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The Iran conflict and the civil war in Sudan have fanned fears that the EU could face a repeat of the 2015 migration crisis. How well prepared is the EU now for a sudden influx of large numbers of refugees? Have the lessons be learnt from the last crisis? What would be the main areas of concern?
The EU has put in place a system to address the diversion of drug precursors – substances that have legitimate commercial or industrial applications but are also used to produce illicit drugs. The two regulations in force impose strict conditions on trade in precursors. However, developments in drug markets have created challenges for the existing instruments. To address concerns confronting the EU framework, the Commission has presented a proposal for a regulation that would cover both intra-EU and external trade in these substances. This briefing presents the proposal and keeps track of related legislative developments.
As femicide numbers in EU states show no sign of decreasing, a number of states have enacted laws to specifically address the murder of women. The European Parliament is urging for a recognition of this crime at EU level.
Multimodal Digital Mobility Services (MDMS) integrate transport modes like rail, buses, bikes, taxis and car-sharing into one platform for planning, booking and payment. The EU sees MDMS as key to greener, more integrated mobility under the Green Deal and Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. Key debates focus on data sharing, interoperability, integrated ticketing, passenger rights and platform governance. Challenges include fragmented booking systems, poor connections, higher costs, and uncertainty around transfers.
The use of AI companions has risen sharply in recent years, particularly among young users. Children, who are still developing cognitively and emotionally, are especially vulnerable. In some instances, they have been exposed to sexualised conversations or prompted to engage in self-harm or suicide. These risks highlight the need for stronger safeguards and careful oversight specifically for children. AI companions continue to spread across platforms and age groups, the need to address their social, psychological, commercial and environmental impacts becomes increasingly pressing. To date, very few countries have put forward legislation to regulate them and address these issues. The EU does not have a specific legal framework that focuses on AI companions. However they may fall within the scope of certain legislative frameworks such as the AI Act, the Digital Services Act and the General Data Protection Regulation.
The Industrial Accelerator Act aims to support ‘Made in EU’ industrial production of low-carbon products and technologies in light of global pressures.
This briefing presents an overview of recent developments concerning nuclear fusion at global and EU level. It also examines key proposals related to the upcoming proposals in related to the upcoming EU multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034, and outlines its potential positive impact on the EU’s competitiveness.
Artificial intelligence offers opportunities to make healthcare more effective, more accessible for all, with better outcomes for patients and national health systems. While AI offers wellbeing benefits for vulnerable groups such as older adults, young people, and children, it also carries significant risks that require careful management.
Since 2024, the EU has started developing a coordinated approach to providing affordable and sustainable housing.
The Commission proposal for a performance framework regulation is part of the the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework, and defines the following horizontal spending principles: climate and biodiversity, ‘do no significant harm’ to the environment, social policies and gender equality.