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EU Commission stepping up coordination to avoid jet fuel shortage

The European Union (EU) on Wednesday announced a set of policy agendas aimed at easing the energy crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East. The European Commission presented a toolbox of measures named…

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Europe’s response to the Iran war energy crunch

The European Commission will publish a package of measures on Wednesday seeking to offset surging energy prices, as countries grapple with the biggest shock to energy markets in history from…

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Number of immigrants in EU reaches record high of 64.2 million in 2025

The number of immigrants residing in the European Union climbed to a record high of 64.2 million in ‌2025, up about 2.1 million from a year earlier, according to a…

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EU expects positive decisions on 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine on Wednesday

The European Union's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she expected "positive decisions" on the 90 billion euro ($105.94 ‌billion) loan for Ukraine to be made on Wednesday. This month's…

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EU says no jet fuel shortage, signals possible “flexibilities” amid Middle East disruption

The European Commission has said there is currently no shortage of jet fuel across the European Union, despite ongoing disruption linked to tensions in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters,…

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EU to restore Syria relations, strengthen trade and security ties

The European Union plans to deepen its engagement with Syria by relaunching formal political contacts and paving the way for closer economic and security ties, according to a document seen…

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EU needs energy union to compete with US and China, Eurogroup chief says

A European energy union is a prerequisite to other reforms that the European Union is planning to stay competitive against the U.S. and China, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, the chairman of the…

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Cyprus maritime push aligns with Maltese MEPs’ ongoing ETS island clause initiative

Cyprus has reaffirmed its commitment to shaping a fair and resilient European transport framework, with a particular focus on maritime connectivity for island states, in a position that runs broadly…

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Metsola defends Pope Leo, calls for him to address European Parliament

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has become the first senior EU figure to publicly back Pope Leo XIV following criticism from Donald Trump over the Pope’s calls for peace. The…

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EU Parliament President calls for EU–UK reset a decade after Brexit

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, has called for a strategic reset in relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom, arguing that a decade after Brexit, the…

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“Deaf” wins the 2026 LUX Audience Award

The European Parliament, together with EU citizens and MEPs, has awarded the 2026 LUX Audience Award to Spanish director Eva Libertad for her film Deaf. The prize reflects the Parliament’s…

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EU age verification app ready as Europe moves to curb children’s social media access

The EU's age verification app for online platforms is ready and will soon be ‌available to use, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday, as member states…

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Improved protection for workers against their exposure to chemicals

On Wednesday, the Employment and Social Affairs Committee adopted its position on new provisions aimed at improving EU standards to protect workers from exposure to dangerous substances. With 45 votes…

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Macron to host call with EU leaders on social media ban for minors

French President Emmanuel Macron will host a video call with other ‌EU leaders and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to push for a coordinated approach on banning social…

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MEPs close in on position on EU budget negotiations

The European Parliament is moving closer to finalising its position on the EU’s next long-term budget, setting the stage for a key institutional milestone in shaping the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial…

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Von der Leyen aims at ‘swift’ progress with Magyar

The European Union is preparing for a rapid reset in relations with Hungary after the election victory of Péter Magyar, which brings an end to the 16-year rule of Viktor…

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55% of EU Workers Exposed to Climate Risks

Around 55% of workers across the European Union are exposed to climate-related risks such as extreme heat, air pollution, and UV radiation, according to figures published by the EU Parliament. Work-related accidents…

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EU warned of ‘double whammy’ risk from markets and private credit

The global economy could face a “double whammy” if market volatility coincides with mounting risks in private credit, a top financial stability official warned EU lawmakers. Speaking to the European…

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Paris prosecutors drop drug probe against French MEP Rima Hassan

French MEP Rima Hassan has been cleared of wrongdoing following allegations that she was carrying illegal drugs, according to her party France Unbowed and the Paris prosecutor’s office. Laboratory tests…

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EU Rejects Hormuz Tolls as Shipping Crisis Deepens

The European Commission has firmly rejected proposals to charge vessels for crossing the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that international law guarantees free navigation through the critical waterway. Responding to growing…

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Hormuz tensions and fragile US-Iran truce dominate EU and Italy agenda

Efforts to stabilise the Middle East and safeguard global trade routes have intensified, with Giorgia Meloni and EU officials warning of mounting risks to both security and energy markets. Speaking…

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US Criticism of EU Intensifies as Trump Allies Intervene in Europe

Senior figures linked to US President Donald Trump have intensified criticism of the European Union, in a series of interventions that underscore a growing anti-EU stance within the current US…

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EU welcomes US-Iran ceasefire, urges efforts to create lasting agreement

EU leaders on Wednesday welcomed the two-week ceasefire agreed by the United States and Iran. "I welcome ‌the two-week ceasefire the US and Iran agreed last night. It brings much…

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EU Lawmakers Push Major Overhaul of Vehicle Registration Systems

Lawmakers in the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism are poised this week to back sweeping reforms to vehicle registration systems across the European Union, aiming to accelerate digitalisation,…

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China issues e-commerce guidance after EU lawmakers’ visit

China has issued guidance on Monday for its e-commerce sector that seeks to coordinate domestic development with international markets, a week after a delegation of European lawmakers visited to discuss…

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EU delegation flags concerns on oversight of funds during Malta visit

A delegation from the European Parliament’s Budgetary Control Committee has raised concerns about the management and oversight of EU funds in Malta, warning that further steps are needed to strengthen…

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WTO Talks Collapse Draws Warning from EU Lawmaker Over Global Trade Risks

The collapse of a World Trade Organization ministerial meeting in Yaoundé has raised concerns about the stability of global trade and confidence in the multilateral system, European lawmaker Jörgen Warborn…

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EU Energy Chief Urges Citizens to Work from Home Amid Fuel Crisis

The European Commission has urged citizens to work from home, travel less and accelerate renewable energy rollout, warning that the Gulf conflict could trigger a prolonged energy crisis. EU energy…

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EU: Israel’s decision to pass death penalty law for Palestinians is “very concerning”

Israel's decision to pass a law making death by hanging a default sentence ‌for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks is 'very concerning' for the European Union, said…

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MEPs travel to China for first visit in eight years to focus on digital economy

A nine-member delegation, led by the chair of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection committee Anna Cavazzini, will visit Beijing and Shanghai from 31 March to 2 April. This is…

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Four Maltese interpreters complete EP Academy training

President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola has presented certificates to four Maltese interpreters who successfully completed training at the European Parliament Interpreting Academy. The graduates, all translators working within…

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EU Lawmakers Break Deadlock on Digital Euro

After months of political deadlock in the European Parliament, EU lawmakers have cleared a key hurdle in negotiations on the digital euro, bringing the project closer to approval. According to…

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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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