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Available in       Press release 22-05-2026 PECH   MEPs to assess impact of EU fisheries and maritime policies in the Azores     On 26 and 27 May, six members of the Committee on Fisheries will be in the Azores to assess the implementation and impact of EU fisheries policy in the outermost region. The delegation to the Portuguese archipelago is comprised of the chair of the Committee on Fisheries, Carmen Crespo Díaz (EPP, ES), Isabelle Le Callennec (EPP, FR), Giuseppe Lupo (S&D, IT), Isabella Lövin (Greens/EFA, SV), Paulo do Nascimento Cabral (EPP, PT) and André Franqueira Rodrigues (S&D, PT). On Tuesday, the delegation will visit the fish auction in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel island, to become acquainted with the first-sale system in the Azores, the traceability of catches, and the implementation of the common fisheries policy (CFP) control regulation. Then, the MEPs will head to the port of Rabo de Peixe - the largest fishing community in the Azores -, where they will meet with representatives of the Azores Fishers Federation, local fisheries associations and other interested parties. Later the group will visit Cofaco, a canning factory, and Fat Tuna, a fish exporting company, to take stock of the logistical constraints of exports and market access. In the afternoon, the MEPs will visit the Comando da Zona Marítima dos Açores and discuss maritime safety and security with Comodoro Luís Nicholson Lavrador. At the end of the day, they will meet with the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, with whom they will discuss the implementation of the maritime protected areas in the Azores, the implementation of the common fisheries policy (CFP), and the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). On Wednesday, the parliamentarians will travel to Horta, in Faial island, where they will meet the President of the Regional Assembly of the Azores, Luís Garcia, and take part in a joint meeting with the relevant committees of the Regional Assembly of the Azores. Then, the delegation will visit the University of the Azores Okeanos Research Centre, where they will learn more about marine biodiversity, deep-sea ecosystems and the importance of the Deep Sea Observatory, migratory species, and climate impacts. The delegation’s final visit will be to the future MARTEC Lab, a Recovery and Resilience Fund project. Quote “The Azores is one of Europe’s most important outermost regions and a clear example of why fisheries policy must reflect territorial realities. As we evaluate the CFP and negotiate the next multiannual financial framework, it is essential to listen directly to the small-scale fleet and coastal communities in São Miguel and Horta, whose future depends on a competitive and well-supported blue economy”, said Carmen Crespo Díaz, chair of the Committee on Fisheries. Background The Azores are an autonomous archipelago of Portugal, located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,500 km from the European mainland. As an outermost region of the European Union, EU policies had to be adapted to the geographical situation of the Azores in order to compensate for the structural constraints resulting from their geographical remoteness. Fishing has always been a key driver of the Azorean economy. The sector is dominated by small-scale hook-and-line fisheries, classified as either pelagic or deep-sea - a reflection of the surrounding waters’ significant depths. Less than 1% of the Azores’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is shallower than 600 metres. The Portuguese fleet in the region currently includes around 600 vessels, most of which are small-scale. Only a small portion of the catch comes from surface longliners from mainland Portugal and Spain, targeting swordfish. The main targets are tuna and tuna-like species, small pelagics, and deepwater species. Further information  Committee on Fisheries  Fact Sheets on the European Union: Common fisheries policy  Research for PECH Committee - Navigating the new MFF approach for 2028-2034 - Mapping threats and opportunities for the fisheries and aquaculture sector     Press release 22-05-2026 SANT   MEPs reaffirm support to strong global cooperation on public health     Parliament’s Public Health Committee (SANT) delegation attended the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva on 21 and 22 May. The SANT delegation, chaired by MEP Tilly Metz, concluded a series of high-level meetings in Geneva with the World Health Organization (WHO) at a time of significant transition for global health governance. Across exchanges with WHO leadership, the delegation reaffirmed strong support for a well-funded, independent and science-based WHO, and underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation between the European Union and WHO across all levels. Key themes throughout the mission included prevention-oriented health policies, health equity, pandemic preparedness, antimicrobial resistance, and the increasing importance of addressing climate and environmental determinants of health within global health strategies. Members also discussed ongoing reforms of the global health architecture, including the implementation of the Pandemic Agreement and the role of the EU in shaping a more coherent and equitable system. The delegation emphasised that Europe’s credibility as a global health actor will depend on its ability to align internal and external policies, ensure effective preparedness, and support evidence-based public health action globally. Tilly Metz, Chair of the delegation, said “This mission confirmed once again the essential role of the World Health Organization as the backbone of multilateral health cooperation at a moment when global health systems are under increasing pressure. Strengthening prevention, equity, and science-based policymaking must remain at the centre of the international health agenda, alongside renewed commitment from the European Union to support a strong and independent WHO.” Background The SANT delegation to Genva was composed of six members: Tilly Metz (Greens/EFA, LU), Nicolás González Casares (S&D, ES), Ondrej Dostál (NI, CZ), Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu (Renew, RO), Ivan David (ESN; CZ) and Aurelijus Veryga (ECR, LT). Further information  SANT delegation to the World Health Assembly  Committee on Public Health  EP multimedia centre   Press release 22-05-2026 CULT   Culture and Education Committee MEPs to visit Tromsø, the European Youth Capital     On 27 and 28 May, MEPs will see first-hand the work of Tromsø to fulfil its mandate as 2026’s European Youth Capital. The delegation comprises Hélder Sousa Silva (EPP, PT), Sabrina Repp (S&D, DE) and Antonín Staněk (PfE, CS). On its first day, MEPs will meet with representatives of the European Youth Capital at the Tvibit Youth Centre, a regional creative hub. They will learn about Tromsø’s journey towards becoming European Youth Capital 2026, and discuss its priorities, examples of youth-led initiatives, and the city’s long-term strategy. They will also visit the Tvibit Health Clinic, which provides free, low-threshold health services for young people. The delegation will also meet with the mayor of Tromsø, Gunnar Wilhelmsen, regional politicians and the local youth council to discuss Tromsø’s international cooperation strategy and the importance of youth, culture, and democracy as drivers of international solidarity. MEPs will visit The Arctic University of Norway, where they will meet staff and students and discuss how its research is helping the city to become a hub for young people. The delegation will also visit the Arctic Youth Centre, to learn about their Arctic and Sámi collaborative research and meet with the university’s youth research council. During the delegation’s second day, MEPs will participate in the Nordic Arctic Youth Summit. The summit’s programme covers topics such as the Arctic geopolitical situation and youth leadership and resilience. At the end of the summit, MEPs will receive youth recommendations put together by the participants. Quote “I believe that young people are not only the future, but also the present. For that reason, this mission to the European Youth Capital, Tromsø, is a valuable opportunity to listen to them, understand their experiences, challenges, aspirations, and the realities of living in the Arctic. The EU must work towards building a society in which young people play a meaningful role in political decision-making processes, and I am confident that Norway has much to teach us," the co-chair of the mission Hélder Sousa Silva said. “I am very much looking forward to meeting young people in Tromsø, to listening to their experiences and learning from the realities they face in the Arctic. In times of geopolitical tensions, disinformation and growing inequalities, Europe must ensure young people are not only supported through programmes such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, but that their voices are genuinely heard. They must have a meaningful role in shaping the democratic decisions that affect their lives and the future of our continent,” the co-chair of the mission Sabrina Repp said. Background Organised by the by the European Youth Forum for the first time in 2009, the European Youth Capital is an award that recognizes cities actively empowering young people. Further information  Committee on Culture and Education  European Youth Forum webpage: European Youth Capital  Tromsø European Youth Capital 2026