Comuniq.EU

EU Moves Closer to Sweeping Ban on ‘Forever Chemicals’

The European Chemicals Agency has moved closer to backing one of Europe’s most sweeping chemical restrictions by supporting a broad curtailment of PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals.” The…

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European Parliament Approves First EU-Wide Anti-Corruption Rules

In a landmark move on Thursday, the European Parliament approved new EU-wide rules establishing a harmonised criminal law framework to combat corruption across the Union. Adopted with 581 votes in…

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EU Divisions Deepen as Hungary Row Intensifies and Trade Deal Nears Final Vote

Former European Commission President José Manuel Barroso has warned that European Council President António Costa may need to consider excluding Hungary from sensitive EU discussions if it fails to adequately…

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ECB could rase interest next month – Lagarde

The European Central Bank could raise interest rates “as soon as next month” if inflation continues to overshoot its 2% target, ECB President Christine Lagarde has said. Speaking in Frankfurt,…

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EU Moves Closer to Tougher Returns Policy as Parliament Prepares Key Vote

EU lawmakers are set to vote on Thursday on whether to open negotiations with EU governments on a major overhaul of the bloc’s rules governing the return of migrants without…

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New department at Europol to step up the fight against migrant smuggling

Europol has launched its new European Centre Against Migrant Smuggling (ECAMS), stepping up the European Union fight against migrant smuggling networks that are threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands…

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EU Rules Out Return to Russian Energy Despite Rising Costs from Iran War

The European Union will not reverse its ban on Russian fossil fuel imports or slow its transition toward renewable energy, even as the escalating war involving Iran drives up global…

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EC confirms Malta breaches EU sewage rules

A European Commission spokesperson confirmed that seawater tests show Malta continues to breach EU sewage treatment rules, following a petition to the European Parliament organised by Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar…

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Australia and EU seal trade deal

Australia and the European Union have signed a long-awaited trade agreement after eight years of negotiations, aiming to boost economic ties and reduce reliance on dominant global suppliers. The deal…

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Malta petitions in focus as European Parliament debates energy, trade and AI rules

Malta is set to feature prominently in this week’s European Parliament proceedings, with two petitions under scrutiny during meetings of the Committee on Petitions. Today, MEPs will hear a petition…

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EPP backs ‘EU Inc.’ as step towards a simpler, more competitive business environment

The centre-right EPP Group welcomed the European Commission’s proposal to introduce a new EU-wide company framework, describing it as a decisive step towards removing barriers that continue to hinder businesses…

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EU rights report rejected as political divisions deepen in Parliament

A key report on the implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights has been rejected in the European Parliament’s constitutional affairs committee, prompting sharp criticism from the Socialists and…

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Von der Leyen promises ETS tweaks in ‘days’

The European Commission will make a proposal to boost the bloc's carbon market reserve within "days" and develop a €30 billion decarbonization fund, in response to pressure from EU leaders…

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EU has adapted to US unpredictability, foreign policy chief says

The European Union has started taking the unpredictability of the United States into ‌account one year after President Donald Trump returned to the White House, EU foreign policy chief Kaja…

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EU announces €458 million in humanitarian aid for the war-torn Middle East

The European Commission is confirming €458 million in humanitarian aid for Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt in 2026. With major donors withdrawing from the region and international humanitarian law…

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EU weighs naval response as Hormuz crisis rattles energy markets

Foreign ministers from the European Union are expected to discuss reinforcing the bloc’s Aspides naval mission when they meet in Brussels on Monday, as pressure mounts from Donald Trump to…

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European Parliament condemns rights abuses in Russia, Niger and Georgia

The European Parliament on Thursday adopted three resolutions addressing human rights concerns in Russia, Niger and Georgia, calling for sanctions, political accountability and the restoration of democratic norms. While such…

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EU leaders push visa crackdown on Russian war veterans

Germany’s Friedrich Merz and Poland’s Donald Tusk are among a group of EU leaders urging Brussels to tighten visa rules for Russian nationals with combat experiencein Ukraine. In a letter…

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US wants to ‘divide Europe’, EU’s Kallas tells FT

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the U.S. wants to "divide Europe" and doesn't "like the European Union" in an interview ‌published by the Financial Times on Friday,…

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MEPs urge faster EU enlargement as strategic response to geopolitical challenges

The European Parliament has called for a swift and strategic push on EU enlargement, arguing that expanding the bloc is vital for Europe’s security and stability. In a report adopted…

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EU bets on small nuclear reactors despite cost and safety concerns

The European Union is turning to small modular reactors (SMRs) as part of its strategy to reach climate neutrality by 2050 and ensure stable electricity supplies when renewables fall short.…

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ECB will do “everything necessary” to keep inflation under control – Lagarde

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said on Tuesday that the bank would do “everything necessary” to keep inflation under control as the Middle East war drives up oil prices.…

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European Parliament backs roadmap to tackle EU housing crisis

The European Parliament has adopted a set of recommendations aimed at addressing the growing housing crisis across the EU, calling for stronger investment, faster construction procedures and measures to improve…

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Merkel, Zelenskyy and Wałęsa among first laureates of European Order of Merit

European Parliament Roberta Metsola has announced the first laureates of the newly established European Order of Merit, a distinction recognising individuals who have made a significant contribution to European integration…

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Kallas Calls for Faster EU Enlargement Process

The European Union must move more quickly to include new members and expand the 27-member club, the bloc’s top diplomat said Monday in a nod to Ukraine, Montenegro and other…

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MEPs move forward with stricter EU return system for irregular migrants

A key committee of the European Parliament has adopted its position on proposed reforms to the European Union’s rules governing the return of non-EU nationals who are staying in the…

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EU Environment Chief Urges Nations to Use Nature as a Strategic Defence Tool

Countries should consider restoring natural ecosystems along their land borders as part of a broader national security strategy, according to the European Union’s environment chief. Jessika Roswall, the EU Commissioner…

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Ritter set to replace Kovesi as EU chief prosecutor

The Council of the European Union on Monday approved the appointment of Andres Ritter as the new European chief prosecutor, who will lead the European Public Prosecutor’s Office starting November…

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Von der Leyen questions Europe’s faith in rules-based order

The EU must decide whether the rules-based international order “is more a help or a hindrance to our credibility as a geopolitical actor”, the bloc’s top official said on Monday,…

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EU Capitals Accuse von der Leyen of Diplomatic Overreach During Iran Crisis

Several European governments have criticised European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for allegedly overstepping her role during the early days of the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran, arguing she acted…

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Across Party Lines: Social Fund Faces Joint Parliamentary Defence

Two leading MEPs have launched Parliament’s challenge to European Commission plans to merge the European Social Fund (ESF) into broader national spending programmes, warning that the EU’s main anti-poverty tool…

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Meat Alternatives Split the Market: Veggie Burgers Stay, Lab-Grown Steaks Stall

“Veggie burgers” and “vegan sausages” can remain on European supermarket shelves, EU negotiators agreed Thursday. However, only products made of animal flesh can use terms like “steak” or “bacon.” Unless…

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European Parliament Keeps US Trade Deal on Hold Amid Tariff Uncertainty

The European Parliament has decided to keep the EU’s trade agreement with the United States on hold, following Washington’s threat to suspend trade with Spain and signals that it may…

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EU Rallies Around Spain After Trump Threatens Trade Embargo

European leaders have moved quickly to support Spain after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a trade embargo on the country, escalating tensions between Washington and the European Union.…

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Centre-right MEPs want less Chinese control on European ports

The European People's Party Group has called for stronger action to address the growing presence of Chinese state-controlled investors in Europe’s ports, warning that the European Union’s new Ports Strategy…

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One in three EU women face violence, most cases unreported, survey finds

Physical and sexual violence affects roughly a third of women in the European Union during their lifetime but most incidents go unreported, a survey revealed. The results of the survey,…

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MEPs Weigh Platform for Iranian Opposition Amid Political Uncertainty

The European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee has compiled a draft list of eight Iranian opposition figures it intends to invite to address an upcoming meeting, according to Euractiv’s Rapporteur newsletter.…

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EU policymakers expect no immediate oil security impact from Iran conflict

The European Commission does not expect the widening conflict in the Middle East to have any immediate impact on the European Union's security of oil supply, it said in an…

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Cyprus sets wide-ranging EU agenda as ministers outline priorities to European Parliament

Ministers from Cyprus have presented an extensive policy programme to European Parliament committees, setting out priorities for the country’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which runs until…

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From Washington to London: Metsola outlines a tougher, more independent EU stance

Roberta Metsola has cautioned that attempts by the United States to influence political outcomes in Europe would be viewed as unacceptable, underscoring growing sensitivities around foreign interference as election cycles…

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European Parliament President Urges Britain to Go Beyond Brexit Reset

Roberta Metsola is in London on an official visit to strengthen EU–UK relations. During the visit, she held a series of high-level meetings with British leadership. In a meeting with…

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ECB approves Vujcic as new vice-president

The European Central Bank on Wednesday approved the appointment of Boris Vujcic as its new Vice-President for an eight-year term starting in June. Vujcic, currently Croatia's central bank governor, was…

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EU Commission urges MEPs to vote through EU-US deal despite fresh tariffs

EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has urged MEPs to press ahead with ratifying the EU US trade deal despite fresh tariffs from Washington and legal uncertainty following a US court…

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EP backs Andrés Ritter as the next European Chief Prosecutor

The European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee has backed the appointment of Andrés Ritter as the next European Chief Prosecutor. MEPs in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs…

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EU accuses Hungary of disloyalty for vetoing €90 billion loan to Ukraine

Hungary’s decision to veto a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine has drawn sharp criticism from Brussels and several member states, who argue the move breaches the bloc’s principle of…

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Watch: MEPs Rally Behind Ukraine, Warn Against ‘Division from Within’

The European Parliament marked the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine with a special plenary session on Tuesday, as political leaders pledged sustained military, financial and political backing…

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European Parliament rejects minute of silence for French nationalist student

The European Parliament has rejected a request by the far‑right Patriots for Europe (PfE) group to hold a minute of silence this week for Quentin Deranque, a French nationalist student…

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EP convenes special plenary to mark four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

The European Parliament convenes in a special plenary session this week to mark four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, placing the war and Europe’s response firmly at the…

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Thomas Bajada to lead MEP negotiations on EU funding

Thomas Bajada, Labour MEP, has been appointed European Parliament rapporteur on the economic dimension of the new National and Regional Partnership Plans under the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. In this…

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Cross-party MEPs warn EU risks sidelining environmental voices

A cross-party group of MEPs has urged the European Commission to stop excluding environmental organisations from policymaking, following complaints that key green groups were denied access to officials and consultation…

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Don’t be like Europe: EU slammed for overregulating AI

“Don’t be like Europe.” That was the blunt refrain echoing through the 2026 global artificial intelligence summit in New Delhi, where speakers and industry figures criticised the European Union’s regulatory…

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ECB President dismisses reports about stepping down

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has reassured colleagues that she remains fully committed to her role and would personally inform them of any decision to step down, according to…

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EU countries back tool to regulate carbon price spikes ahead of tax on cars and buildings

European Union member states have agreed to extend the bloc’s mechanism to control carbon price spikes beyond 2030, aiming to prevent excessive costs when the new carbon tax on cars,…

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Six EU countries to join forces in accelerating reforms

US President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland acted as an “epiphany moment” for Europe’s six largest economies, prompting them to join forces to accelerate long-stalled financial market reforms, Spain’s…

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Von der Leyen’s industry revival plan faces internal resistance – reports

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is facing internal resistance to her flagship Industrial Accelerator Act, a key pillar of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal, according to Politico. The…

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EP Socialists demand clarification after Commission takes part in Board of Peace

The Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament has demanded urgent clarification from the European Commission over its participation in the first meeting of the so-called “Board of Peace”…

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EU Opens Formal DSA Probe into Shein Over Addictive Design and Illegal Product Sales

The European Commission has opened formal proceedings against Shein under the Digital Services Act (DSA), citing concerns over addictive platform design, recommender system transparency and the sale of illegal products,…

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