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La entrada Agenda – The Week Ahead 20 – 26 July 2026 se publicó primero en Fórum Diplomático.

Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical uncertainty and mounting economic and trade tensions, the eight-member delegation will engage with its Chinese counterparts on key issues of mutual interest.

Discussions will focus on the evolving and multifaceted EU-China relationship, with particular attention on issues of strategic importance to the EU, including the geopolitical implications of growing economic imbalances, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the human rights situation in China, and peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The delegation, led by Foreign Affairs Committee Chair David McAllister, will also engage on areas of shared interest, including multilateralism, international public health and climate diplomacy.

Among others, the Foreign Affairs Committee MEPs will meet with foreign minister Wang Yi, the leadership of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and its foreign affairs committee, as well as with the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC).

Members will also have discussions with EU diplomatic missions in Beijing, and with scholars at the Institute of European Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). In Shanghai, MEPs will hold a series of meetings with representatives of the municipal authorities and local tech companies. They will focus on the technological dimension of EU-China relations including tech sovereignty and competition, as well as the global governance of artificial intelligence.

Members of the delegation

David McAllister, (EPP, Germany), Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

Engin Eroglu, (Renew Europe, Germany), Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the People’s Republic of China

Nicolás Pascual de la Parte (EPP, Spain)

Javi López (S&D, Spain)

Lucia Annunziata (S&D, Italy)

Jaroslav Bžoch (PfE, Czechia)

Adam Bielan (ECR, Poland)

Hilde Vautmans (Renew Europe, Belgium), Foreign Affairs Committee Standing Rapporteur on China.

Background

The visit to Beijing and Shanghai on 21-23 July is one of the most significant foreign policy engagements undertaken by the Committee in its current term and follows a visit by Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee in late March 2026. A delegation of MEPs travelled to China in May to participate in the 43rd EU-China Inter-Parliamentary Meeting, and the International Trade Committee is expected to visit the country later in 2026.

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La entrada Press release – EU-China relations: Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee to visit Beijing and Shanghai se publicó primero en Fórum Diplomático.

Ireland holds the presidency of the Council until the end of 2026. This text will be updated as the hearings take place.

Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee

On 13 July, Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne said the priorities are strengthening EU competitiveness, protecting citizens and safeguarding EU values. He also highlighted regulatory simplification, support for Ukraine, enlargement and continued attention to the Article 7 procedure on Hungary as key issues. He added that reaching an agreement on the next long term EU budget as a horizontal priority.

MEPs focused on the issues of protecting children online and securing a permanent framework to combat child sexual abuse. They also raised concerns about rule of law developments in member states, migration and returns, digital sovereignty and spyware misuse, as well as support for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Public Health Committee

On 13 July, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill stressed the need to strengthen the EU’s autonomy and resilience to ensure access to healthcare while fostering innovation to maintain European competitiveness. She identified mental health and women’s health as key priorities of the Irish Presidency. Major legislative files will include the Biotech Act, the simplification of the Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulations, and the Clinical Trials Regulation.

MEPs focused on health funding under both the 2027 annual budget and the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). They also raised concerns about unequal access to clinical trials, innovative medicines and medical devices across the EU; and, the need to address mental health, particularly among young people, and adequate funding for the European health data space.

Committee on Culture and Education

On 13 July, Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton said the presidency will focus on educational mobility, the development of skills and including artificial intelligence, and the role of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education (STEM). The European Education Area is another area of intended progress, in particular on literacy, mathematics and sciences for all, digital skills, lifelong learning and mobility, and vocational education and training (VET). Minister Naughton also said the presidency is ready to engage in negotiations on the new Erasmus+ programme.

MEPs asked about the funding for Erasmus+ following cuts proposed for the next MFF, on plans to expand it to primary and secondary schools, and on how to prevent the programme from being only accessible to an elite. Budgetary earmarking for the EU Solidarity Corps in the next MFF, the European Education Area, and an EU approach to the access of children and adolescents to smartphones were also raised. MEPs asked about support measures for VET students and about the EU Youth Dialogues.

Agricultural and Rural Development Committee

On 14 July, Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine said that the presidency will try to progress “as much as possible” the negotiations on the next common agricultural policy (CAP). The next CAP must create a European framework for farmers who benefit from the single market while allowing EU countries to reflect regional realities and sectoral needs, according to the minister.

In their reactions, MEPs warned against the risk of fragmented CAP conditions for producers due to excessive national discretion. They agreed with the minister on the need to simplify rules for farmers and to support young people entering the agricultural sector.

Foreign Affairs Committee

On 14 July, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee said supporting Ukraine and advancing efforts towards a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine are among the presidency’s priorities, with a focus on the humanitarian situation in the region. Regarding Iran, the presidency intends to engage with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and work on regional security. On enlargement, the minister stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in opening new clusters with candidate countries and highlighted the “transformative” impact accession has had on recently-joined EU members.

MEPs inquired about EU relations with China and Turkey and on how Ireland could use its connections with the UK and US to help bring an end to the war in Ukraine. They also focused on enlargement, the situation in the Middle East, a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, and the Global Europe instrument.

International Trade Committee

On 14 July, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee said the Presidency will pursue an ambitious, open and rules-based trade policy to support European competitiveness, resilience, economic security and sustainable growth. It will monitor trade and investment relations with the US and China and engage with member states and partners to make WTO reform work and reinforce the rules-based multilateral trading system. It will also steer negotiations on economic security measures to ensure they remain compatible with open, rules-based trade while protecting EU competitiveness, resilience and fair competition. The presidency marked the Industrial Accelerator Act as a priority for its six-month presidency.

Members quizzed the Minister about trade relations with Israel, notably on how to deal with goods coming from the occupied Palestinian territories and settlements. They also asked about the cumulative impact of free trade agreements (FTAs) and on the conclusion of future FTAs, notably in Asia and the Middle East, as well as digital trade agreements.

Security and Defence Committee

On 14 July, Minister of Defence Helen McEntee said Ireland is determined to play a full part in the security and defence agenda of the EU. The presidency will work on solidarity with Ukraine, on further sanctions against Russia and will have a positive approach to any proposal from the European security strategy, particularly stressing issues around maritime security. She pointed to the AGILE regulation, the military mobility package, and the defence readiness omnibus as important elements of the EU’s response to an increasingly unstable security environment. The presidency will support wider EU work on critical infrastructure security including drones and counter-drone measures, cable security and the protection of vital societal functions.

MEPs expressed particular concerns about hybrid threats as well as worries about diverse positions among member states regarding sanctions on Russia. They also asked about European strategic autonomy, defence innovations, and achieving a single market for defence.

Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee

On 14 July, Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, stressed that that equality and fundamental rights contribute to economic competitiveness. The presidency will work to advance the implementation of the new 2026–2030 EU gender equality strategy. It will also seek to reach an agreement on the horizontal equal treatment directive and to address issues relating to the care economy.

MEPs called for progress on the long-blocked equal treatment directive. They asked the minister to focus on developing the care economy, improving the recognition and certification of skills, and taking concrete action against online and offline gender-based violence, including by recognising femicide as a distinct EU crime. Members also emphasised that gender equality should be a budgetary priority in the negotiations on the EU long-term budget. Finally, they welcomed the commitment to improve gender-disaggregated data and statistics to support evidence-based policymaking.

Environment, Climate and Food Safety Committee

On 14 July, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon stressed the need to help the agricultural sector become more environmentally sustainable while remaining productive. He identified organic production and labelling, simplification, generational renewal, and the role of women in agriculture and rural communities as key priorities. He added that the presidency would steer discussions on the livestock strategy and the protein plan in a coherent manner.

MEPs focused on the proposal for the new common agricultural policy (CAP), particularly the presidency’s position on maintaining a dedicated ring-fenced budget. They also stressed the need for the food and feed safety simplification omnibus to cover also animal and human health and called for a stronger commitment to climate resilience as a prerequisite for food security and competitiveness. Finally, they asked how to raise the profile of women farmers, and raised concerns about animal welfare during transport.

Transport and Tourism Committee

On 15 July, Seán Canney, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, said that in transport the priority focus will be on four topics: competitiveness, decarbonisation, delivery for citizens and safety, and security and resilience. He committed to make progress on the Connecting Europe Facility, the air services regulation, the automotive package, clean corporate vehicles, rail ticketing and multimodal booking regulations. Efforts will also be made to reach a deal with MEPs on the roadworthiness package, military mobility and the weights and dimensions directive. Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, added that the presidency is waiting for the adoption the EU sustainable tourism strategy. Ireland will focus on promoting more balanced tourism, while supporting the implementation of new EU short-term rental rules and fostering new initiatives under the affordable housing plan.

MEPs encouraged the presidency to safeguard proper funding for transport projects under the new long-term EU budget. They welcomed the commitment to reach an agreement on the roadworthiness package and military mobility and to advance the work on passenger rights.

Development Committee

On 15 July, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond, identified humanitarian action, food security and nutrition, gender equality, and climate as key presidency issues. The presidency will seek to finalise Council conclusions on the recently-adopted joint communication on humanitarian aid. It will lead preparations for COP31 in November 2026, and continue to advocate for EU action on gender equality in the face of a global pushback. The negotiations on the MFF, including the Global Europe instrument, will remain an overarching focus.

In response, MEPs brought up the role of the EU’s global gateway initiative and efforts to support job creation in partner countries, as well as concerns around the financing of the Global Europe instrument under the next long-term budget They also referenced EU support for Ukraine, the global food security crisis, and the EU’s role in advocating for respect for international humanitarian law and the defence of humanitarian aid workers.

Constitutional Affairs Committee

On 15 July, Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne pointed to significant momentum to conclude the EU enlargement processes and the corresponding preparations for discussions on potential EU reforms, in light of the Granada declaration, Parliament’s proposals for the revision of the Treaties, and the outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe. On Parliament’s right of inquiry, he acknowledged the legal and constitutional questions that had led to an impasse, but hoped to move forward on the basis of a new proposal being prepared. On the EU Ethics Body, he committed to try to resolve outstanding issues.

MEPs focused on institutional reforms, especially ahead of enlargement. Pending electoral act reforms, completing the Union’s accession to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the Ethics Body, freedom of speech and proximity to citizens, and the APPF’s investigation into the ESN party’s compliance with EU values were also raised. On the 2022 electoral law package, the minister called for new ideas to unlock the file. On ECHR accession, he confirmed the presidency’s strong support.

Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee

The presidency will be investing the bulk of its efforts into reaching political agreement on savings and investments union, was the main message of Simon Harris, ECOFIN President, Tánaiste and Minister of Finance on 15 July. Harris told MEPs that the aim was for member states to adopt their position on the matter by October, to then be able to begin negotiations with the European Parliament. Harris also told MEPs that other priorities included work on the digital euro, simplification, the packages on securitisation and on pensions, and certain taxation files.

MEPs were broadly pleased that the presidency had an ambitious objective for thesavings and investments union blocks but also expressed some concerns that a rushed agenda could lead to inadequate results. Other questions to the minister concerned the digital euro, the energy crisis, with a link to the economic governance rules, the pensions package, and the markets infrastructure package.

Fisheries Committee

On 15 July, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, identified as priorities the implementation of the common fisheries policy (CFP), the European Ocean Pact and the EU Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) for 2028-2034. The European fisheries and aquaculture statistics file should be concluded soon, he said, and the minister expects decisions on fishing opportunities for the Baltic Sea in October, and for the Atlantic, North, Mediterranean and Black seas in December. The presidency will also work to ensure good cooperation with the United Kingdom and Norway.

MEPs expressed concern about the proposed significant cut to fisheries funding in the next MFF and asked for measures to ensure the necessary financing. They see a need for a simplification package and for action to level the playing field with fishers from third countries. On the Commission evaluation of the CFP, MEPs asked what the presidency intends to do to push the Commission to act. They also inquired into the multiannual plans for the Baltic and Mediterranean seas and the landing obligation.

Regional Development Committee

On 16 July, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers said the presidency will prioritise strengthening regional competitiveness through cohesion policy, while promoting targeted investment in rural, island, border and coastal regions, digital inclusion and simplification. He stressed the need for a place-based approach to regional development, stronger support for entrepreneurship, and continued investment to help regions adapt to demographic and climate challenges.

MEPs welcomed the focus on regional development and simplification but raised concerns about the future of cohesion funding and the risk of the renationalisation of regional policy through the proposed National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs). Several MEPs also called for adequate funding for the PEACE+ programme, greater involvement of regional and local authorities, and safeguards to ensure cohesion policy continues to reduce regional disparities across the EU.

Employment and Social Affairs Committee

On 16 July, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary said the priorities will be workers’ rights and social exclusion, strengthening the EU’s competitiveness, the need for high quality jobs, skills portability, and lifelong learning. The presidency will the upcoming Quality Jobs Act and fair mobility package, including the expected digital European social security pass (ESSPASS). Other issues cited include the use of AI and algorithms at work and persons with disabilities.

MEPs asked about plans to strengthen and ensure efficient funding for the European Child Guarantee, enforcing the mandate of the European Labour Authority, and the implementation of the Pay Transparency Directive across the EU. They welcomed the presidency’s approach on anti-poverty, in particular on combatting child homelessness, and stressed the need to address union busting and the health and safety risks related to working in extreme temperatures.

Source

La entrada Press release – Irish Presidency debriefs European Parliament committees on its priorities se publicó primero en Fórum Diplomático.

Europa se enfrenta a una amenaza sanitaria cada vez más grave debido al aumento de las temperaturas. Aunque el verano aún no termina, datos de cinco países muestran cerca de 10.000 muertes en exceso relacionadas con el calor, informó este miércoles la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS).

La región europea se está calentando aproximadamente al doble del promedio mundial, lo que convierte al calor extremo en un desafío creciente para la salud pública y la seguridad sanitaria.

“Casi 10.000 muertes en exceso, y el verano todavía no ha terminado”, advirtió el director regional de la OMS para Europa, Hans Henri P. Kluge. “No se trata de un desastre natural; se repite cada año porque demasiados gobiernos siguen tratando el calor como un fenómeno meteorológico y no como una emergencia sanitaria”.

Prepararse antes de las olas de calor

Ante este escenario, la OMS publicó una nueva edición de su guía para los Planes de Acción sobre Calor y Salud, un documento que ofrece a los países un marco para prepararse de forma permanente frente a las olas de calor, en lugar de reaccionar únicamente cuando estas ya se han producido.

La guía propone ocho componentes esenciales, entre ellos fortalecer la gobernanza, establecer sistemas de alerta temprana, identificar a las poblaciones más vulnerables, reforzar la comunicación con la ciudadanía, preparar a los sistemas de salud, reducir la exposición al calor y mejorar la vigilancia y evaluación de las medidas adoptadas.

Además, incorpora cinco documentos con recomendaciones específicas para los sectores de salud, trabajo, planificación urbana, servicios sociales y educación, junto con un banco de mensajes de salud pública listo para ser utilizado durante episodios de calor extremo. 

Hospitales más resilientes

Las olas de calor incrementan las hospitalizaciones y ponen bajo presión a centros de salud que, en muchos casos, no fueron diseñados para soportar temperaturas tan elevadas. El sobrecalentamiento de los edificios puede afectar el suministro eléctrico, los sistemas de refrigeración y los servicios informáticos, además de aumentar el estrés térmico entre pacientes y personal sanitario.

La OMS destacó el caso del hospital Buhuși, en Rumania, que habilitó un espacio climatizado para atender a personas con golpes de calor, distribuye agua fresca, capacitó a su personal para detectar los primeros síntomas del agotamiento por calor y busca instalar un sistema de refrigeración de alta eficiencia en todo el edificio.

La organización también apoya a varios países mediante el Índice de Seguridad Hospitalaria, una herramienta que permite evaluar si los hospitales podrán seguir funcionando durante emergencias. Armenia, Georgia, Kazajistán, Polonia y Ucrania ya han realizado evaluaciones y programas de capacitación con apoyo de la OMS para fortalecer la preparación de sus sistemas sanitarios.

La población también tiene un papel

La nueva guía subraya que la población no debe ser vista únicamente como receptora de alertas, sino como un actor clave para proteger su propia salud y la de quienes la rodean. Como ejemplo, la OMS destacó el plan del Reino Unido frente a fenómenos meteorológicos extremos, que utiliza un sistema de alertas por colores vinculado a medidas concretas para los servicios de salud, las autoridades locales, los grupos comunitarios y la población. Cuando algunas zonas del país alcanzaron temperaturas de hasta 37,7 °C en junio de este año, el sistema activó automáticamente las alertas correspondientes.

La OMS advirtió que el aumento de las temperaturas en Europa no puede afrontarse únicamente con acciones dentro del continente. En julio de 2024, el Secretario General de las Naciones Unidas, António Guterres, pidió a todos los países elaborar planes nacionales de acción frente al calor y reforzar la cooperación internacional para responder a este fenómeno, una iniciativa en la que participan diez entidades de la ONU, incluida la OMS.

“En los últimos cuatro años, el calor ha causado más de 200.000 muertes en nuestra región y la mortalidad relacionada con las altas temperaturas ha aumentado un 30% en las últimas dos décadas”, recordó Kluge. Sin embargo, insistió en que muchas de esas muertes pueden evitarse. “Sabemos cómo proteger a las personas: alertar tempranamente a las comunidades, hacer las ciudades más frescas, garantizar el acceso al agua y a la sombra, vigilar a quienes corren mayor riesgo y preparar los sistemas de salud antes de que las temperaturas alcancen su máximo”, concluyó.

La entrada La OMS pide tratar el calor extremo como una emergencia sanitaria se publicó primero en Fórum Diplomático.

On Wednesday, MEPs and the Irish Presidency of the Council reached a provisional political agreement on the creation of a programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE), a new €115 million instrument designed to provide rapid, agile and targeted financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – including start-ups and scale-ups – developing emerging and disruptive defence technologies. Today’s agreement ensures EU support for SMEs across the EU to be at the centre of defence innovation.

The programme is designed to stimulate innovation with fast-track grants and access to testing and certification. It provides a way for member states to be involved in setting challenges to ensure the products developed met their capability needs. It simplifies procurement of products supported by AGILE.

AGILE seeks to accelerate defence innovation among SMEs across the EU and demonstrate that SMEs and start-ups can provide the technological solutions to Europe’s capability needs and play a role in reducing Europe’s strategic dependencies. This will help make the case for increased support to be directed towards SME innovation in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

The co-legislators worked constructively and pragmatically together to ensure that this pioneering programme can be implemented and operational within months.

Main elements of the agreement

– Focus on SMEs and disruptive innovation: the deal confirms the programme’s focus on SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups working on emerging and disruptive defence products, including the adaptation of civil technologies for defence applications, to help bridge the gap between development and deployment.

– Speed and scope: the agreement maintains the fast-track, four-month time-to-grant envisaged by the Commission, reinforcing AGILE’s role as a nimble complement to the EU’s existing defence industrial toolbox.

– Connection with defence industrial “primes”: the new programme will facilitate the connection between SMEs and so-called defence industrial “primes”, the major defence industry companies that dominate the sector, including through dedicated matchmaking to increase uptake of AGILE supported products.

– Access to testing: the deal confirms fast-track access to testing and experimentation facilities to address a key barrier for SMEs in bringing products to market.

Quotes

“With a swift agreement on AGILE, we are accelerating the path from innovation to deployment while strengthening our SMEs, ensuring support for Ukraine, reinforcing safeguards against strategic dependencies, enhancing security of supply, and providing robust oversight to help shape future EU defence initiatives” lead MEP for the Security and Defence Committee (SEDE) Tonino Picula (S&D, Croatia) said.

“Europe cannot afford to be slow when the threat is quick. AGILE is our answer: funding out quickly, bureaucracy stripped away, and the door firmly shut to those who do not share our values. Innovation is Europe’s strength. Let us finally use it.” lead MEP for the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE) Ivars Ijabs (Renew, Latvia) said.

“With AGILE, we are creating the conditions for new defence technologies to be developed, tested and deployed more quickly, so that innovation reaches Europe’s armed forces faster. The agreement reached today is a strong signal that Europe can act with speed and determination when it comes to strengthening its security. Just four months after the Commission presented its proposal, Parliament, Council and Commission have delivered a political agreement through swift, constructive and highly productive cooperation.” SEDE chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (Renew, Germany) said.

ITRE Chair Borys Budka (EPP, Poland) said: “As Ukraine is relying on European support, our SMEs need targeted programs to accelerate transition from prototype to operational capability. AGILE is built to close that gap. The Russian aggression has rewritten the rules of engagement: the side that innovates faster, wins. Europe cannot afford to let its most promising defence innovators be slowed down by bureaucracy. Our job now is to prove this model works in practice, so it can serve as the blueprint for the upcoming European Competitiveness Fund and the next generation of defence programmes. Europe’s security depends on backing innovators who can turn promises into reality the fastest.”

Next steps

The provisional agreement must now be formally endorsed by Parliament and Council. Once adopted, the regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal. The new programme is on track to become operational from early 2027.

Background

While the EU has already developed a substantial defence innovation framework, mostly aiming at long-term and large-scale projects, AGILE aims to address the fact that emerging and disruptive technologies (including AI, quantum computing, robotics, cyber capabilities, and space systems) are increasingly decisive for military effectiveness.

The AGILE programme will support the rapid innovation capacity of SMEs, including innovative startups and scaleups, in delivering emerging and disruptive defence products and technologies that address the most urgent challenges faced by member state armed forces, with a focus on cost-efficiency and reducing strategic dependencies on non-associated third countries.

Source

La entrada Press release – EU defence innovation: deal with Council on new AGILE programme se publicó primero en Fórum Diplomático.

On Tuesday, the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee adopted by 37 votes in favour, 4 against and 8 abstentions, its position on the proposed update of EU rules on the production, labelling, certification, and trade of organic products.

Labelling requirements for products from non-EU countries

According to the adopted text, the EU organic production logo can be used for the labelling, presentation, and advertising of products imported from third countries, only if they meet equivalent standards and comply with additional specific production and control requirements. 

These rules aim to improve consumer confidence in organic food and ensure fair competition between EU and non-EU operators.

Exemptions for small operators selling unpackaged organic products

Small operators selling unpackaged organic products directly to consumers are currently exempted from the organic certification requirements if they meet certain criteria based on turnover, sales volume, and certification costs.

Recent price increases have pushed several of these producers above the turnover threshold, resulting in many losing their entitlement to this exemption. MEPs agreed to increase the yearly turnover from €20,000 to €25,000, and the sales volume from 5,000 kg to 10,000 kg annually, to extend the coverage of the exemption.

New conditions for livestock housing

Rules on poultry houses built for fattening poultry and for daytime open air access will be modified to cut administrative and logistical costs.

Quote

Rapporteur Camilla Laureti (S&D, IT) said: “My goal is to provide the sector with a stable regulatory framework that simplifies certain rules where possible, without overturning them after just a few years of implementation. It is a framework that maintains the quality and therefore the reputation of the sector, in Europe and globally, while respecting consumers.”

Next steps

The committee also adopted by 40 votes in favour, eight against and one abstention the decision to enter into negotiations with the EU Council on the final shape of the legislation. The text will be put for a plenary vote as soon as possible. The EU co-legislators will try to reach an agreement before the end of 2026, as the current rules for organic food imports expire on 31 December 2026.

Background

Following a Court of Justice’s judgment of 4 October 2024, which stated that imported products recognised under equivalence arrangements cannot use the EU organic logo, the Commission has proposed adjustments to improve clarity for consumers and prevent trade disruptions.

A Eurobarometer survey carried out in 2024 found that the EU organic production logo is the most widely recognised food label among Europeans. The logo helps consumers identify organic products and producers market them across the EU.

Source

La entrada Press release – Organic products: MEPs back measures to support EU production se publicó primero en Fórum Diplomático.

To protect minors from the impact of social media, MEPs want EU legislation better enforced and implemented. In a report adopted on Tuesday by the Committee on Culture and Education with 17 votes to three and four abstentions, they say that the online environment must be governed by the principles of privacy-by-design and safety-by-default, age-appropriate design, and algorithmic transparency.

Online platforms are responsible for protecting minors

Pointing to the impact of addictive and persuasive design features on wellbeing of children and young people, MEPs want a ban on the most harmful addictive practices and urge platforms to include risk-based safeguards for their recommender systems. They are encouraging the Commission to introduce personal liability in case of serious and persistent non-compliance with the provisions concerning the protection of minors.

The text also highlights the need for increased transparency around social media algorithmic systems, as opaque algorithms and content moderation hampers the ability of young users to understand why certain content is recommended, suppressed or removed, intentionally undermining their capacity to navigate online content.

MEPs also support the introduction of a “youth mode” disabling targeted advertising and limiting addictive design features for minors.

Regulating influencers and preventing digital overexposure of children

Noting the “increasingly significant role in shaping the perceptions, aspirations and social attitudes of children and young people” played by influencers, MEPs want the Commission and EU countries to develop an EU code of conduct for this activity and for a harmonised definition of “influencer marketing”.

Minors should be protected from commercial exploitation activities such as kidfluencing, when children are turned into influencers, and sharenting, when parents document their children’s lives online.

Consistent EU legislation

The Commission must, MEPs argue, ensure consistency among all key EU legal instruments, including the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Digital Services Act (DSA), the AI Act, and Digital Fairness Act.

MEPs also put forward proposals for

• mandatory ethical standards for ‘AI companions’ that simulate virtual friendships to prevent the manipulation of a minors’ emotional vulnerability;
• improved transparency for the training of AI models, including clear information on the datasets and materials used for AI systems, and child safeguarding measures;
• online platforms to mitigate the proliferation of AI-generated content impersonating media professionals and brands, so-called “celebrity scams”, and for the Commission to classify these as a systematic risk and intensify ongoing investigations under the DSA;
• online platforms to ensure recommender systems and content moderation mechanisms give more visibility to reliable, and age-appropriate, content and services provided by professional media organisations;
• the explicit ban of AI systems generating, manipulating or altering realistic images or videos depicting sexual content of an identifiable person without consent and synthetic child sexual abuse material (CSAM);
• systematic monitoring across EU member states, including the development of comparable indicators, on children’s digital habits, access to education and the effectiveness of protection measures, including the implementation of age restrictions, age verification, and safety settings.

Quote

“The responsibility for the safety of children and adolescents must first and foremost lie with those who design and manage digital platforms,” said rapporteur Sandro Ruotolo (S&D, IT), ahead of the vote. “The example used by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is appropriate: we do not ask children to design seat belts and we do not ask parents to install airbags. Manufacturers have a duty to ensure the safety of their products. The same principle must apply to digital platforms,” he said. “As rapporteur for the European Parliament, I fully agree with this approach. Platforms must eliminate features that encourage addiction, manipulation, and exposure to harmful content or contacts. Safety shall be incorporated into services by design”.

Press conference

After the vote, the rapporteur will take part in a press conference, at 10.30 CEST, at the Anna Politkovskaya press conference room (SPAAK 0A50) and online. Journalists who want to ask questions should join via Interactio.

Next steps

The own-initiative report will be put to vote by Parliament as a whole during the 14-17 September plenary session.

Background

According to Eurostat, on average 97% of young people in the EU used the internet daily in 2024, with global screen time ranging from an average of nine hours daily for 11-14-year groups to six hours per day for children aged 8-10 years.

Over 80% of young people in Europe use social media daily, with time spend online by children and young people aged 9-16 averaging three hours per day. This means that time spend on social networks more than doubled since 2010, according to the EU’s Joint Research Centre. Several studies report on the negative impact of excessive screen time and social media on young people’s mental health.

Source

La entrada Press release – Better enforcement of rules needed for a safer social media and online environment se publicó primero en Fórum Diplomático.

Debates

• Presentation of the Irish presidency priorities:

– Mr Seán CANNEY, Minister of State at the Department of Transport

– Mr Peter BURKE, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

• Exchange of views with the IMO and EC on the situation of the seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf

• Feedback on trilogues

– Amending Regulations (EC) No 261/2004, (EC) No 1107/2006, (EU) No 1177/2010, (EU) No 181/2011 and (EU) 2021/782 as regards enforcement of passenger rights in the Union (2023/0437(COD)) – Reporting back to committee on the negotiations (Rule 75(3)) – Rapporteur: Matteo RICCI (S&D, IT)

– Amending Directive 1999/62/EC, Council Directive 1999/37/EC and Directive (EU) 2019/520 as regards the CO2 emission class of heavy-duty vehicles with trailers (2023/0134(COD)) – Reporting back to committee on the negotiations (Rule 75(3)) – Rapporteur: Matteo RICCI (S&D, IT)

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La entrada Agenda – The Week Ahead 13 – 19 July 2026 se publicó primero en Fórum Diplomático.

Europa occidental vivió el junio más caluroso desde que existen registros, según el último informe del Servicio de Cambio Climático Copernicus, mientras gran parte del continente continúa enfrentando temperaturas extremas, incendios forestales y condiciones de sequía. 

A escala mundial, junio de 2026 fue el segundo junio más cálido registrado, solo por detrás de junio de 2024. Además, la temperatura media de la superficie del mar alcanzó un nuevo récord para este mes, impulsada en parte por el desarrollo de un fuerte episodio de El Niño. 

“Las olas de calor como esta son lo que esperamos en un clima cambiante”, afirmó John Kennedy, responsable de Información Climática de la Organización Meteorológica Mundial (OMM). 

Recordó que, desde la histórica ola de calor de 1976, Europa se ha calentado en promedio alrededor de dos grados centígrados y que el continente es actualmente el que más rápido se calienta del planeta. 

Récords de temperatura en toda Europa 

La ola de calor rompió récords mensuales e históricos en numerosos países europeos. 

En España, el Observatorio Fabra de Barcelona registró 40,5 °C el 8 de julio, la temperatura más alta medida en más de un siglo de observaciones. Bilbao alcanzó 42,7 °C, su récord histórico para un mes de junio. 

Francia registró una temperatura media nacional de 30 °C el 24 de junio, el día más caluroso jamás observado en el país, mientras que en la localidad de Pulluau los termómetros alcanzaron 43,8 °C. 

Alemania, Austria, Hungría, Polonia, República Checa, Reino Unido, Países Bajos, Dinamarca y Suiza también batieron récords nacionales o locales de temperatura durante junio. 

El calor alimenta incendios y agrava la sequía 

Las temperaturas extremas, unidas a la falta de precipitaciones, favorecieron una intensa actividad de incendios forestales, especialmente en la península ibérica y el sur de Francia. 

La OMM explicó que la ola de calor coincidió con suelos cada vez más secos en Europa occidental y central, lo que agravó la sequía iniciada durante mayo y aumentó el riesgo de incendios. 

La situación continúa en julio y ya está alimentando incendios devastadores en Francia y la península ibérica. 

El calor también mata 

La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y la OMM recuerdan que el calor extremo es conocido como “el asesino silencioso”, ya que muchas muertes relacionadas con las altas temperaturas no se registran como tales. 

Según estimaciones internacionales, entre 2000 y 2019 se produjeron aproximadamente 489.000 muertes relacionadas con el calor cada año. 

Las personas mayores, los niños pequeños, las mujeres embarazadas, quienes trabajan al aire libre, las personas sin hogar y quienes padecen enfermedades crónicas son los grupos más vulnerables. 

Sin embargo, los expertos advierten que cualquier persona puede verse afectada cuando las temperaturas son suficientemente elevadas durante varios días consecutivos. 

Las noches cálidas también representan un riesgo 

El peligro no depende únicamente de las temperaturas máximas durante el día. 

Cuando las temperaturas nocturnas permanecen elevadas, el organismo no logra recuperarse del estrés térmico acumulado. 

“El cuerpo permanece sometido a estrés durante las 24 horas del día”, explicó Armel Castellan, asesor técnico sobre calor extremo de la Oficina Conjunta de la OMS-OMM sobre Clima y Salud. 

En las ciudades, este fenómeno se agrava por el denominado efecto isla de calor urbana, que puede elevar varios grados la temperatura percibida y mantener las noches significativamente más cálidas que en las zonas rurales. 

Prepararse para un riesgo cada vez mayor 

La OMM recuerda que el Grupo Intergubernamental de Expertos sobre el Cambio Climático prevé que las olas de calor extremas sean cada vez más frecuentes, más intensas y más duraderas. 

Por ello, junto con la OMS y sus Estados Miembros, impulsa sistemas de alerta temprana, planes de acción frente al calor extremo y herramientas para ayudar a gobiernos y comunidades a prepararse y reducir los riesgos para la salud, las infraestructuras y los ecosistemas. 

La entrada Europa occidental vivió el junio más caluroso jamás registrado se publicó primero en Fórum Diplomático.

Treinta y un años después del genocidio de Srebrenica, tres supervivientes que hoy trabajan en el Centro Memorial del Genocidio de Srebrenica aseguran que preservar la memoria de las víctimas es también una forma de combatir el negacionismo y evitar que la historia se repita.

Con motivo del Día Internacional de Reflexión y Conmemoración del Genocidio de Srebrenica, que se conmemora cada 11 de julio, Almasa Salihovic, Azir Osmanovic y Amra Begic Fazlic compartieron con Noticias ONU sus recuerdos y explicaron por qué decidieron dedicar su vida a conservar la memoria de las más de 8300 personas asesinadas en julio de 1995.

Recordar también ayuda a sanar

Almasa Salihovic tenía ocho años cuando sobrevivió al genocidio. Perdió a su hermano y a varios tíos durante la masacre.

Cinco años atrás decidió comenzar a trabajar en el Centro Memorial de Srebrenica para contribuir a preservar la historia de las víctimas.

“Estoy convencida de que recordar ayuda a sanar, ayuda a sanar a tu familia”, afirmó.

Cada vez que cuenta la historia de su hermano y de su familia, siente que también está contando la historia de miles de personas que vivieron la misma tragedia.

Un memorial construido donde miles buscaron protección

El Centro Memorial de Srebrenica se levanta en el mismo lugar donde miles de personas buscaron refugio bajo la protección de los cascos azules de las Naciones Unidas.

Hoy conserva documentos, testimonios y objetos personales recuperados de las fosas comunes para mantener viva la memoria de las víctimas.

Entre ellos se encuentra una bota perteneciente al primo de Azir Osmanovic, asesinado cuando tenía apenas 16 años. Sus dos hermanos también murieron durante el genocidio.

“Es parte de nuestra historia y de nuestra obligación hablar del genocidio de Srebrenica y de todo lo que vivimos aquí”, aseguró Osmanovic.

La negación es la última etapa del genocidio

Más de tres décadas después, los supervivientes consideran que la amenaza no ha desaparecido.

“Lo que más me asusta es que haya personas que lo nieguen”, afirmó Salihovic.

Explicó que muchos jóvenes están creciendo con narrativas falsas que sostienen que el genocidio nunca ocurrió o que quienes murieron eran únicamente combatientes.

Para Amra Begic Fazlic, quien regresó a vivir a Srebrenica en 2003 después de haber huido durante la guerra, la negación constituye una amenaza adicional.

“Según la definición, la negación es la última etapa del genocidio. Desgraciadamente, en Bosnia podemos hablar ahora incluso de una etapa más: la glorificación de los criminales de guerra”, advirtió.

El mayor crimen en Europa desde el Holocausto

La guerra de Bosnia y Herzegovina dejó más de 100.000 personas muertas y más de dos millones de desplazados entre 1992 y 1995.

En julio de 1995, las fuerzas serbobosnias tomaron Srebrenica, una zona que había sido declarada segura por el Consejo de Seguridad de las Naciones Unidas, y asesinaron a más de 8300 hombres y niños musulmanes bosnios. Alrededor de 25.000 mujeres, niños y personas mayores fueron expulsados por la fuerza.

La Corte Internacional de Justicia y el Tribunal Penal Internacional para la ex Yugoslavia calificaron posteriormente la masacre como un acto de genocidio.

Las Naciones Unidas también reconocieron posteriormente su fracaso colectivo para impedir la matanza.

Un día para preservar la memoria

En mayo de 2024, la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas proclamó el 11 de julio como el Día Internacional de Reflexión y Conmemoración del Genocidio de Srebrenica de 1995.

La resolución condena toda negación del genocidio, insta a los Estados Miembros a preservar los hechos históricamente comprobados mediante la educación y la memoria, y pide reforzar los esfuerzos para prevenir futuros genocidios.

Con motivo de la conmemoración de este año, las Naciones Unidas celebraron un acto en la sede de Nueva York para recordar a las víctimas y reafirmar el compromiso de la comunidad internacional con la verdad, la justicia y la prevención de las atrocidades masivas.

La entrada Los supervivientes de Srebrenica alertan de que la negación del genocidio amenaza la memoria de las víctimas se publicó primero en Fórum Diplomático.