European Union

In today’s edition of The Capitals, read about a divisive post-Qatargate lobbying crackdown, NATO scrambles to appease Trump, and so much more.

Nawrocki’s resistance to appointing PiS heavyweight Przemysław Czarnek as top aide signals early friction between the president-elect and the party that backed him.

PSD's legal battle with Brussels has taken on broader significance – with the NGO claiming they were 'used' to cover up political failings.

Facing legal backlash and fears for endangered birds, Slovakia has pulled the plug on its High Tatras zoning plan.

As part of the operation, Israel also hit Tehran's infamous Evin prison, in an effort to destroy its gates.

The draft legislation aims to address speculation on the gas market and bring down prices, by introducing greater flexibility in rules on gas storage refilling.
Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The draft legislation aims to address speculation on the gas market and bring down prices, by introducing greater flexibility in rules on gas storage refilling.
Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

"If we lose up to 15% of our weight, that can lead to a 61% remission in cases of type 2 diabetes."

While the vote carries no legal weight, the conservatives have recently demonstrated their growing influence over EU green policy.

The separation of "hard" and "soft" defence spending could once again highlight shortcomings in military capabilities. But is the rush to hit GDP targets missing the mark?

Written by Barbara Nicoletti.

The Ispra site of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) is European Commission’s third-largest site. Originally established for nuclear research, it has evolved into one of Europe’s leading research campuses today, with cutting-edge laboratories and unique research infrastructure. The site provides science-based responses to policy challenges related to sustainable resources and transport, space, security, energy efficiency and climate change, as well as nuclear safeguards and security.

The STOA Panel and the JRC have a unique partnership that enhances the crucial role of evidence-informed policy-making at EU level. Interaction includes regular exchanges of views, co-organised events and visits, through which the STOA Panel and the JRC cooperate to share knowledge between the institutions, providing opportunities for debate, and supporting evidence-based EU policymaking.

The visit began with a welcome address by Bernard Magenhann, JRC Director-General, and an introductory presentation on the JRC’s mission, organisation, and activities at the JRC Europa Science Experience, an interactive entry point to the research site.

JRC experts provided specific examples of JRC’s scientific work in support of policymaking by presenting the JRC activities related to the circular and bio-based economy, from raw materials, to products and waste, and the ‘Sevilla Process‘, through which the European Commission leads the science-based co-creation of environmental norms for and with European industry.

The visit continued with a tour of the Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, where interdisciplinary studies are conducted on nanomaterials, nanomedicines and therapies, as well as health surveillance technologies, advanced materials, and micro(nano)plastics. The delegation also visited the European Interoperability Centre for Electric Vehicles and Smart Grids, which combines four laboratories gathering knowledge and test facilities on energy efficiency, hybrid exhaust emissions, electromagnetic compatibility, smart grids and battery testing.

The afternoon programme included visits to additional cutting-edge laboratories. At the Microwave Signature Laboratory, the delegation learned about the JRC’s research into space, connectivity and quantum. The visit to the European Crisis Management Laboratory provided direct experience of the monitoring, modelling, analysis and estimation work done by the JRC to enhance crisis responses to various types of emergencies, including security issues, natural and man-made hazards, or health crises.

These visits gave the STOA members the opportunity to witness the innovative research shaping EU policies and address questions directly to JRC experts. Inspiring discussion took place in a cooperative and informal setting about some of the most pressing challenges facing the EU, helping to explore ways in which research and technology can help address these issues.

The STOA delegation greatly appreciated JRC’s warm welcome, confirmed the importance of the visit in deepening the longstanding STOA-JRC cooperation, and emphasised the relevance of independent scientific advice in informing EU policymaking.

Participants: European Parliament

• Christian Ehler, Chair of STOA Panel
• Lina Galvez, Vice-Chair of STOA Panel
• Pierfrancesco Maran, STOA member – EMPL
• Brando Benifei, STOA member – INTA
• Barbara Nicoletti, STOA Unit

Joint Research Centre

• Bernard Magenhann, Director-General
• Matthias Oel, Deputy Director-General
• Sabine Henzler, Director for Strategy and Impact:
• Alessandra Zampieri, Director for Sustainable Resources
• Ciaran Nicholl, Director Health and Food
• Francesca Campolongo, Director for Digital Transformation and Data

"I don't see any particular value in keeping the money and not spending it,” Germany's new finance minister said following the unveiling of his first budget.

The Polish presidency will start negotiations with Parliament next Monday, one day before handing the rotating presidency over to Denmark.

Airlines say the plan will hike fares and strip passengers of choice.

Failed pension talks push Bayrou toward possible ouster.

Jansen’s main national priority will be concluding a multisectoral healthcare agreement, while her EU priorities are yet to be determined.

Pedro Sánchez’s troubles mount as a judge calls for a Supreme Court probe into his justice minister over alleged corruption tied to the PM’s wife.

Written by Sebastian Clapp.

The cooperation between the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has deepened significantly in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has reshaped Europe’s security environment and highlighted the complementary roles of both organisations. NATO remains the cornerstone of collective defence, backed by United States (US) capabilities, while the EU has emerged as a key actor in financial aid, military assistance and sanctions. Both institutions have formalised their partnership through joint declarations and strategic documents, including NATO’s Strategic Concept, the EU’s Strategic Compass and White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.

Practical cooperation now spans a wide range of areas including cyber defence, countering hybrid threats, military mobility, critical infrastructure protection, and joint crisis preparedness. Regular staff-level coordination, shared exercises, and technical arrangements – such as the NATO–EU task force on critical infrastructure – have improved resilience and interoperability. The EU has also significantly ramped up its defence role. It has delivered €50.8 billion in military aid to Ukraine (EU plus Member State contributions). It has introduced industrial policies such as EDIRPA, ASAP, and the ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 plan to reinforce the European defence industrial base. Despite progress, persistent challenges remain. Political tensions – in particular between Cyprus and Türkiye  – continue to block intelligence sharing and formal joint planning. The EU still relies heavily on NATO, particularly US assets, for operational capabilities. Growing uncertainty over US commitments under the second Trump Presidency has reinforced the EU’s drive to strengthen strategic autonomy and ensure greater burden-sharing within NATO.

The European Parliament supports stronger, complementary EU–NATO ties focused on interoperability, resilience and avoiding duplication, while stressing the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. At the NATO summit on 24-25 June in The Hague (the Netherlands), key challenges include agreeing on higher defence spending targets, maintaining alliance unity, managing the Russia threat, and rapidly scaling up Europe’s defence capabilities.

Read the complete briefing on ‘EU–NATO cooperation‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

The vote escalates a spat over the Commission's sidelining of MEPs on its SAFE scheme – leaving the final decision with President Roberta Metsola.

MEPs push for a common reimbursement form, no charge for selecting a child seat, free on-board personal item and small hand luggage and better protection for multimodal journeys.
Committee on Transport and Tourism

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP