Renewable energy in the EU
Ensuring a rapid growth of renewables is central to Europe’s climate ambition, achieving energy security and increasing competitiveness.
Briefings
Digital networks act legislation [EU Legislation in Progress]
The proposed Digital Networks Act seeks to establish a more integrated and harmonised EU framework for electronic communications, in support of the European Union’s connectivity, competitiveness and resilience objectives. Presented by the European Commission on 21 January 2026, the proposal would repeal and replace significant parts of the existing telecoms acquis, while also amending related instruments, with a view to simplifying the regulatory framework and ensuring more consistent application across the Member States. It includes provisions on the transition from copper to fibre networks, spectrum management, satellite authorisation, network resilience and cybersecurity, consumer protection, and cross-border market access.
EU joint defence procurement
EU joint procurement has acquired renewed urgency in light of a worsening security environment, yet collaboration remains limited despite record defence spending of in 2025 and longstanding EU benchmarks. The Union has therefore strengthened financial and regulatory incentives to increase joint acquisitions, although political, industrial and governance constraints continue to impede sustained progress.
Legal migration to the EU
In 2024, the number of international migrants worldwide amounted to 304 million, representing 3.7 % of the total population, according to data from the United Nations (UN). Their share of the population has gone up slightly compared to 1990, when 154 million international migrants represented 2.9 % of the population. With 94 million, Europe hosted more migrants than any other region in the world. As a share of the population, Europe comes second with 12.6 % after North America with 15.9 %.
Medical devices: Simplifying the rules [EU Legislation in Progress]
On 16 December 2025, the European Commission put forward a proposal for a regulation to simplify the rules governing medical devices in the EU.
Women in STEM in the EU – How to close the gender gap
Research shows that the under-representation of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering
and mathematics) has many causes, including: unwelcoming work environments in STEM jobs, family
caring responsibilities, and social norms that discourage girls from pursuing these fields. Tackling these
issues requires a combined approach including challenging rigid gender stereotypes, using gender-
sensitive teaching methods in schools, encouraging girls to choose STEM careers, and removing barriers to employment.
Women in the age of AI-enabled disinformation
Innovative digital tools often promise to make public debates more inclusive, also for women. In practice, recent AI-enabled technology – including deepfake tools – appears to facilitate an increasingly hostile information environment for women – with repercussions for their democratic participation both online and offline.
System of own resources Multiannual financial framework 2028-2034 [EU Legislation in Progress]
Article 311(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) stipulates: ‘Without
prejudice to other revenue, the budget shall be financed wholly from own resources’.
Women in politics in the EU: State of play in 2026
Achieving equal representation of women in politics is an objective pursued by the European Union as a matter of justice, equality and democracy. Gender equality in general remains an important issue for voters and political parties. While support for further progress remains strong, forces that want to slow it down have also gathered some momentum.
Food contact materials in the EU: State of play
Scientific evidence shows that migration of food contact materials into food is widespread and can pose health risks, particularly when substances are carcinogenic, toxic to reproduction or endocrine disrupting. A 2022 Commission evaluation found the current legal framework only partially effective, with gaps in enforcement, control of non-intentionally added substances and harmonisation. The European Parliament has pushed for stronger rules, contributing to recent EU-wide bans on bisphenol A and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging. Citizens and stakeholders broadly support a comprehensive revision establishing clearer standards, harmonised testing and stronger consumer protection.