The European Parliament has passed new, stricter migration rules, including faster deportations for rejected asylum seekers. The vote highlighted a significant rift between right-wing and left-wing MEPs, with supporters calling it a "historic step" and opponents labeling it a "dark chapter."
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated he and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola agreed to conclude the EU's Article 7 rule-of-law procedure against Hungary by autumn. Metsola's office offered a more cautious outlook, emphasizing the need for concrete actions and positive progress.
The European Parliament voted to pause parts of the EU's wastewater cleanup law, fearing that making drugmakers pay for micropollutant removal could lead to medicine shortages. Lawmakers approved suspending industry's obligation to pay for removing pollutants like antibiotics and microplastics, pending a new study on costs and sector blame.
The European Parliament approved stricter migration measures, granting member states wider powers to deport failed asylum-seekers. The new policy allows for "return hubs" in non-EU countries and detention for non-cooperation or security risks.
The European Parliament is poised to approve new regulations for crops developed using New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), potentially marking a significant policy shift. The vote on NGTs is scheduled for June 17, 2026, with proposed rules distinguishing between NGT-1 and NGT-2 crops.
The right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) party, led by Giorgia Meloni, is set to welcome Czech MEP Nikola Bartůšek into its EU Parliament group. This move will solidify ECR as the fourth-largest group with 82 seats, increasing its influence ahead of the 2027 mid-term reshuffle.
The European Parliament approved cutting import duties on US industrial goods, fulfilling a trade deal and averting new tariffs threatened by Donald Trump. The EU aims to meet a July 4 deadline.
The European Parliament has voted to lift the immunity of Italian MEP Fulvio Martusciello, allowing Belgian authorities to investigate bribery allegations involving Huawei. Martusciello denies wrongdoing, claiming transfers were loan repayments.
The European Parliament's conciliation committee unanimously approved a compromise on air passenger rights reform. The deal, also backed by member states, maintains current compensation rules for delays/cancellations and introduces new consumer rights, but faces criticism from airlines over increased costs.
Turkey's Justice Minister criticized the European Parliament's annual report on Turkey, calling it a political document used to attack the judiciary and interfere in the country's affairs. He asserted that Turkey's judicial system operates independently within its constitution and laws.
Avrupa Parlamentosu'nun Türkiye raporunda Adalet Bakanı Akın Gürlek'e yaptırım önerisi yer alması üzerine Bakan Gürlek, "Bu metinler üzerinden Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nin yargı kurumlarını hedef almak, milli iradeye ve devletimizin egemenlik haklarına yönelmiş beyhude bir çabadır" dedi. Yeşiller Grubu'ndan Vladimir Prebilic ise Gürlek'i siyasi yargılamaların baş aktörü olarak gördüklerini belirtti.
Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ criticized the European Parliament's draft report, which reportedly suggests sanctioning him. Bozdağ called the report a "futile effort" targeting Turkey's judiciary and sovereign rights, emphasizing that Turkish courts make decisions based on the constitution and laws.
A draft amendment to the digital euro regulation suggests that individuals targeted by unilateral sanctions from third countries, not recognized by the EU, could still access digital euro payment services. This aims to prevent situations where EU citizens are cut off from financial systems due to non-EU imposed sanctions.
EU lawmakers have successfully defended passenger rights in a reform of flight compensation rules. Compensation amounts remain unchanged, but airlines must simplify the process and eliminate certain fees, such as for name changes or sitting next to a child.
The European Parliament is resisting proposals to weaken EU Regulation EC261, which protects air passenger rights. Proposed changes could drastically reduce compensation for delays and cancellations, making claims harder to enforce and eroding passenger protections.
The European Parliament will replace Google with Qwant, a privacy-focused European search engine, on its in-house computers starting June 4. This move aligns with the EU's broader strategy to reduce dependence on US tech giants and enhance digital sovereignty, though critics warn of potential protectionism and internet fragmentation.
An EU Parliament committee approved revoking Italian MEP Fulvio Martusciello's immunity over the Huawei-gate scandal, while rejecting similar requests for three other MEPs. The vote highlights tensions between political groups and distrust in Belgian judicial investigations.
The European Parliament's legal affairs committee voted not to lift the immunity of three MEPs linked to a Huawei cash-for-influence probe, but approved lifting it for one. The committee is criticized for political deal-making and weak evidence handling.
The EU Parliament supports maintaining the 3-hour delay threshold for flight compensation, rejecting proposals for a longer delay. Discussions also cover hand luggage rules and free seating for children.
The European Parliament's trade committee approved legislation implementing a trade deal with the US, agreeing to eliminate tariffs on US industrial and agricultural goods. Lawmakers aim to finalize the process before July 4, when Trump threatened higher tariffs.
Staff unions in the European Parliament are protesting alleged political cronyism in hiring for administrative roles, claiming connections to political parties take precedence over merit. Elections for the Staff Committee are underway, with unions highlighting the issue of "revolving doors" between political and administrative positions.
The European Parliament voted to lift Spanish far-right lawmaker Luis “Alvise” Pérez's immunity, allowing Spanish authorities to investigate alleged campaign finance violations involving a €100,000 donation. This follows previous immunity waivers for harassment charges.
The European Parliament has approved a proposal to double import tariffs on steel products to 50% and cut duty-free quotas by 47% to protect the EU's steel industry from cheap Chinese exports. The measures, which aim to combat global overcapacity largely attributed to Chinese subsidies, are expected to take effect on July 1st after final approval by member states.
The European Parliament has blocked fraud investigations against CSU Vice-Chairwoman and MEP Angelika Niebler. A narrow majority voted against lifting her immunity, following a committee's recommendation based on suspicions of political motivation by the main witness, a former employee.
