European Union

At least eleven people were killed and several others wounded in a mass shooting at an adult education centre in the Swedish city of Örebro on Tuesday. According to the police, the perpetrator was probably among the dead. So far there are no indications that the attack was motivated by terrorism. Commentators take stock.

The EU Commission's plans for an omnibus regulation sound promising for European manufacturers. A two-step approach, including a two-year pause, could quickly cut red tape and provide enough time to thoroughly revise the CS3D, CSRD and EU taxonomy.

Ryanair v Commission
State aid
The General Court dismisses Ryanair’s action against the European Commission’s decision once again approving rescue aid to TAP in the context of the COVID19 pandemic

Poland v Commission
Law governing the institutions
The 2019 reform of the Polish judicial system: the General Court confirms that Poland must pay a total amount of approximately €320,200,000 in respect of the penalty payment decided upon by the Court of Justice during the infringement proceedings

Citizens are calling on the European Union to sanction Iceland for its whaling practices. Many citizens have written to the President of the European Parliament on this subject since January 2025 to express their concerns regarding the impact of whaling in the environment. They are also calling on the EU to impose sanctions on Iceland, push for sustainable alternatives like ecotourism, and encourage Iceland to prioritize marine conservation.

We replied to citizens who took the time to write to the President:

Main elements of our reply EU laws protecting whales

Iceland’s decision to allow the hunting of whales falls outside the EU’s jurisdiction. However, whalesare protected from hunting within EU waters. The EU has always defended the full implementation of the moratorium on commercial whaling, in place since 1986.

Parliamentary debate

As mentioned in your message, on 22 January 2025 the European Parliament held a debate on stepping up international action to protect whales following Iceland’s decision to extend commercial whaling until 2029.

Members of the European Parliament raised concern about Iceland’s decision. They underlined the vital role that whales play in maintaining the marine ecosystem and the need for stronger, enforceable action under updated international frameworks. Members also highlighted that ecotourism such as whale watching can protect tradition, ecosystems and the economy.

You can read the full text of the debate in the original language of the speakers.

European Parliament position on whaling

In its October 2022 resolution, the European Parliament strongly supports the continuation of the global moratorium on commercial whaling as well as the ban on international trade in whale products. Parliament calls on Japan, Norway and Iceland to cease their whaling operations. The European Parliament also notes the critical importance of whale populations to marine ecosystems and carbon sequestration.

Decision on EU sanctions

The European Parliament is not involved in the process of adopting sanctions against non-EU countries. Following a proposal from the Head of EU diplomacy, decisions on EU sanctions are taken in a unanimity at the Council.

Background

Citizens often send messages to the President of the European Parliament expressing their views and/or requesting action. The Citizens’ Enquiries Unit (AskEP) within the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) replies to these messages, which may sometimes be identical as part of wider public campaigns.

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