European political parties ('europarties') emerged in the 1970s, preceding the first direct elections to the European Parliament in 1979. The Maastricht Treaty of 1992 granted them legal recognition; however, it was only in 2004 that EU law defined their status, set establishment criteria, and provided independent funding. The most recent regulatory change in 2025 emphasised protecting EU values, strengthening safeguards against foreign interference, and updating transparency and financing requirements. Europarties' influence depends on balancing European and national interests. Ongoing deliberations seek to enhance europarties' resilience, and their independence from national politics, reflecting the broader debate on the balance of power between Member States and EU institutions. This search for equilibrium continues to drive significant academic and political discussion. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The purpose of this study is to enhance the evidence base on how organised crime groups (OCGs) have evolved into transnational geopolitical actors, to evaluate the suitability of international legal frameworks for holding them accountable, and to offer policy recommendations to strengthen this accountability. The study finds that international law fails to adequately define or reflect the transformation of OCGs into geopolitical actors. Instead, it relies on outdated conceptions of criminal hierarchies, which confine organised crime to the transnational rather than international legal domain . International law is therefore restricted in its ability to categorise these groups as legal entities, even where their actions resemble crimes against humanity in their intent and scale . This definitional oversight has practical consequences: EU external action efforts generate relatively little information on geopolitical threats tied to OCGs, and the international criminal, humanitarian, and human rights infrastructure is unable to directly confront the actions of these groups. The study calls for the redefinition of OCGs as part of a new Directive, as well as practical measures to refine criminal justice mechanisms, improve cross-border cooperation, update EU external action threat assessments and support existing international legal frameworks to more effectively account for the geopolitical behaviours and impacts of OCGs. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Against the backdrop of a rising U.S. federal deficit and increasing geoeconomic tensions, understanding who holds U.S. debt instruments could have important policy implications, including for the EU. This briefing provides an overview of the size and ownership structure of U.S. public debt and assesses the extent of Europe’s exposure. It further considers whether such exposure could translate into potential political leverage. The first part of the briefing outlines recent developments in the evolution of U.S. public debt, including its size, trajectory, and changing composition. The second part analyses EU Member States’ exposure to U.S. Treasury instruments. It further discusses the implications and limits of potential political leverage arising from Europe’s significant holdings of U.S. assets, highlighting the dominant role of private investors and the constraints on coordinated policy action. Finally, it considers how a possible gradual portfolio adjustment, including a gradual reduced accumulation of U.S. assets, and stronger home bias, could shape future financial flows, and how initiatives such as the Savings and Investment Union (SIU) may support a greater reallocation of European savings toward euro-denominated assets. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This study examines the WTO’s economic and legal value for the European Union and draws policy implications for the European Parliament ahead of MC14. Economically, it shows how MFN non‑discrimination and bound tariffs reduce transaction costs and uncertainty for EU exporters – especially SMEs – and warns that a two‑tier system of bilateral ‘deals’ would fragment markets and penalise EU high‑value trade. It reviews recent quantitative evidence on the welfare and export gains from GATT/WTO Membership and assesses early findings on the Trade Facilitation Agreement, noting that trade‑cost reductions abroad can benefit EU firms via supply chains. Legally, it maps how WTO disciplines shape EU legislation and how EU FTAs both embed WTO rules (‘WTO‑plus‘) and pioneer ‘extra‑WTO‘ and sustainability provisions. It also tests the available policy space to design ‘buy European‘ procurement measures consistently with WTO/GPA commitments. On reform, the study analyses pragmatic pathways for integrating new plurilaterals, improving disciplines on State interventions (including transparency), addressing non‑market practices (subsidies and public bodies), refining Special and differential treatment (SDT), and restoring a functioning dispute settlement system. Key recommendations urge Parliament to champion WTO stability, support integration of plurilaterals, help broaden participation in the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA), and ensure credible use of EU enforcement tools against ‘appeal into the void‘ tactics. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Erasmus for All is a pilot initiative implemented by the European University Foundation in cooperation with participating higher education institutions and funded under the Erasmus+ programme. The initiative explored whether city-based top-ups to Erasmus+ student mobility grants could improve affordability in high-cost destinations. The pilot’s outcomes indicate that additional support can reduce perceived financial pressure during mobility in higher-cost cities. However, it does not address the main barriers to equal access to mobility, notably upfront costs, liquidity constraints and institutional and administrative pressures. There is no evidence that the approach influences students’ destination choices or the overall distribution of mobility. As the pilot allocates resources based on destination characteristics and adds administrative complexity without means to process these, it should be seen as an affordability adjustment rather than a solution to unequal participation. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Hier comme aujourd'hui, le ciel gronde. Tonnerre et éclairs sont suivis de fortes averses. Météo France a placé l'archipel de la Société et les Tuamotu nord-ouest et sud en vigilance jaune pour orages.

Le Pays va débloquer un budget d’urgence pour faire face aux conséquences économiques de la crise au Moyen-Orient. Avec une trésorerie confortable évaluée à 43 milliards, le gouvernement va doter davantage le fonds de régulation du prix des hydrocarbures, aider Air Tahiti Nui et l'hôpital de Taaone. Montant total des aides : 13 milliards, pour contenir l'inflation durant les 6 prochains mois.

Après près de dix jours de grève et de longues heures de négociations, des protocoles d’accord ont été signés mardi soir vers 22h30 entre les syndicats et la direction de l’OPT et de ses filiales. Les accords doivent désormais être déposés à l’inspection du travail avant leur mise en application.

Du 6 au 16 mars 2026, la gendarmerie a mené une offensive d’envergure contre les stupéfiants sur le territoire. Baptisée Mata’i Rorofai, cette opération mobilisant une centaine de militaires a permis de démanteler des réseaux et de sécuriser les flux de transport sur l'ensemble du territoire. Aujourd'hui, la gendarmerie dresse le bilan de cette vaste opération.

C'est l'un des volcans les plus actifs au monde. Depuis quelques jours, le Kilauea à Hawaii assure le spectacle en projetant de la lave à des centaines de mètre de haut.

Un engin contenant du phosphore a été repéré mardi 18 mars au large de Punaauia par un pêcheur. Les équipes de déminage, mobilisées avec le JRCC Tahiti, la gendarmerie et les forces armées, ont sécurisé son transfert vers le parc Vaira’i, entièrement fermé au public.

The Strategic Compass, adopted by the 27 EU Member States in March 2022 – only weeks after the onset of Russia's unjustified and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine – emphasised the need for robust partnerships in order for the EU to be able to achieve its objectives in the area of security and defence. Alongside 'acting' (operations), 'securing' (resilience) and 'investing', 'partnering' is one of the four main pillars of the Compass. The document itself outlines specific targets and deadlines against which to measure progress in this area. While the EU has partnered with other security and defence actors (essentially states and international organisations) in the past, a new model of tailored security and defence partnership was launched shortly after the Compass was adopted, as a framework for enhanced partnership. To date, the EU has signed nine such partnerships – with (by date of signature) Moldova, Norway, Japan, South Korea, North Macedonia, Albania, the United Kingdom, Canada and India – and more are envisaged. While the partnerships vary in content, depending on the assessed mutual interests of the EU and each individual partner, around 10 areas of cooperation are common to all nine. The European Parliament has highlighted the significance of the Strategic Compass's partnership dimension and, in particular, the value of security and defence dialogues with partners from the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership, as well as with key partners in strategic maritime areas such as the Southern Neighbourhood and the Indo-Pacific. Parliament has also underlined that cooperation with countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, Ukraine, Georgia, Western Balkan countries, Japan, Australia and certain African countries serves as a key element of the common security and defence policy. In 2023, it called for deeper military and defence cooperation with Japan and South Korea, and for closer cooperation with partners in Latin America and the Caribbean. This briefing updates an earlier one from January 2025, drafted by Elena Lazarou with Panagiotis Politis Lamprou. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Un ballot de cocaïne, d'environ 50 kilos, a été découvert ce mardi 17 mars 2026 en fin d'après-midi par un pêcheur dans la baie de Anahoa, à proximité du village principal. La gendarmerie a récupéré le colis et le Parquet de Papeete aurait été officiellement saisi de l'enquête.

Un voilier s’est encastré sur le récif de Tiaia à Moorea, faisant craindre une pollution majeure dans cette zone protégée. Avec 800 litres de gazole à bord et une coque endommagée, l'inquiétude grandit chez les riverains qui espèrent que le bateau soit déséchoué au plus vite.

Pas facile de rouler cet après-midi entre Punaauia et Papeete. En cause, des inondations provoquées par de fortes pluies à Outumaoro au niveau de la station Shell et entraînant d'impressionnants embouteillages dans les deux sens.

Une dizaine de personnes ont été interpellées à Raiatea lundi 16 mars, dans une enquête pour trafic de méthamphétamine. L'affaire impliquerait divers profils, transférés à Tahiti pour être entendus.

Du changement dans cet entre-deux-tours à Hitia o te ra : la liste d’Émile Paofai, arrivée en 4e position avec 10,7% des suffrages, fusionne avec la liste menée par Dauphin Domingo, arrivée 2e avec 24,7% des voix, ainsi qu’avec celle de Camélia Taupo-Papin, non qualifiée pour le second tour. Leur représentant, Raihiti Mairau était sur La 1ère radio ce mardi pour débattre avec les deux autres listes en lice : la liste menée par Henri Flohr (42,5% au 1er tour), et la liste de Vincent Maono (13,3% au 1er tour).

The world has changed since the European Union adopted its first economic security strategy in 2023. An increasingly confrontational geopolitical environment and the possibility of coercive behaviour from both China and the United States require a longer term strategy to reduce dependencies as well as a short-term ability to react swiftly to threats. On 3 December 2025, the European Commission adopted its new communication on economic security aiming to switch up a gear, from finding ad-hoc responses to crises based on risk identification, to proactive risk anticipation and mitigation. This new approach also focuses on providing clarity on the strategic and coherent use of the many instruments already available in the EU toolbox. Aiming for a safer and more resilient EU economy, the Commission's communication proposes ways to protect and develop strategic industries and reduce the EU's vulnerabilities to coercion and other disruption. To build a solid knowledge base for informed decision-making and common understanding of risks and responses, the approach seeks to strengthen data gathering, analysis and overall economic security policy governance, with increased public and private stakeholder participation. To boost coherence, the Commission wants to adapt existing policy tools to deployment with a clear aim of managing economic security risks, taking possible impacts across policies into account. The Commission will seek to close existing security gaps with new instruments, such as the revised Blocking Statute. The communication met with mixed reactions from the expert community, with both praise for taking the much needed step in the right direction, as well as criticism for its insufficient response to the stark challenges facing the EU. The European Parliament is preparing its opinion on the role of trade in strengthening the EU's economic security, to be adopted in the coming months. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The European Union's competitiveness and prosperity depends on an optimal allocation of private capital; however, although free circulation of capital is guaranteed by the Treaties, the EU's capital markets remain fragmented due to 'technical barriers' and legal uncertainties falling on cross-border investors and institutions. A major reason for that is that EU rules are mostly set out through directives, leaving Member States' supervisory authorities latitude in their interpretation and application of the rules. Therefore, the European Commission considers the use of regulations instead of directives, as well as the establishment of EU-level single supervision, as two policy instruments to 'integrate' – i.e. 'defragment' – the EU's capital markets. On 4 December 2025, the Commission issued a package of three proposals to address this situation (the 'market integration package'), as part of its savings and investments union strategy. One of the three proposals would be a regulation on the settlement finality, thereby converting and replacing the existing directive. The directive establishes the finality and irrevocability of transfer orders once entered, even in the event of a participant's insolvency, with the aim of reducing stability risks in the payment and settlement systems. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Cyberattacks are rising in frequency and complexity, and no sector is immune to malicious intrusions. Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to exploit vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure, compromising security systems and inflicting damage. Addressing this growing threat requires a clear understanding of the nature of cyber incidents. The most effective way to develop this understanding is for affected entities and companies to systematically report cyber incidents and in accordance with predefined protocols. These reports help identify and patch vulnerabilities, share security alerts proactively and prevent further attacks. Accordingly, European regulators have incorporated mandatory reporting requirements into legal frameworks to harness the full potential of incident reporting and counter the escalating threat of cyberattacks. These legal provisions have been designed to safeguard critical entities, infrastructure and internet-connected devices. However, the distinct protections created for each category have resulted in separate legal acts, each with its own reporting procedures, notifying authorities and deadlines. This fragmented approach has created significant administrative challenges for companies. To address this complexity, the Digital Omnibus – a legislative initiative that amends several existing EU digital rules to harmonise requirements and reduce the regulatory burden in digital governance – proposes the implementation of a Single-Entry Point (SEP) mechanism. SEP aims to streamline compliance by allowing companies to fulfil multiple mandatory reporting obligations under various EU laws through a unified process. SEP is a cornerstone of the broader Digital Omnibus regulation proposal. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Technologies are evolving rapidly, data traffic is growing significantly, and demand for gigabit connectivity is increasing. Modern and sustainable digital infrastructures for connectivity and computing are critical enablers for digitalisation and for both industrial competitiveness and for society. High-quality, secure and resilient connectivity is needed, everywhere and for everybody in the European Union. The EU has set non-binding 'digital decade' targets to be reached by 2030. These include providing all EU households with access to a fixed gigabit network (with a capacity of 1 Gigabit per second – Gbps) and ensuring that all populated areas are covered by next-generation, high-speed wireless networks with performance at least equivalent to that of 5G. On 21 January 2026, the European Commission published a proposal for a digital networks act. The proposed regulation aims to consolidate sector-specific legislation currently set out, inter alia, in the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) Regulation, the Open Internet Regulation, the ePrivacy Directive and the radio spectrum policy programme. By replacing directives with a regulation, the Commission aims to ensure uniform application of telecoms rules across all Member States. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act adopted in 2024 establishes rules for AI systems and general-purpose AI models placed on the EU's internal market. The enforcement of these rules is shared between EU Member States and the European Commission, resulting in a hybrid enforcement model. The European AI board, the scientific panel of independent experts and the AI advisory forum also assist with and support enforcement. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

An organised police force designed for the safety and protection of the public is something that is familiar throughout Europe. The principles of modern policing, first established almost 200 years ago, continue today but in a vastly different, rapidly changing social environment. Across the EU, police forces have different structures, but the tasks carried out by police officers are by and large the same. The individual officers who make up each police force encounter similar scenarios in their role, ranging from misdemeanours in the streets of their hometown to cross-border crime and international terrorism. However, police officers in modern policing encounter a range of risks while carrying out their duties. They confront both operational and organisational stresses, resulting in burnout as well as health and safety risks, including from the array of equipment they carry. While precise Europe-wide figures are not available, officers do encounter verbal and physical assaults and violence resulting in physical and emotional harm. Some Member States record and publish figures of assaults against police officers, but many do not. In addition, there is no clear definition of what is regarded as an assault; often an assault that does not result in noticeable injury is either not reported or not recorded. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Seul indépendantiste réélu dès le premier tour (Fa'a'a), Oscar Temaru voit dans les résultats municipaux le reflet d'une Polynésie divisée sous l'influence de l'État français. Fidèle à lui-même, il centre son discours sur la souveraineté, comme une réponse aux difficultés quotidiennes des habitants.

À l'issue du premier tour des élections municipales, Tepuaraurii Teriitahi et Nicole Sanquer analysent la victoire de leur union à Paea dans notre JT de ce lundi soir. Accompagnées de l'expert Naui Tepa, elles décryptent les ressorts du vote local, le message envoyé au Tavini et les enjeux d'un scrutin pourtant marqué par une abstention croissante.

This study maps EU allocations and instruments supporting natural disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery under the 2021–2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and compares them with the European Commission’s proposals for the 2028–2034 MFF. It highlights key structural and budgetary differences, including changes affecting climate and biodiversity mainstreaming, and identifies limits to comparability. The study provides Members of the European Parliament with a clear analytical basis for scrutiny of the post-2027 EU budget. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

À travers la Polynésie, les électeurs se sont mobilisés pour le premier tour des élections municipales. Dans plusieurs communes des archipels, les électeurs ont reconduit des équipes municipales en place, même si dans certaines d'entre elles, les citoyens sont encore appelés à voter dimanche prochain.

Le 1er tour des municipales en Polynésie a rendu son verdict ce dimanche 15 mars 2026. Le Haut-commissariat a publié les résultats définitifs ce lundi. Visualisez les résultats avec notre carte interactive.

The impact assessment supports the proposed legislative amendments to extend the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to downstream goods, prevent the circumvention of CBAM obligations, and encourage the decarbonisation of electricity imports. While overall it provides a good evidence-based analysis supporting the proposal, it could have been better structured and presented. One of the main shortcomings is that the downstream study, which provides a lot of supporting data justifying the proposal, is not publicly available. The IA defines the problems clearly, despite the challenge that, due to the nature of the basic act, these identified problems have not yet occurred. The IA openly acknowledges this limitation. Given that the three identified problems are very different, the IA analyses several policy options for each of them. Some options are analysed well; however others could have been better developed and explained. The IA presents the preferred policy combination that appears to be the best in terms of potential outcomes, i.e. reducing global emissions and carbon leakage, minimising the risk of circumvention, lessening administrative burden, and improving the treatment of electricity imports. The IA identifies the initiative's general and specific objectives, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound, as recommended by the Better Regulation Toolbox 'S.M.A.R.T.' criteria. The assessment of environmental, economic and social impacts is carried out, but it is elaborated unevenly. Stakeholders were widely consulted, clearly divided per problem they were addressing, and their views were considered. It appears that efforts were made to address the Regulatory Scrutiny Board's recommendations, but some shortcomings remain, related to the CBAM anti-avoidance measures. Lastly, it appears that the proposal is in line with the preferred policy option combination as identified in the IA. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

À Papeete, le premier tour des municipales 2026 place Rémy Brillant en tête avec 38 % des voix. Insuffisant toutefois pour l’emporter dès ce dimanche. La capitale se dirige vers un second tour en quadrangulaire avec René Temeharo, Tematai Le Gayic et Tauhiti Nena.

Ces élections municipales confirment la domination des maires sortants dans plusieurs îles. Si la gestion locale reste au cœur des débats, le scrutin révèle une polarisation politique marquée. Des candidat(e)s n'hésitant pas à parler de combat autonomiste - indépendantiste dans certains bastions.

Le premier tour des municipales en Polynésie française, dimanche 15 mars, confirme la réélection de nombreux maires sortants, mais laisse plusieurs communes stratégiques dans l’incertitude avant le second tour du 22 mars.

Avec 52,5 % des voix (chiffre provisoire), Tepuaraurii Teriitahi renverse le maire sortant Antony Géros à Paea. À la tête de la liste A Poihere ia Paea, l'élue s'offre une victoire dès le premier tour, symbole d’une volonté de changement dans la commune.

Les municipales 2026 débutent ce dimanche 15 mars en Polynésie française avec le premier tour dans les communes du territoire. Participation, réactions et premiers résultats : tout est partagé dans ce direct minute par minute.

Entre confirmations de mandats dans les archipels et situations inédites dans certaines communes phares, le paysage politique se dessine déjà.