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Press release 28-04-2026 Plenary session TRAN ENVI | | | |
| | | | • | Easier to compare carbon footprints | | • | Free calculation tool for transport operators | | • | Calculation of life-cycle emissions in future revisions |
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On Tuesday, MEPs backed a single EU methodology for calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport services. |
The new rules, already confirmed by EU governments in February, will make it easier to compare the environmental performance of different transport modes across the EU, helping consumers and businesses make informed choices and reducing the risk of greenwashing.
Transport companies will not be obliged to calculate their GHG emissions. However, if they choose to do so, for instance for reporting, contractual or marketing purposes, or when required by other EU rules, they will have to apply the common EU methodology. It counts emissions from vehicle use and energy provision during transport operations. To enhance accuracy, the EU rules prioritise the use of primary data over estimates or default values of GHG emissions, while providing incentives for operators that measure their emissions directly.
Support for small and medium-sized companies To reduce the administrative and financial burden on companies, not least for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), MEPs secured a commitment from the Commission to develop a public, simple and free-of-charge calculation tool, with an instruction manual. The Commission has four years to develop this tool.
Preparing for life-cycle emissions The single methodology will not cover GHG emissions over the full life cycle of transport services. MEPs ensured that within four years of new rules starting to apply, the Commission will assess the possibility of expanding the EU methodology to include life-cycle emissions, such as those from vehicle manufacturing, energy production, maintenance, use and end-of-life, once sufficient data and international progress allow. This assessment will guide future updates of the rules.
Quotes Transport Committee rapporteur Norbert Lins (EPP, DE) said: "The new rules will make it easier for businesses to report their greenhouse gas emissions accurately. It includes dedicated incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to apply the ISO standard without being burdened by excessive administrative tasks. SMEs will also get access to a free calculation tool, making it easier for them to contribute to reducing GHG emissions. Additionally, life cycle assessment will remain on the table for the near future, signalling ongoing advances in this area."
Environment Committee Chair and rapporteur Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D, IT) stressed: “While the new rules will not oblige transport companies to calculate their emissions, those that choose to do so—for reporting, contractual, or marketing purposes, or when required by law—will now use a common methodology based on a global standard. SMEs will be able to rely on a free calculation tool and, for the first time, consumers will have access to transparent and reliable information regardless of how they travel or buy goods. The new rules represent a win for companies, consumers, and the climate.”
Next steps The new rules will enter into force on the 20th day following their publication in the EU’s Official Journal. With some exceptions, they will apply four and a half years after the regulation’s entry into force. |
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| | | | | | | | • | Mandatory microchipping and registration of all dogs and cats in the EU | | • | Ban on the breeding of dogs or cats with excessive physical traits | | • | Around 44% of EU citizens have a pet and 74% want them to be better protected |
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The bill adopted on Tuesday seeks to stop abusive practices, curb cruel business methods and protect the health of cats and dogs. |
By 558 votes in favour, 35 against, and with 52 abstentions, MEPs gave their final green light to the first ever EU standards for the breeding, housing, traceability, import and handling of cats and dogs.
The new regulation, already agreed with Council, introduces an obligation for all dogs and cats kept in the EU, including those in private ownership, to be identifiable with microchips and registered in interoperable national databases. Sellers, breeders and shelters will have four years from the entry into force of the legislation to prepare for this. For pet owners who do not sell animals, the obligation will kick in after 10 years for dogs, and after 15 for cats. Ban on commercial practices leading to abuses and health risks Breeding between parents and their offspring, grandparents and grandchildren, as well as between siblings and half-siblings, will be forbidden. The breeding of dogs or cats to give them exaggerated or excessive traits that lead to significant health risks will also be banned. The new measures include a prohibition on the mutilation of dogs and cats for shows, exhibitions, or competitions. Tying a dog or a cat to an object (tethering), except when necessary for medical treatment, and the use of prong and choke collars without built-in safety mechanisms, will also be prohibited. Dogs and cats from non-EU countries To close loopholes that allow dogs and cats to enter the EU as non-commercial pets only to be subsequently sold, the new legislation covers not only imports for commercial purposes but also non-commercial animal movements. Dogs and cats imported from non-EU countries for sale will have to be microchipped before they enter the EU, and then registered in a national database. Pet owners entering the EU will be obliged to pre-register their microchipped animal on a database at least five working days before arrival, unless it is already registered in an EU country’s database. Quote Rapporteur and Agriculture and Rural Development Committee chair, Veronika Vrecionová (ECR, CZ), said: “Today we have taken an important step towards bringing real order to the trade in dogs and cats in the European Union. Our message is clear: a pet is a family member, not an object or a toy. We finally have stronger rules on breeding and traceability that will help us push back against those who see animals as a means of making a quick profit. At the same time, we are levelling the playing field for honest breeders in the EU.” Next steps The legislation now needs to be adopted by the Council before it can enter into force. Background Around 44% of EU citizens have a pet and 74% believe their welfare should be better protected. The trade in dogs and cats has grown considerably in recent years and is worth €1.3 billion a year. According to the Commission, around 60% of owners purchase their dogs or cats online. In the absence of animal welfare standards for dogs and cats across EU countries, the Commission proposed the new rules on 7 December 2023. |
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| | | | | | Press release 28-04-2026 Plenary session LIBE FEMM | | | |
| | | | • | Commission urged to propose EU-wide consent-based rape legislation | | • | Silence, lack of resistance or previous relationship must not imply consent | | • | MEPs call for a victim-centred approach with specialist support, training and prevention measures | | • | Compulsory training for professionals in contact with survivors |
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| | Parliament wants the Commission to propose legislation establishing a common definition of rape based on freely given, informed, and revocable consent. | In a report adopted on Tuesday with 447 votes for, 160 against, and 43 abstentions, MEPs call on member states that still rely on force- or violence-based definitions of rape to align their laws with international standards (including the Istanbul Convention, ratified by the EU in 2023). They also demand adequate support and protection for victims and survivors across the EU. Parliament says silence, lack of resistance, the absence of a “no”, previous consent, past sexual conduct, or any current or previous relationship must not be interpreted as consent. A new legal framework MEPs say consent must be assessed in context, including in cases involving violence, threats, the abuse of power, fear, intimidation, unconsciousness, intoxication, chemical submission, sleep, illness, disability or vulnerability. They argue trauma responses (such as the “freeze” or the “fawn” responses) must be reflected in legislation and judicial practice and reiterate their demand for gender-based violence to be added to the charges considered as EU crimes. A victim-centred approach Only consent-based rape legislation can ensure access to justice, Parliament says. MEPs say the EU needs an intersectional and victim-centred approach, including the provision of immediate medical care, sexual and reproductive healthcare, safe and legal abortion, trauma care, psychological support, and legal assistance. They also want free specialist support services, including 24-hour crisis centres offering medical, psychological and legal support. Training, education and awareness The report calls for regular and tailored mandatory training for professionals likely to come into contact with rape victims, including law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, lawyers, healthcare professionals and frontline workers. MEPs want the Commission to present EU guidelines in 2026 on comprehensive sexuality and relationship education, as well as for EU-wide awareness campaigns on consent, relationships, sexual integrity and bodily autonomy, and for action against rape myths, anti-gender content, and incel propaganda online. Quotes Civil Liberties Committee rapporteur Evin Incir (S&D, Sweden) said: “It is both morally and legally unacceptable that women are not protected by ‘only yes means yes’ legislation across the EU. We have been calling for a common European definition of rape for years, and although the Council prevented its inclusion as part of the directive on combating violence against women, more and more governments are recognising the need for this approach – since 2023, France, Finland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands have introduced consent-based laws. Momentum is with us: it’s time to deliver a common European definition of rape based on the absence of freely given and revocable consent.” Women’s Rights Committee rapporteur Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus (S&D, Poland) said: “One in three women in the EU has experienced gender-based violence. One in twenty has been raped. Thanks to brave women like Gisèle Pelicot, there are growing calls for action. But we know that in our communities there are countless victims, many who will never see justice. Parliament is speaking up for justice by calling on the Commission to propose legislation, so we can actively improve the situation for women, moving beyond outdated laws to guarantee them the same level of protection across the EU.” At 17.00 CEST on Tuesday 28 April, the rapporteurs will hold a press conference in Strasbourg, with the possibility of remote participation. |
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Press release 28-04-2026 | | | |
| | • | Oceans are a geopolitical and economic asset, demanding greater cooperation between EU countries and EU agencies | | • | Action is needed to put a stop to shadow fleets, piracy and non-EU countries’ illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing | | • | Digitalisation and traceability of catches and improved working conditions are necessary to attract new generations | | • | The sector’s competitiveness depends on adequate funding in the long-term budget, which is not currently guaranteed |
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| | Cooperation between EU countries and agencies must reflect oceans’ geostrategic importance and make fisheries sustainable, said MEPs on Tuesday. | Since the EU has the largest collective maritime area in the world, a geostrategic position in every ocean due to the outermost regions, a significant fisheries sector, and highly regulated environmental standards, ocean diplomacy should be more central to its external action, argue MEPs.
Tackle shadow fleets, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and piracy, and enforce EU rules To guarantee the sustainable exploitation of marine resources and promote EU standards, while also countering illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, MEPs call for improved cooperation between EU countries and EU agencies, including the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). MEPs stress that non-EU shadow fleets, piracy, and intimidating acts that hinder EU fishers and EU maritime infrastructures should be tackled through measures including naval missions. Dedicated EU military and non-military missions should be strengthened to combat IUU fishing activities, as well as trafficking and phantom fleets, which increase the risk of oil spills. In the report, MEPs ask the Commission to reinforce control of Russian fishing activities, including transhipments, and to apply more restrictions on Russian imports. MEPs note the importance of participation in regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) and the network of sustainable partnership agreements when it comes to ensuring a level playing field and fairer competition for EU fishers. They therefore call on the Commission to apply EU rules in full in relation to third countries that allow practices that deplete fish stocks, and to enforce sustainable practices by legal means, including trade restrictions, such as import bans.
Fisheries and aquaculture competitiveness To increase the competitiveness of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, and in the context of the ongoing evaluation of the common fisheries policy, MEPs ask for the reduction of administrative burdens and simplification of procedures, with faster procedures for projects that enhance the EU’s food security and sovereignty. With 75% of the EU’s fleet used in small-scale fishing, MEPs urge the Commission and EU countries to do more to increase the sector’s competitiveness. This could involve promoting consumer awareness and traceability, or designing targeted measures to attract new generations of fishers, such as improving career prospects, investing in modern, safe and digitalised fishing fleets, and setting up training programmes. EU countries should also ensure full implementation the CATCH system for all products imported into the EU, say MEPs.
Significant financial resources are needed Highlighting the need for adequate funding “to ensure that the EU can deliver” on its commitments, MEP express their concern about the proposal for the next long-term EU budget, which earmarks mere €2 billion for fisheries and aquaculture for the 2028-2034 period. This represents a reduction of 66% compared with the previous multiannual budget. The report states that significant financial resources at EU and national levels are needed to provide the support small-scale fisheries and coastal communities need, rebuild fish stocks, and create the conditions for the EU fisheries sector’s long-term resilience and competitiveness. The report was adopted by 430 votes in favour and 107 against, with 115 abstentions.
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“Ocean diplomacy begins with our fishermen — those who are on the front lines of our seas, whose livelihoods, knowledge, and resilience sustain Europe’s maritime communities and food security. It is through their reality that Europe’s economy, security, and identity meet the challenges of a changing world. In today’s geopolitical climate, the ocean is no longer just a shared space - it is a strategic arena where resilience, power, and responsibility are being defined. As the rapporteur of this report, I underline the urgency of this moment”, said the rapporteur Željana ZOVKO (EPP, HR).
Background Oceans and seas cover 65% of EU territory, representing the world’s largest collective maritime area, with 25 million km² of exclusive economic zones and 70 000 km of coastline. Forty per cent of EU citizens live within 50 km of the sea and the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector provides around 193 000 jobs and contributes €5.5 billion per year to the EU economy. Nevertheless, the EU imports 70% of its seafood, which undermines self-sufficiency and risks exposing the sector to unfair practices. The challenges of overfishing, climate change, and a lack of interest from younger generations are exacerbating the constant decline in the EU fleet. The EU is a contracting party to 18 regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs), which manage the ocean and its resources. It has currently 13 sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with non-EU countries, which are a platform for further cooperation. The EU was active in promoting the ratification and subsequent entry into force of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. Ocean diplomacy is one of the six key priorities of the European Ocean Pact, a strategy aiming to protect marine ecosystems and enhance the blue economy. |
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| | Press release 27-04-2026 IMCO LIBE | | | |
| | | The press conference scheduled for Wednesday at 11.00 and described below has been cancelled.
| Arba Kokalari (EPP, Sweden), rapporteur for the Internal Market committee, and Michael McNamara (Renew, Ireland) for the Civil Liberties committee, will answer journalists’ questions on the outcome of the second set of talks (trilogue) with member states on a proposal to amend EU rules governing artificial intelligence.
When: Wednesday, 29 April, at 11.00 CEST
Where: European Parliament in Strasbourg, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room (WEISS N -1/201) How: Accredited media representatives can attend the press conference in person. Journalists wishing to ask questions remotely need to connect via Interactio (supported on iPad with Safari and Mac/Windows with Google Chrome).
Negotiators from the European Parliament and Council will hold interinstitutional negotiations on Tuesday afternoon with the intention to reach an agreement, so that the changes can enter into force before August. The simplification (“omnibus”) proposal amending the Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) aims to introduce flexibility for companies and support for small mid-caps, delays certain rules on high-risk AI systems and includes a likely ban on so-called AI “nudification” systems.
The press conference will also be webstreamed live and recorded on the Parliament’s Multimedia Centre. Interpretation will be available in the following languages: EN, FR, DE, ES, IT, SV. |
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| | | | Wednesday 29 April |
EU strategy on the Middle East crisis
First on the agenda at 9.00 is this session’s key debate, with Marilena Raouna, Cyprus’s Deputy Minister for European Affairs, and Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, on the EU response to the crisis in the Middle East, high energy prices, and rising cost of fertilisers. In a separate debate with Commissioner Hadja Lahbib from around 17.00, MEPs will discuss the situation in southern Lebanon, where hundreds of civilians have been killed and thousands injured and displaced following incursions by the Israeli army. Viktor ALMQVIST
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Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS
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Proxy voting for new and expectant mothers Parliament will vote at noon to enable MEPs to delegate their votes while absent for up to three months before and six months after childbirth. The vote, which will be preceded by one round of political group speakers, will conclude the legislative procedure in Parliament. To enter into force, the revised EU Electoral Act will require formal adoption by the Council and ratification by all member states in line with their constitutional requirements. Kyriakos KLOSIDIS
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Polona TEDESKO
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Tackling cyberbullying and on-line harassment From round 14.00, MEPs will quiz Commissioner Glen Micallef on the Commission’s recent action plan against cyberbullying. A resolution, to be put to a vote tomorrow, is expected to call for targeted criminal provisions and increased platform responsibility to tackle harmful online behaviour. Yasmina YAKIMOVA
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Combating antisemitism From around 15.00, MEPs will discuss how the EU can tackle antisemitism, with Marilena Raouna for the Cyprus presidency and Hadja Lahbib for the Commission. Coming in the wake of recent attacks targeting Jewish communities in the Netherlands and Belgium, the debate will focus on reinforcing the fight against antisemitism and strengthening the protection of Jewish life across Europe. Kyriakos KLOSIDIS
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@EP_Institutional
In brief Danger of normalising relations with Russia. Following on from yesterday evening’s debate on securing justice in response to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, from around 16.30, MEPs and Commissioner Glen Micallef will discuss the danger of normalising relations with Russia in the context of major international sporting and cultural events. Catastrophe in Sudan. From around 18.00, MEPs and Commissioner Hadja Lahbib will discuss the situation in Sudan, the largest humanitarian crisis in the world with more than 30 million people affected. Breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. MEPs and Lahbib will hold urgent debates on trafficking in Haiti; the intensified suppression of ethnic identities in China; and the shortcomings of the ‘Amnesty Law’ in Venezuela. Resolutions on these subjects will be put to a vote at noon tomorrow. Topical debate. In this session’s topical debate, requested by the Patriots for Europe political group, MEPs will discuss “Commission interference in democratic process and elections” with Democracy Commissioner Michael McGrath, from around 13.00.
Votes At noon, MEPs will also vote, among others, on: - whether to grant discharge to the European Commission and other European institutions and agencies for their management of the budget in 2024;- its negotiating position on the Commission’s proposal to amend the market stability reserve for the new emissions trading system for road transport and buildings and additional sectors (ETS2),- a resolution warning of the rapid growth of non-EU e-commerce in the single market and the increasing number of products that fail to meet EU standards and calling on the Commission to make full use of EU trade-defence instruments and to act to ease the burden on EU businesses;- an own-initiative report on the situation of fundamental rights in the EU in 2024 and 2025;- a report on the Commission’s 2025 rule of law report; and- €2 million in European Globalisation Fund support for Belgian workers made redundant following the closure of Liberty Steel.Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming site and on EbS+. For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter. Find more information regarding plenary. |
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Press release 24-04-2026 | | | |
| | | | Parliament rapporteur Anna Strolenberg (Greens/EFA, NL) will brief journalists on EP findings on the situation of fundamental rights in the EU in 2024 and 2025. | The report on the situation of fundamental rights in the EU, to be debated on Tuesday and put to a vote following the press conference on Wednesday, reviews the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and respect for European values in the years 2024 and 2025, highlighting that democracy, equality and civic space are under strain. It covers a wide range of issues, including: the impact of digital technologies on democracy and fundamental rights; migration and border policy; gender-based violence; the rights of women and LGBTIQ+ people; structural racism and discrimination; detention conditions; and social, economic and environmental rights. When: Wednesday 29 April 2026, 10.30 CEST. Where: European Parliament in Strasbourg, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room (WEISS N -1/201). Who: Parliament’s rapporteur Anna Strolenberg (Greens/EFA, NL). How: Accredited media representatives are invited to attend the press conference in person. In addition, journalists can join the press conference and ask questions remotely via the Interactio platform. When connecting, enter your name and the media organisation you are representing in the first name/last name fields. For better sound quality, use headphones and a microphone. Interpretation is only possible for interventions with video. The press conference will also be available on Parliament’s Multimedia Centre. |
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| | | | | Plenary has approved the revision of the EU Electoral Act to enable female MEPs to delegate their voting rights before and after childbirth. |
After Parliament kickstarted the revision in November 2025, the Council agreed to amend the European electoral law in March 2026, adding provisions on transparency, accountability, traceability and vote integrity, as well as the need to define detailed modalities in Parliament’s Rules of Procedure.
The reform, adopted in plenary today by 616 votes for and 24 against, with 8 abstentions, introduces a temporary exception to the current rule requiring in-person voting, enabling female MEPs to delegate their vote to a trusted colleague for up to three months before their due date and for six months after giving birth. This measure seeks to strengthen gender equality, democratic representation, and work-life balance, ensuring that MEPs can exercise their mandates in full while managing health and family responsibilities. Quotes European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who initiated the reform, said: “I am proud of Parliament’s work. It is a big milestone for a more modern and just Parliament. No member should lose her right to vote because of becoming a mother. I will continue to work closely with the member states and their parliaments now to ensure a smooth ratification of this amendment to the electoral act, so members can benefit from the changes quickly.” Rapporteur Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, ES) added: “Today’s landmark vote brings this targeted reform one decisive step closer to becoming law. Of course, Parliament was immediately ready to accept the Council’s additions on transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the vote – values that we have always stood for – so that the process can move ahead without delay to final adoption and national ratification. This is a practical, carefully defined change to protect the personal nature of the mandate, while ensuring that motherhood does not mean elected representatives should ever have to choose between their vote and their child. We hope that this view will be shared at the next steps in this special legislative process.” Next steps The revised EU Electoral Act now requires formal adoption by the Council and ratification by all member states in line with their constitutional requirements. Background This reform aligns with Parliament’s broader commitment to gender equality and inclusivity, ensuring that parental responsibilities do not hinder political representation. |
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| | | | | | Press release 29-04-2026 Plenary session IMCO ENVI | | | |
| | | | • | Labelling must remain legible for consumers | | • | Cosmetics with carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic substances must be taken off the market faster than the Commission is proposing | | • | Regulatory simplification of fertilisers must benefit EU producers and farmers | | • | The European Chemicals Agency must be given the necessary resources and flexibility to fulfil its duties |
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Parliament’s position on the “chemicals omnibus”, voted on Wednesday, introduces flexibility while maintaining high levels of protection for human health and the environment. | With 540 votes in favour, 60 against and 45 abstentions, Parliament has adopted its position on the ‘Omnibus VI’ package proposed by the Commission to simplify provisions relating to the classification, packaging, and labelling of chemicals, cosmetics products, and fertilising products. Classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals MEPs agree with most of the changes proposed by the Commission but are against deleting all requirements for the text that should be on a product label, insisting that it must be legible for consumers. They also want to reintroduce the requirement to have a telephone number for the supplier included on the label. Furthermore, MEPs want the Commission to carry out an assessment of whether additional specific reductions of mandatory label elements should apply to packages of between 10ml and 125 ml. Members also want to add a requirement to include a warning, such as one or more hazard pictogram(s), in any public advertisement for a substance or mixture classified as hazardous. On 23 October 2025, Parliament postponed application of most parts of the revised regulation on the classification, labelling, and packaging of chemicals to 1 January 2028. Cosmetic products Compared with the Commission’s proposal for amendments to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, MEPs generally want to reduce the time cosmetics with carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR) substances may continue to be sold. MEPs are also against the Commission’s proposal to exempt CMR substances on the basis of oral or inhalation exposure. MEPs also want to reintroduce the requirement for cosmetic products containing nanomaterials to be notified to the Commission prior to being placed on the market, and not six months prior as today. They also want to specify that cosmetics sold without face-to-face contact with the customer (e.g. online) must clearly and visibly indicate all required consumer information such as durability and a list of ingredients. Fertilisers MEPs underline the need for changes to the EU Fertilising Products Regulation ((EU) 2019/1009) to simplify rules for EU fertiliser producers and support EU farmers. Overall, Parliament wants to ensure rules are proportionate, enhance regulatory clarity and support innovation and competitiveness in the EU fertilising products sector, without compromising the protection of human health and the environment. MEPs support a "digital-by-default" approach to make information more readily available, and want to update technical rules to include new materials and methods. A stronger European Chemicals Agency In a separate vote, Parliament also adopted its position on the regulation on the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), by 526 votes to 56, and with 69 abstentions, to give it the resources, flexibility, and structural adaptations it needs to fulfil its duties under its growing mandate, while reaffirming its primary mission of protecting health and the environment. This regulation improves the management of chemicals enabling better protection of citizens and ecosystems through faster and more comprehensive risk assessments, while ensuring greater predictability for industry by means of clearer procedures and shorter timelines. Parliament wants a mandatory annual assessment to make sure ECHA has enough resources to perform its tasks. It is also proposing amendments to help member states ensure chemical safety and contribute to ECHA’s work. Quotes Environment, Climate and Food Safety Committee rapporteur Dimitris Tsiodras (EPP, Greece) said: “Europe can deliver simpler, smarter and more effective regulation without compromising safety. Human health is non-negotiable. This compromise ensures a science-based approach, legal clarity and realistic timelines, fully protecting consumers while strengthening innovation, jobs and European competitiveness.” Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee rapporteur Piotr Müller (ECR, Poland) said: “This is a big step in the right direction. The most important achievement is that we are introducing real simplification for European business and innovation. And we're doing this while maintaining high safety standards. I hope the more far-reaching solutions we have proposed will be included in the next review.” The rapporteur for the revision of the ECHA Regulation, Christophe Clergeau (S&D, France), added: “Today's vote marks a decisive step towards a stronger and more coherent EU chemicals policy. By reinforcing the ECHA, we are not acting in isolation, we are strengthening a key piece of a larger puzzle to improve chemicals management across Europe. This is about protecting citizens' health and the environment more effectively, while giving industry the predictability it needs.” Next steps Parliament is now ready to start negotiations with EU member states on these files. Background The “chemicals omnibus” is part of a wider effort to simplify EU laws and cut administrative burdens, helping businesses innovate and grow in line with the Draghi report on EU competitiveness. The chemicals industry consists of 29,000 companies providing 1.2 million direct jobs and supporting 19 million more jobs across supply chains. According to the Commission, the proposed measures to reduce compliance costs and ease the administrative burden should save the industry at least €363 million a year. |
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Highlights
30-04-2026 Next week in the development committee | | | |
| | On the agenda: Global Europe, development and irregular population movements, the Middle East Crisis and global food security, Greenland | Tuesday 5 May (9.00-14.30) SPINELLI 1E-2/ANTALL 2Q2 DebatesJointly with the Committee of Foreign Affairs, a discussion on the draft report on establishing Global Europe (11.30-12.30, ANTALL 2Q2) An exchange of views on on the impact of the Middle East Crisis on global food security Consideration on a draft report by rapporteur Barry ANDREWS (Renew, IE) on Amending Decision (EU) 2021/1764 on the Association of the Overseas Countries and Territories with the European Union including relations between the European Union on the one hand, and Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark on the other VotesOn reinforcing development cooperation to address irregular population movements and their root causes in partner countries (rapporteur: Lukas MANDL (EPP, AT)) |
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| | | | | | Press release 29-04-2026 Plenary session ENVI | | | |
| | | | • | Allowances to be released one month earlier in cases of sudden price spikes | | • | Unallocated allowances to stay in the market stability reserve after 2031 | | • | €45 cap should be prolonged beyond 2029 and indexed to 2026 prices | | • | Proposed changes to ETS2 to help households reduce fossil fuel dependency |
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Parliament is proposing changes to the EU emissions trading system (ETS2) market stability reserve for the buildings, road transport and other sectors to shield households. | By 433 votes for, 120 against and with 91 abstentions, Parliament adopted its position on the Commission’s proposal to amend the market stability reserve (MSR) for the new emissions trading system for road transport and buildings (ETS2). While the MEPs agree in principle with the Commission’s proposal to allow the release of more allowances when the cost of carbon exceeds €45 per tonne CO2 equivalent (in 2020 prices), they want the Commission to react more quickly to sudden price spikes and to start releasing allowances from the MSR after one month instead of two as proposed by the Commission. Also, rather than cancelling all unused allowances transferred to the MSR from 1 January 2031, as proposed by the Commission, the MEPs want a gradual process, with 50% of the unused allowances being void from 1 January 2034 and all remaining unused MSR allowances cancelled from 1 January 2036. They also want the Commission to assess the appropriateness in this approach within four years of the launch of ETS2. The report asks the Commission to assess whether to prolong the current cap of €45 per tonne CO2 beyond 2029 and to index it to 2026 not 2020 prices. Further changes needed to ETS2 The MEPs underline that the MSR revision alone is not sufficient to mitigate the negative impact of the ETS2. They highlight the need for complementary decarbonisation measures to help households reduce fossil fuel dependency. They therefore propose to consider other options, such as allowing member states to temporarily exempt residential buildings from the ETS2, if they have other measures in place to meet their effort sharing targets, to protect citizens from the most severe potential social impacts of the scheme. They also call for a comprehensive impact assessment of ETS2 to assess its impact on EU climate goals as well as its social impact. Quote The rapporteur Danuše NERUDOVÁ (EPP, Czechia) said: “Europe must do more to shield households from the potential negative social impacts of the ETS2. To push the revision of the MSR in the right direction we have proposed concrete measures to prolong the €45 cap beyond 2029 and to lower it through indexation to 2026 prices. The Commission should also assess the possibility for member states to temporarily exempt residential buildings from the ETS2 and strengthen the social climate fund to ensure that the ETS2 is made for citizens, so they can help drive decarbonisation.” Next steps Parliament is now ready to start negotiations with EU member states. Background Following the revision of the EU Climate Law, the new ETS2 system has been postponed by one year and will enter into force on 1 January 2028. The ETS2 aims to reduce CO2 emissions from buildings and road transport by 42% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels, to help reach EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goal. The European Social Climate Fund will be available to help vulnerable citizens most affected by energy and transport poverty. The MSR was established in 2015 to address the structural imbalance between the supply of and demand for allowances in the EU ETS. The MSR aligns the supply of emissions allowances in the ETS more closely with demand by reducing or increasing the total number of allowances in circulation to stabilise the market. A separate MSR for ETS2 was created in 2023. |
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| | | | • | Support for rule of law conditionality and consistent use of infringements for clear and ongoing breaches | | • | Highest number of infringements relate to environment policy area | | • | Need for stronger early-warning system to detect implementation problems and digital tools to support simplification |
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Effective application of EU law requires rule of law conditionality, consistent use of infringements and improved implementation. |
On Wednesday, MEPs adopted their annual report on monitoring the application of EU law between 2023 and 2025, by 416 votes in favour and 190 against with 15 abstentions. Protecting the rule of law and improving implementation MEPs regret that the Commission did not publish an annual report on monitoring the application of EU law for 2024, thus breaking with over 40 years of practice. They welcome the Commissioners’ 2025 annual progress reports, as well as the horizontal report, on simplification, implementation and enforcement, but note their lack of focus on challenges and gaps. The parlamentarians strongly support the rule of law conditionality mechanism and call on the Commission to apply it consistently, with increased focus on EU countries' compliance with fundamental values such as the rule of law, democracy, and respect for human rights. MEPs stress that petitions are important for identifying issues in EU law implementation and note an increased number of petitions about child sexual abuse, testifying to systemic shortcomings in the implementation of EU law relating to child protection. Consistent use of infringement procedures According to MEPs, the Commission should initiate infringement proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) against EU countries that clearly and persistently breach EU law, as well as against those that do not implement or do not comply with CJEU rulings. While the environment was the policy area with the most infringement proceedings active over the years concerned, in 2023 it was followed by energy and transport, in 2024 by justice and consumers, and in 2025 by justice, consumers and energy. Digital tools to help implementation and simplification MEPs want strengthened early-warning mechanisms to help detect transposition and implementation problems and they also urge the Commission to strengthen and modernise its methods for monitoring the application of regulations. They want complaint procedures to be more accessible, by means for instance of modernised digital tools and multilingual information portals, when it comes to citizens’ and businesses’ rights under EU law. MEPs stress that simplification does not mean deregulation and that well-designed digital tools can be effective in reducing administrative burdens. They welcome the Commission’s plans to stress-test and reality-check EU legislation while ensuring that policy objectives are effectively met. Quote Following the plenary vote, rapporteur Dainius Žalimas (Renew, Lithuania) said: "Europe must deliver tangible results for people and businesses. That means ensuring EU law is applied fully, fairly, and effectively in every member state. Clear rules, robust enforcement, and smart simplification are essential to strengthen both competitiveness and the rule of law across the Union." Background As part of its supervisory role Parliament monitors the application of EU law annually on the basis of a report issued by the European Commission. Parliament’s report is an integral part of the exercise of assessing legislative implementation. The Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) leads the Network on Monitoring the Application of Union Law, consisting of 13 parliamentary committees, that also contributes to the annual report. |
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| | | | | • | Commission should be tougher on rule of law issues | | • | Lower error rates no proof of improved management | | • | Final beneficiaries of Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) must be disclosed | | • | Discharge postponed for the Council |
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| | MEPs approve the Commission’s management of the 2024 EU budget but warn that rule of law backsliding in several member states is harming the use of EU funds. | On Wednesday, plenary signed off the budgetary management by the European Commission, responsible for the majority of EU expenditure, with 389 votes to 255, with three abstentions. In a series of separate votes, Parliament also granted discharge to all EU bodies except the Council, because of its unwillingness to cooperate with MEPs. Call for rule of law action In the resolution accompanying the discharge decision on the Commission (adopted by 418 votes in favour, 207 against and 14 abstentions), MEPs point to ongoing rule of law backsliding, systemic corruption and attacks on fundamental rights in several member states that have a direct impact on the sound management of EU funds. To address these risks, MEPs want the Commission to move beyond monitoring and make full use of the instruments at its disposal, including the full suspension of EU funds. No all-clear despite lower error rate Welcoming a reduced error rate (the share of payments that was not made in full compliance with the applicable EU rules) – dropping from 5.6% in 2023 to 3.6% in 2024 - MEPs warn this decline does not necessarily reflect improved financial management. The improvement, they say, could also be traced to factors like the end of COVID-19 emergency spending and a comparatively low level of budgetary implementation in 2024. They also point to the still-worrying error level affecting cohesion spending (5.7%, down from 9.3% in 2023). Recovery and Resilience Facility: transparency and traceability are missing In line with previous warnings, MEPs are concerned about the lack of reliable and complete information on final recipients of the Recovery and Resilience Facility’s (RRF) funding. They say the Commission’s interpretation of the concept of “final recipient” contradicts the existing legislation and want the Commission to publish the list of final recipients and contractors across all instruments in a harmonised, machine-readable format. MEPs warn that all appropriate measures within the EP’s power - including legal action - would be considered should the Commission fail to provide access to this information. Quote Rapporteur for the Commission discharge Daniel Freund (Greens/EFA, DE) said: „Today, the European Parliament sent a clear and unequivocal message on accountability and the rule of law through its decision on the European Commission’s 2024 budget discharge. On RRF, we made it clear that ongoing transparency failures are unacceptable. The Commission must provide a complete list of final recipients by 31 December - or face legal action. We also secured a significant step forward in addressing rule of law concerns in Slovakia. Parliament calls on the Commission to trigger the rule of law conditionality mechanism to safeguard EU funds from misuse. Regarding the EU-Qatar aviation agreement, Parliament has expressed deep concern over serious allegations of corruption involving a senior Commission official. The agreement, negotiated under questionable circumstances, must be urgently evaluated - and suspended if necessary. Parliament has also raised serious concerns about Commissioner Varhelyi’s record, including management failures in DG NEAR and the provision of inaccurate information. These decisions underline our firm commitment to upholding EU values and protecting taxpayers’ money.“ Discharge for the Council postponed, again MEPs postponed the Council’s discharge − as has been the case every year since 2009, due to a lack of cooperation by it with Parliament. Postponed decisions are revisited later in the year, when discharge is either granted or ultimately denied. Voting results of all the discharge decisions will be available online. Background The EU’s “discharge procedure” is a key mechanism through which Parliament exercises democratic oversight over the EU budget’s implementation. It serves to hold the European Commission and other EU institutions accountable for the management of EU funds. On the basis of reports from the Commission and the European Court of Auditors (ECA), the Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control reviews the implementation of the EU budget in a given financial year and holds hearings with the relevant officials. The committee then recommends whether to grant or refuse budgetary “discharge” and provides observations and recommendations in the form of a resolution. The plenary votes to approve or reject these decisions. Refusal of discharge can result in remedial action, stricter financial controls, or political consequences. |
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| | Press release 30-04-2026 TRAN ENVI | | | |
| | | | Members of the European Parliament took part in talks at the International Maritime Organization on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships. | A delegation from the Committees on Environment, Climate Change and Food Safety, and on Transport and Tourism, led by Thomas Bajada (S&D, MT), attended the 84th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) in London from 27 to 29 April 2026. The two other MEPs in the delegation were Jana Nagyova (PfE, CZ) and Jeannette Baljeu (Renew, NL). In London, the MEPs followed the proceedings of the MEPC plenary and working group meetings, in a context shaped by the postponement of the adoption of the IMO Net-Zero Framework in October 2025. MEPs also held bilateral exchanges with the IMO secretary-general, the chair of MEPC 84, key IMO member states, representatives from the shipping industry and environmental non-governmental organisations. In the meetings, MEPs reaffirmed Parliament’s support for a global, rules-based framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, while maintaining environmental ambition, regulatory coherence and fair competition. Quote At the end of the delegation, the Chair of the delegation, Thomas Bajada, said: “To deliver a successful and just transition in global shipping, we need a common and predictable global framework that drives the energy transition and preserves the ambition of the 2023 IMO greenhouse gas strategy. This is not only about the maritime sector. It is about the people who depend on it for their everyday life: for the movement of goods and people, and for a cleaner environment and a healthier ocean.” Background The European Parliament is a co-legislator on EU environmental, climate and transport policy. The delegation was part of Parliament’s continued commitment to support international initiatives to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport. Its purpose was also to make sure Parliament is kept up to date on the state of play on current negotiations, the practical action under consideration by IMO member states, and prospects for reaching a consensus on mid-term measures to reduce GHG emission from ships, as well as on other environmental priorities under discussion. |
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| | | | Thursday 30 April |
Justice for Ukraine
Following their debate on Tuesday, MEPs will vote at noon on a resolution on ensuring accountability and justice in response to Russia’s relentless attacks on Ukraine’s civilian population. They will also vote on a proposal for the EU to join the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, to ensure that the victims of Russia's brutal war of aggression are properly compensated. Viktor ALMQVIST
(+32) 470 88 29 42
Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS
(+32) 470 96 08 19
@EP_ForeignAff
Enforcing the Digital Markets Act In the midst of external political pressure that seeks to weaken the Digital Markets Act, MEPs will vote at noon on a resolution urging the Commission to make full use of its enforcement instruments, including periodic penalties, to prevent companies from bypassing the law, wherever they are based. Yasmina YAKIMOVA
(+32) 470 88 10 60
@EP_SingleMarket
Criminalisation of cyberbullying MEPs will also vote on a resolution advocating for cyberbullying to be made a criminal offence under EU law, following yesterday’s debate. The text calls on the Commission to propose legislative measures to address the legal loopholes around social media platform responsibility for online harassment. Janne OJAMO
(+32) 470 89 21 92
@EP_Justice Yasmina YAKIMOVA
(+32) 470 88 10 60
@EP_SingleMarket
In brief Livestock sector. At 9.00 MEPs and Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen will discuss ways to secure a sustainable future for the EU livestock sector given the challenges associated with food security, farmers’ resilience and animal diseases. Parliament will vote on an own-initiative report at noon. Women entrepreneurs. A report on the key role of women in building social and economic resilience in rural and island areas and outermost regions will be up for debate with Commissioner Hansen from around 10.30 and put to a vote at noon. Cali Fund. Winding up the session, from 15.00 MEPs will quiz Commissioner Andrius Kubilius on the follow-up to the COP16 UN Convention on Biodiversity, and more specifically the Cali Fund – designed to mobilise private-sector contributions linked to the commercial use of digital sequence information on genetic resources, for the purpose of biodiversity protection.
Votes
At noon, MEPs will also vote on: - motions for resolutions on: escalating trafficking and exploitation by criminal groups in Haiti; a new Chinese law on ‘ethnic unity and progress’ and the intensified suppression of ethnic identities; and shortcomings and deficiencies of the ‘Amnesty Law’ in Venezuela;- a resolution on supporting democratic resilience in Armenia;- a resolution calling for minimum standards for “finfluencers” to tackle aggressive marketing practices and online fraud; and- the 2025 annual report on banking union.Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming site and on EbS+. For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter. Find more information regarding plenary. |
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| | | Press release 30-04-2026 JURI | | | |
| | | | Meeting on Monday 4 May 15.00-18.30 and Tuesday 5 May 09:00-11:00 (Brussels, Room: SPINELLI –1G3). |
Agenda | Meeting documents | Webstreaming | Committee homepage
DEBATES Joint meeting with Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE): Justice programme for 2028-2034. Consideration of draft report. Rapporteurs: Tineke Strik (Greens/EFA, NL) for JURI & Jaroslav Bžoch (PfE, CZ) for LIBE. Monday at 15.00. 28th Regime. Proposal presentation by Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath. Monday at 15.45. Convention on the protection of the environment through criminal law. Consideration of draft report. Rapporteur: Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew, BG). Monday at 17.20.
IMMUNITIES (in camera): Request for the waiver of immunity of Klára Dobrev. Hearing and exchange of views. Rapporteur: Mario Furore (The Left, IT). Tuesday at 09.00. Request for the waiver of the immunity of Siegbert Frank Droese. Hearing and exchange of views. Rapporteur: Adrián Vázquez Lázara (EPP, ES). Tuesday at 09.45. Request for the waiver of the immunity of Harald Vilimsky. Consideration and possible adoption of draft report. Rapporteur: David Cormand (Greens/ESA, FR). Tuesday at 10.30. Request for the waiver of immunity of Angelika Niebler. Consideration and possible adoption of draft report. Rapporteur: Marcin Sypniewski (ESN, PL). Tuesday at 10.35. Request for the waiver of immunity of Nikos Pappas. Consideration and possible adoption of draft report. Rapporteur: Marcin Sypniewski (ESN, PL). Tuesday at 10.40. Request for the waiver of the immunity of Alvise Pérez. Consideration and possible adoption of draft report. Rapporteur: Pascale Piera (PfE, FR). Tuesday at 10.45. |
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