Graham died hours after returning from a trip to Ukraine. Trump said he spoke with the senator Saturday evening and that “could’ve been his last call.”

Graham, a staunch Trump ally and key GOP foreign policy voice, was running for reelection this year. He died of a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said.

This fact sheet explains the EU’s energy policy framework and its core objectives of decarbonisation, competitiveness, security of supply and sustainability. It outlines the key legislation underpinning the Energy Union – from the Renewable Energy Directive to the Electricity Market Design reform – and traces the policy evolution driven by the European Green Deal and the push to end dependence on Russian fossil fuels. It also describes the European Parliament’s role as co-legislator and its calls for more ambitious climate targets and stronger cross-border energy solidarity. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This fact sheet explains the EU Banking Union, its legal basis, objectives and main components, including the Single Supervisory Mechanism, the Single Resolution Mechanism and the proposed European Deposit Insurance Scheme. The fact sheet outlines the development, recent reforms and remaining challenges for financial integration and stability concerning the Banking Union. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This fact sheet explains the European Union’s Farm to Fork Strategy, a key component of the European Green Deal, which aims at building sustainable EU agri-food systems by making agri-food systems fairer, healthier and more environmentally sustainable. It outlines the strategy’s objectives and main policy actions, including measures relating to agriculture, food processing and distribution, food consumption and prevention of food loss and food waste. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This fact sheet explains how the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) – consisting of the ECB plus all EU national central banks – conduct monetary policy in the euro area. It sets out the legal basis and primary objective of price stability, describes the main policy instruments – from interest rates and open market operations to asset purchase programmes – and outlines how the ECB’s strategy has evolved, most recently with the June 2025 strategy review. It also explains how the European Parliament holds the ECB to account through regular dialogues, resolutions and written questions. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The July 2026 plenary session featured a debate on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 18 19 June 2026; and heard a presentation of the priorities of the Irish EU Council Presidency. Members also heard and debated Council and European Commission statements on the EU's response and preparedness on protecting people against heatwaves and wildfires; and considered the implications for public security in Europe of recent violent and fatal attacks in Italy and Denmark. Members examined measures to strengthen EU automotive sector competitiveness and safeguard jobs; and a competitive bioeconomy strategy's contribution to EU strategic autonomy. The plenary further addressed the Commission's action plan on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Members discussed the impact of the 1974 Turkish invasion on Cypriot women and girls. They debated the future of EU support for Russian democratic forces; the EU's response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda; protection of European democracy following illegal spyware surveillance of a Member; and evaluation of the common fisheries policy. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

As part of ongoing European Union (EU) efforts to create a more business-friendly and competitive environment, on 24 June 2026 the European Commission presented a proposal for a tax simplification package, including an omnibus simplifying EU rules on direct taxation. The proposed omnibus comprises a set of measures designed to streamline EU direct taxation rules and reduce administrative burdens, by revising key corporate tax directives. The legislative acts proposed for revision are the Interest and Royalties Directive, the Tax Merger Directive, Parent-Subsidiary Directive, the Anti-Tax-Avoidance Directive, the Tax Dispute Resolution Mechanisms Directive, and the Faster and Safer Relief of Excess Withholding Taxes Directive. The implementation of this legislation has led to a fragmented landscape across EU Member States, characterised by different rules and interpretations. Evidence indicates that these directives have created significant challenges for taxpayers and businesses, leading to legal uncertainty and inefficiencies, particularly for cross-border activities, which can undermine the proper functioning of the EU single market and business competitiveness. Additionally, the tax landscape has evolved significantly, both within the EU and globally, since the adoption of the directives the omnibus addresses. This evolution is particularly evident with the introduction of new regulations such as the EU's Global Minimum Tax Directive, which has created additional complexities in the existing tax framework. This implementation appraisal focuses primarily on the revision of the directives under the omnibus. It also examines implementation reports, evaluations, and other evidence assessing the application of the directives under revision. It summarises the main features of the omnibus proposal and considers the European Parliament's perspective, written questions from its Members, and the views of stakeholders, including EU institutions and advisory bodies. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This fact sheet explains that in the EU judicial cooperation in criminal matters is based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and judicial decisions, and that this includes measures to approximate the laws of the Member States in several areas. The Treaty of Lisbon has provided a stronger basis for the development of a criminal justice area, while also stipulating new powers for the European Parliament. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This fact sheet explains what the EU does to support the cultural and creative sectors. It highlights key strategic frameworks and flagship initiatives for culture, which have the aim of fostering diversity, cooperation and innovation. It also outlines the European Parliament’s role in addressing ongoing challenges, including those related to artists’ working conditions, digital transformation and cultural diversity. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This fact sheet explains the EU’s audiovisual and media policy, governed by Articles 167 and 173 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union guarantees respect for ‘the freedom and pluralism of the media’ under Article 11(2). At EU level, the key piece of legislation is the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, with the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe programme acting as the main EU funding instrument. The European Media Freedom Act establishes a framework for media services in the internal market. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This fact sheet explains how multilingualism, a core EU value, is supported through studies abroad, intercultural exchanges and language learning. It outlines the EU’s support for the literary and audiovisual sectors in disseminating works in all EU and minority languages. The fact sheet goes on to explain the European Parliament’s role in upholding the EU’s language policy. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This fact sheet explains the EU rules on the freedoms to establish a business and to provide services – two fundamental rights enabling businesses and professionals to operate EU-wide. Services are vital to the EU economy, making up three quarters of its GDP and total employment. The fact sheet covers the legal basis for, and purposes of these freedoms, action taken to complete the single market for services, and Parliament’s role in shaping the rules, including the 2025 single market strategy. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Prosecutors laid out their case against Tyler James Robinson on Day 4 of the preliminary hearing in Utah.

The National Capital Planning Commission, led by the president’s allies, voted to advance the project near Arlington Cemetery, tabling a height question for later.

The unusual cross-party fundraising committee comes amid speculation that Republicans are courting John Fetterman, who has said he has no plans to switch parties.

Leaders of the Maine Democratic Party are still working toward a process to replace Graham Platner, without angering his supporters.

Prosecutors lay out their case against Tyler James Robinson in Day 4 of the preliminary hearing in Utah.

Despite judicial and now-defunct legislative efforts to harmonise data retention practices across the EU, national data retention regimes remain fragmented, with some countries adopting their own rules and others none at all. Law enforcement authorities report operational difficulties, while service providers face significant compliance burdens and costs. Although the Court's case law has clarified the general principles governing data retention, important practical details remain unresolved. In response, the European Commission is assessing the need for a new harmonised EU framework, with a proposal potentially forthcoming. However, stakeholders are divided over its scope and safeguards. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Artificial intelligence (AI) was already transforming the world of work when the advent of generative AI (GenAI) and its rapid uptake accelerated the process. Today, it is widely recognised that GenAI can both significantly enhance and degrade human skills, and cause labour market disruptions by transforming or displacing jobs.AI's impact on jobs depends on the degree to which these are exposed to AI, and is often estimated by the potential of individual tasks to be automated. Reports distinguish between augmentable, automatable and unaffected jobs.Expectations about AI's impact are evolving. Claims that white-collar jobs will soon be massively replaced by AI are being mitigated by economic research predicting AI's modest macroeconomic effects on productivity and gross domestic product growth. The most likely impact of GenAI is a profound transformation, rather than large-scale destruction, of jobs.Early evidence shows a strong impact on white-collar entry-level jobs and shifting regional labour-market dynamics, as AI's effects are more strongly felt in urban areas and in places where AI-adopting companies are located. Much will depend on the regulatory framework, on organisations' workflow adaptation, and on training people in AI skills.With the recent data on AI use by individuals and enterprises, the European Union (EU) considers AI a defining challenge for its long-term competitiveness. It is adapting its regulatory framework with a view to developing AI talent and, generally, increasing AI skills. Forecasts about how AI and digital technologies could reshape employment in European regions are cautiously positive.To reap AI's benefits and mitigate its negative effects on jobs, societal adaptations are needed. Beyond regulation and supportive policy, these start with training and education, to provide both current and future workers with the necessary skills, and include adapted social protection, social dialogue, and safeguards of workers' rights. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Although the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) continued developing EU data retention standards after invalidating the former EU Data Retention Directive in 2014, national interpretations diverge and efforts towards alignment have stalled. Law enforcement and judicial authorities report operational challenges arising from this fragmentation, sometimes precluding timely access to communications-related data necessary for identifying suspects and victims, reconstructing criminal activity, and generating investigative leads. In response to these issues and to calls from the Council, the European Commission is assessing the need for a new EU framework. Any legislative action would require a series of politically and legally sensitive design choices. Controversy may arise in relation to the legitimacy and appropriate scope of renewed EU legislative intervention; the operationalisation of the CJEU's system of graduated objectives and safeguards; the adequacy of retention periods; the design of access conditions and safeguards; and, possibly, the need to regulate automated processing of retained datasets. This briefing builds on the overviews provided in the EPRS briefings 'Towards new EU data retention rules' and 'Mapping CJEU limits on data retention framework'. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

As the European Union prepares to redefine its external financing framework for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the proposed Global Europe Instrument raises key questions about the future place of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in EU external action. While intended to enhance coherence, flexibility and geopolitical responsiveness, the new framework must also ensure that values-based commitments remain visible, adequately funded and operationally effective. The workshop held on 23 February 2026, organised on behalf of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI), examined how the proposed instrument may affect the EU’s capacity to support democratic governance, accountability, civil society, human-rights defenders and fundamental rights worldwide. Against a background of democratic backsliding, shrinking civic space and growing geopolitical competition, participants discussed the risks and opportunities of moving from dedicated funding structures towards a more integrated external financing instrument. The discussion also addressed the balance between strategic interests and values-based external action, and the role of the European Parliament in ensuring democratic oversight, policy coherence and sustained support for human rights and democracy. This publication brings together the workshop proceedings, including exchanges with Members, academics, civil society experts and EU representatives, with a briefing on the same topic. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Simon Harris, Minister for Finance of Ireland, is participating in the ECON Committee in his capacity of President of the ECOFIN Council during the Irish Presidency (July - December 2026). According to Article 121 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, “Member States shall regard their economic policies as a matter of common concern and shall coordinate them within the Council”. This briefing provides an overview of the Irish Presidency's priorities in ECON-related matters, including the Council’s work on the implementation of the European Semester for economic policy coordination, the conclusion of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, progress on the Savings and Investments Union (SIU), and efforts to reach agreement on the digital euro and the remaining elements of the Single Currency Package. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The race is the next, and perhaps biggest, battle between the Democrats’ warring factions.

Recent crises have highlighted the importance of renewable energy sources and enhanced energy infrastructure for the European Union (EU) – both to meet its decarbonisation objectives and to enhance its energy security and sovereignty. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) has significantly boosted EU financial support available for investment and reform measures linked to clean energy. Overall, 26 Member States are investing around €54.2 billion (9.4 % of the RRF envelope) in such measures, with significant allocations in the recovery plans of various countries (Poland, Italy, Spain, Greece and Hungary devoting the largest amounts in absolute figures). Almost evenly distributed between renewable energy (53 %) and networks (47 %), those resources finance a broad range of measures, not least in smart grids, solar energy and wind power. However, the RRF has shown some limits in its capacity to support cross-border measures, with examples of such projects withdrawn from the plans because of delays. Equally important, the plans' reform component is aimed at improving the regulatory environment for clean energy, for example by streamlining permitting for renewables or improving access to grids. As of 8 June 2026, progress in the implementation of clean energy investment was lagging behind that of the overall plans in terms of objectives assessed as achieved. With the final deadlines for RRF implementation approaching fast, the second half of 2026 is crucial to determine whether the RRF's estimated benefits in terms of enhanced energy infrastructure, deployment of renewables and emissions reductions can fully materialise. Many clean energy measures are delivered through financial instruments, which should lead to part of the RRF resources being invested on the ground after 2026 and leveraging further investment from other sources. Once the RRF comes to an end, analyses point to a possible public funding gap. The European Parliament has identified energy as one of the priority areas for strategic EU investment in the post-2027 EU budget, calling for an increase in the relevant allocations. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Will Democrats choose another progressive nominee or distance themselves from Graham Platner’s wing of the party amid his scandals?

The Post asked would-be replacement candidates whether they wanted the support of Platner, who is under fire over a sexual assault allegation. Only one responded.

People close to the Senate candidate’s campaign say that they know he has to drop out but that Platner has struggled with the decision.

This study examines the growing financialisation of housing in the EU, focusing on the role of institutional investors and corporate landlords in rental housing markets. It identifies two forms of speculation: valuation-driven business models centred on asset appreciation and landlord practices that undermine tenants’ rights and housing security. While the Commission’s European Affordable Housing Plan recognises these challenges, the study argues that more action and EU-level coordination are needed to address housing financialisation and support alternative, non-financialised housing models that ensure affordability. This document was prepared at the request of the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union (HOUS). Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The president embraced the alliance in a meeting Wednesday, extolling nations’ defense spending and saying nothing about the Danish territory, officials said.

It was a dramatic departure from Trump’s more acerbic tone toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he once derided as ungrateful.

A preliminary hearing to establish whether there is enough evidence against Tyler James Robinson for the case to proceed to trial enters Day 3 in Utah.

Iran said it had targeted more than 80 U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, after the U.S. launched strikes in response to attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Shortly after arriving at a NATO meeting in Turkey, Trump restarted the divisive fight, telling reporters that Greenland “should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark.”

The passenger package responds to the fragmentation of EU passenger transport, where travellers face difficulties in planning and booking multimodal and cross-border journeys due to disconnected ticketing systems, limited data access and weak interoperability between operators. This often forces passengers to buy separate tickets and reduces protection if disruptions occur across different journey legs. The Commission has identified multimodal digital mobility services as a key solution but finds that their development is constrained by uneven access to transport data and ticketing systems. It concludes that voluntary industry action is insufficient to overcome these structural barriers and proposes EU-level legislation to ensure fair access to data and ticketing, improve interoperability and strengthen passenger rights. Adopted in May 2026, the passenger package includes rules on multimodal booking, rail ticketing and enhanced protection for single tickets, to enable seamless door-to-door booking and consistent passenger rights across operators. The package supports the European Green Deal and the sustainable and smart mobility strategy by making sustainable transport, especially rail, easier to use and more competitive. It builds on the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Directive by enabling access to and use of transport data for integrated booking and implements key objectives of the EU's action plan for long-distance and cross-border rail and the high-speed rail strategy by addressing fragmented ticketing and improving cross-border rail integration. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP