EU - European Parliament - Committees - Latest news
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Highlights - Strengthening the availability of critical medicinal products - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection
On 15 July 2025, the Commission presented its legislative proposal which aims to tackle shortages of critical medical products on EU level, and to strengthen supply chains, improve supply security, as well support innovation. It complements and builds on other pieces of legislation, such as pharmaceutical reform, as well builds on industrial policy measures. The proposal foresees using public procurement as a tool, inter alia to support resilient products via award criteria.The Commission will issue guidelines on this. Moreover, the proposal covers the facilitation of cross border procurement and acting by the Commission as public buyer on behalf of Member States. Members broadly welcomed the initiative, recognizing the need for structural solutions to secure access to medicines and avoid future crises similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns were raised regarding the balance of competences between the EU and Member States, the risk of unnecessary bureaucracy and the absence of a full impact assessment of the proposal. Some Members stressed that access of patients to medical products must remain the core focus. They also highlighted the importance of defining clear sustainability criteria, ensuring fair distribution among Member States, and avoiding protectionist approaches.The Commission said the goal is to make sure that all EU citizens have fair access to critical medical products, and to reduce dependence on third countries.
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP -
Highlights - US trade: Impact on the Single Market - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection
On 15 July 2025, Commission officials gave an update on the ongoing trade negotiations between the EU and the US, focusing on the most recent round, which was abruptly interrupted over the weekend of 12–13 July 2025, following President Trump’s announcement of a 30% tariff on all EU imports. They emphasized the serious impact such a measure would have on the EU Single Market, given the high level of economic integration between the two regions.While negotiations continue, Commission officials (DG GROW) confirmed that it is preparing a second list of products--beyond steel and aluminium--that could be subject to EU counter-tariffs, aiming to minimise the negative impact on the internal market.
Members questioned the EU's negotiation approach, which appears to reflect the lowest common denominator among Member States, even in areas where the Commission has full competence to act independently. They also asked whether a Digital Services Tax could be introduced as a retaliatory measure.
Additionally, Members expressed concern over media reports suggesting that possible compromises under discussion might weaken EU legislation. The Commission reassured them that preserving the EU's regulatory autonomy remains a non-negotiable principle and that all options remain on the table should talks fail.
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP -
Highlights - 21-23 July: INTA delegation to Brazil - Committee on International Trade
A delegation of 10 Members of the Committee on International Trade (INTA) will travel to Brazil from 21 to 23 July and will visit Brasília and São Paulo.The mission will focus on advancing dialogue on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement and strengthening trade relations between the European Union and Brazil.
During the visit, Members of the European Parliament will engage with Brazilian ministers, and officials as well as representatives from industry, civil society and think tanks to discuss the political, economic and environmental dimensions of the agreement.
The delegation is lead by LANGE Bernd, Chair of the INTA, S&D (Germany) and also includes:
SOUSA SILVA Hélder, Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Federative Republic of Brazil, EPP (Portugal)
REGNER Evelyn, Chair of the Delegation for relations with Mercosur, S&D (Austria)
WARBORN Jörgen, EPP (Sweden)
ZOVKO Željana, EPP (Croatia)
ASSIS Francisco, S&D (Portugal)
BULLMANN Udo, S&D (Germany)
KRUIS Sebastian, PfE (Netherlands)
MADISON Jaak, ECR (Estonia)
VEDRENNE Marie-Pierre, Renew (France)
BRICMONT Saskia, Greens/EFA (Belgium)
AUBRY Manon, The Left (France)
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP -
Latest news - Next HOUS committee meetings - Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union - Special committee on the European Democracy Shield
The next HOUS committee meeting will take place on:
Thursday 25 September 2025 in Brussels.
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP -
Highlights - EoV with Danish Ministers for Employment and for Social Affairs and Housing on 15/07 - Committee on Employment and Social Affairs
In light of the start of the Danish Presidency, the EMPL committee held an Exchange of Views with Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen (Danish Minister for Employment) and Sophie Hæstorp Andersen (Danish Minister for Social Affairs and Housing).The Danish Presidency has committed to promoting a more competitive Europe by fostering labour markets that are both competitive and offer decent, fair working conditions, while protecting jobs and ensuring the availability of the right skills for the future workforce. They expressed the goal to foster social cohesion, fight social exclusion, and guarantee inclusion for all citizens.
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP