EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT-COUNCIL OF THE EU,update

 

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Press release 22-06-2026 Committee on Constitutional Affairs highlights - Wednesday 24 June     Wednesday 24 June 2026, 10.00 - 12.30 European Parliament in Brussels, SPINELLI building, room 3G3   Debate Presentation on the preliminary findings of the AFCO draft study "The free mandate of Members of the European Parliament", by: • Konrad Lachmayer, Professor for public law, European law and foundations of law at the Sigmund Freud University, Vienna • Petra Bárd, Professor of Sustainable Rule of Law at Radboud University, Research Centre for State and Law (SteR), Nijmegen. A question and answer session will follow, with the participation of 25 country experts from the EU member states, Norway, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Further information  Committee on Constitutional Affairs  Full agenda and meeting documents  Watch the meeting live and on demand  Follow us on X  Follow us on Bluesky Press release 22-06-2026 Committee on Constitutional Affairs highlights - Wednesday 24 June     Wednesday 24 June 2026, 10.00 - 12.30 European Parliament in Brussels, SPINELLI building, room 3G3   Debate Presentation on the preliminary findings of the AFCO draft study "The free mandate of Members of the European Parliament", by: • Konrad Lachmayer, Professor for public law, European law and foundations of law at the Sigmund Freud University, Vienna • Petra Bárd, Professor of Sustainable Rule of Law at Radboud University, Research Centre for State and Law (SteR), Nijmegen. A question and answer session will follow, with the participation of 25 country experts from the EU member states, Norway, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Further information  Committee on Constitutional Affairs  Full agenda and meeting documents  Watch the meeting live and on demand  Follow us on X  Follow us on Bluesky

Available in

Press release 22-06-2026 LIBE    Combating child sexual abuse: agreement on updated rules 

• New offences include producing, possessing or disseminating instruction manuals for abuse, livestreamed performances and grooming   • Significantly longer limitation periods to give victims time to report abuse   • Maximum penalties for a number of child sexual abuse crimes will be increased   • Better support for victims     To combat child sexual abuse crimes more effectively, an updated EU directive criminalises new technological offences and extends the limitation periods for prosecuting crimes. On Monday, Parliament and Council negotiators agreed on modernising the EU legal framework for combating child sexual abuse (CSA) crimes, including updated definitions, higher maximum punishments, longer limitation periods for prosecuting crimes, and better victim support. Criminalising new offences Taking into account technological developments, the updated law criminalises new offences, like producing or disseminating instruction manuals for CSA crimes including exploitation and solicitation (to be punishable by at least two years’ imprisonment). MEPs pushed for the criminalisation of artificial intelligence systems designed or adapted specifically to produce child sexual abuse material. Going forward, acquiring, possessing or disseminating such systems will be punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment. MEPs also ensured that organising another person’s travel to another country for the purpose of abuse will be criminalised (by up to one year). Unlike the existing directive, the new law also addresses grooming, i.e. the solicitation of children for sexual purposes. Proposing to meet a child under the age of consent will be punishable when it leads to offences (up to one year, or two years when coercion, force or threat is involved). Attempted solicitation, including online, for a child to provide child sexual abuse material (CSAM) will also become punishable (by up to six months, or one year with coercion, force or threat). Other newly criminalised offences include livestreaming CSA and sextortion (threatening children with the release of CSAM). Penalties and the notion of consent The new law will increase the maximum penalties for a number of CSA crimes, for example knowingly attending a CSA performance involving a child, and sexual activities with children who are exploited in prostitution. In future, several offences involving CSAM will also carry stricter punishments, for instance acquiring, possessing or knowingly obtaining access to CSAM (at least two years’ imprisonment) and distributing, disseminating, supplying and making available CSAM (at least three years). To address the spread of CSAM online, EU countries need to ensure that such material hosted on their territory can be promptly removed, or that internet users in their territory are blocked from accessing it. MEPs also pushed for strengthening the notion of consent in CSA legislation. In future, penetrative sexual activities with children above the age of consent who do not consent will be punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment. For children below the age of consent, this rises to 12 years. Longer periods to report abuse and start investigations Victims of CSA crimes typically need years or decades to come forward and report the crimes. Therefore, MEPs pushed to extend the statute of limitations on CSA crimes. For the most serious offences (for example, penetrative sexual activities and coercing children under the age of consent into prostitution), punishable by at least 10 years’ imprisonment, limitation periods will be set at 32 years from the victim reaching the age of majority. For the majority of offences covered by the legislation and punishable by 5 to 10 years (for example), the limitation period will be 20 years. For a third group of offences, including the production of child sexual abuse material, it will be 15 years. Prevention and victims’ rights The law ensures that member states put in place specialised and appropriate support for victims (recognised as “survivors” of abuse). EU countries will strive to ensure that child victims have access to assessment, support and protection in a child-friendly setting, and where possible, on the same premises. Victims will have also have the right to claim compensation from offenders, and helplines must be available to inform people of the support available. Information campaigns will highlight the fact that non-consensual sex is a criminal offence, and that consent must be given freely. Also, effective intervention programmes for offenders during or after criminal proceedings must be put in place to prevent repeated offences. The law also improves reporting for CSA crimes, ensuring that professional secrecy rules do not prevent reporting when there are reasonable grounds to suspect abuse. Professionals working in close contact with children will have an obligation to report cases where they have “substantial grounds” to believe that the wellbeing of the child is in “serious and imminent danger” from a CSA crime. The law also strengthens organisations working in child protection. Member states must ensure there is a legal basis for them to manage hotlines and helplines. They are also encouraged to allow organisations to search for publicly accessible CSAM on hosting services. Background checks When recruiting for positions involving regular contact with children, employers need to conduct background checks to ensure that the applicant has not been convicted of CSA crimes. Following a push from MEPs, this provision was extended to include organised voluntary activities involving children (for example, after-school activities). Quote Rapporteur Jeroen Lenaers (EPP, the Netherlands) said: «We listened to victims, and it became clear that we needed to update our laws to reflect their experiences and the challenges of today. With this agreement, we managed to significantly extend the limitation periods for serious crimes. The law also addresses grooming and the spread of abuse material online, and ensures that law enforcement can combat new forms of abuse – including AI systems and instruction manuals. With stricter punishments, better victim support and a stronger role for child protection NGOs, EU countries will have the right tools in place to make sure that justice is done.” Next steps Technical teams will now finalise the legal text. Then, both Parliament and Council will need to formally adopt the law before it can be published in the EU Official Journal. EU countries will then have three years to transpose the provisions of the directive into national law.

Further information  Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs  Procedure file  Legislative train

Press release 22-06-2026 AFET   Brussels dialogue with Russian pro-democracy and anti-war actors     On Tuesday, the European Parliament will host a conference where participants will explore the prospects and challenges for pro-democracy players in Russia. WHEN: Tuesday 23 June (opening session 9.00-10.15) WHERE: European Parliament, Brussels Members of Russian democratic forces, anti-war activists, civil society representatives and academics will get together in Brussels with representatives of EU institutions, EU members states and international partners and experts on Tuesday. The high-level conference, hosted by the European Parliament, with the support of the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS), is the second edition of the "Brussels Dialogue" with Russian democratic actors. The first took place in June 2023. The event aims to provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation, encouraging exchanges among different elements of Russian civil society, academia and democratic activism while fostering a deeper mutual understanding. At the opening, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, will address the participants via video message. European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno, Commissioners for Defence and Enlargement Andrius Kubilus and Marta Kos, and UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation Mariana Katzarova, will also speak. Svetlana Gannushkina, human rights activist and founder and chair of the Civic Assistance Committee, and Dimitry Muratov, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, will address the participants during the opening session. Across several panels, participants will go on to discuss the challenges that Russian society is facing in the field of human rights, the long-term implications of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and disinformation. The panellists will also explore how to work towards a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine. Important information Only the opening session, 9.00-10.15 CET, will be open to the media. The rest of the conference will be held in camera. You can also watch the opening live here. Further information  Agenda  EP Multimedia Centre: free photos, video and audio material  Committee on Foreign Affairs Press release 22-06-2026 From dialogue to framework: structured engagement with civil society organisations     EP Vice-Presidents Katarina Barley and Nicolae Ștefănuță invite journalists to a high-level event bringing together EU institutions and civil society to launch their structured dialogue. The launch event is co-hosted by Parliament and the Commission, and organised in close cooperation with the European Economic and Social Committee and Civil Society Europe. It will feature a panel discussion followed by an interactive workshop, during which representatives of EU institutions, advisory bodies, and civil society organisations will present concrete examples of civil dialogue, highlight successful practices, identify areas for improvement, and explore mechanisms that could inspire other institutions to strengthen structured engagement with civil society. When: Tuesday, 23 June 2026, 14.30 – 18.00 CEST Where: European Parliament in Brussels, SPINELLI building, room 5G3 How: Accredited media representatives are invited to attend the event in person. The event will also be webstreamed live and on demand on Parliament's Multimedia Centre. Vice-Presidents Katarina Barley and Nicolae Ștefănuță are available for press requests. Journalists can contact them directly using the information provided on the MEPs website. Press release 22-06-2026 Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs highlights: 24 and 25 June 2026     Wednesday 24 June 2026, 9.30 - 13.00 and 14.30 - 17.45 Thursday 25 June 2026, 10.20– 13.30 European Parliament in Brussels, Spaak building, room 3C050 Debates and presentations Wednesday Protection of the euro against counterfeiting for the period 2028-2034 ('Pericles V'). Rapporteur: Michael McNamara (Renew, Ireland). Consideration of draft report. (9.00 - 10.00) Establishing the Union support for internal security for the period 2028-2024. Rapporteur: Assita Kanko (ECR, Belgium). Consideration of draft report. (10.00 - 10.30) Presentation of FRA’s Fundamental Rights Report 2025. Presentation of the report by Sirpa Rautio, Director of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA). (10.30 - 11.30) Annual Report of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) for the year 2025. Exchange of views with: Michael Schmid, President of Eurojust. (11.30 - 12.30) Workshop on EU Anti-Racism strategy for 2026-2030 Presentations by: • Michaela Moua, European Commission Anti-Racism Coordinator, Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST) (14.35 - 14.45) • Shreya Atrey, Associate Professor of International Human Rights Law, Oxford University (14.45 - 14.55) • Julie Pascoët, Policy and Advocacy Manager, European Network Against Racism (ENAR) (14.55 - 15.05) • Rossalina Latcheva, Head of the Anti-Racism and Non-Discrimination Sector, Equality, Roma and Social Rights Unit, European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (15.05 - 15.15) Structured dialogue with Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy. (16.00 - 17.15) Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material. Rapporteur: Jeroen Lenaers (EPP, Netherlands). Reporting back on negotiations. (17.30 - 17.45) Thursday European Commission's proposal for strengthening Europol. Presentation of the proposal by Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration. (10.20 - 11.30) New proposals amending the Eurojust regulation, European Investigation Order directive, and the regulation on the processing of personal data by EU institutions. Presentation of the proposal by Ana Gallego, Director-General, European Commission, Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST). (11.30 - 12.40) EU Anti-corruption Strategy Exchange of views with Ana Gallego, Director-General, European Commission, Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (JUST). (12.40 - 13.30) Further information  Agenda and meeting documents  Webstreaming  Follow us on X  Follow us on Bluesky  Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Press release 23-06-2026 REMINDER - Press conference today on the European Democracy Shield findings and recommendations     Following the vote on the report of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, the rapporteur and the committee chair will brief journalists on its findings. The committee vote is scheduled to start at 10.30 CEST, at the European Parliament in Brussels (SPAAK 4B001), and the press conference will follow immediately afterwards. When: Today, Tuesday 23 June 2026, 11.15 - 11.45 CEST. Where: European Parliament in Brussels, Anna Politkovskaya press room (SPAAK 0A50) Who: rapporteur Tomas Tobé (EPP, Sweden) and the chair of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, Nathalie Loiseau (Renew, France). 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 outlet 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. Interpretation will be available in English, French, and German. The press conference will also be webstreamed live and on demand on Parliament’s Multimedia Centre. Background The European Democracy Shield (EUDS) report outlines measures to enhance the EU's capacity to identify, prevent, and respond to foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) as well as other hybrid threats, and will form Parliament’s first comprehensive political position on these topics. It addresses key areas such as election integrity, the role of independent media and civil society, digital enforcement, and civil preparedness. The report will also take stock of the Commission’s communication on the European Democracy Shield and one of its key initiatives - the European Centre for Democratic Resilience. Parliament voted on 18 December 2024 to set up the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, and its mandate was extended until 3 February 2027. Its purpose is to assess existing and planned EU legislation and measures in light of potential malicious interference in democratic processes, including in relation to the European Democracy Shield announced in the Commission’s 2024-2029 political guidelines. Further information  Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield Available in       Press release 23-06-2026 INTA   AFET   MEPs back modernised EU-Mexico partnership       • Lower tariffs and protection of geographical indications   • Better access to public procurement for EU firms   • Strengthened political and cooperation framework   On Tuesday, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade committees endorsed the upgraded EU-Mexico partnership, paving the way for closer political ties and expanded trade. Once in force, the EU-Mexico modernised global agreement (MGA) will replace the current framework and increase EU agri-food exports by removing high tariffs, make it easier for EU companies to bid for government contracts in Mexico and strengthen the protection of climate and labour rights through enhanced cooperation and enforceable commitments. It will also provide extra benefits for small businesses through simplified standards and procedures and allow more secure supply of materials critical for the green and digital transitions. MEPs endorsed the MGA with 67 votes to 15, with three abstentions. Lower tariffs and protection of EU agri-food products In the accompanying resolution, adopted by 57 votes to 14, with 13 abstentions, MEPs stress that under the most ambitious scenario, total EU exports of goods and services could increase by 75%, while EU companies could save up to €100 million annually in customs duties. They note that the MGA would remove almost all remaining tariffs, benefitting EU farmers and agri-food exporters, as Mexican tariffs imposed on products such as cheese and pork currently reach up to 45%. They also welcome that 568 geographical indications for traditional agri-food products will be protected in Mexico, making it illegal to sell imitations of distinctive food and drink products from specific regions in the EU. Rule of law, democratic governance, and human rights In an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape, MEPs say the strategic partnership between the EU and Mexico is vital for defending a rules-based international order and promoting multilateralism. Particularly, MEPs emphasise that the MGA includes a binding commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights. The agreement reinforces the institutional dialogue on protecting civil society actors, journalists, and human rights defenders. It also enhances cooperation to strengthen judicial independence, promote good governance, and increase transparency. Furthermore, it establishes joint actions against corruption, money laundering, and organised crime. Public procurement MEPs state the agreement gives EU bidders unprecedented access to procurement markets in 14 Mexican states and to a broader range of public contracts. They also encourage further efforts to promote access for European companies to public procurement markets in all Mexican states, and welcome the fact that procuring entities will be able to take environmental and social considerations into account throughout procurement procedures. Quotes Statements by AFET Chair David McAllister (EPP, DE), INTA Chair Bernd Lange (S&D, DE), AFET rapporteur Javi López (S&D, ES) and INTA rapporteur Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP, ES) are available to read online. Next steps Plenary is expected to vote on the MGA during the July 2026 plenary session in Strasbourg. Following the consent vote, the Council will be able to formally conclude the agreement, after which it will need to be ratified by all EU member states and Mexico before fully entering into force. Also in July, both the International Trade Committee and the plenary are expected to vote on the interim trade agreement (iTA), which covers the trade parts of the wider deal falling under exclusive EU competence and is designed to allow trade benefits to apply earlier, pending the full ratification of the MGA. Background Mexico is a strategic partner of the EU and the second-largest trading partner in Latin America. The EU is Mexico’s third-biggest trading partner and second-largest export market. Trade relations between the EU and Mexico are currently governed by the trade pillar of a 2000 agreement called the EU-Mexico Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement (also referred to as the 'Global Agreement'). On 22 May 2026, the EU and Mexico signed the MGA and the iTA. Further information  Committee on International Trade  Committee on Foreign Affairs  Procedure file (modernised global agreement)  Procedure file (resolution)  Legislative Train Schedule: Modernisation of the trade pillar of the EU-Mexico Global Agreement  EU-Mexico agreement (European Commission)  EP Multimedia Centre: free photos, video and audio material Available in       Press release 23-06-2026 TRAN   MEPs in favour of facilitating military mobility       • Swift and digital military transport permits clearance   • Solidarity pool to close capability gaps   • Special military mobility response system during crisis   • Enhanced cooperation with NATO Allies     MEPs gave a first green light to plans to support transport of military equipment, troops and assets across the EU to better deter any possible aggression. On Tuesday, the Transport and Tourism and Security and Defence Committees adopted their position on new EU military mobility rules, by 49 votes to nine and four abstentions. The intention behind the rules is to facilitate the transport of military equipment, goods, supplies and personnel. According to MEPs, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has shown the need for more robust planning and development of military transport across the EU. Facilitating military movements To overcome administrative barriers and fragmented national procedures, MEPs support the creation of a secure digital information system to help EU countries to manage military transport permissions, traffic arrangements and customs formalities. They propose advancing its introduction to 2027 (ahead of the Commission’s original proposal of 2030) and ensuring its interoperability with NATO. MEPs backed measures to speed up the granting of military transport permissions, via standing and ad hoc permissions to be granted within one month and within two working days, respectively. The regulation would also establish a military mobility transport group and mandate EU countries to designate a national coordinator for military mobility. Resilience of infrastructure and solidarity pool The new rules call on EU countries to prioritise the upgrading of dual-use and energy supply infrastructure ‘hotspots’, such as roads, bridges, tunnels, railways or access to ports, airports and multimodal freight terminals, to withstand military transport movement. MEPs want sufficient EU and national funding and instruct the Commission to set-up a clear investments timetable. To address military mobility capability gaps, the new rules instruct the Commission to establish a solidarity pool within six months after the entry into force of the new rules. This would pool and share transport and logistical capabilities of the EU and its member states, such as vehicles, personnel, ICT systems, medical units, vessels or trains, to facilitate military transport operations for EU countries in need. MEPs propose the solidarity pool be open to non-EU NATO allies as well as to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. Emergency response in crisis MEPs acknowledge that, in an emergency or crisis situation, normal transport rules or network capacities are insufficient to meet a significant increase in the volume, frequency or speed of military transport. Therefore, they back the creation of a European military mobility enhanced response system (EMERS) that would activate temporary measures to ensure timely and uninterrupted military transport across the EU in an emergency or crisis situation, while minimising civilian traffic disruption. In such a scenario, the EMERS would be activated within 48 hours by the Council following a proposal by the Commission. It would stay in place for up to 12 months and give armed forces priority access to transport infrastructure. MEPs suggest compensation for affected infrastructure owners, operators and managers, if they incur justified expenses, damages or missed revenues under these conditions. MEPs also agreed that such an emergency situation would also exempt all military transport from cabotage and traffic restrictions and allow for less restrictive driving times, breaks and rest periods, without compromising worker welfare and transport safety. Enhanced cooperation with NATO MEPs put particular emphasis on ensuring complementarity between EU and NATO efforts to enable the rapid and smooth movement of allied forces in times of peace, crisis or conflict, including with close partners like Ukraine and Moldova. Quote Transport and Tourism Committee rapporteur Roberts Zīle (ECR, LV) said: “These new rules will enhance EU preparedness to respond to security challenges and to quickly move troops to EU countries in need of assistance. We have met our deadlines so that we can start negotiations with the Council in July.” Next steps The Defence and Transport committees also decided by 52 votes to six and four abstentions to launch talks with the Council on the final shape of the legislation as soon as possible, if plenary gives its green light in July 2026. Further information  Procedure file  EP Research Service briefing on military mobility (July 2025)  Committee on Transport and Tourism  Committee on Security and Defence Available in       Press release 23-06-2026 EUDS   Special committee adopts proposals to improve the European Democracy Shield       • Proposals to better equip the EU to counter foreign interference, hybrid threats and disinformation   • Russia primary external threat; Belarus, China, Iran and North Korea also active   • Protect free and independent media; fight online electoral interference   • New European centre for democratic resilience with legal mandate, dedicated budget   MEPs want an operational Democracy Shield with binding tools, stronger sanctions, platform accountability, and a fully-fledged EU centre for democratic resilience. On Tuesday, the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS) adopted its findings and recommendations on foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), critical infrastructure, digital and media resilience, civil preparedness, and other issues. The proposals, adopted with 20 votes in favour, 9 against and 2 abstentions, are intended to contribute to the creation of a European Democracy Shield. European Centre for Democratic Resilience MEPs support the setting up of an EU centre for democratic resilience, although they say this should be set up in a binding legal act with operational parameters, a dedicated budget, and a governance involving all member states. This centre should include existing cooperation systems and crisis management capacity, and be adaptable to evolving threats. Russia: primary threat for Europe’s democratic integrity The report highlights Russia’s frequent hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure, such as cyberattacks, physical sabotage, arson, espionage and signal jamming, originating also from Belarus, China, Iran and North Korea. It calls for: • Strengthening relevant EU agencies’ capacity to act against hybrid activities and acts of sabotage, potentially adding hybrid threats to Europol’s mandate. • Expanded sanctions targeting enablers of Russian disinformation and non-EU entities, particularly Chinese ones, that help circumvent sanctions and facilitate Russian operations. • A coordinated response to Russia's "blacklisting" of EU citizens, journalists, and MEPs. MEPs are also asking for an annual “European Preparedness Day” on 24 February to mark Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as well as an EU-wide crisis alert app, and the production and distribution of household preparedness booklets. EU sovereignty and online interference MEPs say it is urgent that the EU reduces its reliance on foreign-controlled technology in critical sectors, particularly from US technology companies and Chinese hardware, including through a balanced “buy European” strategy when investing in critical infrastructure, and diversification to more reliable partners for the supply of critical raw materials. The report stresses the need to implement current digital rules concerning platforms, rather than putting in place new legislation, as well as the right of the EU to govern its own market. To advance the fight against online interference, MEPs call for provisions to: • Ensure faster responses by platforms in combatting electoral interference, particularly bot-driven efforts. • Clearly distinguish synthetic content from authentic material, and give more prominence to independent and verified sources. • Support the contextual ads market and promote alternatives to behavioural targeting (personal data), as well as stronger traceability and transparency, as a way to combat the monetisation of disinformation. • Expose covert disinformation campaigns exploiting generative AI. While the Democracy Shield needs to protect freedom of expression and information, MEPs stress that these rights exist to protect human beings, not machines, and these commitments must not be used to tolerate illegal content or authoritarian regimes’ hybrid operations. Electoral resilience To protect election integrity and prevent proxy financing and interference, MEPs propose: • Measures against malicious deepfakes and fraudulent ads. • Protection for female candidates. • Classifying electoral infrastructure as critical. • Full enforcement of the EU’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Directive and the rules on beneficial ownership registers. • A "know your donor" principle for cryptocurrency and the closing of any remaining loopholes in the Crypto-Assets Regulation. • An ambitious reform of the European Cooperation Network on Elections (ECNE). • Investigations into evidence of espionage targeting EU and member state institutions by Hungarian officials under the country’s previous government, as well as allegations of sensitive information sharing with Russia. Media freedom and civil society To protect free and independent media and civil society, the report calls for: • Long-term funding commitments on media freedom. • Effective enforcement of the prohibition of illegal spyware and the possible introduction of a protection status for investigative journalists. • EU media literacy programmes, including critical awareness of AI-generated content, especially for minors. • Analysis of the impact of US aid cuts on pluralism, especially in neighbouring regions, and stable funding for Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. • Ambitious funding for civil society under AgoraEU. • Safeguards for academic freedom and for the protection of cultural memory against Russian historical revisionism, as well as measures to support civic participation, especially for young people. External dimension The report calls for dedicated support from EU delegations abroad, and security and defence missions for EU candidate countries (including Ukraine, Moldova, the Western Balkans, Armenia and Georgia) targeting FIMI. It also asks for action against transnational repression and the instrumentalisation of migration. Quote Rapporteur Tomas Tobé (EPP, Sweden) said: “Foreign information manipulation, disinformation and hybrid interference are becoming increasingly sophisticated and coordinated. Russia remains the primary threat to Europe’s democratic integrity, and no member state can counter it effectively alone. That is why the report calls for a practical reform agenda centred on stronger operational capabilities, greater accountability and enhanced preparedness.” Press conference Tomas Tobé and committee chair Nathalie Loiseaul (Renew, FR) will hold a press conference after the vote, at 11.15 CEST. More details available here. Next steps Parliament as a whole is set to vote on the report at the September plenary session. Further information  Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield  Adopted compromise text  Procedure file Available in       Press release 23-06-2026 EUDS   Special committee adopts proposals to improve the European Democracy Shield       • Proposals to better equip the EU to counter foreign interference, hybrid threats and disinformation   • Russia primary external threat; Belarus, China, Iran and North Korea also active   • Protect free and independent media; fight online electoral interference   • New European centre for democratic resilience with legal mandate, dedicated budget   MEPs want an operational Democracy Shield with binding tools, stronger sanctions, platform accountability, and a fully-fledged EU centre for democratic resilience. On Tuesday, the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS) adopted its findings and recommendations on foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), critical infrastructure, digital and media resilience, civil preparedness, and other issues. The proposals, adopted with 20 votes in favour, 9 against and 2 abstentions, are intended to contribute to the creation of a European Democracy Shield. European Centre for Democratic Resilience MEPs support the setting up of an EU centre for democratic resilience, although they say this should be set up in a binding legal act with operational parameters, a dedicated budget, and a governance involving all member states. This centre should include existing cooperation systems and crisis management capacity, and be adaptable to evolving threats. Russia: primary threat for Europe’s democratic integrity The report highlights Russia’s frequent hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure, such as cyberattacks, physical sabotage, arson, espionage and signal jamming, originating also from Belarus, China, Iran and North Korea. It calls for: • Strengthening relevant EU agencies’ capacity to act against hybrid activities and acts of sabotage, potentially adding hybrid threats to Europol’s mandate. • Expanded sanctions targeting enablers of Russian disinformation and non-EU entities, particularly Chinese ones, that help circumvent sanctions and facilitate Russian operations. • A coordinated response to Russia's "blacklisting" of EU citizens, journalists, and MEPs. MEPs are also asking for an annual “European Preparedness Day” on 24 February to mark Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as well as an EU-wide crisis alert app, and the production and distribution of household preparedness booklets. EU sovereignty and online interference MEPs say it is urgent that the EU reduces its reliance on foreign-controlled technology in critical sectors, particularly from US technology companies and Chinese hardware, including through a balanced “buy European” strategy when investing in critical infrastructure, and diversification to more reliable partners for the supply of critical raw materials. The report stresses the need to implement current digital rules concerning platforms, rather than putting in place new legislation, as well as the right of the EU to govern its own market. To advance the fight against online interference, MEPs call for provisions to: • Ensure faster responses by platforms in combatting electoral interference, particularly bot-driven efforts. • Clearly distinguish synthetic content from authentic material, and give more prominence to independent and verified sources. • Support the contextual ads market and promote alternatives to behavioural targeting (personal data), as well as stronger traceability and transparency, as a way to combat the monetisation of disinformation. • Expose covert disinformation campaigns exploiting generative AI. While the Democracy Shield needs to protect freedom of expression and information, MEPs stress that these rights exist to protect human beings, not machines, and these commitments must not be used to tolerate illegal content or authoritarian regimes’ hybrid operations. Electoral resilience To protect election integrity and prevent proxy financing and interference, MEPs propose: • Measures against malicious deepfakes and fraudulent ads. • Protection for female candidates. • Classifying electoral infrastructure as critical. • Full enforcement of the EU’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Directive and the rules on beneficial ownership registers. • A "know your donor" principle for cryptocurrency and the closing of any remaining loopholes in the Crypto-Assets Regulation. • An ambitious reform of the European Cooperation Network on Elections (ECNE). • Investigations into evidence of espionage targeting EU and member state institutions by Hungarian officials under the country’s previous government, as well as allegations of sensitive information sharing with Russia. Media freedom and civil society To protect free and independent media and civil society, the report calls for: • Long-term funding commitments on media freedom. • Effective enforcement of the prohibition of illegal spyware and the possible introduction of a protection status for investigative journalists. • EU media literacy programmes, including critical awareness of AI-generated content, especially for minors. • Analysis of the impact of US aid cuts on pluralism, especially in neighbouring regions, and stable funding for Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. • Ambitious funding for civil society under AgoraEU. • Safeguards for academic freedom and for the protection of cultural memory against Russian historical revisionism, as well as measures to support civic participation, especially for young people. External dimension The report calls for dedicated support from EU delegations abroad, and security and defence missions for EU candidate countries (including Ukraine, Moldova, the Western Balkans, Armenia and Georgia) targeting FIMI. It also asks for action against transnational repression and the instrumentalisation of migration. Quote Rapporteur Tomas Tobé (EPP, Sweden) said: “Foreign information manipulation, disinformation and hybrid interference are becoming increasingly sophisticated and coordinated. Russia remains the primary threat to Europe’s democratic integrity, and no member state can counter it effectively alone. That is why the report calls for a practical reform agenda centred on stronger operational capabilities, greater accountability and enhanced preparedness.” Press conference Tomas Tobé and committee chair Nathalie Loiseaul (Renew, FR) will hold a press conference after the vote, at 11.15 CEST. More details available here. Next steps Parliament as a whole is set to vote on the report at the September plenary session. Further information  Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield  Adopted compromise text  Procedure file       Press release 23-06-2026 ENVI   DEVE   Sustainable Development Goals: MEPs alarmed at $4 trillion investment gap     • Global community seriously off-track on efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030   • Next multiannual financial framework must align with 2030 Agenda   • EU leadership is needed, particularly following suspension of US aid funding   The committees on Development and on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety adopted a report on the implementation and delivery of the SDGs ahead of the 2026 UN High-Level Political Forum. Adopted in a joint meeting of the two committees by 66 votes in favour, 17 against, and 7 abstentions, the report – once adopted in plenary – will form the basis of the European Parliament’s position ahead of the 2026 UN High-Level Political Forum set to take place in New York from 7-15 July. In it, MEPs acknowledge that despite efforts made since the introduction of the SDGs in 2015, the global community is severely off track in its efforts to achieve their targets by the 2030 deadline. They are alarmed by the annual investment gap of approximately $4 trillion in funding needed to achieve the SDGs, a gap exacerbated by declining official development assistance (ODA) levels across the world. They want the EU and member states to honour their development aid commitments and to reinforce their leadership role to deliver the SDGs and secure adequate and sustained funding for their achievement by filling the huge financing gap, including that left by the suspension of most USAID funding under the current US administration. Additional EU funding needed MEPs argue that the EU should support its efforts to achieve the SDGs through ambitious financial commitments in the EU’s next long-term budget covering the period 2028-2034. In particular, MEPs want the EU and member states to provide additional financing for climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as loss and damage, as agreed at COP 29, and to further investigate opportunities to raise funding through the involvement of the private sector and the leveraging of private finance. The Global Gateway initiative remains, MEPs say, the EU’s flagship instrument to strengthen sustainable partnerships and deliver high-quality infrastructure, while promoting international standards and long-term economic and social development in partner countries. In the report, MEPs highlight the numerous policy areas covered by the SDGs – water and sanitation, urban development, energy, climate mitigation and adaptation, among others – where progress is sorely lacking and in some cases has even regressed, exacerbated by escalating conflicts, geopolitical tensions, health and humanitarian emergencies and the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The EU should, MEPs say, continue its leadership role in pursuing the implementation of the SDGs in the EU and worldwide. Quote Speaking after the adoption of the report, co-rapporteur for the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D, IT) said: “Incredible progress has been made over the past decade, but big steps are still needed to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The EU must lead a global coalition to support the achievement of the SDGs and secure adequate funding. Importantly, as our Resolution highlights, we must boost renewable and affordable energy for all, while equipping cities with vital tools for climate adaptation and mitigation." Co-rapporteur for the Committee on Development Lukas Mandl (EPP, AT), said: “The world needs the United Nations. The UN system is in desperate need of a reform. The world needs the SDGs, too. No part of the world observes the SDGs as much as Europe does. With out vote on the SDGs report, we as the parliamentary representatives of Europeans will have a strong mandate to advocate for a balanced, values-based, and solution-oriented observation of the SDGs in their entirety." Next steps A plenary vote on the report is scheduled for the July 2026 session. A joint delegation of MEPs from both committees will travel to New York in July to attend the High-Level Political Forum. Further information  Committee on Development  Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety  Draft Compromise Amendments

Meetings Tuesday, 23 June 2026

● Council of the EU   22/06/2026 19:42 | Meetings | Main results - Agriculture and Fisheries Council (First day), 22-23 June 2026   During the first day of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, ministers discussed the evaluation of the common fisheries policy regulation. They also talked about the Commission’s communication on sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2027.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU

23/06/2026 10:14 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Environment Council of 25 June 2026 and Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) of 26 June 2026   The press briefing ahead of the Environment Council and Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) will take place on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at 13.30. This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person at the Europa Building press room. To attend the event remotely, please use the link below to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Those who already registered for previous press events of the Environment Council and Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at 12.30 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants after the deadline. Meeting page - Environment Council, 25 June 2026 Meeting page - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 26 June 2026 Registration page Media accreditation for journalists   Visit the website

● Council of the EU   23/06/2026 11:41 | Meetings | Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 26 June 2026   Background brief - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) of 26 June 2026   View meeting page