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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

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

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

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

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

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

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

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

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

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

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

The European Parliament's consent is required for the conclusion of a new protocol associated with the EU-Côte d'Ivoire fisheries agreement. The protocol sets out the fishing opportunities for the EU fleet in Côte d'Ivoire waters, and specifies the EU financial contribution in exchange, including increased support for the development of sustainable local fisheries. The consent vote will be on the plenary agenda during the October I session. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

While the proposals for the post-2027 CAP are already on the table, the Commission has also proposed to amend the current CAP rules. According to the proposal, as of 2026 the CAP requirements would be made more flexible, and red tape for farmers would be reduced. During the October I plenary session, Parliament is due to vote on the report that will serve as its formal position in interinstitutional negotiations with the Council. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Following the visit of the College of Commissioners to New Delhi in February 2025, on 17 September the European Commission and the High Representative adopted a joint communication on a 'New Strategic EU-India Agenda'. During the October I plenary session, the High Representative will present the joint communication. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The ECB’s 2025 strategy review responded to high inflation, supply shocks and broader structural transformations. The framework preserved the core of the 2021 design but introduced refinements in five areas: price stability, temporal orientation, instruments, analytical framework and communication. This briefing outlines these changes and assesses their implications, noting progress and highlighting persisting gaps. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

For more than four decades, Iran has faced various international sanctions designed to modify its regime's conduct across multiple areas of concern. These areas include nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and proliferation, support for terrorism, regional destabilisation and human rights abuses. Since 1979, the United States' (US) sanctions on Iran have evolved into a complex and comprehensive regime. Between 2006 and 2010, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) imposed multilateral sanctions specifically targeting Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile proliferation activities. The European Union (EU) has implemented the UNSC measures and, since 2010, has developed its own restrictive measures on Iran. The EU's sanctions extend beyond non-proliferation concerns to encompass measures for Iran's human rights violations, support for terrorism and assistance to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) established an agreement between Iran, the five permanent members of the UNSC, plus Germany and the EU's High Representative. This agreement provided for the gradual lifting of sanctions against Iran in exchange for limitations on its nuclear programme. Following the US's withdrawal from the deal in 2018 and the subsequent re-imposition of previously lifted US sanctions, Iran began violating its JCPOA commitments. On 28 August 2025, the three European parties to the JCPOA – France, Germany and the United Kingdom – triggered the procedure to restore all UNSC sanctions on Iran, which were originally set to definitively expire on 18 October 2025. Although diplomatic efforts were complicated by Israeli and US military strikes against Iran in June 2025, and despite the UNSC's rejection on 19 September of a draft resolution to extend the lifting of sanctions, dialogue between Iran and the European powers continues in search of a diplomatic solution to prevent the re-imposition of comprehensive UNSC sanctions scheduled for 28 September 2025. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are under strain. The People’s Republic of China’s diplomatic offensive against the Republic of China, Taiwan, has more recently been coupled with routinised large-scale and increasingly complex military exercises, incursions across the median line and an uptick in hybrid warfare tactics. China’s assertiveness has been met, and sometimes anticipated, by United States-led military and diplomatic countermeasures aimed at fostering Taiwan’s resilience within the broader context of a forceful China pushback. This paper takes stock of cross-Strait dynamics, including the action-reaction spiral which feeds Chinese insecurity and assertiveness, to present options for the European Union (EU) to bolster relations with Taiwan. Based on best practices from Group of Seven allies, the United States of America in particular, the paper argues that the EU should adopt a twin track of diplomacy and realistic deterrence, coupled with reassurances that all interested parties – including its Member States and like-minded parties – will abide by a ‘One China’ policy. The paper also argues that the EU’s support of Taiwan’s democracy needs to take into consideration its fraught and polarised domestic politics. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Saudi Arabia's foreign policy is central to the kingdom's transition from oil dependency to economic diversification under the Vision 2030 reform programme. Riyadh's strategy of multi-alignment – balancing its longstanding United States (US) security partnership while expanding ties to China, Russia, and the Global South – offers both opportunities and vulnerabilities. While this approach provides greater strategic autonomy and diplomatic influence, it also generates tensions as competition between major powers intensifies. A more confrontational US administration focused on rivalry with China may force Saudi leaders to make difficult choices, testing the resilience of this balancing act. Regional stability is critical for the success of Vision 2030, as persistent conflicts threaten investor confidence and risk diverting resources from modernisation. The Gaza war has complicated Saudi normalisation with Israel, reinforcing Riyadh's insistence on Palestinian statehood as a prerequisite for peace. Meanwhile, Iran's nuclear ambitions and proxy activities escalate regional tensions. Direct military exchanges between Iran and Israel, coupled with US involvement, have increased the risk of a broader regional conflict, posing immediate threats to Saudi infrastructure and economic interests. The European Union (EU) is a critical partner in the kingdom's pursuit of economic transformation and global influence. As Saudi Arabia's second largest trading partner, the EU is a major source of investment and technology for diversification in fields such as renewable energy and digital innovation. However, the relationship is complex, strained by persistent European concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record, including its use of the death penalty and treatment of migrant workers. These issues remain a source of friction, managed through ongoing human rights dialogues, reflecting the complex nature of EU–Saudi ties. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

In the European Union (EU), nearly 60 million tonnes of food – representing 132 kilogrammes per person – were wasted in 2022, of which over half (54 %) in households. The environmental impact of this amount of food waste accounts for 254 million tonnes of CO2 and 342 billion cubic meters of water, used in the production process. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Services account for 72% of GDP and three quarters of total employment in the EU. The performance of services in themselves is therefore a major determinant of EU economic performance, but services also matter for the competitiveness of all industries as many services are inputs into production. Intra-EU trade barriers are much lower than those applying to third countries, but barriers to trade have not fallen much in the last decade. Important barriers remain, particularly in the areas of administrative procedures and barriers to competition. Complementing the Single Market Strategy with national initiatives that apply better regulation principles to services regulation, concerted action by groups of EU Member States and actions at EU level to assess the rationale and consider the effects of restrictive services regulation can help raise public awareness of the importance of services for competitiveness. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

This study examines the evolution and prospects of trade and investment relations between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova. It situates Moldova’s shifting economic orientation within its complex geopolitical environment – marked by Russian interference and the Transnistria conflict – and outlines the impact of key milestones such as the EU-Moldova Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. The analysis highlights Moldova’s growing trade and investment ties with the EU, sectoral dynamics in agriculture, manufacturing, services, and the energy sector, as well as the economic disruption stemming from Russia’s war on Ukraine. Special scrutiny is given to the revised EU-Moldova DCFTA. The text also analyses Moldova’s EU accession process and the Moldova Growth Plan, offering insights into both the benefits and costs of deeper integration. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

International Safe Abortion Day, observed annually on 28 September, draws attention to global disparities in access to safe and legal abortion. It also provides an occasion to examine the legal and policy framework within the European Union. While competence in public health lies primarily with the Member States, EU institutions – most notably the European Parliament – have increasingly engaged with sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The dollar is likely to lose its dominant position as a world currency. The world will evolve towards a multipolar currency system which includes the euro as one of the significant international currencies. To achieve this status the Capital Markets Union (CMU) should be strengthened. In addition, to counter the dominance of the dollar payment system, the full integration of the national payments systems in the euro area should be pursued. This document was provided by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 6 October 2025. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP