A forward-looking and comprehensive European immigration policy, based on solidarity, is a key objective for the European Union. Immigration policy is intended to establish a balanced approach to dealing with both regular and irregular immigration. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The European Committee of the Regions is made up of 329 members representing the regional and local authorities of the 27 Member States of the European Union. It issues opinions sought on the basis of mandatory (as required by the Treaties) and voluntary consultation and, where appropriate, own-initiative opinions. Its members are not bound by any mandatory instructions. They are independent in the performance of their duties, in the European Union’s general interest. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Indirect taxes include value-added tax (VAT) and excise duties on alcohol, tobacco and energy. The standard VAT system generally applies to goods and services bought and sold for use or consumption in the EU. Excise duties are levied on the sale or use of specific products. EU legislative activities are aimed at coordinating and harmonising VAT law and harmonising duties on alcohol, tobacco and energy, to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market. Parliament’s legislative role with regard to VAT and excise duties is limited to the consultation procedure. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) is a central plank of the EU’s broader internal security architecture. Law enforcement cooperation and policies are still developing, with a special focus on countering terrorism, cybercrime and other serious and organised forms of crime. The main goal is to achieve a safer Europe for the benefit of everyone in the EU, in compliance with fundamental rights and data protection rules, as requested several times by Parliament. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The need for effective communication has a legal basis in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the Charter), which guarantees the right to be informed about EU issues for all citizens. The EU institutions have developed several tools and services to stay in contact with and inform the public. Since its formal launch in 2012, the European Citizens’ Initiative has allowed citizens to become more directly involved in new legislation and EU issues. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The great cormorant is a highly mobile, fish-eating bird that has a significant and widespread impact on fish stocks and aquaculture sites. Due to its predation impact, the cormorant was heavily persecuted in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but has been a protected species since the European Union Birds Directive came into force in 1979. Its population has grown significantly since then. While the bird cannot be hunted, the Birds Directive permits derogations to prevent serious damage to wild fish stocks and fish farms. These derogations are widely used by Member States, in a highly varied manner. The European Parliament called for the adoption of a European cormorant management plan in 2008, to minimise the increasing impact of cormorants on fish stocks, fishing and aquaculture. This request was reiterated in the Parliament's 2018 and 2022 resolutions on aquaculture. Similarly, at Council meetings in September and October 2025, several Member States urged the European Commission to coordinate EU-wide management of cormorant populations. Following recent discussions, the Commission held a structured dialogue with the Member States in October 2025. In this context, the Commission announced updated guidance on the use of derogations under the Birds Directive. In November 2025, the European Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission, an intergovernmental fisheries advisory body, published its final framework for a management plan as part of a project co-funded by the EU. The aim of this initiative is to maintain favourable conservation status for the cormorant while protecting fish species and aquaculture fish farms. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Cross-border parental child abductions in the EU are governed by The 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and (except for Denmark) the Brussels II-ter Regulation. Countries outside of the EU may or may not be Contracting States to ‘the Convention’, but will not be bound by Brussels II-ter. Research has found that the often negative, long-lasting impact of abduction may continue throughout the lifecycle of those who have been abducted. It may also affect future generations of society. This means that every effort to deter abduction should be made. Where that is not possible, the 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention should be nurtured to support its application in contemporary society. Specialist mediation should be encouraged in relation to international child abduction generally, and specifically in relation to Third Countries which are not Contracting States to ‘the Convention’. This study was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the JURI Committee. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Tax fragmentation across Member States continues to undermine the functioning of the EU single market. Legal uncertainty and administrative complexity create persistent obstacles to cross-border activity. On 27 January 2026, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC) will host a public hearing on this topic. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

There has been a significant surge in the number of virtual private networks (VPNs) used to bypass online age verification methods in countries where these have been put in place by law. Protection of children online is high on the political agenda, and new legislative frameworks are being implemented that require a minimum age to access certain online products and services. The European Union's Digital Services Act has introduced recommended guidelines for age assurance, which apply to online intermediaries and social media platforms. Some argue that access to VPN services should be restricted to users above a digital age of majority. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This study provides an overview of the EU policy instruments, including Cohesion Policy Funds, that are used in disaster response and recovery. It assesses their contribution to strengthening resilience to climate change and to meeting disaster-relief and reconstruction needs. The study also examines how the ‘Build Back Better’ approach can be integrated into future Cohesion Policy to ensure that disaster-affected areas are rebuilt in a more resilient and sustainable manner. Recommendations are provided on how Cohesion Policy can be improved to support EU regions in responding to disasters. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the adoption, design, and impact of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Contracts for Difference (CfD) across the EU. It assesses current trends, market effects, and policy frameworks, and proposes actionable recommendations to resolve barriers to wider uptake. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Transformation, Innovation and Health at the request of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE). Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), Czechia is currently set to receive a total contribution of €8 752.3 million, corresponding to 4.2 % of its 2019 gross domestic product (GDP). This amount consists of €8 409.2 million in grants (including €680.5 million in REPowerEU grants and €54.9 million transferred from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve) and €343.1 million in loans. This total reflects several revisions of Czechia's national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP), which initially amounted to €7 036 million in grants only. The latest amendment, approved by the Council on 12 December 2025, was aimed at streamlining the implementation of 109 measures. So far, Czechia has received €6 158.2 million in pre-financing and four result-based payments, representing 70.1 % of its total allocation, compared with the EU average of 61.1 %. The total includes €185 million disbursed on 3 December 2025, following the European Commission's partial lifting of the partial suspension of the third payment after the fulfilment of one outstanding milestone and partial progress on another. Overall, Czechia has so far fulfilled 57 % of its milestones and targets, which is above the EU average of 49 %. Czechia's NRRP devotes 42.7 % of the resources to the green transition and 22.4 % towards digital transformation, with a comprehensive mix of reforms and investment to help the Czech economy recover, while addressing structural weaknesses. Measures under the plan are to be completed by 31 August 2026. The European Parliament participates in interinstitutional forums for cooperation and discussion on RRF implementation, and scrutinises the Commission's work. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Fifth edition. Earlier editions were drafted by Marketa Pape and Božena Destin Bobková. The 'NGEU delivery' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The Commission's proposal for the 2028-2034 Global Europe instrument seeks to ensure a more strategic approach, in line with the objectives of the EU's internal policies – particularly migration control, while taking on board EU and partner countries' mutual interests. It deeply restructures the EU's external financing architecture, introducing a new system of geographic pillars, a global pillar, and a flexible 'cushion', while integrating several existing instruments ranging from development cooperation to humanitarian aid and pre-accession support. Current spending targets, including those on gender and climate, would be removed in favour of broader indicative commitments. The proposal aims to increase responsiveness to crises and geopolitical challenges, however it significantly expands the Commission's discretion over spending, raising concerns about transparency, predictability and parliamentary oversight. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Following a strategy of maximum pressure since January 2025, the United States intervened militarily in January 2026, captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and arraigned them in New York on drug trafficking charges. After their capture, Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as President. Venezuela's constitution provides for elections when the president is incapacitated, although the deadline by which elections are required to take place is not clear. Trump's message that 'American dominance in the western hemisphere will never be questioned again' –directed in particular towards foreign actors in Venezuela such as China – stressed the US claim that Latin America falls under the US sphere of influence, and recalls the times during the Cold War when Latin America was referred to as America's backyard. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On 16 July 2025, the European Commission put forward a proposal for a regulation establishing the European fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security for the period 2028-2034 ('the fund') as part of the extensive package on the next EU long-term budget – the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework. The Commission argues that the proposal would bring about more flexibility, simplicity and better value for money, while strategically addressing today's priorities. This would be achieved through national and regional partnership plans: for each Member State, one single plan would regroup initiatives currently managed under separate budgetary instruments covering different policy areas such as the common agricultural policy, cohesion, social and migration. In May 2025, the European Parliament had strongly opposed the use of the 'one national plan per Member State' approach inspired by the Recovery and Resilience Facility for all shared management spending. Parliament's MFF co-rapporteurs call on Members to keep opposing that approach in their draft interim report. In addition, the proposal includes funding for an EU facility, an Interreg plan aimed at enhancing European territorial cooperation, and technical assistance. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

How value added tax (VAT) rates are levied on various goods and services has wide-ranging implications, including for the fiscal revenues of national and EU budgets and the prices consumers have to pay. This briefing examines how EU legislation shapes Member States' ability to set VAT rates. EU law establishes the framework within which Member States may apply different VAT rates, including the types of goods and services that can benefit from preferential rates. Such differentiation is used to pursue policy objectives – for example, supporting low-income households or incentivising the consumption of certain 'merit' goods. However, these policy choices can also create legal and administrative complexity and lead to sizeable revenue losses. Moreover, studies have questioned the extent to which lower VAT rates are effectively passed on to consumers by businesses, raising doubts about their efficiency as policy instruments. The European Parliament has expressed concerns about the legal uncertainty and the complexity arising from the proliferation of different VAT rates, and has called for regular reviews to assess which of the preferential VAT rates remain necessary and effective. At a time when many EU Member States face high budget deficits and competing spending priorities, a smart approach to VAT rate-setting is essential. Ensuring that VAT rate policy effectively balances social objectives, market efficiency and revenue collection is key to maintaining both fiscal sustainability and fairness within the EU. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The 13 overseas countries and territories (OCTs) of the European Union (EU) are islands associated with the EU and constitutionally linked to Denmark (Greenland), France (6 OCTs), and the Netherlands (6 OCTs), on which they depend to varying degrees as non-sovereign countries or territories. OCTs have been associated with the EU since the entry into force in 1958 of the Treaty of Rome. This association is enshrined in Articles 198 to 204 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the EU (TFEU). Its key aim is to promote the economic and social development of the OCTs and to establish close economic relations between them and the EU. According to the TFEU, this association serves primarily to further the interests and prosperity of the inhabitants of OCTs to lead them to the economic, social, and cultural development to which they aspire. On 3 September 2025, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a Council decision on the association of the OCTs with the EU, including relations between the EU and Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark. This proposal to amend the current Council Decision (EU) 2021/1764 is made in the context of the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF). It introduces several amendments and ensures the continuation of EU funding for the OCTs. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the EU response to the COVID-19 crisis, Bulgaria is set to receive €6 174.1 million in grants, including €479.3 million under REPowerEU and €6 million from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. Any additional financing must be covered by national or private co-funding. Bulgaria's national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) corresponds to 10.1 % of its 2019 gross domestic product (GDP) (the RRF amounts to 5.2 % of EU-27 2019 GDP), the eighth-highest share in the EU, and all RRF funds must be paid out by end-2026. The plan was updated twice in 2025: in July, to introduce the new REPowerEU chapter, and in November, to amend measures that were partially no longer achievable or to implement better alternatives. So far, Bulgaria has received three payments of €3 273.2 million. It has absorbed 53 % of available RRF funds, below the 61.1 % EU average, and completed 60.4 % of its milestones and targets. The Bulgarian plan aims to address the main challenges and systemic weaknesses of Bulgaria's economy and builds on the national development programme BULGARIA 2030. The latter proposes solutions for medium-term growth by setting strategic objectives (e.g. accelerated economic development, demographic upswing and reduced inequalities). The NRRP extends the scope of reforms and investment while ensuring coherence with measures under EU cohesion policy. Bulgaria is one of the main beneficiaries of EU funds (as a share of GDP) over the 2021 2027 financing period, and complementarity with RRF resources is relevant in several fields. The amended plan supports climate objectives with 49.9 % of the total RRF funds (and 99.5 % of the proposed REPowerEU measures), while 20.7 % goes to digital objectives. Both green and digital spending targets have thus been exceeded. The European Parliament participates in interinstitutional forums for cooperation and discussion on the implementation of the RRF, and scrutinises the European Commission's work. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Fifth edition. Previous editions were drafted by Velina Lilyanova. The 'NGEU delivery' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Denmark has prepared amendments to national copyright rules to grant people more control over their voices and images in AI-generated deepfakes. It proposes a novel approach that would introduce new personality rights utilising copyright law. While there seems to be an appetite to tackle harmful deepfakes more effectively across the Union, there is also a debate about the most appropriate legal framework to do so and the need for new rights in the first place. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The roadworthiness package (RWP), last updated in 2014, aims to ensure that minimum standards are maintained by vehicle owners to ensure road safety and an adequate environmental performance of vehicles in the EU. The evaluation of the 2014 RWP found that unsafe and polluting vehicles are still circulating, and that the package has not been fully effective at achieving its objectives so far. The RWP's current revision seeks to further improve road safety and sustainable mobility and facilitate the free movement of people and goods. It consists of two proposals addressing three directives: Directive 2014/46 on registration documents for vehicles, under one procedure; and Directive 2014/45 on periodic technical inspection and Directive 2014/47 on roadside inspection, under another. The new measures are aimed at reducing road fatalities, making roadworthiness testing more objective, reducing tampering, and improving storage and exchange of specific vehicle data to improve mutual recognition across countries. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The defence readiness roadmap 2030 translates the ambition of the 2025 white paper for European defence into concrete objectives intended to ensure that EU Member States can deter and respond to high-intensity threats by the end of the decade. It identifies persistent fragmentation, limited joint procurement and dependence on non-EU suppliers as key structural weaknesses, despite rising defence spending. Capability coalitions are designed to coordinate national investment in priority areas, and European readiness flagships, such as the drone defence initiative and the European air shield, aim to provide urgent collective responses to emerging threats. Successful implementation will depend on meeting targets for collaborative procurement, industrial capacity expansion and regulatory streamlining. The roadmap views defence readiness as dependent on a resilient industrial and technological base linked to innovation, workforce development and secure access to critical raw materials. It emphasises closer coordination with NATO and international partners, including Ukraine, whose integration into European defence planning is treated as strategically essential. Trade unions warn against deregulation and social cost shifting, while industrial actors emphasise predictable frameworks to incentivise investment. Expert analysts caution that political divergence among Member States, limited new funding and concerns over duplication with NATO may hinder progress. The European Parliament supports greater defence ambition and calls for a unified posture based on sustained support to Ukraine and strengthened joint capability development. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Sports tourism is a growing branch of the EU tourism economy, encompassing both active participation in sports and attending spectator events. Defined by the UN specialised agency for tourism as travel experiences involving watching or participating in sporting events, it has evolved into a significant economic force, valued at approximately €585 billion globally and accounting for 10 % of the total tourism market. The EU has recognised the potential of sports tourism as a strategic tool for regional development, capable of addressing common tourism challenges, such as seasonality and overtourism, by attracting visitors during off-peak periods and to emerging destinations. Benefits of sports tourism extend across economic, social, health and environmental dimensions. Economically, the sports sector generates employment, with over 6 million jobs directly linked to sports across the EU, many of which are linked to the visitor economy. Further multiplier effects create additional value through supply chain impacts. Beyond immediate revenue generation, sports tourism can serve as a catalyst for infrastructure development, destination branding and long-term urban revitalisation. For individuals, active sports tourism provides health benefits and serves as a preventive health investment. Rural areas, in particular, benefit from sports tourism as it can diversify local economies, boost infrastructure improvements and provide visibility for less-visited regions. However, it is important to design policies that promote a sustainable and inclusive form of sports tourism that addresses the needs of all stakeholders involved and respects the unique local social and environmental context to avoid negative impacts associated with poorly managed mega-events, such as overcrowding, displacement and unsustainable public debt. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

In autumn 2025, the ECON Committee requested external expertise to better understand the evolving EU-US macroeconomic dynamics to foster effective policy scrutiny in light of the European Parliament's economic oversight responsibilities. Three papers have been received: one by Natacha VALLA and François MIGUET (Sciences Po and New York University), one by Cinzia ALCIDI (Centre for European Policy Studies, CEPS), and one by Daniela GABOR (SOAS University of London). This briefing presents the main takeaways from the three studies and, in the following sections, provides an overview of the authors’ analyses and findings structured around four key questions. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This digest provides a collection of documents prepared by the academia, think tanks, other EU institutions and bodies, as well as stakeholders that can be useful for Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets to stay informed about the debate concerning the next Multiannual Financial Framework, starting in 2028. The document is produced monthly by the Budgetary Support Unit of DG BUDG and the European . Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The free movement of capital is one of the four fundamental freedoms of the EU single market. It is not only the most recent one but, because of its unique third-country dimension, also the broadest. The liberalisation of capital flows has progressed gradually. Restrictions on capital movements and payments, both between Member States and with third (i.e. non-EU) countries, have been prohibited since the start of 2004 as a result of the Maastricht Treaty, although exceptions may exist. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The Commission is proposing to revise the market stability reserve for the buildings, road transport and additional sectors covered by the EU emissions trading system. The targeted amendments aim to reinforce the capacity of the reserve to intervene if the price of carbon escalates in these sectors. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The communication on the European Democracy Shield (EDS) aims to boost the protection of democracy against attacks, including from foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) and disinformation. Proposed actions reflect the EU's whole-of-society approach, with a new Centre for Democratic Resilience complementing a broad set of proposed actions across three key pillars. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The importance of information and communication technologies (ICTs), as well as data services, continues to grow in importance for both consumers and businesses. With the surge in on-demand content and 4G/5G growth, the EU has introduced a telecommunications regulatory framework. This encompasses all types of telecommunications, including broadcasting. Research indicates that telecommunications services, network equipment, content and applications contribute up to EUR 1 trillion to the EU’s GDP annually, representing about 4.7% of the EU’s GDP. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The free movement of goods was bolstered by eliminating customs duties as well as other non-tariff barriers. Principles like mutual recognition and standardisation further advanced the internal market. The 2008 New Legislative Framework enhanced the movement of goods, EU market surveillance and the CE (European Conformity) mark. Yet, challenges on internal market harmonisation persist and other factors can still hinder the full free movement of goods. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The housing crisis is a growing problem in Europe. In fact, 10% of EU households are spending over 40% of their income on housing. While housing policy is primarily a national competence, the EU’s role in internal market, social, cohesion and environmental policy underpins EU action in this sector. The European Pillar of Social Rights and the renovation wave strategy have demonstrated EU action to specifically tackle homelessness and ensure affordable and decent housing and living conditions. Further EU action focuses on State aid, financing for housing, short-term rentals, and the construction sector. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The aim of the EU’s asylum policy is to grant appropriate status to any non-EU national requiring international protection in one of the Member States, while ensuring compliance with the principle of non-refoulement[1]. To this end, the EU is striving to develop a Common European Asylum System. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The founding principles of the European Union are liberty, democracy and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. The EU aims to build human rights concerns into all its policies and programmes. This fact sheet explains:— The legal framework that governs the EU’s human rights policy;— The tools and funds that the EU uses to support democracy and human rights in its relations with countries and organisations outside the EU. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The European Cybersecurity Act adopted in 2019 established a permanent mandate for the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and introduced a European cybersecurity certification framework to strengthen trust and resilience across the Union. Its implementation faced a fast-evolving cybersecurity landscape since the Act’s adoption, marked by a 150% increase in cyberattacks in 2024 and an expanding regulatory landscape, including the network and information systems Directive, the Cyber Resilience Act, and the Cyber Solidarity Act. These parallel developments have expanded ENISA’s responsibilities putting strains on its resources and coordination capacity. Over recent years, ENISA has become an established actor within the EU’s cybersecurity landscape. It has supported Member States in policy development, contributed to building technical and operational capabilities, and promoted exchanges of good practice and awareness-raising initiatives. Its role in facilitating cooperation and providing expertise has been widely acknowledged. At the same time, the broadening of ENISA’s mandate has created challenges in defining priorities, allocating resources and coordinating with other EU and national bodies. Stakeholders have underlined the need for clearer task definition, more systematic planning and stronger coordination mechanisms to avoid overlaps. The European Cybersecurity Certification Framework has advanced more slowly than initially foreseen. According to stakeholders, progress in developing certification schemes has been limited, with several delays and concerns regarding process transparency and predictability. The absence of a regularly updated Union Rolling Work Programme has made long-term planning more difficult for both public authorities and industry. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP