News

EU Parliament Takes Aim at Outdated Rape Laws: “No Means No” Gets Official Upgrade

In a move that shouldn’t be revolutionary but somehow still is, the European Parliament is gearing up to make “absence of consent” the star of the show in rape legislation across the EU. Because apparently, we still need to clarify this in 2026.

Two rapporteurs with names longer than some countries’ legal codes—Evin Incir from Sweden and Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus from Poland—are leading the charge. They’re hosting a press conference on Tuesday to explain why consent should be, you know, the actual thing that matters in rape cases. Wild concept, right?

The report builds on a 2024 EU directive (because nothing says “urgent” like a two-year follow-up) and wants to align member states with international standards. Translation: some countries are still operating like it’s 1950, and Brussels has had enough.

The proposal doesn’t stop at consent. It’s throwing in the whole package: better victim support, access to justice, specialized healthcare, and—plot twist—addressing digital violence and harmful stereotypes. They’re also pushing to officially add gender-based violence to the EU’s crime list, which you’d think would already be there, but here we are.

The press conference goes down Tuesday at 5 PM CEST in the Daphne Caruana Galizia press room (named after a journalist who was murdered for doing her job—no pressure, attendees). Journalists can join remotely via something called “Interactio,” which sounds like a rejected dating app but is actually a streaming platform.

The debate hits the plenary floor Monday, with voting Tuesday. So if you’ve been waiting for European bureaucracy to catch up with basic human decency, mark your calendars. It only took a few decades.

EU’s Rule of Law Report Card: Not Exactly Straight A’s

The European Parliament is gearing up for what promises to be a riveting press conference on Tuesday, April 28th at 3:30 PM CEST – and by riveting, we mean the kind of event where democracy gets its annual health check and the results aren’t exactly glowing.

Greek MEP Konstantinos Arvanitis from The Left will be the bearer of not-so-great news, presenting Parliament’s assessment of the Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law Report. Spoiler alert: the EU’s homework on rule of law recommendations hasn’t been getting done.

What’s Got Everyone’s Gavel in a Twist?

The report sounds alarm bells louder than a fire drill in a library. We’re talking serious concerns about judicial independence (judges should be independent, who knew?), corruption (still a thing, apparently), media freedom, and journalist safety. Because nothing says “thriving democracy” quite like journalists needing bodyguards.

But wait, there’s more! The civic space is shrinking faster than your favorite sweater in a hot wash, and digital technologies – including AI-generated content – are causing headaches that aspirin can’t fix. Turns out, deepfakes and democracy don’t mix well.

The Bottom Line

Limited progress on recommendations means the EU is basically that student who keeps promising to do better next semester. The debate hits the plenary floor Tuesday, with voting Wednesday, giving everyone just enough time to pretend they read the whole report.

Journalists can tune in remotely via the Interactio platform or catch it on Parliament’s Multimedia Centre – because even democracy has gone hybrid these days.

EU Parliament’s Packed Week: Budgets, Rape Laws, and Dog Welfare (Yes, Really)

The European Parliament is gearing up for a whirlwind week from April 27 to May 3, 2026, and if you thought bureaucracy was boring, think again. This agenda reads like a Netflix series with too many plotlines.

Monday kicks off with debates on everything from the European Investment Bank’s finances to—wait for it—consent-based rape legislation across the EU. Because apparently, some countries still need a memo on what “no” means. MEPs will also tackle the riveting topic of “finfluencers” (yes, that’s financial influencers for those not chronically online) and their impact on your savings account.

Tuesday brings the votes, and boy, are there votes. Parliament will decide on the EU’s long-term budget for 2028-2034, which is basically like planning your grocery budget seven years in advance, except with trillions of euros and way more arguing. They’ll also vote on dog and cat welfare regulations, proving that even in the highest halls of power, someone’s thinking about the puppies.

The day features a marathon of “discharge” votes—which sounds medical but actually means checking if EU institutions spent their 2024 budgets properly. Spoiler: there are 14 separate reports to approve, because nothing says efficiency like 14 reports about efficiency.

Wednesday gets spicy with a “key debate” on the Middle East crisis and its effect on energy prices and fertilizer availability. Then comes the real entertainment: a topical debate on “Commission interference in democratic process and elections,” requested by a political group that clearly has opinions.

Human rights debates round out the day, covering everything from trafficking in Haiti to China’s ethnic policies to Venezuela’s amnesty law. It’s global issues bingo, and everyone’s playing.

Thursday wraps things up with discussions on the EU livestock sector (food security meets animal diseases—fun!) and women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas. Votes will include resolutions on Ukraine, Armenia, and cyberbullying, because apparently MEPs can multitask like nobody’s business.

Throughout the week, President Metsola will be busier than a caffeinated squirrel, presiding over sessions, meeting commissioners, and somehow finding time for press conferences. Multiple political groups will hold briefings, each presumably explaining why their approach is the only sensible one.

The agenda also features committee meetings with names so long they need their own zip codes, including the delightfully titled “Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield,” which sounds like something from a superhero movie.

With debates running until 10 PM some nights, one thing’s certain: democracy doesn’t keep office hours, and neither do these MEPs. Bring coffee. Lots of coffee.

Europe’s Got a Plan (And a Deadline This Time!)

The EU just did something unusual: it set a deadline it actually intends to keep. Meeting in Cyprus, the big three—European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides (wearing his rotating Council presidency hat)—signed the “One Europe, One Market Roadmap.” Think of it as Europe’s New Year’s resolution, except it’s April and they’re really serious this time.

The Gist: Get It Together by 2027

The roadmap is basically Europe admitting it needs to streamline its act in a world that’s gotten decidedly more chaotic. With geopolitical tensions running high and economic volatility doing its thing, the EU has committed to boosting competitiveness with actual targets and quarterly check-ins. Yes, quarterly reviews—because nothing says “we mean business” like scheduled meetings to discuss whether you’ve had other scheduled meetings.

What’s In The Box?

The plan includes legislative proposals, clear deadlines (end of 2027, mark your calendars), and—here’s the kicker—actual accountability measures. Each institution knows what it’s supposed to do, and they’ll be checking in regularly to make sure nobody’s slacking off. It’s like a group project, except everyone’s actually trying.

The Sound Bites

Metsola called it “bold” and exactly what Parliament wanted. Von der Leyen promised it would “boost economic growth” and guarantee digital transformation (because what’s an EU initiative without mentioning digital transformation?). Christodoulides went full diplomatic, calling it “a strategic necessity” for a “more cohesive European Union.”

Why Should You Care?

Because a stronger, more unified EU market means easier business across borders, better digital infrastructure, and—fingers crossed—an economy that can weather whatever geopolitical storm comes next. Plus, watching bureaucrats race against a deadline is oddly entertaining.

Now we wait to see if Europe can actually pull this off. Place your bets, folks.

EU Leaders Head to Cyprus: Money Talks, War Walks, and Budget Hawks Circle

The Scene: European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is packing her bags for Cyprus on April 24, where EU bigwigs are gathering for what promises to be a riveting discussion about everyone’s favorite topic: budgets. (Try to contain your excitement.)

The Money Part: MEPs just dropped their wishlist for the EU’s 2028-2034 budget, and spoiler alert—they want more cash. How much more? Try €1.78 trillion, which is roughly a 10% bump from what the Commission suggested. That’s 1.27% of EU GNI, for those keeping score at home.

The Budget Committee insists this isn’t greed—it’s the “minimum amount” needed to keep the EU ship sailing. Translation: “We promise we’re not just throwing money around; we actually need this stuff.” The extra euros won’t go to fancy new office chairs or expanding the bureaucracy, they swear. It’s all for “key EU programmes,” whatever survives the inevitable negotiation bloodbath.

Parliament votes on this financial fever dream on April 29, then the real fun begins: haggling with the Council until someone cries uncle.

The Middle East Situation: Meanwhile, tensions in Iran have the EU walking on diplomatic eggshells. After US-Israeli strikes in late February, Metsola warned against a “spiral of escalation”—diplomatic speak for “please don’t start World War III.”

Parliament has been busy expressing solidarity with Iranians suffering under 47 years of “brutal repression” (their words, not ours, though entirely accurate). They’ve slapped sanctions on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, officially designating them a terrorist organization. Only took them forever.

Ukraine Update: Four years into Russia’s invasion, President Zelenskyy video-called into Parliament’s extraordinary session with a simple message: “Thanks for the support, but keep it coming.” The EU responded with a €90 billion loan—€30 billion for keeping the lights on, €60 billion for defense equipment. Nothing says “we’ve got your back” like cold, hard cash.

The mantra remains: “Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security.” Which is diplomatic code for “if we don’t help them there, we’ll be dealing with this mess here.”

Bottom Line: EU leaders will juggle trillion-euro budgets, Middle Eastern powder kegs, and an ongoing war—all while pretending this is just another casual Friday in Cyprus. Democracy: it’s exhausting, expensive, and apparently never-ending.

Parliament’s position is clear: spend more, sanction harder, and for the love of all that’s holy, keep Ukraine in the fight. Now they just need everyone else to agree. Easy, right?

EU Parliament’s Packed Agenda: From Budget Battles to Puppy Protection

The European Parliament is gearing up for what promises to be a marathon session next week, and they’re thoughtfully giving journalists a heads-up this Friday at 11 AM. (How considerate—they’re even providing interpretation in English and French!)

Running from April 27-30, the plenary session is absolutely stuffed with agenda items that range from the deadly serious to the surprisingly adorable.

The Heavy Hitters

MEPs will tackle the EU’s 2028-2034 budget—because nothing says “exciting Friday plans” like debating a multiannual financial framework. They’ll also dive into the Middle East crisis and its ripple effects on energy prices and fertilizer availability (turns out geopolitics affects your grocery bill).

On the justice front, Parliament will vote on holding Russia accountable for attacks on Ukrainian civilians and push forward legislation defining rape based on absence of consent—critical measures that deserve the spotlight.

The Progressive Stuff

In a move that acknowledges MEPs are, in fact, human beings, they’ll vote on proxy voting rights for pregnant members and those who’ve just given birth. Revolutionary concept: people who’ve created life shouldn’t lose their legislative voice.

The session also tackles cyberbullying and online harassment, because apparently the internet still hasn’t learned to play nice.

The Unexpected Star

But here’s the plot twist: buried in this agenda of geopolitical crises and budget negotiations are the first-ever EU standards to protect the health of cats and dogs. That’s right—while debating billion-euro budgets, Parliament is also ensuring Fluffy and Fido get proper protection.

Journalists wanting to participate can connect via Interactio (supported on iPads and Mac/Windows, because even parliamentary press briefings have tech requirements). First-timers should log in 30 minutes early—nothing says “professional journalist” like frantically troubleshooting audio issues during a live briefing.

The full circus streams live Friday morning. Popcorn not included.

MEPs Just Asked for a €197 Billion Raise (And They Have Receipts)

In a move that would make even the boldest salary negotiator blush, Members of the European Parliament voted Wednesday to bump up the EU’s 2028-2034 budget by a cool 10%. That’s an extra €197 billion, for those keeping score at home.

The Budgets Committee approved the proposal with 26 votes in favor, essentially telling the European Commission: “Nice try with your July proposal, but we’re going to need more money than that.” Much more.

MEPs argue they’re not being greedy—they’re being realistic. Between a full-scale war in Europe, climate chaos, and an economy that’s apparently less competitive than they’d like, they say 1.27% of EU GNI is the bare minimum to keep the lights on and the programs running.

Show Me the Money (Breakdown)

So where’s all this extra cash going? Pretty much everywhere. Farmers are getting an additional €139 billion for the Common Agricultural Policy, because apparently you can’t run Europe on vibes alone. The European Social Fund is getting a €124 billion boost, while students celebrating Erasmus+ will see an extra €6.5 billion for their exchange adventures.

Even the civil protection mechanism is getting a bump—€1.74 billion more, which seems reasonable when you consider the continent’s recent track record with emergencies.

No Budget Buffet, Please

MEPs are drawing a hard line against what they’re calling an “à la carte EU”—essentially rejecting the Commission’s “one plan per member state” approach. Think of it as refusing to let everyone order off different menus at a group dinner. It gets messy, someone always overspends, and nobody’s happy with the bill.

They’re also demanding transparency, because apparently there are concerns about “financing not linked to costs,” which is budget-speak for “we’d like to know where the money’s actually going, thanks.”

How to Pay for All This

Here’s where it gets spicy: MEPs want new revenue sources generating around €60 billion annually. They’re floating ideas like taxing crypto gains, extending carbon border fees, and slapping levies on online gambling. Basically, if you’re making money on the internet or polluting the planet, they’d like a word—and a cut.

The proposal now heads to a full parliamentary vote on April 29. Then the real fun begins: negotiations with EU member states, who will likely have some thoughts about that 10% increase.

As co-rapporteur Carla Tavares put it: “Ambition without resources is empty.” And apparently, so is trying to run a continent on a discount budget.

EU Parliament Says “No More Getting Poisoned at Work, Please”

In a move that might seem obvious but apparently needed spelling out, the European Parliament has decided that workers shouldn’t have to risk cancer just by showing up to their jobs. Revolutionary stuff, really.

The Employment and Social Affairs Committee just greenlit new protections against nasty chemicals with a vote so lopsided (45-0-10) it makes you wonder what those 10 abstainers were thinking. “Hmm, not sure if workers deserve to breathe clean air…”

What’s Actually Changing?

The sixth—yes, sixth—revision of the tongue-twisting “carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances directive” sets new limits on chemicals that sound like rejected sci-fi villain names: cobalt compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and the delightfully named 1,4-dioxane. These beauties are used in batteries, steel, textiles, and other industries where workers have apparently been playing chemical roulette.

MEPs also threw in isoprene, which can cause everything from throat irritation to liver cancer. Fun times in the rubber factory!

The Good Stuff

Employers will now have to provide actual protective equipment that—wait for it—fits workers’ bodies. Groundbreaking! Workers wearing these suits also get regular breaks in contamination-free zones, because apparently “just hold your breath for eight hours” wasn’t cutting it.

Firefighters get special attention too, since running into burning buildings exposes them to slightly more hazardous materials than your average office job.

The Numbers Game

According to the European Commission, these measures could prevent 1,700 lung cancer cases and 19,000 other illnesses over 40 years. That’s roughly 120,000 workers currently getting diagnosed with work-related cancer annually in the EU—a statistic that really shouldn’t exist in 2025.

As rapporteur Liesbet Sommen put it: “No one should be made sick just by going to work.” Hot take, but we’ll allow it.

The directive now heads to full Parliament approval before negotiations with the Council begin. SMEs will get support implementing the changes, and gender-specific vulnerabilities will be considered because—surprise—not all bodies react to toxins identically.

Who knew workplace safety could be this complicated? Oh right, everyone who’s ever worked with chemicals.

Europe Has Spoken, and It’s Listening Differently Now

In a move that proves the European Parliament occasionally gets things spectacularly right, Spanish director Eva Libertad’s film “Deaf” has snagged the 2026 LUX Audience Award. And yes, the irony of a film called “Deaf” winning an award based on people’s voices is not lost on us.

The film follows Ángela, a deaf woman navigating the terrifying waters of impending motherhood with her hearing partner. Spoiler alert: the world isn’t exactly built with her in mind. Led by deaf actress Miriam Garlo in what’s being called a “stunning performance” (their words, but we’re inclined to believe them), the film challenges viewers to, quite literally, listen differently.

European Parliament vice-president Sabine Verheyen got all poetic about it, saying the award “shines a light on films that open our eyes to experiences beyond our own.” Which is a fancy way of saying: maybe we should pay attention to people whose lives don’t look exactly like ours. Revolutionary stuff, really.

Director Eva Libertad hopes the win will “focus on the deaf community” and promote inclusion policies. She’s also optimistic that society might stop viewing diversity as a problem and start seeing it as “human wealth.” Imagine that.

The film beat out four other contenders, including one from 2012 Sakharov Prize winner Jafar Panahi, because apparently even political prisoners can’t catch a break at the movies.

In a genuinely cool move, this year’s shortlisted films came with subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the first time. Better late than never, Parliament. Better late than never.

The winner was chosen by a democratic combo of EU citizens and MEPs, each getting 50% of the vote. Democracy in action, folks—now available in 24 languages.

Europe’s Got Film Talent: LUX Award Winner Gets the Spotlight (and a Press Conference)

The European Parliament is rolling out the red carpet—literally, probably—for the 2026 LUX Audience Award winner this Tuesday evening. After what we can only assume will be a glamorous ceremony in Brussels’ hemicycle (because nothing says “cinema magic” like parliamentary seating), the big winner gets their moment in the spotlight at a press conference scheduled for 19:15 CEST.

EP Vice-President Sabine Verheyen will be joined by representatives from the winning film, European Film Academy chair Ada Solomon, and selection panel honorary president Mike Downey. They’ll gather outside room SPAAK 03C050—which sounds less like a movie venue and more like a spaceship designation, but we digress.

The Contenders

Five films are vying for glory: Irish drama Christy, Spanish film Deaf, Iranian director Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident, French entry Love me Tender, and Norwegian-raised director Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value. The lineup tackles everything from child protection to democracy, proving that European cinema isn’t afraid of the heavy stuff.

Breaking Barriers (and Language Ones Too)

In a first for the award, all five nominated films got the full subtitle treatment—24 EU languages, including versions for the deaf and hard of hearing. That’s right: the European Parliament is basically the Duolingo of film accessibility.

The LUX Audience Award, launched in 2020 as a partnership between the European Parliament, European Film Academy, European Commission, and Europa Cinemas network, exists to champion European films that combine artistic excellence with cultural diversity. Think of it as the Oscars’ more socially conscious European cousin who studied philosophy and really wants to talk about it.

Accredited journalists can attend in person or catch the livestream—because even press conferences have gone hybrid in our post-pandemic world.