European Union

Committee meetings, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Following the vote on the report of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, the rapporteur and the committee chair will brief journalists on its findings.
Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Following the vote on the report of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, the rapporteur and the committee chair will brief journalists on its findings.
Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and political group leaders will visit Dublin to prepare for the upcoming Irish presidency of the Council of the EU.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and political group leaders will visit Dublin to prepare for the upcoming Irish presidency of the Council of the EU.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Tax expenditures (TEs) constitute a key instrument in Swiss fiscal policy. Although they are widely used at both the federal and cantonal levels to pursue economic, social, and environmental objectives, their fiscal cost, effectiveness, and distributional consequences remain only partially documented. This report reviews the current state of TE reporting, estimation, evaluation, and reform in Switzerland.
The available evidence suggests that annual revenue forgone from federal TEs amounts to more than CHF 24 billion. However, this figure should be interpreted with great caution. It is based on outdated and incomplete information and likely represents a lower-bound estimate of the true fiscal cost of federal TEs. The latest comprehensive federal TE report was published by the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) in 2011, while many of the underlying revenue forgone estimates were themselves derived from an even older study conducted by the FTA in 2009 using tax return data from the canton of Bern and extrapolated to the rest of the country. More recently, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) published a combination of aggregate and provision-level estimates for 2019 in its 2021 report on the “State Footprint”. The figures included new estimates for some TE provisions, namely for TE granted through the mineral oil tax and further excise taxes as well as the vehicle tax and the national road tax. Yet, most of the data was based on the estimates published in 2011. The report estimated the overall yearly revenue forgone stemming from the use of TEs at more than CHF 24 billion.
The 2011 report provides a detailed discussion of the benchmark classification of TE provisions used in Switzerland. The definition of the benchmark tax system is key for TE policy-making as TEs are defined as deviations from the reference or benchmark tax system. Interestingly, and unlike most of the countries worldwide that rely primarily on existing legislation, the benchmark tax system (BTS) for direct taxes in Switzerland is defined based on two theoretically grounded benchmarks: one based on income and an alternative one based consumption.
The lack of reliable and up-to-date information is particularly concerning given the legal framework governing subsidies and TEs. Article 7(g) of the Federal Act on Financial Aids and Compensation Payments (Subsidies Act, SubA) establishes that, in principle, the use of TEs should be avoided. In its 1986 dispatch, the Federal Council explicitly warned that TEs can undermine tax equity, reduce democratic oversight, and escape systematic scrutiny because their fiscal implications are often difficult to quantify. On this note, Article 5 of the SubA requires the federal government to report on TEs every six years as part of its broader subsidy reporting obligations. This requirement has not been fulfilled. The issue has been repeatedly noted by the Federal Council, Parliament, and the Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) and yet, a regular and institutionalized reporting framework has still not been established.
The current estimate of more than CHF 24 billion in TEs on the federal level does not account for the fiscal cost of cantonal TEs. Indeed, at the subnational level, reporting is even more limited with only two significant estimation exercises: a 2011 study conducted by the FTA on personal income-related TEs in the canton of Zug, and a 2025 review of personal income tax (PIT) related TEs published by the canton of Zürich. No canton has established a recurring TE reporting framework. Furthermore, no federal or cantonal estimation exercise currently provides estimates of TEs granted through corporate income tax (CIT), despite the growing importance of tax incentives in the CIT system.
Based on the limited available data from 2011, one can observe that the composition of Swiss TEs is highly concentrated. The ten largest federal provisions account for approximately CHF 16.1 billion, or roughly 63 percent of total reported federal revenue forgone. The largest single provision is the deduction for mandatory second-pillar pension contributions under PIT, estimated at CHF 3.5 billion annually. Other major provisions include the reduced VAT rate on food, plants, and printed products (CHF 2.2 billion), VAT exemptions for real estate transactions and rentals (CHF 2.0 billion), and VAT exemptions for social and health services (CHF 1.9 billion). 
Beyond transparency concerns, the absence of robust information undermines the evaluation of TE effectiveness. Switzerland lags significantly behind international standards in this area. There is currently no formal TE evaluation framework providing guidance on ex-ante assessments, ex post evaluations, governance arrangements, or data-sharing procedures. As a result, policymakers often lack the evidence necessary to determine whether TEs represent value for money and achieve their intended objectives; or are ineffective, too costly or generate unintended distributional and economic effects. The combination of weak reporting practices and limited access to administrative tax data has contributed to a striking lack of official ex-post evaluations.
The situation is somewhat more encouraging regarding ex ante assessments. Federal institutions regularly prepare ad hoc analyses in response to parliamentary requests and legislative initiatives. These assessments frequently provide valuable information on the expected fiscal and economic effects of proposed TE reforms and play an important role in informing political debate. 
TEs remain high-up in the political debate and reform agendas. Recent years have seen numerous legislative initiatives involving reduced VAT rates, PIT deductions, inheritance and gift tax exemptions, and CIT incentives. Examples include the extension of the lower VAT rate for accommodation services until 2035 (just voted down by the National Council and now with the Council of States), repeated debates on the deductibility of childcare expenses and Pillar 3a contributions, and discussions surrounding cantonal inheritance and gift tax exemptions. In the CIT field, the introduction of patent boxes and research and development (R&D) super-deductions at the cantonal level illustrates the dynamics of TE policy-making involving different tiers of government as this has been triggered by the Federal Act on Tax Reform and AHV Financing (TRAF).

Peter Hongler is a professor of tax law at the University of St. Gallen. 
Agustin Redonda is a Senior Fellow with the Council on Economic Policies (CEP), where he leads CEP’s work on
tax expenditures and tax incentives. He is also the co-founder and co-director of the Tax Expenditures Lab, which
hosts the Global Tax Expenditures Database (GTED) and the Global Tax Expenditures Transparency Index (GTETI).
 

This study examines the relationship between the green transition and female employment in Rwanda’s construction sector, influenced by sustainability policies such as the Green Building Code. Using a firm-level survey conducted in Kigali in 2024, we analyze data from 545 firms across the construction value chain, employing a Green Index to quantify firms’ sustainability practices. The empirical analysis relies on OLS IV estimation to address potential endogeneity concerns. Our findings indicate a positive association between green practices and female employment shares, particularly in permanent roles, suggesting that sustainability-driven transformations can contribute to more equitable labor market outcomes. The study further highlights sectoral heterogeneity, with supplier and construction firms showing the strongest employment gains for women. Government initiatives enhance these effects, highlighting the importance of coherent policy frameworks. However, the role of managerial attitudes remains unclear, indicating a need for further research on organizational dynamics. The analysis also highlights disparities in access to green training, with female-managed firms less likely to receive training, potentially limiting their ability to benefit from green transitions. These findings provide insights for policymakers aiming to align green transition policies with gender-inclusive economic development in Rwanda and the broader context of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Le Monténégro a conclu un partenariat économique stratégique avec la France. Ce mécanisme, déjà établi avec la Chine et les Émirats arabes unis, permet d'accorder des marchés publics avec des entreprises françaises sans procédure d'appel d'offres. On évoque une coopération à un milliard d'euros.

- Articles / Monténégro, Relations internationales, Economie, Questions européennes, Monitor (Monténégro)

At the European Council, President Roberta Metsola called for seizing the momentum on enlargement, competitiveness and the next long-term EU budget.
Committee on Legal Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

At the European Council, President Roberta Metsola called for seizing the momentum on enlargement, competitiveness and the next long-term EU budget.
Committee on Legal Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The Presidents of the European Parliament, Council and Commission set out their shared political commitment to protecting, promoting and supporting culture in Europe.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The Presidents of the European Parliament, Council and Commission set out their shared political commitment to protecting, promoting and supporting culture in Europe.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

In the first review of the Joint Declaration and Roadmap, the EU institutions took stock of progress made and reaffirmed their commitment to timely delivery.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

In the first review of the Joint Declaration and Roadmap, the EU institutions took stock of progress made and reaffirmed their commitment to timely delivery.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

AMENDMENTS 1 - 541 - Draft report A new co-ownership for the future of Euro-Mediterranean relations – the Pact for the Mediterranean
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Nicola Zingaretti

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On Thursday 2 July, the Committee on Foreign Affairs will hold a workshop on 'A new EU approach to the Sahel region'. The event aims to enrich the EP's debate and oversight of the 2025 'renewed' EU approach for the Sahel region, focusing on its central part (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger).
The workshop will provide current insights into the rapidly evolving challenges, such as security threats, political instability, and humanitarian crises, and foreign interference in a geopolitically challenging environment, following a recent wave of military coups d'état, violent jihadism and separatism.Prof. Nina Wilén will present a study on the topic, including policy options for EU cooperation with the region, in support of regional stability, peace, good governance and potentially improved relations. A debate between her and MEPs, representatives of other EU institutions, and other experts will follow suit.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Die Außenküche als neues Herzstück des Gartens

Draußen kochen liegt im Trend – und das nicht nur im Sommer. Immer mehr Menschen entdecken den Garten als echten Erweiterungsraum für die Küche. Was früher ein einfacher Kugelgrill auf der Terrasse war, ist heute oft eine durchdachte Outdoor-Küchenstation mit verschiedenen Geräten, Arbeitsflächen und Stauraum. Die Auswahl ist dabei enorm gewachsen: Holzkohlegrill, Gasgrill, Smoker, Pizzaofen – und natürlich die Plancha. Wer neu plant oder aufrüsten möchte, steht schnell vor der Frage: Was brauche ich wirklich, und was passt zu meinem Kochstil?

Der klassische Grill – bewährt, aber nicht für jeden

Der Holzkohlegrill ist für viele das Symbol des Sommers schlechthin. Das Ritual des Anzündens, der Geruch, die offene Flamme – das hat einen eigenen Reiz, den kein anderes Gerät so ganz ersetzen kann. Doch er hat klare Nachteile: Holzkohle muss besorgt und entsorgt werden, die Temperaturkontrolle ist anspruchsvoll, und wer spontan grillen möchte, wartet erst einmal 30 bis 40 Minuten auf die richtige Glut. Wer dagegen auf Gas setzt, gewinnt Kontrolle und Schnelligkeit, gibt aber einen Teil des ursprünglichen Grill-Feelings ab. Für Fleischliebhaber, die auf Röstaromen und direkte Hitze setzen, bleibt der klassische Grill – in welcher Form auch immer – kaum zu schlagen.

Der Smoker – für alle, die Zeit als Zutat begreifen

Ein Smoker ist kein Gerät für den schnellen Feierabend. Er ist Philosophie. Wer mit einem Smoker arbeitet, plant seinen Tag um das Essen herum – nicht umgekehrt. Ein Pulled Pork braucht zwölf Stunden, Spareribs gern sechs. Das klingt aufwendig, ist es auch – aber das Ergebnis ist mit keiner anderen Methode vergleichbar. Das Fleisch wird nicht gegrillt, sondern bei niedrigen Temperaturen im Rauch gegart, bis es butterzart und tief aromatisch ist. Für Gartenbesitzer mit Platz, Geduld und echter BBQ-Leidenschaft ist der Smoker eine lohnende Investition. Für alle anderen ist er eher ein schönes Wochenend-Projekt als ein Alltagsgerät.

Die Plancha – unterschätzt, vielseitig, präzise

Während Grill und Smoker vor allem bei Fleischfans punkten, überzeugt die Plancha Grillplatte mit einer ganz anderen Stärke: Vielseitigkeit. Die flache, meist gusseiserne oder aus Stahl gefertigte Grillplatte erreicht gleichmäßige Hitze über die gesamte Fläche – ohne offene Flamme, ohne Funken, ohne Fett, das in die Glut tropft. Das macht sie ideal für Fisch, Meeresfrüchte, Gemüse, Eier und sogar Tapas. Wer kennt, wie in Spanien oder Südfrankreich Außenküchen funktionieren, weiß: Die Plancha gehört dort so selbstverständlich dazu wie bei uns der Kugelgrill. Die Plancha Grillplatte ist kein Ersatz für den Grill, sondern eine sinnvolle Ergänzung – besonders für alle, die vielfältig und präzise kochen möchten, statt nur Fleisch auf Rost zu legen.

Welche Ausstattung braucht eine Außenküche wirklich?

Die Frage nach dem richtigen Gerät ist nur der Anfang. Eine gut durchdachte Außenküche braucht mehr als ein einzelnes Kochgerät. Arbeitsflächen aus witterungsbeständigen Materialien wie Edelstahl oder Naturstein, ausreichend Stauraum für Utensilien und Gewürze, eine gute Beleuchtung für Abendstunden – all das macht den Unterschied zwischen einer improvisierten Grill-Ecke und einer echten Outdoor-Küche. Wer von Anfang an plant statt nachträglich ergänzt, spart langfristig Zeit, Geld und Frustration. Dabei muss es nicht luxuriös sein: Auch mit moderatem Budget lässt sich eine funktionale Kochstation aufbauen, die jahrelang Freude macht.

Gas, Strom oder Kohle – welche Energiequelle passt?

Die Wahl der Energiequelle beeinflusst nicht nur den Kochprozess, sondern auch den Standort der Außenküche. Gasgeräte bieten hohe Flexibilität und schnelle Reaktionszeit – ideal für Plancha-Anwendungen und spontanes Kochen. Elektrogeräte sind einfach zu bedienen und sauber, benötigen aber einen Stromanschluss in Außenwandnähe. Holzkohle punktet mit Authentizität, aber auch mit dem höchsten Aufwand in Vorbereitung und Nachbereitung. Die meisten erfahrenen Outdoor-Köche kombinieren: ein Gasgerät für den Alltag, ein Holzkohlegrill oder Smoker für besondere Anlässe am Wochenende.

Das richtige Gerät ist das, das wirklich genutzt wird

Am Ende zählt nicht das teuerste oder das vielseitigste Gerät – sondern das, das zum eigenen Kochstil, zur verfügbaren Fläche und zum Alltag passt. Wer selten Zeit hat, aber spontan für Gäste kochen möchte, ist mit einer kompakten Plancha Grillplatte oder einem Gasgrill deutlich besser bedient als mit einem großen Smoker. Wer hingegen das Wochenende liebt und BBQ als echtes Hobby betreibt, findet im Smoker seinen idealen Begleiter. Die beste Außenküche ist schlicht die, die man wirklich benutzt – nicht die, die beeindruckt, aber dann unter einer Plane verstaubt.

Der Beitrag Outdoor-Kochen: Grill, Smoker oder Plancha – was passt zu mir? erschien zuerst auf Neurope.eu - News aus Europa.

AMENDMENTS 1 - 517 - Draft report EU-Syria political relations
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Nathalie Loiseau

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This press kit includes a selection of European Parliament press releases outlining MEPs’ key priorities regarding the issues on the summit agenda.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP