European Union

Brussels started the week smarting after the Polish presidential elections. On Tuesday Geert Wilders torpedoed the Dutch government. Meanwhile France is doing battle with Big Porn. Here are highlights from a lively week.

The case dates back to 2021, when funding for a regional university was awarded by a member of its own board of trustees. 

Use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) exploded after Pornhub and two other major porn platforms blocked French users but the law is the law, says Clara Chappaz.

"The current EU regulation is not enough", acknowledged the Danish minister.

Her response comes after a request from the Parliament’s anti-corruption group, urging the Commission to fast-track the EU's transparency register review.

It was exactly 50 years ago, on 6 June 1975, that the UK learnt the result of its first-ever national referendum, on whether to remain in the European Community.

The result was emphatic. Over 67 percent voted to stay, a 35 percent margin in favour of remaining, a decisive outcome. All four nations of the UK voted to remain. Britain spoke with one voice, and that voice was for Europe.

Now compare that with the second referendum, held on 23 June 2016.

Out of just over 33 million valid votes, only 17.4 million were for Leave. That amounted to a margin of just 4 percent, well within the margin of error for a decision of such historic weight.

And unlike in 1975, the UK did not speak with one voice. Only England and Wales voted to leave. Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain, as did Gibraltar.

So, while the 1975 referendum was decisive and united the country, the 2016 referendum was divisive  and split it, by nation, generation, education, and worldview.

Brexit supporters often claim the issue is settled. But democracy is never a one time event. Polls now show a clear and consistent majority believe Brexit was a mistake and would vote to rejoin the EU if given the chance.

Britain was never truly united behind Brexit.

Millions directly affected were denied a vote, and half the nations of the UK rejected leaving the EU. And yet, we are told the decision cannot be revisited.

What other major national decision is treated as untouchable, no matter how much has changed? Even in our personal lives, we revisit past decisions. We change course when circumstances change.

Democracy did not stop in 1975. It did not stop in 2016. Nor should it now.

One day, the people must have the chance to review Brexit, in a new, free and fair vote.

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On 13 and 14 June in Strasbourg, around 8,500 16 to 30-year-olds from all over the world will take part in a series of activities centred on the future of Europe.

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

On 13 and 14 June in Strasbourg, around 8,500 16 to 30-year-olds from all over the world will take part in a series of activities centred on the future of Europe.

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Committee and political group meetings

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Schoof will continue to lead a caretaker government until a new coalition is formed following the October vote.

Ireland's government and pharmaceutical sector have broadly welcomed the European Council's 'pharma package' agreement, but opposition remains in Dublin over potential delays to affordable drugs.

On Monday, 23 June 2025, from 17:00 to 18:30 in Brussels (room Antall 6Q2), the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) will hold a public hearing on the Geopolitical Aspects of the EU-Mercosur Agreement. The hearing will bring together leading experts to assess the broader geopolitical implications of the agreement. Discussions will cover its strategic relevance for the EU, its impact on Latin American regional dynamics, and its role in strengthening multilateral alliances.
Speakers will include:

• Mario Torres Jarrín, Senior Policy Expert
• Susanne Gratius, Professor of Political Science and International Relations
• Carlos Malamud, Senior Analyst at the Elcano Royal Institute

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

On Monday, 23 June 2025, from 17:00 to 18:30 in Brussels (room Antall 6Q2), the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) will hold a public hearing on the Geopolitical Aspects of the EU-Mercosur Agreement. The hearing will bring together leading experts to assess the broader geopolitical implications of the agreement. Discussions will cover its strategic relevance for the EU, its impact on Latin American regional dynamics, and its role in strengthening multilateral alliances.
Speakers will include:

• Mario Torres Jarrín, Senior Policy Expert
• Susanne Gratius, Professor of Political Science and International Relations
• Carlos Malamud, Senior Analyst at the Elcano Royal Institute

Programme
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Next AFET committee meetings will be held on:

• Monday 23 June, room ANTALL (6Q2) and Tuesday 24 2025, room SPINELLI (3E2), Brussels

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

AFET - DROI calendar of meetings 2025
Meeting documents
Webstreaming
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

A delegation of seven Members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), led by Chair David McAllister, travelled to Uruguay and Argentina from 26 to 29 May 2025. Members engaged in high-level discussions regarding the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement which was concluded last December in Montevideo, Uruguay. The findings from this visit will contribute to the preparatory work for the consent procedure on the political and cooperation aspects of the Agreement, for which AFET is responsible.
More broadly, this mission allowed to exchange views on bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation, as well as geopolitical issues such as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and China's expanding influence in Latin America.
Location : Uruguay and Argentina
Press announcement
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

EU transport ministers reached a political agreement on the revision of the regulation on air passenger rights and the regulation on airline liability. The common position answers to a need for simpler and clearer rules, while aiming at striking a better balance between a high level of protection for passengers and preserving connectivity and level playing field for the aviation sector within the EU’s internal market.

On 4 June 2025, the European Union and the Republic of Moldova held their 9th Association Council Meeting where EU reiterated its unwavering support for Moldova's EU accession process, commending the country’s determination to reform amidst significant challenges.

The EU approves extending the suspension of certain safeguard measures on iron and steel in support to Ukraine's economy amid Russia's war of aggression.

Council gives its final approval to the amendment of the habitats directive that updates the protection status of wolves.

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.