European Union

The Hungarian leader brushed aside journalists' questions over the legality of seizing the Venezuelan president

The Western Balkans region stands at a critical crossroads for democracy, challenged by rising disinformation campaigns that exploit social divisions and fuel political polarisation, ultimately undermining democratic institutions and sowing scepticism toward European integration.

In the morning of 2 December, the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS) will hold a joint public hearing and discuss ways to effectively counter disinformation and FIMI in the Western Balkans, strengthen its democratic institutions, build public trust, and focus on the role the EU can play in this process.

Location : Brussels
Programme
Poster
2.1. Emma Quaedvlieg - EPD - Presentation
     Presentation
2.2. Raša Nedeljkov - EUCRTA - Policy paper
     Policy paper
2.3. Stefan Vladisavljev - DSPC - Presentation, position papers
     Presentation
     CHOICE - China’s 'Digital Silk Road' enters the Western Balkans
     IRI - Facilitating kleptocracy: the consequences of China's corrosive capital in Serbia
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The French government has expanded its list of demands to calm farmers' protests

Broberg's party could be the place to start if Washington were to push for Greenland's independence from Copenhagen

The Mediterranean country joins EU capitals demanding a more ambitious budget

Some aspects of the Defence City plan call to mind the EU's own simplification initiatives to support the continent's defence manufacturers

Spain is home to the largest number of Venezuelans outside Latin America and the US

Brussels also suggested that Washington’s military intervention "can create an opportunity" for the overthrow of Maduro's regime

The meeting comes as the Commission plans to sign the major trade deal on 12 January

Presiding judge Thierry Donard described the claims of the French first lady's "alleged paedophilia" as "malicious, degrading and insulting"

Commission asks EU countries to help shape a new centre to fight online hybrid attacks and election interference from countries like Russia in a letter seen by Euractiv

The issue is particularly sensitive for Athens given Greece’s unresolved disputes with Turkey

Acute XR CEO argues Europe's uncertain patent licensing system stifles startups developing AI and VR technologies. With SEP reform stalled in a legal dispute, the company urges EU institutions to reach compromise, warning prolonged uncertainty threatens innovation and market access for small businesses.

The ban – targeting ads for products high in fat, salt or sugar – is expected to remove up to 7.2 billion calories from children's diets each year

Next AFET committee meeting will be held on:

• Thursday 15 January, room SPAAK 3C50, Brussels

Meetings are webstreamed with the exception of agenda items held "in camera".

AFET - DROI calendar of meetings 2026
Meeting documents
Webstreaming
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

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