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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIAN NAVY’S FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON ARRIVES AT CHANGI NAVAL BASE, SINGAPORE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:28PM by PIB Delhi

    The ships of First Training Squadron (1TS) comprising INS Sujata, INS Shardul and ICGS Veera entered Changi Naval Base, Singapore on 06 Feb 25. The visit is part of the Long-Range Training Deployment of the Squadron to South East Asia signifying a vital step in strengthening maritime cooperative engagement and fostering mutual understanding. The squadron had previously visited Singapore in Oct 2023.

    During the port call, Dr Shilpak Ambule, the High Commissioner of India to Singapore visited 1TS ships. He was briefed on the training activities undertaken by the Squadron. He also interacted with the Sea Trainees and emphasised the crucial role of Indian Navy towards enhancing maritime cooperation in the Indo Pacific region. Senior Officer, 1TS along with the Commanding Officers of INS Sujata and ICGS Veera called on Col Rinson Chua Hon Liat, Commander, Maritime Training and Doctrine (MTDC) and held discussions on maritime issues of mutual interests.

    During the visit, the ships will engage in several activities aimed at enhancing cooperation and inter-operability between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Professional Exchanges, Cross Training Visits and friendly sports fixtures are planned during the ship’s stay. The extant visit reinforces strong maritime partnership and collaboration between the two Navies underscoring the commitment of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

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    VM/SKY                                                                                                  31/25

    (Release ID: 2100709) Visitor Counter : 41

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: International Buddhist Confederation to Launch a Lord Buddha Trination Triservices Expedition

    Source: Government of India

    International Buddhist Confederation to Launch a Lord Buddha Trination Triservices Expedition

    A Unique Motorcycle Expedition from Lumbini, Nepal (The Birthplace of Lord Buddha) to Galle, Sri Lanka

    Expedition will be Flagged Off by Shri Ram Nath Kovind, The Former President of India, from Bodhgaya on 25th February 2025

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:26PM by PIB Delhi

    The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) will announce the launch of the historic Lord Buddha Trination Triservices Expedition. This collaborative initiative brings together the armed forces of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, in partnership with the IBC, to launch a unique motorcycle expedition from Lumbini, Nepal (the birthplace of Lord Buddha) to Galle, Sri Lanka. The expedition, featuring defence personnel from all three nations, will travel through key Buddhist heritage sites, symbolizing the historical spread of Buddhism and reinforcing the shared cultural and spiritual connections between these countries.

    The primary objectives of the expedition include promoting peace and harmony, enhancing tourism, raising environmental awareness, and, most importantly, celebrating the deep-rooted ties between India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

    As the organizing partner for the Indian chapter of the expedition, the IBC will guide participants through significant Buddhist landmarks, such as Sarnath, Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Nagarjuna Sagar (Andhra Pradesh), and Udaygiri (Odhisa), among others. The expedition will be formally flagged off by Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the former President of India, from Bodhgaya, an iconic Buddhist site on 19th February 2025.

    Upon reaching Sri Lanka, the expedition will be ceremonially flagged off by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ms. Harini Amarasuriya in Jaffna on 5th March 2025 marking the culmination of a momentous journey across three nations bound by the Buddha’s teachings.

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    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2100705) Visitor Counter : 51

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Advancing Mental Healthcare in India

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:26PM by PIB Delhi

    “India’s vision of good health implies not just being free of disease but to ensure wellness and welfare for everyone. The goal is to ensure physical, mental and social wellbeing.”

                                                                           Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

    What is Mental Health

    Mental health refers to an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how people think, feel, and behave in daily life. It also affects decision-making, stress management, and relationships. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.

    Impact of Poor Mental Health

    • Impact on Productivity: Poor mental health leads to lower workplace performance, increased absenteeism, and reduced efficiency.
    • Social and Emotional Well-being: Mental well-being affects interpersonal relationships, self-confidence, and social interactions.
    • Economic Impact: According to WHO, mental disorders contribute significantly to the global burden of disease, and untreated conditions can lead to high economic costs.

    Mental Health Scenario in India

    • WHO Data Insight
      • India contributes to 18% of the global population. WHO estimates that the burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10000 population; the age-adjusted suicide rate per 100000 population is 21.1. The economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030, is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion.
    • Prevalence:
      • The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16 by NIMHANS found that 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental disorders.
      • The lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in India is 13.7%.
      • National studies reveal that 15% of India’s adult population experiences mental health issues requiring intervention.
      • Urban areas have a higher prevalence (13.5%) compared to rural (6.9%).
    • Treatment Gap
      • 70% to 92% of people with mental disorders do not receive proper treatment due to lack of awareness, stigma, and shortage of professionals.
      • According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, whereas WHO recommends at least 3 per 100,000.

    Insights from Economic Survey 2024-25

    Mental wellbeing is the ability to navigate life’s challenges and function productively. Recognising its importance, Economic Survey 2024-25 highlighted that Mental well-being encompasses all our mental-emotional, social, cognitive, and physical capabilities. This can also be construed as the mind’s composite health. It emphasised a whole of community approach to tackling mental health problems and stated that it is about time to find viable, impactful preventive strategies and interventions. India’s demographic dividend is riding on skills, education, physical health and, above all, mental health of its youth.

    The Economic Survey 2024-25 suggested:

    1. Enhance Mental Health Education in Schools: Early intervention strategies to address anxiety, stress, and behavioural issues in students.
    2. Improve Workplace Mental Health Policies: Address job stress, long working hours, and burnout.
    3. Expand Digital Mental Health Services: Strengthen Tele MANAS and integrate AI-based mental health solutions.

    Mental Health Infrastructure in India

    • As part of the National Mental Health Programme, in 2024, 25 Centres of Excellence were sanctioned set up to train more postgraduate students in mental health and provide advanced treatment.
    • 47 PG Departments in mental health have been established or upgraded in 19 government medical colleges. Mental health services are also being introduced in 22 newly established AIIMS.
    • 47 Government-Run Mental Hospitals including 3 Central Mental Health Institutions, viz. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam and Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi.
    • Integration of Mental Health Services in Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs)

    Under Ayushman Bharat, the government has upgraded more than 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Mental health services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. These HWCs provide:

    • Basic counselling and psychiatric medication at PHC levels.
    • Training for general physicians to handle mild-to-moderate mental health conditions.
    • Linkages to district hospitals for advanced psychiatric care.

    This initiative ensures that mental healthcare is available in both urban and rural areas, reducing dependence on specialized hospitals and making psychiatric care more community-centric.

    Policies and Schemes Undertaken by the Government of India

    National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) – 1982

    Recognizing the growing burden of mental disorders and the shortage of mental health services, India launched the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 1982. The primary goal was to ensure that mental healthcare becomes an integral part of the general healthcare system, rather than being confined to specialized hospitals.

    Key components include:

    District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) was introduced under NMHP to expand community mental health services.

    • Covers 767 districts
    • Provides counselling, outpatient services, suicide prevention programs, and awareness initiatives.
    • 10-bedded inpatient mental health facilities at the district level.

    NIMHANS Act, 2012

    The NIMHANS Act, 2012, was a significant step towards enhancing mental health education and research in India. Under this act, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, was declared an Institute of National Importance. This recognition allowed NIMHANS to expand its academic and research capabilities, making it the premier institution for psychiatry, neuropsychology, and mental health sciences in India.

    The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

    The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act which replaced the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act, 1995, expanded the definition of disability to include mental illness and introduced stronger legal protections for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. The Act aligns with India’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and aims to ensure equality, dignity, and non-discrimination for persons with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions.

    National Mental Healthcare Act, 2017

    The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, was enacted to ensure the right to mental healthcare services, protect the dignity and rights of individuals with mental illness, and align India’s mental health laws with international standards, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The Act replaced the Mental Health Act of 1987 and introduced several progressive changes to mental health care and services in India like the Right to affordable and quality mental healthcare services and the decriminalization of suicide in India.

    National Health Policy, 2017

    The National Health Policy (NHP), 2017 was a landmark that acknowledged mental health as a national health priority. This policy aimed to address mental health issues through a multi-pronged approach, integrating mental healthcare into primary healthcare, strengthening human resources, and improving treatment accessibility.

    By placing mental health at the center of India’s healthcare framework, NHP 2017 aimed to bridge the treatment gap by making psychological services available at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) under Ayushman Bharat.

    iGOT-Diksha Collaboration for Mental Health Training

    The government has also collaborated with the iGOT-Diksha platform, a digital learning initiative in 2020, to train healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and community health volunteers in mental healthcare. This program focuses on:

    • Building capacity for mental health care at the grassroots level.
    • Equipping doctors and nurses with skills to diagnose and treat mental disorders.
    • Promoting mental health awareness in rural areas.

    Through iGOT-Diksha, India has expanded its mental health workforce, ensuring better early intervention strategies and community support mechanisms.

    National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS), 2022

    Launched on October 10, 2022, the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) was a game-changer in India’s digital mental health infrastructure. Tele MANAS provides free, 24/7 mental health support to individuals through a national toll-free helpline (14416 / 1800-89-14416). Available in 20 Indian languages.

    As of February 7, 2025, the Tele MANAS helpline has handled over 1.81 million (18,27,951) calls since its launch in 2022, providing essential mental health support across India. There are 53 Tele MANAS Cells across various states, ensuring local access to mental health services. The program is supported by 23 Mentoring Institutes nationwide, along with 5 Regional Coordinating Centers, ensuring efficient service delivery and expert guidance in mental healthcare.

    Tele MANAS services include:

    • Immediate tele-counselling by trained professionals.
    • Referral support to psychiatrists for severe cases.
    • Mental health awareness campaigns via digital platforms.
    • Mobile-based mental health interventions, ensuring accessibility in rural and remote areas.

    Tele MANAS Mobile App & Video Consultation

    • The Tele MANAS App was launched in October 2024.
    • Offers self-care strategies, stress management tools, and direct access to mental health professionals.
    • Video consultation services introduced in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and J&K.

    WHO Recognition

    The World Health Organization (WHO) praised Tele MANAS as an effective and scalable mental health solution, making mental healthcare more inclusive and affordable.

    KIRAN Helpline Merged into Tele MANAS

    The KIRAN Helpline (1800-599-0019), initially launched in 2020, was merged into Tele MANAS in 2022 to enhance the efficiency of mental health support services. This transition streamlined mental health helpline operations, making it more accessible and better integrated with India’s healthcare system.

    During COVID-19, the government took crucial steps to support mental health. A 24/7 helpline provided nationwide psychosocial assistance, while health workers received online training through the iGOT-Diksha platform. Public awareness campaigns spread stress management strategies via media, and official guidelines and advisories were issued to promote mental well-being. These interventions played a vital role in addressing the psychological challenges of the pandemic.

    National Suicide Prevention Strategy, 2022

    The National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 2022, with the goal of reducing suicide mortality by 10% by 2030. Recognizing suicide as a public health concern, the strategy focuses on early intervention, crisis management, and mental health promotion.

    Key components of NSPS include:

    • Mental health screenings for students in schools and colleges.
    • Establishing crisis helplines and psychological support centers.
    • Community awareness programs to break the stigma around mental illness and suicide.
    • Stronger implementation of workplace mental health programs.

    By focusing on high-risk populations, such as students, farmers, and young adults, the strategy ensures targeted intervention to prevent self-harm and improve overall well-being.

    Conclusion

    India has made notable progress in mental healthcare through policy reforms, digital initiatives like Tele MANAS and expanding access to services under programs such as NMHP, Ayushman Bharat HWCs, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. Moving forward, India must strengthen awareness campaigns, expand workforce training and invest in digital mental health solutions. A mentally healthier India is vital for individual well-being, economic growth, and national development, requiring a whole-of-society approach to make mental healthcare accessible, inclusive, and stigma-free.

    References

    Kindly find the pdf file 

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    Santosh Kumar / Sarla Meena / Vatsla Srivastava

    (Release ID: 2100706) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Over 284 Crore Aadhaar Authentications in January 2025; 32% jump y-o-y sign of g͟rowth of digital economy with Aadhar playing an integral role in daily life

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Over 284 Crore Aadhaar Authentications in January 2025; 32% jump y-o-y sign of  g͟rowth of digital economy with Aadhar playing an integral role in daily life

    Aadhaar’s AI-powered Face Authentication becoming popular with 12 Crore transactions recorded in January in sectors spanning finance, health, telecommunications, etc.

    Union and State Departments embracing Aadhaar Face Authentication for swift delivery of citizen centric s ervices

    Expanding Digital Frontiers: Aadhaar e-KYC transactions cross 43 crore in January 2025

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

    In January 2025, Aadhaar holders conducted more than 284 crore authentication transactions, highlighting the continued expansion of the digital economy in India. This significant number demonstrates the g͟rowth of digital economy in the country.

    The authentication transactions in January 2025 have recorded a growth of over 32% when compared with January 2024, when 214.8 crore such transactions were carried out.

    Growing adoption and utility of Aadhaar

    On an average over nine crore authentications are taking place every day. This shows the growing adoption and utility of Aadhaar in the daily lives of people. Nearly 550 entities are using Aadhaar authentication service.

    Aadhaar face authentication transactions too are getting good traction. In January, almost 12 crore Aadhaar face authentication transactions were carried out. Cumulatively, Face Authentication transaction numbers have crossed 102 crore, since it was first introduced in October 2021. Nearly 78 crore of the total face authentication transactions were recorded in the past 12 months alone.

    The AI/ML based face authentication solution, developed in house by the UIDAI, is being used across diverse sectors including finance, insurance, fintech, health and telecommunications. Several Government departments both at the centre and states are using it for smooth delivery of benefits to targeted beneficiaries.

    Crucial role of Aadhaar e-KYC servic

    Aadhaar e-KYC service continues to play an important role for banking and non-banking financial services by providing transparent and improved customer experience, and helping in ease of doing business.

    More than 43 crore eKYC transactions were carried out during January this year. By the end of January 2025, the cumulative number of Aadhaar e-KYC transactions gone past 2268 crore.

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    Dharmendra Tewari/ Kshitij Singha

    (Release ID: 2100685) Visitor Counter : 62

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Rammohan Naidu meets Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu met Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi today and discussed the problems being faced by red chilly farmers in Andhra Pradesh. During the meeting Senior officers from the Ministry of Agriculture were also present. Later, speaking to the media Shri Rammohan Naidu said the Government of Andhra Pradesh is planning to procure red chilies and he urged the Union Agriculture Minister to provide financial support to the state government under various schemes. Stating that Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan responded positively to the request of Andhra Pradesh Government.

    Shri Rammohan Naidu said he had handed over a letter from Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Chandrababu Naidu explaining the problems of red chilli farmers to Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

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    MG/KSR

    (Release ID: 2100682) Visitor Counter : 82

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: First Merchants Corporation Announces Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MUNCIE, Ind., Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Merchants Corporation declared a cash dividend on February 7, 2025 of $0.35 per share. The dividend is payable on March 21, 2025, to common shareholders of record as of March 7, 2025. For purposes of broker trading, the ex-date of the cash dividend is March 6, 2025.

    About First Merchants Corporation:

    First Merchants Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana. The Corporation has one full-service bank charter, First Merchants Bank. The Bank also operates as First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors (as a division of First Merchants Bank).

    First Merchants Corporation’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market System under the symbol FRME. Quotations are carried in daily newspapers and can be found on the company’s Internet web page (http://www.firstmerchants.com).

    FIRST MERCHANTS and the Shield Logo are federally registered trademarks of First Merchants Corporation.

    For more information, contact:
    Nicole M. Weaver, First Vice President and Director of Corporate Administration
    765-521-7619
    http://www.firstmerchants.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall in USTR Nominee Hearing: How Can We Build on President Trump’s Trade Success? 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. participated in the nomination hearing for President Trump’s U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Nominee, Jamieson Greer, in the Senate Finance Committee this week. 
    Senator Marshall questioned Mr. Greer on President Trump’s history of tariffs and trade, and how he will properly utilize United States trade relations to prioritize American interests. 
    Jamieson Greer has a storied career dedicated to the military, trade, and international relations. He also served in Kansas as an officer in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps and was deployed to Iraq as Chief of Military Justice. He worked in private firms focusing on trade law and international trade. As Chief of Staff to the previous USTR, Robert Lighthizer, he has the experience and the record of playing a pivotal role in President Trump’s successful trade negotiations across the world. 
    [embedded content]
    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full line of questioning. 
    Highlights from Mr. Greer’s nomination hearing include: 
    On Joe Biden’s vs. President Trump’s history of fair, reciprocal trade agreements: 
    U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D.: “…Under President Trump, he gave us [the United States-Mexico-Canada] Agreement. He gave us South Korea to improve Japanese trade agreement, so important to American beef and China Phase One. Mr. Greer, what trade agreements were accomplished under Joe Biden?”
    Mr. Jamieson Greer, Nominee, U.S. Trade Representative: “Senator, I’m not aware of any.”
    Senator Marshall: “Okay, I want to compare and contrast a little bit here more. Let’s talk about Mexico. I think it’s one of the simpler ones to understand…Under Joe Biden, Mexico undermined American farms. He harmed commerce. He bullied U.S. companies. He shut down the GMO corn exports, forcing a huge dispute. Mexico hampered U.S. energy protection under Joe Biden, and Mexico seized a U.S. mining company operation near Cozumel. What can you do? What can we do to reverse this behavior?”
    Mr. Greer: “…any trade agreement we have is only as valuable as the enforcement behind it. And so my view is, all these issues you talked about with Mexico, whether it be energy or corn, et cetera, we need to enforce that. I know that, you know, there’s a case that was done on the corn issue. I’m going to enforce that. I know that there were consultations open on energy. We’re going to we’re going to bring that up with the Mexicans as well. Listen, good fences make good neighbors. If we want to have good, ongoing trade relations with folks, we have to hold them accountable.”
    On leveling the global trade playing field for American biofuels: 
    Senator Marshall: “Let’s talk about biofuels for a second. I’ve never seen such an uneven playing field for American biofuels. The U.S. is subject to 18% tariffs going into Brazil with biofuels, yet Brazil enjoys virtually free access to the U.S., and in many cases, thanks to some scientific voodoo, they’re actually giving Brazil a preference over American biofuels as well.”
    “The EU continues to be protectionist against us, ethanol. Chinese used cooking oil exports. You’re familiar with how they’re abusing that. You would think that if we’re going to give tax credits, we would make sure they’re not going to benefit foreign entities, especially those who wish to harm us. What can you do to help the biofuels industry and try to level that playing field?”
    Mr. Greer: “Well, Senator, this is the specific kind of unfairness that drives me crazy. And it’s not just me. The President himself, he sees these kinds of unfairnesses and the unlevel playing field. And it’s so it’s so obvious, it’s so blatant. It’s gone for so long. You know, again, in the first instance, you can certainly go to somebody like the Brazilians and say, you need to fix this, but it has to be followed up with or else, right? I mean, that’s a little crude, but we need to have leverage, and if we need to gain leverage by taking investigatory actions or other actions, we’ll do that. It would be much better to do this on a negotiating basis, but we’ll do whatever we need to do to try to fix the situation.”
    On ensuring Chinese compliance with President Trump’s Phase One trade deal: 
    Senator Marshall: “Let’s talk about China for a second…How can we build on President Trump’s success under Phase One with China?”
    Mr. Greer: “We need to start by reviewing it and actually assessing whether or not the Chinese have complied with it, or to what degree. In fact, the President has already directed the office of the USTR to do this…We want to be able to very clearly see where they did or did not comply. And then from there you move to dispute settlement, and you move to enforcement if you need to. And again, hopefully, this is an area where countries will understand the unfairness and change because they know that President Trump is serious about this, that I’m serious about this. If they don’t, then you move for that last part of enforcement.”
    On utilizing tariffs as a tool to advance American interests:
    Senator Marshall: “…You know, under President Trump, he used tariffs, but we saw minimal inflation – so at the end of the day, those tariffs were not passed on to Americans in the big picture… the big picture is for one reason or another, those tariffs were used properly, and we were able to not pass that on to American consumers. Mr. Greer, is there a way to do that going forward as well, to effectively use, these tariffs as a weapon, as a tool?”Mr. Greer: “I agree 100% with that. What we learned from the first term is that President Trump and his economic team are very good at managing the economy. And we saw real median household income go up by $7,000 over three years before the pandemic hit – and this was at a time when we were imposing tariffs in a way we hadn’t done in many years. And when we look at inflation under the Biden administration that happened in 2022, it wasn’t about tariffs. It was about health care and housing and food, things we don’t import from China, right? So we know that we can manage this. We know we have a strong economic team, and if I’m confirmed, I expect to be able to take strong trade action while helping ensure that the economy is growing for average Americans.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Agriculture Committee Democrats Demand Answers for Funding Freeze

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Washington, D.C.  – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, joined Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and all Committee Democrats in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) demanding answers and clarity following the Trump Administration’s funding freeze.
    The Senators wrote to USDA Acting Secretary Gary Washington: “Over the past week, farmers, ranchers, schools, and state governments have contacted our offices in search of clarity on programs, websites, offices, and activities impacted by these orders. Conflicting information from the administration has added to the uncertainty, costing those who depend on the Department time and money. The farmers, rural families, and businesses that depend on the Department need certainty to plan ahead for this growing season.”
    The Senators requested “a description of the actions the Department has taken broken down by program, office, and activity, including listing any activities with paused or terminated disbursements or obligations, as well as the legal basis for pausing or terminating any funding that has been appropriated by Congress.”
    Senators Luján and Klobuchar were joined by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).
    The full letter is available here and below:
    Dear Acting Secretary Washington,  
    We write to seek clarity and raise concerns regarding the impact of recent Executive Orders and Presidential Memoranda on the U.S. Department of Agriculture.   
    Over the past week, farmers, ranchers, schools, and state governments have contacted our offices in search of clarity on programs, websites, offices, and activities impacted by these orders. Conflicting information from the administration has added to the uncertainty, costing those who depend on the Department time and money. The farmers, rural families, and businesses that depend on the Department need certainty to plan ahead for this growing season.
    Has the Department paused or terminated any payments, or taken any other actions to carry out any Executive Orders or Presidential Memoranda issued on or after January 20, 2025? If so, please provide a description of the actions the Department has taken broken down by program, office, and activity, including listing any activities with paused or terminated disbursements or obligations, as well as the legal basis for pausing or terminating any funding that has been appropriated by Congress. 
    In addition, please provide a timeline of when recipients of paused or terminated disbursements can expect to hear from the Department about the status of their funding. 
    Please respond to this letter by Close of Business on Friday, February 7. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Future of EU long-term financing: Post-2027 needs and how to finance them – 07-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The adoption of the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the period from 2028 will be one of the second von der Leyen Commission’s defining projects. Striking a delicate balance between the EU’s growing financial needs and many Member States’ reluctance to shoulder higher payments to the EU has always been a challenging task. However, never before have the EU’s many financial needs been greater – and, at the same time, Member States’ budgets are under heavy constraints. On the expenditure side, several costly projects are on the horizon. The EU’s next long-term budget will have to finance the principal repayment of Next Generation EU (NGEU) grants from 2028 onwards, as well as borrowing costs that are higher than originally planned owing to a rise in interest rates. Other major expenditure items will include further financial support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s war of aggression and the subsequent contribution to recovery and reconstruction, the need to enhance the EU’s defence, security and preparedness, and the cost of EU enlargement. In addition, the EU must continue to invest in high-growth projects and its green and digital transformation in order to remain competitive, as recently underlined by the former president of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, in his high-level report on competitiveness. To finance the repayment of the NGEU debt, the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission have agreed to introduce new own resources. However, although the Commission presented a proposal, approved by Parliament, no significant progress has so far been made on new own resources in the Council. Some Member States consider increased gross national income-based own resources as a simpler and fairer solution, which they want to combine with savings in existing areas as a way to balance the budget. Parliament has started shaping its position for the forthcoming debate on the next MFF with a draft initiative report, ‘A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world’, presented by co-rapporteurs Siegfried Mureșan (EPP, Romania) and Carla Tavares (S&D, Portugal).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – Recovery and Resilience Facility: State of play and way forward – European Implementation Assessment – 07-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This paper has been drafted to assist the European Parliament’s Committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and on Budgets (BUDG) in the context of their work on an implementation report on the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Based on publicly available information, it provides a literature review of EU reports and academic papers on the state of play of the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. It also summarises the main topics of recent parliamentary resolutions and questions.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Outcome of the EU leaders’ retreat on 3 February 2024 – 07-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    European Union leaders met in Brussels on 3 February 2025, for their first-ever meeting dedicated solely to defence issues. In the current challenging geopolitical context, the purpose of this first meeting of EU Heads of State or Government in 2025 – described as an ‘informal retreat’ – was to make ‘progress in discussions on building the Europe of defence’. The ‘frank, open, and free discussion’ covered three main issues: i) defence capabilities, ii) financing EU defence priorities, and iii) strengthening EU defence partnerships, with a focus on cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the transatlantic partnership, and the relationship with the United Kingdom (UK). The informal retreat was not intended to produce formal conclusions, but rather to provide the European Commission President and the High Representative with political guidance for the upcoming white paper on defence due on 19 March 2025. It also aimed at preparing the ground for important decisions on defence to be taken by the EU and the Member States in the coming months. Following recent statements by the President of the United States (US) Donald Trump, discussions also covered Greenland, and trade relations with the US in the context of the transatlantic partnership.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Antisemitic remarks by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas – E-002606/2023(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In the statement issued by his spokesperson on 7 September 2023[1], the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell stressed that the speech delivered by the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas to Fatah’s 11th Revolutionary Council in late August 2023 contained false and grossly misleading remarks about Jews and antisemitism.

    It was also underlined that such historical distortions are inflammatory, deeply offensive, can only serve to exacerbate tensions in the region and serve no-one’s interests.

    They play into the hands of those who do not want a two-state solution, which President Abbas has repeatedly advocated for.

    Moreover, they trivialize the Holocaust and thereby fuel antisemitism and are an insult to the millions of victims of the Holocaust and their families. The Commission has no tolerance for incitement to hatred and violence, and antisemitism in all its forms.

    The Commission noted the discharge report by the European Parliament[2]. The EU remains firmly committed to promoting inclusive and quality education for the Palestinian people, including ensuring full adherence to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation standards in the education material.

    • [1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/palestine-statement-spokesperson-president-abbas-remarks-jews-and-anti-semitism_en
    • [2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2024-0228_EN.pdf
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Turkish attacks in Syria – P-000491/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000491/2025/rev.1
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

    The SDF is known internationally as the most democratic component in Syria. “Our vision for Syria is a decentralised, secular and civilized country based on democracy that preserves the rights of all its constituents,” the SDF leader said, referring to the country’s diverse religious groups, including Sunni Muslims, Christians, Alawites, Druze and Yazidis, and ethnic groups, including Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens and Armenians. Predictably, the SDF is the main target of Türkiye, which, along with its mercenaries, continues to attack the SDF near the Tishrin Dam, targeting innocent civilians amid international silence.

    In light of the above,

    • 1.Considering the Islamist background of HTS, EU countries should under no circumstances remove it from the terrorist list or lift sanctions until Syria has a democratic government which can adopt a new constitution that guarantees equal representation and protection for all citizens. How does the Vice-President/High Representative intend to ensure that these principles are respected?
    • 2.What measures will the Vice-President/High Representative implement to prevent Syria from becoming a new haven for Islamic radicals, similar to Afghanistan?
    • 3.What measures will the Vice-President/High Representative put in place to enforce a ceasefire across Syria and give Syrians the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and rebuild their country?

    Submitted: 4.2.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Thierry Breton’s statements to the media – E-000278/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000278/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Erik Kaliňák (NI)

    In a recent interview with the media, former Commissioner Thierry Breton threatened to interfere in Germany’s national elections, apparently in the event of an AfD victory, stating ‘we did it in Romania and of course we will have to do it, if necessary, in Germany’.

    In the light of this unprecedented admission by a former representative of the Commission:

    • 1.Can the statement by former Commissioner Thierry Breton be seen as an admission on behalf of the Commission as a whole, or does the Commission wish to distance itself from it?
    • 2.If the Commission wishes to distance itself from the statement, what steps is the Commission considering to hold accountable the former Commissioner and others responsible for acting ultra vires and interfering, to an unprecedented degree, in the internal affairs of Member States?
    • 3.On the other hand, if this is a confession on behalf of the Commission as a whole, who gave the Commission the mandate to interfere in the internal affairs of Member States, and which provision of the Treaties provides the legal basis for such action?

    Submitted: 22.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – US restrictions on AI chip exports to EU Member States – P-000495/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000495/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kateřina Konečná (NI), Maria Zacharia (NI), Branislav Ondruš (NI), Monika Beňová (NI), Katarína Roth Neveďalová (NI), Ondřej Dostál (NI), Judita Laššáková (NI), Erik Kaliňák (NI), Jaroslava Pokorná Jermanová (PfE)

    On 13 January 2025, the outgoing administration of the President of the United States Joe Biden announced restrictions on advanced AI chip exports to several countries, including the majority of the EU Member States, while excluding 10 other Member States from such restrictions. The Commission has not yet commented on whether this division of Member States into two categories undermines the European single market. Additionally, no potential solution was provided to address the potential shortage of advanced AI chips in several Member States. This is particularly striking since the US restrictions will affect a majority of EU Member States, including Greece and Luxembourg, which have been proposed among the locations for European AI factories.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission consider the division of its Member States into two categories with differing access to advanced AI chips from the United States to be in contradiction with the principles of the European single market?
    • 2.Is the Commission preparing alternatives in case of an inadequate supply of advanced AI chips from the United States, for example, by developing its own AI chip industry and diversifying its AI chip supply chains?

    Supporter[1]

    Submitted: 4.2.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Jana Nagyová (PfE)
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Funding for the water supply of the Municipality of Volos, which was affected by the natural disasters – E-000364/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000364/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Georgios Aftias (PPE)

    Thessaly – and especially Magnesia – has been hit by the recent natural disasters, resulting in a major water supply problem in the region.

    The Municipality of Volos has drawn up a specific water resources management plan with scientific precision, as emphasised by the municipal authority. That work indicates projects that need to be implemented, ensuring the sustainable and proper management of the 40-year old water supply problem. The scientific study, as described by the Municipality of Volos, processed and evaluated the area’s geological, hydrological and qualitative data, along with the water requirements for urban, touristic, irrigation and industrial uses.

    In light of the above,

    • 1.Can the Commission indicate whether the work can be financed with European funds and in what way?
    • 2.Can the Commission indicate whether the work can be included in the Thessaly Region 2025 emergency works, given that the Regions take a leading role in subsidising projects?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission communication on spyware – E-000435/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000435/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Markéta Gregorová (Verts/ALE), Nela Riehl (Verts/ALE), Reinier Van Lanschot (Verts/ALE), Damian Boeselager (Verts/ALE)

    In its follow-up to the Parliament report on the use of Pegasus and other equivalent software, the Commission stated that it is ‘exploring the possibility of presenting a non-legislative initiative’ in order to clarify ‘the interplay between EU law … and national security’[1]. Recently, reports from the press revealed that a communication from the Commission, initially scheduled to be published in June 2024, has been delayed[2]. The necessity of such clarification has become urgent, as the French Constitutional Council has partially struck down a law legalising the use of such technologies[3]. Parliament’s concerns regarding the use of spyware remain unanswered so far.

    • 1.When is the Commission planning to publish its communication on the matter?
    • 2.Will it publish information about the input it received to produce this communication?
    • 3.How will it ensure that Member States abide by the Court of Justice of the EU case-law and EU law on the matter?

    Submitted: 31.1.2025

    • [1] https://data.europarl.europa.eu/distribution/doc/SP-2023-436-TA-9-2023-0244_en.docx.
    • [2] https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-commission-national-security-does-not-justify-spying-document/.
    • [3] https://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/actualites/communique/decision-n-2023-855-dc-du-16-novembre-2023-communique-de-presse.
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Former Commissioner Thierry Breton – E-000363/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000363/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Fabio De Masi (NI)

    • 1.On what grounds was former Commissioner Thierry Breton given the green light to join Bank of America’s advisory council?
    • 2.Did this role come with remuneration attached? If so, how much?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Incorrect designation of vaccine damage as ‘long Covid’ – E-000373/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000373/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gerald Hauser (PfE)

    It is scientifically documented that the risk of contracting COVID-19 increases with the number of vaccinations administered. Under Directive 2001/83/EC, all suspected adverse reactions to medicinal products should be reported to the competent national authorities. These notifications are examined, and subsequently forwarded to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and published. However, so far, only around 6 % of all side effects of COVID-19 vaccinations have been reported. Nevertheless, more than two million cases of vaccine damage have already been documented. A further problem with COVID-19 vaccinations is that countless millions of infections after an ineffective vaccination – known as breakthrough cases – have gone largely unreported. Most of these cases of vaccination damage were wrongly declared as ‘long Covid’. This is mainly due to the fact that the accounting regarding medical services in the Member States is regulated accordingly and that, in the vast majority of cases, previous vaccinations are not taken into account at all.

    • 1.What measures does the Commission plan to take to ensure that all COVID-19 vaccine side effects and breakthrough cases in the EU are reported and documented?
    • 2.How does the Commission guarantee that damage caused by COVID-19 Vaccine breakthrough cases will in future be correctly documented as vaccine side-effects and not erroneously as ‘long Covid’?
    • 3.When will the Commission withdraw the COVID-19 vaccinations from the market, since it has been demonstrably proven that they are harmful and ineffective under the terms of Directive 2001/83/EC?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Lack of transparency, misuse of public funds and assurance of sound management in European institutions – E-000405/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000405/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    António Tânger Corrêa (PfE), Tom Vandendriessche (PfE), Anna Bryłka (PfE), Barbara Bonte (PfE), Branko Grims (PPE), Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă (NI), Filip Turek (PfE), Ondřej Knotek (PfE), Tomáš Kubín (PfE), Milan Uhrík (ESN), Petar Volgin (ESN), Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Nikola Bartůšek (PfE), Fernand Kartheiser (ECR), Claudiu-Richard Târziu (ECR), Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza (ECR), Hans Neuhoff (ESN), Hermann Tertsch (PfE), Dominik Tarczyński (ECR), Anders Vistisen (PfE), Jaroslava Pokorná Jermanová (PfE), Charlie Weimers (ECR), Dick Erixon (ECR), Jaroslav Bžoch (PfE), Jorge Martín Frías (PfE), Sebastiaan Stöteler (PfE), Marieke Ehlers (PfE), Auke Zijlstra (PfE), Sebastian Kruis (PfE), Rachel Blom (PfE), Ton Diepeveen (PfE), Ivaylo Valchev (ECR), Tiago Moreira de Sá (PfE), Angéline Furet (PfE), Tomasz Froelich (ESN), Ondřej Krutílek (ECR), Beatrice Timgren (ECR), Alexander Sell (ESN)

    Concerning information recently came to light regarding serious irregularities committed by the Commission, which allegedly distributed public funds to environmental lobbies to advocate for its own ‘green agenda’.

    • 1.What measures has the Commission taken or does it intend to take to investigate and address the identified irregularities, including holding those responsible for improper or illegal practices accountable?
    • 2.What specific tools does the Commission have or plan to implement to ensure that similar situations do not occur in the future, and how does it intend to guarantee that the existing control and audit mechanisms are effective in preventing the misuse of public funds?
    • 3.What steps will be taken to promote greater transparency and ensure that European citizens have access to clear and detailed information about the use of public funds?

    Submitted: 29.1.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – World Trade Organization’s concerns regarding the EU’s F-gas Regulation – E-000401/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000401/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Miriam Lexmann (PPE)

    Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gas Regulation) envisages a complete phaseout of F-gases in several industrial applications by 2035. As F-gases are important for numerous industries within global supply chains, this Regulation prompted concerns from several World Trade Organization (WTO) members, including the United States, Australia, Japan and Canada. These concerns highlighted the EU’s duty to avoid creating unnecessary trade barriers under the WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement.

    With the new Trump administration in the United States, the risk of protectionist policies, including retaliatory trade measures against the EU, is rising. New tariffs, for example on cars, would have a devastating impact on Europe’s automotive industry, including in Slovakia.

    • 1.Is the Commission willing to remove full bans on F-gases for certain applications from Annex IV before these bans enter into force in the 2030s, respecting the principle of technological neutrality?
    • 2.Regarding Article 35(5), will the Commission consider carrying out a review of F-gas restrictions earlier than 2030, maybe in 2025, in order to alleviate the concerns of WTO members?
    • 3.Would the review consider the specific role of HFOs as an alternative to the previous generation of F-gases (HFCs), especially given their low global warming potential and the fact that no impact assessments on their full ban have previously been carried out?

    Submitted: 29.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Labelling rules for textiles – E-000377/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000377/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Liesbet Sommen (PPE)

    The aim of the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles is to reduce the adverse environmental impact of textiles production and consumption. According to the strategy, textiles consumption by private households in the EU currently has the fourth-greatest impact on the environment and climate change and the third-greatest impact on water and land use. Furthermore, synthetic textiles are often cited as a major source of unintended microplastic pollution.

    A fresh initiative to revise EU rules on textiles labelling was announced towards the end of last year. It is to address three major issues: (1) the environmental sustainability, including climate sustainability, of the textiles industry; (2) the lack of information for consumers; and (3) the fragmentation of the single market.

    In this connection:

    • 1.When are details of the initiative going to be published?
    • 2.Will there be a straightforward colour code (along the lines of the Eco-Score and Nutri-Score for food) that informs consumers at a glance and encourages them to buy sustainable clothing?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – European scheme to prevent odometer manipulation – E-000378/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000378/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Liesbet Sommen (PPE)

    More than 60 million second-hand cars are sold every year in the EU. Unfortunately, every year, European consumers pay billions of euros too much as a result of odometer fraud. It is estimated on the basis of research that, in connection with domestic and cross-border sales, between 5% and 12% and between 30% and 50%, respectively, of used cars are being manipulated. In spite of the rules under Directive 2014/45/EU, odometer fraud is a criminal offence in only six EU Member States.

    Some EU Member States have already set up schemes to combat odometer manipulation, such as ‘Car-Pass’ in Belgium and ‘Nationale Auto Pas’ in the Netherlands. Those schemes have made it more difficult for fraudsters to roll back odometers, without being detected, in vehicles exported to the countries concerned. In Belgium, garages have recently been required to submit descriptions of services carried out. Such schemes are of great value, especially in view of the emergence of the market for second-hand electric vehicles, for which battery integrity is all-important.

    In this connection:

    • 1.Are steps being taken to implement a similar scheme at European level?
    • 2.Will such a scheme be developed as part of the revision of roadworthiness testing rules – the roadworthiness package – and will vehicle category L be included in the scope thereof?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Inquiry into the Chinese Government’s role in financing and running DeepSeek, and in applying censorship – E-000394/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000394/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mario Mantovani (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR), Pietro Fiocchi (ECR), Francesco Torselli (ECR), Giuseppe Milazzo (ECR), Daniele Polato (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Lara Magoni (ECR), Ruggero Razza (ECR), Marco Squarta (ECR), Stefano Cavedagna (ECR), Giovanni Crosetto (ECR), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR), Elena Donazzan (ECR), Michele Picaro (ECR), Chiara Gemma (ECR), Mariateresa Vivaldini (ECR), Denis Nesci (ECR), Carlo Ciccioli (ECR), Antonella Sberna (ECR), Paolo Inselvini (ECR)

    Chinese start-up DeepSeek has launched the chatbot DeepSeek V3, a highly efficient, free-to-use open-source model said to outperform western models despite using less powerful and less energy-consuming chips than the current market standard.

    The model was unveiled on Friday 24 January by Chinese hedge fund High Flyer (founded by Liang Wenfeng, the man behind Hangzhou Huanfang Technology and Ningbo Huanfang Investment) in an announcement that sparked heavy losses for technology listings across all western stock markets.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.This unveiling comes at a crucial time for other global players. Does the Commission not think that – not least to protect investors and markets – it ought to launch an urgent inquiry into the extent to which the Chinese Government backed or was involved in developing this model, the true funding costs and how the model is run?
    • 2.Censorship is clearly part and parcel of the model. Does the Commission not think it ought to check the model’s compatibility with the EU’s principles of freedom and the Digital Services Act, which could certainly be wielded to safeguard the freedom of expression and to counter censorship?
    • 3.The model is said to work even with less powerful chips. Does the Commission not think this opens up new opportunities for policies supporting European innovation?

    Submitted: 29.1.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Work-life balance – E-000369/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000369/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giorgos Georgiou (The Left)

    The work-life balance directive came into force in August 2022. However, because of the many duties they have to fulfil, women continue to struggle due to the lack of public services and social structures.

    In Cyprus, when maternity leave ends and women go back to work, they are expected to follow working hours with night shifts as normal, significantly upsetting the balance between their work life and their new duties as mothers.

    What will the Commission do to address the shortcomings in the current directive and provide solutions to the significant problems that continue to exist?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Israel’s destruction of water facilities financed by European taxpayers – E-000365/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000365/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rima Hassan (The Left), Anthony Smith (The Left), Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), Manon Aubry (The Left), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Villy Søvndal (Verts/ALE), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Irena Joveva (Renew), Marina Mesure (The Left), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Per Clausen (The Left), Catarina Martins (The Left), Marc Botenga (The Left), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Giorgos Georgiou (The Left), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Hanna Gedin (The Left)

    Since October 2023 and the start of the Israeli Government’s military offensive in Gaza, Palestinian civilians have faced one of the worst humanitarian crises of this century. Oxfam’s latest report, Water War Crimes, highlights the fact that Israel’s restrictions on water, fuel and sanitation supplies have resulted in a 94 % reduction in available water, far below emergency standards.

    By June 2024, Israeli bombardments and restrictions had devastated Gaza’s water and sanitation systems. Water production decreased by 84 %, all desalination plants were destroyed, 100 % of water warehouses and wastewater treatment plants were rendered non-functional, and over a million people now face severe water scarcity in overcrowded shelters.

    Given that much of this infrastructure is directly or indirectly funded by the European Union, the Commission is urged to address the following pressing questions:

    • 1.How is the Commission monitoring and calculating the level of EU funding lost as a result of Israel’s operations in Gaza and the West Bank?
    • 2.Will the Commission hold Israel accountable for the destruction of water facilities funded by European taxpayers?
    • 3.In the absence of compensation or reparation, does the Commission plan to impose sanctions?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Rising energy prices – E-000368/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000368/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giorgos Georgiou (The Left)

    For a long time – and particularly last year – Cyprus has seen a sharp increase in the cost of energy (fuel, electricity prices). There have also been strong indications suggesting that some companies may potentially acquire market dominance. This was reported to the competent supervisory authority, which did not, however, take the necessary steps to check and investigate the complaints. The evidence presented reveals possible irregularities, which were also highlighted by Members of Parliament in Cyprus as well as by journalists, who did not hesitate to accuse the Competition Commission of inefficiency and interference in its work.

    Can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.In light of the current situation in Cyprus and the failure to check matters relating to complaints about the market dominance of certain companies, leading to major exploitation of citizens and profiteering, what immediate measures does the Commission intend to take with regard to the competent supervisory authority?
    • 2.What action does the Commission intend to take to support the proposal for the establishment of an emergency mechanism for recovering the excessive profits of electricity producers and suppliers?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Shortcomings in the transposition of European Directive (EU) 2024/1385 into Greek national legislation on combating violence against women and domestic violence – E-000366/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000366/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Elena Kountoura (The Left)

    The transposition of European Directive (EU) 2024/1385 on combating violence against women and domestic violence is a crucial step in harmonising European and national legislation in order to protect victims and prevent and address gender-based and domestic violence[1]. However, the law adopted by the Greek Government, without meaningful consultation of the competent bodies[2], covers only selected articles of the directive, notably those relating to criminal provisions, and fails to include basic provisions on prevention and victims’ rights[3].

    In particular, there are no articles providing for:

    – sufficient accommodation facilities and victim support centres;

    – enhanced safety and support for abused women and children who are victims or witnesses of domestic violence;

    – prevention measures at various levels and information and awareness-raising campaigns;

    – training for authorities in handling cases of gender-based violence;

    – cross-sectoral cooperation and the establishment of a policy coordination body for combating violence.

    Moreover, numerous references are made to non-existent structures (Articles 26 and 27) and existing Greek laws which are not fully implemented due to a lack of implementing provisions or which concern only one form of violence (domestic).

    In view of the above, can the Commission say:

    • 1.How does it intend to ensure that Directive (EU) 2024/1385 is fully transposed into the national legislation of the Member States, including Greece?
    • 2.Does it intend to offer technical support to the Member States in order to ensure the correct transposition of the directive?
    • 3.What measures will be taken to address existing shortcomings and distortions in the implementation of the obligations set out in the directive?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    • [1] According to Article 49 of Directive (EU) 2024/1385, EU Member States are required to transpose the directive into their national legislation by June 2027.
    • [2] For the second time in one year, Law 3500/2006 is being amended without any meaningful consultation with the victims of domestic violence themselves, the vast majority of whom are women and children, or with specialised NGOs and women’s organisations who provide them with protection and support services.
    • [3] The title ‘Transposition of Directive (EU) 2024/1385’ is misleading, as the law does not transpose the directive into Greek law as it claims, but rather constitutes a partial or even distorted transposition of the directive. Of the directive’s 51 articles, 7 relate to the transposition process and 44 set out the obligations of Member States to take measures to transpose the directive into national law. Of those 44, only 17 are explicitly referred to in the draft law as having been transposed.
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Embargo on minerals labelled as originating from Rwanda – P-000489/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000489/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE), Sara Matthieu (Verts/ALE), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE)

    On 19 February 2024, the European Union and Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding on sustainable critical raw materials value chains. The memorandum provides for measures to intercept smuggled minerals entering the country and repatriate them to their country of origin. Thus the EU has implicitly recognised the risk of being supplied, via Rwanda, with ‘blood minerals’ from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, in the light of the serious ongoing attacks, the memorandum’s measures are not sufficient guarantee.

    In view of this state of affairs, is the Commission planning to:

    • 1.impose an immediate embargo on minerals labelled as of Rwandan origin, with a view to putting pressure on Rwanda to ensure that the M23 Movement and the Rwandan army withdraw from the DRC and to prevent the import of minerals of that kind into the European market;
    • 2.suspend, with immediate effect, the memorandum of understanding, the roadmap being drafted with Rwanda and all existing or future strategic projects within the framework of the Critical Raw Materials Act that involve Rwanda;
    • 3.make continued cooperation with Rwanda on critical raw materials conditional on Rwanda joining the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and on the withdrawal of its troops?

    Supporters[1]

    Submitted: 4.2.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by Members other than the authors: David Cormand (Verts/ALE), Mélissa Camara (Verts/ALE), Marie Toussaint (Verts/ALE)
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – ‘La Famiglia – The Great Mafia War’ – E-000415/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000415/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Caterina Chinnici (PPE), Fulvio Martusciello (PPE), Giusi Princi (PPE), Salvatore De Meo (PPE), Massimiliano Salini (PPE), Letizia Moratti (PPE), Flavio Tosi (PPE), Marco Falcone (PPE)

    A number of press outlets[1] have reported that German firm Boardgame Atelier has launched a product, ‘La Famiglia – The Great Mafia War’, based on the bloody Mafia wars that raged in Sicily in the 1980s.

    The game, which even won an award at a games festival in France[2], challenges its players (aged 16 and over) to wrest control of areas from Sicily’s Mafia families.

    In light of this:

    • 1.Does the Commission not consider this game to be a massive blight on the dignity of Sicilians and Sicily itself? Is it not entirely disrespectful to all those who lost their lives opposing the Mafia in the struggle to uphold the rule of law, as well as to their relatives?
    • 2.Does it not think that trivialising crimes that actually took place in a product intended for fun and, more to the point, young players spreads ignorance, goes against core European values, and disrupts public order (see the judgment handed down in case T-1/17 La Mafia Franchises, SL v EUIPO)[3], and that therefore the sale of this product on the internal market ought to be banned?

    Submitted: 30.1.2025

    • [1] https://palermo.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/25_gennaio_22/la-famiglia-il-gioco-da-tavolo-premiato-in-francia-che-simula-la-guerra-di-mafia-scoppia-la-polemica-17dc8dcd-3370-4c88-9215-d1e800703xlk.shtml; https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/23/outcry-in-italy-over-german-board-game-based-on-sicily-mafia-wars; https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/italie-un-jeu-de-societe-reproduit-la-guerre-des-mafias-en-sicile-et-suscite-la-polemique-20250123.
    • [2] https://ludovox.fr/retour-sur-la-37e-edition-du-festival-des-jeux-de-cannes/.
    • [3] https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=200262&pageIndex=0&doclang=EN&mode=lst&dir=&occ=first&part=1&cid=25949569
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

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