Global health threats are becoming more frequent and severe. As the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted, they can quickly turn into emergencies, heavily impact human health, and paralyse economic, cultural and societal activities globally. Therefore, health security is a global challenge.In this context, and in the light of lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU has substantially strengthened its toolbox to prevent, prepare for and respond to health threats. Its toolbox consists of legislative measures – in particular, the Regulation on the prevention, preparedness and response to serious cross-border health threats, the EU Health Emergency Regulation, reinforced roles for the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the setting up of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). Other tools in the EU health security toolbox include the Union Civil Protection Mechanism; humanitarian assistance in emergencies; research and development in the area of health security; capacity building in the partner countries under the Global Gateway; participation in the Global Health Security Initiative; and co-crafting of international instruments on health security. Moreover, EU action on health security is guided by a number of policy documents. The most recent European Commission communication on reinforcing global health resilience amidst geopolitical change, adopted in May 2026, sets out priority areas through which the EU should contribute to scaling up global prevention, preparedness and response to health threats and to addressing resilience gaps in health systems. Despite significant improvements in health security at the national, regional, EU and global levels, several challenges remain, including limited financing for public and global health and their health security component; the ongoing fragmentation of the global health architecture; and health-related misinformation and disinformation. The European Parliament is a strong supporter of both the internal and external dimensions of EU health policy. It treats the health security component as a key area for strengthening EU action. Through its resolutions, Parliament has expressed its views on the current and future EU action on health security. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Ukraine, competitiveness and global economic challenges, the EU's next budget and the situation in the Middle East were the main discussion points at the 18‑19 June 2026 meeting of the European Council. On Ukraine, EU Heads of State or Government adopted joint conclusions of all 27 Member States for the first time since March 2025, and stressed their determination to increase pressure on Russia – signalling it with the agreement to roll over the sanctions for 12 rather than the previous six months. This was coupled with a marked welcome for the opening of the first negotiation cluster for Ukraine and Moldova, and a sense of new momentum on enlargement, also for the countries of the Western Balkans. Regarding competitiveness and global economic imbalances, EU leaders requested the Commission sharpen the EU's trade defence tool box and possibly complement it with new instruments, thereby pursuing a path of diversification and de-risking of the EU's trade relationships. The discussion on the next multiannual financial framework was seen as a step towards an agreement by the end of 2026, with the incoming Irish Presidency being called on to present a revised negotiation box for the October meeting; in parallel, further work will be carried out on options for new own resources. Regarding the situation in the Middle East, the European Council welcomed the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, but expressed serious concern about the situation in Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank. Other topics mentioned in the conclusions were Ebola, Armenia, upholding international law, and Islands and coastal communities. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This fact sheet explains the rules governing the financing, management and monitoring of the European Union’s common agricultural policy (CAP) under the CAP Horizontal Regulation. It outlines the evolution of the legal framework for the 2023-2027 CAP, including changes linked to the new delivery model and the shift from compliance-based to performance-based implementation. It also explains the roles of the main governance bodies, the systems for financial management, controls and penalties, and the rules on financial discipline and the agricultural reserve. Finally, it summarises the role of the European Parliament in shaping the regulation. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This fact sheet explains the Cohesion Fund, which was set up in 1994 and provides funding for environmental and trans-European network projects in the EU countries that have a gross national income per capita of less than 90% of the EU average. The fact sheet outlines the legal framework for the Cohesion Fund, the Fund’s objectives, the countries eligible for the Fund, and the budget and financial rules. It also describes the role the European Parliament plays as regards the Cohesion Fund. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This fact sheet explains the role played by social dialogue in the EU. It is a fundamental component of the European social model. It empowers representatives of management and labour (‘the social partners’) to contribute actively, including through agreements, to designing European social and employment policy. The fact sheet covers the legal framework, objectives and achievements of social dialogue in the EU, and the role played by the European Parliament in advancing it. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The request mostly includes money for the Pentagon, with $67 billion going toward replenishing the military’s stocks of munitions and the cost of sending so many forces to the Middle East.

Food security is crucial for human existence and health. It guarantees development and peaceful livelihoods, and stabilises societies. Factors impacting food security, their triggers, and consequences are affected by inter-related political, economic, social, geopolitical, and environmental dimensions. This makes agri-food systems – food production, processing, marketing and consumption – important elements of societies and international relations. With over 20 % of the EU’s population at risk of poverty or social exclusion and 8.5 % unable to afford a meal with meat, chicken or fish (or equivalent) at least every second day in 2025, it is essential to understand EU agri-food systems and the multidimensionality of EU food security. Examining how food security can be leveraged to combat inequality and socio-economic instability, thereby improving the well-being of EU citizens and residents, is as important as evaluating the macroeconomic and state level dimensions of the EU’s agri-food industry. The analysis of its environmental impact and vulnerability to climate shocks provides further important insights into the agricultural potential and resilience of the EU. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This briefing examines the implementation of the EU Energy Labelling Framework and the related Tyre Labelling Regulation in the context of the wider simplification agenda of the Commission for 2026 and the omnibus on energy-product legislation expected on 24 June 2026. Energy labelling remains an important instrument for enabling consumers to compare products, supporting energy savings, and encouraging innovation in more efficient products. Available evidence suggests that EU action has contributed effectively to the objectives of the policy. However, implementation has been weakened by delays in updating product-specific rules and labels, persistent non-compliance by manufacturers and retailers, and uneven enforcement, particularly in online sales and for products imported from third countries. Key issues include reducing unnecessary administrative burden while preserving consumer trust in labels; improving the usability and interoperability of the energy-product database; clarifying responsibilities across the supply chain, including for retailers, online marketplaces, importers and installers; and ensuring that label rescaling is timely, predictable and understandable for consumers. Stakeholder views point to a need for simplification that improves compliance and usability without weakening the visibility, comparability and enforceability of energy information at the point of purchase. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Zohran Mamdani won the New York mayor contest last year, and two candidates he and the Democratic Socialists of America backed have now won U.S. House primaries.

The president posted on social media that the signing was off until the Senate passes his election integrity bill. It is unclear whether he intends to kill the housing bill.

Democratic socialist candidates won key races in New York, while more establishment candidates prevailed in other contests.

The president seethed at Susan Collins, Bill Cassidy, Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul after the war powers resolution passed, saying: «I will get it done, one way or the other.»

EU support for the implementation of Slovenia's national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) amounts to €2 082.4 million, and includes €1 613 million in grants and €469 million in loans. This amount is €400 million lower than that initially approved, and takes into account the June 2022 update of the maximum financial contribution from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the non-repayable allocation for REPowerEU made available in 2023, as well as the latest April 2026 revision that decommitted part of the loans. At the end of May 2026, Slovenia requested a new revision. While the overall allocation is only 0.3 % of the total RRF, it stood at 4.3 % of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019 (the RRF being 5.2 % of EU-27 GDP). So far, Slovenia has received €1 769.1 million (€1 303.3 million in grants and €465.8 million in loans) in pre-financing and five payments covering seven instalments linked to the achievement of 107 milestones and targets. The total amount paid out to Slovenia equals 85 % of all its RRF funds, with the EU average currently standing at 73.8 %. On 9 June 2026, the European Commission made a preliminary positive assessment of the request for the eighth instalment for grants; funds are yet to be disbursed. The outstanding milestones and targets must be met by 31 August 2026 at the latest. The last payment request covering the ninth grant and fourth loan instalments is to be submitted to the Commission by the end of September 2026. Slovenia's NRRP tackles both the COVID-19 pandemic's socioeconomic consequences and more long-standing challenges identified in the Slovenian development strategy 2030. The plan is strongly focused on the green and digital transitions. Planned spending on these areas meets the compulsory targets, totalling 44.7 % for climate and 24.5 % for digital (25 % excluding the REPowerEU chapter). Investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable mobility have been further reinforced under the new REPowerEU chapter. The European Parliament participates in interinstitutional forums for cooperation and discussion on RRF implementation, and scrutinises the European Commission's work. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Fifth edition. Earlier editions were co-authored by Magdalena Sapała and Velina Lilyanova. The 'NGEU delivery' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Three left-wing hopefuls backed by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani won their races, including two who unseated incumbents.

See the latest New York primary election results as democratic socialist candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani compete in U.S. House races.

See the latest New York primary election results as democratic socialist candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani compete in U.S. House races.

See the latest New York primary election results as democratic socialist candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani compete in U.S. House races.

Eurojust has proven instrumental in enhancing judicial cooperation in criminal matters. Improvements are needed though, as evidenced by the Commission's evaluation and its supporting study. The role and functions of Eurojust governing bodies need to be clarified. Further harmonisation and clarification of applicable regulations at EU and national level may help overcome remaining challenges, such as the clarification of competences between governing bodies. Rules to prioritise cases are also considered necessary to facilitate operational activities. However, regarding technological challenges, legal revision can only provide a partial solution unless specific provisions allow for anticipating and easily adapting to technological developments. Finally, strengthening the operational support and mechanisms for cooperation and coordination between Member States implies financial and human resources. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The ruling dealt with legal technicalities but is a departure from a series of decisions by the justices expanding religious freedoms in recent terms.

This European implementation assessment aims to inform the ongoing work of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Tax Matters on an own-initiative report (2025/2261(INI)) on the implementation of the VAT reverse charge mechanism (RCM) and quick reaction mechanism (QRM) in EU Member States. The study is composed of two parts. The first part is an introduction by the European Parliamentary Research Service that provides the context, methodology and contribution of the external study to parliamentary and EU policymaking. The second is a comprehensive study undertaken by a team of external experts, assessing the effectiveness of the RCM and QRM in the EU and their impact on administrative burden and compliance costs of tax authorities and businesses. The study is based on desk research, stakeholder consultations, and eight case studies, providing an up-to-date assessment of the mechanism's implementation and impact. The study also identifies lessons learnt and challenges from the implementation of the RCM and QRM across the EU, and offers recommendations in the context of their review and the decision-making process regarding their potential extension beyond the current deadline of 31 December 2026. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The June 2026 plenary session saw discussion on the preparation of the European Council meeting of 18‑19 June 2026. Particular attention was paid to the future of EU‑China economic relations. The session further focused on Europe's economic independence, digital sovereignty and resilience on artificial intelligence, as well as the EU's role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. Members debated the electrification action plan, the resilience of the European transport sector amid ongoing geopolitical challenges ,and posed questions to the European Commission on its pledge to reduce the reporting burden, especially for small companies. Debates also addressed protecting child safety and mental health online and the importance of children's right to play, and promoting culture through the Joint Declaration on 'Culture for Europe, Europe for Culture' . Finally, Members attended two formal sittings, during which Jakov Milatović, President of Montenegro, and Andrzej Poczobut, 2025 Sakharov Prize laureate, recently released from prison in Belarus, addressed Parliament. The annex shows the breakdown by political group on the final roll-call votes on the files decided by ordinary legislative procedure during the session. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Corruption is a major challenge for the European Union (EU), with all its Member States affected by the problem to some extent. The scale of the problem, however, is difficult to measure, both in the EU and elsewhere. Surveys on perception of corruption among citizens and experts – such as the Global Corruption Barometer and Eurobarometer surveys – are the principal measurement tools. Since the 1990s, countries around the world have joined forces to address corruption collectively. This has led to the emergence of widely recognised international laws and standards, adopted in particular by the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations. Mechanisms, such as the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), have been developed to monitor implementation of these rules. The EU has gradually adopted laws addressing a range of corruption-related issues. These include a directive on the fight against fraud to the Union's financial interests, and directives on public procurement, whistleblowers and money-laundering. However, the legal framework thus created remains patchy, a problem that the newly adopted 2026 directive on combating corruption seeks to address, by setting EU-wide minimum rules on corruption offences, sanctions and prevention. The EU also developed its own tool for monitoring anti-corruption efforts – the EU anti-corruption report – only to abandon it after the first edition. Recently, corruption-related issues have been addressed almost exclusively within the EU rule of law framework, a development criticised by various stakeholders, including the European Parliament. The latter has adopted numerous resolutions on corruption addressing, among other things, systemic challenges to the rule of law and deficiencies in the EU's fight against corruption. This briefing updates earlier briefings published in 2023 and 2024, which built on a study by Piotr Bąkowski and Sofija Voronova, published in 2017. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Ohio-based ScottsMiracle-Gro said it is donating “a combination of monetary and product support.” A government watchdog said the arrangement raises ethics questions.

This in-depth analysis examines whether VET learners, graduates and professionals face systemic disadvantages relative to their higher education counterparts across four domains: labour market outcomes, public support and mobility, qualification pathways and recognition, and access to services and economic sectors. Drawing on evidence from EU Member States, it identifies structural disparities that reduce VET attractiveness, documents significant cross-country variation, and puts forward eight policy recommendations for the forthcoming European VET strategy. This study was commissioned by the European Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL). Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The taxing of the digital economy remains among the most controversial topics in international tax policy. Although there was political agreement on Pillar One achieved by the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework in 2021, implementation of this proposal has not yet materialised and negotiations within the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation are expected to last until 2027. Lack of a global solution increases the pressure for action at EU level. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The United States remains a leading global health and life sciences actor, driven by high spending, strong research capacity and a regulatory environment that accelerates innovation. At the same time, the system faces persistent structural challenges, including high costs, fragmented insurance coverage and unequal access. Since the start of President Trump’s second term, federal reforms, budget cuts and institutional restructuring have reshaped the roles of HHS, CDC, NIH and FDA. Reduced engagement with WHO and cuts to USAID have weakened US participation in global health, raising concerns in Europe about global leadership, crisis preparedness and international cooperation. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Digitalisation has powered the shift to a ‘services economy’, and has greatly expanded the cross-border delivery of services, enabling service providers to access markets around the world with little or no local physical presence. Services can now also be produced digitally and supplied automatically, which will expand further with artificial intelligence (AI). Automated digital services (ADSs) can be supplied from the cloud, so that there is no specific location for the place of supply. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Some of the president’s strongest supporters are hurting as midterm elections approach.

The 747 jumbo jet has a new blue, red and gold paint scheme preferred by the president.

The EU aims to adapt the Digital Single Market to technological change and to promote innovation, while also mitigating risks. To this end, the Digital Rulebook contains a wide range of legal acts that address specific sectors, individuals, or technologies. To date, (almost) all of these legal acts also include elementary but uncoordinated enforcement provisions. The study highlights the many resulting gaps, overlaps, and inconsistencies that hinder enforcement. The study proposes to resolve this issue by a Digital Rulebook Enforcement Toolbox, which can be further developed into a Directive. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Due to demographic changes, a growing share of the population suffering from chronic diseases and an unmet need for more healthcare personnel; health systems are under growing pressure to deliver better outcomes with limited resources. Digital health offers tools to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and system efficacy, while also supporting research and innovation. This infographic touches upon the main areas regarding Digital Health, to help understand the discussion taking place during the public hearing on «Digital Health: Preparing Healthcare Systems for the Future» Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Marking the first reform of the Better Regulation framework since 2021, the Commission communication – A simpler, clearer and better enforced EU rulebook – aligns the EU's regulatory policy framework with the Commission's overall political priorities for the current term and steps up and formalises certain practices. In this respect, the communication advances the EU's simplification agenda, adjusts lawmaking to the new political imperative of competitiveness and seeks to make the EU acquis leaner. While previous Better Regulation reforms were geared towards improving regulatory quality (by adjusting impact assessment, evaluation and stakeholder consultation processes), the present reform is much broader in scope. It targets the full life cycle of EU laws, placing a particular emphasis on the review and enforcement stages. The communication is expected to be followed by a revision of the Better Regulation guidelines and toolbox later this year. The communication's five headline ambitions span the different stages in the policy cycle, from the design of new legislation to implementation and enforcement. Regarding the latter, it notably commits to applying a more rigid approach to infringements and to stepping up measures against gold-plating. It introduces new concepts, such as 'simplicity by design' and 'regulatory deep cleaning' and envisages making greater use of legal techniques and tools such as codification, recast and sunset clauses. The communication contains several measures targeting single market improvements, which are largely inspired by the 2024 Letta report. These include prioritising full harmonisation of single market legislation, wherever possible. The communication introduces major changes to the impact assessment process. Above all, the Commission commits to carrying out 'more and more focused' impact assessments. Guided by proportionality considerations and based on a newly developed 'matrix of key impacts', it introduces a two-tier approach to impact assessments that differentiates between 'major' and 'more targeted' initiatives. Moreover, it sets out a pathway for integrating politically urgent initiatives into the Better Regulation framework, thereby committing to preparing lighter impact assessments wherever feasible or, at least, analytical staff working documents with clearly defined minimum requirements. The communication also presents, for certain cases, a new category of Regulatory Scrutiny Board (RSB) opinions, namely opinions without qualification. Overall, the impact assessment reform seeks to achieve an increase in the number of files submitted to the RSB, while potentially weakening RSB scrutiny. The reform also envisages certain adjustments to stakeholder consultations but barely addresses the ex-post evaluation of EU policies. Instead, the communication introduces 'regulatory deep cleaning' as the new ex-post review instrument, in an effort to reduce the complexity and fragmentation of the EU acquis. It presents an associated action plan across 12 priority areas and mandates regular Commission progress reporting on the 'deep cleaning' exercise. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Free movement of workers is a cornerstone of the European single market, yet qualifications and skills do not always travel freely with the worker. Despite a binding EU instrument in place since 2005, recognition procedures remain complex, lengthy and unevenly applied across Member States. With labour shortages affecting key sectors and around 10 million EU citizens working abroad, there is a need for further EU action. The European Commission's skills portability initiative, expected in the third quarter of 2026, aims to address these persistent barriers. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The president defended the agreement, but it has been criticized as a return to the prewar status quo.

The president defended the agreement, but it has been criticized as a return to the prewar status quo.