European Union

President of the European Council António Costa presented the main results of the discussions of the leaders during the 16th EU-India summit held in New Delhi (India) on 27 January 2026.

The leaders of the European Union and India held their 16th EU-India Summit in New Delhi, India on 27 January 2026, and agreed on a joint statement.

Throughout the year, Ask EP responded to enquiries in all 24 official EU languages, reaffirming the European Parliament’s commitment to transparency, multilingualism and accessibility.

This review highlights the key trends, topics and engagement patterns observed in 2025, based on consolidated data from individual enquiries, campaign messages and thematic breakdowns.

Overall volume of enquiries

In 2025, Ask EP received 10 184 individual enquiries and 8 809 campaign messages.

The number of individual enquiries remained high, reflecting citizens’ ongoing need for reliable information on EU policies, institutions and personal circumstances. Campaign enquiries, sent as part of coordinated actions on specific topics, represented a significant share of the messages received, focusing on political, humanitarian and environmental issues.

As in previous years, enquiry volumes fluctuated over the course of the year, with peaks linked to major political developments and legislative debates, demonstrating citizens’ responsiveness to EU-level decision-making.

Most frequent topics in individual enquiries

Individual enquiries to Ask EP in 2025 focused primarily on three main areas, reflecting citizens’ core interests and concerns regarding the EU and its institutions.

• EU democracy, institutional and parliamentary law: This remained the most frequently addressed topic. Citizens sought information on the European Parliament’s role and powers, legislative procedures, parliamentary questions, committee work and the right to petition. These enquiries highlight a sustained public interest in how EU democracy functions on a daily basis.
• Citizens’ rights and justice: A significant number of enquiries related to migration and asylum, fundamental rights, non-discrimination and access to justice. Citizens also contacted Ask EP about the rule of law and the protection of rights in the EU, reflecting the expectation that EU institutions explain and uphold these core values.
• Foreign affairs: Foreign policy remained a major area of concern in 2025. Citizens wrote extensively about the war in Ukraine (including EU support measures, sanctions and humanitarian assistance), the situation in the Middle East (particularly developments in Gaza and broader regional stability), and EU external relations, enlargement and role in promoting peace, democracy and human rights globally.

Together, these three topics accounted for the majority of individual enquiries received in 2025. The chart below shows the relative frequency of each topic.

Alongside these main areas, Ask EP also received a steady flow of enquiries related to visits to the European Parliament, traineeships and employment opportunities, as well as enquiries linked to citizens’ personal situations. These included requests for assistance with financial, legal or cross-border administrative issues, cases of alleged discrimination and questions concerning access to information or social and consumer rights. While neither the Parliament nor its President can intervene directly in these matters, Ask EP provided guidance, information and contact points whenever possible, helping citizens identify the appropriate authorities or available resources.

Campaign messages sent to the European Parliament

Campaign messages are coordinated public reactions to legislative initiatives, political developments and international events, and remained a prominent form of citizen engagement in 2025. These campaigns allowed citizens to collectively express their views and expectations regarding the European Parliament’s role and responsibilities.

The two largest campaigns received in 2025 were on the labelling of foodstuffs derived from new genomic techniques. During ongoing EU negotiations on the authorisation of new genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food, citizens called on the European Parliament to retain mandatory and harmonised labelling requirements to ensure transparency, traceability and consumer choice across the EU. Messages also stressed the importance of maintaining the ban on such products in organic farming, preventing contamination and establishing clear rules on patents linked to new genomic techniques.

Other major campaigns in 2025 focused on foreign affairs, human rights and institutional integrity. Citizens contacted the Parliament about international crises and individual cases, including calls for humanitarian action and civilian protection in conflict zones such as Gaza, Syria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There were appeals for the release of detained or imprisoned individuals, including academics and human rights defenders. Campaigns also addressed the situation of EU citizens detained abroad, notably those who participated in the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla.

Other campaigns targeted democracy, accountability and ethical conduct, with citizens calling for institutional or disciplinary responses in relation to the actions and public statements of Members of the European Parliament. In addition, citizens mobilised on issues linked to equality and participation, including initiatives highlighting the role of women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

Languages used by citizens

In 2025, citizens contacted Ask EP in all 24 official EU languages, underlining the continued importance of multilingual communication. The most commonly used languages remained English, German, French, Spanish and Italian, while messages in other official languages underlined the service’s truly pan-European reach.

Ask EP always replied in the language used by the citizen, ensuring equal access to information for all.

Conclusion and outlook

Throughout 2025, responding to citizens’ enquiries required close cooperation across the European Parliament. Depending on the subject matter, replies drew on expertise from all the Parliament’s administration services. This ensured that citizens received accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive information.

In line with the European Parliament’s commitment to transparency, replies to a selection of campaign messages sent in 2025 are available on the EPRS blog. Answers to frequently asked questions can also be found online, providing citizens with continued access to information beyond individual correspondence.

This 2025 review confirms that citizens remain deeply engaged with the European Parliament and eager to understand, influence and participate in EU decision-making. The Citizens’ Enquiries Unit (Ask EP) will continue to serve as a key contact point between citizens and the Parliament, fostering dialogue, transparency and trust.

Stay in touch

If you wish to share your views or request information, you can contact the Citizens’ Enquiries Unit (Ask EP) using the contact form, the Citizens’ app, or by post. We will reply in the EU language in which you write to us.

We look forward to continuing this dialogue in 2026 and beyond!

Your Citizens’ Enquiries Unit (Ask EP)

On Tuesday, the International Trade Committee adopted a series of measures to counteract the negative impact of global overproduction on the EU steel market.
Committee on International Trade

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On Tuesday, the International Trade Committee adopted a series of measures to counteract the negative impact of global overproduction on the EU steel market.
Committee on International Trade

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On Tuesday, the International Trade Committee adopted a series of measures to counteract the negative impact of global overproduction on the EU steel market.
Committee on International Trade

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Am Dienstag sprach die Holocaust-Überlebende Tatiana Bucci anlässlich des Internationalen Holocaust-Gedenktags vor dem Europäischen Parlament.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2026 - EP

Polizei und Strafverfolgung sollen Alter, Geschlecht und Herkunft von Verdächtigen nicht zwingend angeben müssen. Die Rechtskommission des Ständerates beantragt ein Nein zur Initiative von SVP-Nationalrat Benjamin Fischer.

In der Schweizer Ikea-Zentrale in Spreitenbach AG drohen bis zu 60 Stellenstreichungen. Der Möbelriese informierte am Dienstag über Sparmassnahmen, um weiterhin erschwingliche Preise anbieten zu können.

In einem Skigebiet im Nordwesten Chinas kommt es zu einem brutalen Vorfall: Ein Schneeleopard greift eine Frau an. Sie wird im Gesicht schwer verletzt und sofort ins Spital gebracht.

Ein US-Richter in Minnesota hat ICE-Chef Todd M. Lyons vorgeladen. Er soll erklären, warum Migranten ihre Rechte verweigert wurden. Die Einwanderungsbehörde steht wegen massiver Verstösse gegen Gerichtsbeschlüsse in der Kritik.

Es geht um die 13. AHV-Rente, höhere Ehepaarrenten und gekappte Witwenrenten. Die ständerätliche Sozialkommission schiebt ihre Entscheide dazu vorerst auf. Es geht um einen Milliardenpoker.

On Tuesday, Holocaust survivor Tatiana Bucci addressed MEPs in a plenary session to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On Tuesday, Holocaust survivor Tatiana Bucci addressed MEPs in a plenary session to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The EU and India have concluded nearly 20 years of negotiations on a free trade agreement. Both sides had thus deepened the "partnership between the world's largest democracies", EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in New Delhi. The agreement covers a market of nearly two billion people. Commentators highlight its strategic importance.