Thu. Sep 17th, 2026

NEWS & BACKGROUND

EU Parliament fast-tracks defence permits and simplifies procurement

MEPs have adopted the Defence Readiness Omnibus, setting a 42-working-day default deadline for permits and tacit approval when authorities miss it. The package simplifies procurement and intra-EU transfers, expands EDF support for SMEs and Ukraine-based testing, and is intended to facilitate up to €800 billion in investment under ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030.

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MEPs debate state of the EU

SOTEU 2026: MEPs debate economy, security, climate, AI and social media

MEPs set out sharply different visions for Europe in their annual debate with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, focusing on competitiveness, industrial policy, climate action, defence, migration and children’s access to social media. Political group leaders also challenged the EU’s approach to Ukraine, Russia, Israel, public spending and the next long-term budget.

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EU Commission President, speech, EU Parliament

SOTEU 2026: Von der Leyen outlines EU security overhaul and associate status for Canada

In her 2026 State of the Union address, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposes opening a path to EU associate status for Canada, new European security structures and age-based social media restrictions. Her agenda also sets out measures on industrial AI, critical raw materials, banking and climate resilience, linking economic renewal and support for Ukraine to a more independent Europe able to act collectively in an increasingly hostile global setting.

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Savvas Papasavvas , President of the General Court of the European Union

Savvas Papasavvas elected President of the EU General Court

Savvas Papasavvas succeeds Marc van der Woude as President of the EU General Court following the early end of his predecessor’s term. The Cypriot judge, who joined the Court in 2004 and served as Vice-President from 2019, was elected by his peers to complete the remaining term until 31 August 2028.

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NEWS TICKER

BUSINESS & FINANCE

EU Parliament makes e-commerce platforms liable for imports in customs reform

The EU Parliament has finalised a sweeping customs overhaul that treats platforms and sellers shipping goods directly from outside the EU as importers responsible for compliance and charges. The reform introduces a parcel handling fee, creates an EU Customs Data Hub to replace more than 111 national IT systems and establishes a new EU Customs Authority in Lille.

Read More »
MEPs debate state of the EU

SOTEU 2026: MEPs debate economy, security, climate, AI and social media

MEPs set out sharply different visions for Europe in their annual debate with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, focusing on competitiveness, industrial policy, climate action, defence, migration and children’s access to social media. Political group leaders also challenged the EU’s approach to Ukraine, Russia, Israel, public spending and the next long-term budget.

Read More »

EU Commission clears acquisition of Baureka by BAG, EVI and REMEX

The EU Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Baureka Baustoff-Recycling GmbH by Basalt-Actien-Gesellschaft (‘BAG’), Eurovia Industrie GmbH (‘EVI’) and REMEX GmbH, all of Germany. The transaction relates primarily to waste recovery and recycling in Germany.

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U.S. Fed raises target range for federal funds rate to 3.75 – 4 percent

The U.S. Federal Open Market Committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage point to 3.75 to 4 percent, in support of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s dual mandate. The Committee approved the statement for release by a 12 – 0 vote. It is continuing its policy of maintaining ample reserves in the banking system.

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EIOPA’s Hielkema urges stronger pension governance and risk-based supervision

Speaking at the Ireland Pensions Authority’s annual conference, EIOPA Chair Petra Hielkema calls for better data, stronger trustee oversight and closer scrutiny of pension costs. With Ireland consolidating schemes and leading EU pension reform talks, she urges safeguards for savers and highlights EIOPA’s forthcoming toolkit to help policymakers design inclusive defined contribution pension systems.

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EU Commission President, speech, EU Parliament

SOTEU 2026: Von der Leyen outlines EU security overhaul and associate status for Canada

In her 2026 State of the Union address, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposes opening a path to EU associate status for Canada, new European security structures and age-based social media restrictions. Her agenda also sets out measures on industrial AI, critical raw materials, banking and climate resilience, linking economic renewal and support for Ukraine to a more independent Europe able to act collectively in an increasingly hostile global setting.

Read More »

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

EU Parliament makes e-commerce platforms liable for imports in customs reform

The EU Parliament has finalised a sweeping customs overhaul that treats platforms and sellers shipping goods directly from outside the EU as importers responsible for compliance and charges. The reform introduces a parcel handling fee, creates an EU Customs Data Hub to replace more than 111 national IT systems and establishes a new EU Customs Authority in Lille.

Read More »
MEPs debate state of the EU

SOTEU 2026: MEPs debate economy, security, climate, AI and social media

MEPs set out sharply different visions for Europe in their annual debate with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, focusing on competitiveness, industrial policy, climate action, defence, migration and children’s access to social media. Political group leaders also challenged the EU’s approach to Ukraine, Russia, Israel, public spending and the next long-term budget.

Read More »
EU Commission President, speech, EU Parliament

SOTEU 2026: Von der Leyen outlines EU security overhaul and associate status for Canada

In her 2026 State of the Union address, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposes opening a path to EU associate status for Canada, new European security structures and age-based social media restrictions. Her agenda also sets out measures on industrial AI, critical raw materials, banking and climate resilience, linking economic renewal and support for Ukraine to a more independent Europe able to act collectively in an increasingly hostile global setting.

Read More »

MEPs adopt proposals to strengthen EU Democracy Shield against foreign interference

MEPs adopted recommendations for a stronger EU Democracy Shield, seeking a well-funded coordination body, tougher enforcement of digital rules and better protection for elections, independent media and critical infrastructure. The report identifies Russia as the primary external threat. ECR opposed the text, citing concerns over EU powers, national sovereignty and interference in democratic choices.

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visualisation, AI race, USA, EU, China, Insight EU

Leading economists unveil strategy to secure Europe’s AI independence and avoid marginalisation

A coalition including Nobel laureate Philippe Aghion and former EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager has unveiled a Transformative AI Strategy for Europe. More than 40 recommendations set out how to secure access to frontier AI, expand infrastructure and prepare for AI crises. The strategy targets a 15% European share of global AI data centre capacity by 2030, combining foreign investment with stronger safeguards for Europe’s sovereignty and security.

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cybershield against cyberthreats

EU Agency for Cybersecurity launches single platform for Cyber Resilience Act reporting

The EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has deployed the initial operating capability of the Single Reporting Platform (SRP).  The Agency has developed, operates and maintains the online tool to enable manufacturers and open-source software stewards to meet their new Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) reporting obligations for actively exploited vulnerabilities and severe incidents. Designed to support effective vulnerability management across the EU, the SRP allows users to report once and communicate the relevant information to all appropriate authorities.

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SECURITY AND DEFENCE

EU Parliament fast-tracks defence permits and simplifies procurement

MEPs have adopted the Defence Readiness Omnibus, setting a 42-working-day default deadline for permits and tacit approval when authorities miss it. The package simplifies procurement and intra-EU transfers, expands EDF support for SMEs and Ukraine-based testing, and is intended to facilitate up to €800 billion in investment under ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030.

Read More »

EU Parliament makes e-commerce platforms liable for imports in customs reform

The EU Parliament has finalised a sweeping customs overhaul that treats platforms and sellers shipping goods directly from outside the EU as importers responsible for compliance and charges. The reform introduces a parcel handling fee, creates an EU Customs Data Hub to replace more than 111 national IT systems and establishes a new EU Customs Authority in Lille.

Read More »

EU Parliament demands tougher response to Russian and other hybrid threats

MEPs want the EU to shift from reacting to hybrid attacks towards anticipating, disrupting and deterring them, identifying Russia as the gravest threat while also citing Belarus, China, Iran and North Korea. Parliament backs stronger intelligence sharing, a central role for the EU’s single intelligence analysis capacity, a new cross-cutting action plan and closer cooperation with NATO.

Read More »
MEPs debate state of the EU

SOTEU 2026: MEPs debate economy, security, climate, AI and social media

MEPs set out sharply different visions for Europe in their annual debate with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, focusing on competitiveness, industrial policy, climate action, defence, migration and children’s access to social media. Political group leaders also challenged the EU’s approach to Ukraine, Russia, Israel, public spending and the next long-term budget.

Read More »

IMO chief tells Member States to stop attacks on merchant shipping

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has warned governments that attacks on merchant vessels are killing seafarers and disrupting global trade. The IMO has verified 80 attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz since 28 February, with at least 22 deaths, while vessels also face renewed violence in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov and Red Sea.

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U.S. Fed raises target range for federal funds rate to 3.75 – 4 percent

The U.S. Federal Open Market Committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage point to 3.75 to 4 percent, in support of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s dual mandate. The Committee approved the statement for release by a 12 – 0 vote. It is continuing its policy of maintaining ample reserves in the banking system.

Read More »
EU Commission President, speech, EU Parliament

SOTEU 2026: Von der Leyen outlines EU security overhaul and associate status for Canada

In her 2026 State of the Union address, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposes opening a path to EU associate status for Canada, new European security structures and age-based social media restrictions. Her agenda also sets out measures on industrial AI, critical raw materials, banking and climate resilience, linking economic renewal and support for Ukraine to a more independent Europe able to act collectively in an increasingly hostile global setting.

Read More »

Andorran Police joins Europol’s secure communication network

Europol and the Andorran Police have signed a Memorandum of Understanding connecting Andorra to Europol’s Secure Information Exchange Network Application (SIENA), further strengthening international law enforcement cooperation. Through this connection, the Andorran Police will be able to securely share law enforcement information with Europol and a wide network of European and international partners.

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European Parliament will establish an antenna office in Ottawa

The EU Parliament will open an antenna office in Ottawa to further strengthen parliamentary relations between the European Union and Canada. With a regional remit extending to the Arctic, it will also provide an important platform for parliamentary engagement on issues of growing strategic importance to both the EU and Canada.

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SUSTAINABILITY

MEPs debate state of the EU

SOTEU 2026: MEPs debate economy, security, climate, AI and social media

MEPs set out sharply different visions for Europe in their annual debate with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, focusing on competitiveness, industrial policy, climate action, defence, migration and children’s access to social media. Political group leaders also challenged the EU’s approach to Ukraine, Russia, Israel, public spending and the next long-term budget.

Read More »

EU Commission clears acquisition of Baureka by BAG, EVI and REMEX

The EU Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Baureka Baustoff-Recycling GmbH by Basalt-Actien-Gesellschaft (‘BAG’), Eurovia Industrie GmbH (‘EVI’) and REMEX GmbH, all of Germany. The transaction relates primarily to waste recovery and recycling in Germany.

Read More »
EU Commission President, speech, EU Parliament

SOTEU 2026: Von der Leyen outlines EU security overhaul and associate status for Canada

In her 2026 State of the Union address, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposes opening a path to EU associate status for Canada, new European security structures and age-based social media restrictions. Her agenda also sets out measures on industrial AI, critical raw materials, banking and climate resilience, linking economic renewal and support for Ukraine to a more independent Europe able to act collectively in an increasingly hostile global setting.

Read More »

EU AGENDA