The European Cybersecurity Act adopted in 2019 established a permanent mandate for the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and introduced a European cybersecurity certification framework to strengthen trust and resilience across the Union. Its implementation faced a fast-evolving cybersecurity landscape since the Act’s adoption, marked by a 150% increase in cyberattacks in 2024 and an expanding regulatory landscape, including the network and information systems Directive, the Cyber Resilience Act, and the Cyber Solidarity Act. These parallel developments have expanded ENISA’s responsibilities putting strains on its resources and coordination capacity. Over recent years, ENISA has become an established actor within the EU’s cybersecurity landscape. It has supported Member States in policy development, contributed to building technical and operational capabilities, and promoted exchanges of good practice and awareness-raising initiatives. Its role in facilitating cooperation and providing expertise has been widely acknowledged. At the same time, the broadening of ENISA’s mandate has created challenges in defining priorities, allocating resources and coordinating with other EU and national bodies. Stakeholders have underlined the need for clearer task definition, more systematic planning and stronger coordination mechanisms to avoid overlaps. The European Cybersecurity Certification Framework has advanced more slowly than initially foreseen. According to stakeholders, progress in developing certification schemes has been limited, with several delays and concerns regarding process transparency and predictability. The absence of a regularly updated Union Rolling Work Programme has made long-term planning more difficult for both public authorities and industry. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

In July 2023, the European Commission tabled a package of proposals aimed at greening freight transport. One of these proposals focuses on improving the use of rail infrastructure capacity. The proposed text suggests changes to the rules governing the planning and allocation of railway infrastructure capacity, which are currently outlined in Directive 2012/34/EU and Regulation (EU) No 913/2010. The goal of the changes is to enhance the management of rail infrastructure capacity and traffic so as to improve service quality, optimise railway network usage, increase traffic capacity and enhance the transport sector's contribution to decarbonisation. In the European Parliament, the file was referred to the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), which appointed Tilly Metz (Greens/EFA, Luxembourg) as rapporteur. The TRAN committee adopted its report on 4 March 2024. Parliament adopted its first-reading position during its March 2024 plenary session. The Council adopted its general approach on 18 June 2024, and following the European elections, the TRAN committee voted on 7 October 2024 to start interinstitutional negotiations. A provisional agreement was reached on 18 November 2025. Fifth edition. The previous editions of this briefing were drafted by Jaan Soone. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

In the context of the wars in Ukraine and other parts of the world, the increasingly global effects – material and political – of war make it more important than ever to measure the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world. The Normandy Index has presented an annual measurement of these threats since the 2019 Normandy Peace Forum. The results of the 2025 exercise suggest the level of threats to peace is at its highest since the index was launched, confirming declining trends in global security resulting from conflict, geopolitical rivalry, growing militarisation and hybrid threats. The findings of the 2025 exercise draw on data compiled in 2024 and 2025 to compare peace – defined on the basis of a given country's performance against a range of predetermined threats – across countries and regions. Derived from the Index, 63 individual country case studies provide a picture of the state of peace in the world today. Designed and prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), in conjunction with, and on the basis of data provided by, the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Normandy Index is produced in partnership with the Region of Normandy. The paper forms part of the EPRS contribution to the 2026 Normandy World Peace Forum. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

'We delivered' is how European Council President António Costa summed up the last EU leaders' meeting of 2025, which 'addressed crucial issues for the future of Europe'. After an EU agreement on the long-term immobilisation of Russian assets was secured just days before the meeting, EU leaders found a 'pragmatic and realistic solution' to cover Ukraine's financial needs of €90 billion for 2026-2027. If EU borrowing was the less expected outcome, it was one 'everyone can stand behind'. Even if the discussion on Ukraine was lengthy, EU leaders also managed to agree on the structure of, and a timeline for, the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF). Likewise, this meeting paved the way towards 'a successful completion of the Mercosur agreement in early 2026', with the postponement of its signature designed to address remaining reservations in certain Member States, notably Italy and France. EU leaders also discussed enlargement and parallel EU reforms, as well as migration and geoeconomics. Additional topics addressed by the European Council were the Middle East, the Pact for the Mediterranean, the fight against antisemitism, racism and xenophobia, democratic resilience and the macro-regional strategy for the Atlantic. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Iceland, a small island in the North Atlantic Ocean, is home to 393 000 inhabitants. Driven by tourism, fishing, and aluminium smelting, its economy is robust. The gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is the 5th highest globally. After applying for European Union (EU) membership in 2009, Iceland suspended its well-advanced accession process in 2015. However, the country's relations with the EU have remained positive. It maintains close economic, political and sectoral ties, largely shaped by the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement. This agreement, in force since 1994, brings all EU Member States, alongside Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, into the single market. It also enables free movement of people, services, goods and capital in the EEA. It covers competition and State aid regulations, horizontal policies such as consumer protection, energy, environment and social policy, as well as flanking policies including research, education, public health and entrepreneurship. The EU and Iceland are aligned on key foreign policy issues and hold regular dialogues. Cooperating under North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) auspices and beyond, they are equally close partners on security and defence. Moreover, Iceland participates in key aspects of EU cooperation concerning justice and home affairs, primarily through the Schengen Agreement. Currently, the debate on joining the EU has revived in Iceland. Following the latest Icelandic parliamentary elections in November 2024, the new coalition government agreed to hold a national referendum on whether to open EU accession talks by 2027. The European Parliament is closely involved in nurturing EU-Iceland relations. It sends a delegation to the EEA Joint Parliamentary Committee and holds an annual bilateral interparliamentary meeting with Iceland. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On 1 June 2023, the European Commission presented the maritime safety package, focused on introducing modernised maritime safety and security rules on port state and flag state control, maritime accident investigation and ship source pollution. The package also includes a proposal to revise the Regulation on EMSA. The revised regulation would give EMSA new and more numerous tasks. The regulation mandates the agency to provide EU Member States and the Commission with technical, operational and scientific assistance, to ensure maritime safety, security and the maritime sector's green and digital transition. The agency would also receive adequate human and financial resources to fulfil its role. The European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) adopted its report on 7 December 2023. Parliament adopted its first-reading position on 12 March 2024. Following agreement in trilogue negotiations, the Council adopted its position at first reading on 15 October 2025. Following the TRAN committee's recommendation for second reading, Parliament approved the proposal at second reading on 13 November 2025. Published in the Official Journal on 29 December 2025, the new regulation enters into force on 18 January 2026. Fourth edition of a briefing originally drafted by Karin Smit-Jacobs and subsequently updated by Monika Kiss. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Directive 2005/44/EC on harmonised river information services (RIS) on inland waterways ('RIS Directive') establishes rules on RIS to ensure the safety, efficiency and environmental protection of inland waterways in the EU. On 26 January 2024, the European Commission put forward a proposal to amend the RIS Directive with a view to addressing certain shortcomings. The amending directive should provide better-quality information, reduce efforts to collect basic information, reduce the need to re-register cargo information and report cargo information to ports, save costs through electronic processing of cargo information instead of on paper, save time spent planning voyages, save time on reporting requirements and improve navigation efficiency. In the European Parliament, the file has been assigned to the Committee on Transport and Tourism. The Council introduced several changes to the proposal, mainly with a view to making the existing rules clearer and more coherent from a technical perspective. On 26 June 2025, the Council and Parliament reached a political agreement. The proposal was adopted by Parliament at first reading on 7 October and then by the Council on 27 October. The directive entered into force on 1 January 2026, and has tSecond edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.o be transposed into Member States' law by 2 January 2029. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Europe's culture and cultural heritage are fundamental to EU values and identity, providing space for discussion, engagement and debate. Culture also fosters a European sense of belonging and social cohesion, strengthens communities, and drives innovation and economic competitiveness. The New European Agenda for Culture, which has provided a framework for EU cultural policy since 2018, is replaced by the new Culture Compass for Europe, published by the Commission on 12 November 2025. Considered to be the most ambitious EU strategic framework for culture to date, it is overarching and coherent, placing culture, as promised, at the very heart of the European project and identity. It also emphases the importance of culture for individuals, communities and the EU. The new Culture Compass for Europe is built on four pillars: European values and cultural rights; conditions for artists and cultural professionals and how culture supports people; cultural sectors; and international cultural relations. It describes what is already in place and proposes 20 flagship actions. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Effective consumer protection policy ensures that the single market functions properly. It safeguards consumers’ rights against traders and provides extra protection for vulnerable consumers. Consumer protection rules can boost market outcomes overall. They promote fairer markets and, with better consumer information, foster greener, more social outcomes. Empowering consumers and safeguarding their interests are key EU policy goals. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The organisation and operation of the European Parliament are governed by its Rules of Procedure. Its political bodies, committees, delegations and political groups guide Parliament’s activities. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Humanitarian aid is an area of EU external action that responds to needs in the event of human-made or natural disasters. The Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations funds relief operations and coordinates Member States’ policies and activities. Parliament and the Council act as co-legislators in shaping the EU’s humanitarian aid policy and take part in the global debate on more effective humanitarian action. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Cyprus assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 January 2026 and will be in office until 30 June 2026. The country takes over from Denmark and will hand the baton on to Ireland. Cyprus is the last member of the presidency trio with Poland and Denmark. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydroelectric power, ocean and geothermal energy, biomass and biofuels offer cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels. They reduce pollution, broaden our energy options and decrease our dependence on volatile fossil fuel prices. In 2023, lawmakers increased the EU target for the share of renewable sources of energy in gross energy consumption from 32% to at least 42.5% by 2030, while aiming for 45%. In 2023, renewable energy accounted for 24.5% of the EU’s final energy consumption. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The common fisheries policy (CFP) has come a long way since it was first formulated in the Treaty of Rome. Initially linked to the common agricultural policy, it gradually developed a separate identity. The core area of the CFP – conservation and management of fish stocks – was launched in 1983. The policy was reformed in 1992, 2002 and 2013. The current framework, resulting from the 2013 reform, is aimed at ensuring that EU fisheries are sustainable – environmentally, economically and socially. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The Trans-European Networks (TENs) – large, infrastructure networks that enable essential services and efficient connections between national networks – are jointly funded by the European Union and the Member States. Financial support from the EU serves as a catalyst, with the Member States providing the bulk of the financing. The financing of the TENs can be complemented by Structural Fund assistance, aid from the European Investment Bank (EIB) or contributions from the private sector. A major reform was introduced across the TENs with the establishment of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) in 2013, renewed in 2021. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This is the tenth edition of an annual EPRS paper aimed at identifying and framing many of the key issues and policy areas that will feature prominently in public debate and on the political agenda of the European Union over the coming year. The topics analysed encompass, the next long term EU budget, Ukraine's integration into the EU, defence, EU-China relations, the impact of artificial intelligence on the web, the potential of startup companies, irregular migration, climate policy, action for the oceans, and lessons from the post-COVID 19 Recovery and Resilience Facility. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The ECB’s Governing Council set up a High-Level Task Force to recommend simplifications of banking regulation and supervision, chaired by Vice-President Luis De Guindos. On 11 December 2025, the ECB published the task force’ report. This briefing reviews and analyses the proposals and provides context in view of the ECON committee exchange of views with Vice-President De Guindos on 15 January 2026. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This study assesses the evolving structural divergence between the US and EU economies, driven by widening productivity gaps and asymmetric financial integration. It identifies a “Competitiveness Trilemma” constraining EU policy responses to US industrial activism. The paper analyses new transmission channels of economic shocks and proposes a strategic playbook for the European Parliament to enhance industrial sovereignty and rebalance the transatlantic partnership. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The establishment of a European road safety area has been one of the EU’s long-standing objectives since 2010. While each Member State has the power to make its own decisions related to certain aspects of road traffic and safety provisions, the EU also carries out work in this field and has been focusing its measures on vehicle conditions, the transport of animals and dangerous goods and road safety in general. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The trans-European networks (TENs) in transport, energy and telecommunications are developed to connect the regions of the EU and to contribute to the growth of the internal market and employment. They strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion. The trans-European transport network (TEN-T) has evolved over time, including a fundamental reform in 2013 and a major revision in 2024. The energy infrastructure (TEN-E) guidelines were adapted to the European Green Deal in 2022. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The rise of generative AI has presented a global challenge to copyright law regarding authorship and human creativity. This has implications for the ability of creators to control and monetise their work, in addition to incentives to use innovative technologies. Currently, the EU lacks specific rules on the copyrightability of AI-generated works, but existing case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union and developments at Member State level demonstrate a strong need for human creativity. The European Parliament has also advocated a human-centric approach while calling for further analysis of how intellectual property rights are applied to content created with the use of AI tools. Most countries, including the United States, maintain a human-centric approach, limiting copyright to works with significant human involvement in the creative process. However, not all the international approaches and practices are aligned, and this briefing gives examples from a selection of different jurisdictions. Certain common-law countries, including the United Kingdom, grant copyright to 'computer-generated' works without a human author while, in a slightly contradictory manner, assigning authorship to the person responsible for the arrangements for the creation of the work. Chinese courts show mixed rulings, sometimes granting copyright based on sufficient human effort in selecting and editing prompts. Cases like the artwork called 'Suryast', produced with the help of AI, reveal conflicting copyright decisions across the world, with AI being recognised as a co-author in some countries. Uniquely, Ukraine has adopted a 'sui generis' right to provide alternative protection for AI-generated images, distinct from traditional copyright. As a result, there may be a need for greater coordination globally to reduce legal uncertainty and to determine the level of human involvement needed for copyright protection. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

This European implementation assessment of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive 2014/89/EU in regard to fisheries in selected fishing areas and sea basins aims to inform the ongoing work of the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries (PECH) on an own-initiative implementation report, ' The impact of the implementation of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive 2014/89/EU on fisheries in selected fishing areas and sea basins (2024/2126 (INI)), ahead of the Directive’s planned revision at the end of 2026. The assessment is composed of two parts. The first part, an introduction by the European Parliamentary Research Service provides historical background to the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive and presents the European Parliament’s position, setting the scope of the external evaluation study. The second part is an evaluation study undertaken by a team of external experts that assesses the implementation and effects of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive on the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, based on five evaluation criteria - effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, relevance and EU added value - and drawing on desk research, interviews and six regional case studies (Baltic Sea, Channel, Bay of Biscay, North Coast Portugal, Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea). Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

As part of the European Union's budget for the 2028-2034 period, the European Commission presented a short proposal for a regulation establishing the European Fund for Regional Development (ERDF), including territorial cooperation (Interreg) and the Cohesion Fund (CF), and establishing conditions for the implementation of Union support to regional development from 2028 to 2034. However, support for regional and cohesion policy would be integrated into a larger fund (the 'Fund') that also covers areas such as fisheries and agriculture. The 'Fund' is covered by a separate regulation. Consequently, rather than launching separate, fully fledged legislative proposals on the ERDF and CF, as happened in the 2021-2027 programming period, the Commission published a much shorter ERDF/CF sectoral proposal which briefly includes these two funds but also outlines some basic conditions for funding in regional policy. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The creation of the single aviation market in the late 1990s has profoundly transformed the air transport industry in the EU and has greatly contributed to the strong growth in air transport in Europe over the past 20 years. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Transport policy has been one of the EU’s common policies for more than 30 years. Alongside the opening up of transport markets and the creation of the Trans-European Transport Network, the ‘sustainable mobility’ model will take on even greater importance – particularly in view of the constant rise in greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector, which threatens to jeopardise the European Union’s efforts to achieve its climate goals. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The EU budget is financed in large part from own resources, and supplemented by other revenue. Annual revenue must completely cover annual expenditure, as a budget deficit is not allowed. The system of own resources is decided by the Council on the basis of unanimity, having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament, and needs to be ratified by each Member State. A reform of the own resources system was proposed by the Commission together with the proposal for the multiannual financial framework 2028-2034. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The EU’s energy efficiency measures aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy bills and improve energy security while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. The Energy Efficiency Directive requires EU countries to cut their energy use by 11.7% by 2030 compared to 2020 projections. The directive sets annual energy savings targets that increase over time, requires public buildings to reduce energy consumption and undergo renovations, and introduces measures to tackle energy poverty. Separate rules aim to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in the building sector. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

This European implementation assessment of the 2020 Council Recommendation on A Bridge to Jobs – Reinforcing the Youth Guarantee and replacing the Council Recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee (the 'reinforced Youth Guarantee' or 'RYG') aims to inform the ongoing work of the European Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) on an own-initiative implementation report on the RYG (2025/2184(INI)). The assessment is composed of two parts. The first part is an introduction by the European Parliamentary Research Service that provides the essential historical background, including an overview of selected evaluations, Parliament's position and a complementary analysis on young people not in education, employment or training. The second part is an evaluation study undertaken by a team of external experts that aims to provide an updated assessment of the RYG's implementation. It is guided by three core objectives: (i) to assess current trends in implementation at Member State level; (ii) to analyse the impact of the 2020 reinforcement in addressing previously identified challenges; and (iii) to examine the role of EU funding and governance mechanisms. Based on interviews, a survey, desk research, and extended national research in 10 selected Member States, the study provides key findings and policy recommendations to tackle the implementation gaps identified. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

On 16 July 2025, the European Commission published a set of proposals outlining the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the 2028-2034 programming period. Among them is the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Social Fund, the main EU tool to support social and employment policies. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

On 3 December 2025, the European Commission unveiled a package of five legislative proposals underpinning two possible options for funding Ukraine in 2026 and 2027: a reparations loan, borrowing cash balances from banks and other financial companies holding immobilised Russian Central Bank assets; or joint EU borrowing, guaranteed by the 'headroom' in the EU budget. These proposals form the basis for discussions at the 18-19 December European Council meeting. Without new additional financial support from the EU and other international donors, Ukraine is expected to run out of funds early in 2026. The value of Russian assets immobilised worldwide is estimated at around €300 billion. The European Parliament has repeatedly demanded those assets be used to support Ukraine's defence against Russia's occupation forces. At the same time, Russian assets have become a major point in discussions towards a peace plan, escalating the pressure on the EU to take a decision. Belgium continues to resist use of the immobilised assets and recently received support from other Member States, such as Italy and Bulgaria, on that issue. Hungary has voiced opposition to any further support for Ukraine, blocking the option to use the 'headroom' of the EU budget, which would necessitate a unanimous amendment. If both options proposed by the Commission are blocked, a 'coalition of the willing' could be the option of last resort. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

This study examines housing needs across the EU, focusing on inequalities in affordability, accessibility, and quality. It provides a mapping of the current housing needs in the EU across territories, including across Member States, rural and urban areas, outermost regions, and islands and across population groups. The study analyses key factors affecting housing demand and supply challenges, and the impacts of housing scarcity on health, education and employment. It also reviews how EU legislation and funding shape and support national policies in the area of decent, sustainable and affordable housing. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The European Commission adopted its proposal for a regulation establishing Union support for internal security for 2028 to 2034 on 16 July 2025. Funding for the policy would come from the proposed European fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security. The proposal should therefore fall under the same funding framework as those for a regulation establishing Union support for asylum, migration and integration; and for a regulation establishing Union support for the Schengen area for European integrated border management and the common policy on visas. The regulation aims at strengthening European Union and Member State capabilities to prevent and combat organised and serious crime, enhance the resilience of critical entities against hostile acts and manage security-related incidents, risks and crises. It would also seek to improve and enhance the exchange of information and improve law enforcement cooperation. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The action of the European Union (EU) in the field of budgetary control is based on two principles: on the one hand, ensuring that the EU’s budget is properly spent and, on the other, protecting the Union’s financial interests and combating fraud. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has the power to investigate fraud against the EU budget, corruption and serious misconduct and develops anti-fraud policy. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) investigates, prosecutes and brings to justice crimes against the EU budget. Even if their primary focus is not strictly on protecting the Union’s financial interests, EUROPOL and Eurojust provide additional support. Finally, the anti-fraud landscape was marked by the establishment of a further decentralised EU agency, the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA), in June 2024. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

EU directives and regulations have, over the years, greatly improved safety standards in sea transport. The majority of these improvements were brought about by the three legislative packages adopted in the wake of the Erika and Prestige oil tanker disasters. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Moves towards closer European integration have altered the role of the national parliaments (NPs). A number of instruments for cooperation between the European Parliament and the NPs have been introduced with a view to guaranteeing effective democratic scrutiny of EU legislation at all levels. This trend has been reinforced by provisions introduced by the Lisbon Treaty. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP