European Parliamentary Research Service Blog

Written by Tarja Laaninen.

Erasmus+ is the EU programme for education, training, youth and sports for the 2021-2027 period, established by a 2021 regulation of the European Parliament and the Council. It is a successor to the 2014-2020 programme. Erasmus+ is commonly known as a student learning mobility programme, but it actually consists of a wide array of other actions to bolster the potential of European youth. This paper looks specifically at youth policies within Erasmus+.

Objectives and focus

The overall objective of the Erasmus+ programme is to support through lifelong learning the educational, professional and personal development of people in Europe and beyond. The programme consists of education, youth and sports strands and aims to reach up to 12 million participants. Erasmus+ is an umbrella programme that brings together a number of previous funding programmes, each of which were linked to a particular sector of education, training and youth.

The youth strand of Erasmus+ is one of the key instruments for implementing the 2019-2027 EU youth strategy that is based on a Council resolution from 2018. The programme thereby contributes to the implementation of the European youth work agenda, based on a 2020 Council resolution.

Currently, young people not only face the usual challenges connected to their age, such as the transition from education to working life and living on their own, but also new uncertainties about their future due to the return of war to Europe and fragile international relations; increasing attacks on European democracy and its values; the rise of populism and disinformation; impacts of globalisation and climate change; rapid technological change; demographic and socioeconomic trends; and discrimination and social exclusion.

Around 10 % of EU youths are at risk of socioeconomic marginalisation, associated with a decreased sense of trust in democratic institutions and interpersonal trust. It is also associated with a decreased level of political engagement and social and civic participation.

The EU youth strategy, informed by the EU youth goals, aims to better engage, connect and empower European youth. Through the Erasmus+ programme’s youth strand, the EU intends to promote non-formal and informal learning mobility and active democratic participation among young people. It also aims to contribute to the improvement of policies and the functioning of organisations in the field of youth and youth work.

Key actions

Erasmus+ consists of three key actions, all of which include specific elements targeted at youths. Under the first key action, learning mobility, Erasmus+ supports organisations and initiatives that organise youth exchanges as well as mobility projects for youth workers. The 2021-2027 programme provides more opportunities for non-formal learning mobility for young people under the youth heading. Youth work is shown to be effective in helping young people to become aware of their skills and competences and bringing employers and youths together. It also helps better identify and respond to social challenges among young people.

An example of such a mobility project for youth workers is the ‘Rehearsal for life’ project. During this project, youth workers from nine different countries gained expertise in the ‘Theatre of the Oppressed’ technique. This group technique is designed to help participants enhance their awareness of how thought patterns and attitudes affect both themselves and others, fostering greater mutual understanding.

Under the same key action, Erasmus+ supports youth participation activities that are meant to encourage youths to take part in democratic life. The actions can, for example, bring together young people and decision-makers at local, regional or national level, or develop young people’s digital competences and media literacy (in particular, critical thinking and the ability to assess and work with information), with a view to increasing young people’s resilience to disinformation, misinformation and propaganda, as well as their capacity to participate in democratic life.

The key action supports DiscoverEU, a new initiative making it possible for 18 year-olds to visit another Member State. DiscoverEU inclusion actions are meant to offer youths with fewer opportunities the possibility to receive extra support in discovering Europe.

Under the second key action, cooperation among organisations and institutions, Erasmus+ supports cross-border and international partnerships, including small-scale partnerships, between youth organisations that facilitate cooperation, innovation and exchange of practice. It also supports the creation of online platforms that facilitate this cooperation virtually. An example of such cooperation is NO STEP BACK, a network of organisations that aims to promote the rights of young women, gender equality and LGBTQI+ rights for young people. The network developed study materials for young people to foster their social and political engagement, while actively participating in political activities to advocate for these goals themselves.

Under the third key action, support to policy development and cooperation, Erasmus+ supports programmes that improve development, implementation and raising awareness of EU youth policies, as well as cooperation with stakeholders. It also facilitates the creation of EU-wide tools, such as the Youthpass, offering recognition of non-formal learning activities. An example of an initiative is ‘Future We Want‘, where 50 advocacy campaigners were trained to engage with young people across 17 cities in Europe to compose a Youth Manifesto, containing ideas from young people on sustainable development.

Within the Erasmus+ programme, priority is given to inclusion of people with fewer opportunities. The European Commission has laid out a framework of inclusion measures to better accommodate the needs of these participants. These measures include, among others, adjusting learning formats and programme documents to make them more accessible, giving priority to inclusive organisations when allocating grants and additional financial support, and reinforced mentorship for participants with fewer opportunities.

Budget

The budget for the 2021-2027 period is around €26.2 billion, nearly double that for 2014-2020. Again, around 10.3 % of the budget is reserved for the youth branch of the programme. An additional €2.2 billion is made available through the EU external cooperation instruments.

The yearly budget is disclosed in the annual work programmes. Based on the annual work programmes and the programme guidelines, national agencies and the European Education and Culture Executive Agency issue calls for proposals on a yearly basis.

Read this ‘at a glance’ note on ‘Erasmus+: More than just students‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Citizens are calling on the European Union to ensure that its fishing practices abroad are environmentally responsible. Many citizens have written to the President of the European Parliament on this subject since July 2025, calling for stronger ecological standards, transparency, and regulation of EU fishing activities outside EU waters.

We replied to citizens who took the time to write to the President.

Main elements of the reply Fishing outside EU waters

The Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union (EU) sets rules to ensure that EU fisheries and aquaculture are environmentally sustainable.

The EU’s fisheries rules include clear goals for management of fishing both inside and outside EU waters, making sure it respects international agreements and keeps the same standards everywhere. In 2017, new rules made it easier to track and share information about EU fishing fleets working outside the EU.

Globally, the EU tries to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, while also regulating catches by EU boats outside European waters.

The EU is an active member of most of the intergovernmental organisations that regulate fishing in international waters. It contributes to the decisions taken by these organisations and integrates them into EU law, which all EU fishing boats must follow.

The EU currently has about a dozen active Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements with non-EU countries. They allow EU boats to fish surplus stocks in the waters of those countries while promoting resource conservation, environmental sustainability and local development.

Agreements on fishing activities in non-EU waters are negotiated by the European Commission.

European Parliament and sustainable fisheries

In a January 2024 resolution, the European Parliament pointed out that Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements provide mutual benefits to both the EU and partner countries. It underlined that recent agreements include human rights clauses and better integrate the needs of local populations.

In its July 2025 resolution on the Sustainable Development Goals, Parliament emphasised the urgent need for binding global measures and an ecosystem-based approach to safeguarding the ocean’s long-term health.

The resolution highlights several points:

• Such measures must guarantee the protection of human rights alongside marine ecosystems.

• Supporting a just transition to sustainable fisheries is essential, including efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
• The ongoing decline in sustainable fish populations underscores the need for a regulatory framework based on ecosystem-based management, combined with efficient and transparent monitoring systems.
• Sustainable fishing practices, involving active community participation, are crucial to reducing overfishing and securing the long-term sustainability of marine resources.

Further information

Finally, we would like to highlight a publication from January 2025 in which the European Parliamentary Research Service conducted an analysis of the external dimension of the EU’s common fisheries policy.

Background

Citizens often send messages to the President of the European Parliament expressing their views and/or requesting action. The Citizens’ Enquiries Unit (AskEP) within the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) replies to these messages, which may sometimes be identical as part of wider public campaigns.

Written by Györgyi Mácsai and Stéphanie Pradier.

The Council of the European Union – often referred to as the Council of Ministers, or simply the Council – forms one part of the legislature and the budgetary authority of the Union. The Council and European Parliament together adopt much of the EU’s legislation and the Union’s annual budget, on the basis of proposals put forward by the executive, the European Commission. The Council also takes decisions on specific areas of EU action, in particular in common foreign and security policy (CFSP), where it seeks to coordinate Member States’ positions, and concludes – subject to the consent of the Parliament – international agreements, usually negotiated by the Commission on the basis of a mandate from the Council. The Council of the EU is distinct from the European Council, which is a separate institution made up of the Heads of State or Government of the Member States. The European Council is responsible for defining the general political directions and priorities for the Union, but does not have formal legislative functions.

Read the complete briefing on ‘Council of the European Union: Facts and Figures‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Citizens are calling on the European Parliament to ensure that academic Igbal Abilov’s detention and court case in Azerbaijan proceed according to internationally recognised standards of due process.

Igbal Abilov is a lecturer at the Belarusian State University and conducts research into the history and culture of the Talysh people. Azerbaijani authorities have detained him since he travelled to the country in August 2024, to visit relatives.

Many citizens have written to the President of the European Parliament on this subject since May 2025. We replied to those who took the time to write to the President:

Main elements of our reply

The European Parliament has called on Azerbaijan to release Igbal Abilov and all political prisoners. In a resolution adopted in October 2024, the European Parliament strongly condemns the Azerbaijani regime’s repression and its arbitrary detention of Igbal Azilov and others. It urges the country to release all those detained because of their views.

Parliament calls on European Union (EU) leaders to address the country’s human rights record in their relations with Azerbaijan. It underlines that these relations are based on respect for democracy and human rights, which Azerbaijan is systematically violating.

The European Parliament also demands that EU sanctions be imposed on Azerbaijani officials who have committed serious human rights violations and that the EU Special Representative for Human Rights request meetings with political prisoners in Azerbaijan.

Parliament insists that Azerbaijan must release all political prisoners before a new partnership agreement with the EU can be concluded.

A press release about this resolution is available on Parliament’s website.

In addition, Parliament adopted resolutions on human rights violations by Azerbaijan in April 2024, December 2024 and March 2025.

While the European Parliament takes political positions on developments in the world, it is not directly involved in deciding the EU’s foreign policy or imposing sanctions.

The governments of EU countries decide the EU’s common foreign and security policy in the European Council (where heads of government are gathered) and the Council of the EU (foreign ministers). Likewise, the EU imposes sanctions by unanimous decision in the Council of the EU.

Citizens often send messages to the President of the European Parliament expressing their views and/or requesting action. The Citizens’ Enquiries Unit (AskEP) within the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) replies to these messages, which may sometimes be identical as part of wider public campaigns.

Written by Guillaume Ragonnaud (3rd edition, updated on 11.07.2025).

The EU’s automotive sector is resource intensive. There are 286 million motor vehicles on the road in the EU, and every year around 6.5 million vehicles become waste. If improperly managed, these vehicles may cause environmental damage and the economy may lose millions of tonnes of materials. In July 2023, the European Commission presented a proposal for a regulation addressing the whole life cycle of vehicles, from design to end-of-life, aimed at improving design and end-of-life management of vehicles for a more resource-efficient automotive sector. It would set circularity requirements on vehicle design and production concerning reusability, recyclability, recoverability and the use of recycled content. It would also lay down requirements on information and labelling of parts, components and materials in vehicles. In addition, the proposed regulation would establish requirements on extended producer responsibility, collection and treatment of end-of-life vehicles, and on the export of used vehicles from the EU to third countries. The proposal is now in the hands of the co-legislators. In the European Parliament, the Committees on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) and Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) are jointly responsible for the file. The Council adopted its position on 17 June 2025. The joint committee adopted its report on 7 July and the Parliament is expected to adopt its position during the September 2025 plenary session.

Complete version

• July 2025: ‘Circularity requirements for vehicle design and management of end-of-life vehicles‘ (3rd edition)

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on circularity requirements for vehicle design and on management of end-of-life vehicles, amending Regulations (EU) 2018/858 and 2019/1020 and repealing Directives 2000/53/EC and 2005/64/ECCommittees responsible (Joint Committee procedure – Rule 59):Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) and
Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO)COM(2023)451
13.7.2023Co-Rapporteurs:Jens Gieseke (EPP, Germany)
Paulius Saudargas (EPP, Lithuania)2023/0284(COD)Shadow rapporteurs:Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D, Italy), Matteo Ricci (S&D, Italy),
Filip Turek (PfE, Czechia), Silvia Sardone (PfE, Italy),
Alexandr Vondra (ECR, Czechia), Piotr Müller (ECR, Poland),
Pascal Canfin (Renew, France), Ivars Ijabs (Renew, Latvia),
Sara Matthieu (Greens/EFA, Belgium), David Cormand (Greens/EFA, France), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left, Sweden), Luke Ming Flanagan (The Left, Ireland), Anja Arndt (ESN, Germany)Ordinary legislative procedure
(COD) (Parliament and Council
on equal footing – formerly ‘co-decision’)Next steps expected: Plenary vote on mandate for negotiations

Written by Clare Ferguson and Katarzyna Sochacka.

The European Parliament’s July 2025 plenary session featured a debate on Parliament’s expectations for the EU’s post-2027 long-term budget ahead of the Commission’s proposal. Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen presented the programme of activities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU, which began on 1 July 2025. Members then discussed the conclusions of the 26 June European Council meeting with António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Members also considered and voted to reject a motion of censure of the Commission.

Roberta Metsola, President of Parliament, made a statement commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. Debates on external policy addressed, among other things, EU-China relations; EU-US trade negotiations; the situation in the Middle East; and the Democratic Republic of the Congo-Rwanda peace agreement. Debates also covered post-2027 common agricultural policy; the chemicals package, the European Media Freedom Act, revision of the European Climate Law, and preparedness for wildfires and drought.

Bulgaria to adopt the euro on 1 January 2026

On its path to becoming the 21st euro-area Member State, Bulgaria has demonstrated solid foundations for medium-term convergence and met the requirements for accession to the euro area, despite still tackling corruption, money laundering and governance issues. As Parliament is consulted, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) prepared a report on the country’s readiness to adopt the euro. Members overwhelmingly voted in favour of Bulgaria’s euro-area membership.

Amendment of the Gas Storage Regulation

The EU Gas Storage Regulation has helped counter strong demand and supply disruption, reducing the need for additional gas imports and stabilising energy prices, so it is proposed to extend the measures for two years, until the end of 2027. Members adopted the text agreed between negotiators for the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and the Council, to make the filling targets more flexible and to oblige Member States to track the amount of gas originating in Russia. The amended Gas Storage Regulation now goes to the Council for formal approval.

EU fisheries agreement with Greenland

The EU has had a fisheries agreement with Greenland since 1985, allowing EU vessels to fish in Greenlandic waters in the north-east Atlantic and enabling quota swaps with Norway. Following a recommendation from the Committee on Fisheries (PECH), Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the new protocol to the fisheries agreement with Greenland. It also underlined the importance of the agreement in today’s geopolitical context, while expressing concern over the lack of data on the state of certain fish stocks.

Measures against countries that do not cooperate on shared fish stocks

For greater sustainability in fisheries shared with non-EU countries, and to protect EU fishers from unfair competition, Members adopted a text agreed with the Council on tackling the issue of non-EU countries that do not cooperate on sustainable management of shared fish stocks. In line with Parliament’s demands to clarify the scope of the legislation, the agreed text refers specifically to regional management organisations, and sets rules for penalising third countries.

Product safety and regulatory compliance in e commerce and non-EU imports

Increasingly people are buying online and sourcing goods from outside the EU, goods that do not always conform to EU standards. Customs and other public authorities find it challenging to check large numbers of low-value imports. Members debated a report from the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), on tackling regulatory compliance in e-commerce and non-EU imports. The report emphasises the need for enforcement of existing legislation and reform under the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation. It also urges the Commission to assess the impact of proposed controls for bulk shipments, to evaluate the proposed handling fee and investigate product safety compliance.

Draft amending budget 1/2025

Members endorsed the Council’s position on draft amending budget No 1/2025. It would enter the €1.35 billion surplus from implementation of the 2024 budget as revenue in the 2025 budget. This would reduce Member States’ contributions to the 2025 budget accordingly. While noting the surplus is low, the report from the Committee on Budgets underlines that financing needs remain high, and regrets the absence of progress in the Council on the reform of the own resources system.

Reports on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Georgia

Members debated and adopted four Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) reports on the European Commission’s 2023 and 2024 reports on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Georgia. AFET endorses Albania‘s progress and ambition to complete accession talks by 2027 yet underlines an urgent need to ensure judicial independence, fundamental rights, media pluralism and to tackle corruption and organised crime. In the face of political polarisation and malign foreign influence, AFET calls on Albania to enhance political dialogue. AFET’s report on Bosnia and Herzegovina also reaffirms support for the country’s accession aspirations. However, while acknowledging the reforms undertaken, it also underlines stalled progress and weak implementation, and condemns divisive rhetoric and secessionist policies. AFET’s report on North Macedonia‘s accession negotiations notes the country is a fully aligned and trustworthy partner. It welcomes the €750 million in grants and loans which will become available to North Macedonia under the new Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans, but underlines that political parties must engage in constructive dialogue. Regarding Georgia‘s accession prospects, stalled for some years, AFET’s report calls for new parliamentary elections, solidarity with the Georgian people and coordinated sanctions against key regime enablers.

European Citizens’ Initiative – Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of regional cultures

Members debated a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) stating that EU cohesion policy should focus on regions with national, ethnic, cultural, religious or linguistic aspects that differ from their surrounding regions. Several committees held a joint public hearing on the ‘Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures’ ECI in June 2025. The hearing emphasised the need to preserve cultural and linguistic elements of EU ethnic minority regions, and to address specific challenges. The Commission must examine the claims and provide a response by September.

Opening of trilogue negotiations

Several decisions to enter into interinstitutional negotiations were approved without vote. These came from the Committees on: Budgets (BUDG) and Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), on a proposal on increasing the efficiency of the EU guarantee under the InvestEU Programme Regulation and simplifying reporting requirements; Transport and Tourism (TRAN), on proposals on passenger rights in the context of multimodal journeys, and enforcement of passenger rights in the Union; Legal Affairs (JURI), on proposals on the protection of adults in cross-border cases, and on harmonising certain aspects of insolvency law; Employment (EMPL), on a proposal on reviewing the European Social Fund (ESF+); and the Committee on Regional Development (REGI), on a proposal on amending the European Regional Development Fund, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund at mid-term.

Read this ‘at a glance’ note on ‘Plenary round-up – July 2025‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Written by Polona Car (3rd edition, updated on 10.07.2025).

Russia’s war against Ukraine has revealed the extent of our dependency on digital technology and the fragility of the digital space. It has triggered a surge in cyberattacks that have been particularly disruptive when targeting critical infrastructure – such as energy, health or finance – because of the increasing reliance on information technology, rendering this infrastructure all the more vulnerable.

Against this backdrop, the Commission has proposed a regulation on a cyber solidarity act that would address the urgent need to strengthen solidarity and EU capacities to detect, prepare for and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents. The proposed regulation envisages the establishment of a framework based on three pillars. The first is a European cyber shield – a platform of national and cross-border security operations centres. The second is a cybersecurity emergency mechanism that would support – including financially – preparedness, response and mutual assistance actions among Member States by creating a European cybersecurity reserve of trusted providers. The third is a cybersecurity incident review mechanism to assess and review significant or large-scale incidents.

The Cyber Solidarity Act was published in the EU’s Official Journal on 15 January 2025. It entered into force on 4 February 2025 and became binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Complete version

• July 2025: ‘Cyber solidarity act‘ (3rd edition)

Measures to strengthen solidarity and capacities in the Union to detect, prepare for and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidentsCommittee responsible:Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE)COM(2023)0209
18.4.2023Rapporteur:Lina Gálvez Muñoz (S&D, Spain)2023/0109(COD)Shadow rapporteurs:Angelika Niebler (EPP, Germany)
Bart Groothuis (Renew, The Netherlands)
Ville Niinistö (Greens/EFA, Finland)
Evžen Tošenovský (ECR, Czechia)Ordinary legislative
procedure (COD)
(Parliament and Council
on equal footing –
formerly ‘co-decision’)Next steps expected: Regulation (EU) 2025/38
OJ, 2025/38, 15.01.2025

Written by Saša Butorac.

CONTEXT

At the Versailles Summit in March 2022, EU leaders committed to phasing out Europe’s dependency on imported Russian natural gas, oil and coal. EU Member States ceased to import coal from Russia in August 2022, while imports of Russian crude oil dropped from 27 % in 2021 to 3 % of total EU crude oil imports in 2024. However, Russian natural gas still represents a substantial part of total EU gas consumption. The Commission proposed a ‘Roadmap towards ending Russian energy imports’ on 6 May 2025, aiming at the EU fully ending its dependency on Russian energy, while ensuring stable energy supplies and prices across the EU.

A follow-up legislative proposal, published on 17 June 2025, focuses solely on phasing out imports of natural gas and oil from Russia, while imports of Russian nuclear material will be the subject of a separate proposal due to the complexity of supply chains. The proposal introduces legal obligations on Member States and private entities aiming at gradually phasing out pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) originating in or exported directly or indirectly from Russia. It also presents measures to facilitate a complete end to Russian oil imports by the end of 2027. A complete phase out of imports of Russian natural gas is envisaged for 1 January 2028, while imports under short-term contracts should end by 17 June 2026.

Legislative proposal

2025/0180(COD) – Proposal for a regulation on phasing out Russian natural gas imports, improving monitoring of potential energy dependencies and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 – COM(2025) 828, 17.6.2025.

Read the complete briefing on ‘Phasing out Russian fossil fuel imports‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Written by Isabelle Gaudeul-Ehrhart.

Members’ Research Service Director Sarah Sheil moderated the conversation starting with a focus on the making of the speech, zooming out to the June 2025 publication of the book, and culminating in an exchange with the audience.

Riho Terras (EPP, Estonia), Vice-Chair of the Security and Defence (SEDE) Committee, and a former general, gave the opening keynote speech. He recalled the intrinsic difficulty with defence – we prepare for something that we hope will not happen – and that many did not want to accept that war was possible, despite successive wake-up calls in Georgia, Crimea and then Ukraine. He concluded on the importance of being able to communicate effectively on this topic.

The two guest speakers, Admiral Rob Bauer and his speechwriter Eleonora Russell, were interviewed  by Isabelle Gaudeul‑Ehrhart, leader of the EPRS Speaking with impact Community of practice. As the speech, delivered in 2023, received the highest rhetoric distinction, the Cicero Grand Award, she asked what it takes to reach excellence in speechwriting and delivery. Among the many tips shared, Admiral Bauer highlighted the critical importance of granting direct access to the speaker; and Eleonora Russell added that creating opportunities to deliver the message, and leaving one’s desk to feel as close as possible to the subject matter make for a much more successful and engaging speech. They encouraged speakers and speechwriters to dare to explore the emotions that move people and to craft accessible, concrete, beautiful lines.

Sarah Sheil then invited Rob Bauer and Eleonora Russell to develop some of the book’s themes. With their complementary roles, they explained their views, on writing on such momentous subjects, and their recommendation to ‘trust the professional’, ‘think like an investor’, ‘take responsibility’ and to ‘think in scenario’. Sarah Sheil questioned them on moving from a world of ‘me’ to fight for the ‘we’ – the book’s final call to action, at individual, national, and international levels.

In the last part of the event, the audience, composed of Parliament staff and those from other EU institutions and NATO, questioned the speakers on historical context and sensitivity, reliable data and fact-checking, and language that captures and holds an audience’s attention.

The event can be (re)watched here.

Citizens are calling for urgent action to release Dr Ahmadreza Djalali, an academic imprisoned and sentenced to death in Iran. Many citizens have written to the President of the European Parliament on this subject since May 2025, asking her to intervene in order to stop his execution, secure his release, and ensure he has access to medical care.

We replied to citizens who took the time to write to the President:

Main elements of our reply

The European Parliament and its President have clearly and repeatedly expressed their concern and called on the Iranian authorities to free Dr Djalali, in 2021, 2022, 2023 and again in January 2025.

European Parliament again calls for Dr Djalali’s release

In its June 2025 resolution dedicated to the case of Ahmadreza Djalali in Iran, Parliament reiterates its calls on Iran to immediately release Dr Djalali, along with all political prisoners, abolish the death penalty and put a moratorium on executions.

Parliament again strongly condemns Djalali’s sham trial and Iran’s brutal treatment of him. It urges Iran to provide immediate and unrestricted access to medical care at an external hospital in light of his deteriorating health, as well as to provide him with legal representation and regular family contact.

It also calls on Sweden, other relevant EU countries and the EU to intensify diplomatic efforts and to adopt target measures against Iran for detaining EU nationals as part of its hostage diplomacy and in violation of international law.

Actions by President Metsola

During Parliament’s April 2024 session, referring to Swedish nationals held in Iran, President Metsola highlighted that Dr Djalali had been jailed for eight years, making him the longest held EU national in Iran. She reiterated that Parliament condemns the Iranian regime’s arrest of EU nationals in the strongest possible terms, and will continue to work to secure the release of all those held on false charges.

In May 2022, President Metsola wrote on behalf of the European Parliament to the Iranian Parliament ahead of his planned execution (since postponed), strongly objecting to the death sentence handed down to Dr Djalali. President Metsola restated the European Parliament’s strong opposition to the death penalty and called once again on Iran to release Ahmadreza Djalali immediately.

Background

Citizens often send messages to the President of the European Parliament expressing their views and/or requesting action. The Citizens’ Enquiries Unit (AskEP) within the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) replies to these messages, which may sometimes be identical as part of wider public campaigns.

Written by Ralf Drachenberg and Rebecca Zamponi.

Staying true to his commitment, European Council President António Costa once more concluded the June European Council meeting within a single calendar day. Costa said that EU leaders focused on ‘how to ensure a strong position for the European Union on the global stage’, notably by discussing in detail defence, the war in Ukraine, the Middle East, and competitiveness. EU leaders also adopted conclusions on other topics, notably migration, internal security, hybrid activities, preparedness, the rules-based international order and external relations.  

General

The European Council again had new members, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Romanian President Nicusor Dan joining for the first time. As is customary, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, opened the meeting. She also raised, as she often does, issues which were not on the European Council’s agenda – this time, the preparations for the next multiannual financial framework, the simplification agenda, and the EU Electoral Act.

At the start of the meeting, the European Council marked the 40th anniversary of the signature of the Schengen Agreement and celebrated the signing by Spain and Portugal of their Accession Treaties 40 years ago, the accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden 30 years ago, and the signing of the Accession Treaties by Bulgaria and Romania 20 years ago.

European Council meeting Ukraine

Described as the ‘new normal’, the conclusions on Ukraine were again ‘firmly supported’ by 26 of the 27 Member States, with Hungary being the only country, for the third consecutive time, not to agree to the Ukraine conclusions. EU leaders agreed to the renewal of existing sanctions without discussion, according to Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever (Coreper approved the renewal of sanctions the following day). However, they did not reach an agreement on the 18th package of sanctions (reportedly due to being blocked by Hungary and Slovakia), but did mention that future sanctions packages could target Russian energy revenues.

The European Council reiterated its support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for a just and lasting peace. Taking into account the ‘peace through strength’ approach, EU leaders committed to continuing their ‘comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support’ to Ukraine, alongside international partners. Air defence, anti-drone systems and large calibre ammunition were identified as particularly pressing in the context of Member State support for Ukraine’s military and defence needs.

EU leaders welcomed the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference, taking place in Rome on 10‑11 July 2025. They also reiterated their support for Ukraine’s EU path and commended the pace of its accession-related reforms. The Council was invited to take the next steps in the accession process in line with the merit-based approach.

The European Council condemned Russia’s ceaseless attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. A recent United Nations report showed that there has been a significant rise in civilian casualties and human rights violations in Ukraine, notably the widespread and systematic use of torture and ill-treatment of prisoners in facilities managed by Russia. EU leaders praised the readiness shown by Ukraine to work towards a ceasefire and directly called on Russia to show genuine political will to end the war, agree to a ceasefire and engage in meaningful negotiations. They also emphasised the importance of efforts to exchange prisoners of war, release civilians, and return abducted Ukrainian children and civilians.

Main message of the EP President: The EU must remain strong in its support for Ukraine, and she called for the EU to ‘wean itself off Russian energy imports’.

Middle East

EU leaders reiterated their calls for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages, leading to an end to hostilities. Furthermore, they ‘deplored’ Hamas’s refusal to return remaining hostages – according to reports, there are 53 hostages still held by Hamas. While calling for further restrictive measures against Hamas, the European Council reaffirmed its commitment to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution. It also reiterated the EU’s continuing support for the Palestinian Authority and its reform agenda.

The European Council deplored the humanitarian situation in Gaza, noting in particular the ‘unacceptable’ number of civilian deaths and the levels of starvation (according to the World Food Programme, 100 % of people in Gaza face acute food insecurity and approximately 470 000 of those are facing catastrophic hunger). EU leaders called on Israel to comply with its obligations under international law and to allow unimpeded access of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza. They also reiterated the importance of ensuring the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers and civilian infrastructure. The World Health Organization has noted that the health system in Gaza is at breaking point, with 697 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza since October 2023 and 94 % of hospitals in the Gaza Strip damaged or destroyed.

Recalling previous conclusions, the European Council also condemned the escalation in the West Bank (specifically settler violence, the expansion of illegal settlements and Israel’s military operation) and called on the Council to make progress on further restrictive measures against extremist settlers and those that support them. An issue identified in advance of the meeting was the European Council’s response to the report on Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and calls by some Member States for a review of the agreement. At the doorstep, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that he would push for the suspension of the association agreement due to Israel’s violation of Article 2. In the end, the European Council just invited the Council to follow-up on the issue at its July meeting.

The European Council welcomed the cessation of hostilities in the Middle East (initially between Israel and Iran, and later with US involvement) and called for all parties to show restraint and abide by international law. EU leaders reiterated that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. They welcomed the recent further lifting of economic sanctions against Syria, and recalled the importance of a peaceful and inclusive transition. EU leaders also condemned the terrorist attack at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus, calling for those responsible to be held accountable. Reports state that the terrorist was linked to the jihadist group Islamic State. Leaders reiterated the EU’s support for the Lebanese people, and the state’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called for full implementation of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.

Main message of the EP President: The EU needs to have a coherent and united front in its approach to the Middle East.

European defence

A few days before the European Counci metingl, NATO members met in The Hague and committed to investing 5 % of gross domestic product (GDP) annually in core defence requirements and defence- and security-related spending by 2035. The increase in defence spending to 5 % of GDP had previously been discussed by EU leaders at the informal European Council retreat on defence in February 2025. With 23 of 27 EU Member States being members of NATO, it is unsurprising that the NATO meeting fed into European Council discussions on defence. In their press conference, Presidents Costa and von der Leyen stated that the EU would help Member States reach the 5 % target. EU leaders agreed to return to the issue of defence at their October 2025 meeting, and tasked the Commission and the High Representative to present a roadmap on defence readiness.

EU leaders highlighted the importance of working with partners on security and foreign policy goals, and in this context welcomed the recent Security and Defence Partnerships with the UK and Canada. They also welcomed the adoption of the Regulation establishing the Security Action for Europe and the upcoming activation of national escape clauses under the Stability and Growth Pact. The European Council asked the co-legislators to quickly examine the proposal on defence-related investments in the EU budget and to progress on the proposal to address security and defence challenges in the context of the mid-term review of cohesion policy.

Main message of the EP President: European security is about much more than just defence.

Competitiveness

Considering the growing uncertainty and tensions in global affairs, the agenda items ‘EU in the world’ and ‘competitiveness’ were closely interlinked at the June meeting. Building on the 20 March conclusions, EU leaders reflected on competitiveness in light of the latest economic developments and key economic figures, which envisage moderate growth for the EU in the near future.

Trade was not mentioned in the invitation letter or the conclusions, but it was still discussed. President von der Leyen presented the EU leaders during dinner with different trade policy options, and identified joining forces with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as being the most attractive one. This might help to reform the WTO, for which the European Council has been calling for some time. Furthermore, the 9 July deadline for the entry into effect of the US’s 50 % tariffs is soon approaching. The EU and the US are currently negotiating, and EU leaders have different views on the process. Chancellor Merz would prefer ‘a quick and simple deal’, while French President Emmanuel Macron has taken a more cautious approach.

The role of the single market, a key component in achieving improved competitiveness, was mentioned several times in the conclusions. EU leaders notably ‘reaffirm the commitment to the objectives of the Single Market and reiterate their calls to remove remaining barriers, in particular in the areas of services and goods, including essential goods, to overcome fragmentation, to prevent new barriers and to improve the application and enforcement of Single Market rules’. As expected, the European Council endorsed the new single market strategy, originally requested by them in April 2024, and also the EU start-up and scale-up strategy. EU leaders highlighted the challenges faced by traditional industries, mentioning specifically i) automotive, ii) shipping, iii) aviation, and iv) energy-intensive industries, such as steel, metals and chemicals.

The international role of the euro was also on the agenda, after European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde recently argued that this is ‘Europe’s global euro moment’. It is worth noting that issues such as the role of the euro are usually discussed at Euro Summits, as was the case in March 2025, rather than European Council meetings. EU leaders asked the Council, the Commission, the ECB and the Eurogroup to take the work forward to strengthen the euro’s international standing, notably as a transaction currency and a reserve currency. Additionally, the European Council endorsed the Commission proposal for Bulgaria to adopt the euro, and reiterated the need to advance with the savings and investment union.

EU leaders mentioned simplification as well as the avoidance of over-regulation, highlighting the need for a ‘simplicity by design’ approach. They also asked the Commission and the co-legislators not to add additional administrative burdens in the legislative and implementation phases.

The European Council expressed its concern about the global instability of and pressure on energy markets. In this context, it reiterated its call for ‘building a genuine energy union by 2030’. Security of supply and reducing dependencies was mentioned as a separate point, and EU leaders ‘welcomed the progress achieved since 2022’.

As usual in June, EU leaders discussed the integrated country-specific recommendations, thus allowing the conclusion of the European Semester.

Migration

The European Council adopted conclusions on migration, which confirmed the new orientation taken on migration since October 2024, with a focus on the prevention and countering of irregular migration, including through new approaches and means, while respecting EU and international law. The core aspects of the policy include the external dimension of migration; the implementation and application of legislation; the fight against instrumentalisation, human trafficking and smuggling of migrants; the increase and acceleration of returns; visa policy alignment by neighbouring countries; providing safe and legal pathways for migrants; and the strengthening of security at the EU’s external borders. The conclusions invite the co-legislators to continue examining the Commission’s legislative proposals of March 2025, notably on the better management of returns of migrants.

The most important discussion on migration nevertheless took place in the margins of the European Council meeting. Organised by Denmark, the Netherlands and Italy, a group of EU leaders have met ahead of European Council meetings since October 2024 to discuss among themselves, and with the European Commission President, the issue of migration. When first introduced in 2024, the breakfast club included 11 national leaders; after several recent government changes, this number has risen to 14 Heads of State or Government (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden), originating from all European political families apart from the liberals. Despite the growing number of members, Viktor Orbán is not satisfied with the progress of this group, which in his view only talks without any real consequences, so he invited his peers to join his ‘rebellion’ on migration policy.

Read this briefing on ‘Outcome of the European Council meeting of 26 June 2025‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Written by Costica Dumbrava.

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly used in the areas of migration and asylum. These technologies promise to increase efficiency, reduce uncertainty and improve decision-making. In the asylum context, AI applications are meant to reduce pressure on national asylum systems and contribute to fairer and more consistent asylum decisions.

Despite potential benefits, these technologies come with significant risks. Inaccurate or biased AI applications may jeopardise the right to asylum, increase or reinforce discrimination, and diminish procedural safeguards built into the asylum process. These risks depend on the type and complexity of applications used, their role in asylum procedures, and the way in which decision-makers interact with technologies.

Although the deployment of AI applications in EU asylum systems is still in the early stages, the debate about the legal, social and ethical challenges posed by these new technologies is well under way. For instance, several Member States have started using AI technologies for dialect recognition to verify information, or obtain further information, on asylum applicants’ country or region of origin. There are also examples of Member States using AI applications for name transliteration, automatic transcription of speeches and case matching.

The introduction of AI technologies in EU asylum systems raises several major risks, relating to: (i) inaccuracies, bias and discrimination; (ii) undermining fairness and due process; and (iii) unlawful interference with privacy and data protection.

Read the complete briefing on ‘Artificial intelligence in asylum procedures in the EU‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Citizens are calling on the European Parliament to take action against the pilot whale hunts in the Faroe Islands. Many citizens have written to the Members of the European Parliament dealing with environmental issues and to the President of the European Parliament on this subject since June 2025. They are asking them to condemn these hunts and advocate for robust protective policies.

We replied to citizens who took the time to write to the Members and to the President:

Main elements of our reply EU law, whaling and the Faroe Islands

The European Union (EU) is strongly opposed to the hunting of whales, dolphins and porpoises. The Treaty on the Functioning of the EU recognises animals as sentient beings and calls for their welfare requirements to be fully taken into account. Within the EU, laws protects whales, dolphins and porpoises against hunting, capture and captivity, and against deliberate disturbance or trade, including products originating from non-EU countries.

However, the Faroe Islands’ decision to allow the hunting of whales falls outside the EU’s jurisdiction. As a self-governing territory of Denmark, the Faroe Islands are not part of the European Union. EU legislation does not apply in the Faroe Islands.

The European Union nevertheless continues to advocate for an end to Faroese whaling through diplomatic engagement and the European Commission has expressed concern about Faroese whale hunting to the Danish authorities.

European Parliament

In 2021, the European Parliament urged the Faroe Islands to halt its controversial annual hunt of pilot whales, known as the grindadráp. Parliament called on the European Commission and EU countries to engage consistently with the Faroe Islands on this issue with a view to the abolition of the practice. In 2022, Parliament stressed the importance of protecting whale populations, both from a biodiversity and a climate perspective.

Members have submitted parliamentary questions to the European Commission on the topic, most recently in May 2025 (the reply will be available on the top right under ‘Answer in writing’).

As far as we are aware, the European Parliament has not received a petition on this topic recently. However, all European citizens and residents are welcome to submit a petition. You can also contact the Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals. Please bear in mind that the Intergroup is not an official parliamentary body.

Background

Citizens often send messages to the President and the European Parliament expressing their views and/or requesting action. The Citizens’ Enquiries Unit (AskEP) within the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) replies to these messages, which may sometimes be identical as part of wider public campaigns.

Written by Agnieszka Widuto.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising many sectors of the economy, including the energy sector. The exponential growth of data centres around the world and in Europe is driving up electricity demand, raising questions about its impact on existing infrastructure and on sustainability. At the same time, AI can help transform energy systems by boosting energy efficiency, facilitating the integration of renewables and optimising electricity networks.

According to the International Energy Agency, data centres currently account for only 1.5 % of global electricity consumption, but their electricity demand is expected to more than double by 2030. In the EU, data centres account for around 3 % of total electricity demand, but this varies between countries and is over 20 % in Ireland. AI-focused data centres tend to cluster in geographical locations, contributing to pressure on local grids and involving trade-offs with climate goals, land use and energy affordability.

A ChatGPT query uses 10 times more electricity than a traditional Google search, although that depends on the complexity of the question and the format used (text vs. multimedia). A large data centre is estimated to consume as much electricity annually as 100 000 households. Data centres use energy not only to train and run AI models but also to cool servers and maintain equipment. Renewables and natural gas are the main energy sources used to power data centres globally, although nuclear (and, in the future, small modular reactors) is also on the rise.

The EU’s 2020 digital strategy called for data centres to become climate neutral by 2030. The 2023 EU Energy Efficiency Directive requires data centres to report on their energy consumption, water usage and use of renewable energy, and a 2024 EU scheme for rating the sustainability of data centres requires them to report on key performance indicators on energy and sustainability. Upcoming EU initiatives aim to balance ambitions on competitiveness and concerns over decarbonisation. The Cloud and AI Development Act, expected in the coming months, will aim to tripleEU data centre capacity in the next 5-7 years, while the ‘strategic roadmap for digitalisation and AI for the energy sector’ and the ‘data centre energy efficiency package’, planned for early 2026, will address the energy impacts.

Read the complete briefing on ‘AI and the energy sector‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Written by Andrés García Higuera

The European Parliament’s Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) has a mission to bridge the gap between science and policy. To further this understanding, four Members of the STOA Panel visited leading research institutions in Barcelona on 27 June 2025. Ivar Ijabs (Renew, LV; Vice-Chair of STOA), Laura Ballarín Cereza (S&D, ES), Herbert Dorfmann (EPP, IT) and José Cepeda (S&D, ES) visited the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS), the ALBA Synchrotron and the Institute for Photonics (ICFO).

With a staff of over 1 000 scientists and an overall budget of €70 million, the BSC specialises in high performance computing (HPC) and provides support services within the AI Factory EU programme to over 2 000 EU companies. The ALBA Synchrotron is a unique scientific infrastructure exploring the details of matter in a wide range of scientific fields. The Institute for Photonics (ICFO) conducts wide-scope, basic and applied research at the highest international level in several branches of the sciences and technologies of light.

The delegation was hosted by the Department of Research and Universities of the Local Government of Catalunya under counsellor Núria Montserrat, who was represented by General Manager Josep-Oriol Escardíbul Ferra. Eva Ortega-Paíno, General Manager at the Ministry of Science, Research and Universities represented the Central Government of Spain.

The delegation had the opportunity to engage with top-level scientists from all three institutions. The Members were particularly interested in funding needs and sources, as well as in new developments in software, hardware (from chips to quantum and photonics) and third-country competition. The EU’s quantum and AI strategies and the development of dual-use technologies were addressed, together with green tech, regulatory initiatives and the need for policy to consider the flexibility required for research and development. The requirements of fundamental research and plans for keeping and attracting talent in the EU were also discussed. The STOA Panel Members gained a first-hand understanding of the issues at stake for scientists and experts, who shared their ideas in the spirit of contributing to the policy-making process.

Written by Jurgita Lekaviciute with Oona Lagercrantz.

Initiatives to restore European primary forests and thereby reverse centuries of decline are gaining traction. Such restoration could deliver significant ecological, environmental, climate-related and socio-cultural benefits, ranging from biodiversity conservation, water regulation and climate mitigation, to ecotourism and renewed human relationships with nature. However, a number of challenges and trade-offs need to be addressed, including the lack of primary forest mapping, concerns over human exclusion and potential economic losses.

The Białowieża Forest, located on the border between Poland and Belarus, began growing after the last ice age. It is home to 59 mammal species, 250 bird species, 13 amphibian species and over 12 000 invertebrate species. It also hosts Europe’s largest bison population. It is Europe’s single major ‘primary forest’ and embodies the continent’s natural heritage. However, like the vast majority of Europe’s original forests, Białowieża has been significantly altered, despite conservation efforts dating back to the 16th century. Disturbance rates have seen a significant increase over the past 40 years.

European Union (EU) law, aligning with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), defines a primary forest as a ‘naturally regenerated forest of native tree species, where there are no clearly visible indications of human activities and the ecological processes are not significantly disturbed’. Terms describing forests as ‘primeval’, ‘virgin’ and ‘old-growth’ are often used interchangeably with the term ‘primary’, with each having a slightly different meaning. Current data on European primary forests typically cover old-growth forests, defined as ‘late-successional forests, which contain structures and species which distinguishes them from forests of younger age classes’, such as deadwood. Mapped primary forests total just 3.2 million hectares (less than 3 % of the EU’s total forest area), with around 90 % concentrated in Sweden, Finland, Bulgaria, and Romania. However, there is a significant mapping gap: approximately 4.4 million hectares – an area larger than the Netherlands – remain unmapped.

Due to the very small amount of primary forests in Europe, merely protecting them may not suffice to meet biodiversity targets. Therefore, initiatives to restore primary forests in Europe have gained traction, connected to rewilding efforts. For instance, French botanist Francis Hallé, known for his work on tropical forests, has proposed developing a new primary forest on a lowland cross-border area of around 70 000 hectares – roughly the size of the island of Menorca. Hallé and others want to connect existing wilderness areas that are large enough to sustain megafauna and leave them undisturbed until they recover their original characteristics. However, restoring primary forests is a slow process: approximately 800 years if starting from an existing forest and 1 000 years from bare soil.

Potential impacts and developments

Restoring primary forests in Europe would generate wide-ranging positive ecological, environmental and socio-economic impacts. Primary forests, even when small in size, support biodiversity by providing a home to a broad range of endangered plant and animal species. At a time when only a quarter (27 %) of species protected under EU law have good conservation status, primary forest restoration can help prevent species loss. Primary forests also deliver a range of ecosystem services to humans: they maintain groundwater levels, reduce flood risk and improve soil quality. In primary forests, fallen leaves and organic matter decompose naturally, enriching soil fertility and preventing soil degradation. Primary forests also help mitigate climate change, as they absorb and store significantly higher levels of carbon than newer forests. Moreover, they are more resilient to environmental change, help reduce wildfire risks and mitigate heat waves through their cooling effect.

Restoring primary forests could also create new opportunities for tourism, recreation, and spiritual and aesthetic experiences, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for Europeans. Such restoration projects represent a paradigm shift in human interaction with nature, moving away from strict management towards a ‘free evolution‘ of ecosystems. The effort to restore primary forests has the potential to provide profound meaning for individuals across generations, akin to the construction of cathedrals in Europe centuries ago, highlighting society’s imperative to look towards the future.

A point of contention is the role of humans in primary forests. A key criticism against primary forest restoration is that it reinforces an artificial separation between humans and nature. The question of how an ‘undisturbed’ forest will be defined and enforced needs to be answered. In proposals such as the one by Francis Hallé, humans are allowed to visit but not alter the forest in any way, including by treading on the forest floor. These restrictions could have negative effects on cultural and recreational activities typically associated with forests, such as berry and mushroom picking and walking.

Economic trade-offs also need to be addressed. Restoring primary forests comes with significant opportunity costs for forest business owners, as managed forest areas would need to be set aside, resulting in lost wood product incomes. Farmers and forest owners near primary forests could experience decreased crop or livestock production, leading to economic losses due to natural disturbances like wildfires or insect infestations. These issues highlight the necessity of establishing buffer zones around primary forests and providing for compensation schemes for affected landowners.

In addition, restoring primary forests would require resources to monitor and strictly protect existing primary forests and areas designated for restoration. To achieve this, technology – including artificial intelligence, drones, satellite imagery and remote sensing technologies, such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), which uses lasers to create 3D models of the Earth’s surface – will be indispensable. Remote sensing technologies can play a crucial role in mapping primary and old-growth forests, especially in inaccessible areas, by providing efficient, large-scale and less labour-intensive biodiversity data.

Anticipatory policymaking

The EU’s network of protected areas, Natura 2000, plays a pivotal role in conserving existing primary and old-growth forests. About 93 % of the mapped primary and old-growth forests are part of the Natura 2000 network, and 87 % are strictly protected. However, these figures should be interpreted cautiously due to mapping gaps. The EU biodiversity strategy to 2030, part of the European Green Deal, aims to protect 30 % of the EU’s land and 30 % of its sea areas, with 10 % under strict protection – including all remaining primary and old-growth forests. The goal is to prevent logging and preserve their ecosystem services. Under the EU forest strategy to 2030, the European Commission released guidelines in March 2023 to enhance the protection of these vital ecosystems. The guidelines assist national authorities in identifying, mapping, monitoring and strictly protecting remaining primary and old-growth forests, providing identification criteria and suggested timelines for conservation efforts.

The proposed forest monitoring law, which is currently being discussed in the European Parliament, seeks to implement an EU-wide integrated forest monitoring framework to improve data-sharing on the state of forests in the EU. If adopted, it would require all Member States to map and share the location of their primary forests by 1 January 2028.

The EU Nature Restoration Law, enacted in August 2024, aims to restore at least 20 % of the EU’s land by 2030, as well as all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. This law provides a legal framework for measures to restore degraded forest ecosystems that go beyond the restoration of forest habitats protected under the EU Habitats Directive.

Finally, the EU Climate Law sets a binding 2050 climate neutrality target and a 55 % emissions cut by 2030, indirectly supporting the protection of primary forests as vital carbon sinks.

Read this ‘at a glance’ note on ‘What if Europe restored its primary forests?‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Written by Mar Negreiro.

Deepfakes – videos, images and audio created using artificial intelligence (AI) to realistically simulate or fabricate content – are booming on the internet. They are becoming increasingly accessible, as what previously required powerful tools can now be done with free mobile apps and limited digital skills. At the same time, they are becoming increasingly sophisticated and therefore more difficult to detect, especially audio deepfakes. While deepfakes have applications in entertainment and creativity, their potential for spreading fake news, creating non-consensual content and undermining trust in digital media is problematic, as they are evolving faster than existing legislative frameworks. A projected 8 million deepfakes will be shared in 2025, up from 500 000 in 2023. The European Commission states that pornographic material accounts for about 98 % of deepfakes.

Deepfakes pose greater risks for children than adults, as children’s cognitive abilities are still developing and children have more difficulty identifying deepfakes. Children are also more susceptible to harmful online practices including grooming, cyberbullying and child sexual abuse material. This highlights the need for legal action and cooperation, including developing the tools and methods needed to tackle these threats at the required scale and pace. Furthermore, there is a growing need for enhanced generative AI literacy for children, educators and parents. There is also a need for increased industry efforts and better implementation of relevant European Union (EU) legislation such as the Artificial Intelligence Act and the Digital Services Act. Monitoring indicators on children’s online use at the EU level are currently non-existent, highlighting the need for their implementation.

Read the complete briefing on ‘Children and deepfakes‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Written by Nikolina Šajn.

CONTEXT

Two and a half years since the new rules on the common agricultural policy (CAP) started to apply, the Commission is amending them for the second time. The proposal comes just weeks before the Commission aims to make a separate proposal for the CAP rules that would be in force after 2027. While the first package of amendments, adopted in July 2024 after widespread farmer protests, lowered some of the environmental conditionality requirements and did away with the conditionality controls and penalties for farms under 10 hectares, this current package tackles further stakeholder complaints of overly complex CAP rules and procedures. It aims to offer more flexibility regarding the environmental requirements, greater use of simplified payments for small and medium-sized farms, less bureaucracy for organic farms, simpler procedures for supporting farms affected by climate change and severe weather, and less red tape for the national authorities. After the adoption of the final act, Member States would still need to amend their CAP strategic plans before they can apply the new rules. For the changes to be implemented in 2026, the final act would have to be adopted well before the end of 2025.

Legislative proposal

2025/0236(COD) – Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 as regards the conditionality system, types of intervention in the form of direct payment, types of intervention in certain sectors and rural development and annual performance reports and Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 as regards data and interoperability governance, suspensions of payments annual performance clearance and controls and penalties – COM(2025) 236, 14 May 2025.

Read the complete briefing on ‘CAP simplification package: Omnibus on Agriculture‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Written by Colin Murphy.

The growth in accessibility of online spaces and digital channels has been remarkable in recent years, providing citizens with many benefits, including enhanced communication, greater learning opportunities and easier access to private and public services. However, this growth has seen a commensurate increase in the associated risks and harms. Cyberbullying, cyber-violence and sexual extortion are just some of the dangers to which people, particularly vulnerable people, are exposed in the digital environment. In our ‘always-on’ world, issues such as cyberbullying can be a relentless experience and can leave victims with a constant sense of being under attack.   

Like the digital space itself, these dangers know no borders, which can make the problem a global issue. The solutions therefore are not ‘one size fits all’, but a combination of regional, national and transnational actions. The examples outlined here at regional level, while varying in size and scope, all have a common thread, which is the recognition of the risks to people and the desire to make a positive change.

The approaches taken often involve a coordinated or cooperative style, with the involvement of students, teachers and parents. The message is consistent on the importance of recognising the dangers of the internet. It is important for victims to be able to quickly identify cyberbullying, cyber-violence and sexual extortion, and know how to deal with it and whom to turn to, in order to prevent risks from turning into harm.

Read the complete briefing on ‘Tackling cyberbullying at regional/local level‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Written by Clare Ferguson with Olga Dunderberg.

The European Parliament resumes business on Monday, for the last session ahead of the summer recess. The session is likely to be dominated by the motion of censure of the Commission, tabled by the required tenth of Members. A debate on the motion is to be held on Monday evening, followed by the vote on Thursday.

Ahead of that debate, President Roberta Metsola is due to open the session with a commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. On Tuesday morning, Members will share their expectations for the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU with Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen. The presidency will have to tackle a variety of priorities, including defence, Ukraine, enlargement, climate, and the EU’s economy, trade and long-term budget. Parliament will discuss its priorities for the EU’s post-2027 long-term budget later on Wednesday with the Council and Commission. Also on Wednesday, Members will discuss the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26 June 2025, while the previous day they will discuss preparations for the 2025 EU-China Summit, due in late July.

To become the 21st euro-area Member State, Bulgaria has demonstrated solid foundations for medium-term convergence and met the requirements for accession to the euro area, despite still tackling corruption, money laundering and governance issues. A report from Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) endorses the country’s adoption of the euro on 1 January 2026. As Parliament is consulted on the file, Members are due to vote their opinion on Bulgaria’s euro-area membership on Tuesday.

With draft amending budget No 1/2025, the €1.35 billion surplus from implementation of the 2024 budget would be entered as revenue in the 2025 budget. This would reduce Member States’ contributions to the 2025 budget accordingly. While noting that the surplus is low, a report from the Committee on Budgets underlines that financing needs remain high, and regrets the absence of progress in the Council on the reform of the own resources system. Members are likely to endorse the Council’s position on DAB 1/2025 on Wednesday.

In the midst of a heatwave, winter heating may seem far from Members’ minds, however preparation for next year’s cold season is already under way. The EU Gas Storage Regulation has helped counter strong demand and supply disruption, reducing the need for additional gas imports and stabilising energy prices. As the regulation expires at the end of 2025, it is proposed to extend the measures until the end of 2027. Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) negotiators have reached a provisional agreement with Council to make the filling targets more flexible and to oblige Member States to track the amount of gas originating in Russia. Members are due to vote on the agreed text on an amended Gas Storage Regulation on Tuesday.

The EU has had a fisheries agreement with Greenland since 1985, allowing EU vessels to fish in Greenlandic waters in the north-east Atlantic and also enabling quota swaps with Norway. To renew the protocol implementing the agreement, Members are set to vote on Tuesday on a new protocol running to 2030. The Committee on Fisheries (PECH) recommends that Parliament give consent to the conclusion of the new protocol to the fisheries agreement with Greenland, and has tabled an accompanying motion for resolution, underlining the importance of the agreement in today’s geopolitical context, while also expressing concern over the lack of data on the state of certain fish stocks.

For greater sustainability in fisheries shared with non-EU countries, and to protect EU fishers from unfair competition, Parliament’s negotiators reached agreement with the Council on tackling the issue of non-EU countries that do not cooperate on sustainable management of shared fish stocks. The agreed text refers specifically to regional management organisations, in line with Parliament’s demands to clarify the scope of the legislation. On Wednesday, Members are due to vote on the text amending existing legislation setting the rules for penalising third countries.

Members are set to consider progress on four candidate countries’ paths towards EU accession, with debates set for Tuesday afternoon on the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) reports considering the European Commission’s 2023 and 2024 reports on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Georgia. AFET’s report on Albania endorses the country’s progress and ambition to complete accession talks by 2027, yet underlines an urgent need for intensified reforms to ensure judicial independence, fundamental rights, and media pluralism and to tackle corruption and organised crime. In the face of political polarisation and malign foreign influence, AFET calls on Albania to enhance political dialogue and institutional resilience. AFET’s 2025 report on Bosnia and Herzegovina also reaffirms strong support for the country’s accession aspirations. However, while acknowledging the reforms undertaken, AFET also underlines stalled progress and weak implementation, and condemns divisive rhetoric and secessionist policies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The report urges political leaders to carry out all steps in the Commission’s 2022 recommendation so the Council can adopt the negotiating network and set the stage for formal accession negotiations. On North Macedonia’s accession negotiations, AFET’s report notes the country is a fully aligned and trustworthy partner. AFET welcomes the €750 million in grants and loans which will become available to North Macedonia under the new Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. However, AFET’s report underlines that North Macedonia‘s political parties must engage in constructive dialogue to strengthen the country’s multi-ethnic character and accelerate progress towards EU membership. The report also highlights concerns about amendments that have weakened the legal framework for combating corruption. Turning to Georgia’s accession prospects, stalled for some years, the AFET report calls for new parliamentary elections, solidarity with the Georgian people and coordinated sanctions against key regime enablers.

Many of us purchase products online, and increasingly people are sourcing goods from outside the EU. However, such goods do not always conform to EU standards, and customs and other public authorities find it challenging to check large numbers of low-value imports. To protect EU consumers and businesses from unfair competition, Members are set to debate a report from the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) on Monday evening, which analyses the issue and sets out a series of measures to tackle regulatory compliance in e-commerce and non-EU imports. The report emphasises the need for strong enforcement of existing legislation and reforms under the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation. It also urges the Commission to assess the impact of proposed controls for bulk shipments, to further evaluate the proposed handling fee and investigate product safety compliance with World Trade Organization rules.  

Finally, on Thursday morning, Members are expected to debate a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) stating that EU cohesion policy should focus on regions with national, ethnic, cultural, religious or linguistic aspects that differ from their surrounding regions. Several of Parliament’s committees held a joint public hearing on the ‘Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures’ ECI in June 2025, which emphasised the need to preserve cultural and linguistic elements of EU ethnic minority regions, and to address specific challenges. The Commission must examine the claims and provide a response by September.

• European Parliament Plenary Session agenda
• The European Parliament’s powers: Motion of censure
• Priority dossiers under the Danish EU Council Presidency
• Bulgaria to adopt the euro on 1 January 2026
• Draft amending budget No 1/2025: 2024 surplus
• Amendment of the Gas Storage Regulation
• EU fisheries agreement with Greenland: Conclusion of a new protocol (2025-2030)
• Measures against countries that do not cooperate on shared fish stocks
• 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Albania
• 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina
• 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on North Macedonia
• 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Georgia
• Product safety and regulatory compliance in e commerce and non-EU imports
• Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of regional cultures (ECI)