en
    • [2] https://agridata.ec.europa.eu/extensions/DashboardCapPlan/result_indicators.html
    • [3] https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/document/download/a534870e-10e8-4178-bbdb-efc16b0485d0_en?filename=csp-at-a-glance-luxembourg-en.pdf
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_25_460
    • [5] https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/overview-vision-agriculture-food_en
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Hungary’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute – P-001396/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001396/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Valérie Hayer, Sandro Gozi
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    On 3 April 2025, the Hungarian Government announced its withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC). All Member States have signed and ratified the Statute. Adherence to the values of the Statute, which are fully in line with the principles and objectives of the EU, and ratification of the Statute are also part of the EU acquis, to be fulfilled prior to becoming an EU member. Furthermore, since 2006, a cooperation agreement has obliged the EU and its Member States to assist the ICC[1].

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission share the view that withdrawal from the Rome Statute constitutes a violation of the EU acquis?
    • 2.Which tools, including infringement procedures or budgetary measures, is the Commission willing to apply and committed to using in response to the withdrawal?
    • 3.Which other concrete actions is the Commission planning to take as regards, for example, its general assessment on the basis of Article 2 and 7 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the possible initiation of the procedure under Article 7(2) TEU?

    Submitted: 4.4.2025

    • [1] Council Decision 2006/313/CFSP of 10 April 2006 concerning the conclusion of the Agreement between the International Criminal Court and the European Union on cooperation and assistance (OJ L 115, 28.4.2006, p. 49, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2006/313(1)/oj).
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Use of EU funds by Carris – E-002558/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission confirms that, according to the Portuguese authorities, cohesion policy funding was recently decided for Carris to support the acquisition of rolling stock (articulated trams) to enhance Lisbon’s public transport service.

    The total cost of the operation was EUR 40.6 million, with a contribution from the Cohesion Fund through the programme Sustentável 2030[1] of EUR 29.5 million. The conditions for using the funds are in line with the eligibility rules of the programme and the provisions of the cohesion policy regulations.

    The additionality principle was included in Article 95 of Regulation (EU) 1303/2013[2], which governed the implementation of cohesion policy in the 2014 to 2020 programming period. The principle is no longer included in the regulation (EU) 2021/1060[3], which governs implementation in the 2021 to 2027 period.

    Carris is also receiving funding under Portugal’s recovery and resilience plan[4] (RRP), which includes two investments related to tenders by Fundo Ambiental. Investment C15-i05 aims to purchase zero emission buses and charging infrastructure in Lisbon and Porto Metropolitan Areas.

    Carris was selected for 33 buses and charging stations and received EUR 6.38 million from the RRP. With Investment C21-i12, Carris aims to acquire 44 buses and charging stations, receiving EUR 11 million from the RRP. The investment is expected to be completed in 2026.

    The additionality principle[5] ensures that support under the Recovery and Resilience Facility is additional to other EU programs and instruments.

    • [1] https://sustentavel2030.gov.pt/
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/1303/oj/eng
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1060/oj/eng
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/country-pages/portugals-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en
    • [5] Article 9 Regulation (EU) 2021/241.
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Implementation of the measures imposed by the ECtHR judgment on the management of the environmental emergency in Campania’s ‘Land of Fires’ – E-000763/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Concerning implementation of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, EU Member States — Parties to the European Convention on Human Rights — are responsible to implement these judgments in their jurisdictions.

    In relation to the implementation of EU legislation, in 2015 the Court of Justice of the European Union[1] ruled that Italy had to pay a daily penalty of EUR 120 000 for failure to establish the infrastructure necessary for the treatment of the municipal waste generated in the Campania region[2].

    The Commission is closely monitoring the implementation of the ruling and the payment of the penalty. In 2021, progress has been made in Campania on the incineration capacity and the daily penalty has been reduced[3]. Discussions are currently ongoing on the regional capacity for landfill and the organic fraction.

    So far, Italy has paid EUR 325 760 000 in fines. The Commission will pursue its enforcement action to ensure that the Italian authorities take all the necessary measures to comply with the Court’s ruling.

    Under the current cohesion policy[4], the European Regional Development Fund[5] allows for investments in soil decontamination and remediation, rehabilitation of industrial sites and contaminated land, including old and illegal landfill sites, provided the investment does not increase the capacity of the landfills[6].

    State aid rules and the ‘polluter pays principle’[7] must be respected. Disposal of waste in landfill is legally excluded from support[8].

    More specifically, the Campania Regional Programme 2021-2027[9] promotes interventions for the remediation and environmental protection of areas concerned with waste abandonment and illegal disposal in accordance with the priorities laid down in the regional remediation plan (around EUR 35 million).

    • [1] Case C-653 /13, in the framework of infringement INFR(2007)2195: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A62013CJ0653
    • [2] The decision also covers the treatment of the historical waste (known as ‘ecoballe’).
    • [3] To EUR 80 000 per day.
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/what/investment-policy_en
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/erdf_en
    • [6] Article 7(1)(f)(ii) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund PE/48/2021/INIT OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 60-93.
    • [7] Article 191(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. According to this principle, those responsible for environmental damage should pay to cover the costs. This applies to prevention of pollution, remediation, liability (criminal, civil and environmental liability) and the costs imposed on society of pollution that does happen.
    • [8] Except for investments for decommissioning, reconverting or making safe existing landfills provided that such investments do not increase their capacity.
    • [9] https://europa.regione.campania.it/en/approvazione-del-programma-regionale-pr-campania-fse-2021-2027/ https://europa.regione.campania.it/en/programma-regionale-campania-fesr-21-27/
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Cross-border recognition of technical inspections for motor vehicles – E-000684/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In line with the commitment in the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy[1], the Commission is working on the revision of the Roadworthiness Package, comprising three Directives: the periodic technical inspection (PTI) of motor vehicles (2014/45/EU)[2], the technical roadside inspection of heavy commercial vehicles (2014/47/EU)[3], and vehicle registration documents (1999/37/EC amended by 2014/46/EU)[4].

    The 2014 PTI Directive stipulates (in Article 4(1)) that responsibility for carrying out roadworthiness tests is a matter for the Member State of registration of the vehicles.

    This explains why insurance providers may not recognise roadworthiness certificates issued outside the Member State of registration. However, Article 8(3) provides for mutual recognition of a roadworthiness certificate in the case of re-registration of a vehicle already registered in another Member State.

    In addition, Article 10(3) provides that each Member State shall recognise proof a roadworthiness test provided by a testing centre or competent authority of another Member State for the purpose of free circulation.

    Revision of the Roadworthiness Package is a clear priority for the Commission. Possible measures on the recognition of technical inspections carried out in another Member State were assessed. Work is at a very advanced stage, and it is expected that proposals will be adopted in the coming weeks .

    • [1] https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/eu-mobility-transport-achievements-2019-2024/sustainable-smart-mobility_en
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/45/oj/eng
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/47/oj/eng
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32014L0046
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Shifting freight from road to rail – E-003039/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. In 2023, with the Greening Freight Package[1], the Commission proposed key actions to support modal shift in freight transport. The Commission is confident that these initiatives will contribute to boosting rail freight and encourages the co-legislators to adopt them. Ongoing work to speed up the deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System, prepare the transition to Digital Automatic Coupling and modernise train drivers’ certification requirements should allow smooth train running across networks and support the increase of rail freight’s market share. The 2024 revision of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) Regulation[2] will bring about much needed improvements in the rail network, including for freight.

    2. The new TEN-T Regulation sets out ambitious infrastructure and operational requirements and deadlines to enhance rail freight in Europe. Member States will have to seek a formal approval of the Commission for any deviation. Furthermore, the Commission together with the European TEN-T Coordinators will remain in constant contact with the Member States and the relevant stakeholders, monitor closely the deployment of infrastructure and regularly report on progress made.

    3. Despite substantial EU contributions to rail projects, notably EUR 32 billion through the Connecting Europe Facility, EUR 18.5 billion through Cohesion policy funds, and roughly EUR 40 billion through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the investments remain below the needs. Therefore, it will remain important to provide support to projects with high EU added value such as infrastructure improvements along cross-border lines. Attracting private investment and reinforcing cooperation between Member States are also key.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_3767
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52021PC0812
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Harmonisation of nutritional composition and labelling requirements for young child formula in the EU – E-000696/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Regulation (EU) No 609/2013[1] regulates a limited number of categories of food that constitute a partial or sole source of nourishment for certain population groups and that are vital for the management of certain conditions and/or are essential to satisfy the nutritional requirements of certain clearly identified vulnerable population groups. Also, foods intended to replace the whole of the daily diet are covered as total diet replacement for weight control.

    Article 12 of that regulation requires the Commission to analyse in a report, after consulting the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the necessity, if any, of special provisions for milk-based drinks and similar products intended for young children.

    The report[2], adopted by the Commission in 2016, concludes that there is no need for specific rules for this category of foods as the correct and complete application of existing measures of EU food law seems sufficient to adequately regulate the composition of young-child formulae and the communication on the characteristics of the products.

    In particular, the report notes that there is no reported safety issue with regard to young-child formulae and refers to EFSA’s opinion[3] whereby these products have ‘no unique role’ and ‘cannot be considered as a necessity to satisfy the nutritional requirements of young children’ when compared to other foods that may be included in their normal diet.

    In light of the Better Regulation principles and the rules on the internal market, the Commission does not intend to propose the adoption of specific rules on young-child formula.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on food intended for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes, and total diet replacement for weight control and repealing Council Directive 92/52/EEC, Commission Directives 96/8/EC, 1999/21/EC, 2006/125/EC and 2006/141/EC, Directive 2009/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Regulations (EC) No 41/2009 and (EC) No 953/2009, OJ L 181, 29.6.2013, p. 35.
    • [2] Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on young child formulae, COM(2016) 169 final.
    • [3] Scientific Opinion on nutrient requirements and dietary intakes of infants and young children in the European Union, https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3408
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Protestant schools in France not allowed to take part in Erasmus+ – E-000871/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission confirms that Erasmus+ is designed in order to be inclusive and accessible for any pupil from any school in the EU regardless of their legal status (private or public).

    The rules of the Programme are defined in compliance with Article 165[1] of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which obliges the Commission to fully respect the responsibility of the Member States for the content of teaching and the organisation of education systems and their cultural and linguistic diversity.

    The implementation of the Erasmus+ programme actions based on indirect management mode is done in cooperation with the relevant National Authorities of the countries participating in the programme.

    Regarding Key Action 1 — Mobility of pupils and staff in school education, the Erasmus+ Programme Guide[2] (as an integral part of the annual call for proposals) states that the definition of eligible organisations in each Member State or third country associated to the Programme will be defined by the competent National Authority and published on the website of the relevant Erasmus+ National Agency. As a result, this information is public.

    The currently applicable text is included in the official bulletin of the French Ministry of Education Youth and Sports dated on 16 January 2025[3], see: ‘Établissements et organismes d’accueil (publics ou privés sous contrat) d’éducation et de formation initiale, depuis la petite enfance et la maternelle jusqu’à la fin du second cycle général et technologique’.

    As a consequence, any private French school not being ‘under contract’ is not eligible for participating in Erasmus+ Key Action 1 in school education.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/tfeu_2008/art_165/oj/eng
    • [2] See footnote 95 at p 108 of the 2025 Erasmus+ Programme Guide (EN version: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2025-01/erasmus-programme-guide-v2.2025_en.pdf).
    • [3] https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.education.gouv.fr/bo/2025/Hebdo3/MENC2435108N__;!!DOxrgLBm!HqtMWSm4FXCjESV0i4eONjII29dWOcOJ6zUWEsd83CuQfZZR3oJLXLLApBIrLuPmewDKqg-yaq-tNxnNjd4VLFGfO4apEBvDNZrwIUg9ZIPkquQUSD 
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Judicial reforms in Spain – E-000103/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    As the Commission noted in its Rule of Law Reports[1], the organisation of national prosecution services varies across the EU, without there being a single model for all Member States.

    The structure and status of the national prosecution systems is a competence of the Member States. However, institutional safeguards should be in place to guarantee that the prosecution is sufficiently autonomous and can carry out effective and impartial investigations without political interference.

    On the reform of third-party intervention, the Commission is following closely the discussions in Spain.

    The Commission is working with all Member States, including Spain, to uphold and promote the rule of law in the framework of the Rule of Law Mechanism.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/62fdb34b-78d4-4d53-b9ea-67286facc01e_en?filename=23_1_52576_coun_chap_spain_en.pdf
      and https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/2bd09a6f-ef56-494a-8303-e0de808ee981_en?filename=23_1_58063_coun_chap_spain_en_0.pdf
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The Constitutional Court of Romania’s decision from the perspective of rules on the rule of law – E-000133/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Democracy and the rule of law are founding values of the EU. Free and fair elections are at the core of democracy. The organisation and the conduct of national elections fall entirely within the competence and responsibility of the Member States, in line with their constitutional and legislative rules, while complying with their obligations deriving from EU law. National competent authorities and courts have the primary responsibility to ensure the respect of these rules.

    The Commission supports Member States, notably in the framework of the European Cooperation Network on Elections, which brings together national authorities with responsibilities that are relevant to electoral matters.

    This network allows for exchanges of information and best practices and to discuss challenges to electoral processes, including in the context of recent or upcoming elections in the EU.

    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Modification of ERDF and ESF + Operational Programmes 2021-2027 following RESTORE – E-000921/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has not received any request to divert the European Social Fund Plus and the European Regional Development Fund to sustain the reconstruction efforts following the damage caused by the natural disaster, especially in Valencia.

    The Commission is informed that the Spanish authorities are working to determine the appropriate allocation, taking into consideration the ongoing mid-term review aimed at evaluating the progress of the 2021-2027 programmes.

    The regional and national authorities can seize this opportunity to introduce the new specific objective RESTORE[1] in the new version of the programmes, which are expected to be submitted to the Commission by 24 June 2025.

    The RESTORE amendment proposals expected to be submitted by the Spanish authorities will detail the objectives and the financial allocations for reconstruction in the cohesion policy programmes. They will need to be approved by the Commission, in line with the funds’ regulations.

    On 20 January 2025, the Spanish authorities submitted an application for financial assistance from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF)[2] and requested an advance payment.

    As the application is eligible for EUSF assistance, on 31 March 2025, the Commission disbursed an advance payment of EUR 100 million to Spain. This is the maximum amount allowed under the EUSF as advance payment.

    • [1] As outlined in the 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).
    • [2] 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
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Institutional communication of the Commission and the situation in Türkiye – P-001397/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001397/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dario Nardella (S&D)

    On 3 April 2025, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Commissioner for Economy and Productivity and for Implementation and Simplification Valdis Dombrovskis met Türkiye’s Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek in Brussels for a High-Level Economic Dialogue between the EU and Türkiye. Following the meeting, Commissioner Kos published a post on X in which she referred to the meeting held and the recent wave of arrests following mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s arrest, emphasising the importance of the rule of law in Türkiye. This post was subsequently modified.

    In the light of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.Why did Commissioner Kos decide to edit the X post and change its tone?
    • 2.Was the decision taken because of pressure exerted by President Tayyip Erdoğan?
    • 3.What specific measures does the Commission intend to adopt with regard to the Turkish Government, following the arrest of mayor İmamoğlu and the evident violations of the rule of law?

    Submitted: 7.4.2025

    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strategies to attract US researchers to the EU – E-001337/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001337/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Joachim Streit (Renew)

    The current research policy of the US administration under Donald Trump has left scientists facing uncertainty and restrictions, including massive budget cuts and limitations on the freedom of scientific research. As a result, ten EU Member States, including Germany and France, have stressed the need for targeted support measures and facilitated immigration provisions in order to attract affected researchers to the EU. Several EU regions could benefit from this inflow of talent, provided that appropriate structures are in place. However, the challenge lies in effectively integrating these scientists into the EU’s research landscape and making use of their expertise on a long-term basis.

    • 1.How does the Commission plan to integrate international scientists into existing European research structures and harness their know-how for regional innovation hubs?
    • 2.Is there a specific timeline for measures aiming to bring these researchers into the EU and ensuring their long-term affiliation with our research sites?
    • 3.What financial or structural incentives are envisaged to support regions that could particularly benefit from the relocation of researchers from non-EU countries?

    Submitted: 1.4.2025

    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Addressing medicine shortages by reassessing the revised Urban Wastewater Directive – E-001335/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001335/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ton Diepeveen (PfE), Sebastiaan Stöteler (PfE)

    There is currently a shortage of medicines in many EU countries. In its proposal for a critical medicines act, the Commission presented a strategy to address this shortage, with availability and affordability of medicines being the key objectives.

    On the other hand, on 5 November 2024, the Council adopted the revised Urban Waste Water Directive, which has a major impact on the availability and affordability of medicines. Sewage treatment plants need to be upgraded to better remove medicine residues. The cost of implementing this will be passed on to drug manufacturers and thus ultimately to the end users of the medicines.

    • 1.Does the Commission agree that the revised Urban Wastewater Directive is inconsistent with the objectives of the proposed critical medicines act, namely the availability and affordability of medicines?
    • 2.Does the Commission agree that the revised Urban Wastewater Directive discourages the production of medicines at a time when the production of medicines is crucial to addressing the drug shortage?
    • 3.Is the Commission prepared to reassess the revised Urban Wastewater Directive?

    Submitted: 1.4.2025

    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Reciprocity of health and environmental standards on the EU horticulture market – E-001338/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001338/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anne-Sophie Frigout (PfE), Malika Sorel (PfE), Julien Sanchez (PfE), Pierre Pimpie (PfE)

    Against a backdrop of high demand for cut flowers, an investigation by UFC-Que Choisir has revealed that some flowers sold in France are covered in pesticides that are banned in the EU. A single bouquet can contain residues of up to 46 pesticides, and this poses health risks, in particular an increased risk of cancer.

    Over 80 % of cut flowers on the French market are imported from third countries, including Colombia, Ecuador and Kenya. However, many dangerous pesticides that are banned in the EU are still used in those countries. This creates unfair competition that weakens the French horticulture sector, as it is subject to much stricter regulations.

    Will the Commission ensure reciprocity of health and environmental standards in the horticulture sector by banning imports of flowers treated with pesticides that are banned in the EU?

    Supporters[1]

    Submitted: 1.4.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by Members other than the authors: Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE)
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Call for consistency in the gambling sector – E-001371/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001371/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Peter Agius (PPE)

    Since the Commission’s step back from infringement proceedings on gambling in 2017, Member States have imposed domestic barriers that hinder free movement, which is now leading to a surreal state of conflicting court rulings in different jurisdictions, with little recourse to references for preliminary rulings.

    This is painfully demonstrated in judgments recently handed down by Maltese and Austrian courts regarding losing bidders’ actions for reimbursement.

    This legal jungle solely benefits illegal operators, who now enjoy the biggest market share in online gambling.

    This clearly exposes players to greater risks, since rogue traders are unfettered by player protection rules.

    Third-party litigation funding (TPLF) bids are flourishing, exploiting fragmentation and consumer vulnerability, which further destabilise the market.

    Given the significant risks to consumers, EU jobs and EU competitiveness, can the Commission:

    • 1.express itself on the situation described, as well as on the urgent need for the rule of EU law in gaming through active enforcement of single market rules, thus ensuring regulatory consistency, safeguarding free movement and protecting consumers within the single market?
    • 2.express itself on the need to act on Parliament’s formal calls to regulate TPLF practices?

    Supporter[1]

    Submitted: 1.4.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the author: Michalis Hadjipantela (PPE)
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to travel to Slovenia

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will travel to Slovenia on 11 April for a one-day bilateral visit. The programme includes talks with the prime minister and the minister for economic affairs, visits to Swiss companies and discussions with the business community. Mr Parmelin will also sign the bilateral implementation agreement relating to Switzerland’s second contribution to Slovenia.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Potential revision of combustion-enhancing fuel additives under Directive 98/70/EC – E-001384/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001384/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Yvan Verougstraete (Renew)

    Advanced fuel additives, which improve combustion, have demonstrated their potential to reduce fuel consumption and emissions (CO₂, NOₓ and particulates) in internal combustion engines without the need for modifications to vehicles. These technologies could play a transitional role in achieving the Union’s climate objectives, particularly in sectors where electrification is not yet feasible.

    Within the EU’s emission trading scheme for road transport, such additives could help reduce the carbon intensity of fuels and lower compliance costs for fuel suppliers.

    Given their potential contribution to the Green Deal and air quality objectives:

    • 1.Does the Commission plan to conduct a scientific analysis to assess these additives’ effectiveness and environmental benefits?
    • 2.Could Directive 98/70/EC be amended to provide a way for certifying fuel additives with verified low emissions?
    • 3.How is the Commission ensuring that innovation in low-emission fuel technologies is not discouraged by gaps in regulations?

    Submitted: 4.4.2025

    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Policies and public funding to combat depopulation – P-001419/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001419/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rosa Serrano Sierra (S&D)

    Rural areas cover more than 80% of the EU’s territory and are considered a sustainable model of life and business that can make a decisive contribution to the green transition. However, our current challenges have aggravated the disadvantages suffered by these areas, such as the demographic challenge, connectivity or poor access to other services.

    The long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas set out guidelines for stronger and more connected, resilient and prosperous regions by 2040. It therefore stressed the need for a specific funding envelope for these areas. However, some regional authorities fail to comprehend the magnitude of the challenges facing rural areas, leaving half of the funds earmarked for depopulation in the 2024 financial year unspent.

    In the light of this state of affairs:

    • 1.Would the Commission agree that addressing the disparities suffered by rural regions is a priority issue on the European agenda?
    • 2.Does the Commission believe that investing in these areas can help to slow the demographic decline?
    • 3.Does it consider that rural challenges should be addressed at all levels of public administration: European, national, regional and local?

    Submitted: 8.4.2025

    Last updated: 10 April 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Innovative wood-based materials – Alpine craftsmanship inspires new materials

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

    Traditional shingle production has inspired researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich to develop new types of wood-based panels made from split wooden sticks. Thanks to an AI-optimized process, these panels should be suitable for load-bearing components in the future – even if produced from lower-quality wood and tree trunks.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Next meeting of the FEMM Committee: 9 and 10 April 2025 – Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

    Source: European Parliament

    The next meeting of the Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Rights will take place on:

    • 9 April 2025, 9.00-11.30 and 15.00-18.00 (JAN 4Q1)
    • 10 April 2025, 10.00 – 12.00 (JAN 4Q1)
    FEMM Committee meetings calendars
         2025
         FEMM Bureau and Coordinators
    FEMM work in progress
         FEMM work in progress (updated 18/02/2025)

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – European fisheries in figures – 09-04-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The tables below show basic statistical data in several areas relating to the common fisheries policy (CFP), namely: the fishing fleet of the Member States in 2024 (Table I), the situation of employment in the fisheries (2021), aquaculture (2020) and fish processing (2021) sectors (Table II), the production, import and export of fisheries and aquaculture products in 2021 (Table III), the apparent and per capita consumption of fisheries and aquaculture products in 2021 (Table IV), and the prospective resource allocations of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) from 2021 to 2027 (Table V).

    MIL OSI Europe News –