u/Marty_ol

In his speech to the European Parliament, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro outlined Portugal's priorities for a stronger, more resilient Europe: "We want Europe to be more competitive and to have greater cohesion, to be safer and more sustainable. We want Europe to be closer to the people and less bureaucratic. This is the Europe that Europeans expect of us."

This includes:

•  Reducing bureaucratic burdens
•  Investing in AI and innovation
•  Tackling energy independence
•  Housing affordability
•  Balanced migration policies.

Members of Parliament also debated with the Prime Minister on key challenges facing the continent.

Read more: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20261002IPR47898/meps-debate-the-eu-s-future-with-the-prime-minister-of-portugal-luis-montenegro

We've backed tariff relief to help more Armenian products reach the EU market, creating new opportunities for businesses and farmers.

Since May 2026, Russian trade restrictions have disrupted Armenian exports and put pressure on businesses and farmers.

Europe's message is clear: support Armenia’s economic resilience and diversification.

Safeguards will protect EU producers if imports seriously disrupt the EU market.

🔗 Read more: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20260911IPR47454/parliament-backs-tariff-relief-for-armenia-amid-russian-trade-restrictions

Parliament wants tougher action on the commercial drivers of poor health, from the marketing of novel nicotine products to children, to more transparency around alcohol and unhealthy foods.

The EU’s first ever cardiovascular health plan aims to support EU countries in their national efforts. It includes initiatives focused on:

•  Healthier food choices
•  Stronger tobacco control
•  Vaccination against respiratory infections
•  Tackling health inequalities
•  Research and innovation,

More information: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20260911IPR47455/meps-want-better-prevention-of-cardiovascular-diseases-in-the-eu

An overwhelming majority of people across every EU country shares this view, with agreement above 80% in 26 countries and reaching 97% in Denmark, Luxembourg, Malta, and Portugal.

Amid recent political and economic disruptions around the world, citizens value the EU’s peaceful, protective, and cooperative approach.

Check the latest Eurobarometer survey results to learn more: https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/3752

Social media platforms are designed to keep you scrolling. That can come at a cost: your mental health.

According to a recent European Parliament research report:

- Around 13.6 million young people across Europe suffer from poor mental health.

- Nearly 1 in 2 young Europeans say their mental health needs aren't being met.

- Around 1 in 10 adolescents show signs of problematic social media use.

Minors and young adults shouldn't have to outsmart algorithms designed to keep them online. So, Parliament is calling for:

- limits on addictive design features

- more transparency on algorithms

- "youth mode" with no targeted advertising for minors

- ethical standards for AI companions

93% of Europeans say action is urgent. Parliament is telling social media platforms: you built it, you bear the burden. Safety by design.

Because staying connected shouldn't come at the expense of young people's wellbeing.

On International Youth Day, discover what Parliament is calling for to create a safer online environment for children and young people: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20260709IPR46415/better-rules-enforcement-for-a-safer-social-media-and-online-environment

Repairing your phone and household appliances can be expensive and complicated, and the result is €12 billion lost annually to unnecessary replacements, 35 million tonnes of waste, and 261 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions from this sector alone.

The right to repair in the EU is being boosted by making repair more appealing and affordable to consumers:

- Manufacturers must now provide spare parts, repair information, and tools at reasonable prices

- No software locks or contractual blocks to prevent repair

- Extended legal guarantees on repaired goods

- EU-wide repair platform (to be set up by 31 July 2027) to connect consumers with certified service providers

EU countries had until this summer to implement these rules in their national legal systems, strengthening the existing right to repair rules.

These rules support small repair businesses and are expected to bring €4.8 billion in growth and investment within the EU.

Learn more: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240419IPR20590/right-to-repair-making-repair-easier-and-more-appealing-to-consumers

In 2024, the European Parliament strengthened EU laws to fight trafficking, with tougher penalties and better protection for victims.

Learn more: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20230921STO05705/human-trafficking-the-eu-s-fight-against-exploitation

You can help decide. The European Central Bank is redesigning the euro banknotes, and people across the EU are invited to take a survey to help select the final design.

There are 10 designs (A-J) based on two themes:

• European culture: a spotlight on cultural heritage and bringing people together

On the front: Famous Europeans, including Maria Callas, Ludwig van Beethoven, Marie Curie Skłodowska, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Leonardo da Vinci and Bertha von Suttner.
On the back: Shared cultural spaces and activities. 

• Rivers & birds: symbolising freedom and unity, as well as connection to nature

On the front: Stages of rivers and birds such as the wallcreeper, kingfisher, bee-eater, white stork, avocet and northern gannet.
On the back: Buildings of European institutions, symbolising the values at the heart of the European project, including environmental protection.

Read more about them here: https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/banknotes/future_banknotes/html/index.en.html#themes

Did you know? The final designs made it through a huge Europe-wide competition:

• 1,200+ applications sent
• 25 designers invited to create proposals
• only 10 made the shortlist.

🔗 Have your say by 21 September 2026: https://surveys.ecb.europa.eu/10b/neweuro/

The final design will be revealed by the European Central Bank later this year.

What’s changing on Europe’s roads?

The EU is setting clear distances for alternative fuel infrastructure on major roads.

🔌 Cars: high-power charging every 60 km (by 2026)

🛻 Trucks & buses: charging every 120 km (half of main EU roads by 2028)

💧 Hydrogen: refuelling every 200 km (by 2031)

The European Parliament adopted these new rules, which define where charging and refuelling must be placed across Europe’s main road network.

EU Ecolabel certified places reduce waste, save energy and water, keep their transport emissions low, and generally operate in more environmentally friendly ways.

Hotels, campsites and other tourist accommodation services that have been awarded the EU Ecolabel are listed in the EU Ecolabel Tourist Accommodation Catalogue: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy-topics/eu-ecolabel/eu-ecolabel-tourist-accommodation/eu-ecolabel-tourist-accommodation-catalogue_en

Well, soon(ish) it might.

The digital euro would be an electronic means of payment issued by the European Central Bank and available for anyone to use.

It would be:
- private,
- available online/offline and
- would complement, not replace cash, and existing private payment solutions.

Parliament is now ready to start negotiations with EU countries on the legislation, with the aim of having a digital euro in 2029.

Parliament just approved €144.1 million in EU funds to aid Romania, Cyprus and Spain after natural disasters that took place in those countries in 2025.

The Fund is an expression of EU solidarity – it aids EU countries and candidate countries dealing with major natural disasters or public health emergencies. So far, it has provided more than €10 billion in support in the aftermath of 147 disaster events.

Find out more: www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20260706IPR46305/eu-aid-for-spain-romania-and-cyprus-to-tackle-recent-natural-disasters

During its Presidency, Ireland will work closely with the European Parliament by:

→ Representing the Council in negotiations: the negotiation meetings with the European Parliament and the Commission

→ Helping advance EU laws on climate, energy, digital, mobility, and more

→ Contributing to shaping the EU agenda as the EP and Council co-legislate

Learn more about the Irish Presidency: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2026/789372/EPRS_BRI(2026)789372_EN.pdf

Irish Presidency website: https://irish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/

Many thanks to Cyprus for its work over the past six months in guiding the Council's agenda and steering key negotiations. The Council of the EU is one of the EU's main decision-making institutions where representatives of the governments of member states negotiate and adopt laws together with the European Parliament.

But what does this mean for Ireland? For the next six months, Irish representatives will take charge of:
• Coordinating and leading meetings of the Council of the EU
• Maintaining continuity in the Council's agenda

Want to know more about the rotating EU Council presidency and Ireland’s role? Click here: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/council-eu/presidency-council-eu/

With more countries wishing to join the EU, Parliament continues to prioritise a merit-based enlargement process. No reforms, no EU accession progress.

Read more: link.europa.eu/tjD9V7

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