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Press release 26-05-2026 REGI   AGRI   BUDG    Press breakfast with National and regional partnership plans (NRPP) co-rapporteurs      Join co-rapporteurs Karlo Ressler, Andrey Novakov and Elsi Katainen for a press breakfast on proposals for National and regional partnership plans on Wednesday 3 June at 08:00. Where: European Parliament in Brussels. Room information will be sent to registered participants the day before. When: Wednesday 3 June, from 08:00 until 08:50 How: This is an in-person event only. Journalists wishing to participate can register by sending an e-mail to hana.raissi@europarl.europa.eu  During the briefing, MEPs Karlo Ressler (EPP, Croatia), Andrey Novakov (EPP, Bulgaria) and Elsi Katainen (Renew, Finland) will discuss their recently-published joint draft report on National and regional partnership plans (NRP Plans) merging the funding for cohesion, agriculture, fisheries, internal security and border management, and social policy in the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF). The MEPs will then take questions from journalists. The draft report will be presented later that day in a joint committee meeting. Coffee and a light breakfast will be provided. The event will last 50 minutes. Further information  Committee on Budgets  Committee on Regional Development  Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development  EP draft report  EPRS briefing  Procedure file Press release 26-05-2026 REGI   AGRI   BUDG    Press breakfast with National and regional partnership plans (NRPP) co-rapporteurs      Join co-rapporteurs Karlo Ressler, Andrey Novakov and Elsi Katainen for a press breakfast on proposals for National and regional partnership plans on Wednesday 3 June at 08:00. Where: European Parliament in Brussels. Room information will be sent to registered participants the day before. When: Wednesday 3 June, from 08:00 until 08:50 How: This is an in-person event only. Journalists wishing to participate can register by sending an e-mail to hana.raissi@europarl.europa.eu During the briefing, MEPs Karlo Ressler (EPP, Croatia), Andrey Novakov (EPP, Bulgaria) and Elsi Katainen (Renew, Finland) will discuss their recently-published joint draft report on National and regional partnership plans (NRP Plans) merging the funding for cohesion, agriculture, fisheries, internal security and border management, and social policy in the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF). The MEPs will then take questions from journalists. The draft report will be presented later that day in a joint committee meeting. Coffee and a light breakfast will be provided. The event will last 50 minutes. Further information  Committee on Budgets  Committee on Regional Development  Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development  EP draft report  EPRS briefing  Procedure file Press release 26-05-2026 REGI   AGRI   BUDG    Press breakfast with National and regional partnership plans (NRPP) co-rapporteurs      Join co-rapporteurs Karlo Ressler, Andrey Novakov and Elsi Katainen for a press breakfast on proposals for National and regional partnership plans on Wednesday 3 June at 08:00. Where: European Parliament in Brussels. Room information will be sent to registered participants the day before. When: Wednesday 3 June, from 08:00 until 08:50 How: This is an in-person event only. Journalists wishing to participate can register by sending an e-mail to hana.raissi@europarl.europa.eu During the briefing, MEPs Karlo Ressler (EPP, Croatia), Andrey Novakov (EPP, Bulgaria) and Elsi Katainen (Renew, Finland) will discuss their recently-published joint draft report on National and regional partnership plans (NRP Plans) merging the funding for cohesion, agriculture, fisheries, internal security and border management, and social policy in the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF). The MEPs will then take questions from journalists. The draft report will be presented later that day in a joint committee meeting. Coffee and a light breakfast will be provided. The event will last 50 minutes. Further information  Committee on Budgets  Committee on Regional Development  Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development  EP draft report  EPRS briefing  Procedure file Press release 26-05-2026 REGI   AGRI   BUDG    Press breakfast with National and regional partnership plans (NRPP) co-rapporteurs      Join co-rapporteurs Karlo Ressler, Andrey Novakov and Elsi Katainen for a press breakfast on proposals for National and regional partnership plans on Wednesday 3 June at 08:00. Where: European Parliament in Brussels. Room information will be sent to registered participants the day before. When: Wednesday 3 June, from 08:00 until 08:50 How: This is an in-person event only. Journalists wishing to participate can register by sending an e-mail to hana.raissi@europarl.europa.eu During the briefing, MEPs Karlo Ressler (EPP, Croatia), Andrey Novakov (EPP, Bulgaria) and Elsi Katainen (Renew, Finland) will discuss their recently-published joint draft report on National and regional partnership plans (NRP Plans) merging the funding for cohesion, agriculture, fisheries, internal security and border management, and social policy in the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF). The MEPs will then take questions from journalists. The draft report will be presented later that day in a joint committee meeting. Coffee and a light breakfast will be provided. The event will last 50 minutes. Further information  Committee on Budgets  Committee on Regional Development  Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development  EP draft report  EPRS briefing  Procedure file Press release 26-05-2026 REGI   AGRI   BUDG    Press breakfast with National and regional partnership plans (NRPP) co-rapporteurs      Join co-rapporteurs Karlo Ressler, Andrey Novakov and Elsi Katainen for a press breakfast on proposals for National and regional partnership plans on Wednesday 3 June at 08:00. Where: European Parliament in Brussels. Room information will be sent to registered participants the day before. When: Wednesday 3 June, from 08:00 until 08:50 How: This is an in-person event only. Journalists wishing to participate can register by sending an e-mail to hana.raissi@europarl.europa.eu During the briefing, MEPs Karlo Ressler (EPP, Croatia), Andrey Novakov (EPP, Bulgaria) and Elsi Katainen (Renew, Finland) will discuss their recently-published joint draft report on National and regional partnership plans (NRP Plans) merging the funding for cohesion, agriculture, fisheries, internal security and border management, and social policy in the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF). The MEPs will then take questions from journalists. The draft report will be presented later that day in a joint committee meeting. Coffee and a light breakfast will be provided. The event will last 50 minutes. Further information  Committee on Budgets  Committee on Regional Development  Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development  EP draft report  EPRS briefing  Procedure file Press release 27-05-2026 PECH   Fisheries Committee MEPs in Horta to discuss maritime policies and research     The European Parliament delegation of six members from the Committee on Fisheries is in Horta, Azores, to discuss fisheries and maritime policies as well as research in the outermost region. On the second day of their fact-finding mission to Azores, the delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries travels to Horta, in Faial island, where MEPs 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. On the first day, 26 May, the delegation visited the fish auction in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel island, and became acquainted with the first-sale system in the Azores, the traceability of catches, and the implementation of the common fisheries policy (CFP) control regulation. MEPs met with the representatives of fisheries associations at the port of Rabo de Peixe - the largest fishing community in the Azores. The group also visited Cofaco, a canning factory, and Fat Tuna, a fish exporting company, to take stock of the logistical constraints of exports and market access. The delegation of the European Parliament discussed maritime safety and security with Comodoro Luís Nicholson Lavrador at the Comando da Zona Marítima dos Açores and ended the day meeting the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, with whom they talked about the implementation of the maritime protected areas in the Azores. The delegation to the European Parliament 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). 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, the Azores require specific adaptations of EU policies and funding mechanisms to compensate for the structural constraints arising 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. Further information  Committee on Fisheries Press alert 28-05-20g26 Meeting of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI)     Meeting of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) Monday 1 June 2026, 15.45 – 19.30, Brussels, Room: ANTALL (2Q2) Tuesday 2 June 2026, 9.00 – 12.30 &14.30 – 18.30, Brussels, Room: ANTALL (2Q2) Wednesday 3 June 2026, 9.00 – 10.00 & 15.30 – 16.30, Brussels, Room: SPAAK (3C050) DEBATES 1 June 2026, 15.45 – 16.30 Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the Union: amending Directive 2007/2/EC as regards simplification of certain requirements for its establishment Rapporteur: Emma Wiesner (Renew, SE), procedure file - Consideration of draft report 1 June 2026, 16.30 – 17.30 Wildfire Management - Exchange of views on the Commission’s Communication with Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management and Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy 1 June 2026, 17.30 – 18.30 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): 7th National Report on progress on the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework - Exchange of views with Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy 1 June 2026, 18.30 – 19.30 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): preparations and key issues at stake for the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 17) - Exchange of views with Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 2 June 2026, 9.00 – 12.00 EU Emissions Trading System (ETS): Current performance and pathways for the future - Public hearing 2 June 2026, 14.30 – 17.30 CO2 emission performance standards for new light duty vehicles and vehicle labelling: amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631and repealing Directive 1999/94/EC - Consideration of draft report Rapporteur: Massimiliano Salini (EPP, IT), procedure file Deforestation: report from the Commission on simplification review on the Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation (EUDR) - Presentation by the Commission and exchange of views Climate change: resilience and adaptation - Presentation of the report "Overheated and underprepared: Europeans' experiences of living with climate change" and reflections in view of the future second European Climate Risk Assessment report - Presentation of the report "Strengthening resilience to climate change - Recommendations for an effective EU Adaptation Policy Framework" - Exchange of views with the European Environment Agency and the European Scientific Advisory Board 2 June 2026, 17.30 – 18.30 Structured dialogue with Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management 3 June 2026, 9.00 – 10.00 - Joint meeting with the Committee on Transport and Tourism Clean corporate vehicles Rapporteurs: Tiemo Wölken (S&D, DE) François Kalfon (S&D, FR), procedure file - Consideration of draft report 3 June 2026, 15.30 – 16.30 Joint meeting with the Committees on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and on Transport and Tourism Technical requirements and testing procedures for motor vehicles: simplification and amending Regulations (EC) No 561/2006, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2019/2144 and (EU) 2024/1257 Rapporteurs: Michael Bloss (Verts/ALE, DE) Andreas Schwab (EPP, DE) Merja Kyllönen (The Left, FI), procedure file - Consideration of draft report *** Next meetings - 15 June 2026 (Strasbourg) - 22-23 June 2026 (Brussels) Follow us on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/envi.europarl.europa.eu or X (Twitter): https://x.com/ep_environment Further information  Agenda and meeting documents  Follow the meeting live  Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety Press statement 28-05-2026 Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee Chair reacts to Temu fine     The European Commission today announced a €200m fine for online e-commerce platform Temu for failing to ensure goods sold on its site comply with EU rules. Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA, DE), Chair of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, said: “The European Commission is finally taking action against Temu’s systematic breach of EU law. This shows that the Digital Services Act can achieve significant progress in protecting consumers. However, the length of the investigation clearly demonstrates that the implementation of the Act is lagging behind the rapid development of the e-commerce sector. Millions of products continue to find their way into European households every day, bypassing checks and often in breach of European safety, environmental, and consumer protection standards. “We need more tools, such as the Digital Fairness Act, and robust European market surveillance to finally subject mega-platforms to genuine scrutiny. The customs reform will also bring tangible improvements. E-commerce platforms must no longer be given the opportunity to hide behind opaque supply chains and a lack of accountability. Whoever earns billions on the European market must also comply with European rules." Background European Commission opened an investigation against Temu on October 31, 2024. Now that the decision has been made, the company has to submit a remediation plan to the Commission within three months. Further information  Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Διαθέσιμο στα       Δελτίο Τύπου 28-05-2026 CONT   Αγροτικές επιδοτήσεις: ολοκληρώθηκε η επίσκεψη της αντιπροσωπείας του ΕΚ στην Ελλάδα     Ευρωβουλευτές της Επιτροπής Ελέγχου του Προϋπολογισμού βρέθηκε στην Ελλάδα στις 26-28 Μαΐου για να εξετάσει τις καταγγελίες περί απάτης και να αξιολογήσει τα διορθωτικά μέτρα. Η αντιπροσωπεία της επιτροπής CONT του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου, με επικεφαλής τον Tomáš Zdechovský (ΕΛΚ, Τσεχία) συναντήθηκε με τον υπουργό Αγροτικής Ανάπτυξης και Τροφίμων, καθώς και ανώτερους υπαλλήλους αρμόδιους για τις αγροτικές επιδοτήσεις, τα δημόσια έσοδα, τη διαφάνεια και ελέγχους. Συνομίλησαν επίσης με εκπροσώπους του αγροτικού τομέα, δημοσιογράφους και άλλους εμπλεκόμενους φορείς. Στο τέλος της επίσκεψης, ο κ. Zdechovský δήλωσε: «Η αντιπροσωπεία της CONT εκφράζει την ικανοποίησή της για τη διαθεσιμότητα όλων των ελληνικών αρχών και των ενδιαφερόμενων μερών που αποδέχθηκαν την πρόσκλησή μας να αποσαφηνιστεί η κατάσταση όσον αφορά τη διαχείριση των γεωργικών ταμείων της ΕΕ. Εκτιμούμε τη σαφή δέσμευση που εξέφρασαν οι ελληνικές αρχές για μεταρρύθμιση του συστήματος γεωργικών πληρωμών και των σχετικών ελέγχων μετά τις σοβαρές ελλείψεις που εντοπίστηκαν. Κατά τις συναντήσεις των τελευταίων τριών ημερών, οι ελληνικές αρχές αναγνώρισαν ότι το προηγούμενο σύστημα υπέφερε από σοβαρές διαρθρωτικές αδυναμίες και τρωτά σημεία, ανεπαρκείς ελέγχους, υπερβολική γραφειοκρατία και εξάρτηση από εξωτερικούς αναδόχους, γεγονός που δημιούργησε περιθώρια κακοδιαχείρισης και πιθανής απάτης. Η αντιπροσωπεία μας σημείωσε την αναγνώριση των αρχών ότι η αποκατάσταση της εμπιστοσύνης στη διαχείριση των κονδυλίων της ΕΕ απαιτεί ριζικές διαρθρωτικές μεταρρυθμίσεις, διαφάνεια και ισχυρότερες διασφαλίσεις διακυβέρνησης», πρόσθεσε. Ολόκληρη η δήλωση του επικεφαλής της αντιπροσωπείας είναι διαθέσιμη εδώ (στα αγγλικά). Στην αντιπροσωπεία συμμετείχαν επίσης οι Monika Hohlmeier (ΕΛΚ, Γερμανία), την Lucia Annunziata (Σοσιαλιστές, Ιταλία) και τον Rasmus Nordqvist (Πράσινοι, Δανία). Την αντιπροσωπεία θα συνοδεύσουν επίσης οι Γιώργος Αυτιάς (ΕΛΚ, Ελλάδα), Γιάννης Μανιάτης (Σοσιαλιστές, Ελλάδα), Εμμανουήλ Φράγκος (Συντηρητικοί, Ελλάδα) και Κώστας Αρβανίτης (Η Αριστερά, Ελλάδα). Σύνδεσμοι  Επιτροπή Ελέγχου του Προϋπολογισμού   Press release 28-05-2026 AGRI   Highlights of the next AGRI meeting     Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) to meet on Monday 1 June from 16.00 to 18.30 and Tuesday 2 June from 9.00 to 12.30 and from 15.00 to 18.00. A joint BUDG/REGI/AGRI meeting will also take place on 3 June from 10.30 to 13.00. The meetings will take place at Antall building room 6Q2 The meetings will be livestreamed here. Full agenda is available here. DEBATES: • Exchange of views with the Commission on biofuels. Monday at around 17.30. • Amending regulation on “EU fruit scheme”. Exchange of views Rapporteur: Eric Sangiacomo (S&D, FR). Tuesday at 9.00. • Generational renewal in agriculture. Consideration of draft report. Rapporteur: Maria WALSH (EPP, IE). Tuesday at around 10.00. • EU agri-food promotion policy. Consideration of amendments. Rapporteur Salvatore De Meo (EPP, IT). Tuesday at around 11.00. • Commission’s presentation of Fertilisers action plan. Tuesday at around 17.00. • Establishing the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security for the period 2028-2034. BUDG-REGI-AGRI joint meeting. Consideration of draft report. Rapporteur for the AGRI Committee: Elsi Katainen (Renew, FI). Wednesday at 10.30. Next meetings: 29 June 2026 (Brussels) FOLLOW US ON X and BlueSky - Highlights, press releases and new documents are published on @EP_Agriculture and @agri.europarl.europa.eu Further information  Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development  Meeting documents Press release 28-05-2026 SEDE   MEPs positive on the deepening of EU-Canada defence and security cooperation       Committee on Security and Defence MEPs visited Ottawa almost a year after the signing of the EU-Canada Security and Defence Partnership to discuss progress and new prospects under the deal. Visiting MEPs from the European Parliament's Security and Defence Committee welcomed the commitments given by the Canadian government regarding the continuation of its significant military, humanitarian, economic and financial support of Ukraine, which has recently suffered waves of large-scale indiscriminate strikes against civilian infrastructure by Russia. The EU-Canada partnership enables a coherent effort in support of Ukraine’s defence capabilities. MEPs also highlighted the alignment and consistency of EU and Canadian sanctions policies against Russia and certain individuals, necessary to pressure Russia to ending its war of aggression against Ukraine. MEPs discussed the importance of EU-Canada defence industrial cooperation in both parties' work on deterrence, defence readiness and rearmament, particularly in line with the objective of NATO allies to invest 5% of their GDP annually in defence and security spending by 2035. In this context, Canada's participation in the EU's SAFE loan instrument and the process to create a Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB) are major steps forward for investing in and procuring defence products and technologies. In their discussions with European and Canadian companies, SEDE MEPs sent a clear message that the two sides should seize every opportunity for joint arms procurement by leveraging all available financial tools. Discussions also covered Canada’s military presence in the EU, common interests in strengthening security in the Arctic, defence culture among citizens, the prevention of hybrid attacks, foreign interference and manipulation of information, and the supply of critical raw materials that are essential to the defence industry. Speaking in Ottawa, Riho Terras who led the delegation of five MEPs said: “Sharing the same values ​​and a similar vision of the world order, the EU and Canada are increasingly becoming partners in the field of defence. Canada’s reliability and predictability are all the more appreciated as we live in a time marked by global geopolitical upheaval. EU-Canada defence-industrial cooperation is very promising for its potential for defence readiness. It also means jobs, growth and new development opportunities in both EU and Canada, including the Arctic region.” MEPs met with the speaker of the Canadian House of Commons as well as with members of its standing committee on national defence. They also held talks with government officials, including Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister of the Department of National Defence and John Hannaford, special representative of Prime Minister Mark Carney for the European Union. During their visit to Canada's largest defence and security trade show - CANSEC, they met with exhibitors from Canadian and European defence industry companies. The delegation was led by Security and Defence Committee Vice-Chair Riho Terras (EPP, Estonia) and also comprised: Nicolás Pascual de la Parte (EPP, Spain), Loránt Vincze (EPP, Romania), Ana Caterina Mendes (S&D, Portugal) and Petras Auštrevičius (Renew Europe, Lithuania). Further information  EP Multimedia Centre: free photos, video and audio material Press release Press alert 28-05-2026 Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee     Next week’s committee meeting highlights ​ Tuesday, 2 June 2026, 09.00–11.00 and 14.30–17.30 CET European Parliament, Antall building, room 4Q2 Tuesday, 2 June 2026, 11.00–12.30 (jointly with INTA and ITRE) European Parliament, Antall building, room 4Q2 Tuesday, 2 June 2026, 12.45–13.00 (jointly with LIBE) European Parliament, Antall building, room 4Q2 Wednesday, 3 June 2026, 15.30–16.30 (jointly with ENVI and TRAN) European Parliament, Spaak building, room 3C050 Thursday, 4 June 2026, 9.00–10.30 (jointly with HOUS) European Parliament, Spinelli building, room 5E2 Agenda | Meeting documents | Webstreaming | Committee homepage Scrutinising e-commerce platforms: Amazon 15.30 on Tuesday After exchanges with several other web platforms, MEPs will now discuss with Amazon how to stop dangerous products from entering the Single Market. The platform will be represented by Amber Bechrouri (Director of EU Public Policy) and Thomas Winkler (Director, Customer Trust). Exchange of views with Stéphane Séjourné 14.30 on Tuesday MEPs will discuss the implementation of Single Market Strategy with Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy. One year after the strategy was launched, MEPs will look at what has been achieved, what barriers still exist and what new challenges have emerged. The discussion will likely also touch upon the “One Europe, One Market” roadmap that the three EU institutions signed on 24 April 2026 and that outlines concrete measures, priorities and timelines to enhance Europe’s competitiveness. Structured dialogue with Teresa Ribera 9.00 on Tuesday MEPs will analyse the implementation and enforcement of Digital Markets Act (DMA) with Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, taking into account the Commission’s first review of the regulation after the first two years of its application. Vote 12.45 on Tuesday, jointly with LIBE Simplification and harmonised rules on AI (Digital Omnibus on AI) – rapporteurs Arba Kokalari (EPP, SE) and Michael McNamara (Renew, IE), vote on the provisional agreement resulting from interinstitutional negotiations. Public hearing on construction materials in housing 9.00 on Thursday, jointly with HOUS The IMCO and HOUS committees will hold a public hearing on safe, sustainable, and competitive construction materials for Europe’s housing sector. Other topics Acceleration of permit-granting for defence readiness projects – rapporteurs Lucia Yar (Renew, SK) and Henkrik Dahl (EPP, DK) will report back to the committee on negotiations (+/- 9.00 on Tuesday) Simplification of intra-EU transfers of defence products & security and defence procurement – rapporteurs Pekka Toveri (EPP, FI) and Anna-Maja Henriksson (Renew, FI) will report back to the committee on negotiations (+/- 9.00 on Tuesday) Accelerating industrial capacity and decarbonisation in strategic sectors – presentation by the Commission followed by an exchange of views, jointly with INTA and ITRE (11.00 on Tuesday) Simplification of technical requirements and testing procedures for motor vehicles – presentation by the Commission followed by an exchange of views, jointly with ENVI and TRAN (15.30 on Wednesday) Further information  Follow the Internal Market Committee on X  Follow the Internal Market Committee on Bluesky  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 Available in       Press release 29-05-2026 CULT   European Youth Capital for 2026: MEPs highlight youth participation in Tromsø     Members from the Committee on Culture and Education visited Tromsø, 2026 European Youth Capital, on 27 and 28 May. The delegation met with representatives of the 2026 European Youth Capital to discuss youth participation, inclusion and engagement with the local community. The meeting with the mayor of Tromsø and local youth organisations highlighted for MEPs the importance of civic engagement and the involvement of youth at all levels of decision-making. The delegation visited UiT The Arctic University of Norway, where they met the vice-rector, Erasmus+ students, and researchers from the Arctic Youth Centre. On the second day of the visit, MEPs exchanged with indigenous youth organisations and took part in the Nordic Arctic Youth Summit 2.0, focused on the resilience of youth. Quote “Visiting Tromsø as 2026 European Youth Capital and discovering the priorities of the True North initiative provided valuable insights. I was impressed by the exceptionally active role that Tromsø’s young people play in their community and in society. Their engagement reflects a strong youth culture, which can serve as an example for others beyond Tromsø. During our visit, it was evident that the voices and opinions of Tromsø’s young people matter,” said MEP Hélder Sousa Silva (EPP, PT). “The European Union is built on three values: democracy, freedom and peace. In challenging times, it is up to us, the young people, to decide how we build a shared vision for the future. Through collaboration, and opportunities such as Erasmus+ that help us get to know one another and understand different perspectives, we can build the positive energy needed to meet the challenges ahead. This is how young people change the future: by coming together, learning from one another, and turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities. I want to congratulate Tromsø on their work as 2026 European Youth Capital and thank them for welcoming us,” said Sabrina Repp (S&D, DE). Background With nearly half its population aged 35 or under, Tromsø is considered Norway’s youngest city. Organised by the European Youth Forum for the first time in 2009, the European Youth Capital initiative celebrates cities that actively empower young people. Stronger cooperation with the European Youth Capitals initiative is part of the CULT Committee’s renewed #Engaged4YOUth strategy. Further information  Committee on Culture and Education  European Youth Forum webpage: European Youth Capital  European youth capital True North 2026   Press release 29-05-2026 PECH   Committee on Fisheries - Highlights of the next meeting     MEPs will vote on the GFCM deal with the Council, discuss the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy with Commissioner Kadis, and hold a public hearing on the fisheries-related crimes. When: Wednesday 3 June 2026, from 9.45 to 12.00 and from 13.30-17.30 Where: Brussels, European Parliament, Paul-Henri SPAAK building, room 4B001 Full agenda | Webstreaming Public hearing Tackling fisheries-related crimes and protecting EU fishers and fisheries from such crime and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing Experts and stakeholders will assess existing EU rules, identify best practices, and consider practical measures to improve traceability, strengthen cooperation, reduce administrative burdens, and protect compliant fleets and vulnerable communities. Part I: Explaining the fisheries-related crimes, crimes associated with fisheries - Ian Urbina, The Outlaw Ocean Project - Julien Daudu, Environmental Justice Foundation / Brussels Chief Representative - Vanya Vulperhorst, Oceana Europe Part II: Fighting the fisheries-related crimes, crimes associated with fisheries - Cindy Buckley, Criminal Intelligence Officer, Interpol - Henrique Portela Guedes, researcher and author specialized in modern maritime piracy and security in the Gulf of Guinea, Portuguese Navy commanding officer Draft programme, from 10.00 to 12.00. Votes • Certain provisions for fishing in the GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean) Agreement area Provisional agreement resulting from interinstitutional negotiations. Rapporteur Željana Zovko (EPP, HR), vote at 9.45 • Establishment of measures to ensure compliance with existing mitigation measures to reduce incidental catches of the resident population of the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Baltic Sea. Draft objection. Co-authors Stephen Nikola Bartulica (ECR, HR) and Piotr Müller (ECR, PL) Debates • Evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy and other relevant initiatives Presentation and structured dialogue with commissioner Costas Kadis, from 13.30 to 15.30 • Conditions for the implementation of support to the Common Fisheries Policy, to the European Ocean Pact and of the Union’s maritime and aquaculture policy as part of the National and Regional Partnership (NRP) Fund for 2028-2034 Consideration of draft report. Rapporteur Niklas Herbst (EPP, DE), at 15.30 • Multiannual plan for the fisheries exploiting demersal stocks in the western Mediterranean Sea Rapporteur Carmen Crespo Díaz (EPP, ES), at around 16.15 Date of next meeting 9-July 2026 (Strasbourg, tbc) 15-16 July 2026 (Brussels) Follow us! Highlights, press releases, important dates, new documents and much more are on @EP_Fisheries (X) and @pech.europarl.eu (BlueSky). Further information  Committee on Fisheries  Agenda  Webstreaming  At a glance: Navigating the new MFF approach for 2028–34 – Mapping threats & opportunities for fisheries and aquaculture (April 2026) Press release 29-05-2026 CULT   Committee on Culture and Education - Highlights of the next meeting     MEPs are going to vote on a new strategy for media literacy, discuss the draft reports on Erasmus+ and AgoraEU for 2028-2034, as well as exchange with members national parliaments. When: Wednesday 3 June 2026, 9.30 – 12.30 and 14.00 – 18.00 (Interparliamentary committee meeting) Where: Brussels, European Parliament, ANTALL building, room 4Q1 Full agenda | Webstreaming  Joint Declaration 'Europe for Culture - Culture for Europe', at 9.35 Votes A new strategy for media literacy and digital learning Adoption of draft report. Rapporteur Marcos Ros Sempere (S&D, ES), starting at 9.40 Debates • Establishing the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2028-2034, and repealing Regulations (EU) 2021/817 and (EU) 2021/888, Consideration of draft report. Rapporteur Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski (EPP, PL), at 10.30 Joint meeting with Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) • Establishing the 'AgoraEU' programme for the period 2028-2034, and repealing Regulations (EU) 2021/692 and (EU) 2021/818 Consideration of draft report. Rapporteurs Emma Rafowicz (S&D, FR) and Alice Kuhnke (Greens/EFA, SV), at 11.30 Interparliamentary committee meeting Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps and Creative Europe in the current and next MFF – lessons learned and the way forward With the aim of bringing together European and national parliamentarians, this part of the meeting will allow to share experiences and lessons learned on the implementation of the current EU programmes supporting education, youth, solidarity, culture, media, citizens’ engagement and participation. It will also offer opportunities to discuss the future architecture of the programmes for 2028-2034 in the fields of: • Creative Europe and upcoming AgoraEU • Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps and upcoming Erasmus+ Opening and closing remarks by the Committee chair Nela Riehl (Greens/EFA, DE) More information in the draft agenda, from 14.00 to 18.00. Date of next meeting 13-14 July 2026 (Brussels) Follow us! Highlights, press releases, important dates, new documents and much more are on @EPCulture (X) and @cult.europarl.europa.eu (BlueSky) Further information  Committee on Culture and Education  Agenda  Webstreaming  EPRS Briefing: AgoraEU 2028–2034 - Funding for culture: media and EU values in the new multiannual financial framework  Study: EU funding instruments for policy fields under the remit of the CULT Committee  EPRS Briefing: 2028-2034 MFF: The AgoraEU, Erasmus+ and Justice programmes Highlights 29-05-2026 Next week in the development committee     On the agenda: Tanzania, Ebola, humanitarian aid Wednesday (9.00-11.45, 14.30-14.45) SPINELLI 5E-2/ANTALL 2Q2 Debates On the Ebola virus outbreak in Central Africa, with the WHO and the European Commission A presentation of a study on the impact of the energy transition on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities by the authors Mathieu Blondeel and Ina Lehmann A presentation by Hans Das, Deputy Director-General, DG ECHO on the Joint Communication on Humanitarian Aid Votes Adoption of a question for an oral answer on the Communication on Humanitarian Aid (rapporteur: Barry ANDREWS (Renew, IE)) Adoption of a question for an oral answer on strengthening global health resilience in partner countries (rapporteur: Barry ANDREWS (Renew, IE)) Adoption of a motion for a resolution on an objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3) of the Rules of Procedure on the Draft Commission Implementing Decision (D115284) on the financing of the annual action plan in favour of the United Republic of Tanzania for 2026 (14.30-14.45) Further information  Meeting Agenda  Meeting Documents  Watch Live (morning)  Watch Live (Joint DEVE/AFET Committee meeting)  Homepage of the Committee on Development (DEVE) Press release 29-05-2026 JURI   Committee on Legal Affairs - highlights of the next meeting       Meeting on Wednesday 3 June 09.00-18.30 (Brussels, Room: SPAAK (5B001)). VOTES • Convention on the protection of the environment through criminal law. Rapporteur: Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew, BG). Wednesday at 11.50. • Accession of Cabo Verde to the 1980 Hague Convention on the International Child Abduction. Rapporteur: Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew, BG). Wednesday at 12.00. • Protection of vulnerable adults. Adoption of provisional agreement. Rapporteur: Yana Toom (Renew, EE). Wednesday at 12.10. DEBATES • Workshop on the evaluation of the Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Directive. Wednesday at 15.00. • Presentation of EFRAG's Work Plan 2026. Wednesday at 16.00. IMMUNITIES (in camera): • Request for the waiver of the immunity of Matej Tonin. Hearing and exchange of views. Rapporteur: Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D, PL). Wednesday at 10.15. • Request for the waiver of the immunity of Siegbert Frank Droese. Hearing and exchange of views. Rapporteur: Adrián Vázquez Lázara (EPP, ES). Wednesday at 10.50. • Request for the waiver of the immunity of Daniel Attard. Consideration and possible adoption of draft report. Rapporteur: Dominik Tarczyński (ECR, PL). Wednesday at 11.30. • Request for the waiver of the immunity of Salvatore De Meo. Consideration and possible adoption of draft report. Rapporteur: Dominik Tarczyński (ECR, PL). Wednesday at 11.33. • Request for the waiver of the immunity of Fulvio Martusciello. Consideration and possible adoption of draft report. Rapporteur: Dominik Tarczyński (ECR, PL). Wednesday at 11.36. • Request for the waiver of the immunity of Nikola Minchev. Consideration and possible adoption of draft report. Rapporteur: Dominik Tarczyński (ECR, PL). Wednesday at 11.39. • Request for the waiver of the immunity of Afroditi Latinopoulou. Hearing and exchange of views. Rapporteur: David Cormand (Greens/ESA, FR). Wednesday at 17.00. • Request for the waiver of the immunity of Ilhan Kyuchyuk. Hearing and exchange of views. Rapporteur: Dominik Tarczyński (ECR, PL). Wednesday at 17.35. • Request for the waiver of the immunity of Grzegorz Braun. Exchange of views. Rapporteur: Pascale Piera (PfE, FR). Wednesday at 18.10. • Request for the waiver of the immunity of Francisco Assis. Exchange of views. Rapporteur: Dominik Tarczyński (ECR, PL). Wednesday at 18.20. Further information  Committee on Legal Affairs  Agenda  Meeting documents  Watch the meeting online  Catch-up via video  Subscribe to news from the Legal Affairs Committee  Follow the Legal Affairs Committee on X  Follow the Legal Affairs Committee on Bluesky Press statement 29-05-2026 Development Committee MEPs conclude mission to Mozambique     A delegation of MEPs led by Hilde Vautmans concludes its three-day visit, with an itinerary focused on economic growth, job creation, humanitarian support, and security and peacebuilding. The four-member delegation was in Mozambique from 26-28 May to assess the implementation of projects linked to the Global Gateway, the EU’s flagship strategic investment initiative, with an emphasis on digitalisation, youth employment and renewable energy. MEPs were also there to assess the development challenges compounded by natural disasters and the conflict in the north of the country. In the course of their mission, MEPs met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other national and local government officials, with Members of Parliament, local civil society groups, the Youth Sounding Board, counterparts from international organisations, as well as representatives of EU countries and the private sector. In the capital Maputo MEPs met implementing partners for two Global Gateway flagship projects: VaMoz Digital supporting digitalisation and entrepreneurship, and the National Control Center aimed at supporting access to energy and modernising Mozambique’s electricity system. In Pemba, MEPs witnessed and discussed the situation in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, where Mozambique is wrestling with the implications of several decades of deprivation, dire underdevelopment and a protracted security crisis disproportionately affecting women and girls, and increasing the frequency of early child marriages. Counterparts from international organisations and UN agencies active on the ground stressed to MEPs the importance of EU support because the needs are rising, the humanitarian aid gap is expanding, and government action is needed to address marginalisation and poverty. MEPs were able to assess first-hand the impact of EU funding on youth empowerment and employment, with a visit to EU-funded project Mais Emprego working to provide apprenticeships and training for young people in areas such as auto mechanics, electronics, renewable energy, and accounting. MEPs were also briefed by local and international actors on vulnerability and response to climate shocks - with the country regularly subjected to the disastrous effects of cyclones, flooding and drought – and government action to prevent and mitigate their impact. During the fieldtrip in Pemba members could also assess the response to malnutrition and food insecurity supported by the EU and provided by UNICEF, WFP and other partners. Quote Speaking at the conclusion of the mission, chair Hilde Vautmans (Renew, Belgium): “I saw that the EU is appreciated as a trustworthy and strategic partner. We are supporting the country’s energy transition, digitalisation, education and job-creation through the Global Gateway. European companies are ready to work with local companies as equal partners. I also appreciated EU support linking security interventions with peacebuilding, development and humanitarian aid. Africa and Europe are neighbours, and this is a country with enormous potential. We conclude our mission with a determination to further our work as good and close partners, that can count on each other.” Members of the delegation: • Ms Hilde VAUTMANS, ad-hoc delegation chair, chair of the Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly (Renew, BE) • Ms Marit MAIJ (S&D, NL) • Mr György HÖLVÉNYI (PfE, HU) • Ms Małgorzata GOSIEWSKA (ECR, PL) Background The EU’s long-term partnership with Mozambique is one of the biggest in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the EU investing more than €600 million in development cooperation in the course of the EU’s current 2021-2027 budget. Funding focuses primarily on the green transition, youth empowerment, and governance, peace and a just society. Across 2025 and 2026, and in response to recent devastating floods that affected over 800,000 people, the EU is expected to provide roughly €41.5 million in humanitarian aid. Northern Mozambique has been subjected to insecurity and violence perpetrated by Islamic State affiliated armed groups, which has displaced over 1.3 million people (mainly women and children) since 2017. Further information  Committee on Development Press alert 29-05-2026 SANT    SANT | 3 June | EU health workforce, health resilience, disease prevention, crisis preparedness     Meeting of the Committee on Public Health Wednesday 3 June 2026, 9.00 – 9.30 (Joint meeting SANT-EMPL), Brussels, Room SPINELLI 3G3 Wednesday 3 June 2026, 9.30 – 12.30 and 15.00 – 17.30 (SANT meeting), Brussels, Room SPINELLI 3G3 Wednesday 3 June, 9.00 Watch the meeting live VOTE An EU health workforce crisis plan: sustainability of healthcare systems and employment and working conditions in the healthcare sector; procedure file; rapporteurs Loucas Fourlas (EPP, CY) and Ruggero Razza (ECR, IT) - Adoption of draft report *** Wednesday 3 June, 9.30 Watch the meeting live Critical Medicines Act: strengthening availability and security of supply - procedure file, rapporteur Tomislav Sokol (EPP, HR) - press release following the provisional agreement - Reporting back to committee on the negotiations *** SANT mission to Warsaw and Pabianice (Poland); mission report - Reporting back to committee *** ECDC annual activity report - Exchange of views with Pamela Rendi-Wagner, Director of European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) *** PUBLIC HEARING Building health resilience and ensuring preparedness of public health systems *** Wednesday 3 June, 15.00 Watch the meeting live DEBATES Structured dialogue with Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management *** Excellence in health science - Exchange of views with Dr. Alexander Stratigos and Prof. Aleksandra Lesiak on prevention of skin diseases and the public health risks associated with sunbed use *** Next meeting 24-25 June 2026 (Brussels) *** Follow our X account and BlueSky account Further information  Committee on Public Health Available in       Agenda The Week Ahead 01 – 07 June 2026       Committee meetings, Brussels Enlargement/Ukraine and Moldova. The Foreign Affairs Committee will vote on reports assessing the latest developments related to the EU membership application process in Ukraine and Moldova. The draft report on Ukraine commends the government’s extraordinary efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions during wartime and calls for improving the rule of law and the fight against corruption. MEPs hail Moldova’s steadfast progress with EU related reforms while warning of continued malign Russian interference (Wednesday). Enlargement/Western Balkans. The Foreign Affairs Committee will also assess recent developments in four Western Balkan countries and their progress towards EU accession. A draft report on Serbia expresses concerns at the state of the rule of law and relations with Kosovo. On Kosovo, MEPs call for continued commitment to reform and inclusive governance. On North Macedonia, MEPs say the accession process is still at a standstill. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the political leaders are urged to end their obstructionism and start delivering reform (Wednesday). EU-US trade. MEPs in the International Trade Committee will vote on a provisional agreement with Council on two pieces of legislation implementing the EU-US “Turnberry deal” on tariff and trade exchanges. If adopted by the committee, Parliament is set to hold its final vote on 16 June in Strasbourg (Tuesday). Excise duty for tobacco. The Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee will vote on its proposals for the review of EU excise duties applied to tobacco and related products, with a view to the EU’s 2040 "tobacco-free generation" target. The recommendations cover new products like e-cigarettes and raw tobacco (Wednesday). EU budget/national and regional partnership plans. The Regional Development, Budget and Agriculture committees will debate for the first time their draft legislative report on the proposed national and regional partnership plans (NRP plans), merging the funding for cohesion, agriculture, fisheries, internal security and border management, and social policy in the 2028-2034 EU budget (Wednesday). Amazon/consumer protection. MEPs in the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee will quiz representatives from online marketplace Amazon on respect for EU rules on product safety, consumer protection and digital platforms. This meeting follows similar discussions with SHEIN, AliExpress and Temu (Tuesday). Disease prevention and crisis preparedness. The Public Health Committee will hear from the Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Pamela Rendi-Wagner, on the agency’s annual activity report and the challenges ahead. Later in the day, MEPs will hold a debate with Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Labib (Wednesday). Interinstitutional legislative negotiations Asylum and migration/return regulation. Parliament and Council negotiators will try to reach a deal on an updated EU common system for the return of third-country nationals without the right to stay in the EU (Monday). Air passenger rights. Parliament and Council negotiators will try to reach a deal on the update of the air passenger rights regulation, in force since 2004. Among many provisions, the negotiators will seek to agree on the time thresholds, amounts for compensation, pre-filled forms, and hand baggage allowances (Tuesday). President’s diary. On Tuesday, European Parliament President Metsola will participate in the conciliation committee for the "Air Passenger Rights" file. On Thursday and Friday, President Metsola will be in Tivat, Montenegro, to participate in the EU-Western Balkans summit. On Thursday, she will also address the plenary session of Montenegro’s parliament, and on Friday she will address the plenary session of the EU-Western Balkans summit. A full list of parliamentary committees' meetings is available here. EP Press Service contacts Further information  The full agenda     This message was sent to v.ch.maria@gmail.com  Press release 29-05-2026 EUDS   Special committee on the European Democracy Shield      Next week's highlights Tuesday 2 June 2026, 9.00 - 12.30 European Parliament in Brussels, SPINELLI building, room 3G-2   Agenda | Meeting documents | Webstreaming | Committee homepage   Discussion with Věra Jourová on initiatives in support of democracy in the EU EUDS MEPs will hold an exchange of views with the former Vice-President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency and former Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality on Democracy27 — a newly launched initiative she chairs. The initiative is aimed at renewing democracy across the EU ahead of the 2027 European elections. MEPs are set to ask questions on the initiative's positions and approach, against a backdrop of declining trust in institutions, rising disinformation, and growing political disillusionment. Democracy27 is a task force commissioned by a consortium of democracy organisations, bringing together senior and high-profile political figures, civil society representatives, and experts from across Europe. Through country visits and on-the-ground research, the initiative will examine the state of democracy across the EU and produce a major report with recommendations for democratic renewal. The task force includes, among others, former Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and former French Minister of Education Najat Vallaud-Belkacem as Vice-Chairs, as well as experts on disinformation, digital regulation, and citizen participation.   Russian-sponsored disinformation in Africa: exchange of views with Philip Obaji The discussion with award-winning investigative journalist and correspondent Philip Obaji will explore the issue of Russian-sponsored disinformation and hostile influence operations – such as propaganda proxy actors and media manipulation – in Africa. MEPs are likely to focus on Russia's disinformation and covert media networks aimed at creating anti-European narratives, as well as its hybrid strategy in general (spanning FIMI, political interference, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations), including evidence of recruitment pipelines luring African jobseekers and students into supporting Russia's war against Ukraine. Nigerian journalist Philip Obaji has documented both Russian disinformation campaigns and abuses linked to Wagner networks in Central and West Africa. Russia's influence strategy combines overt tools (e.g RT, Sputnik, and cultural networks) with covert operations, including the "African Initiative", which deploys local influencers, fake news websites, and AI-generated content to spread pro-Kremlin narratives.   Exchange of views with Helfried Carl, Founder and CEO of European Capital of Democracy The European Capital of Democracy is a civil society initiative aiming to provide a programme of participatory initiatives, public debates, and democratic innovation projects developed in cooperation with residents and civil society. MEPs are likely to raise how initiatives of this kind can strengthen participatory democracy at the local level, counter disinformation, and bridge the gap between citizens and political institutions — including the role of digital tools and AI. The European Capital of Democracy network connects cities across Europe (including in candidate countries such as Kyiv) in promoting democratic best practices at grassroots level. Since 2023, the European Capital of Democracy has been designated every year, to provide a global stage for strengthening democracy. The 2027 European Capital of Democracy will be Brussels. More information can be found here. Further information  Special committee on the European Democracy Shield  Follow the EUDS committee on Bluesky  Follow the EUDS committee on X  Subscribe to news and press releases from EUDS  Calendar of EUDS committee meetings in 2025       Press release 29-05-2026 EUDS   Special committee on the European Democracy Shield      Next week's highlights Tuesday 2 June 2026, 9.00 - 12.30 European Parliament in Brussels, SPINELLI building, room 3G-2   Agenda | Meeting documents | Webstreaming | Committee homepage   Discussion with Věra Jourová on initiatives in support of democracy in the EU EUDS MEPs will hold an exchange of views with the former Vice-President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency and former Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality on a newly launched initiative she chairs. The initiative is aimed at renewing democracy across the EU ahead of the 2029 European elections. MEPs are set to ask questions on the initiative's positions and approach, against a backdrop of declining trust in institutions, rising disinformation, and growing political disillusionment. Democracy27 is a task force commissioned by a consortium of democracy organisations, bringing together senior and high-profile political figures, civil society representatives, and experts from across Europe. Through country visits and on-the-ground research, the initiative will examine the state of democracy across the EU and produce a major report with recommendations for democratic renewal. The task force includes, among others, former Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and former French Minister of Education Najat Vallaud-Belkacem as Vice-Chairs, as well as experts on disinformation, digital regulation, and citizen participation.   Russian-sponsored disinformation in Africa: exchange of views with Philip Obaji The discussion with award-winning investigative journalist and correspondent Philip Obaji will explore the issue of Russian-sponsored disinformation and hostile influence operations – such as propaganda proxy actors and media manipulation – in Africa. MEPs are likely to focus on Russia's disinformation and covert media networks aimed at creating anti-European narratives, as well as its hybrid strategy in general (spanning FIMI, political interference, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations), including evidence of recruitment pipelines luring African jobseekers and students into supporting Russia's war against Ukraine. Nigerian journalist Philip Obaji has documented both Russian disinformation campaigns and abuses linked to Wagner networks in Central and West Africa. Russia's influence strategy combines overt tools (e.g RT, Sputnik, and cultural networks) with covert operations, including the "African Initiative", which deploys local influencers, fake news websites, and AI-generated content to spread pro-Kremlin narratives.   Exchange of views with Helfried Carl, Founder and CEO of European Capital of Democracy The European Capital of Democracy is a civil society initiative aiming to provide a programme of participatory initiatives, public debates, and democratic innovation projects developed in cooperation with residents and civil society. MEPs are likely to raise how initiatives of this kind can strengthen participatory democracy at the local level, counter disinformation, and bridge the gap between citizens and political institutions — including the role of digital tools and AI. The European Capital of Democracy network connects cities across Europe (including in candidate countries such as Kyiv) in promoting democratic best practices at grassroots level. Since 2023, the European Capital of Democracy has been designated every year, to provide a global stage for strengthening democracy. The 2027 European Capital of Democracy will be Brussels. More information can be found here. Further information  Special committee on the European Democracy Shield  Follow the EUDS committee on Bluesky  Follow the EUDS committee on X  Subscribe to news and press releases from EUDS  Calendar of EUDS committee meetings in 2025