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Press release 05-10-2026 ENVI    MEPs support simpler rules for SMEs on packaging, textiles and batteries       • Requirement to appoint authorised representatives should be suspended for EU-based SMEs   • Temporary suspension ahead of comprehensive circularity rules later in 2026     MEPs back a targeted and temporary suspension of authorised representative obligations for extended producer responsibility. Environment Committee MEPs have voted to support simplification measures impacting producer responsibility rules on batteries, packaging, textiles, footwear, electronics and single-use plastics. While the Commission proposed a complete suspension until 2035 of the obligation on producers to appoint an authorised representative for extended producer responsibility (EPR) in each member state, MEPs want to limit this suspension to EU-based SMEs - companies that employ fewer than 250 persons and have an annual turnover under €50 million, or an annual balance sheet total under €43 million. Companies from outside the EU would still need to appoint representatives. MEPs also support a sunset clause ending the suspension automatically once comprehensive circularity rules enter into force. To further reduce the administrative burden on companies within the EU single market, MEPs call for better pooling of information between member states, interoperable digital systems and common reporting requirements for companies. Quote Rapporteur Ingeborg ter Laak (EPP, NL) said: “I am very pleased to see such overwhelming support for this proposal. It shows that there is a broad understanding that businesses, especially smaller ones, need real simplification now. “We cannot ask them to wait years for a horizontal solution while they continue to face unnecessary administrative burdens today. We need to relieve them as quickly as possible, while working towards a coherent European framework that prevents the same problems from arising again.” Next steps The position on batteries and packaging was supported by 74 MEPs, while 0 opposed it, and 4 abstained. The position on textiles, footwear, electronic appliances and single-use plastics was supported by 72 MEPs, while 0 opposed it, and 5 abstained. Once the positions are confirmed by plenary (expected during the October 19-22 session), Parliament will be ready for negotiations with the Council. Background Under extended producer responsibility (EPR) rules, companies bringing products to the EU market have responsibilities for managing the products throughout their life cycle, including at the waste stage. The European Commission is expected to propose a comprehensive circular economy act later in 2026. The EPR simplification measures (which form part of part of the environmental “omnibus” package) are therefore intended to be temporary. Further information Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety Procedure file (regulation) Procedure file (directive) EPRS briefing: “Extended producer responsibility” (24.9.2026) Available in       Press release 06-10-2026 Plenary session   SEDE   ITRE New AGILE defence innovation programme approved by Parliament       • Quick and targeted support for disruptive innovation in defence technologies   • Focus on SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups   • A nimble complement to the EU’s existing defence industrial toolbox     The programme aims to respond to the new security environment shaped by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, where fast and low-cost defence innovation cycles are critical. On Tuesday, MEPs approved the creation of a programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE), a new €115 million instrument designed to provide rapid, agile and targeted financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – including start-ups and scale-ups – developing emerging and disruptive defence technologies. Parliament and Council negotiators provisionally agreed on establishing the programme in July 2026. The programme is designed to stimulate innovation with fast-track grants and access to testing and certification. It provides a way for member states to be involved in setting challenges to ensure the products developed meet their capability needs. The programme will focus on SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups working on emerging and disruptive defence products, including the adaptation of civil technologies for defence applications, to help bridge the gap between development and deployment. It will provide a fast-track, four-month time-to-grant, reinforcing AGILE's role as a nimble complement to the EU's existing defence industrial toolbox. AGILE will also facilitate the connection between SMEs and so-called defence industrial “primes”, the major defence industry companies that dominate the sector, including through dedicated matchmaking to increase the uptake of AGILE supported products. Quotes “With AGILE, we are accelerating the path from innovation to deployment while strengthening our SMEs, ensuring support for Ukraine, reinforcing safeguards against strategic dependencies, enhancing security of supply, and providing robust oversight to help shape future EU defence initiatives” Tonino Picula (S&D, Croatia), lead MEP for the Security and Defence Committee, said. “Europe cannot afford to be slow when the threat is fast. AGILE is our answer: getting funding out quickly, bureaucracy stripped away, and the door firmly shut to those who do not share our values. Innovation is Europe's strength. Let us finally use it” Ivars Ijabs (Renew, Latvia), lead MEP for the Industry, Research and Energy Committee, said. “AGILE will help turn Europe’s innovative potential into practical capabilities for our armed forces. By supporting SMEs and start-ups as they develop emerging technologies, the programme will bring new ideas into the defence ecosystem and strengthen Europe’s ability to deliver the solutions its forces need” Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (Renew, Germany), chair of the Security and Defence Committee, said. Borys Budka (EPP, Poland), chair of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, said: “As Ukraine is relying on European support, our SMEs need targeted programs to accelerate the transition from prototype to operational capability. AGILE is designed to close that gap. The Russian aggression has rewritten the rules of engagement: the side that innovates faster, wins. Europe cannot afford to let its most promising defence innovators be slowed down by bureaucracy. Our job now is to prove this model works in practice, so it can serve as the blueprint for the upcoming European Competitiveness Fund and the next generation of defence programmes. Europe’s security depends on backing innovators who can turn promises into reality the fastest.” Next steps The legislation was adopted by 536 votes to 101, with 16 abstentions. It now needs to be formally endorsed by Council before publication on the Official Journal. The programme will enter into operation in the beginning of 2027. Background While the EU has already developed a substantial defence innovation framework, mostly aiming at long-term and large-scale projects, AGILE aims to address the fact that emerging and disruptive technologies (including AI, quantum computing, robotics, cyber capabilities, and space systems) are increasingly decisive for military effectiveness. The AGILE programme will support the rapid innovation capacity of SMEs, including innovative startups and scaleups, in delivering emerging and disruptive defence products and technologies that address the most urgent challenges faced by member state armed forces, with a focus on cost-efficiency and reducing strategic dependencies on non-associated third countries. Further information Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Committee on Security and Defence Procedure file EP research briefing: Agile and rapid defence innovation Emerging and disruptive technologies are increasingly decisive for military effectiveness © seeasign/Adobe Stock   Press release 06-10-2026 JURI   Committee on Legal Affairs - highlights of the next meeting       Meeting on Thursday 8 October, 10.30-11.15 (Strasbourg, Room: WEISS N1.3). VOTES • Updated EU rules on geographical indications following amendments to the Lisbon Agreement. Vote on the provisional agreement. Rapporteur: Dainius Žalimas (Renew, LT). Thursday at 10.35. • Proxy voting for MEPs. Adoption of draft report. Rapporteur: Lara Wolters (S&D, NL). Thursday at 10.45. DEBATES: • Report on Better Law Making 2025-26. Consideration of draft report. Rapporteur: Jörgen Warborn (EPP, SE). Thursday at 11.00. 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 07-10-2026 Plenary session EP TODAY       Wednesday 7 October Priorities for the next EU long-term budget From 9.00, Parliament, with Commissioner Piotr Serafin and Thomas Byrne for the Irish Council presidency, will discuss the EU’s next multiannual financial framework (MFF). MEPs are expected to reiterate their call for an ambitious 2028-2034 budget focused on key priorities such as defence and security, competitiveness, cohesion, and agriculture. Eszter ZALÁN (+32) 477 99 20 73 @EP_Budgets Combating the cost-of-living crisis With an increasing number of Europeans struggling to pay their housing, energy or transport bills, MEPs, Commissioner Dan Jørgensen and Thomas Byrne for the Irish Council presidency will debate ways to tackle the current cost-of-living crisis and how to support households, small businesses, and communities at 10.30. Arianne SIKKEN (+32) 477 99 19 34 Alessio INCORVAIA (+32) 470 68 84 61 Baptiste CHATAIN (+32) 498 98 13 37 In brief Fighting corruption. At 13.45, MEPs will quiz Commissioner Michael McGrath, and present their own ideas, on the first EU anti-corruption strategy, to be unveiled before the end of 2026. An accompanying resolution will be put to a vote on Thursday. Breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. From 19.00, MEPs and Commissioner Jessika Roswall will hold urgent debates on: the human rights situation in Iran, notably the cases of Taraneh Rahimi and Leila Abolhasani; attempts by the ruling party Georgian Dream to ban opposition parties in Georgia; and the cases of Ali Karimli, Anar Mammadli, and other political prisoners in Azerbaijan. Votes on these issues will take place on Thursday. Tax on super profits of polluters. This plenary’s topical debate, requested by the Greens, will address the urgent need for a tax on the super profits of polluters to protect people’s health and lower energy bills amidst a climate crisis. Islamist entryism. At 16.15, MEPs, Commissioner Magnus Brunner and Thomas Byrne, representing the Irish Council presidency, will debate how to counter Islamist entryism and the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood network. A resolution will be put to a vote on Thursday. Votes At noon, MEPs will vote, among others, on: • EU-China political relations; • EU support for workers in Belgium, Spain and Finland; • CO2 emission class of heavy-duty vehicles with trailers; and, • consular protection for unrepresented citizens of the EU in third countries. Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming site and on EbS+. For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter. Find more information regarding plenary. 08-10-2026 Plenary session EP TODAY       Thursday 8 October Rigged elections in Russia: vote on a resolution Following Tuesday’s debate, MEPs will vote on the undemocratic elections to the Russian State Duma in September and the implications for civil society. They are set to denounce the electoral violations committed by Vladimir Putin’s regime and refuse to recognise the Duma as the legitimate representative and legislative body of Russia. The draft text also states that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and its systematic repression at home are mutually reinforcing and both sustain the Russian regime. Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS (+32) 470 96 08 19 @EP_ForeignAff Proxy vote: delegating voting rights before and after childbirth The Legal Affairs Committee will vote on changes to the statute governing MEPs work, to ensure the possibility for them to delegate their voting rights before and after childbirth follows the principles of transparency, accountability, traceability, legal certainty, and voting integrity. Martina VASS (+32) 477 99 11 57 @EP_Legal In brief: Turkish provocations in the Eastern Mediterranean. At 9.00, MEPs and Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto will assess recent escalations in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean following persistent Turkish provocations. EU strategy for islands, coastal communities and outermost regions. In a debate with Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto from 10.00, MEPs will outline their ideas on how to support the EU’s islands, coastal communities and outermost regions. Votes At noon, MEPs will also vote, among others, on: • the upcoming EU anti-corruption strategy; • the state of play in advancing EU-Africa trade and investment relations; • the human rights situation in Iran, notably the cases of Taraneh Rahimi and Leila Abolhasan; • attempts by ruling party Georgian Dream to ban opposition parties in Georgia; • the cases of Ali Karimli, Anar Mammadli and other political prisoners in Azerbaijan; and • the need for an EU strategy to counter Islamist entryism and the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood network. . Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming site and on EbS+. For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter. Find more information regarding plenary. Available in       Press release 08-10-2026 JURI   Proxy voting: Legal Affairs Committee proposes amendments to members’ statute       • Proxy voting only in plenary   • Maximum period is three months before due date and six months after giving birth   • Only one delegated vote per MEP     The changes to the members’ statute are designed to strengthen democratic representation by allowing MEPs to delegate their plenary votes to another member before and after childbirth. On Thursday, MEPs on the Legal Affairs Committee voted unanimously to change the Statute for Members of the European Parliament (24 votes in favour) to allow proxy voting by MEPs before and after giving birth. The aim is to help mothers participate in politics and improve gender equality in the European Parliament. The revamped statute ensures compliance with the principles of transparency, accountability, traceability, legal certainty and integrity of the vote. MEPs who are pregnant or have recently given birth could cast their votes in plenary by means of another member acting as a proxy, for a maximum period of three months before the estimated date of birth and six months after giving birth. Vote delegation would be revocable and entirely voluntary. To ensure traceability and accountability, no member could hold more than one vote delegation at a time. To strengthen transparency, the names of the delegating and proxy members should be recorded in the minutes of the sitting and in the published voting results. Proxy votes should also count towards quorums, thresholds and majorities required for votes. Disagreement of the delegating member over a vote cast should not affect the voting result and corrections to these votes would be possible under the usual conditions. Quote The rapporteur for the Legal Affairs Committee, Lara Wolters (S&D, NL), said: “In the JURI committee this morning we took another small but impactful step towards proxy voting for pregnant MEPs. Mums-to-be don’t have time for procedural hurdles – it’s high time both Parliament and national capitals updated their rules so we can get this system up and running.” Next steps These changes to the members’ statute will be put to a plenary vote in an upcoming plenary session. In accordance with Article 223(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, an opinion from the Commission and the consent of the Council will then be necessary before a final vote is taken in the European Parliament. The changes to the members’ statute to allow the proxy vote will enter into force once all the EU member states have ratified the amended European Electoral Act. You can track their progress on the Council’s dedicated webpage. Background The proposal, initiated by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in 2025, reflects Parliament’s long-standing commitment to promoting gender equality and modern working standards in representative institutions. Council adopted the necessary changes to the European Electoral Act in May 2026. Further information Procedure file EP Research: Maternity leave and voting procedures in the European Parliament and EU national parliaments (September 2025) Reforms for a modern and efficient European Parliament   Press release 08-10-2026 Plenary session   CULT European school alliances: Parliament backs initiative to build cooperation on basic skills       • Citizenship, democracy, media literacy and EU values must be part of the pilot   • Initiative is an opportunity to strengthen cooperation across the EU   • EU countries, national authorities, schools, and teachers should be involved in the pilot project’s design and implementation   MEPs recommend including schools from disadvantaged contexts and striking a geographical balance in the future European school alliances pilot scheme. Welcoming the decision to include a European school alliances pilot scheme in the education package to be presented shortly, Parliament calls on the Commission to ensure that the programme will cover citizenship education, democratic competences, media literacy, critical thinking and knowledge of the EU and its values. In their resolution, adopted on Thursday by 443 to 98 and with 47 abstentions, MEPs state that the initiative of connecting schools from different countries in organised networks should have a clear set of objectives, including improved educational results, stronger basic skills, mobility opportunities, and preparation for future skills needs. They consider this an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in school education across the EU, and to enable teachers to work together and share best practices, innovating in teaching and learning. Parliament wants targeted measures to facilitate the participation of schools from disadvantaged socio-economic contexts and learners with “fewer opportunities”. It also stresses the importance of including different education pathways, such as vocational education and training, and schools operating within specific fields such as sport or arts. MEPs defend targeted outreach and support measures for geographically and territorially balanced partnerships, allowing the representation of schools from a wide range of regions and socio-economic contexts, including from less represented or lower-capacity areas. Noting that responsibility for education lies with the EU member states, MEPs highlight that this European pilot project to help teachers and pupils focus on basic skills should complement and support national systems. Quote “Experiencing Europe shouldn’t begin only when young people go on Erasmus exchanges at university. With European school alliances, we will bring Europe directly into the classroom. When schools work together across borders, children gain new perspectives, and experience first-hand what European cooperation and democracy mean,” said rapporteur Nela Riehl (Greens/EFA, DE). Background The Commission is expected to present a European school alliances pilot programme in November. The objective is to promote cross-border cooperation for basic skills and pupil/teacher mobility. The European Commission launched the European Partnerships for School Development earlier this year, with a budget of €20 million from Erasmus+. Forty projects in nearly all EU countries have been funded, covering around 400 school authorities and schools. The partnerships began operating on 1 October. The lessons drawn from implementing these projects will be used to prepare the European school alliances tool that the Commission is planning to launch as part of the 2028 Erasmus+ working programme. Further information Text adopted (8.10.2026) Video of the debate in plenary (6.10.2026) Press release upon the vote in the Committee of Culture and Education Committee on Culture and Education Available in       Press release 08-10-2026 Plenary session   AFET Parliament slams Russian State Duma elections as complete sham       • MEPs refuse to recognise Russia’s State Duma as legitimate   • Long-standing and intentional destruction of any remnants of democracy by Putin’s regime   • Call for extensive EU sanctions against Russian officials involved in repression     In a resolution adopted on Thursday, MEPs say the “fake” ballot was held in a climate of fear and against the backdrop of Moscow’s continued illegal war against Ukraine. Strongly rejecting the Russian State Duma elections held on 18-20 September 2026 as neither free nor fair, the text, adopted on Thursday by 482 votes in favour, 41 against and with 39 abstentions, denounces all electoral violations committed by President Vladimir Putin’s regime during the vote, as well as the long-standing and intentional destruction of any remnants of democracy in Russia. Parliament notes that during the recent fake ballot, there were no genuine alternative candidates, no free media, no credible observers and no political freedoms, with critics of the regime having been either imprisoned, murdered or forced into exile. MEPs also condemn the fact that so-called “elections” were conducted in parts of the Russian-occupied Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine, as well as in Moldova’s Transnistrian region and in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia . Parliament refuses to recognise the Russian State Duma as legitimate Parliament refuses to recognise the Russian State Duma as the legitimate representative and legislative body of the Russian Federation. This includes any legal or political consequences deriving from the illegal organisation of so-called “elections” in occupied parts of Ukraine. MEPs call on all EU countries to adopt a similar policy of non-recognition, refrain from any official contact with the newly constituted Duma and its members, and oppose the participation of such Russian representatives in interparliamentary assemblies. They also speak out against the normalisation of Russia’s participation in international sporting and cultural events. MEPs want strict EU sanctions against Russian officials involved in repression EU member states must introduce further extensive restrictive measures against individuals and entities involved in the political persecution in Russia and in Moscow’s continued brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, MEPs say. This must include judges, prosecutors, officials of Rosfinmonitoring (the federal financial monitoring service of the Russian Federation), and operatives involved in repression, including transnational repression, members of Russia’s Central Election Commission, and officials involved in the organisation of staged electoral processes in occupied parts of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova. No normalisation of EU relations with Russia The text finally calls for continued support for Russian democratic forces who are working for a democratic future in their country and openly speaking out against the illegal war against Ukraine, as well as against Russia’s hybrid war against European democracies. The resolution reaffirms, however, that EU relations with Russia cannot be normalised without. among others, a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, based on full territorial integrity and complete withdrawal of Russian troops, the release of prisoners of war, the return of forcibly deported Ukrainian children, Russia’s payment of full reparations and compensation to Ukraine, and full accountability for crimes committed against Ukraine. Further information The adopted text will be available here (8.10.2026) Watch a video recording of the plenary debate (6.10.2026) EP Multimedia Centre: free photos, video and audio material MEPs denounce all electoral violations committed by President Vladimir Putin’s regime during the vote © STRINGER / AFP Available in       Press release 08-10-2026 Plenary session Human rights violations in Iran, Georgia and Azerbaijan       • Broader sanctions needed against Iran, which continues to crack down dramatically on its civilian population, particularly on women and minorities   • Call for sanctions against those responsible for democratic backsliding, violent repression and political persecution in Georgia   • MEPs denounce politically motivated detentions in Azerbaijan and call for targeted measures under the EU Global Sanctions Regime   On Thursday, Parliament adopted three resolutions on the human rights situation in Iran, Georgia and Azerbaijan. The human rights situation in Iran, notably the cases of Taraneh Rahimi and Leila Abolhasani Stressing that Iran is the country in the world with the highest death penalty per capita, MEPs denounce the unprecedented scale of violence by the authorities against the civilian population since January 2026. They refer to the intensification of attacks against human rights activists and journalists, as well as the sham prosecution of protesters, based on confessions obtained through torture. They call for the annulment of the politically motivated verdicts against Taraneh Rahimi, 20, and Leila Abolhasani, 43, both sentenced to death following protests, and also refer to the case of the sister of Taraneh Rahimi, Romina, sentenced to a long prison sentence. The death penalty must be abolished in Iran, MEPs say, who are deeply concerned about the increase in the number of women convicted, the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, and transnational repression by the regime outside its borders. They denounce Iran’s codification of gender discrimination and call for gender apartheid to be recognised as a crime against humanity under international law. The scope of sanctions needs to be broadened, MEPs believe. The UN’s independent international fact-finding mission needs to be stepped up, in order to gather evidence and identify those responsible for the crimes, and the Iranian regime needs to be referred to the International Criminal Court, they add. The resolution was adopted by 541 votes in favour, 11 against and 25 abstentions. Attempts by the ruling Georgian Dream party to ban opposition parties in Georgia Parliament denounces the misuse of legislation and institutions to silence political opponents in Georgia. It strongly condemns the attempts to ban opposition parties and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and peaceful protesters, including Elene Khoshtaria, 2025 Sakharov Prize laureate Mzia Amaglobeli, Mikheil Saakashvili, Giorgi Baramidze and Nika Melia. Attempts to judicially eliminate political opposition are incompatible with democracy, MEPs say, and banning established political parties makes progress towards EU membership impossible. Deploring the lack of action by the EU and its member states in the face of the deteriorating situation in Georgia, MEPs reaffirm their support for the European aspirations of the Georgian people and reiterate their call for targeted sanctions against those responsible for democratic backsliding, violent repression and political persecution, first and foremost Bidzina Ivanishvili, Irakli Kobakhidze, Shalva Papuashvili and Kakha Kaladze. The resolution was adopted by 445 votes in favour, 37 against and 97 abstentions. The cases of Ali Karimli, Anar Mammadli and political prisoners in Azerbaijan Any future partnership agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan must be conditional on tangible improvements in human rights, including the release of political prisoners, MEPs say. While they welcome Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu’s recent arrival in Europe for urgent medical treatment and call for all prosecutions against him to be dropped. They also strongly condemn the detention of the President of the Azerbaijani People’s Front Ali Karimli, Anar Mammadli, and his co-accused journalist Anar Abdullayev, and call for their immediate and unconditional release, denouncing their detention conditions and serious allegations of ill-treatment. MEPs criticise the misuse of criminal and national security laws to silence non-governmental organisations and the media in Azerbaijan. They condemn transnational repression against opponents abroad and call on the Commission to step up support for civil society and independent media in the country and in exile. MEPs call on the EU High Representative to prepare targeted measures under the EU Global Sanctions Regime and to ensure that diplomatic engagement upholds democratic values. The resolution was adopted by 492 votes in favour, 23 against and 60 abstentions. Further information Subcommittee on Human Rights Video recording of plenary debates (07/10/26) The adopted texts will be available here (08/10/26) Multimedia products     Available in       Press release 08-10-2026 Plenary session   LIBE Parliament calls for safeguards against Islamist entryism in Europe       • An EU methodology to identify signs of Islamist entryism and network structures   • Stronger checks on EU funding, partnerships and beneficiaries that may benefit political Islam   • Council should assess Muslim Brotherhood-linked entities for possible listing as terrorist organisations   • Stronger visa and cross-border controls, closer cooperation with Europol and Eurojust   MEPs call for more vigilance against Islamist entryism, including funding controls, scrutiny of networks, and stronger cross-border cooperation. In a resolution adopted on Thursday with 381 votes in favour, 167 against, and 15 abstentions, MEPs condemn the strategies of Islamist entryism, which aims to weaken European values, democratic institutions, and public order and social cohesion. Institutional vigilance and the fight against discrimination MEPs condemn Islamist entryism targeting democratic institutions, the rule of law, equality between women and men, and fundamental freedoms. They stress that protecting Muslim citizens from discrimination is a democratic obligation, while warning against treating organised Islamist networks as representative interlocutors. While Europe must remain free, open and faithful to its principles, it can “no longer fund, consult or legitimise networks that use its language, procedures and funding to weaken its values from within”. Parliament calls for a European methodology to identify entryism, including confusion between religion and politics, institutional doublespeak, opaque financing, recurring partnerships, links to identified networks, and organisations or networks being re-established in new forms. MEPs stress that anti-discrimination policies must not be used to shield Islam from criticism or legitimise organised Islamist networks, while calling for support to civil society actors and Muslim representatives who defend democratic values and resist Islamist pressure. MEPs believe that the practice of concealing the face in public poses an unacceptable challenge to public security and law enforcement, so they support all national measures aimed at prohibiting full-face coverings (niqab or burqa) in public as a necessary step for social cohesion, public safety and the protection of the rights and freedoms of others, in particular women. EU institutions should strengthen checks before engaging with organisations that may be involved in entryism strategies - including the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) and other structures linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. Possible terrorist listing Parliament asks the Council to assess whether entities or individuals linked to the Muslim Brotherhood should be added to the EU list of terrorist organisations, looking beyond formal structures to associated entities, front organisations, financial relays, youth networks and individuals in leadership or coordination roles. Where the applicable criteria are met, Parliament calls for corresponding restrictive measures. Funding controls and cross-border cooperation Parliament also calls for: • full traceability of EU funding, stronger due diligence and greater use of exclusion tools under the Financial Regulation; • a Commission overview of EU funds awarded to people or entities suspected of links to the Muslim Brotherhood or political Islam; • welcomes initiatives by member states to draw up national lists of hate preachers and calls for the establishment of such a list at EU level, which should lead to tighter visa and residence controls for such individuals; • stronger scrutiny of foreign funding and transnational partnerships, particularly involving actors linked to Qatar or Türkiye; and • greater use of Schengen tools and EU databases, backed by Europol and Eurojust cooperation within their mandates. Further information Texts adopted in plenary (8.10.2026) Recording of the plenary debate (7.10.2026) Procedure file   Press alert 08-10-2026 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 12 October 2026, 16.00 – 18.30, Brussels, room: ANTALL (2Q2) DEBATES 16.00 – 17.00 Hydrofluorocarbons: Objection by Mathilde Androuët (PfE, FR) pursuant to rule 115(2) and (3) of the Rules of Procedure - Consideration of draft motion for a resolution EU ETS: Revised benchmark values for free allocation of emission allowances for the period from 2026 to 2030: Objection by Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE, FR) pursuant to rule 115(2) and (3) of the Rules of Procedure - Consideration of draft motion for a resolution 17.00 – 18.30 Building a sustainable future: funding environmental and climate policies in the Next Multiannual Financial Framework Joint meeting with the Commission for the Environment, Climate change and Energy (ENVE) of the Committee of the Regions Draft programme *** Next meetings 19 October 2026 (Strasbourg) (to be confirmed) 4-5 November 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