This paper has been drafted to assist the European Parliament's Committees on Budgets (BUDG) and Budgetary Control (CONT) in the context of their work on an implementation report on the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation. Based on publicly available information, it provides an overview of EU reports and academic papers on the implementation of the Regulation. It examines three key interlinked concerns: (1) potential legal gaps in the Regulation; (2) the use of 'smart conditionality' to ensure that funds reach end beneficiaries; and (3) the links between the EU's rule of law reports and the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation. The paper also outlines how Parliament's recent resolutions and questions have addressed these three issues. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Initiatives at regional and local level frequently complement or reinforce those at European and national level, as well as being better tailored to their specific characteristics. This briefing provides examples of initiatives from regions and cities combating discrimination against and promoting equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

This briefing assesses the economic, financial, and monetary implications of the tariffs announced by the Trump administration for the EU. Starting with an overview of US measures and EU countermeasures, it analyses the impact on the EU economy across sectors and member states, explains monetary policy challenges for the ECB, and discusses strategic options for European policymakers. As the situation evolves rapidly, the assessment provided in this briefing reflects information available as of 15 July 2025, with updates to follow as developments unfold. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Since the 2014 invalidation of the Data Retention Directive, the EU legal landscape has become fragmented, causing uncertainty for providers and challenges for law enforcement. With a Commission proposal likely and growing Member State support for a more permissive EU regime, a solid understanding of relevant CJEU case law may help inform Parliament's assessment. Over the past decade, CJEU case law has set detailed requirements for data retention. Laws must respect proportionality and necessity, with a clear hierarchy of objectives: general and indiscriminate retention of traffic and location data is only permissible for safeguarding national security, while targeted retention of such data may be justified by public security or other important public interest goals. Any such framework must also include robust safeguards. Similarly, access to retained data must be limited to the purpose for which it was collected or a more important objective. The ECtHR ruled that such retention and access require safeguards similar to those for secret surveillance. Stakeholders are divided on a new EU data retention regime. Law enforcement agencies favour EU-level harmonisation but warn against restrictive retention rules that would limit their operational effectiveness. Providers of electronic communications services support a CJEU-compliant EU framework and seek cost compensation. Civil society organisations oppose new EU rules and urge the Commission to focus on enforcing existing case law through infringement procedures. This is one of four publications that explore different aspects of the roadmap for effective and lawful access to data for law enforcement. These include a summary of the roadmap, and briefings on lawful interception, data retention and digital forensics. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The EU's High-Level Group on access to data for law enforcement (HLG) has identified digital forensics as one of three key areas requiring progress to allow law enforcement agencies to fight crime effectively, together with data retention and lawful interception. Member States possess the expertise and have the capacity to engage in digital forensics, defined as the collection, analysis and preservation of digital evidence stored in any digital form on an electronic device. However, the ability of law enforcement agencies to access data stored on confiscated devices differs widely among Member States. According to the HLG, much could be gained by law enforcement agencies sharing both know-how and technical solutions, but the absence of comparable capacities among digital forensics laboratories and the general lack of standardised forensics procedures and of mechanisms enabling the recognition of skills and expertise of digital forensics experts are obstacles to cross-border cooperation. Europol, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, already plays an important role in digital forensics. The Commission would like Europol to evolve further into a centre of excellence for operational expertise in this field. Encryption lies at the heart of the debate around digital forensics. Encryption is vital to protecting personal data and fundamental rights. However, it also represents an obstacle to criminal investigation, and hence a threat to security in Europe. The Commission will present a technology roadmap on encryption in 2026, to identify technological solutions that would enable law enforcement authorities to access encrypted data in a lawful manner, while safeguarding cybersecurity and fundamental rights. In its capacity as co-legislator, the European Parliament has actively engaged in shaping policies concerning law enforcement access to data, balancing the need for effective crime prevention with the protection of fundamental rights. This is one of four briefings that explore different aspects of the roadmap for effective and lawful access to data for law enforcement. These include a summary of the roadmap, and briefings on lawful interception, data retention and digital forensics. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Recent surveys suggest that there is a growing interest among consumers in being informed about the environmental impact of the fishery products they buy. The sustainable exploitation of fish resources is one of the main objectives of the common fisheries policy (CFP). Its implementation is supported by several pieces of legislation, in particular measures on fisheries control and traceability. The information consumers receive on fishery products is mainly based on the general EU consumer protection legislation and complemented by additional provisions under the CFP. There are, however, control and information gaps, which arise mainly from three issues: different labelling rules for fresh and prepared fishery products; different control levels in Member States; and potentially different standards for imported products. In a number of resolutions, the European Parliament has identified shortcomings and suggested solutions. Several ongoing policy initiatives could help to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and actual product traceability. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Ce document s’intègre dans une série d’études qui, avec une perspective de droit comparé, visent à faire une présentation du principe de protection de l’environnement dans différents ordres juridiques. Après avoir expliqué le droit positif et la jurisprudence d’application, le contenu, les limites et la possible évolution de ce principe sont examinés. La présente étude a pour objet le cas de la Belgique. Dans le cadre d’une politique d’utilisation durable de l’environnement, objectif d’ordre constitutionnel, le droit est amené à jouer un rôle primordial, en ce qu’il attache une force contraignante à des objectifs de conservation et en ce qu’il détermine les moyens pour les réaliser. Tout l’enjeu est d’ajuster les règles en vue d’atteindre les objectifs fixés par le législateur. La consécration dans la Constitution belge d’un droit à un environnement sain constitua indéniablement une avancée. Si ce droit n’est pas directement applicable, il influence néanmoins les conditions liées à l’intérêt à agir ainsi que la mise en balance des intérêts. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The €650 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) finances reform and investment measures in EU Member States until 2026 to mitigate the socio-economic upshots of the pandemic and foster the twin transitions. Article 10 of the RRF Regulation sets out conditions for commitment and payment suspensions based on the macroeconomic position of Member States. In cases where the public finances of EU countries are not in line with the EU economic governance framework and Member States do not make any credible efforts to correct macroeconomic imbalances, the European Commission may propose the enactment of RRF suspensions to the Council. Any suspension would stop the countries concerned from benefiting in full and on time from RRF grants and loans. The Commission has not proposed any such suspension so far. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

In the past decade, continuous migration and asylum pressure on European Union Member States has made the external dimension of the EU's approach to migration management all the more important. The need to address challenges relating to external border management has reoriented EU migration policy towards extended and stricter border controls, combined with the externalisation of migration management through cooperation with third countries. Thus, the external processing of asylum claims has also been put forward as a possibility. Overall, asylum is governed by international, EU and national laws. Both EU and national asylum legislation must be aligned with the international legal framework. Although EU law does not provide for the processing of asylum applications outside the EU, the idea of 'transit' or 'processing' centres in third countries has been recurrent over the years. Examples of externalisation procedures can be found around the world. Some non-EU countries, such as Australia and the United States, have practical experience of the extra-territorial processing of asylum claims. Within Europe, back in 1986 Denmark tabled a draft resolution in the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to create UN centres where asylum claims could be processed, in order to coordinate the resettlement of refugees among all states. Later, in 2001 and 2002, when the EU experienced the first peak of migrant arrivals in the EU, this was followed by a series of proposals involving the external processing of asylum requests. Extraterritorial processing was first put forward by the United Kingdom in 2003, while Germany proposed the establishment of asylum centres in North Africa in 2005. The series of proposals made over the years with a view to externalising migration policies have raised concerns, not least in relation to the human rights implications, asylum procedures and EU and international law. This briefing updates an earlier edition, of January 2024, by the present authors along with Anita Orav. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Portugal is set to receive €22.2 billion in grants and loans from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the EU response to the crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. This amount corresponds to 3.1 % of the entire RRF, or 10.7 % of Portugal's 2019 gross domestic product (GDP), and includes REPowerEU grants (€0.7 billion) and Portugal's share (€81.4 million) from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. The Council approved the latest revision of Portugal's national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) in May 2025. The plan has a strong focus on the country's social, economic and environmental resilience, with measures targeting culture, housing, health, broad social responses, and forest and water management. Measures relating to climate transition, including those on industry decarbonisation and energy efficiency of buildings, account for 39.1 % of the allocation. The contribution to digital objectives represents 21.7 % of the allocation, with measures and reforms aimed at public administration and finances, education and businesses. Portugal has so far received €11.4 billion of RRF resources (51.3 % of the plan), which the Commission disbursed in the form of pre-financing and five grant and loan instalments. Portugal's sixth and seventh payment requests are being assessed. In the context of the 2025 European Semester, the Council has recommended that Portugal accelerate implementation of its plan. The European Parliament has been a major supporter of creating a common EU recovery instrument, and takes part in interinstitutional settings to cooperate, discuss and scrutinise implementation of the Commission's work. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Third edition. The previous editions were written by Henrique Morgado Simões. The 'NGEU delivery' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans. The author would like to thank Amalia Fumagalli and Ana Luisa Melo Almeida, trainees in the Directorate Members' Research Service, for their research assistance. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

After more than two decades of negotiations, the EU and Mercosur reached an initial agreement text (EUMETA) in 2019. Since then, however, several political developments - most notably the increase in deforestation rates in Brazil under President Bolsonaro - have called for further negotiations. Concerns over sustainability led the EU to demand additional commitments and to adopt unilateral instruments, such as the Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR), which Mercosur perceived as undermining the benefits of the EUMETA 2019. At the same time, escalating geopolitical and economic tensions underscored the strategic importance for trade agreements. The revised EUMETA 2024 presents a balanced compromise: the EU secures strengthened sustainability provisions and protection against potential export duties, while Mercosur gains some linkages to EU unilateral measures on sustainability. These include the possibility of benefiting from risk classification for the EUDR, amendments to the tariff elimination schedule for vehicles, specific safeguards, and options for export duties for selected minerals. Agricultural market access remains largely consistent with EUMETA 2019, with only modest additional quotas for Paraguay. By incorporating multiple protection mechanisms and aligning with complementary EU sustainability policies, EUMETA 2024 aims to address European concerns related to deforestation and competition risks. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Both women and men with disabilities face inequalities because of their disability, but their experiences differ depending on their gender. The situation of women with disabilities is tough. They are worse off than women without disabilities and face more challenges than their male peers because of gender stereotypes that push women and men into traditional roles. Women and girls with disabilities face multifaceted discrimination due to both gender-based and disability-related barriers, affecting their access to education, employment, healthcare, and social participation. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Istanbul Convention, acknowledge the intersectional discrimination faced by women with disabilities. Likewise, the EU has responded through strategies like the European disability strategy (2021-2030) and the gender equality strategy (2020-2025), which promote inclusive, gender-sensitive policies. Legislative initiatives include the 2016 European Accessibility Act, the 2019 work-life balance directive, and the 2024 directive on violence against women. The European Parliament has consistently supported the rights of women with disabilities. Since the 1980s, it has adopted various resolutions addressing their systemic marginalisation and calling for intersectional approaches in EU policymaking. Recent actions include advocating for the recognition of gender-based violence as an EU crime and supporting the full implementation of the Istanbul Convention. The Parliament also highlights the need for targeted social, educational, and healthcare measures, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring equal rights and social participation for women with disabilities across the EU. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Denmark's national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) corresponds to 0.2 % of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), or 0.5 % of Denmark's 2019 gross domestic product (GDP). The third and latest revision of the Danish NRRP was approved by Council on 8 July 2025. The EU financial contribution totals €1 625.9 million, including RRF grants (€1 429 million), a REPowerEU grant (€130.7 million) and a transfer of part of the Danish allocation under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to the plan (€66.0 million). Denmark has so far received 67.2 % of the NRRP resources in the form of pre-financing and three payments; this is well above the current EU average (48.8 %). A further two payments will depend on progress made in implementing the plan. The amended plan reinforces green initiatives and seeks to enhance the resilience of the Danish economy and society, devoting 69 % of the plan to the green transition (up from 59 % in the original plan). In its 2025 country report, the Commission assessed the implementation of the Danish plan as 'well under way'. The European Parliament participates in interinstitutional forums for cooperation and discussion on NRRP implementation and scrutinises the 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

In absolute figures, Italy's national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) is the largest national plan under the Next Generation EU (NGEU) instrument. It is endowed with EU resources worth €71.8 billion in grants and €122.6 billion in loans, jointly representing 26.1 % of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), or 10.8 % of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019 (the RRF being 5.2 % of EU 27 GDP in 2019). Launched in 2021, the plan underwent five revisions, of which the most extensive was in December 2023 (to add an energy-focused REPowerEU chapter) and the latest in June 2025. The €194.4 billion allocation finances a vast programme of reforms and investment that aim to promote economic recovery, while addressing several structural weaknesses and pursuing major objectives such as the green and digital transitions. Italy has so far received 62.8 % of the resources (€122.2 billion in pre-financing and six payments for both grants and loans); this is well above the EU average (48.8 %). The seventh payment is expected to be disbursed soon. Another three payments will depend on further progress in implementation. By February 2025, Italy had spent €65.7 billion or 33.8 % of the EU resources available for its NRRP, which suggests that the period through to the August 2026 deadline will be crucial to ensure full implementation, not least of its investment measures. A major advocate of creating a common EU recovery instrument, the European Parliament 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. Seventh edition. The 'NGEU delivery' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The European Parliament's July 2025 plenary session featured a debate on Parliament's expectations for the EU's post-2027 long-term budget ahead of the Commission's proposal. Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen presented the programme of activities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU, which began on 1 July 2025. Members then discussed the conclusions of the 26 June European Council meeting with António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Members also considered and voted to reject a motion of censure of the Commission. Roberta Metsola, President of Parliament, made a statement commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. Debates on external policy addressed, among other things, EU-China relations; EU-US trade negotiations; the situation in the Middle East; and the Democratic Republic of the Congo-Rwanda peace agreement. Debates also covered post-2027 common agricultural policy; the chemicals package, the European Media Freedom Act, revision of the European Climate Law, and preparedness for wildfires and drought. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The EU's automotive sector is resource intensive. There are 286 million motor vehicles on the road in the EU, and every year around 6.5 million vehicles become waste. If improperly managed, these vehicles may cause environmental damage and the economy may lose millions of tonnes of materials. In July 2023, the European Commission presented a proposal for a regulation addressing the whole life cycle of vehicles, from design to end-of-life, aimed at improving design and end-of-life management of vehicles for a more resource-efficient automotive sector. It would set circularity requirements on vehicle design and production concerning reusability, recyclability, recoverability and the use of recycled content. It would also lay down requirements on information and labelling of parts, components and materials in vehicles. In addition, the proposed regulation would establish requirements on extended producer responsibility, collection and treatment of end-of-life vehicles, and on the export of used vehicles from the EU to third countries. The proposal is now in the hands of the co-legislators. In the European Parliament, the Committees on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) and Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) are jointly responsible for the file. The Council adopted its position on 17 June 2025. The joint committee adopted its report on 7 July and the Parliament is expected to adopt its position during the September 2025 plenary session. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Russia's war against Ukraine has revealed the extent of our dependency on digital technology and the fragility of the digital space. It has triggered a surge in cyber-attacks that have been particularly disruptive when targeting critical infrastructure – such as energy, health or finance – because of the increasing reliance on information technology, rendering this infrastructure all the more vulnerable. Against this backdrop, the Commission has proposed a regulation on a cyber solidarity act that would address the urgent need to strengthen solidarity and EU capacities to detect, prepare for and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents. The adopted regulation envisages the establishment of a framework based on three pillars. The first is a European cybersecurity alert system – a pan-European infrastructure network consisting of national and cross-border interconnected security operation centres or 'cyber hubs'. The second is a cybersecurity emergency mechanism to improve the EU's cyber resilience by supporting – including financially – preparedness, response and mutual assistance actions among Member States and creating a European cybersecurity reserve of trusted providers. The third is a cybersecurity incident review mechanism to assess and review significant or large-scale incidents. The Cyber Solidarity Act was published in the EU's Official Journal on 15 January 2025. It entered into force on 4 February 2025 and became binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

As a complement to the definitions set out in the first part of the Glossary, this second part offers additional analytical insights, including a brief conceptual history of the terms. It examines varied perspectives and illustrates how Performance Budgeting, Mainstreaming, and Conditionality are applied in EU policymaking. By drawing on academic literature, institutional reports, and case-based examples, it aims to support a critical reflection on the related challenges ahead of the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

This research paper examines the evolving landscape of digital trade and its impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union (EU). As digitalisation transforms global commerce, EU SMEs face significant opportunities as well as regulatory and competitive challenges. The study highlights key digital policy approaches, and in that context situates the current EU practice and commitments in international trade agreements affecting cross-border data flows, digital platforms and market access. The research highlights that while digital trade lowers costs and expands opportunities, complex compliance requirements and regulatory fragmenta¬tion hinder SME competitiveness. The study contrasts the EU’s rights-based approach to digital governance with the market-driven framework of the United States and the state-controlled model of China. To enhance SME participation in digital trade, the paper recommends a coordinated whole-of-government approach to digital regulation, stronger EU leadership in global trade negotiations, tailored SME provisions in trade agreements and expanded support for digital innovation and skills. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

This digest provides a collection of documents prepared by academia, think tanks, other EU institutions and bodies, as well as stakeholders, that can be useful for Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets to stay informed about the debate concerning the next Multiannual Financial Framework, starting in 2028. The document is produced on a monthly basis by the Budgetary Support Unit of DG BUDG and the European Parliamentary Research Service. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), Lithuania was set to receive financial support worth €3 849.2 million to implement its national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP), including for the REPowerEU chapter. These resources represent 0.5 % of the entire RRF, equal to 7.9 % of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019. In June 2022, the original plan, initially worth €2 224 million, was revised downwards to €2 100 million. In October 2023, Lithuania submitted a request to amend its NRRP, which included an additional grant allocation of €193.7 million for a REPowerEU chapter and a loan request worth €1 551.7 million. Lithuania also requested to transfer a portion of its share of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to its plan (€4.7 million). The plan has been modified several times, with the latest change approved by Council in June 2025. Lithuania has so far received 47.3 % of the resources, or €1 819 million (in the form of pre-financing, three grants and two loan payments). A May 2024 Commission implementing decision has reduced the financial contribution by €8.7 million, based on the non-fulfilment of a milestone linked to a reform measure. Further payments will depend on progress made in implementing the plan. Lithuania's plan is consistent with the challenges and priorities identified in the European Semester, the annual cycle for coordinating and monitoring each EU country's economic policies. The European Parliament participates in interinstitutional forums for cooperation and discussion on the implementation of the RRF, and continues to scrutinise 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 European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programme is an EU programme aimed at young people that seeks to promote volunteering and solidarity in Europe. The current programme for the years 2021 to 2027 is a successor to the 2018-2020 programme, which in turn succeeded the 2016-2017 pilot. The 2021-2027 ESC incorporates what was formerly known as the EU Aid Volunteers initiative, as well as volunteering activities such as the European Voluntary Service that used to reside under the 2014-2020 Erasmus+ programme. Between 2021 and 2027, the programme is projected to offer opportunities for 270 000 young people across the EU and certain third countries. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly used in the areas of migration and asylum. These technologies promise to increase efficiency, reduce uncertainty and improve decision-making. In the asylum context, AI applications are meant to reduce pressure on national asylum systems and contribute to fairer and more consistent asylum decisions. Despite potential benefits, these technologies come with significant risks. Inaccurate or biased AI applications may jeopardise the right to asylum, increase or reinforce discrimination, and diminish procedural safeguards built into the asylum process. These risks depend on the type and complexity of applications used, their role in asylum procedures, and the way in which decision-makers interact with technologies. Although the deployment of AI applications in EU asylum systems is still in the early stages, the debate about the legal, social and ethical challenges posed by these new technologies is well under way. For instance, several Member States have started using AI technologies for dialect recognition to verify information, or obtain further information, on asylum applicants' country or region of origin. There are also examples of Member States using AI applications for name transliteration, automatic transcription of speeches and case matching. The introduction of AI technologies in EU asylum systems raises several major risks, relating to: (i) inaccuracies, bias and discrimination; (ii) undermining fairness and due process; and (iii) unlawful interference with privacy and data protection. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising many sectors of the economy, including the energy sector. The exponential growth of data centres around the world and in Europe is driving up electricity demand, raising questions about its impact on existing infrastructure and on sustainability. At the same time, AI can help transform energy systems by boosting energy efficiency, facilitating the integration of renewables and optimising electricity networks. According to the International Energy Agency, data centres currently account for only 1.5 % of global electricity consumption, but their electricity demand is expected to more than double by 2030. In the EU, data centres account for around 3 % of total electricity demand, but this varies between countries and is over 20 % in Ireland. AI-focused data centres tend to cluster in geographical locations, contributing to pressure on local grids and involving trade-offs with climate goals, land use and energy affordability. A ChatGPT query uses 10 times more electricity than a traditional Google search, although that depends on the complexity of the question and the format used (text vs. multimedia). A large data centre is estimated to consume as much electricity annually as 100 000 households. Data centres use energy not only to train and run AI models but also to cool servers and maintain equipment. Renewables and natural gas are the main energy sources used to power data centres globally, although nuclear (and, in the future, small modular reactors) is also on the rise. The EU's 2020 digital strategy called for data centres to become climate neutral by 2030. The 2023 EU Energy Efficiency Directive requires data centres to report on their energy consumption, water usage and use of renewable energy, and a 2024 EU scheme for rating the sustainability of data centres requires them to report on key performance indicators on energy and sustainability. Upcoming EU initiatives aim to balance ambitions on competitiveness and concerns over decarbonisation. The Cloud and AI Development Act, expected in the coming months, will aim to triple EU data centre capacity in the next 5-7 years, while the 'strategic roadmap for digitalisation and AI for the energy sector' and the 'data centre energy efficiency package', planned for early 2026, will address the energy impacts. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Estonia's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) – one of the last NRRPs submitted to the European Commission – sets out the reforms and public investment projects Estonia intends to implement with the support of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The RRF is one of the main components of Next Generation EU, an EU instrument to counter the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Estonia's plan is one of the smallest in the EU in terms of the total amount allocated. However, when taking into account its number of inhabitants, the country is a medium-sized beneficiary. Initially, Estonia requested €982.5 million in grants but in the modified version, submitted to the European Commission in March 2023, Estonia reduced this amount to €953.3 million (-1.7 % compared with the original plan). The modified plan takes into account the updated maximum financial contribution published on 30 June 2022 (€863.5 million, down from €969.3 million) which reflects changes in real gross domestic product (GDP) over time. Furthermore, it includes a REPowerEU chapter to reinforce the plan's energy dimension. Estonia's modified plan represents 0.1 % of the entire RRF, equal to 3.4 % of the country's GDP in 2019 (the RRF being 5.2 % of EU-27 GDP in 2019). Estonia did not request any RRF loans. The Council approved Estonia's initial plan on 25 October 2021 and the modified plan on 16 June 2023. The European Commission disbursed €126 million (13.2 % of the resources of the revised plan) in pre-financing on 17 December 2021, the first payment of €239 million on 6 November 2023, REPowerEU chapter pre-financing of 18 million on 14 December 2023, the second payment of €122 million on 18 April 2024, and the third payment of €122 million on 18 March 2025. In total, Estonia has so far received €627 million (65.8 % of the resources). The European Parliament, which was a great supporter of the creation of a common EU recovery instrument, participates in interinstitutional cooperation and discussions on its implementation, and scrutinises the European Commission's work. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Third edition. The 'Monitoring EU recovery' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

This in-depth analysis, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Justice, Civil Liberties and Institutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Legal Affairs, assesses the potential drivers and rationale for a possible 28th Regime as proposed in the Letta Report. The 28th Regime seeks to enable firms who wish to do so to operate under a new business law codified at European level. The intent is to enable firms, especially SMEs and innovative firms, to operate without friction across all EU Member States. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Deepfakes – videos, images and audio created using artificial intelligence (AI) to realistically simulate or fabricate content – are booming on the internet. They are becoming increasingly accessible, as what previously required powerful tools can now be done with free mobile apps and limited digital skills. At the same time, they are becoming increasingly sophisticated and therefore more difficult to detect, especially audio deepfakes. While deepfakes have applications in entertainment and creativity, their potential for spreading fake news, creating non-consensual content and undermining trust in digital media is problematic, as they are evolving faster than existing legislative frameworks. A projected 8 million deepfakes will be shared in 2025, up from 500 000 in 2023. The European Commission states that pornographic material accounts for about 98 % of deepfakes. Deepfakes pose greater risks for children than adults, as children's cognitive abilities are still developing and children have more difficulty identifying deepfakes. Children are also more susceptible to harmful online practices including grooming, cyberbullying and child sexual abuse material. This highlights the need for legal action and cooperation, including developing the tools and methods needed to tackle these threats at the required scale and pace. Furthermore, there is a growing need for enhanced generative AI literacy for children, educators and parents. There is also a need for increased industry efforts and better implementation of relevant European Union (EU) legislation such as the Artificial Intelligence Act and the Digital Services Act. Monitoring indicators on children's online use at the EU level are currently non-existent, highlighting the need for their implementation. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Initiatives to restore European primary forests and thereby reverse centuries of decline are gaining traction. Such restoration could deliver significant ecological, environmental, climate-related and socio-cultural benefits, ranging from biodiversity conservation, water regulation and climate mitigation, to ecotourism and renewed human relationships with nature. However, a number of challenges and trade-offs need to be addressed, including the lack of primary forest mapping, concerns over human exclusion and potential economic losses. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Denmark assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July and will hold the office until 31 December 2025. It took over from Poland and will hand the baton to Cyprus, the three countries forming a presidency trio. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

This European Parliamentary Research Service paper aims to inform Members on issues related to a forthcoming Commission initiative. It highlights the main choices that may shape the initiative and which Members may wish to explore ahead of formal European Commission adoption. Based on documentary and other sources, it reflects the information available at the time of writing. For further information on this topic, Members and staff of the European Parliament may contact the author. KEY ISSUES AT STAKE • Transport accounts for around a quarter of EU emissions. More sustainable transport in the EU is therefore crucial to achieving the European Green Deal aim to cut net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55 % by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, by means of sustainable fuels, modes, and technological solutions. • Uptake of electric vehicles (EV) in the EU has been slow and uneven, due to limited investment in EV charging infrastructure and EV supply issues. Frontrunners, such as the Netherlands, have a better regulatory environment, greater public investment and a more stable and affordable energy market. Business models and value chains are reluctant to adapt before technological solutions are sufficiently developed. • Implementation of initiatives such as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and CO2 emission standards for new vehicles is challenging, with progress slowing due to uneven roll-out across EU, state, and regional levels, limited electrical grid capacity, and high sustainable fuel production costs. • The European Commission is expected to issue a sustainable transport investment plan in the third quarter of 2025, outlining measures to support the accelerated roll-out of recharging and refuelling infrastructure, as well as dedicated green trade and investment partnerships with third countries on renewable and low-carbon transport fuels. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Draft amending budget No 1/2025 (DAB 1/2025) to the EU's 2025 general budget seeks to enter the €1.35 billion surplus from implementation of the 2024 budget as revenue into the 2025 budget. Including this surplus would lead to a corresponding reduction in Member States' gross national income (GNI) contributions to the 2025 budget. The European Parliament is expected to vote on the Council's position on DAB 1/2025 during the July plenary session. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Gas storage provides a valuable reserve in case of strong demand or supply disruption, reducing the need to import additional gas and helping stabilise energy prices. In March 2025, the European Commission proposed an amendment to the Gas Storage Regulation, adopted during the 2022 energy crisis, to extend its validity until the end of 2027. During its July plenary session, the European Parliament will vote on the text agreed in trilogue negotiations with the Council. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Albania has been an EU candidate country since June 2014. On 25 March 2020, the Council decided to open accession negotiations with the country, based on its progress in meeting the political criteria and fulfilling the five priorities that are key for EU membership. Accession negotiations effectively started in July 2022, when the first intergovernmental conference was held. The main challenges are flaws in the functioning of the judiciary, in the fight against corruption, and in the safeguarding of media freedoms and minority rights. The European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) adopted its report on the European Commission's 2023 and 2024 reports on Albania on 4 June 2025. A debate and vote on the report are due to be held in plenary in July. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Georgia applied for EU membership in March 2022 and received candidate status on 14 December 2023, under certain conditions. Since then, the severe democratic backsliding brought about by the ruling Georgian Dream party has resulted in the de facto halt of Georgia's EU accession process. Additionally, the country is currently embroiled in a political crisis following the contested October 2024 parliamentary elections. Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) adopted its report on the 2023 and 2024 enlargement Commission reports on Georgia on 4 June 2025. A debate and vote on the report are due to be held in plenary in July. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy with a representative parliamentary system. According to the Constitutional Act (section 3), the monarch and the Parliament jointly constitute the legislative authority, the monarch exercises executive authority, and the courts of justice represent the judicial authority. The monarch, however, mainly has a ceremonial role and appoints the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers, who are responsible for governing the country. The government is formed through the system of 'negative parliamentarism', meaning that the government must not be opposed by a majority in the Parliament. The government and its ministers are accountable to the Parliament. General elections must be held at least every four years, while the Prime Minister can dissolve the Parliament and call for new elections. Powers are separated, but a close link exists between the Parliament and the government due to parliamentarism, with political parties playing a key role. Most of the ministers are usually members of parliament, even if this is not a requirement. The Folketing is the unicameral Parliament of the Kingdom of Denmark. It is composed of 179 members elected by general and direct ballot for a period of four years: 135 members are elected through party-list proportional representation in ten constituencies; 40 seats are allocated to ensure proportionality at national level; and, as part of the Danish Realm, Greenland and the Faroe Islands each elect two members. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP