Written by Clare Fergurson and Katarzyna Sochacka.
Members also debated how to ensure accountability and justice in response to Russia’s continued attacks against the civilian population in Ukraine; and the danger of normalising relations with Russia, including its participation in major cultural and sports events. Members also discussed how to support democratic resilience in Armenia; the situation on the implementation of a ceasefire in Lebanon, peace efforts and humanitarian access; as well as Sudan’s ‘abandoned’ humanitarian crisis. Further debates covered the presentation of the Better Regulation and Enforcement Communication from the European Commission; the need for targeted criminal provisions and platforms’ responsibility to effectively address cyberbullying and online harassment; the need to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish life in Europe, following the recent attacks against the Jewish community in the Netherlands and Belgium; and Roma inclusion, equality and fundamental rights.
2028-2034 EU budget: Parliament’s positionParliament adopted its negotiating mandate for the EU’s 2028-2034 budget following a debate on the interim report on the multiannual financial framework (MFF). The report of the Committee on Budgets (BUDG) defends a budget set at 1.27 % of the EU’s gross national income (GNI), excluding Next Generation EU (NGEU) repayment. This is a 10 % increase compared with the Commission proposal. BUDG also calls for a budget of €385.12 billion to be ringfenced for the common agricultural policy in the next MFF, with a €274.34 billion budget for cohesion policy. In terms of governance and rule of law, Members are concerned that the proposed budget weakens transparency, and stress that the Commission must apply the necessary legal provisions in cases where the EU’s financial interests are threatened.
Guidelines for the 2027 budgetMembers adopted guidelines for the 2027 budget, following the debate held during the March session. The 2027 annual EU budget will be the last one under the current multiannual financial framework (MFF), which covers 2021 to 2027. The European Parliament’s set of guidelines contribute to the preparation of next year’s budget, with the Commission expected to adopt the draft 2027 budget in early summer.
Discharge 2024Members granted discharge for the 2024 financial year to the various institutions and bodies of the EU, except for the Council and European Council. The Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) had recommended granting discharge to the Commission and all six executive agencies, but raised concerns about the rule of law and corruption, calling on the Commission to ensure the EU budget is protected. Likewise, CONT recommended granting discharge to seven of the eight other institutions, but yet again recommended postponing discharge for the European Council and the Council of the EU. The Council refuses to acknowledge Parliament’s oversight role, and Parliament has therefore not granted discharge since 2009. The CONT committee also recommended granting discharge for all 33 EU decentralised agencies, but raised concerns about financial risks including rising EU debt and structural weaknesses in financial management, staffing and procurement.
Omnibus VI – chemicalsRising energy costs and a decline in demand are affecting Europe’s chemicals industry. Parliament supports simplification of certain requirements but prioritises consumer protection and clear labelling. In April 2026, Members of the Committees on Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) and Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) opposed the Commission’s proposals to extend the time before bans are applied on the use of carcinogenic substances in cosmetic products as well as the removal of certain text requirements to ensure labels remain legible for consumers. Parliament adopted its negotiating mandate for the ‘Omnibus VI proposal’, which aims at simplifying rules for chemicals, cosmetics and fertiliser manufacturing.
Emissions accounting in transport servicesTransport is responsible for about a quarter of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Nevertheless, EU countries have to rely on emissions calculation tools with limited reliability in their efforts to cut emissions. Parliament adopted a proposed common framework to calculate GHG emissions from both freight and passenger transport. This follows a trilogue agreement reached by negotiators from the Committees on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) and Transport and Tourism (TRAN). The agreed text, which Parliament considered at second reading, backs the Commission proposal for a single EU methodology and calls for a free public calculation tool to make data widely available. This universal methodology means a reduction in the administrative burden and allow for greater transparency and fairer comparison between services.
Generalised scheme of preferencesReform of EU trade with less developed countries is on the horizon, and Members adopted a provisional agreement on revision of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Regulation. Following negotiations between Parliament and the Council in December 2025, the agreed text includes the addition of new human rights and environmental treaties, which participating countries must ratify to benefit from trade preferences, as well as stricter criteria that must be met before GSP countries can see their preferential tariffs withdrawn for non-cooperation in the readmission of migrants illegally present in the EU. As adopted, the legislation would apply from 1 January 2027.
Consent-based definition of rapeAs combating sexual violence and violence against women remains an urgent issue globally, Parliament continues to support a strong and survivor-centred legal framework. Members debated and adopted a joint own-initiative report from Parliament’s Committees on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) and on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), which calls on the Commission to propose EU legislation to define rape based on consent, in line with the Istanbul Convention. The report reiterates Parliament’s previous call to make gender-based violence a specific area of EU crime, stresses that legislation should also apply to virtual acts of sexual assault, and should consider circumstances in which giving consent is precluded. This marks a renewed legislative effort on reform after provisions on a consent-based definition of rape were not included in the EU directive adopted in 2024.
Opening of trilogue negotiationsFive decisions to enter into interinstitutional negotiations – one from the Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN) on registration documents for vehicles and vehicle registration data recorded in national vehicle registers; one from the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) on Directive 2004/37/EC as regards the addition of substances and setting limit values; two from the Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) Committee on economic and budgetary surveillance of Member States in the euro area experiencing or threatened with serious difficulties with respect to their financial stability, and on alignment with the EU economic governance framework and further simplification of that framework; as well as from Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) and Fisheries (PECH) committees on empowering France to accede to the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles – were approved.
This ‘at a glance’ note is intended to review some of the highlights of the plenary part-session, and notably to follow up on key dossiers identified by EPRS. It does not aim to be exhaustive. For more detailed information on specific files, please see other EPRS products, notably our ‘EU legislation in progress’ briefings, and the plenary minutes.
Read this ‘at a glance note’ on ‘Plenary round-up – April 2026‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.
Dans le cadre des opérations de reconquête du territoire national, le Chef d'État-Major de la Gendarmerie nationale, le Colonel Issa Yaguibou, s'inscrit dans une dynamique de commandement de proximité, en rencontrant systématiquement ses hommes avant leur déploiement et à leur retour de mission.
À la veille de chaque départ en opération, il s'adresse directement aux unités engagées. Ces échanges, empreints de clarté et de fermeté, visent à fixer le cap, à renforcer le moral des troupes et à consolider la détermination des personnels. Il rappelle que ces missions s'inscrivent dans un enjeu stratégique majeur pour la Nation et exigent de chaque combattant patriotisme, professionnalisme, vigilance constante, discipline et sens élevé du devoir.
À chacune de ces rencontres, il transmet les encouragements des plus hautes autorités ainsi que ceux de toute la hiérarchie, tout en réaffirmant la confiance placée en chaque gendarme.
Le Chef d'État-Major insiste particulièrement sur la force morale des troupes : croire en ses capacités, éviter toute surestimation de l'ennemi et garder en permanence la maîtrise de soi. Il souligne que la victoire repose autant sur l'état d'esprit que sur les moyens engagés. La cohésion, la discipline et le respect strict des consignes opérationnelles sont ainsi érigés en principes fondamentaux de réussite sur le terrain.
Mais cet engagement du commandement ne s'arrête pas au départ en mission. Au retour des unités, le Colonel Issa Yaguibou va également à la rencontre de ses hommes. Ces moments d'échanges permettent de saluer leur engagement, de recueillir leurs retours d'expérience et de tirer les enseignements nécessaires à l'amélioration continue des dispositifs opérationnels. Ils constituent également une reconnaissance directe des efforts consentis sur le terrain et renforcent le lien de confiance entre le commandement et les unités.
À travers cette présence constante et cette proximité active, tant avant qu'après les opérations, le Chef d'État-Major réaffirme une conviction forte : la réussite des missions repose en grande partie sur l'accompagnement et la valorisation des hommes qui les exécutent.
Dans un contexte sécuritaire exigeant, cette approche contribue à maintenir un haut niveau de motivation, de cohésion et d'efficacité au sein de la Gendarmerie nationale, pleinement engagée dans la reconquête du territoire et la protection des populations, conformément aux orientations stratégiques des plus hautes autorités et aux directives du Commandement.
Lefaso.net
Source : Page Facebook de la gendarmerie
Il est temps que les dirigeants européens exposent nettement leurs désaccords à l’égard de Donald Trump et cessent de le craindre. À ce jour, rares sont les voix qui s’y opposent clairement, à l’image du pape ou du Premier ministre espagnol Pedro Sanchez.
Un simple exemple illustre la situation de nombreux dirigeants européens : après une timide remarque du chancelier Friedrich Merz affirmant que les Américains avaient été humiliés en Iran, Donald Trump a décidé d’augmenter les tarifs sur les exportations d’automobiles européennes de 15 à 25%, malgré les accords négociés longuement l’été dernier.
L’Europe doit-elle continuer à privilégier la relation transatlantique à tout prix ? Faut-il garder des bonnes relations par souci de préservation de l’unité de l’OTAN ? Celle-ci semble en réalité déjà très fragilisée. Ou alors s’agit-il d’assurer l’aide états-unienne à la défense de l’Ukraine ? Les Etats-Unis ont d’ores et déjà drastiquement diminué leur contribution et les pays européens supportent désormais la grande majorité de l’aide.
Dès lors, les pays européens doivent prendre leurs responsabilités, pour réaffirmer leurs valeurs et sauvegarder leur crédibilité. Pour cela, il faut bâtir une autonomie européenne commune, capable de se défendre face aux chantages du président des États-Unis.
L’article L’Europe doit dire à Trump « ça suffit » est apparu en premier sur IRIS.
À une journée de la fin du championnat national de football, la lutte pour le maintien reste intense. Si certaines équipes sont déjà fixées sur leur sort, d'autres jouent encore leur avenir dans l'élite lors d'une ultime journée qui s'annonce décisive.
Les rencontres de la 29ᵉ journée du championnat national de football se sont disputées en simultané, le dimanche 3 mai, dans les différents stades du Burkina Faso. À une journée du terme de la saison, le suspense demeure entier, notamment dans la course au maintien.
D'ores et déjà, l'AJEB et le RCB sont officiellement relégués en deuxième division. En revanche, plusieurs formations continuent de grappiller des points précieux dans l'espoir de se maintenir en Ligue 1.
Les affiches de cette 29ᵉ et avant-dernière journée ont tenu toutes leurs promesses. À l'approche du dénouement, les équipes restent engagées dans une lutte acharnée pour conserver leur place dans l'élite.
À Ziniaré, l'Union sportive des forces armées (USFA) et le Rail club du Kadiogo (RCK) se sont neutralisés (0-0). À l'issue de cette rencontre, le RCK ne compte plus que deux points d'avance sur l'AS Sonabel, actuelle équipe barragiste. Les Faucons devront impérativement réussir leur dernière sortie afin d'assurer leur maintien direct, sans passer par les barrages.
De son côté, l'Étoile filante de Ouagadougou a réalisé une belle opération en s'imposant largement (3-0) face à l'AJEB. Malgré ce succès, les Stellistes restent en position de barragiste avec 32 points, accusant un retard de trois unités sur la zone de maintien à une journée de la fin.
L'AS Sonabel a également engrangé trois points précieux lors de son duel face à l'ASFB, remporté sur le score de 2-0. Toutefois, les Électriciens demeurent barragistes, à deux points du maintien direct.
Dans le haut du tableau, le Sporting FC a pris le dessus sur le Majestic SC (2-1), grimpant ainsi à la troisième place du classement. Salitas FC s'est également imposé sur le même score face à l'AS Douanes.
Le Réal du Faso a, quant à lui, signé une courte mais précieuse victoire (1-0) contre l'ASFA-Yennenga. Le CFFEB a validé son maintien en Ligue 1 grâce à son succès (3-2) face à Vitesse FC.
Enfin, la rencontre entre Rahimo FC, déjà sacré champion, et le RCB, avant-dernier du classement, n'a laissé place à aucune surprise. Les Académiciens de Bama ont largement dominé les Tigres de Diarradougou, s'imposant sur le score sans appel de 4-0.
La 30ᵉ et dernière journée du championnat de première division s'annonce palpitante, avec plusieurs équipes encore engagées dans une lutte décisive pour leur survie dans l'élite du football burkinabè.
Jean Élysée Nikiéma (stagiaire)
Lefaso.net
Tous les résultats de la 29e journée du championnat
USFA - RCK : 0-0
EFO - AJEB : 3-0
AS Sonabel - ASFB : 2-0
Sporting FC - MAJESTIC SC : 2-1
ASFA Y - Réal du Faso : 0-1
Salitas FC - AS DOUANES : 2-1
CFFEB - VITESSE FC : 3-2
Rahimo FC - RCB : 4-0
Le classement à l'issue de la 29ᵉ journée du championnat
1er Rahimo FC 68pts+32
2e USFA 46pts+12
3e SPORTING FC 43pts+9
4e MAJESTIC SC 43pts+2
5e AS DOUANES 43pts+1
6e ASFA Y 38pts-3
7e CFFEB 37pts-1
8e SALITAS FC 37pts-3
9e ASFB 37pts-5
10e VITESSE FC 36pts
11e REAL DU FASO 36pts-2
12e RCK 35pts-3
13e AS SONABEL 33pts-5
14e EFO 32pts-8
15e RCB 27pts-15
16e AJEB 23pts-11
In the low tide, an i-Taukei fisherwoman gathers cockles along the Nasese sea wall in Fiji, a tradition weathered by time and tide. The assessment Climate Change Implications for Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Pacific Island Region looks at women’s contributions across fisheries and aquaculture systems, from harvesting to trade. Credit: Josh Kuilamu/SPC
By Sera Sefeti
SUVA, Fiji, May 4 2026 (IPS)
For generations, Pacific people have understood the ocean not as a resource but as identity, sustenance, and survival. Today, that relationship is being tested in ways science is only just beginning to fully capture.
For the first time in the region’s history, every Pacific Island country now has a clear, data-driven picture of what climate change will mean for its waters and its own Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
This shift marks more than just a scientific milestone. It is a turning point in how the Pacific can understand, manage, and defend its ocean in a rapidly changing climate.
From Regional Averages to National realities
The updated assessment, “Climate Change Implications for Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Pacific Island Region”, builds on a 14-year-old vulnerability study. But unlike its predecessor, this version moves beyond broad regional trends.
It goes deeper into country-specific realities.
In a region where ocean territories dwarf landmass, this matters. The Pacific controls around 27 million square kilometres of ocean, yet only about 2 percent of that is land. Fisheries are not just an industry – they are the backbone of economies, cultures, and food systems.
“This is quite amazing,” says SPC Climate Change Project Development Specialist Marie Lecomte, referring to the ability to assess climate impacts at the EEZ level. “The ocean is so big, and land masses are so tiny… it has always been very difficult to downscale ocean models to something meaningful for countries.”
Now, that gap is beginning to close.
Rising ocean temperatures and changing chemistry are reshaping marine ecosystems, impacting people’s livelihoods and national economies. Credit: Douglas Picacha/IPS
Why This Science Matters Now
For Pacific leaders, the climate crisis is not abstract. It is negotiated in global forums, defended in policy rooms, and lived daily in coastal communities.
Yet one persistent challenge has been the lack of evidence.
This report begins to change that.
It provides:
In doing so, it transforms science into something actionable:
For a region often described as the moral voice of climate negotiations, this evidence adds weight to that voice.
The Pacific controls around 27 million square kilometres of ocean, yet only about 2 percent of that is land. Now each country in the region will have a data-driven picture of the effects of climate change in its waters. Credit: Francisco Blaha/SPC
What the Science Reveals
The findings are sobering.
Rising ocean temperatures and changing chemistry are already reshaping marine ecosystems. The report maps, with unprecedented clarity, a chain reaction: warming waters alter fish biology, leading to fish stocks’ decline, which will ultimately result in the impact on people’s livelihoods and national economies.
At the centre of this crisis are coastal ecosystems, i.e. coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, the ecological foundations of Pacific fisheries.
These systems are under intense pressure from both climate change and human activity.
“For mangroves, they are also constrained by infrastructure development,” Lecomte explains. “If you build a new hotel, then you get rid of the mangrove.”
For scientists, the assessment Climate Change Implications for Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Pacific Island Region offers the most comprehensive dataset for policymakers and communities. Credit: John Nihahuasi/SPC
Across the Pacific, the risks are not evenly distributed.
Low-lying island nations, already facing sea-level rise and extreme weather, are doubly exposed. Their dependence on fisheries for food and income leaves little buffer against decline.
The consequences are stark:
Yet even in this “doom and gloom” narrative, the report resists fatalism. Instead, it offers a framework for adaptation and resilience.
However, in the Pacific, the situation is not starting from zero.
For centuries, communities have managed fisheries through customary practices like tabu areas, seasonal closures, and community governance.
The report reinforces these approaches while introducing new strategies:
It also highlights a critical but often overlooked dimension, which is women’s contributions across fisheries and aquaculture systems, from harvesting to trade work that remain under-recognised despite their central role.
Science, Power, and the Politics of Survival
Perhaps the most powerful implication of the report lies beyond science — in politics.
Despite being one of the most climate-impacted sectors, fisheries are largely absent from global climate negotiations.
This is where the findings become more than a report. It becomes leverage.
With pre-COP discussions and COP31 on the horizon, Pacific countries now have something they have long needed.
“If Pacific delegations can come to pre-COP saying we have the latest science… and we all agree on how we want to act with the regional climate change strategy for coastal fisheries being pre-endorsed,” Lecomte says, “it’s a unique chance to showcase fisheries as part of the ocean–climate nexus.”
Beyond the Data: A Call to Act
This report does not just document change but also demands a response.
It bridges worlds:
For scientists, it offers the most comprehensive dataset yet when it comes to the Pacific and its EEZ; for policymakers, it is a roadmap; for communities, it is a validation of what they already know.
That the ocean is changing and so must we.
But in that change lies something powerful. For the first time, the Pacific is not just speaking from experience. It is speaking with scientific evidence.
IPS UN Bureau Report
Follow @IPSNewsUNBureau
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