Source: European Parliament
On the first day in office of his second term, US President Donald Trump signed a number of executive orders (EOs), including EOs withdrawing the US from the Paris Agreement on climate change and the World Health Organization (WHO). The Council and the Commission will make statements on the withdrawals during Parliament’s February plenary session.
Source: European Parliament
In her political guidelines for 2024 to 2029, the President of the European Commission announced the need for a wider comprehensive EU Middle East strategy. The High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission (HR/VP) is due to give a statement on the issue during Parliament’s February plenary session.
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-000436/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE)
In 2020, the Commission decided to withdraw part of Cambodia’s tariff preferences under the EU’s Everything but Arms (EBA) trade scheme, due to the deterioration of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law in the country.
Since then, the situation has deteriorated further, notably when it comes to trade unions, as illustrated by Parliament’s resolution adopted on 28 November 2024[1]. It calls for the EU to send a clear message that improving human rights and safeguarding civil society freedoms are preconditions for economic cooperation, trade and investment.
Supporters[2]
Submitted: 31.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000306/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Hanna Gedin (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left)
In institutions such as the EU, it is very important that civil society should have a voice – not least because the issues that civil society organisations campaign on will create a better future for us today and in times to come. Civil society is not driven by short-term economic demands; rather, it fights for people’s health, the climate, nature and our shared future. Scope for civil society participation is also a requirement under the Aarhus Convention.
Submitted: 23.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
On 10 February 2025, Members from the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs will hold the first Recovery and Resilience Dialogue (RRD) since the entry into office of the new European Commission with Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the Commission for Cohesion and Reforms and Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification.
The Recovery and Resilience Dialogue is organised under Article 26 of the Regulation establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Facility.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000396/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Daniel Buda (PPE)
Fertiliser prices in the EU have increased significantly since the start of 2025[1] due to the rise in gas prices, the weakening of the euro and global market dynamics. Farmers are paying more and more for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilisers, owing to rising urea prices, both in Europe and worldwide.
On top of this, SKW Piesteritz, the largest producer of ammonia and urea in Germany[2], has cut production and temporarily shut down one factory due to increased production costs, strict environmental regulations and cheap imports of Russian fertilisers.
The company’s directors point to a lack of action and ineffectual policy for the protection of the European market, and have stressed the need to reduce energy costs and taxes in order to maintain competitiveness. The crisis is affecting agriculture and logistics, resulting in shortages of transportation products such as AdBlue.
Submitted: 29.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000395/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Daniel Buda (PPE), Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)
In Germany, the first case of foot-and-mouth disease in four decades has been detected on a farm near Berlin[1], triggering swift action: the slaughter of infected animals; transport bans; and the suspension of exports. Trading partners such as the UK and South Korea have imposed restrictions, banning the import of cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany[2], which theatens to undermine an agricultural sector with exports worth EUR 5 billion in 2024.
Submitted: 29.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000332/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Silvia Sardone (PfE)
Following an appeal by the families of three Muslim students from Flanders, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in May 2024 that the wearing of visible religious symbols at school, such as the hijab, can be banned. The same court also ruled in 2023 that, as part of a policy of neutrality, the use of symbols such as the hijab can be banned in public places. All too often we see girls in hijabs at schools in Europe, having been forced by their fathers to wear them, even though they have obviously not been through puberty yet. If, as they say, wearing a headscarf is a free and conscious choice, it is clear that it cannot be made by a child at nursery or primary school. Unfortunately, the hijab is increasingly often being used as an instrument to oppress and subjugate women.
In the light of the above:
Submitted: 26.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000400/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dimitris Tsiodras (PPE)
In 2023, 152 million counterfeit items were seized at the EU’s external borders and in the internal market[1], with an estimated value of EUR 3.4 billion. They range from widely-used consumer goods, such as machinery, chemicals, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, to items of high commercial value. Many are of low quality and pose a significant threat to health and safety, while creating conditions of unfair competition for European producers, as their importers do not adhere to the applicable legislative framework. According to the European Commission itself, the practice of shipping packaging material separately from the actual unbranded item and assembling them within the EU has been observed, in an attempt to avoid detection by the competent authorities.
In light of the above,
Submitted: 29.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000307/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN)
1. What is the Commission’s assessment of Türkiye’s plans regarding the construction of the transport infrastructure in Syria[1], in particular as regards their compatibility with international law and EU foreign policy objectives?
2. What support for Syria is the Commission itself planning?
3. What support has the Commission already provided to Syria?
Submitted: 23.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000398/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Daniel Buda (PPE), Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)
The EU-Mercosur Agreement, signed on 6 December 2024, is still to be approved by the Council of the EU and the European Parliament and ratified by all the Member States. However, the agreement could become operational as from 2026, two years prior to the entry into force of the EU’s future multiannual budgetary framework (MFF) for 2028-2034.
At the INTA Committee meeting of 16 January 2025, the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, revealed that a new fund worth EUR 1 billion was to be established for farmers affected by the Mercosur Agreement.
Submitted: 29.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
The Commission approved Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) under Regulation (EU) 2021/24[1], which establishes milestones and targets detailed in the annex to the Council Implementing Decision[2]. The Commission works closely with the Italian authorities to ensure smooth implementation and compliance to NRRP requirements.
The NRRP does not directly finance teachers’ recruitment costs, but supports a reform (Mission 4, Component 1, Reform 2.1) to improve recruitment and qualification processes, aiming to increase professional standards. The reform targets the recruitment of at least 70 000 new teachers covered by the reform through permanent contracts by 2026.
The reform introduced a structured qualification pathway and transitional measures to allow teachers with temporary contracts to participate in recruitment competitions and complete the qualification process during the ‘probationary period’.
This contributes to reducing the excessive use of consecutive fixed-term contracts in the school system, improving working conditions and guaranteeing more stable employment conditions.
Under EU law (Directive 1999/70/EC[3]), Member States are required to take effective steps to prevent the abuse of successive fixed-term contracts.
The EU Court of Justice held that there is no general obligation on Member States to automatically convert fixed-term contracts to permanent ones, but it is for the Member States to lay down the conditions for their conversions.
Nevertheless, where abuse has taken place, effective guarantees for the protection of workers must be provided for. In that regard, Italy amended its rules on financial compensation for misuse of fixed-term employment contracts, with law of 14/11/2024, n. 166[4].
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000358/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Pascale Piera (PfE), Anne-Sophie Frigout (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Catherine Griset (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Christophe Bay (PfE), Séverine Werbrouck (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Malika Sorel (PfE), Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), Julien Sanchez (PfE), Elisabeth Dieringer (PfE), Tomáš Kubín (PfE), Barbara Bonte (PfE), Anna Bryłka (PfE), Nikola Bartůšek (PfE), Ton Diepeveen (PfE), Jorge Martín Frías (PfE), Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE), Ondřej Knotek (PfE), Tomasz Froelich (ESN), Markus Buchheit (ESN), Hans Neuhoff (ESN), Erik Kaliňák (NI), Katarína Roth Neveďalová (NI), Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă (NI), Kateřina Konečná (NI), Nicolas Bay (ECR), Fernand Kartheiser (ECR)
On 15 January 2025, the Commission gave the green light for Thierry Breton’s new role lobbying for the Global Advisory Board of Bank of America[1].
However, according to Articles 245 and 339 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, as a former European Commissioner, he is bound by ‘the duty to behave with integrity and discretion’ and to ‘not disclose information’ covered by the obligation of professional secrecy, including post term of office.
The Commission’s Ethical Committee rightly pointed out in its opinion that there is nevertheless ‘a link between former Commissioner Breton’s portfolio responsibilities and the scope of the notified activity’, given the size of his portfolio.
Submitted: 27.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000305/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Emmanouil Kefalogiannis (PPE)
In his recent statements in New Jersey in the United States, the Prime Minister of the government in Skopje referred to an unresolved and ongoing ‘Macedonian’ issue. These statements raise legitimate concerns in Greece, as they seem to violate the spirit and letter of international agreements that are a prerequisite for the government in Skopje’s EU path and support irredentist declarations and claims on neighbouring countries.
Given that adherence to international treaties is essential for the government in Skopje to further progress in its EU accession process, can the Commission say:
Submitted: 23.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000393/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE)
The application of territorial supply restrictions by certain food companies has resulted in significant disparities in the prices of basic food products, such as butter, between EU Member States. These practices lead to artificially inflated prices in certain regions, disproportionately affecting consumers and limiting their access to affordable goods. Such restrictions undermine the core principles of the single market by hindering fair competition and fragmenting the internal market for essential goods. Moreover, they exacerbate economic inequalities and create unnecessary barriers for consumers and businesses alike.
Submitted: 29.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000441/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Georgios Aftias (PPE)
In recent years, based on statistical data, self-employed people in all European countries have been facing financial problems, which are having an impact on their lives. It is noteworthy that self-employed people are a crucial strength in European economies, as they cover a range of professional activities in both the primary and secondary production sectors and constitute the backbone of the economy of the member states of the European Union.
In view of this:
Submitted: 2.2.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000397/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Daniel Buda (PPE)
The agriculture sector has been experiencing extreme weather events such as drought, floods and fires for many years running. These disasters, which have had a profound impact on agricultural production, soil quality and infrastructure are putting pressure on farmers, and disproportionately high pressure on small and medium-sized farms. In 2024, record high temperatures were reached; in January 2025, we are facing a wave of cold snaps. These events not only affect agricultural production, but also feed into higher food prices across the EU. Farmers and consumers are feeling the effects of these crises and food security is becoming a major concern.
Submitted: 29.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000298/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)
As outlined in a report released on 9 January 2025 by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), businesses that hold intellectual property rights tend to generate between 28 % and 41 % higher revenues than those that do not.
Using data collected between 2013 and 2022, the report analysed over 119 000 companies across EU Member States and revealed a strong correlation between company performance and the ownership of patents, trademarks and designs. This connection is particularly significant for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Employees also benefit from this dynamic: companies that hold intellectual property rights provide salaries that are, on average, 22 % higher than those offered by companies without such rights.
What steps is the Commission taking to encourage and support the growth of businesses that own intellectual property rights?
Submitted: 23.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000346/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Barbara Bonte (PfE)
On 17 December 2024, the President of the Commission visited the President of Türkiye. In the course of that visit, according to reports, Ms von der Leyen pledged a further one billion euros to Turkey for aid for Syrian refugees and discussed the issue of the customs union and visa waivers. Improvement of EU-Türkiye relations and cooperation on rebuilding Syria were also, seemingly, on the agenda. During the talks, according to reports, President Erdogan also asked for the matter of ‘bilateral’ tensions regarding Greece and Cyprus not to be raised.
Submitted: 27.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000347/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Anthony Smith (The Left)
On 26 October 2021, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology launched a call for proposals with a view to creating a 9th Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC), focusing on the cultural and creative sectors and industries in the EU. The initiative was allocated a budget of EUR 150 million for the period 2021-2027.
Fifty partners from 20 countries were selected to ‘accelerate the growth of the cultural and creative industries and help unlock their economic potential’.
But beyond the ambitious press releases, it seems that the project has not advanced one inch since its launch. Some participants apparently want to leave what appears to be an empty shell.
Can the Commission:
Submitted: 27.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000292/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN)
Submitted: 23.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000440/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)
The time has come for ‘The Enchanted Ones’ (Las Incantadas) – an ancient sculptural fragment from Thessaloniki, currently in the Louvre – to be returned to Greece, as part of the broader effort to return our cultural heritage. These sculptures, which adorned a Roman portico in the centre of Thessaloniki, were removed during the Ottoman period in the 19th century by the French diplomat/archaeologist Emmanuel Miller, raising ethical questions regarding their legal ownership.
The sculptures are an integral part of the cultural and historical identity of Thessaloniki. Their return will allow Greeks and visitors to admire them in their geographical and historical context. Many museums internationally are increasingly recognising the importance of exhibiting antiquities in their place of origin.
Furthermore, Greece has proven its ability to preserve and exhibit its historical treasures, unlike third countries. The return of ‘Las Incantadas’ will contribute to the restoration of historical justice.
Finally, their return will reinforce France’s commitment to cultural cooperation and historical responsibility, strengthening Greek-French ties, in a spirit of sincere mutual respect.
In view of the above, can the Commission say:
Submitted: 2.2.2025
Source: European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank (EIB) today approved €2.4 billion of new financing for business investment, clean energy, transport, telecommunications and flood protection in Europe.
The EIB Board of Directors also discussed the strategic orientation of EIB Global. Reflecting the changing geopolitical context and even better aligning with EU external policy priorities, the Bank’s investments outside of the EU will continue contribute to a stronger Europe in a more stable, more prosperous and sustainable world.
The Board examined ways to further increase support for electricity networks in Europe. In 2024, the Bank mobilised over €100 billion of additional investment for energy and financed a record high of €8.5 billion for electricity grids, which mobilised 40% of total EU investment in electricity grids.
“We are ahead of the investment targets of the RePowerEU programme to bring cheaper and clean energy to European households and businesses. Last year the EIB marked a record in investment in energy grids and inter connectors, to bolster Europe’s competitiveness and security”, said EIB Group President Nadia Calviño.
Energy networks, flood defences
The first EIB Board of Directors of the year approved financing totalling €791 million to expand hydrogen production for transport, strengthen electricity distribution, and improve flood protection in Poland.
This includes funding to boost research into and development of hydrogen and to increase the number of hydrogen refueling stations for cars and trucks.
In support of Ukraine, the Board paved the way for financing of €100 million to repair damaged municipal heating infrastructure in the country.
Outside the EU, the EIB agreed to provide financing to upgrade and extend electricity distribution in Panama. The goal is to increase renewable/energy use, bolster grids and expand power distribution to unserved communities in the country.
Green innovation
The Board also approved financing totalling €879 million for innovation and investment by businesses to improve energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
This includes backing automotive-component research and development at 15 manufacturing sites across Europe and low-carbon glass production in France and Spain.
The EIB endorsed a new securitisation scheme to support Dutch business investment in climate action and environmental sustainability.
Better connections
The Board agreed €768 million in financing for transport and telecom networks in the EU and beyond.
In Colombia, the Board approved EUR 418 million for construction of and the acquisition of trains for Metro Line 1 in the capital Bogota – a service expected to carry more than 1 million passengers a day when operational.
The Board also gave the green light for financing of €350 million to expand mobile-phone networks across Italy.
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers
Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
Source: European Parliament
Question for oral answer O-000002/2025
to the Commission
Rule 142
Silvia Sardone, Ondřej Knotek, Filip Turek, Barbara Bonte, Mathilde Androuët, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Roman Haider, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Roberto Vannacci, Nikola Bartůšek, Vilis Krištopans, Virginie Joron, António Tânger Corrêa
on behalf of the PfE Group
A recent investigation by the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf[1] has revealed serious irregularities within the Commission, which has allegedly distributed substantial EU funds to environmentalist lobbies to advocate for its own ‘green agenda’. This is just the latest in a series of troubling events that has cast a shadow over the EU legislative process and the use of EU funds. Among these, we recall the decisions taken by the European Ombudsman in case 1316/2021/MIG, where she confirmed her finding of maladministration against the Commission for refusing public access to the text messages exchanged between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the CEO of the pharmaceutical company Pfizer regarding the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as in the so-called Qatargate scandal. Additionally, on 22 January 2025, Commissioner Serafin admitted during Parliament’s plenary session that ‘it was inappropriate for the Commission to sign agreements obliging NGOs to lobby Members of Parliament’, acknowledging a serious breach of fairness, transparency and loyal cooperation.
In the light of the above:
Submitted: 3.2.2025
Lapses: 4.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000289/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE)
The European Union and its Member States, particularly France, send a significant amount of aid to Algeria. Between 2017 and 2022, France gave Algeria approximately EUR 842 million in development aid[1]. Similarly, the EU provided Algeria with a total of EUR 273.3 million of financial assistance between 2011 and 2015[2], plus it adopted projects totalling EUR 40 million in 2023[3].
Despite these contributions, the Algerian economy is still fragile and, to a great extent, dependent on hydrocarbons, which comprise over 86% of its exports. This economic situation is fuelling significant immigration to Europe. In addition, Algeria does not cooperate in any way in either the readmission of irregular migrants from Algeria or the fight against illegal immigration.
Submitted: 23.1.2025
Source: European Parliament
When Member States extend the application of national law implementing EU law to situations falling outside the scope of EU law, they must do it in a way that does not undermine or circumvent the application of harmonised rules or obligations under EU law.
As regards the initiative carried out by Italy following the signature of a protocol on migration management with Albania, the implementation of the protocol under Italian law must not undermine the Common European Asylum System or be detrimental to common EU rules.
Moreover, it needs to be complementary to the existing avenues to access asylum and cannot prevent the aims and objectives of EU law in this field, nor prejudice the rights and guarantees that persons in these situations must be afforded by Member States.
Based on the information available to the Commission, Italy’s initiative aims at transferring certain categories of third-country nationals intercepted in the high seas to centres in the Albanian territory, under Italian jurisdiction, to examine their applications for international protection. In case of rejection of such applications, Italy would carry out return procedures from these centres.
According to the Return Directive[1], a third-country national illegally staying on the territory of a Member State can be returned to his/her country of origin, to a country of transit in accordance with EU or bilateral readmission agreements or other arrangements, or to another third country to which the third-country national concerned voluntarily decides to return and where he/she will be accepted.
The Commission will continue to follow closely the implementation of the Italy-Albania protocol, monitoring in particular the correct application of EU law in this context.
Source: European Parliament
To address decades of underinvestment in defence in the EU, in March 2024 the Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President presented a European Defence Industrial Strategy[1] proposing a framework to enhance the competitiveness of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base, notably by incentivising Member States to spend more, better, together and European.
The Commission also presented a proposal for a European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP)[2] to complement the toolbox in support of the defence industry, with a budget of EUR 1.5 billion.
EDIP is meant to be a bridge towards the next multi-annual financial framework, alongside the European Defence Fund[3], keeping on with the intervention logics of the Act in Support of Ammunition Production[4] and the European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act[5], whilst further incentivising cooperation via novel types of actions.
Also, in line with the Political Guidelines of the President of the Commission, in the first 100 days of the new mandate, the Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President will present a White Paper on the Future of European Defence[6].
Member States are the sole customers of defence systems and decision-makers on procurement of defence systems and their origin. Despite insufficient capacities in light of the current security situation, the EU defence industry still exports a considerable share of its production[7].
Together with Member States, the Commission will amplify its work to ensure that the EU is ready to address the most extreme military contingencies in the upcoming years.
Source: European Parliament
Investigations into the explosions that occurred on the Nord Stream I and II pipelines in September 2022 fall under the responsibilities of the Member States concerned and are still ongoing in Germany.
The Commission does not interfere with ongoing investigations or prejudge its outcome.
Source: European Parliament
1. While the Commission recognises the growing concern among population and the sense of insecurity near schools and other community settings[1], the EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025[2] and its related Action Plan clarify that a comprehensive approach is needed. In particular, the EU drugs action plan encourages Member States to develop effective intervention programmes for young people in multiple settings, including schools, families and community and recreational settings, including comprehensive evidence-based strategies in neighbourhoods that experience high levels of drug availability and drug-related crime while creating a protective environment for communities affected by the consumption and sale of drugs or drug-related crime.
2. The EU Roadmap to fight against drug trafficking and organised crime[3] puts special emphasis on strengthening international cooperation to counter the borderless aspect of criminal networks operating in drug trafficking, which includes law enforcement and judicial cooperation. It further includes strengthened customs and law enforcement action in major logistical hubs, with the launch of an EU Ports Alliance.
3. The EU seeks to complement Member States’ actions in all aspects of drugs policy. As part of its new mandate, the EU Drugs Agency promotes evidence-based interventions to raise awareness on the adverse effects of drugs[4]. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control provides guidance to Member States on prevention and control of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, among people who inject drugs[5].
Source: European Parliament
Under the Schengen Borders Code[1], Member States are allowed to reintroduce internal border control as a temporary measure of last resort to address serious threats to public policy or internal security.
The Commission, through its Schengen Coordinator, is in close contact with the Member States concerned to ensure that checks are necessary and proportionate and have limited impact on cross-border traffic.
The control of the external borders must take place in full compliance with fundamental rights. The Commission is stepping up the fight against human trafficking and smuggling.
In 2023, the Commission adopted proposals for a directive on preventing and countering the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and stay in the EU and a regulation to reinforce EU’s law enforcement agency (Europol)’s role against migrants smuggling and trafficking[2]. International cooperation is promoted through the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling.
The Commission and EU Agencies[3] have provided significant operational, technical and financial support to Greece to address migration and border management challenges.
Member States, including Greece, receive EU financial support under the Home Affairs Funds to address high migratory pressure.
Under its new mandate, the Commission will present a new approach on return and increase the operational capabilities of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).