Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
Secretary Rubio on President Trump’s desire to bring peace: “Of all the leaders in the world today, no leader is working harder to prevent wars or end them than President Trump is right now. That’s why we’re talking to Iran. That’s why we’re engaged with Ukraine and Russia.”
Source: European Parliament
1. Based on safety data available from occurrence reports submitted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 376/2014[1] on the reporting, analysis and follow-up of occurrences in civil aviation, there is no sufficient evidence that such an initiative would be warranted. This notwithstanding, the phenomenon of disruptive passenger behavior, whether pre-flight or during flight, is being monitored, and should evidence suggest otherwise, the Commission will assess the need to adjust its approach.
2. The Commission considers that the current requirements contained in its Air Operations Regulation[2] are adequate to address the safety risks associated with disruptive passengers. The captain may refuse to allow a person who appears to be disruptive to board when the safety of the aircraft or its occupants is likely to be endangered. Equally, a pilot in command must take all necessary measures to minimise the consequences on the flight of disruptive passenger behaviour. Additionally, cabin crew shall be trained on passenger handling and cabin surveillance, with advice on the recognition and management of disruptive passengers. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has issued a check list for cabin crew on how to deal with unruly passengers[3].
Source: European Parliament
The Commission is committed to apply the Better Regulation guidelines and toolbox[1]. The reinforced small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and competitiveness checks will be applied systematically to all envisaged legislation with foreseeable effects on companies, particularly on small businesses[2].
The proposal for a revision of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH)[3], planned for the fourth quarter of 2025, will respect the Better Regulation requirements.
The Commission has been working on the revision of REACH already under the previous mandate. This has allowed the Commission to carry out extensive consultations with stakeholders and a robust analysis of the expected impacts through the procurement of specific studies and the support of the Joint Research Centre and the European Chemicals Agency.
In the context of the Chemicals Industry Package and the objective of simplifying rules for the chemicals industry without compromising on safety and environmental protection, the Commission is currently updating the impact assessment accompanying the legislative proposal.
The updated impact assessment will focus on simplification and the analysis of impacts on SMEs and competitiveness. Moreover, the Commission will further consult and involve all relevant stakeholders to gather their views and recommendations.
For instance, a strategic dialogue on 25 March 2025 and dedicated discussions in an expert group meeting on 3 April 2025 have been organised to gather additional stakeholders’ perspectives.
Source: European Parliament
The Digital Services Act (DSA)[1] and the Code of Practice on Disinformation[2] aim to help ensure a safe, transparent online space in the EU where users’ fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, are respected.
The DSA does not define what type of content users may or may not post online nor what content constitutes disinformation. It obliges very large online platforms and search engines to assess and mitigate systemic risks[3], including to civic discourse, stemming from their services. It also mandates transparency and accountability from online platforms[4].
The DSA contains the world’s strongest safeguards of users’ rights online, e.g. by requiring platforms to publish online[5] statements of reasons for any content moderation decisions by platforms, internal and external complaint mechanisms for appealing content moderation decisions, allowing users to contest decisions and ensuring due process.
Decisions taken by the Commission under the DSA can be challenged in front of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Those taken at national level are subject to oversight of the respective legal systems in each Member State.
The Commission is bound by the Charter of Fundamental Rights[6] to respect the rights, freedoms and principles, including that to freedom of expression.
Regarding the independence of fact-checking organisations, the Commission supports the most stringent standards of integrity and accountability.
This is why the EU has supported the independent creation of the European Fact-Checking Standard Network’s (EFCSN) Code of Standards[7], the worlds’ strongest framework to maintain the highest standards of methodology, ethics and transparency.[8] These standards are upheld and enforced independently by the EFCSN.
Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission does not undertake impact assessments of plans and projects on the environment, as Member States are primarily responsible to ensure implementation and enforcement of EU environmental law. According to information provided by the Italian authorities, the construction of a weir-bridge in Pinzano for the creation of a detention basin is a measure aimed at mitigating flood risk in Italy’s Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP). Following technical assessments and studies carried out by competent authorities and discussions with stakeholders , a set of interventions was identified to achieve the mitigation effect proposed by this measure[1]. The possible environmental impacts resulting from the measure are reported in the first FRMP, which underwent a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)[2]. The measure is also included in the current FRMP. Having been the subject of an SEA already, the assessment of actual impacts requires a more defined project design of the interventions, to be evaluated through an Environmental Impact Assessment[3] and the appropriate assessment required under Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive[4]. It must also be assessed whether these interventions would have an adverse effect on the status of the body of water concerned, and, if so, whether they would be covered by a derogation under Article 4(7) of the Water Framework Directive[5].
2. Based on the information above, the Commission has no evidence that the measure infringes EU law. In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will continue monitoring the situation and may decide to take appropriate action.
Source: European Parliament
In accordance with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3084[1] and the Commission’s Cloud Security Control Baseline, the Information System uses a data infrastructure located in the European Union.
The Commission ensures the highest level of security for the Information System and the data it contains and does not consider it a security risk.
The processing of personal data under Regulation (EU) 2024/3084 is subject to Regulation (EU) 2016/679[2] and Regulation (EU) 2018/1725[3].
The Data Protection Record and Data Privacy Statement of the system were prepared in close cooperation with the Data Protection Officer of the Commission[4].
During the drafting procedure of Regulation (EU) 2024/3084, the European Data Protection Supervisor was consulted and delivered an opinion on 5 November 2024.
The EU Deforestation Regulation Committee comprising representatives of the Member States voted in favour by consensus on the draft Regulation (EU) 2024/3084 on 26 November 2024 during the examination procedure.
The Information System is an independent module of the TRACES platform[5] established by Regulation (EU) 2017/625[6]. The Commission has put in place the necessary measures to ensure the security and integrity of personal data processed, including appropriate data access control and a security plan.
The hosting service is provided as part of a framework contract of the Commission with specific guidelines to that effect, and a full contingent of technical measures are put in place as part of the infrastructure layer to ensure full security compliance of all hosted systems.
The Commission follows strictly Commission Decision (EU, Euratom) 2017/46[7] and the related implementing decisions and guidelines that are defining its functionality.
Source: European Parliament
On 26 February 2025, the Commission adopted Omnibus proposals to simplify the regulatory framework and boost competitiveness[1].
Those proposals cover sustainability reporting, sustainability due diligence, the taxonomy, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)[2], and the Invest EU programme[3]. The Commission remains deeply committed to building a greener and fairer society and economy.
The proposed measures aim to ensure that the transition to a decarbonised economy is achieved in the simplest, most cost-effective and least burdensome way for EU businesses.
This package will reduce complexity of EU requirements for all businesses, focus the regulatory framework on the largest companies which are likely to have a bigger impact on the climate and the environment, while still enabling companies to access sustainable finance for their clean transition.
The proposed measures exempt companies up to 1 000 employees from mandatory sustainability reporting and protects them from excessive sustainability information requests that they receive from larger companies or from financial institutions (trickle-down effect).
As regards the CBAM, the proposal introduces a de minimis exemption for goods below a threshold of 50 tonnes. This measure affects importers who import small quantities of CBAM goods, representing very small quantities of embedded emissions entering the EU from third countries.
At least 99% of emissions will remain in the CBAM scope, while around 90% of the importers, mostly small and medium-sized enterprises will be exempted.
Source: European Parliament
The infringement procedure INFR(2007)4011[1] concerned rules in development plans of the Irish counties favouring applicants who have certain ties to the county concerned.
Such applicants were exceptionally granted the right to apply for a building permit for a house in pre-urban rural areas where in principle construction of houses was not permitted.
The Commission decided to close the case in March 2018.
Member States have a primary responsibility to monitor the application of the relevant legal provisions and to take the necessary steps for enforcement.
In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission remains committed to overview the correct implementation of EU law by Member States.
Source: European Parliament
The draft law adopted on Thursday seeks to address speculation on the gas market and bring down prices, by introducing greater flexibility in rules on gas storage refilling.
The Industry, Research and Energy Committee has backed the Commission proposal to extend the EU’s 2022 gas storage scheme until 31 December 2027; it was otherwise set to end in 2025. The provision is designed to ensure security of gas supply ahead of the winter season.
This legislative proposal also provided MEPs with the opportunity to introduce a number of amendments to the existing regulation. These changes are aimed at easing tensions in the gas market partly generated by market anticipations stemming from the scheme’s compulsory target of a 90% fill rate by 1 November each year.
To this end, MEPs propose reducing the filling target from 90% to 83% to help balance energy security with market-based principles and bring down gas prices. Member states would be allowed to deviate by up to four percentage points from the filling target in the event of unfavourable market conditions, such as supply disruptions or high demand. The European Commission may further increase this deviation by up to an additional four percentage points if these market conditions persist.
Member states would however have to ensure that the cumulative effects of flexibilities and derogations do not bring down overall storage filling obligations to below 75%, MEPs agreed.
Next steps
The report, drafted by committee chair Borys Budka (EPP, Poland), was adopted by 64 votes in favour and 10 against, with 12 abstentions. The text will be put to a vote during Parliament’s next plenary session, from 5 to 8 May in Strasbourg.
Background
The European Union’s energy security has been a critical concern in recent years, not least in light of its dependence on non-EU countries for primary energy supplies. The 2022 energy crisis, exacerbated by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent weaponisation of gas supplies, highlighted the urgent need for additional measures to ensure stable and affordable energy supplies.
In response, the EU introduced new gas storage rules. However, the global gas market remains tight, with increased competition for liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies and persistent price volatility. As the current gas storage provisions are set to expire at the end of 2025, the Commission proposed extending these measures until 31 December 2027 to maintain predictability and transparency in gas storage utilisation across the EU.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001501/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR)
The spread of foot-and-mouth disease in Slovakia and Hungary, with some cases even being reported on the border with Austria, constitutes a real risk for Italy. Although the disease is not dangerous to humans, it is highly contagious among farm animals and can cause serious economic damage.
In 2024, Italy imported tens of thousands of live animals from countries now affected by the outbreaks. With the arrival of Easter, which is a key period for sheep and goat imports, there is a heightened risk of the virus spreading.
Given the alarm among farmers, and bearing in mind their legitimate concerns, can the Commission answer the following questions:
Submitted: 11.4.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001467/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Pascal Arimont (PPE)
The Clean Industry Pact included the adoption of measures for the chemicals industry by the end of 2025. It is also an important public health issue, not least because those measures will cover PFAS.
In late March 2025, a meeting involving members of the Commission and a number of stakeholders was held on the topic[1]. Impact on health was also discussed (how to protect human health and the environment from toxic chemicals, including ongoing work on PFAS). Stéphane Séjourné and Jessika Roswall appear to be the only commissioners to have taken part in that meeting.
Could the Commission please answer the following questions in this regard:
Submitted: 9.4.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001422/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Marit Maij (S&D), Gabriele Bischoff (S&D), Marc Angel (S&D), Johan Danielsson (S&D), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Marianne Vind (S&D)
In Venlo, truck drivers from Central Asia are on strike. Their employers, often based in Lithuania where the truck drivers barely work, exploit them, deny them transparent information, fail to comply with pay legislation and make them work under poor conditions; their trucks are not even heated. These employers instruct the truck drivers to manipulate their tachographs and to knowingly lie to police officers – for example, to lie that they have slept outside of their vehicle over the weekend and have been staying with family – to avoid problems of compliance with EU legislation. If the drivers demand their pay documentation and salary, the transport companies’ reaction is to threaten them and even to send men to use violence against them.
Submitted: 8.4.2025
Source: European Parliament
On Thursday, MEPs backed a draft law designed to strengthen Europe’s defence industry, ramp up defence product manufacturing and provide more support for Ukraine.
The Committees on Industry, Research and Energy and Security and Defence have adopted their position on the proposed creation of a European defence industry programme (EDIP). More specifically, MEPs backed measures to boost the European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB), to strengthen EU defence and further integrate the EU defence industry. These measures include a significant increase in member states’ financial contributions to the EDIP, more aggregation of orders for the development of defence products, and enhanced use of joint procurement.
MEPs want the new programme to focus on improving the supply of weapons, ammunition and other crisis-relevant products, boosting manufacturing capacities or ensuring their ramp-up, reducing lead times for production and delivery, and increasing stockpiling.
Other principles agreed by MEPs to strengthen Europe’s defence capacity include the following:
Military support for Ukraine
As part of the new EDIP regulation, MEPs also backed a Ukraine Support Instrument (USI) to ensure the Ukrainian defence industry’s modernisation and integration within the EDTIB. This EU funding would scale up direct investment in Ukraine’s defence industry, facilitate partnerships between EU and Ukrainian defence actors and increase EU procurement of defence capacities produced in Ukraine, including for Ukraine itself.
Quotes
“Our position on the EDIP sends a strong message to the Council to finalise its own position in order to start interinstitutional negotiations. The European Parliament will insist on establishing a strong regulation that will incentivise EU member states to boost joint procurement in order to build common European defence capabilities – stronger, strategic, efficient and united,” said Marie‑Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (Renew Europe, Germany), Chair of the Committee on Security and Defence.
“Today, Parliament has come together with an unprecedented sense of urgency and purpose. In record time, we’ve forged a broad and determined majority in support of strengthening Europe’s defence industrial base – because this is no longer just an option, it’s a strategic imperative. Europe stands at a historic crossroads. Faced with Russia’s threats, we must act with unity, ambition and resolve. Investing together, developing critical military capabilities jointly, and aligning our spending efforts at EU level is the only way forward. It’s time to end our dependence on external actors. A sovereign Europe is a stronger and safer Europe, and this vote on the EDIP is a clear step in that direction”, said Raphaël Glucksmann (S&D, France), co-rapporteur from the Committee on Security and Defence.
“The adoption of the EDIP report by a large majority today marks a major step for the security of the European continent and the strengthening of our defence industry. With this vote, the European Parliament is setting the bar high for the EU to enhance the sovereignty and resilience of our countries, build an effective governance framework, and design an ambitious and realistic financing solution. Our committees’ work in accelerated procedure means Parliament is ready to tackle the upcoming trilogue stage as soon as the Council has determined its position. This outcome, both in substance and pace, seemed impossible to achieve just a few weeks ago; with this important step, we have shown that our institution is rising to the challenge on this crucial issue for the future of Europe”, said François-Xavier Bellamy (EPP, France), co-rapporteur from the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy.
Next steps
The report was adopted by 70 votes to 46 with 8 abstentions. MEPs also decided to open negotiations with the Council to finalise the law, with 90 votes in favour, 20 against and with 5 abstentions. Parliament as a whole will be notified of this decision during the May plenary session.
Background
The European Commission put forward a proposal for a European defence industry programme (EDIP) regulation on 5 March 2024. The EDIP – with a proposed budget of €1.5 billion – seeks to achieve defence industrial readiness by bridging the gap between short-term emergency measures, such as the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) and the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA), that have been implemented since 2023 and will end in 2025, and a more structural, long-term approach.
The EDTIB comprises a number of large multinational companies, mid-caps and over 2,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, with an estimated combined annual turnover of €70 billion.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001498/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Geadis Geadi (ECR)
Against the backdrop of an international conference at ADA University in Baku, the President of Azerbaijan made public statements of support for the separatist formation in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus – a Member State of the European Union. He explicitly expressed his intention to support the ‘independence’ of the so-called ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ and the active cooperation of his country towards precisely this end.
This position violates the relevant UN Security Council resolutions (in particular Resolutions 541 and 550), international law and the EU’s fundamental principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its Member States.
In view of this:
Submitted: 11.4.2025
Source: EuroStat – European Statistics
European Commission Statement London, 24 Apr 2025 Thank you very much, Keir. It is good to meet a friend again and to be here with you We are friends, and we are Europeans, we are very like-minded.
The President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom met today and agreed to strengthen the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
They agreed on the shared challenges facing the European Union and the United Kingdom including the altered strategic context for the wider continent notably resulting from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. They reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The leaders agreed the UK and European Union would also continue to work closely to address wider global challenges including economic headwinds, geopolitical competition, irregular migration, climate change and energy prices, which pose fundamental challenges to the shared values of the United Kingdom and the European Union and provide the strategic driver for stronger cooperation.
The leaders reflected on the events in the Middle East overnight and condemned the egregious attack by Iran on Israel. They recognised Israel’s right to self-defence in the face of this unacceptable aggression. De-escalation by all parties in the region was of the upmost importance. They reiterated the need to coordinate the diplomatic response to the situation in the Middle East and called on all sides to show restraint and end the bloodshed. An immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza was required to create the space to allow for political solutions, the leaders underlined.
They agreed on the importance of the unique relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom in addressing such challenges and resolved, in line with our shared values, to strengthen ambitiously their structured strategic cooperation.
They reaffirmed that the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement underpin relations between them and underlined their mutual commitment to the full and faithful implementation of those agreements. They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to uphold international law and to the European Convention on Human Rights. They agreed a stable, positive and forward-looking relationship was in their mutual interests and provided the basis for long term cooperation.
They agreed to take forward this agenda of strengthened cooperation at pace over the coming months, starting with defining together the areas in which strengthened cooperation would be mutually beneficial, such as the economy, energy, security and resilience, in full respect of their internal procedures and institutional prerogatives. They agreed to meet again this autumn.
They agreed on the importance of holding regular EU-UK Summits at leader-level to oversee the development of the relationship. They agreed that a first Summit should take place ideally in early 2025.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
BOSTON – An Ashland man has been arrested and charged with transportation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Brent Vreeland, 36, was arrested and charged yesterday with one count of transportation of child pornography. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, Vreeland was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for this afternoon.
According to the charging documents, Vreeland was flagged for secondary screening at Boston’s Logan Airport upon arrival from Reykjavik, Iceland in October 2024. It is alleged that during a review of Vreeland’s cell phone, images and videos depicting CSAM were found in his Telegram Messenger app. A subsequent forensic examination of the device allegedly revealed approximately 30 media files depicting CSAM in direct messages with other unknown Telegram users. It is further alleged that Vreeland received and distributed three such videos in October 2021, depicting the abuse of minor victims between the ages of four and 10 years old. In one exchange, Vreeland allegedly asked another user to trade CSAM files for “the youngest [they] hve [sic].”
The charge of transportation of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Customs and Border Patrol, Boston Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SAVANNAH, GA: A Savannah resident has been found guilty at trial of drug trafficking and weapons charges.
Malik Javier McKenzie, 27, of Savannah, was convicted after a two-day trial in U.S. District Court on charges of Possession of Controlled Substances With Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Machinegun in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The convictions subject McKenzie to a statutory minimum penalty of 30 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison, followed by a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
As described at trial, McKenzie was the driver of a motor vehicle that recklessly avoided police after an attempted traffic stop. Following a crash of McKenzie’s vehicle, McKenzie led law enforcement on a foot chase that resulted in a physical struggle. A search of McKenzie’s person following the struggle revealed a Glock handgun in his pants pocket and a fanny pack containing distributable quantities of Cocaine, Fentanyl, Carfentanil, and Methamphetamine.
Later testing by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confirmed the presence of the various controlled substances. Testimony at trial noted that Carfentanil is a more potent, and dangerous, version of Fentanyl. Testing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) revealed that the recovered handgun bore a “machinegun conversion device” (commonly referred to as a “Glock switch”) which illegally allowed the firearm to function as a machinegun in that it expelled multiple rounds of ammunition with one sustained pull of the trigger.
McKenzie was prohibited from possessing any firearm because of previous convictions in both the U.S. District Court and the Superior Court for the Eastern Judicial Circuit of Georgia.
“I am extremely proud of our officers, investigators, and our federal partners involved in this case,” said Tracey Howard, Hinesville Chief of Police. “Due to their hard work and expertise, Mr. McKenzie is being held accountable for his actions.”
“Machinegun conversion kits are turning up more and more in our streets and at crime scenes,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “These conversion devices are illegal, dangerous, and pose a serious threat to the community. ATF is working closely with our law enforcement partners to keep these devices off our streets.”
“Guns, drugs, and violence are unfortunately all too common tools of the drug traffickers operating in our communities,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Today’s announcement demonstrates DEA’s emphatic commitment to attacking the drug dealers responsible for the devastation.”
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
This investigation took place under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer.
The case was being investigated by the ATF, DEA, and the Hinesville Police Department and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley R. Thompson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah N. Brettin.
Source: GlobalData
GlobalData highlights implications of US tariffs on IVD market
Posted in Medical Devices
On April 2, the Trump administration announced tariffs on most US trading partners, including 125% on China, 31% on Switzerland, and 20% on the EU. Days later, Trump announced a 90-day pause on some tariffs, but a 10% baseline tariff remains. These tariffs are expected to impact all 510(k)-approved medical devices manufactured outside of the US (OUS). Thus, companies with OUS manufacturing will be affected by tariffs, while companies that exclusively manufacture in the US will not be impacted. Therefore, to remain competitive in the US market, IVD manufacturers may need to absorb increased costs from tariffs or move manufacturing to the US, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Selena Yu, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Many IVD test kits have different components like primers, DNA probes, quality control reagents, tubes, and cartridges, that may be manufactured in other facilities in the US or OUS. Therefore, to remain competitive in the US market, IVD companies need to offset increased costs from tariffs. IVD companies that manufacture most of their tests in the US have an opportunity to increase their market share, as their products will remain unaffected by the tariffs.
“Importantly, the goal is to improve patient care and patient outcomes. It’s unclear whether tariffs will affect product quality. This is because moving facilities, cutting potential costs added on by tariffs, etc., can lead to a decrease in product quality.”
For example, according to GlobalData’s Sexual Health Tests SKU Tracker, the top-performing chlamydia and gonorrhea (CT/NG) dual tests in the US, based on sales volume, are Roche’s Cobas CT/NG test (44.3%) and Hologic’s Aptima Combo 2 assay (42.4%). Based on GlobalData’s MedSource Database, a database on the medical device supply chain, the Aptima test is exclusively manufactured in the US, whereas the Cobas test is partially manufactured OUS. Thus, the Hologic test is more “tariff-proof”.
Yu continues: “There are numerous approaches for hospitals and manufacturers to take when looking at the impact of tariffs on the IVD market. There may be a shift towards the US-manufactured tests due to public sentiments about using more “American-grown” products. Alternatively, hospitals may continue to use the same products despite increased test costs due to tariffs.
“The average selling price (ASP) of the Roche Cobas test is $3.41, while the Hologic Aptima assay is $9.32. This still allows for the Roche Cobas test to be at a competitive price in the market despite predicted price hikes due to tariffs. Another competitor, Cepheid XPERT CT/NG, has an ASP of $16.25 and is partially manufactured OUS; thus, the test is more at risk of losing market share due to tariffs.”
The goal of high-quality, accessible testing for patients is a side thought in the tariffs in healthcare conversation. Currently, it is unclear whether tariffs will affect care quality. Various factors, including moving facilities and cutting potential costs added on by tariffs, can lead to a decrease in product quality. Additionally, this may create a barrier to entry for innovative OUS-manufactured IVD tests to enter the US market.
Yu concludes: “The desire and necessity for a healthy population is a universal priority shared across the globe. Tariffs on diagnostic, screening, and monitoring tests can lead to patients not accessing care quickly enough if existing tests become scarce, unavailable, or too expensive in the US.”
Source: European Parliament
Following the Russian military aggression against Ukraine as of 2022, the EU has acted firmly to cut its reliance on Russian energy. REPowerEU[1], adopted in May 2022, aiming to fast forward the clean transition, diversify supplies, and enhance EU energy resilience.
The EU adopted sanctions to phase out Russian coal imports. Sanctions on Russian oil have also reduced imports from almost a third to 3% of total EU imports.
In terms of gas, the EU reduced its Russian gas imports from over 45% in 2021, to 19% in 2024, replacing it with alternatives like liquefied natural gas or pipeline gas from Norway.
With the end of Russian gas transit via Ukraine, beginning of 2025, the share could fall to 13% this year. However, Russian fuels, particularly gas, remain in the EU energy mix.
To address this, the Commission is working on a Roadmap to end Russian energy imports by fully implementing REPowerEU. The Roadmap is in the Commission Work Programme 2025.
Source: European Parliament
The EU strongly condemns the further escalation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, following increased settler violence, the expansion of illegal settlements, Israeli military operations and increased terrorist attacks against Israel.
The EU strongly opposes all actions that undermine the viability of the two-state solution. During her visit to Israel on 24 March 2025, the High Representative/Vice-President raised with Israeli authorities the EU’s concerns regarding the situation in the West Bank[1].
The EU will continue to closely monitor developments on the ground and their broader implications and will consider further action in order to protect the viability of the two-state solution, which is constantly eroded by new facts on the ground, including through settlement expansion[2]. The EU has also adopted sanctions against extremist settlers[3].
The EU will not recognise changes to the 1967 lines, unless agreed by the parties. The EU recalls that annexation is illegal under international law.
Source: European Parliament
1. The existence of free allocation exceeding emissions in the first phases of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is well known, especially between the years 2008 and 2012, but to a lesser extent also in later years. This situation was addressed already with measures taken following the revision of the ETS Directive[1] in 2018, strengthening the system, and a shortage of free allocation compared to verified emissions can clearly be seen from the start of the fourth trading period in 2021.
It should also be highlighted that the majority of excess allowances are assumed to have been sold, and to a fraction of the value quoted, since the current value of an EU Allowance is more than 10 times higher than 10 years ago.
Hence, the Commission does not see a major risk of distortion of competition.
2. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)[2] obligation to be paid by importers will be reduced by the corresponding free allocation that an EU producer would receive for the production of the same goods. This will ensure that products produced in the EU and in third countries are treated equally.
This adjustment for free allocation will include a definition of CBAM benchmarks, which in turn will be based on a combination of the EU ETS benchmarks. The gradual phase-out of ETS free allowances in CBAM sectors from 2026 to 2034 will be mirrored by a corresponding increase in the CBAM obligation. This is because the CBAM adjustment for free allocation will gradually decrease and thereby the CBAM obligation will increase.
Source: European Parliament
On 11 March 2025, the High Representative/Vice-President issued a statement on behalf of the EU[1], strongly condemning the horrific crimes committed against civilians.
The EU has called for a swift, transparent and impartial investigation to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. It welcomed the transitional authorities’ commitments in this regard, in particular the establishment of an independent investigative committee and called on them to allow the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic to investigate all violations.
The EU is in contact with interim authorities and local actors, including civil society, and consistently advocates for an inclusive, peaceful, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political transition that protects Syrians from all ethnic and religious background without discrimination.
In this context, it welcomes the commitments of the transitional authorities in this respect, stressing the importance of these commitments to be followed up with actions.
The National Dialogue process launched in February 2025 as well as the new Constitutional Declaration, whose implementation must build on standards of equal rights, and the new government appointed end of March 2025, should ensure that the transition process meets the aspirations of all Syrians and is grounded on the respect of international law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, pluralism and tolerance as well as on the values of rule of law and accountability.
Since 2011, the EU and the Member States have mobilised nearly EUR 37 billion in response to the Syrian crisis, representing the largest donors of humanitarian and stabilisation assistance to Syria and the region.
EU humanitarian aid is delivered through humanitarian partners based on people’s needs, accountability to the affected populations, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness.
Source: European Parliament
The number of people experiencing homelessness varies considerably across Member States, and there is no EU-level agreed definition of homelessness.
All Member States have pledged to work together under the umbrella of the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness[1], which represents the policy framework at EU level to fight homelessness and housing exclusion, with the overall objective to promote policies based on a person-centred, housing-led and integrated approach.
As part of the Commission’s contribution to the work of the Platform, the EU-funded Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Monitoring Framework to Measure Homelessness[2] addresses homelessness measurement challenges in the Member States.
It highlights different socio-demographic groups that are often underreported or ‘missed’ in standard data collection exercises, and the methodological challenges behind this evidence gap.
The monitoring framework is one of the key deliverables under the Platform, and it focuses on improving the evidence on homelessness. It will be further developed into a project aiming to strengthen monitoring and evaluation of current national homelessness strategies.
The possibility of developing a common definition of homelessness is also being explored in a pilot project coordinated by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven on a European homelessness count that took place in 15 cities in 2024; a second count is foreseen in the autumn of 2025 in 35 cities.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission took note that the repeat municipal election took place in Himara on 4 August 2024. Holding transparent, inclusive and credible elections in line with international standards is a key requirement for any country aspiring to join the EU.
The Commission also took note that the Central Election Commission’s Sanctions and Complaints Committee ruled to reject the request to invalidate the results of the Himara by-elections, since no discrepancy was identified between the electoral material and the number of people who turned up at the voting centres.
The EU will continue to follow electoral developments in Albania and encourage Albanian authorities to address all outstanding recommendations from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe/Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and from the Venice Commission.
The Commission attaches the highest importance to the respect of rule of law and fundamental rights, including the protection of property rights in Albania.
Through the stabilisation and association process and the enlargement process, the Commission closely follows the consolidation of property rights in Albania and assesses progress through its annual report[1].
Source: European Parliament
Council Directive 2001/110/EC[1], as amended by Directive (EU) 2024/1438[2], establishes a Honey Platform that shall, among others, provide recommendations with a view to establishing a Union reference laboratory.
The Commission launched a call to set up the Honey Platform[3] on 13 June 2024 (day of entry into force of the revised Directive), and the first meeting was held on 6 November 2024. The topic of a Union reference laboratory will be part of the subjects to be discussed by the platform.
As mentioned in reply to written questions E-000209/2024[4] and 000343/2024[5], the Commission adopted measures to address honey adulteration at EU level.
EU import requirements were reinforced with an authenticity requirement for exporting countries[6] and the import of honey is now only allowed from listed establishments.
In 2023, the Commission launched a project to harmonise analytical methods to better detect honey adulterants, and Directive (EU) 2024/1438 introduced mandatory origin labelling for honey blends and provisions allowing for progress on traceability and authenticity.
Source: European Parliament
Detention issues, including the management of detention capacity and arrangements between EU countries in this regard, are a Member State competence.
In the past, Norway and Belgium have rented detention spaces in the Netherlands to address overcrowding in their prisons. The experiment had mixed results[1] and ultimately neither Norway nor Belgium extended their contracts with the Netherlands[2].
The Commission adopted a recommendation[3] that provides guidance to Member States on how to ensure, among other things, that detainees’ fundamental rights are respected and that they are treated with dignity.
Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission recognises that the energy-intensive sectors are the backbone of the European manufacturing system but also particularly vulnerable in this phase of the clean energy transition. The Clean Industrial Deal (CID)[1] proposes actions to safeguard the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries from high energy cost and unfair global competition. Additionally, the CID foresees actions to accelerate decarbonisation through measures aimed at the clean-tech sector. To address overcapacities being redirected to the EU market, the Commission will intensify international and multilateral cooperation. The Commission has also presented a tailor-made action plan[2] for the steel and metals sectors, which account for 95% of coking coal used in the EU.
2. Concerning imports from third countries, the Commission aims to ensure a fair playing field in line with its international trade commitments and, if sufficient evidence for such practices is submitted, could utilise its trade defence instruments, such as anti-dumping or safeguard measures.
3. The Commission equally promotes sustainable development (e.g. adherence to international labour and environmental standards) in international trade, based on commitments set out in multilateral and bilateral agreements, including the rules contained in the ‘Trade and Sustainable Development’ and ‘Energy and Raw Materials’ chapters of the free-trade agreements concluded and under negotiation by the EU. The EU will continue engaging to promote internationally agreed sustainability standards.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission monitors developments related to potential distortions in the Single Market to ensure its integrity, protect investors, and maintain a level playing field for all businesses.
Regarding China, the Commission is indeed concerned about broad ranging distortions in the economy as documented in the Commission Staff Working Document of 10 April 2024[1].
The Digital Services Act[2] (DSA) protects freedom of expression and information, regulating intermediary service providers in the EU. DeepSeek models are subject to ideological censorship and is therefore in conflict with EU’s principles.
Large Language Models (LLMs) would not by themselves constitute a separate service regulated under the DSA, but intermediary services using LLMs like DeepSeek may be regulated by the DSA, depending on their features.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act[3] covers general-purpose AI (GPAI) models, such as DeepSeek, which must provide technical documentation, with further obligations for GPAI with systemic risk. GPAI models released prior to 2 August 2025 shall comply by 2 August 2027. The Commission will continue to take a vigilant and proactive approach to address any arising issues.
The AI Continent Action Plan addresses supply and demand aspects to position the EU as a leader of AI development and take-up, which is critical to ensure EU competitiveness.
This will leverage full deployment of AI Factories, which bring together AI-optimised supercomputers, data, and human talent. It will establish the AI Gigafactories to harness vast computational power to develop and deploy the next generation of AI models.
The announced European AI Research Council will further support AI research, building on more than EUR 1 billion annual investment under Horizon Europe.
Source: European Parliament
1. The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP)[1] is a Commission initiative to boost investment in manufacturing of critical technologies, digital and deep-tech innovation, clean and resource-efficient technologies, and biotechnologies. Spain can amend its Cohesion Policy funding towards these priorities under the STEP Regulation. Furthermore, Spain is currently setting up a Member State compartment under InvestEU[2] using their Recovery and Resilience Facility[3] funds and the national budget to mobilise additional private and public investments in Spain under the sustainable infrastructure, research, innovation and digitisation and the small and medium-sized enterprises policy windows.
2. The Net-Zero Industry Act[4] and the Critical Raw Materials Act[5] strengthen the EU’s manufacturing capacity for net-zero technologies while ensuring access to critical raw materials. The Commission has engaged with Spain to ensure their early implementation.
The new Competitiveness Compass[6] places competitiveness as a core principle for EU action. The Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal is a key deliverable in this regard[7]. The Commission counts on Spain to contribute to the simplification effort. The Commission will also present a Quality Jobs Roadmap to improve working conditions and labour market participation.
3. The Commission considers it important for Spain to design and implement a national exploration programme[8] to improve critical raw material potential. The Commission has published the first list of strategic projects on 25 March 2025[9]. Five of them are located in Spain and one concerns lithium. To support these projects, including early-stage exploration, Spain could develop financing instruments such as a national critical raw materials fund.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission agrees on the importance of promoting energy efficiency, including energy savings. Energy efficiency is the cheapest, safest and cleanest way to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel imports from Russia, contribute to decarbonisation and increase EU’s competitiveness.
However, the Commission is currently not considering making 16 February the ‘European Day for Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles’.
The Commission is dedicated to energy efficiency policy, including energy savings. The recently revised Energy Efficiency Directive (EED)[1] made the headline EU target for energy efficiency binding and raised the ambition for energy efficiency across the board.
This includes the obligations for Member States to step up information awareness measures, including campaigns, and establish one-stop shops for energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency was one of the three main pillars of the REPowerEU Communication of 18 May 2022, which was accompanied by the EU Save Energy Communication.
In 2022, the Commission partnered with the International Energy Agency and launched the ‘Playing my part’ campaign[2], which outlined simple steps that citizens can take to reduce their energy use.
In 2024, the Commission organised a Citizens’ Panel on energy efficiency to promote the topic among citizens. The Panel convened 150 randomly selected citizens representing all Member States, who discussed actions which could be taken on energy efficiency and adopted 13 final recommendations for the Commission.
The importance of energy efficiency for competitiveness, energy security and decarbonisation was recently confirmed in the Clean Industrial Deal and the Affordable Energy Action Plan.