Housing affordability problems are widespread across the European Union. This in-depth analysis explains how different groups experience these problems in different ways, focusing on younger people, households with children and older people. It does so using a framework mapping housing affordability problems in terms of housing exclusion, housing insecurity, problematic housing costs and housing inadequacy. It critically discusses how demand and supply oriented housing policies, as well as non-housing policies, can address these problems. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

On 19 November 2023, Javier Milei, the self-proclaimed 'anarcho-capitalist' and founder of the La Libertad Avanza party (LLA), won the presidential runoff with a campaign promising to radically reduce the Argentine state debt and reverse the country's persistent structural economic problems. Following his assumption of the presidency on 10 December 2023, Milei has implemented the most ambitious austerity and deregulation programme Argentina has seen this century. At the end of the first half of his term there have been impressive successes on the macroeconomic side (reducing inflation, consolidating the state budget and economic recovery). However, the measures have also had severe social implications. Almost two years after Milei's election victory, the midterm legislative elections taking place on 26 October 2025 are an important litmus test on the acceptance of his radical reform programme and his possible re-election in 2027. The question is whether Milei's LLA party can increase its seats in the bicameral Congress, where it will have to negotiate with the opposition on the implementation of further structural reforms. From the EU perspective, Argentina is particularly important as it is one of the four founding members of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) with which the EU is aiming to conclude the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA). Moreover, Argentina holds vast reserves of critical raw materials which are key for the clean transition of the EU economy and for the EU's strategic autonomy. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

At more than one in five, the number of children at risk of poverty in the European Union (EU) remains high. This year's International Day for the Eradication of Poverty presents an opportunity to take stock of what the EU is doing to fight child poverty. Even though legal competence for child policy remains primarily with the Member States, the fight against child poverty is a major EU priority. The European strategy on the rights of the child now reflects the EU's increasing willingness to tackle child poverty, while the use of European funds is key to success. This is a further update of a publication originally from November 2019. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The European Union (EU) has developed a complex architecture of information systems to support its policies on external borders, migration management and internal security. In response to recent migration and security challenges, the EU has sought to expand and upgrade its existing information systems on borders and security, and establish new systems and ensure their interconnection (interoperability). The underlying policy goal has been to 'close information gaps' on third-country nationals arriving or staying in the EU, to combat irregular migration and counter security threats more effectively. While the legislative work of updating and expanding EU-wide information systems for borders and security has been swift, the implementation of changes has been more challenging. Following the launch of the revised Schengen information system in March 2023, the new entry/exit system started operations on 12 October 2025. The European travel information and authorisation system (ETIAS) will follow at the end of 2026. This briefing provides an overview of EU-wide information systems for border management and security. It discusses recent developments and presents, where available, key figures on the operation of these systems. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The ‘common market organisation’ (CMO) Regulation introduces changes to rules governing the common market organisation in agricultural products (including the rules on wine), the EU quality schemes (geographical indications) and the support measures for remote regions. The aim is to equip agricultural markets with support measures to face new challenges, update provisions, simplify procedures and ensure consistency with other regulations under the common agricultural policy (CAP). Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The economic and monetary union (EMU) is the result of economic integration in the EU. A common currency, the euro, has been introduced in the euro area, which currently comprises 20 EU Member States. All EU Member States – with the exception of Denmark – must adopt the euro once they fulfil the convergence criteria. A single monetary policy is set by the Eurosystem, comprising the European Central Bank’s Executive Board and the governors of the central banks of the euro area. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The ‘Horizontal’ Regulation on the financing, management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy (CAP) provides the legislative framework for adapting the financing, management and monitoring rules of the CAP to its new delivery model. It seeks to achieve more subsidiarity and simplification, with greater responsibility given to Member States, showing a shift from ensuring compliance to monitoring performance and reduced administrative burdens for the Member States. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The European Union provides farmers with income support or ‘direct payments’ to function as a safety net and make farming more profitable, guarantee food security in Europe, assist them in the production of safe, healthy and affordable food and reward farmers for delivering public goods not normally paid for by markets. They are managed jointly by the Commission and the Member States through a number of schemes. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

A surge in autocratic governance has become increasingly threatening to global politics, having gathered momentum over the past two decades. This autocratic wave continues to evolve, becoming ever more complex and diverse as it unfolds. Hence, the shifting dynamics driving this wave need to be fully understood and disaggregated if the European Union (EU) is to design effective responses. Democratic strategy needs not only to hold at bay severe repression, but also to engage with the ideas and narratives that underpin autocracy’s apparent appeal. Accordingly, this paper draws on historical and contemporary writings that present various arguments against democracy. After unpacking the different components of this autocratic wave, EU responses over recent years are assessed, looking at how these relate to pro-authoritarian narratives. It finds that the EU has improved many elements of its policies during this time but still needs to tailor its strategies to the ideational aspects of anti-democratic trends. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted both the need for a resilient healthcare system and for quick access to inventions and technologies in challenging situations. Following this experience, EU lawmakers negotiated a compulsory licensing scheme intended to facilitate rapid use of patents while preserving strong patent protection as an incentive to innovate. Views on the original European Commission proposal diverged. Civil society organisations supported broad application of the compulsory licensing scheme, while industry advocated a narrow scope. Stakeholder positions diverged more sharply than those of the co-legislators. Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement on 21 May 2025, largely amending the Commission proposal in favour of rights-holders. The compromise would: (i) exclude semiconductor crises, emergencies relating to gas supply security and defence-related products from the regulationʹs scope; (ii) preserve confidentiality of protected know-how; (iii) significantly lower the maximum fines and penalties the Commission may impose on licensees for non-compliance, and remove rights holders from the sanctions regime entirely. By consensus, the co-legislators rejected the Commission's proposal to cap licensing fees. In line with the Parliamentʹs position, the competent advisory body must invite an observer from the European Parliament to relevant meetings. Fourth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

This study serves as an evidence base to support policy discussions and contributes to a future revision of the Combined Transport Directive. It identifies and analyses a subset of the network of intermodal freight terminals across the European Union, offering insights into their location, served transport modes, physical area, handling capacity (in TEUs), loading equipment, and additional services provided. The report includes selected case studies that illustrate targeted actions aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of terminal operations. Furthermore, it maps the main connections between inland and port-based terminals and key European seaports. A dedicated analysis is also presented on the average distances travelled to and from intermodal terminals in four selected EU Member States, providing context on logistical patterns and accessibility. Together, these findings lay the groundwork for informed policy development with a view to incentive the expansion of the EU’s multimodal freight transport framework. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Nearly all forms of serious and organised crime have a digital footprint and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted fraud is a growing threat. Thanks to generative AI, fraudsters can replicate voices and create deepfake video calls and synthetic identities. Deepfake voice scams are escalating rapidly, posing a serious threat to both individuals and businesses, as well as legislative frameworks worldwide. Protecting against these threats requires a multi-layered approach using proactive and reactive measures including technology, legislation and increased AI literacy and awareness, among other things. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Japan's culture of national resilience is one of the most advanced in the world. The UN-backed definition of preparedness was adopted in 2017 in Japan, a country highly exposed to natural hazards, under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Through national resilience, the country aims to prevent human loss by any means, avoid fatal damage to important functions for maintaining administration as well as social and economic systems, mitigate damage to private property and public facilities, and achieve swift recovery and reconstruction. The COVID-19 pandemic made Japan an early mover in the implementation of economic security policies, including reducing the dependence of its supply chains on China. Japan appointed the world's first minister for economic security and adopted legislation to protect the country from coercion by others through economic dependency. Japan's initiatives also made it a leader in global green supply chains. The adoption of three main documents in December 2022 helped Japan reshape its approach to national security and defence and become better equipped to face the current complex geopolitical environment. In March 2025, the European Commission launched the preparedness union strategy. The EU and Japan are increasing cooperation in several aspects related to preparedness and resilience, including in economic security, cybersecurity and foreign information manipulation. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The health workforce crisis in the European UnionThis paper provides a synthesis of high-level recommendations and guidance for developing a HCWF crisis strategy, introducing a complex set of measurements that consider the needs of both health systems and individual HCWs, as well as interventions on different levels of governance and in different sectors. The EU has several tools at hand to promote these efforts, and is supporting EU projects that analyse the issue and contribute new knowledge. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

On 1 March 2023, as part of the road safety package, the European Commission published a legislative proposal to help ensure EU-wide application of driving disqualifications. The proposal calls for increased cooperation, harmonisation of legislation, simplification of information exchange, capacity-building, and improved public awareness efforts. In order to prevent impunity due to a lack of legislation, the proposal sets out rules to allow better EU-wide enforcement of driver disqualification decisions when drivers commit major traffic offences outside their own country. In the European Parliament, the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is responsible for the file. The TRAN committee adopted its report on 29 November 2023. Interinstitutional negotiations started in October 2024, and a provisional agreement was found on 25 March 2025. On 14 May 2025, the TRAN committee endorsed the text agreed in negotiations with the Council's representatives. Fifth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

On 1 March 2023, the European Commission published its legislative proposal on driving licences – a matter of EU competence – to facilitate the free movement of persons and goods throughout the EU by modernising the driving licence system. This involves future-proofing the driving licence rules, improving road safety and simplifying the rules for those wanting to get a driving licence. The proposal provides for accompanied driving for young learners, zero tolerance for drink-driving, better preparation for micro-mobility, and the introduction of digital driving licences. In the European Parliament, the legislative file was assigned to the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN). The TRAN committee report was adopted on 7 December 2023. Trilogue negotiations started in October 2024, and a provisional agreement was reached on 25 March 2025. Parliament now needs to confirm this in plenary. Fifth edition of this briefing, the first edition of which was drafted by Karin Smit Jacobs. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The purpose of World Mental Health Day is to improve knowledge, raise awareness and mobilise efforts in support of mental health around the world. This year's theme – 'Mental health in humanitarian emergencies' – highlights the challenges of providing mental healthcare during large-scale emergencies. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Towns and cities are home to nearly three quarters of the EU's population. Many EU cities and urban areas constitute vibrant spaces of economic growth and innovation. However, they also face multiple challenges, such as building inclusive societies, tackling inequalities, addressing climate change and environmental degradation, and dealing with housing issues and demographic challenges. Cities are at the forefront of implementing EU legislation in several policy areas, including cohesion, and have been demanding a stronger role in shaping these policies and greater access to EU financial resources. Cohesion policy has a strong urban dimension. Its support for sustainable urban development was reinforced in the current 2021-2027 programming period to help cities take an active role in designing and implementing policy responses to their own challenges. Cohesion funds invest more than €100 billion in towns and cities. For their part, cities are directly responsible for designing and implementing investments worth over €24 billion under the cohesion policy programmes. The emergence of the Urban Agenda for the EU in 2016 and the beginning of participatory partnerships raised new expectations about the role of urban authorities in the EU decision-making process. The Pact of Amsterdam provided for urban partnerships focusing on key urban themes such as air quality, urban poverty and housing. However, progress in empowering cities within cohesion policy has been limited. Stakeholders evaluating the progress of the Urban Agenda for the EU highlight issues such as limited EU resources channelled to tackling urban issues, obstacles in achieving direct EU funding, a lack of effective long-term urban governance mechanisms in EU policymaking, and limited input of urban areas into EU policies. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The European Defence Fund (EDF), launched in 2021, has become a central instrument in promoting joint defence research and capability development, defence innovation and cross-border industrial cooperation. Over 160 collaborative projects have been launched within the framework of the EDF, in which over 1 300 entities across 26 Member States (all except Malta) as well as Norway participate. The June 2025 interim evaluation confirms that the Fund has helped reduce duplication, enhanced SME participation, and stimulated pan-European cooperation, but warns that, without procedural simplification, stable co-financing and closer integration with national planning, its long-term potential risks being undercut. The Commission has also called for a substantial EDF funding increase in the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework. The European Parliament underscores the EDF's vital contribution to capability development, innovation and technological sovereignty. It consistently calls for increased funding, stronger parliamentary oversight and closer alignment with instruments such as permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) and the coordinated annual review on defence (CARD). Parliament stresses the need for faster, more flexible procedures and insists that EDF-supported projects must reflect jointly defined military priorities to deliver real strategic impact. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

EU Member States' defence expenditure rose significantly between 2021 and 2024. The EU has introduced several initiatives to complement national efforts in order to boost defence spending and collaboration. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

This infographic provides insight into the economic performance of Ukraine compared with the European Union (EU) and examines the trade dynamics between them. In 2024, Ukraine experienced an economic growth rate of 3.5%, while the EU-27 recorded a growth rate of only 1.1%. Both regions continue to see declining inflation rates. However, increasing exchange rate of the Ukrainian hryvnia reveals a weakening currency, alongside a rise in the country's public net debt, which has climbed to 89.8%. The EU-27 is Ukraine's primary trading partner, accounting for 53.6% of its trade share, with Poland being the leading country with trade value €17.8 billion. In 2024, while overall EU exports are on the rise, imports from Ukraine to the EU are experiencing a declining trend. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Although microelectronics have a significant role in modern life, their low visibility and complex value chain have contributed to concealing a decline in EU industry in the field. It is broadly assumed that microelectronics are designed in California and manufactured in Taiwan. What if the EU could take a particularly strategic position in this technology? Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

On 9 September 2025, the European Commission presented its latest strategic foresight report – 'Resilience 2.0: empowering the EU to thrive amid turbulence and uncertainty' – the first such report of the second von der Leyen Commission. Building on established trends, it provides updates on global and EU-specific challenges. The four EU-specific challenges outlined in the report require balancing competitiveness and strategic autonomy, technological innovation and appropriate safeguards, sustained well-being and adaptation to demographic and climate change, and democracy and algorithm-based use of (social) media. Addressing these challenges arguably requires a transformative, proactive and forward-looking approach to resilience, called 'resilience 2.0'. The report identifies eight areas of action for increased EU resilience: global vision, amplified security, enhanced technology and research, economic resilience, sustainable and inclusive well-being, a new perspective on education, strengthened democracy, and intergenerational fairness. These areas echo the political guidelines of the second von der Leyen Commission and the European Council Strategic Agenda, and read more like a political agenda or a set of intentions than a foresight analysis. The European Economic and Social Committee is to draft an opinion on the report, while the European Parliament and the Council do not typically take positions on such reports. However, Parliament might draw inspiration from national parliamentary foresight practices to do so in the future. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

This infographic provides insight into the economic performance of Moldova compared with the European Union (EU) and examines the trade dynamics between them. In 2024, Moldova recorded an economic growth rate of 0.5%, compared to 1.1% for the EU-27. Both countries continue to record decreasing inflation rates. Trade between the two economies continues to grow. The EU-27 is Moldova's primary trade partner, representing 54% of total goods trade. Romania has the largest value among EU member states at €3.4 billion, followed by Germany at €0.8 billion and Italy at €0.6 billion. The main EU exports to Moldova are oil, gas, coal, mechanical appliances and electrical equipment, and agri-food products. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

This briefing provides background information for the PETI Committee Delegation to the Canary Islands, specifically to Tenerife and Gran Canaria from 15 to 17 September 2025. The mission will allow Members to assess the challenges faced on the ground in the Canary Islands as a result of irregular arrivals of migrants. It will further allow Members to examine the role of smuggling networks, the state of reception facilities and their possible limitations, explore solutions to support affected regions, ensure the protection of fundamental rights, and review the implementation of relevant EU policies. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The construction sector plays a key role in fostering economic growth and in ensuring housing affordability. However, the sector faces many challenges. Designing a framework that allows for productivity growth is essential, especially since the labour force is shrinking. Moreover, solutions have to be found for the land shortage issue and the disincentives to renovations for older or low-income households, which are unable to bear investment costs. This in-depth analysis discusses the key challenges of constructing new residential dwellings and renovating existing ones, discusses implications for housing affordability, and presents policy recommendations to address these issues. Housing rehabilitation is also briefly discussed. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

In absolute figures, Cyprus's amended national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) is set to receive EU resources amounting to €1 020.2 million in grants and €200.3 million in loans. The grant amount is €15.2 million higher than in the original plan. The difference results from several amendments, which include a downward revision of the grant allocation, the addition of a REPowerEU chapter with new grant resources, and Cyprus's transfer of a portion of its share of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to the plan. The plan underpins 61 reforms and 75 investment streams that aim to promote the recovery of the Cypriot economy, while addressing structural weaknesses and pursuing major objectives such as the green transition (45 % of the funds) and the digital transformation (24.6 %). It includes measures for the digitalisation of public services, the promotion of digital education and skills, green mobility, renewable energy production and energy efficiency. The measures are to be completed by 2026. Cyprus has so far received 46.5 % of the resources in the form of pre-financing and three payments for grants. This is below the EU average (currently at 55.7 %). The European Parliament, which was a major advocate of the creation of a common EU recovery instrument, participates in interinstitutional forums for cooperation and discussion on its implementation and scrutinises the European Commission's work. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Fourth edition. The 'NGEU delivery' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The Polish national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) – Krajowy Plan Odbudowy – is the third biggest plan under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). It totals €59.8 billion, including €25.3 billion in grants and €34.5 billion in loans. The amount is €24.5 billion (+69 %) higher than that initially approved, and takes account of a 2022 update of the maximum financial contribution, additional loans requested in 2023, and the grant allocation for REPowerEU added in the same year. Poland's NRRP has been revised three times, on 8 December 2023 to add the REPowerEU chapter, and on 16 July 2024 and 20 June 2025 to adjust the timeline and scope of selected measures. The NRRP includes 55 reforms and 59 investments aiming to promote economic recovery, while addressing several structural weaknesses and pursuing the EU's objectives in the green and digital transitions. Poland has so far received 34.7 % of the resources (€5 billion in pre-financing and two payments, together covering three instalments, for both grants and loans); this is below the EU average (56.4 %) and corresponds to 25 % of all milestones and targets assessed as fulfilled, suggesting that the period through to the August 2026 deadline will be crucial to ensure full implementation. The third payment request, covering the fourth and fifth instalments, is being assessed by the European Commission. Another four payments will depend on further progress in the implementation of the plan. The European Parliament participates in interinstitutional forums for cooperation and discussion on RRF implementation and scrutinises the Commission's work. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Fourth edition. Earlier editions were co-authored by Magdalena Sapała. The 'NGEU delivery' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

European Works Councils (EWCs) are bodies that represent EU workers in large European-scale undertakings. EU rules framing their functioning were reviewed in 2009. In response to the Parliament's 2023 legislative-initiative resolution, the Commission put forward a proposal to revise the EWC Directive in January 2024. It sought to clarify the concept of transnational matters, ensure timely and meaningful consultation of workers, and improve EWCs' access to legal remedies and their gender balance. In May 2025, Parliament and Council negotiators reached a provisional agreement on the revised text, which was approved by Coreper, for the Council, on 28 May and by the Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee on 5 June. The proposal is scheduled for a vote during the October I plenary session. If approved by Parliament, it will then require formal adoption by the Council to become law. Fourth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a contagious, non-zoonotic viral infection affecting cattle, water buffalo and wild ruminants. It is caused by the LSD virus (LSDV) of the Capripoxvirus genus. First identified in Zambia in 1929, it became endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. It emerged in Europe in 2015, prompting mass vaccination campaigns to eradicate it by 2017. The recent outbreaks in north Africa in 2023 and in the European Union in 2025 highlight its ongoing threat. LSD is primarily transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods (e.g. mosquitoes and ticks), with symptoms including fever, skin nodules and mucosal lesions. Reduced milk production, weight loss, damage to hides, trade restrictions and costly biosecurity measures cause significant economic losses, threatening small-scale farmers and livestock industries. The virus persists in dehydrated skin lesions and vectors, complicating control. Vaccination remains critical, with homologous Neethling strain vaccines offering strong protection but sometimes associated with localised skin reactions ('the Neethling response') and vaccine virus shedding in milk and blood. The Standing Group of Experts on LSD (SGE LSD), established in 2016, fosters regional collaboration to combat the disease. Effective cross-border cooperation, timely reporting through systems like the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) operated by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and implementation of emergency measures are vital to mitigating its impact. The 2025 outbreaks underscore the urgency of maintaining robust prevention and response strategies. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Draft amending budget No 2/2025 (DAB 2/2025) updates the revenue side of the EU budget, taking into account the latest developments, in particular revised own resources forecasts. On the expenditure side, DAB 2/2025 raises the 2025 EU budget by €3.3 million in commitment appropriations and €3.5 billion in payment appropriations. Parliament's plenary vote on the Council's position is planned for the October I session. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP