EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,update

 

Press service European Parliament   Available in       Press release 20-10-2026 Plenary session   TRAN MEPs endorse better enforcement of passenger rights in the EU       • Clearer rules for plane tickets purchased through intermediaries   • Common EU form for claiming reimbursement and compensation   • Better protection for vulnerable travellers   • EU passenger rights cover around 13 billion journeys annually   On Tuesday, Parliament gave its final green light to updated EU rules to improve the protection and information passengers receive if their travel is disrupted. The regulation, which will strengthen the protection of passenger rights across all modes of transport, was adopted with 652 votes in favour, two against and eight abstentions. Reimbursement by air travel intermediaries The adopted text clarifies the rules on reimbursement in the case of cancellations when flights are booked via an intermediary, such as travel agents or online booking platforms. Passengers are entitled to receive full reimbursement, including of any intermediation fee, within 14 days (the air carrier must transfer the payment to the intermediary within a maximum of seven days, and the intermediary must transfer it to the passenger within a further seven days). Intermediaries must inform passengers at the time of booking about the applicable reimbursement arrangements. Common EU form Passengers will be able to submit claims using standardised forms for reimbursement and compensation, or any equivalent form provided by the carrier. The common forms will be made available on the Commission’s website, in all languages and for all types of travel. Improved rights for vulnerable passengers The new rules also strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility by allowing an accompanying person to travel with them on a flight free of charge if their presence is necessary, as is already the case for travel by bus, train or ship. More power for national enforcement and complaint-handling bodies National authorities are granted enhanced powers for investigating possible breaches of passenger rights. They will be able to proactively initiate audits, inspections or interviews of carriers, not only after receiving passenger complaints. Quote Rapporteur Matteo Ricci (S&D, IT) said: “Travelling is part of our lives. Whether we catch a train to work, a bus for a trip, a plane to return home, or a ferry for holiday, we all share these journeys as passengers. This legislation will improve the protection these travellers receive. National authorities will help make sure companies fulfil their responsibilities without court action. Passengers who buy tickets through intermediaries will keep their rights, and support for individuals with reduced mobility will be improved. We are prioritising the rights of our citizens over the profits of airlines.” Next steps The updated rules need still need to be formally approved by the Council, before their publication in the EU Official Journal. They will apply from 23 October 2027 (at the same time as the air passenger rights regulation). Background In 2023, the Commission presented an update of the EU rules governing the rights of passengers when travelling by air, rail, sea, inland waterway, bus or coach, as part of the passenger mobility package. Parliament adopted a specific upgrade of air passenger rights earlier in 2026. Around 13 billion passengers who travel by airplane, train, coach, bus or ferry in the EU every year are covered by EU passenger rights. This figure is expected to reach 15 billion by 2030 and almost 20 billion by 2050. Further information Adopted text will be available here (20.10.2026) Press conference with the rapporteur Matteo Ricci (S&D, IT) Procedure file At a glance: Enforcement of passenger rights in the EU EP Research Service: Enforcement of passenger rights in the EU EP multimedia centre – passenger rights MEPs adopt updated rules to better protect passenger rights in the EU © DANIEL KESSLER / ONW-IMAGES / DPA PICTURE-ALLIANCE VIA AFP   Available in       Press release 20-10-2026 Plenary session   ENVI Waste: MEPs back simplified rules for small businesses       • EU-based small companies would no longer need to appoint representatives in other member states for compliance with waste-related laws   • Change concerns producers of packaging, batteries, textiles, footwear, electronics and single-use plastics   • Temporary suspension ahead of comprehensive circularity rules later in 2026     MEPs want to exempt only small companies from the obligation to appoint representatives for waste legislation compliance in each member state where they sell their products. The European Parliament has adopted its position ahead of trilogue negotiations on measures impacting waste rules on packaging, batteries, textiles, footwear, electronics and single-use plastics. Targeted change to company obligations Under current EU waste legislation, producers bringing products to the EU market pay fees that help cover the cost of collecting, sorting, and recycling these products once they become waste (known as extended producer responsibility, or EPR). The rules in place also mandate them to appoint an authorised representative for EPR compliance in each member state where they sell their products. To reduce barriers within the EU single market, the Commission proposed suspending this authorised representative obligation in certain sectors. In their position, MEPs back a more targeted suspension that would apply only to EU-based small and micro enterprises (fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet under €10 million) and until 2035, or until a more comprehensive circular economy act is adopted. They also clarify that this suspension does not affect other obligations under the EPR system, for example waste-prevention or fees. To further reduce the administrative burden on companies within the EU single market, MEPs call for better information exchange between member states, interoperable digital systems, and common reporting requirements for companies. Quote Rapporteur Ingeborg ter Laak (EPP, NL) said: “For European companies to be able to grow and sell , unnecessary administrative burdens should be reduced without compromising our environmental ambitions. It is clear that companies should take responsibility for the waste they produce, and that products need to be collected and recycled properly. We should reach these goals without creating unnecessary obstacles for the businesses we want to see succeed in Europe. We can show that environmental responsibilities can go hand in hand with economic opportunities.” Next steps The position on waste batteries and packaging waste was supported by 616 MEPs, while 9 opposed it, and 39 abstained. The position on textile, footwear, electronic appliance and single-use plastic waste was supported by 612 MEPs, while 8 opposed it, and 39 abstained. Once the Council has also adopted its position, negotiations on the final form of the laws can begin. Background The two laws (directive and regulation) voted today are part of the Environmental Omnibus package. The European Commission is expected to propose a comprehensive circular economy act later in 2026. Further information Recording of the plenary debate (19.10.2026) Procedure file (regulation) Procedure file (directive) EPRS Briefing: “Extended producer responsibility” (24.09.2026) Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety Parliament supports changing the rules on extended producer responsibility for small companies. © Adobe Stock / Adrian Available in       Press release 20-10-2026 Plenary session   TRAN  Boosting high-speed rail to enhance EU cohesion and competitiveness       • Rail a strategic asset for modal shift, climate neutrality and strategic autonomy   • Adequate and dedicated funding needed in next EU long-term budget   • Affordability and transparent ticketing crucial   • EU rail sector employs over 1.3 million workers across manufacturing, construction, maintenance and operations   On Tuesday, Parliament endorsed its recommendations for accelerating the development of the EU’s high-speed rail connectivity and improving territorial cohesion. Adopted with 558 votes in favour, 23 against and 73 abstentions in response to the Commission’s action plan, the report calls for a genuine European high-speed rail network that is interoperable, innovative, accessible and intermodal, delivering genuine value for citizens and public investment alike. Better connecting cities and regions MEPs want high-speed rail to connect not only EU capitals, but also major urban nodes across all European regions and key neighbouring countries, either through direct high-speed rail services or effective connections to the high-speed rail network. This would contribute to reducing territorial disparities and strengthening the connectivity of peripheral and less-developed regions, according to MEPs. Their report advocates for the completion of the trans-European network for transport (TEN-T) and the identification of missing links, and abandoned or underserved sections or cross-border connections with high added value. Sufficient, predictable and long-term funding MEPs want the sector to make full use of existing and future EU funds for the development of the high-speed rail network. They want the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework to ensure adequate and dedicated funding, including through preserving and strengthening the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and supporting investments through national plans. Affordable and transparent rail tickets Accessible and affordable rail services are essential to reducing transport poverty and ensuring equal mobility across the EU, MEPs say. They encourage countries and railway operators to make high-speed train tickets more affordable, including through accessible fares and appropriate reduced-fare or subscription schemes. The report also calls for greater transparency in ticket pricing and welcomes the ongoing legislative work on the Commission’s recently-proposed passenger package, which is expected to deliver interoperable, visible, accessible and easily comparable rail ticket offers. Quote Rapporteur Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Greens/EFA, ES) said: “A high-speed rail connection between Europe’s main cities will enable a massive shift in travel from airplanes to trains for passengers. This is a key element in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, creating decent jobs, and significantly increasing our strategic autonomy. This requires adequate investment across the EU, including the use of green rail bonds, and it must not come to the detriment of the commuter and regional rail services used by people in their daily lives.” Background In November 2025, the Commission adopted a high-speed rail action plan setting out the steps needed to create a faster, more interoperable and better-connected European network by 2040. More than €100 billion from EU programmes has been allocated to rail infrastructure projects since 2014. Further information Adopted text will be available here (20.10.2026) Procedure file EP study: Investing in Transport in the new MFF EP Research fact sheet: Rail transport EP multimedia centre EP wants all major EU cities and regions connected to the high-speed rail network © Ying Tang / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP ​ 21-10-2026 Plenary session EP TODAY       Wednesday 21 October 2026 October European Council At 9.00, MEPs will assess the outcome of the 15-16 October European Council meeting, in a debate with Presidents Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa. The EU summit focused on the 2028-2034 EU long-term budget, Ukraine, competitiveness, the Middle East, defence and security, migration, and enlargement. Andreas KLEINER (+32) 498 98 33 22 Estefania NARRILLOS (+32) 498 98 39 85 @EuroParlPress Erasmus+ programme for 2028 to 2034 From 15.45, MEPs and Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu will debate the priorities and budgetary needs of the 2028-2034 Erasmus+ programme. MEPs are seeking to ensure a substantial budget for the programme and to make it accessible for more young people of different economic, social, geographical and cultural backgrounds. The vote will take place on Thursday. Raquel LOPES (+32) 477 99 14 95 @EPCulture Winner of the 2026 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism In a ceremony at 18.00, opened by Parliament’s president Roberta Metsola, the winner of the annual Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be announced. Ten investigations have been shortlisted. From 14.00, Parliament’s press service is organising a media seminar with the finalists. At 15.00, plenary will debate the rule of law in Malta, nine years after Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination. John SCHRANZ (+32) 498 98 14 02 In brief EU-Canada summit. At 19.15, MEPs and Commissioner Jozef Síkela will discuss their expectations for the EU–Canada summit taking place in Montreal on 29-30 October. COP31 priorities. At 18.15, MEPs are set to push for a faster fossil fuel phase-out, more climate finance, and stronger support for vulnerable countries, in a debate with Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra and Timmy Dooley for the Irish Council presidency, ahead of the COP31 climate talks in Türkiye. A vote will take place on Thursday. Circular economy. From 17.00, MEPs, Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra and Timmy Dooley for the Irish Council presidency will debate the upcoming circular economy act that seeks to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy, boost competitiveness and make the lives of Europeans more affordable. Cutting costs for companies. At 13.00, MEPs, Commissioner Piotr Serafin and Timmy Dooley for the Irish Council presidency will debate how to cut costs and unnecessary reporting obligations to ease the burden on EU entrepreneurs. Votes At noon, MEPs, will vote, among other things, on • their position on the 2027 EU budget; • protecting the euro against counterfeiting; • the future of Euro-Mediterranean relations; • solidarity funds for Malta, Italy, Portugal and Spain, and globalisation fund aid for Finland; • guidelines for the employment policies of the member states; and • vocational education and training. 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. ​ Press release 20-10-2026 “The Vision 2040 should have included a clear commitment to reform the Common Fisheries Policy”     The chair of Parliament’s Fisheries Committee calls on the European Commission to set out a clear timetable for reform and address urgent issues affecting the sector. Carmen Crespo Díaz (EPP, ES) criticises the European Commission’s Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture for failing to commit clearly to reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). “A long-term vision for European fisheries must be matched by a commitment to modernise the policy that governs them. The current CFP was designed for a different context and does not adequately address the challenges facing fishers and coastal communities today,” said Carmen Crespo Díaz, reacting to the strategy presented earlier this Tuesday. The chair of the Committee on Fisheries highlights the serious pressure on profitability and employment the sector is facing. “A modern policy framework must support the long-term viability of fishing fleets and coastal communities, while balancing economic, environmental and social sustainability and contributing to food security”, she adds. In its resolution adopted on 17 September, the European Parliament called for a concrete legislative follow-up to the evaluation of the CFP. Carmen Crespo Díaz urged the Commission to reflect that call in its 2027 Work Programme and to present a legislative proposal in the first half of the year, allowing sufficient time for Parliament and the Council to complete the ordinary legislative procedure before the end of the current parliamentary term. The Vision also fails to put forward a concrete proposal to amend the Western Mediterranean Multiannual Plan. Nor does it offer a solution for the 87 areas closed to bottom fishing under the Deep-Sea Access Regulation, despite the availability of updated scientific evidence, notes the chair of the Committee on Fisheries. “If the Commission does not bring forward a proposal in 2027, it will be too late to complete the reform during this parliamentary term. Parliament must therefore be prepared to act in time, including by launching a legislative own-initiative report under Article 225 TFEU and requesting the Commission to submit an appropriate proposal. The sector’s critical situation requires a timely response,” Carmen Crespo Díaz concluded. Further information Commission webpage Commission press release: Commission presents its Vision 2040 for a thriving fisheries and aquaculture sector (20.10.2026) Questions and answers on the Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture (20.10.2026) Legislative train: Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture EPRS briefing: Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture (September 2026) Committee on Fisheries Υπηρεσία Τύπου Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο   Διαθέσιμο στα       Δελτίο Τύπου 21-10-2026 Σύνοδος Ολομέλειας Το Βραβείο Δημοσιογραφίας Daphne Caruana Galizia 2026 σε έρευνα για τη συμφωνία Ιταλίας - Αλβανίας για το μεταναστευτικό     Το Βραβείο Δημοσιογραφίας Daphne Caruana Galizia για το 2026 απονεμήθηκε την Τετάρτη σε έρευνα με θέμα τη συμφωνία Ιταλίας - Αλβανίας για τη διαχείριση των μεταναστευτικών ροών. Η δημοσιογραφική έρευνα που κέρδισε το βραβείο φέρει τις υπογραφές του Ιταλού Giacomo Zandonini και της Ολλανδής Maite Vermeulen και δημοσιεύτηκε στην ολλανδική ενημερωτική πλατφόρμα De Correspondent. Βασικό αντικείμενό της ήταν η συμφωνία βάσει της οποίας η Ιταλία κατασκεύασε εγκατάσταση κράτησης και κέντρο εξέτασης αιτήσεων ασύλου σε αλβανικό έδαφος. Κατά την τελετή απονομής που πραγματοποιήθηκε στην αίθουσα Τύπου Daphne Caruana Galizia του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου στο Στρασβούργο, το βραβείο παρέδωσε εκπρόσωπος της ανεξάρτητης κριτικής επιτροπής, στην οποία συμμετέχουν δημοσιογράφοι από όλες τις χώρες της ΕΕ. Στην τελετή παρευρέθησαν η πρόεδρος του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου Roberta Metsola και η αρμόδια αντιπρόεδρος του Κοινοβουλίου Pina Picierno,. Στη διάρκεια της εκδήλωσης, η πρόεδρος του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου, Roberta Metsola, ανέφερε: «Εννέα χρόνια αφού η Daphne Caruana Galizia δολοφονήθηκε βάναυσα επειδή αποκάλυψε περιστατικά διαφθοράς, η αποφασιστικότητά μας για την απόδοση δικαιοσύνης παραμένει ισχυρότερη όσο ποτέ. Εκείνοι που ήθελαν να τη φιμώσουν απέτυχαν. Τα άρθρα της έχουν ταξιδέψει περισσότερο από ποτέ και το θάρρος της συνεχίζει να εμπνέει. Το βραβείο Daphne Caruana Galizia τιμά αυτό το θάρρος και την αφοσίωση στην αναζήτηση της αλήθειας. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο θα συνεχίσει να στέκεται στο πλευρό των δημοσιογράφων, να υπερασπίζεται την ελευθερία του Τύπου και να αγωνίζεται για τη δικαιοσύνη. Δεν σταματάμε.». Από τις 4 Μαΐου μέχρι τις 31 Ιουλίου 2026, εκατοντάδες δημοσιογράφοι από τις 27 χώρες της ΕΕ υπέβαλαν τις υποψηφιότητές τους για το βραβείο. Η κριτική επιτροπή προέκρινε αρχικά 10 από τις 344 υποψηφιότητες και στη συνέχεια επέλεξε τον τελικό νικητή. Σχετικά με τη βραβευθείσα δημοσιογραφική έρευνα Επί 18 μήνες, οι δημοσιογράφοι Giacomo Zandonini και Maite Vermeulen ερεύνησαν για λογαριασμό του De Correspondent τη συμφωνία Ιταλίας-Αλβανίας για τη διαχείριση της μετανάστευσης. Όπως αποκάλυψε η έρευνα, η συμφωνία είχε στόχο να αναχαιτίζονται άνθρωποι που επιχειρούσαν να εισέλθουν παράτυπα στην Ιταλία και να μεταφέρονται στην Αλβανία, δηλ. σε χώρα εκτός ΕΕ, όπου οι αιτήσεις ασύλου τους απορρίπτονταν με ταχύρρυθμη διαδικασία και οι ίδιοι απελαύνονταν στις χώρες καταγωγής τους. Η έρευνά τους ρίχνει φως στο πώς γεννήθηκε η συμφωνία και εξετάζει γιατί πολλές χώρες της ΕΕ τη θεωρούν «καινοτόμο μοντέλο» για το μέλλον της μεταναστευτικής πολιτικής της ΕΕ. Για να σχηματίσουν πλήρη εικόνα, οι δημοσιογράφοι υπέβαλαν πάνω από τριάντα αιτήματα πρόσβασης σε δημόσια έγγραφα σε έξι ευρωπαϊκές χώρες, καθώς και στην Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή, στο Συμβούλιο και στον Frontex, τον οργανισμό της ΕΕ για τη φύλαξη των συνόρων. Ακολούθησαν τη διαδρομή του χρήματος και πήραν συνεντεύξεις από εργαζόμενους στα κέντρα, καθώς και από κρατούμενους, δικηγόρους, βουλευτές, εκπροσώπους κυβερνήσεων και κατοίκους της Αλβανίας. Οι συντάκτες της έρευνας έχουν τονίσει ότι συνάντησαν σοβαρά εμπόδια σε όλη τη διάρκεια της δουλειάς τους. Συγκεκριμένα, δεν τους επιτράπηκε να εισέλθουν στα κέντρα που διαχειρίζεται η Ιταλία στην Αλβανία, ενώ σημαντικές πληροφορίες παρέμειναν απόρρητες, όπως ο αριθμός των κρατουμένων. Οι δαπάνες γίνονταν με κατεπείγουσες διαδικασίες, χωρίς δημόσιους διαγωνισμούς, ενώ άνθρωποι που εργάζονταν στα κέντρα υποχρεώθηκαν να υπογράψουν συμφωνητικά τήρησης απορρήτου. Σε συνεργασία με την υπεύθυνη φωτογραφικής επιμέλειας Bebe Blanco Agterberg, τη σχεδιάστρια γραφημάτων Sharon Coone και τον φωτογράφο Francesco Bellina, οι δημοσιογράφοι εξέτασαν τις ανησυχίες που προκαλεί η συμφωνία για τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα, καθώς και τις επιπτώσεις της στις θεμελιώδεις αρχές του κράτους δικαίου στην ΕΕ. Πληροφορίες για το βραβείο Το Βραβείο Δημοσιογραφίας Daphne Caruana Galizia απονέμεται κάθε χρόνο ως φόρος τιμής στη Μαλτέζα ερευνήτρια δημοσιογράφο Daphne Caruana Galizia, η οποία δολοφονήθηκε τον Οκτώβριο του 2017. Τιμά σπουδαία επιτεύγματα στον τομέα της δημοσιογραφίας που προωθούν ή υπερασπίζονται τις θεμελιώδεις αρχές και αξίες της ΕΕ, όπως η ανθρώπινη αξιοπρέπεια, η ελευθερία, η δημοκρατία, η ισότητα, το κράτος δικαίου και τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα. Υποψηφιότητα για το βραβείο μπορούν να υποβάλουν επαγγελματίες δημοσιογράφοι και ομάδες δημοσιογράφων από οποιαδήποτε χώρα του κόσμου. Δεκτές γίνονται δημοσιογραφικές έρευνες και ρεπορτάζ που έχουν δημοσιευθεί ή μεταδοθεί σε μέσα ενημέρωσης που έχουν την έδρα τους σε οποιοδήποτε από τα 27 κράτη μέλη της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. Το βραβείο και το χρηματικό έπαθλο ύψους 20.000 ευρώ αποδεικνύουν έμπρακτα τη στήριξη που προσφέρει το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο στην ερευνητική δημοσιογραφία και τη σημασία που αποδίδει στην προστασία των δημοσιογράφων σε όλο τον κόσμο. Έρευνες που έχουν βραβευτεί στο παρελθόν 2025 — Έρευνα για τα κρυφά χρηματοοικονομικά δίκτυα που επιτρέπουν στη Ρωσία να παρακάμπτει τις κυρώσεις στο εμπόριο πετρελαίου, με συντονιστή την πλατφόρμα Follow the Money 2024 — Έρευνα για τα εξαφανισμένα ασυνόδευτα παιδιά μετανάστες (Lost in Europe) 2023 — Συλλογική έρευνα για το ναυάγιο της Πύλου (Solomon, σε συνεργασία με την ομάδα Forensis, την εκπομπή StrgF του γερμανικού κρατικού καναλιού ARD και την εφημερίδα The Guardian) 2022 — Ντοκιμαντέρ με τίτλο Η Κεντροαφρικανική Δημοκρατία υπό ρωσική επιρροή των Clément Di Roma και Carol Valade (ARTE/France24/Le Monde) 2021 — «The Pegasus Project», με συντονιστή το Forbidden Stories Ποια ήταν η Daphne Caruana Galizia; Η Daphne Caruana Galizia ήταν Μαλτέζα δημοσιογράφος, μπλόγκερ και ακτιβίστρια ενάντια στη διαφθορά. Είχε πραγματοποιήσει εκτενή ρεπορτάζ με θέματα τη διαφθορά, το ξέπλυμα βρώμικου χρήματος, το οργανωμένο έγκλημα, την πώληση «χρυσών διαβατηρίων» σε υπηκόους τρίτων χωρών, καθώς και την εμπλοκή της μαλτέζικης κυβέρνησης στο σκάνδαλο των «Panama Papers». Η δημοσιογράφος είχε δεχτεί επανειλημμένως παρενοχλήσεις και απειλές. Δολοφονήθηκε στις 16 Οκτωβρίου του 2017, όταν εξερράγη βόμβα που είχε τοποθετηθεί στο αυτοκίνητό της. Η κατακραυγή για τον τρόπο με τον οποίο χειρίστηκαν οι αρχές της χώρας τη διερεύνηση της δολοφονίας οδήγησε τελικά στην παραίτηση του πρωθυπουργού της Μάλτας, Joseph Muscat. Εκφράζοντας την αποδοκιμασία τους για τις παραλείψεις κατά τη διεξαγωγή των ερευνών, τον Δεκέμβριο του 2019 οι ευρωβουλευτές κάλεσαν την Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή να αναλάβει δράση. Έκτοτε έχουν επανέλθει επανειλημμένα στο ζήτημα, μεταξύ άλλων και το 2023, όταν ενέκριναν ψήφισμα καταδικάζοντας ότι η εξιχνίαση της υπόθεσης δεν είχε σημειώσει σημαντική πρόοδο, ώστε οι υπεύθυνοι να λογοδοτήσουν ενώπιον της δικαιοσύνης. Μέχρι σήμερα πέντε άτομα έχουν φυλακιστεί για τη δολοφονία της δημοσιογράφου, ενώ ο ηθικός αυτουργός της δολοφονίας δεν έχει καταδικαστεί ακόμη. Σύνδεσμοι Ιστοσελίδα του Βραβείου Daphne Caruana Galizia Το βραβείο απονέμεται για επιτεύγματα στον τομέα της δημοσιογραφίας που προωθούν ή υπερασπίζονται τις θεμελιώδεις αρχές και αξίες της ΕΕ Press release 20-10-2026 CULT   Erasmus+ programme 2028-2034: Press conference with rapporteur     Bogdan Zdrojewski, Parliament’s rapporteur on the 2028-2034 Erasmus+ programme, will debrief journalists today, at 11.00, ahead of the vote in plenary. The rapporteur for the EU’s landmark programme for learning mobility, Bogdan Zdrojewski (EPP, PL), will present the key points of the Culture and Education committee report, including the need for €47 billion in funding in current prices, clear earmarking of each policy field, and better interconnections with other EU programmes. One of the first sectoral programmes from the EU’s next long-term budget to be voted in plenary, Erasmus+ is the EU's main instrument for funding projects in the areas of education, training, youth, volunteering and sport. When: Wednesday 21 October, 11.00 -11.30 Where: Strasbourg, European Parliament, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room (WEISS N -1/201) and online How: Accredited media representatives are invited to attend the press conference in person. In addition, journalists wishing to ask questions remotely need to connect via Interactio (supported on iPad with Safari and Mac/Windows with Google Chrome). Interpretation will be available in the following languages: EN, FR and PL. The press conference will be webstreamed live and recorded on the Parliament’s Multimedia Centre website. The report will be debated in plenary on Wednesday afternoon and put to a vote on Thursday. Further information Press release: MEPs push to make Erasmus+ programme for 2028-2034 more accessible (29.9.2026) Procedure file Study requested by the Committee: Erasmus+: Evolution, Structural Challenges and Future Design (1.6.2026) Policy department briefing: Participation in Erasmus+ in numbers (1.6.2026) Committee on Culture and Education Press release 21-10-2026 ENVI   Deal to boost market stability reserve for EU carbon market     Parliament and Council have agreed to boost the EU ETS market stability reserve, raising the invalidation threshold from 400 to 700 million allowances to support price stability. Negotiators from Council and Parliament have reached a political agreement on the Commission’s proposal to amend the market stability reserve (MSR) for the EU ETS — a mechanism that absorbs surplus emission allowances to support carbon price stability. Under the current rules, all allowances in the reserve above 400 million are invalidated. The Commission had proposed stopping the invalidation mechanism immediately, allowing an unlimited amount of additional allowances to be kept as a buffer in the reserve to support market stability. To ensure an orderly functioning of the European carbon market and the MSR, increase long-term market predictability, and align with the EU’s 2040 and 2050 climate targets, co-legislators decided to keep the invalidation mechanism but to raise its threshold from 400 to 700 million allowances. This will maintain a sufficiently large buffer to absorb supply and demand imbalances, while avoiding the excessive build-up of allowances in the reserve that could occur under the Commission’s proposal. Co-legislators also agreed that an annual decrease of the threshold for the invalidation of excess ETS allowances in the MSR should be considered in the ongoing revision of the EU ETS, to ensure a consistent overall approach. Quote Rapporteur Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D, IT) said: “This agreement is the first step towards building the ETS for the next decade. It proves that climate ambition and industrial competitiveness can and should go in the same direction. By raising the invalidation threshold, we give the Market Stability Reserve more firepower and flexibility to address market imbalances and guarantee price stability, while protecting the integrity of the EU ETS system. This deal paves the way for the ongoing ETS revision, which must prove to business and citizens that Europe can lead on climate and strengthen its industry.” Next steps The informal agreement must now be formally endorsed by both Parliament and Council. The amended regulation will enter into force three days after publication in the EU Official Journal and apply immediately. Background The MSR has been operational since 2019 to address the structural imbalance between the supply of and demand for allowances in the EU ETS. The MSR aligns the supply of emissions allowances in the ETS more closely with demand by reducing or increasing the total number of allowances in circulation to stabilise the market. Parliament is also currently working on a broader Commission proposal to revise the EU ETS, aimed at driving competitiveness and achieving decarbonisation cost-effectively. Further information Procedure file Free photos, video and audio material Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety   Available in       Press release 21-10-2026 Plenary session Investigation into migration deal between Italy and Albania wins the 2026 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism     On Wednesday, the 2026 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for journalism was awarded to an investigation into the migration deal between Italy and Albania. The winning story, by journalists Giacomo Zandonini, from Italy, and Maite Vermeulen, from the Netherlands, and published on the Dutch journalism platform De Correspondent, focuses on a deal under which Italy built a detention facility and asylum processing centre on Albanian territory. The Prize was awarded at a ceremony in the European Parliament by a representative of an independent European-wide Jury composed of journalists from all EU member states. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Pina Picierno, Vice-President responsible for the Prize, participated in the event held in the European Parliament’s Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Room in Strasbourg. President Metsola said: "Nine years after Daphne Caruana Galizia was brutally murdered for exposing corruption, our determination to see justice done remains as strong as ever. Those who wanted to silence her failed. Her stories traveled further than ever, and her courage continues to inspire. The Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize honours that courage and commitment to the truth. The European Parliament will continue to stand with journalists, defend press freedom and fight for justice. We will keep going.” Between 4 May and 31 July 2026, hundreds of journalists from the 27 EU countries submitted their stories for consideration. Ten of the 344 submissions were shortlisted by the jury before the winner was chosen. About the Winning Story Journalists Giacomo Zandonini and Maite Vermeulen spent 18 months investigating the migration deal between Italy and Albania for De Correspondent. According to the investigation, the purpose of the agreement was to intercept migrants on their way to Italy and bring them to Albania. a country outside the EU, where they were rejected through an expedited asylum process, and deported to their home countries. Their story traces the origins of the deal and examines why several EU countries regard it as an “innovative model” for the future of European migration policy. To uncover the full picture, the journalists submitted more than thirty Freedom of Information requests across six European countries, as well as to the European Commission, the European Council, and the European border agency Frontex. They followed financial trails and interviewed staff in the centres, migrants in detention, lawyers, Members of Parliament, government representatives and local residents in Albania. The authors underlined significant obstacles throughout the investigation. More particularly, journalists were denied access to the Italian-run centres in Albania, while basic information (including the number of people detained), remained undisclosed. Expenditure was channeled through emergency procedures, bypassing public procurement processes, and staff were required to sign non-disclosure agreements. Working alongside photo editor Bebe Blanco Agterberg, information designer Sharon Coone and photographer Francesco Bellina, the journalists examine human rights concerns surrounding the deal and its implications for the fundamental principles of the European rule of law. About the Prize The Prize is a tribute to the Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was assassinated in October 2017. It rewards, on a yearly basis, outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core principles and values of the European Union, such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights. The Prize is open to professional journalists and teams of professional journalists of any nationality to submit in-depth stories that have been published or broadcast by a media outlet based in one of the 27 European Union member states. The Prize itself, and the €20,000 prize money, demonstrate the European Parliament’s strong support for investigative journalism and the protection of journalists around the world. Past winners 2025 - Investigation into the hidden financial networks enabling Russia’s sanction-evading oil trade (coordinated by Follow the Money) 2024 - Investigation on missing unaccompanied child migrants (Lost in Europe) 2023 - Joint investigation on the Pylos migrant boat shipwreck (Solomon, in collaboration with Forensis, StrgF/ARD, and The Guardian) 2022 - Documentary on “The Central African Republic under Russian Influence” by Clément Di Roma and Carol Valade (ARTE/France24/Le Monde) 2021 - “The Pegasus Project” (coordinated by the Forbidden Stories) Who was Daphne Caruana Galizia? Daphne Caruana Galizia was a Maltese journalist, blogger and anti-corruption activist who reported extensively on corruption, money laundering, organised crime, sale of citizenship and the Maltese government’s links to the Panama Papers. Following harassment and threats, she was murdered in a car bomb explosion on 16 October 2017. The outcry over the authorities’ handling of her murder investigation ultimately prompted the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Critical of failings in the investigation, in December 2019, MEPs called on the European Commission to take action and have revisited the issue at every turn since then – including with a topical resolution in 2023 condemning the limited progress in bringing those responsible to justice. Until this date, five persons have been imprisoned for executing the murder. However, the mastermind behind the assassination is yet to be convicted. Further information Homepage of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism The prize rewards outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core principles and values of the European Union