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  1. Laughing girl with down syndrome uses a laptop at a library. ©Ermolaev Alexandr/Adobe Stock
    Down syndrome, or Trisomy 21, is a genetic condition that occurs when a person has an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21, resulting in 47 chromosomes instead of 46. It occurs naturally, has no known cause, and affects about 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 babies worldwide, with roughly 3,000 to 5,000 babies born with this chromosome disorder each year.

    People with Down syndrome usually have some level of intellectual disability and may experience certain health conditions. With appropriate healthcare, early support, inclusive education, and strong family support, individuals can lead fulfilling lives and participate fully in society.

    World Down Syndrome Day celebrates their lives and promotes equal rights and opportunities for all.


    Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP
  2. Dorien De Vlieger, doctoral researcher, examines laboratory test tube that she use for her research on llama antibodies, hoping to find a treatment against COVID-19, the novel coronavirus at the Vlaams Institute of Biotechnology of Ghent University on May 08, 2020 in Ghent ©AFP_Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD
    On 24 March, at the joint ENVI-SANT meeting, Commission will present the proposal amending Directives 2001/18/EC (GMOs Directive) and 2010/53/EU (Human Organs Directive) as part of the EU Biotechnology Act. The proposal aims to modernise EU biotechnology rules by creating a more tailored regulatory framework for genetically modified micro-organisms (GMMs) and clarifying oversight of organ processing technologies used prior to transplantation.

    Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP
  3. Rescue team members walking amid a flooded landscape
    On 24 March, at the joint SANT-ENVI meeting, Members will consider the draft report on the proposal to reform the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The proposal aims to strengthen EU preparedness and response to increasingly frequent and complex crises, including natural disasters, hybrid threats and cross-border health emergencies.

    Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP
  4. A view of the city from the hill of Febe mountain in Yaoundé town, Cameroon
    A delegation of eight INTA Members, led by Committee Chair Bernd Lange will travel to Yaoundé in Cameroon from 24 to 27 March 2026 on the occasion of the Ministerial Conference of WTO and Parliamentary Conference on WTO. The mission aim is to participate in high level meetings of the MC14 and session of the PCWTO which will be dedicated mainly to WTO reform and challenges - how to modernise the functioning of the WTO while preserving multilateralism in trade.

    This mission will be an occasion also to assess the progress made since MC13 and express views on the main issues on the MC14 agenda. Additionally, among topics to be debated by Members in Yaoundé, will be among others: 'Fairness and development for all through global trade' and 'Artificial intelligence and trade' - included in the agenda of the PCWTO. The discussions will take place on the basis of the reports from the European Parliament and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. An outcome document, to which contributed INTA Members and other parliamentarians from IPU, will be adopted to wind up main messages and challenges on the WTO current agenda.

    The delegation, led by the INTA Chair, Bernd Lange (S&D, DE), will engage through discussions, thematic panels and bilateral meetings with different Trade Ministers, Ambassadors of WTO Member States, experts and other stakeholders.

    Please find more information here.


    Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP
  5. IMCO logo
    Next Committee meetings;
    • Wednesday, 18 March, IMCO-LIBE joint, 13.00 - 13.30, Room 4Q2
    • Monday, 23 March, 15.00-18.30, Room 4Q2
    • Tuesday, 24 March, 09.00-11.30 and 15.00-18.30, Room 4Q2

    Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP