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Press release – MEPs support proposals to simplify EU carbon leakage instrument

Source: European Parliament

The proposed changes to the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) are part of simplification efforts to reduce the administrative burden for SMEs and occasional importers.

Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Climate Change and Food Safety today endorsed the Commission’s proposal, which is a part of the “Omnibus I” simplification package presented on 26 February 2025. MEPs adopted only technical amendments for clarification purposes and support a new de minimis mass threshold of 50 tonnes, which would exempt the vast majority (90%) of importers − mainly small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals − who import only small quantities of CBAM goods. The CBAM’s environment goal is maintained, as 99% of total CO2 emissions from imports of iron, steel, aluminium, cement and fertilisers would still be covered by the rules.

For the imports covered, the changes also simplify authorisation of declarants (parties wishing to import goods subject to the CBAM), the calculation of emissions and the management of CBAM financial liability, while strengthening anti-abuse provisions.

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After the vote, rapporteur Antonio Decaro (S&D, IT) said: “A majority in the committee agreed to limit amendments to the specific proposals by the Commission and to not reopen other provisions of the CBAM legislation, which is so crucial to prevent carbon leakage. This approach enables us to simplify matters for companies without dismantling or weakening the CBAM. We will continue to work as fast as possible to bring legal clarity and certainty to all CBAM stakeholders.”

Next steps

MEPs adopted the text by 85 votes in favour, 1 against and with 1 abstention. On 22 May 2025, Parliament as a whole is scheduled to adopt its mandate for negotiations with Council on the final shape of the legislation.

Background

The EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism is the EU’s tool to equalise the price of carbon paid for EU products operating under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) with that of imported goods, and to encourage higher climate ambition in non-EU countries.

In early 2026, the Commission will assess whether to extend the scope of the CBAM to other ETS sectors at risk of carbon leakage.

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Answer to a written question – Links between mass immigration and violent crime – E-000536/2025(ASW)

Source: European Parliament

1. The Commission provides statistics through Eurostat, including on migration[1] and crime[2], in accordance with the applicable Regulations and does not collect data as referred to in the Honourable Member’s question. Eurostat focuses on criminal offences as set out in the International Classification of Crime for Statistical Purposes.

2. Research[3] has revealed different aspects that do not allow for the assumption of a causal link between migration and crime[4]. Taking only a single factor into account creates a biased image[5] and would be misleading.

3. The Pact on Migration and Asylum was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council in May 2024[6]. It provides for new tools to monitor the implementation of the Common European Asylum System, including a dedicated monitoring by the European Union Asylum Agency.

  • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/migration-asylum.
  • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/crime.
  • [3] Research for example from the public research institute ‘Institut Convergences Migrations (IC Migrations)’ https://www.icmigrations.cnrs.fr/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/4_Fiche-insecurite_V3.pdf and http://www.cepii.fr/BLOG/bi/post.asp?IDcommunique=982. Several media shared that research in the past years, for instance: https://www.tf1info.fr/politique/presidentielle-2022-peut-on-dresser-un-lien-direct-entre-immigration-et-delinquance-comme-le-fait-valerie-pecresse-2201402.html; https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2023/04/21/immigration-les-etrangers-pas-plus-delinquants-que-les-autres-selon-une-etude_6170487_3224.html; https://factuel.afp.com/doc.afp.com.34QB9EL.
  • [4] For example, many condemnations are for misdemeanours and some misdemeanours are specific to foreigners when it is about the policing of regular stay in the EU and cannot therefore be representative of a comparison between nationals and foreigners.
  • [5] Recent analysis by the ifo Institute has shown that ‘More foreigners do not increase Germany’s crime rate’ (press release of 18 February 2025 at https://www.ifo.de/en/press-release/2025-02-18/more-foreigners-do-not-increase-germanys-crime-rate). Media coverage includes the article ‘Study: Immigration has not raised German crime rate’ published by DW on 20 February 2025 at https://www.dw.com/en/study-finds-immigration-has-not-raised-german-crime-rate/a-71691228.
  • [6] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1351/oj/eng.
Last updated: 12 May 2025

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Written question – Compliance of the ReArm Europe Plan/European Defence Readiness 2030 with international conventions – E-001818/2025

Source: European Parliament

Question for written answer  E-001818/2025
to the Council
Rule 144
Lynn Boylan (The Left), Kathleen Funchion (The Left)

The recently announced ReArm Europe Plan/European Defence Readiness 2030 proposes EUR 800 billion of spending on military equipment. This is a time when certain Member States are withdrawing from the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the 1997 Treaty on the Prohibition of Mines. Cluster munitions are indiscriminate weapons of destruction that have a devastating impact on civilian populations wherever they are used.

Before agreeing to any funding proposals, will the Council:

  • 1.Ensure that no EU public money is directed to the production, purchase or stockpiling of cluster munitions in violation of the Convention?
  • 2.Ensure that no EU public money is directed towards the purchase of weapons that would violate the 1997 Treaty on the Prohibition of Mines?
  • 3.Consult with organisations supporting survivors of such destroyed weapons or relevant international human rights organisations?

Submitted: 6.5.2025

Last updated: 13 May 2025

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Briefing – Addressing menstrual poverty in the EU – 13-05-2025

Source: European Parliament

Menstrual poverty, defined as insufficient access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities, affects an estimated 10 % of the half of the EU population who menstruate, with a higher prevalence among people with a low income, refugees, young people, and people with disabilities. Studies from Belgium, France, Germany, and Spain highlight the economic burden menstruation imposes, particularly on vulnerable persons. The COVID 19 pandemic exacerbated this issue by disrupting supply chains and intensifying financial strains. To address menstrual poverty, the European Union has facilitated access to menstrual hygiene products primarily through fiscal reform. The revision of the EU VAT Directive introduced greater flexibility for Member States to apply reduced or zero VAT rates to female sanitary products, shifting their classification from luxury to essential goods. Practices remain quite divergent, with some Member States, such as Ireland, Cyprus and Malta, adopting a zero rate, while others, such as Hungary, Sweden and Denmark, maintain standard rates. EU funding programmes such as Erasmus+ and ESF+ have indirectly supported menstrual health initiatives through education, social inclusion, and material assistance projects. Partnerships with non-governmental organisations, such as the Red Cross, have helped distribute products to marginalised groups. Likewise, numerous local initiatives in Member States increasingly provide free menstrual products in schools, universities, and public spaces. The European Parliament recognises menstrual poverty as a gender equality issue and calls for greater access to free menstrual products. Members continue to urge Member States and the European Commission to introduce concrete initiatives to combat period poverty.

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Written question – Baby formula – E-001812/2025

Source: European Parliament

Question for written answer  E-001812/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

Powdered milk for babies aged 1-3 years is considered a ‘general food’ by the EU. Therefore, there are no EU-wide rules on its composition and the level of protection for babies consuming this product is lower than the high level of protection for infants up to one year of age. The same reference values as for adults apply to the nutrition labelling of baby milk.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)[1] states that fortified formulas, including baby milk, are a means of providing babies and young children with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, iron, vitamin D and iodine. Internationally, a Codex Alimentarius standard published in early 2024[2] sets out compositional requirements for the same group of products, including strict criteria on sugar content.

In view of the above:

  • 1.Will the Commission implement the relevant Codex Alimentarius standard for baby formula in order to prevent unsuitable high-sugar products being placed on the European market?
  • 2.If so, by when and how will it do so?
  • 3.If not, could it explain its reasoning for not complying with the global food safety standard?

Submitted: 6.5.2025

  • [1] Scientific Opinion on nutrient requirements and dietary intakes of infants and young children in the European Union, 2013: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3408.
  • [2] STANDARD FOR FOLLOW-UP FORMULA FOR OLDER INFANTS AND PRODUCT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN: https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/sh-proxy/en/?lnk=1&url=https%253A%252F%252Fworkspace.fao.org%252Fsites%252Fcodex%252FStandards%252FCXS%2B156-1987%252FCXS_156e.pdf.
Last updated: 13 May 2025

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Written question – Exclusion of forest products from the regulation on agricultural geographical indications – E-001835/2025

Source: European Parliament

Question for written answer  E-001835/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Céline Imart (PPE)

Since 2001, France has granted the registered designation of origin (AOC) to certain forest products, such as wood from Chartreuse and Jura. These labels promote sustainable forestry practices, protect local know-how and support the economy of these upland areas.

However, Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 on geographical indications for agricultural products now excludes forest products, which are covered by the new Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 on craft and industrial products. This recategorisation deprives these products of access to the European Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), which is an essential condition for maintaining their national AOC.

Furthermore, the transition to the craft geographical indication label is unsatisfactory because it lacks visibility among consumers, even though the production process is more in line with that of an AOC, given its concentration in a particular territory.

  • 1.Does the Commission intend to revise Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 to bring forest products back within its scope?
  • 2.In the absence of a revision in the immediate future, what solutions can the Commission propose to preserve European recognition of forest AOCs such as those of Chartreuse and Jura wood?

Submitted: 7.5.2025

Last updated: 13 May 2025

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Highlights – Gender Mainstreaming Network- exchange of views on the new EP Gender Action Plan – Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

Source: European Parliament

On 20 May 2025, the meeting of the Gender Mainstreaming Network (GMN) will take place where an exchange of views with Vice-President Ewa Kopacz, Chair of the High-Level Group on Gender Equality and Diversity, on the new Gender Action Plan of the European Parliament will be held.

The GMN is composed of Members from each parliamentary committee and the Conference of Delegation Chairs responsible for gender mainstreaming. It is a forum for exchanging information on ongoing files of interest from a gender equality perspective and for sharing best practices.

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Answer to a written question – EU funds to environmental lobbying groups to promote the European Green Deal – E-000838/2025(ASW)

Source: European Parliament

The Commission adheres strictly to its transparency obligations. Information about EU fund recipients, including Czech beneficiaries, is published in the Financial Transparency System[1]. The Commission proactively shares the objectives and outcomes of funded projects on the Funding & Tenders Portal[2]. Interest representatives are required to report their lobbying activities and disclose key funding sources, including any contributions exceeding EUR 10 000 and representing more than 10% of their total budget, in their registrations in the Transparency Register[3].

Operating grants under the Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) are awarded competitively. Applicants submit proposals that include the description of their work programmes, in areas indicated in the LIFE Regulation[4]. This work programme is annexed to the grant agreement. It may mention, among other applicant’s activities, advocacy activities. The Commission does not prescribe the specific activities in the applicants’ work programmes , nor does it instruct them to support any specific positions .

The Commission has not identified irregularities in LIFE operating grants. Nonetheless, agreements involving activities directed at EU institutions, even if they do not breach the legal framework, may entail reputational risks for the EU. To mitigate these risks, the Commission has issued guidance[5] addressed to all its services, clarifying which activities should not be mandated as a condition for EU financing.

Green Deal legislation has been subject to public consultations, in line with Better Regulation principles[6]. All stakeholders had the opportunity to present their opinion and positions. Additionally, the Commission regularly reviews existing legislation based on Better Regulation principles.

  • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/budget/financial-transparency-system/index.html.
  • [2]  https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home .
  • [3]  https://transparency-register.europa.eu/index_en.
  • [4]  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/783/oj/eng.
  • [5]  https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/guidance-funding-dev-impl-monit-enforce-of-eu-law_en.pdf.
  • [6]  https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-making-process/better-regulation_en .
Last updated: 12 May 2025

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Highlights – Exchange with Commissioner McGrath: safeguarding democracy & diversity of expression – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Source: European Parliament

Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection © European Commission, 2024

On 20 May, Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection is expected in LIBE for an exchange of views  on the key challenges to democracy in the digital age, including foreign influence, disinformation, and algorithmic manipulation of electoral processes.

Following recent developments linked to social media platforms, the discussions will focus on strategies to ensure transparency, platform accountability, and the protection of democratic values across the EU.

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Hearings – Role of Non-Profit, Cooperative, Public Housing Models / Public-private partnerships – 15-05-2025 – Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union

Source: European Parliament

The Role of Non-Profit, Cooperative, Public Housing Models and Public-private partnerships in tackling the crisis with a particular focus on vulnerable people and youth

On 15 May 2025, the HOUS Committee will hold a public hearing entitled “The Role of Non-Profit, Cooperative, Public Housing Models and Public-Private Partnerships in Tackling the Crisis–with a Particular Focus on Vulnerable People and Youth.”

The hearing will be structured around two thematic panels. The first panel will explore innovative housing models for a sustainable future, bringing together HOUS Members and expert speakers for an exchange of views on emerging solutions such as non-profit, cooperative, and public-private partnership models. The second panel will focus on housing inequality, with particular attention to the challenges faced by vulnerable groups and young people across the EU.

The hearing aims to highlight how alternative housing models are key to delivering affordable, sustainable homes and promoting social inclusion. HOUS Members stress that bold, inclusive strategies are essential to address the EU’s housing crisis and shape people-centred policies.