EU - European Parliament - Committees - Latest news

1. Highlights - Vote on Simplifying EU AI Rules - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

   

   On 18 March 2026, the European Parliament committees IMCO and LIBE will vote on a draft report linked to the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act. The “Digital Omnibus on AI" proposes changes to simplify how the rules are applied and enforced across the European Union. It also suggests adjusting certain timelines and clarifying obligations for companies and public authorities to help ensure the legislation can be implemented more effectively and consistently.

   
   

   One key proposal concerns the timing of rules for so-called high-risk AI systems, which are used in sensitive areas such as healthcare, employment or public services. Instead of linking these obligations to a future decision by the Commission, the report proposes fixed deadlines. Requirements for systems listed in Annex III would apply from 2 December 2027, while those in Annex I would apply from 2 August 2028. The aim is to provide legal certainty and allow more time for technical standards, guidance and national authorities to prepare.

   The report confirms that companies must ensure their staff have appropriate knowledge and skills to work with AI, with support from the Commission and EU countries. It also sets clearer conditions for using sensitive personal data to detect and correct bias in high-risk systems, under strict safeguards. It also aims to improve cooperation between authorities, clarify the role of the European AI Office and strengthen regulatory testing environments.

   
   Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

2. Latest news - Next meeting of the FEMM Committee: 23-24 March 2026 - Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

   

   The next meeting of the Committee on Gender Equality and Women's Rights will take place on:

   • 23-24 March 2026
   • 14 April 2026
   • 4-5 May 2026

   
   FEMM Committee meetings calendars
        FEMM Bureau and Coordinators
        FEMM Calendar 2026
   FEMM work in progress
        FEMM work in progress (updated on 2/3/2026)

   
   Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

3. Highlights - Structured dialogue with the Commission - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

   

   During the first semester of each year, Committees are invited to hold an exchange of views with their relevant Commissioners on the state of implementation of the current Commission’s Work Programme and priorities for the following one. This “Structured Dialogue” is intended to smooth cooperation between the two institutions. Commissioner Olivér Varhelyi and Commissioner Christophe Hansen will exchange with the AGRI Members on, respectively, Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 March.

   
   Agenda and documents for the meeting of 18-19 March 2026

   
   Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

4. Highlights - Debate with Afghan women MPs in exile on human rights situation in Afghanistan - Subcommittee on Human Rights

   

   The Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) will have an exchange of views with Afghan women MPs in exile on human rights situation in Afghanistan, on 18 March at 09.00-10.30. Former Afghan Parliamentarians Ms Fawzia Koofi, Ms Mariam Solaimankhil and Ms Shinkai Karokhail will present the increasing challenges for the Afghan people, especially for women and girls. Mr Gilles Bertrand, EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan will present the EU latest initiatives to support human rights in the country.

   
   

   Following the DROI public hearing on 'The EU strategy to promote and to protect human rights of women worldwide (notably fighting gender apartheid in Afghanistan & Iran)', in September 2025, DROI discusses the current situation of human rights in the country, which has been radically deteriorated under Taliban regime.

   Taliban regime has banned women and girls from education and imposed unbearable barriers to their fundamental rights of freedom of speech, assembly, movement and work. Prosecution against HRDs and activists and journalists has been intensified. The regime extensively practices torture and ill-treatment, extrajudicial killings and corporal punishments. A severe economic and humanitarian crisis hits the Afghan people, mostly vulnerable groups, refugees and social minorities.

   
   Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

5. Highlights - Joint hearing on “Democracy and elections in the AI era” on 18 March - Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield

   

   The Committee on Constitutional Affairs jointly with the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield will hold a hearing on “Democracy and elections in the AI era” on 18 March.

   
   

   The hearing would analyse how AI technologies are transforming the information environment surrounding European elections and democratic debate. It would examine both risks such as deepfakes, automated disinformation, micro-targeting and manipulation of voters, and positive uses of AI to detect abuse, support factchecking and improve citizens' access to quality information. The aim is to identify institutional and regulatory measures that can strengthen electoral integrity and public trust in the EU's democratic processes.

   
   Hearing page link

   
   Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP