This paper provides a summary of all scrutiny activities of the European Parliament related to euro area monetary policy on the occasion of the December 2025 Monetary Dialogue with the European Central Bank (ECB). It covers the topics chosen by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and related expertise papers provided in advance of the Dialogue, the actual topics addressed during the Dialogue, a brief overview of results from the Monetary Policy Expert Panel Survey, and the latest written questions made by committee Members to the ECB President. The document is published regularly ahead and after each Monetary Dialogue with the ECB. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This paper provides a summary of all scrutiny activities of the European Parliament related to euro area monetary policy in occasion of the February 2026 Monetary Dialogue with the European Central Bank (ECB). It covers the topics chosen by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and related expertise papers provided in advance of the Dialogue, the actual topics addressed during the Dialogue, a brief overview of results from the Monetary Policy Expert Panel Survey, the latest written questions made by Members to the ECB President and European Parliament resolution on the ECB Annual Report 2025. The document is published regularly ahead and after each Monetary Dialogue with the ECB. Source : © European Union, 2026 - 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, 2026 - EP

The European Union (EU) and its Member States have taken on a central role in supporting mid- and low-income countries as they address the challenge of climate change mitigation by, for example, facilitating technical and financial support for large-scale renewable energy projects as well as new (critical) raw material supply chains. In recent years, the EU has put in place various strategies, initiatives and policies that support energy transition and are seen as mutually beneficial for both the EU and third countries. This paper critically examines the challenges and opportunities of such cooperation mechanisms, focussing particularly on how Indigenous Peoples and local communities are impacted in mid- and low-income countries. Four case studies (two on critical raw materials, one on green hydrogen and another on the use of international carbon credits under the newly proposed 2040 EU climate target) develop these challenges and opportunities across socio-environmental, socio-economic and socio-political dimensions. The associated empirical analysis helps inform the formulation of actionable policy recommendations for the EU. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The participation of individuals with a migration background, including third-country nationals (TCNs) and mobile EU citizens, hereafter referred to as migrants, within the European Union (EU) has been discussed in policy and academic debates on migration, integration and democratic governance for several decades. These groups may engage in public life through a variety of channels, including voting and standing as candidates in elections where permitted by national legislation, involvement in civic and community organisations, and engagement in consultative or participatory policy processes. The extent and forms of such participation vary across EU Member States, reflecting differences in legal frameworks governing political rights, residence status and access to citizenship. Under EU law, political participation rights are distinguished on the basis of citizenship. Article 20 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights guarantee mobile EU citizens the right to vote and stand in municipal and European Parliament elections in their host Member State. Conversely, TCNs do not enjoy the same rights, as their participation remains governed by national legislation. Other barriers to participation that migrants and other non-citizen residents may face include administrative requirements, lack of information, or language barriers. As a result, the participation of migrants in democratic processes remains a subject of policy discussion at European, national and local levels. It has been a factor in several policy initiatives and national integration strategies, with the aim of building more inclusive and representative societies. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Against the backdrop of the rapid expansion of private credit and its recent emergence as a source of investor concern, particularly in the United States, understanding the structure and vulnerabilities of private credit markets has important implications for financial and macroeconomic stability, including in Europe. This briefing provides an overview of the size, growth, and main features of the global private credit market, with a focus on the United States and Europe, and assesses the channels through which risks could affect financial stability. The first part outlines recent developments in private credit, including its growth as a major asset class, investor base, and return profile. The second part assesses key vulnerabilities, including risks, valuation uncertainty, leverage, data gaps, and growing interlinkages with bank and non-bank financial institutions. It also examines sectoral concentration, particularly exposure to software, AI-sensitive borrowers, and AI-related infrastructure financing. Finally, the briefing considers policy implications, highlighting the need to improve transparency, close data gaps, strengthen monitoring of exposures to banking and non-banking financial institutions, and ensure that risks are effectively assessed, priced, and disclosed, while preserving private credit’s role as a source of business financing. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Parliament is set to vote during its May 2026 plenary session on the provisional agreement on a regulation aimed at shielding the EU steel market from the effects of global over-capacity. For the products covered, the regulation introduces lower import quotas and doubles the customs duty applied to imports exceeding the agreed quota, increasing it from 25 % to 50 %. The regulation also introduces stricter product traceability requirements and provides for frequent reviews of its scope. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The United Kingdom's defence industry is being reshaped by Russia's war against Ukraine, intensifying strategic competition and resulting in a pledge to raise defence spending to 2.5 % of GDP. The UK 2025 Strategic Defence Review places industry at the centre of national security, linking nuclear renewal, munitions expansion and digital integration to procurement reform, innovation funding and an 'always on' mobilisation base. It reinforces a North Atlantic Treaty Organization-first posture, prioritises autonomy and artificial intelligence, and seeks to align economic growth with credible combat readiness. Expert assessments diverge on implementation. Some regard the review as a credible blueprint for restoring military strength through clearer prioritisation, industrial reform and technological acceleration. Others question whether funding at 2.5 % of GDP will suffice without harder trade-offs, structural procurement change and measurable benchmarks for technological adoption. Concerns focus on delivery risk, adapting force structures to modern warfare, recruitment constraints and the challenge of translating innovation rhetoric into scalable production at pace. European Union-UK defence cooperation reflects both strategic convergence and institutional friction. Deep industrial interdependence coexists with caps on third-country participation, which limit UK access to EU programmes, and unresolved questions of sovereignty and financial contribution. The 19 May 2025 Security and Defence Partnership established a structured political framework for dialogue and cooperation on Ukraine, cyber issues, hybrid threats and industrial collaboration, yet negotiations on fuller participation in EU programmes have stalled. The European Parliament has welcomed closer engagement and framed the UK as a key strategic partner, while many experts argue that pragmatic inclusion, regulatory alignment and strengthened industrial integration are essential to a credible European defence architecture in an era of heightened geopolitical turmoil. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Parliament and Council negotiators reached agreement on the revision of the 2012 Victims' Rights Directive on 10 December 2025. The revised text strengthens the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, in particular by facilitating the reporting of crimes and improving the support services to victims with specific needs. Parliament is due to vote on the formal adoption of the agreed text during the May plenary session. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

During its May 2026 plenary session, Parliament is due to vote on whether to give its consent to the conclusion of a new protocol to the existing EU fisheries partnership agreement with the government of the Cook Islands. The new protocol would grant fishing opportunities to EU vessels in the Cook Islands' waters while also promoting the country’s sustainable management of fisheries resources. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Issues at stake: • The European Investigation Order (EIO) is a judicial cooperation instrument used in criminal matters within the European Union, except for Denmark and Ireland. The EIO provides a comprehensive framework for simplifying and accelerating cross-border criminal investigations. • Available data indicate a steady rise in use of the EIO since it was introduced. • Directive 2014/41/EU on the European Investigation Order in criminal matters ('the EIO Directive') provides the legal framework. It has applied since 22 May 2017 and has generally been found to work well. • Nevertheless, recent reports have highlighted the need to address additional aspects of cross-border investigations. • The European Commission therefore proposes to make targeted legislative improvements to the EIO Directive. • The revision will focus on improving the cross-border gathering of evidence in criminal matters and facilitating remote videoconference participation of suspects, accused persons and victims of crime in court hearings. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Third-country nationals seeking asylum in the EU often lack knowledge of the local language, culture and legal system, making accessible legal advice and representation vital for ensuring their right to asylum and access to justice. While the 1951 Refugee Convention does not define asylum procedures, these preliminary stages determine whether protection is granted. The pact on migration and asylum, in force from June 2026, addresses this through two key regulations – the common procedure regulation and the asylum and migration management regulation – that aim to standardise procedures and strengthen fair access to legal aid across Member States. The common procedure regulation outlines rights to legal counselling, assistance and representation. Applicants may choose their own lawyer or request free counselling during the administrative stage, and free assistance and representation during appeals. Legal advisors must have unrestricted access to applicants and case files, even during detention. The asylum and migration management regulation defines how responsibility for asylum applications is allocated among Member States, guaranteeing free legal counselling during this determination process and legal assistance and representation when appealing transfer decisions. European case law confirms that legal aid is fundamental to effective judicial protection. The Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights emphasise that access to legal aid must be practical and effective under Article 47 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and Article 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights, respectively. Experts point to several legal aid challenges for asylum seekers. Legal aid systems vary widely between Member States, producing unequal access and outcomes across the EU. Impartiality concerns persist, particularly with regard to state-employed counsellors. Border and fast-track procedures constrain lawyers' time and access to clients, undermining effective defence. Experts caution that complex procedures and uneven national capacities may perpetuate gaps in protection. Thus, while the new regulations under the pact enhance EU‑wide standards, their success depends on Member States' Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This briefing analyses, from a gender perspective, the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European Social Fund (ESF) for the period from 2028 to 2034 (2025/0239 (COD)) and compares it with the framework for the 2021–2027 period. The briefing examines changes in objectives, funding mechanisms, implementation, scrutiny and safeguards with regards to gender equality and puts forward concrete policy recommendations and suggested legislative improvements. This document was prepared by Policy Department for Citizens, Equality and Culture at the request of the European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Right and Gender Equality. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The global implementation of the Basel III standards is a cornerstone of financial stability and of a level playing field for banks worldwide. Given the size of the US economy and banking system in general, and the global reach of its largest banks in particular, the delay in US implementation of Basel III has become a growing concern, which we documented in an earlier briefing. In March 2026, US authorities have now published a new consultation paper that purports to pave the way towards the completion of Basel III in the US. In the present briefing, we aim to identify and assess US-specificities compared to the international standard. This analysis is not least relevant against the background of a recent ECB working paper that argued inter alia that EU banks would have “somewhat higher” capital requirements “on average” if subject to current US rules. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The proposal for an EU chips act 2.0, scheduled for publication on 27 May 2026 as part of the Tech Sovereignty Package, will aim to strengthen Europe’s resilience and technological sovereignty in semiconductors. It is expected to address the EU's lack of manufacturing capacity for advanced semiconductor nodes and for other chip markets where the EU holds a competitive advantage, improve the monitoring of semiconductor markets, and simplify the regulatory framework. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare and daily life has the potential to deeply impact people's health and wellbeing, bringing health benefits but also introducing new challenges. Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed healthcare by supporting clinicians in improving diagnostics, predicting health risks, and personalising treatments, particularly in fields such as radiology, oncology, cardiology, and rare diseases, as well as streamlining hospital management. It offers opportunities to make healthcare more effective, more accessible for all, with better outcomes for patients and national health systems. It also supports pharmaceutical development. Beyond clinical settings, AI chatbots and virtual assistants are widely used by citizens for health information and wellness advice, although these carry risks of misinformation and over-reliance. While AI offers benefits for vulnerable groups such as older adults, young people, and children, it also carries age-specific risks that require careful attention. For older adults, AI offers remote monitoring, assistive technologies, and companionship tools, but risks replacing rather than complementing human interaction. Young people and children using AI face serious risks including exposure to harmful content, emotional dependency, privacy violations, and reduced critical thinking. Across all age groups, excessive or poorly designed AI use is linked to anxiety, sleep disorders, sedentary behaviour, and social withdrawal. Designed to improve wellbeing and address loneliness, use of AI companions can backfire, potentially deepening isolation or even triggering mental health crises in vulnerable users. The EU AI Act and sector-specific legislation aim to govern these risks while fostering innovation. Realising AI's health benefits ultimately requires robust human oversight, strong safeguards, and digital skills, with a clear commitment to keeping human connection and care at the centre, as AI cannot replace face-to-face contact and community structures. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This study provides an evidence based assessment of the value for money of EU transport investments in the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework proposal, examining how CEF Transport, cohesion funds, the European Competitiveness Fund, InvestEU and EIB lending interact and how flexibility and performance frameworks can best support TEN T completion, decarbonisation, security and cohesion objectives. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

In 2026, the European Commission is expected to publish a strategy on nuclear fusion. Nuclear fusion, i.e. the combination of two atoms into a single heavier one, has been known since the first half of the 20th century. Despite significant progress, the controlled and sustained fusion reaction required for practical energy production has not yet been fully mastered. This technology is deemed to offer significant opportunities for generating affordable, decarbonised energy. To expedite the pathway towards the proof of concept, a significant international cooperation project, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), was launched in 2007 by 34 countries, including the EU Member States. The progress in technological development made since then might pave the way for the technology to be ready for industrial use in the second half of the century. Countries such as China and the United States are investing in technological development, and have started designing framework conditions, including a conducive regulatory environment. With the current discussion on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2028-2034, the EU is also expected to support further investment in fusion technologies, mostly through the proposed EURATOM research and training and Horizon Europe programmes, which build on the current (2021‑2027 MFF) programmes. However, stakeholders are stressing the relevance of providing appropriate framework conditions in addition to commensurate investment. This includes providing a conducive regulatory framework, as well as the talent pool necessary to develop and deploy such technologies. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

EU funding for employment and social objectives has long been a substantial component of multi-annual financial frameworks. The proposals for the next MFF will see a new approach in which funding for these objectives will be encompassed within National and Regional Partnership Plans. This study compares the proposals for the current and next MFFs, the relevant legislation and expected governance reforms. It pays particular attention to the ramifications for the European Pillar of Social Rights and concludes with set of recommendations for the European Parliament to consider in responding to the MFF proposal. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Croatia's national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) is an ambitious outline of reforms and investment designed to mitigate the pandemic's socioeconomic fallout and to address the consequences of the two devastating earthquakes of 2020. Following the December 2023 amendment of the Croatian NRRP, to which a REPowerEU chapter was added, the plan's worth reached €10 040.7 million (or 18.5 % of national gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019). The amended plan comes with a grant allocation of €5 779.4 million and a loan allocation of €4 254.2 million from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The grant part includes Croatia's REPowerEU grant allocation of €269 million and the €7.2 million transfer from the country's share of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. In November 2025, the Council approved the third revision of the plan, which reflects simplification efforts while keeping the EU financial contribution to the plan intact. So far, Croatia has received €7 289.5 million of RRF resources (72.6 % of the amended NRRP) in the form of pre financing, eight grant and four loan instalments. The disbursements are above the current EU average of 69.2 %. The last two payment requests covering two grant and two loan instalments are to be submitted to the European Commission by September 2026. The plan focuses on the green transition by devoting 37.1 % of the resources to it. It also fosters the digital transformation by committing 21.1 % of the funds (excluding the REPowerEU chapter) to digital projects. In the context of the 2025 European Semester, the Council recommended that Croatia accelerate the implementation of its NRRP. The European Parliament continues to ensure transparency and accountability through interinstitutional dialogues on RRF implementation, and scrutiny of the 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, 2026 - EP

Users are spending an increasing amount of time on online platforms. In its preliminary findings published on 6 February 2026, the European Commission found TikTok in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA) for its addictive design. It is the first time enforcement action has not focused on illegal content, data protection or competition, but on the harmful architecture of the platform itself, especially for minors and vulnerable adults. In March 2026, both Meta and YouTube were also found liable by a US jury for addictive design on their platforms. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On 16 July 2025, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a regulation establishing a budget expenditure tracking and performance framework and other horizontal rules for the Union programmes and activities ('performance regulation'), as part of a wide-ranging package on the next EU long-term budget – the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF). The proposal aims to simplify and harmonise how EU spending is tracked and its performance measured, moving towards a single system with standardised indicators. It defines horizontal spending principles with a view to streamlining their application across the EU budget: climate and biodiversity, 'do no significant harm' to the environment, social policies, and gender equality. Although competitiveness and preparedness play a major role in the next long-term budget, and the European Parliament had requested to include them as horizontal spending principles, the Commission did not include them. Ahead of the proposal, Parliament had called for further improvements in performance reporting under the EU budget, while underlining that the 'implementation of horizontal principles should not lead to an excessive administrative burden on beneficiaries'. A stronger performance framework can improve Parliament's decision-making on EU spending through more transparency. However, increased transparency from a proposed single portal to access EU budgetary data will depend on what information is made available. A briefing requested by Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control underlined that improved access to information – such as exchanges between the Commission and Member States, or to information about suspended milestones – was essential for public accountability. According to the European Court of Auditors, the proposal can improve processes for performance reporting and integration of EU horizontal policy priorities, but has design weaknesses to be addressed, including vague indicators, lack of clear results-based linkages, and risks of measuring implementation rather than achievements. The Court estimates that the proposal may achieve simplification between the Commission and the Member States, but that the administrative burden at national, regional and beneficiary levels may remain unchanged or even worsen. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On 17 March 2026, the Commission published for consultation a package of two DAs under the EU Taxonomy Regulation 2020/852, which amend the existing Climate and Environmental DAs, forming part of a broader review of the technical screening criteria (TSC) adopted to date. The aim of these amending DAs is to address identified implementation challenges by claryfing and simplifying technical screening criteria, including the ‘do no significant harm’ (DNSH) criteria and review ’transitional activities’ in the Climate DA. This review also responds to the legal obligation under the Taxonomy Regulation to regularly review and, where appropriate, amend the technical screening criteria. The proposed amending DAs are closely linked to the recent Omnibus I Sustainability simplification package and the Commission Communication ‘A Competitive Compass for the EU’. The proposed DAs are scheduled for adoption in mid-June 2026, with the objective of coming into effect by January 2027. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This study was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries. It clarifies how the new proposed MFF architecture may affect EU fisheries and aquaculture. It compares the proposal with the current EMFAF framework in terms of sufficiency of earmarked budget and governance and assesses the threat of fragmentation and renationalisation of EU fisheries-related policies. It also assesses the potential role of the European Competitiveness Fund and alignment with the European Ocean Pact. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Ahead of the ECON public hearing on 5 May 2026 this briefing provides further background on selected technical aspects of the Market Integration and Supervision Package (MISP): asset management, central securities depositories (CSDs), central counterparties aka clearinghouses (CCPs), the proposed pan-European market operator regime (PEMO), consolidated tape (CTP), and distributed ledger technology (DLT). It complements already available EPRS legislative briefings on the package (EPRS briefings on the Master Directive, the Master Regulation, and the Settlement Finality Regulation). Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This ATAG clarifies how the new proposed MFF architecture may affect EU fisheries and aquaculture. It compares the proposal with the current EMFAF framework in terms of sufficiency of earmarked budget and governance and assesses the threat of fragmentation and renationalisation of EU fisheries-related policies. It also assesses the potential role of the European Competitiveness Fund and alignment with the European Ocean Pact. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This study examines how the Commission’s 2028-2034 MFF proposals would reshape Cohesion Policy through greater simplification and flexibility. It finds that while the reforms may streamline the system at EU level and provide some gains, they also risk reducing predictability, weakening territorial targeting, increasing implementation burdens, and centralising decision-making. Recommendations are proposed to inform the European Parliament’s position on the reform. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This briefing examines financing options for Ukraine’s post-war recovery and reconstruction through the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 and from other sources. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This briefing provides an overview of the role and mandate of the Eurogroup, including the role and accountability of its President. It covers: 1) The role of the Permanent President of the Eurogroup; 2) The President of Eurogroup and the European Parliament; 3) The role and mandate of the Eurogroup; and 4) Eurogroup transparency. The paper is an update of a previous version and will continue to be regularly updated. This document reflects the institutional situation as of November 2025, following the resignation of President Paschal Donohoe and during the transition period with Acting President Makis Keravnos of Cyprus. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

In the European Union (EU) context, the blue economy encompasses marine‑based and marine‑related activities, together with marine education, research and relevant public‑sector functions such as coast guards, defence and marine environmental protection. This has been progressively reframed as a 'sustainable blue economy' aligned with the European Green Deal and EU marine environmental law. The EU policy framework for the sustainable blue economy is broad and integrated, encompassing key initiatives such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive and the European Ocean Pact. In 2022, the blue economy generated an estimated gross value added (GVA) of around €251 billion – about 1.7 % of EU GVA – and employed roughly 4.8 million people, illustrating both its economic weight and its role in coastal employment. The EU budget has traditionally supported the blue economy initiatives, not least through funds such as the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), Horizon Europe and InvestEU – to give a few examples. Additionally, the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) has provided a significant, time limited boost: 17 of the 22 coastal Member States have integrated blue economy reforms and investments into their national recovery and resilience plans. A sample of relevant measures – covering sectors such as offshore renewable energy production, maritime and inland transport, port and waterway infrastructure, fisheries, and the digitalisation of maritime administrations – represent a combined allocation of more than €3.5 billion in RRF grants and loans until the end of 2026. The European Parliament has broadly supported strengthening the sustainable blue economy. It has recently voiced serious concerns over the Commission's post 2027 multiannual financial framework proposals. In discussions in the Parliament's Committee on Fisheries, Members of the European Parliament criticised, inter alia, the lack of a dedicated successor to the EMFAF, the scale of proposed budget cuts and the high flexibility left to Member States, warning that without legally ring fenced support and clear EU level rules, fisheries and smaller blue economy segments risk being crowded out by larger sectors in broader instruments. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), Lithuania was initially 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 June 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). In November 2023, the Council adopted an amending implementing decision greenlighting the modified plan. In May 2024, a Commission implementing decision released €14.9 million linked to the first payment. It also reduced the financial contribution by €8.7 million, based on the partial non-fulfilment of a milestone linked to a reform measure. In March 2026, the European Commission released an additional €50.4 million to Lithuania under the RRF, linked to the third payment. Lithuania's NRRP has been modified several times. The Council approved the fourth modified plan in February 2026. The latest revision comprises 32 reforms and 10 investment measures, to be completed by 31 August 2026. Lithuania has so far received 70.1 % of the resources, or €2 694.1 million (in the form of pre-financing, three grant and two loan payments). The disbursements are slightly above the current EU average of 69 %. Further payments will depend on progress made in implementing the plan. 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. Fifth edition. The 'NGEU delivery' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The European Parliament is due to adopt its negotiating mandate for the EU's 2028-2034 budget during the April plenary session. The report of the Committee on Budgets (BUDG) defends a budget set at 1.27 % of EU gross national income (GNI), with the debt servicing for the Next Generation EU (NGEU) recovery fund (0.11 % of GNI) set outside the budget ceilings. This is a 10 % increase compared with the Commission proposal. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Water scarcity has become a structural issue, rather than a temporary crisis. Sustained pressure on water systems, due to rising demand, environmental degradation and climate change, has created lasting 'water bankruptcy' with significant consequences for public health, economic resilience, food security, social stability, and international security. Against this backdrop, effective governance to manage water resources, notably through coordination between various levels of governance and stakeholders ('integrated water resource management', IWRM) is of primary importance. This requires sustained investment, reliable data and strong institutions. However, IWRM implementation remains uneven across countries, notably as regards transboundary water resources. While many countries share rivers, lakes and groundwater reservoirs, existing cooperation remains incomplete and often ill-adapted to long-term scarcity. International legal frameworks provide guiding principles, but their translation into actual agreements is limited, fragmented and often weakly enforced. Some transboundary deals have contributed to sparing the human right to water from geopolitical tensions; however, water resources are increasingly instrumentalised in disputes and conflicts. Opportunities to strengthen cooperation and build trust between countries sharing the same watercourses ('riparian countries') include enhanced capacity-building, more effective and diversified financing, transparent data-sharing and a credible dispute resolution mechanism. Moreover, to sustainably adapt to water bankruptcy, water policies should encompass broader social and economic trade-offs beyond quantitative water allocations. The European Union's role in water diplomacy is part of its external action agenda, integrating cooperation on development, security and human rights. The EU promotes a nexus approach linking water with energy, food and ecosystems, at global level and through regional initiatives to support transboundary water management. The European Parliament acknowledges that water is a strategic priority for peace and security. It calls for stronger international engagement, improved enforcement mechanisms, and greater political commitment, including the creation of a dedicated EU representative to address international water-related risks and foster cooperation. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This study provides an evidence based assessment of the value for money of EU transport investments in the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework proposal, examining how CEF Transport, cohesion funds, the European Competitiveness Fund, InvestEU and EIB lending interact and how flexibility and performance frameworks can best support TEN T completion, decarbonisation, security and cohesion objectives. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

In June 2025, the European Commission published the interim evaluation of the 2021-2030 strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training to assess progress made towards developing the European education area (EEA). The evaluation has provided input into the Council's review of the strategic framework, to inform potential adjustments for its second cycle (2026-2030). The evaluation highlighted the strategic framework's EU added value, noting its role in promoting shared priorities, EU level targets, European cooperation and national reforms, thereby laying the EEA's foundation during its first cycle (2021-2025). EU level cooperation also fostered the EU's resilience by bolstering its capacity to respond to crises. Moreover, the evaluation found that the EEA promoted a European dimension of education and training, including by enabling structured cooperation and facilitating mobility. During the evaluation consultations, Member States expressed their commitment to continuing their cooperation through the strategic framework. At the same time, the evaluation highlighted opportunities for improvement and suggested issues to be considered during the Council's review. These issues included increasing efforts to address persistent and emerging challenges, such as teacher shortages and underachievement in basic skills; considering citizenship education as a new priority in the strategic framework's next cycle; improving cross-sectoral coordination and alignment with the European Semester; strengthening governance structures and processes; and fostering monitoring to promote evidence-based policymaking in education and training. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP