The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) establishes a broad but residual framework for crypto-assets not already covered by existing EU financial legislation, combining rules for stablecoins with a wider regime for crypto-asset service providers. By contrast, the US GENIUS Act focuses specifically on payment stablecoins, establishing rules on issuance, reserve backing and supervision within the existing US regulatory structure. This briefing compares both frameworks, examining their approaches to classification, supervision, AML/CFT and regulatory coordination, while also considering selected implications for financial stability and monetary sovereignty. It argues that the main difference between the two models lies less in their treatment of stablecoins themselves than in how they organise the relationship between digital assets, existing financial law and supervisory structures. More generally, the comparison illustrates how digital asset regulation is progressively moving from experimentation towards integration into existing financial and regulatory systems. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This briefing provides an overview of recent ECB monetary policy decisions, the nature of the latest energy price shock, and its implications for inflation dynamics and the outlook. It places particular emphasis on the scenarios presented in the Eurosystem staff macroeconomic projections of June 2026, and reviews recent ECB publications alongside monetary policy developments in the US. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This briefing relates to ECON’s scrutiny of the delegated act (DA) on temporary adjustments to Basel III market risk rules (the Fundamental Review of the Trading Book / FRTB), adopted by the Commission on 4 June 2026, C(2026)3647, under Article 461a(2)(a) CRR. It explains the background, legal procedure, and the amendments effected via this DA to the legal basis, i.e. the Capital Requirements Regulation 575/2013 (CRR). Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Pierre Gramegna, Managing Director of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) is participating in the first exchange of views with the ECON Committee in the 10th parliamentary term, based on the Memorandum of Cooperation between the ESM and European Parliament signed in 2024. This briefing provides an overview of the ESM setup in 2012, its key features, instruments, and capital structure. It also considers the ESM Annual Report 2025 and discusses the main findings of the joint discussion paper by the ESM and EIOPA on the macroeconomic, fiscal and financial stability implications of climate-related natural catastrophes. Lastly, it reviews various proposals for euro area safe assets, which are becoming increasingly prominent in the debate, as well as the limited role that the ESM can play in that regard and in financing defence investments, bearing in mind that the revised ESM Treaty has not been ratified by all euro area Member States. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This pre-Commission initiative briefing explores the proposed European product act, a policy initiative announced by the European Commission with the aim of overhauling the legal framework regarding the free movement of goods in the EU. The initiative will address certain problems associated with the rise of 'e-commerce', i.e. low-value items ordered online from third countries. The briefing looks at the specific legal instruments involved, and anticipates policy solutions which the Commission might put forward. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Cyberbullying is a real issue for the current generation of young people who have grown up in the always connected digital world. While trends have indicated that both victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying are becoming younger, it can also affect adults, with women at greater risk of cyberviolence. Cyberbullying can take many forms and can cause anxiety and depression among its victims. People can experience shame and embarrassment and withdraw from studies, work, interests and their social circles. The impact of cyberviolence can be tangible with a significant economic cost to society. The EU has placed significant importance on tackling the issue of cyberbullying. The Commission has adopted an action plan against cyberbullying in 2026, which focuses on a coordinated approach among Member States. It is designed to foster prevention and awareness, and encourages Member States to adopt comprehensive national strategies and promote a common understanding of cyberbullying to ensure a safer digital environment. The EU has enacted a number of laws which address various elements of digitalisation to protect EU citizens and prevent providers of digital services and content from engaging in harmful practices. The EU also has a suite of policies and strategies to complement its legal framework in online child protection, coupled with support for parents and educators. Risks from cyber-enabled violence continue to be a threat to European society, especially its young people. While advances in digital technology provide many opportunities, these are accompanied by a myriad of dangers. Cyberbullying is one such danger, with real-world consequences for individuals. While Member States across the EU have embarked on multi-faceted responses to the issue, there have been calls for an EU-wide legally binding definition of cyberbullying. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Thousands of migrants have died in the Mediterranean over the past decade, and there are increasing demands for greater action. In its previous term, the European Parliament called for more active and coordinated search and rescue (SAR) operations, but other organisations have also stressed the need for further measures. Under international law, EU countries are responsible for SAR operations for ships within their jurisdiction, with Frontex able to offer support. A permanent solidarity mechanism will be in place from July 2026 as part of the pact on migration and asylum. However, creating a European search and rescue corps would require a clear legal basis under EU law. Frontex could be given a larger role in SAR operations, but for this would need additional powers and resources. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Briefing No. 5 - Following independence from the CIS, the environmental situation in Estonia has improved considerably because of the economic recession and high investments. Despite the very recent signing of the Association Agreement, Estonia has already made considerable progress in harmonization of environmental legislation. All White Paper legislation will probably have been transposed by the end of 1999. Adoption of the remaining acquis communautaire is planned for the end of 2001. Even though this date is rather unrealistic, the acquis will probably be adopted before Estonia’s accession. However, application and transposition in the high-investment areas is currently very patchy and has to be improved. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

People from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds face discrimination and its consequences on a daily basis. However, the exact scale of the problem is hard to gauge, owing to a lack of data and general under‑reporting of racist incidents. Although the European Union (EU) has been introducing legislation to combat racial and xenophobic discrimination since 2000, the problem persists. The global Black Lives Matter protests highlighted the need for new measures, while the COVID‑19 pandemic saw a major increase in reports of racist and xenophobic incidents, and the crisis it triggered had a disproportionately large negative effect on racial and ethnic minority groups, in the form of higher death and infection rates. Studies point to the cost of racial discrimination not only for the individuals concerned, but also for society as a whole. For instance, a 2018 EPRS report argued that the loss in earnings caused by racial and ethnic discrimination for both individuals and societies amounts to billions of euros annually. EU citizens also acknowledge this problem: a 2019 survey found that over half of Europeans believe racial or ethnic discrimination to be widespread in their country. To address racial discrimination and the inequalities it engenders, the European Commission has put forward a number of equality strategies and actions. The European Parliament, meanwhile, has long demanded an end to racial discrimination. In recent resolutions, Parliament has called for an end to structural racism, discrimination, racial profiling and police brutality; for protection of the right to protest peacefully; for an enhanced role for culture, education, media and sport in the fight against racism; and for authorities to take an intersectional approach. This is a further update of a briefing, the previous edition of which was from April 2025. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

We assess the latest monetary policy stance of the European Central Bank (ECB). We first discuss whether the inflation surge is temporary or permanent and examine the nature of the inflation shock. We then analyse the ECB’s interest rate and quantitative tightening policies. Finally, we examine inflation differentials within the euro area and the ECB’s communication strategy. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This briefing provides an assessment of the ECB Annual Report 2025 and the ECB’s feedback statement responding to the issues raised and requests made by the European Parliament in its resolution on the “European Central Bank – annual report 2025”, which relates to the ECB Annual Report for the previous year. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This paper evaluates technical aspects of the Directives on periodic roadworthiness testing (2014/45/EU) and roadside inspection of commercial vehicles (2014/47/EU). Key findings focus on harmonising minimum content for Periodic Technical Inspection and Roadside Inspection requirements across Member States and establishing a cross-border data-exchange platform for registration, driver licence and inspection data. For remote sensing, comparative campaigns across Member States are recommended, noting its benefits while zero-emission vehicle uptake remains low. This document was provided by Policy Department B at the request of the TRAN Committee. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

According to Directive 2008/115/EC, third-country nationals staying illegally on the territory of a European Union (EU) Member State should, as a general rule, be issued a return decision obliging them to leave the EU. However, available data suggest that, among those who receive such a decision, only about a quarter actually leave the EU. The limited effectiveness of the return policy is due to several challenges that the EU and Member States face when carrying out return procedures, including difficulties related to implementation at national level. To increase the effectiveness of the EU return policy, the European Commission announced in its 2025 work programme that it would develop a new common approach to returns, including a new legislative proposal on the subject. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

European Union countries will be able to set up return hubs in third countries once the return regulation enters into force. These facilities in non-EU countries would be used to host irregular migrants who do not have the right to remain in the EU. The EU has been trying for decades to get more irregular migrants to leave. They would have to conclude an agreement with a third country that is safe and recognises human rights. The examples of non-EU countries that have done something similar suggest this could prove expensive and involve only small numbers of migrants. The plans have been criticised by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), who worry how the human rights of the migrants involved will be affected. There are likely to be many legal challenges. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Article 8 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) commits the European Union and its Member States to eliminating inequalities and promoting the principle of equality between women and men in all their actions. As set out in the EU gender equality strategy 2026-2030, achieving gender equality in the European Union is a joint responsibility, requiring action by all EU institutions, Member States and EU agencies, in partnership with civil society and women's organisations, social partners and the private sector. Since 2003, when the European Parliament formally launched gender mainstreaming activities within the institution, the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM Committee) has been regularly preparing monitoring reports on the state of gender mainstreaming in the European Parliament. The subsequent resolutions, adopted in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2016, 2019 and 2022, are part of a sustained series of activities implemented over the past two decades to support and intensify gender mainstreaming in the European Parliament. This effort was significantly reinforced by the adoption of a gender action plan and a roadmap for its implementation in July 2020 and April 2021 respectively, and their renewal in October 2025 and April 2026. This study, which updates a previous edition of September 2021, examines the current state of play of gender mainstreaming in the European Parliament in support of the forthcoming own-initiative report on gender mainstreaming in the European Parliament, to be drawn up by the FEMM committee. It provides an updated overview of the concept of gender mainstreaming and the tools available to implement it; analyses Parliament's current gender mainstreaming policy, with particular focus on the 2022 resolution on the issue, Parliament's 2020 and 2025 gender action plans and their accompanying roadmaps, as well as committee gender action plans; and examines gender mainstreaming both in European Parliament policymaking and in terms of representation, institutional culture and working environment within the institution. It further reviews gender mainstreaming practices in other EU institutions and national parliaments to place the European Parliament's efforts in a broader comparative context. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP