On 8 July, MEPs called for a constructive debate on how to take Ukraine’s European integration forward, taking into account the European Union’s strategic interests. In its annual assessment of Ukraine’s progress on reforms related to the EU accession process, the European Parliament welcomed the opening, in June 2026, of the first chapter in the […]
The European Parliament backs the modernisation of the agreement with Mexico and the promotion of trade
On Wednesday, Parliament gave the green light to two agreements that pave the way for strengthening political relations and expanding trade between the European Union and Mexico. The Modernised Comprehensive Agreement between the EU and Mexico will replace the current framework, which has been in force since 2000, with the aim of promoting new business […]
The Commission has registered the European Citizens’ Initiative calling for an unconditional basic income
On 7 July, the European Commission registered a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) entitled ‘Introduction of an unconditional basic income (UBI) across the EU’. The organisers of the initiative believe that,“with rapid advances in artificial intelligence and robotics, there is an urgent need to decouple our livelihoods from our ability to sell our labour, as we […]
Aid of 120 million has been approved for Spain following the fires in August 2025
On Tuesday, the European Parliament gave the go-ahead for a grant of 144.1 million euros to help Spain, Romania and Cyprus cope with the damage caused by forest fires, floods and heatwaves. MEPs backed the proposal to release funds from the EU Solidarity Fund by 642 votes in favour, 13 against and one abstention. The […]
The Commission presents the EU Action Plan on Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence
The European Commission has presented an Action Plan to provide a structured response to address the risks and capitalise on the opportunities presented by advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models in the field of cybersecurity. New advanced AI models are redefining cybersecurity. AI can be misused to identify vulnerabilities, automate attacks and increase the scale and […]
The Commission sets out guidelines for a thriving livestock sector and a self-sufficient protein system
The European Commission has adopted the Livestock Strategy to ensure that Europe’s valuable livestock sector remains strong and resilient in the long term. This strategy, the first of its kind, sets out measures to help livestock farmers tackle economic, environmental and market challenges. This long-term vision recognises the vital role of sustainable livestock farming in […]
MEPs strengthen the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism and close legal loopholes
MEPs on the Environment Committee have backed the extension of the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism to cover products derived from the supply chain and the creation of a fund to support industry’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The Committee on the Environment, Climate Change and Food Security adopted its position on the proposed amendments […]
The EU is deploying aid to help fight forest fires and tackle the numerous blazes ravaging Portugal and France
As Europe is fighting wildfires in several Member States, the Commission is swiftly mobilising assistance via the EU civil protection mechanism (UCPM). Over the weekend, Portugal and France have activated the UCPM due to devastating wildfires, with several of them active simultaneously and burning thousands of hectares. France activated the UCPM on 5 July. The European Commission […]
A Commission report highlights the achievements of EU animal health standards
Ten years after its adoption, the European Commission has published an evaluation of EU legislation on animal health. The evaluation and the accompanying report highlight the positive impact the legislation has had on combating animal diseases, whilst also identifying areas for improvement. Animal diseases can have devastating consequences for livestock farmers and rural communities, and […]