EU institutions, Brussels, Strasbourg, common policies
On 30 April 2026, MEPs voted a resolution calling for stronger and faster enforcement of the EU’s Digital Markets Act, with closer scrutiny of AI-driven search and cloud services from gatekeepers.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational on 10 April 2026 across 29 European countries. Over 45 million border crossings have been registered, 24,000 entry refusals issued, and 600 security risks identified.
EU Parliament and Council negotiators agreed in late April 2026 to postpone certain high-risk AI Act provisions under the ‘digital omnibus’ proposal, while moving to ban ‘nudification’ apps.
Ursula von der Leyen confirmed on 29 April 2026 that the first €6 billion tranche of the EU’s €90 billion loan to Ukraine will be disbursed in Q2 and dedicated to Ukrainian-made drones.
After more than 20 years of talks, the EU-Mercosur interim trade agreement applies provisionally from 1 May 2026, creating a trade area of around 700 million consumers across both blocs.
The European Parliament voted on 28 April 2026 to set its negotiating position on the EU’s 2028-2034 long-term budget, pushing back against Commission proposals to centralise funds.
The European Parliament voted on 28 April 2026 to set its negotiating position on the EU’s 2028-2034 long-term budget, pushing back against Commission proposals to centralise funds.
What the Schengen Area is, who is in, what free movement covers, and why border-free travel keeps producing political debates across Europe.
Step-by-step guide to the EU’s ordinary legislative procedure: Commission proposal, two readings, conciliation, and the trilogues that decide most files.
The Council of the EU explained: ten configurations, qualified majority voting, rotating presidency, and the institution where national governments shape EU law.