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Press release 23-09-2025 ENVI   Deal on reducing pollution in EU groundwater and surface waters       • Updated lists of pollutants that need to be monitored and controlled • Watch lists of substances of emerging concern • New legislation is part of EU’s zero pollution ambition by 2050   On Tuesday evening, Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement on reducing groundwater and surface waters pollution and improving EU water quality standards. For groundwater, negotiators agreed to expand the list of substances for which environmental quality standards (threshold values) apply to include PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as “forever chemicals”), certain pharmaceuticals and industrial substances and non-relevant metabolites of pesticides. The deal also foresees the creation of a watch list (substances of potential concern subject to monitoring for possible introduction to the list of pollutants). According to the deal, the list of priority substances in surface waters for which threshold values apply would be significantly increased compared to the current legislation, with PFAS (including trifluoroacetic acid or TFA), newly added pharmaceuticals (such as diclofenac and ibuprofen), industrial substances (bisphenol-A) and pesticides (glyphosate). Following scientific reports prepared by ECHA, microplastics and indicators of antimicrobial resistance are to be included in the watch lists, if reliable methods of sampling and analysis not entailing excessive costs are available. Better management of monitoring requirements Negotiators agreed for the Commission to assess options for the establishment, financing and functioning an EU “joint monitoring facility” to help ease member states’ financial and administrative burdens. The report, due 18 months after the entry into force of the directive, should be followed, if appropriate, by a legislative proposal establishing the facility. Evaluating the feasibility of extended producer responsibility Three years after the entry into force of the new rules, the Commission must assess the possibility to include an extended producer responsibility mechanism, that would require producers of substances listed to contribute to the costs of monitoring programmes. Access to justice At Parliament’s initiative, the text will specifically mention the obligation for member states to ensure access to administrative and judicial review procedures for citizens and non-governmental organisations, to be able to challenge environmental measures violations (in line with the Aarhus Convention). Quote After the vote, rapporteur Javi López (S&D, ES) said: “Europe is facing a water crisis, with droughts, floods and chemical pollution putting increasing pressure on our resources. This agreement gives us stronger tools to respond: updated pollutant standards, the inclusion of new substances, better monitoring and reporting of data, and a stronger focus on emerging pollutants. Our compromise reached with the Council, on elements such as time extensions and exemptions, ensures the Directive's objectives are not undermined. It is a decisive step towards cleaner water, healthier ecosystems and the protection of human health across the Union.” Next steps Parliament and Council have concluded an "early second reading agreement" (negotiation took place after the EP first reading was adopted in plenary). The Council is now expected to formally adopt its position, which can then be endorsed by the EP in second reading. Background In line with the European Green Deal’s zero pollution ambition, the Commission tabled in October 2022 a proposal to revise the lists of surface water and groundwater pollutants that need to be monitored and controlled to protect the EU’s freshwater bodies. The new legislation updates the Water Framework Directive, the Groundwater Directive and the Environmental Quality Standards Directive (Surface Water Directive). Further information  Procedure file  Legislative train  EP Research Service: Pollutants in EU waters  Free photos, videos and audio material Press release 23-09-2025 AFCO   Institutional changes are essential to prepare the EU for new member states, say MEPs       • Necessary internal EU reforms should run in parallel with accession processes • Focus on a more effective and democratic Union: less reliance on unanimity, stronger role for Parliament • New financial resources and adapted institutional setup needed for a stronger and broader Union The Committee on Constitutional Affairs endorsed on Tuesday a report on the institutional consequences of EU enlargement negotiations. In the report (adopted with 18 votes in favour, 9 against and no abstentions), MEPs set out concrete proposals on how the Union should adapt to become more integrated, more effective, and more democratic as it prepares to welcome new members - a two-pronged approach historically employed around enlargement occurrences. Enlargement is both a historic commitment and a strategic priority for the EU, they point out, underlining enlargement must remain merit-based and that candidate countries must respect European values. MEPs call for changes to decision-making, notably by reducing reliance on unanimity in the Council in areas requiring more sophisticated coordination. Further, MEPs reiterate the call of the full use of existing tools, such as the “passerelle clause”, while calling for the further development of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) for European defence. The report also includes principles and proposals for adapting the size and functioning of Parliament, Council, and Commission, to boost efficiency, ensure democratic representation, and safeguard institutional balance in an enlarged Union - pointing also to Parliament’s proposals for the revision of the EU Treaties and repeating the call for a stronger role for the European Parliament as a co-legislator and budgetary authority. Other key points include: reforming the procedure to protect EU values by ending unanimity in European Council decisions, introducing a clear time frame, and making the Court of Justice the arbiter of violations; lifting the current ceiling of 1% of EU GNI on the long-term budget and introducing new own resources, while also highlighting the importance of the upcoming long-term budget in the enlargement process and the need for appropriate safeguards; reintroducing the “observer status” mechanism for candidate countries used in 2004; sustaining public confidence through communication campaigns highlighting enlargement’s opportunities and countering disinformation and foreign interference; and the importance of interparliamentary cooperation and support by the European Parliament in consensus building and accession-related reforms. Quote Rapporteur Sandro Gozi (Renew, FR) commented: “This report makes clear that the real question is not whether the European Union should enlarge, but how to ensure that enlargement strengthens the Union. The cost of inaction is simply too high and too risky; reform is no longer a choice, but an urgent necessity. Our proposals set out a pathway for a more efficient, democratic, and powerful Union, capable of acting faster, speaking with one voice, and empowering citizens. We must reform the Union to unify Europe.” Next steps The report is set to be tabled at the 20 - 23 October plenary session in Strasbourg, and MEPs expect it to into the Commission’s upcoming pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews. Background Enlargement has delivered substantial economic benefits for all European countries involved: the 2004 accession states saw GDP per capita rise by 30% on average, with growth spilling over to older members, and future enlargements could narrow the EU-US gap and add up to USD 10 trillion to EU GDP by 2035. Membership-related reforms are also expected to foster stability and strengthen the rule of law in neighbouring countries facing political fragility, while ensuring the Union can protect and spread its fundamental values. Further information  Committee on Constitutional Affairs  Procedure file  Fact Sheets on the European Union - The Enlargement of the Union  EU enlargement and reform: MEPs call for bold decisions (29.02.2024)  Multimedia Centre Press release 23-09-2025 DROI   AFET   DEVE   Sakharov Prize 2025: presentation of candidates       The political groups and MEPs presented their nominations for the 2025 Sakharov Prize at a joint meeting on Tuesday. The vote on the three finalists will take place in October. The candidates for the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the highest European award for commitment to and work on human rights, are (in alphabetical order): - Mzia Amaglobeli and the pro-democracy protest movement in Georgia, nominated by MEP Rasa Juknevičienė and 60 other MEPs; - Budapest Pride, nominated by the Greens/European Free Alliance group; Marc Angel, Kim Van Sparrentak and 43 other members; - Journalists and humanitarian workers in conflict areas, represented by the Palestinian Press Association, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), nominated by the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats group; - Journalists in Palestine (Hamza and Wael Al-Dahdouh, Plestia Alaqad, Shireen Abu Akleh, Ain Media (in honour of Yasser Murtaja and Roshdi Sarraj), nominated by The Left group (GUE/NGL); - Charlie Kirk, nominated by the Europe of Sovereign Nations group; - Andrzej Poczobut, nominated by the European People's Party and European Conservatives and Reformists groups; - Boualem Sansal, nominated by the Patriots for Europe group; - Serbian students, nominated by the Renew Europe group. The candidates were presented at a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Committee on Development. Background and next steps Each year in September, MEPs and political groups nominate candidates for the Sakharov Prize. Each candidate must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each MEP can only support one candidate. The applications are then assessed at a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Committee on Development. A shortlist of three candidates is drawn up following a vote in the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Development in October. The shortlist is then submitted to the Conference of Presidents (composed of the President of Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and the political group leaders) for a final vote. The laureate is announced in October and the award ceremony takes place during Parliament’s December plenary session in Strasbourg. Further information  Committee on Foreign Affairs  Committee on Development  Subcommittee on Human Rights  Replay - presentation of nominations at joint committee meeting (23.9.25)  Infographic – Sakharov Prize: How is the laureate chosen?  Sakharov Prize website Press release 23-09-2025 ITRE   MEPs back measures to boost EU support for security and defence investments       • Amending major EU funding programs to facilitate spending on defence projects • Funding extended to small companies and dual-use projects like military mobility and fuel infrastructure • Support for integrating Ukraine’s defence industry and reducing the EU’s dependence on third countries As part of the ReArm Europe Plan, the measures aim to strengthen Europe’s defence technological and industrial base by channelling EU funding to defence and security. The legislation adopted in the Industry, Research and Energy committee will increase funding for defence-related investment by amending existing EU programmes - the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), Horizon Europe, the European Defence Fund (EDF), the Digital Europe programme (DEP) and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) - to channel EU funding towards defence. “Defence and security technologies” will be added as a fourth strategic sector under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). MEPs broadened the definition of defence technologies to include societal resilience, such as critical infrastructure protection, disaster response, and election integrity. In Horizon Europe, MEPs backed the Commission’s proposal to support civil applications with potential military applications (dual use). Funding rates in the European Defence Fund, will be increased for SMEs and small mid-caps, allowing up to 100% EU co-financing for eligible projects. MEPs want the Digital Europe Programme to facilitate the deployment and operation of so-called AI factories and gigafactories for defence-related AI models and applications. They argue the programme should also reinforce the Union’s societal resilience and combat hybrid digital threats. The committee also supports EU funding for dual-use transport infrastructure under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), including military mobility corridors, fuel supply chains, and logistics hubs. MEPs want to increase co-financing rates to 100%, in particular for projects related to hot-spots and cross-border sections of military mobility corridors. MEPs also extended the eligibility criteria for dual-use fuel infrastructure. Reducing reliance on external countries and supporting Ukraine MEPs say that to protect the EU’s strategic and economic security interests, preference shall be given where appropriate to the purchase and use of materials, products and technologies which reduce strategic dependencies on non-EU countries. Ukraine’s sovereignty, resilience, and industrial capacity are essential to European security, and efforts should be undertaken to explore pathways for the future integration of Ukraine’s defence industry into relevant EU programmes, MEPs add. The EU should therefore support its efforts to modernise, innovate, and align with European standards. Quote “This vote is a clear and unified signal: Europe must act swiftly and decisively to strengthen its defence industrial base, streamline cross-border cooperation, and adapt our key EU programmes to serve our strategic objectives. Parliament has defined a coherent framework consolidating existing instruments - without creating new funding lines - so member states have the flexibility and the tools to deliver,” lead MEP Rihard Kols (ECR, Latvia) said. “Security and defence are now EU citizens' top concern. It is time to act, enter swift negotiations, and deliver. This is how Europe leads - by turning urgency into unity, and unity into action,” he added. Next steps The draft legislation was adopted with 63 votes to five, with four abstentions. MEPs also voted to open negotiations with Council with 64 votes to five, with three abstentions. The full parliamentary plenary will have to be notified of the decision before negotiations with the Council of Ministers can start. Background The European Commission’s proposal, presented on 22 April 2025, aims to boost defence-related investments within the EU budget as part of the ReArm Europe Plan. In response to escalating geopolitical threats, the text seeks to strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) with funding coming from existing budgets. It follows the Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030, aiming to enhance the EU’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness in defence. Further information  Committee on Industry, Research and Energy  Procedure file  EP research: ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 Press release 23-09-2025 EMPL   MEPs seek to improve trainees’ working conditions across the EU       • A clear definition of what constitutes a traineeship • A contract detailing pay and duration • Access to health insurance, unemployment benefits and pension contributions   To prevent abusive practices against trainees, the Employment Committee wants traineeship contracts with clear provisions on pay, duration and social protection. The Employment and Social Affairs Committee has proposed changes to new EU rules on traineeships, in a report adopted on Tuesday by 42 votes to nine, and with six abstentions. The objective is to ensure proper working conditions for trainees and to dissuade companies from disguising regular jobs as traineeships. Types of traineeship The Employment Committee MEPs have set out a clear definition of what constitutes a traineeship, stressing that it should be for a limited time and involve entry-level work, facilitating the transition from education to employment. They want all traineeships to be included under the new rules, except for mandatory traineeships that are an integral part of studies or apprenticeships. No contract, no traineeship Employment MEPs stress that all prospective trainees should receive a written traineeship agreement describing pay, tasks, learning objectives, rights and obligations, and the duration of the traineeship. Traineeships should last no longer than six months, unless duly justified. Trainees should also have access to social protection, including health insurance, unemployment benefits and pension contributions, the text says. Combating abusive practices A traineeship that is not paid in accordance with national law, lacks a training component, or has no mentorship or evaluation, should be considered an abusive practice, according to MEPs, as it means an employment relationship is being disguised as a traineeship. The members have introduced additional alarm bells to help detect and combat these practices, such as when a trainee undertakes multiple or consecutive traineeships with the same employer or the lack of a comprehensive vacancy notice. To facilitate the enforcement of the new rules, the MEPs on the Employment and Social Affairs Committee support a proposal to oblige companies to share upon request data on traineeship numbers, durations, working conditions, and more, with the competent national authorities. The new rules would make it easier for trainees to report malpractice, as there would be channels for reporting poor working conditions anonymously and safely. The MEPs also want organisations to designate a person to whom trainees would be able to turn for advice and support in cases of suspected malpractice. Quote Rapporteur Alicia Homs Ginel (S&D, ES) said: “Today the European Parliament is sending a clear message to young people across Europe: their work matters, and their rights must be protected. After a year and a half of intense work, this directive is our response to the calls from young people during the Conference on the Future of Europe and the European Year of Youth. It tackles widespread abuses and disguised employment, guarantees fair pay and social protection, and ensures that traineeships are a genuine path towards standard quality employment”. Next steps The Employment and Social Affairs committee also voted to start interinstitutional negotiations, by 41 vote to 14, and with one abstention. If no objections are raised during the announcement of the mandate at Parliament’s upcoming plenary session, talks with the Council on the final form of the directive can begin. Background The European Commission’s draft traineeship directive came in response to a 2023 European Parliament call to set minimum traineeship quality standards, including rules on duration, remuneration and access to social protection, in accordance with national laws and practices. Further information  Committee on Employment and Social Affairs  Procedural file  European Parliamentary Research Service briefing on the traineeships directive (September 2024) Press release 23-09-2025 Implications of Vision for Food and Agriculture: MEPs and MPs from EU countries meet in Brussels       On Thursday, MEPs and national MPs from EU member states will discuss the implications of future reforms of EU agricultural policy. Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) will hold an Interparliamentary Committee Meeting on “Vision for Food and Agriculture - Implications at national and EU level” with members of national parliaments from member states. When: Thursday 25 September 2025, 9.00 - 12.30 CEST Where: European Parliament in Brussels, ANTALL building, room 6Q2 and live streamed on Parliament's Multimedia Centre. The meeting will start with opening remarks by AGRI Chair Veronika Vrecionová (ECR, CZ). Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Jacob Jensen, Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and Peter Meedendorp, President of the European Council of Young Farmers will then deliver speeches on how to ensure a fair standard of living for farmers. During a second panel, Massimiliano Giansanti, Copa President, Felipe Ortega Schlingmann, Head of Division, European Investment Bank and Thomas Gehrke, Member of the Board of Directors, Vereingte Hagelversicherung will talk about tools to address natural, market, and sanitary risks. Both panels will be followed by a debate of MEPs and MPs. Background On 19 February, the Commission presented a Vision for Agriculture and Food outlining how to secure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the EU's farming and food sector. On 16 July, Commissioner Christophe Hansen presented a proposal for the EU Common Agricultural Policy post-2027 in the AGRI Committee. The European Parliament adopted a report defining Parliament’s vision and demands for CAP after 2027 on 10 September 2025. Further information  Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development  EP Research Service briefing on Future of agriculture and the post-2027 CAP  EP Research Service briefing on Future-proofing the vision for agriculture and food  EP Research Service briefing on Generational renewal in EU agriculture Press release 22-09-2025 ITRE   ITRE 22-23/09 – ReArm Europe, climate neutrality, electricity grids, debate with EC VP Séjourné       Highlights of the meeting of the committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) When: Monday 22 September 2025, 16.30 – 18.00 Tuesday 23 September 2025, 9.00 – 12.30 and 14.30 – 18.30 Where: Brussels – Room ANTALL 4Q2 You can watch the webstreaming of the meeting here. Votes incentivising defence-related investments in the EU budget to implement the ReArm Europe Plan - adoption of draft report by Rihards Kols (ECR, Latvia) establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality - adoption of draft opinion by Niels Fuglsang (S&D, Denmark) Debates Exchange of views with the Commission on preparing the second Union list of PCI-PMI (Projects of Common Interest/Mutual Interest) Presentation of the Council Presidency’s programme: Exchange of views with Christina Egelund, Minister of Higher Education and Science, (research, innovation, space) Topical debate on the industrial ecosystem of the electricity grid value chain Exchange of views with Stéphane Séjourné, European Comission's Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, on the European Competitiveness Fund Further information  Committee on Industry, Research and Energy  Full agenda and meeting documents Press release 22-09-2025 DROI   AFET   DEVE   2025 Sakharov Prize: presentation of nominees on Tuesday       On Tuesday, Parliament’s political groups will present their candidates for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2025. The presentation will take place in a joint meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Development committees and the Subcommittee on Human Rights. This is the first step in the process of awarding the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2025. WHEN: Tuesday 23 September, from 14.30 p.m. to 15.30 p.m. WHERE: Room 3C050, Paul-Henri Spaak Building, European Parliament, Brussels The meeting will be broadcast live via the European Parliament’s webstreaming. It will also be available afterwards as a recording. Next steps Following the presentation of candidates by the political groups, the responsible committees will vote on a shortlist of three candidates on 16 October. The laureate will be chosen by the Conference of Presidents, composed of the President of Parliament, Roberta Metsola and the political groups leaders, at the end of October. The award ceremony for the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought will take place during Parliament’s December plenary session in Strasbourg. Background The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded annually by the European Parliament since 1988. It is the highest European award for commitment to and work on human rights. Each year in September, MEPs and political groups nominate candidates for the Sakharov Prize. Each candidate must have the support of at least 40 MEPs, and each MEP can only support one candidate. Further information  Committee on Foreign Affairs  Committee on Development  Subcommittee on Human Rights  Infographic – Sakharov Prize: How does it work?  Sakharov Prize website Press alert 22-09-2025 Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee       This week’s highlights Wednesday, 24 September 2025, 9.00 – 11.30 and 14.30–18.00 CEST Thursday, 25 September 2025, 9.00 – 12.30 European Parliament, Antall building, room 4Q2 Agenda | Meeting documents | Webstreaming | Committee homepage Votes Thursday, 9.30 Alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes – rapporteur Laura Ballarín Cereza (S&D, ES), vote on the trilogue agreement Electric vehicle supply equipment, compressed gas dispensers, and electricity, gas and thermal energy meters (update to the Measuring Instruments Directive) – rapporteur Zala Tomašič (EPP, SL), adoption of draft report A new legislative framework for products that is fit for the digital and sustainable transition – rapporteur David Cormand (Greens/EFA, FR), adoption of draft report Phasing out Russian natural gas imports and improving monitoring of potential energy dependencies – rapporteur for the opinion Paulius Saudargas (EPP, LT), adoption of draft opinion (responsible committees INTA & ITRE) Public hearing: Strengthening the single market for services Wednesday, +/- 9.45 The hearing will look at existing barriers in the services sector (first panel) and explore ways to unlock the full potential of the internal market, in particular in the light of the Commission’s recent Single Market Strategy (second panel). A range of stakeholders will take part, including the European Commission, relevant national authorities as well as representatives of consumers and from the industry. More details and full programme of the hearing can be found here. Ongoing work Working Group on the implementation and enforcement of the Artificial Intelligence Act – co-chair of the working group, Brando Benifei (S&D, IT) reports back to the committee, Wednesday, 9.00 Protection of minors online – rapporteur Christel Schaldemose (S&D, DE), consideration of amendments and compromise amendments, Wednesday, 14.30 Exchanges of views with the Commission and presentations Single Market competitiveness: Advancing cross-border trade in services, presentation of the study on Wednesday, +/- 9.15 Guidelines for protection of minors online under Article 28 of the DSA, exchange of views with the Commission on Wednesday, +/- 15.20 DSA: Delegated regulation laying down conditions and procedures under which providers of very large online platforms and of very large online search engines are to share data with vetted researchers, exchange of views with the Commission on Wednesday, +/- 16.15 Commission report on the interim evaluation of the Single Market Programme 2021–2027, exchange of views with the Commission on Wednesday, +/- 16.50 Proposal for a Regulation establishing the Single Market and Customs Programme for the period 2028–2034, exchange of views with the Commission on Wednesday, +/- 17.20 Proposal to establish the European Competitiveness Fund, presentation by the Commission on Thursday, +/- 10.30 Omnibus IV – Digitalisation and small mid-caps, presentation of 4 files belonging to the package by the Commission on Thursday, from +/- 11.15 Further information  Follow the Internal Market Committee on X  Subscribe to news and press release from the Internal Market Committee  Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection  Webstreaming  Agenda and meeting documents  Newsletters of the committee  Catch up via video on demand This message was sent to v.ch.maria@gmail.com