European Parliament

Rule Changes

Backed deal in March 2026 plenary; now in trilogue with Council to finalize implementing legislation

Trump and von der Leyen announced a US-EU trade framework at Turnberry, Scotland, in July 2025. The deal still isn't ratified, nearly ten months on. On May 8, Trump gave Brussels until July 4 to close it, threatening tariffs above the 25% levy already on European cars.

Updated May 31

Rule Changes

Called for EU-wide minimum age of 16

Spain became the first European country to announce a ban on social media for children under 16, joining Australia, France, and Denmark. At the World Governments Summit in Dubai on February 3, 2026, Sánchez unveiled five measures. These include mandatory age verification systems that go beyond simple checkboxes and criminal liability for tech executives who fail to remove illegal content.

Updated May 27

Rule Changes

Must consent to agreement before it takes effect

Negotiations between the EU and Mercosur began in 1999. Twenty-six years later, on January 17, 2026, representatives signed a comprehensive free trade agreement in Asunción, Paraguay—the same city where Mercosur itself was founded in 1991. The deal eliminates tariffs on more than 90% of bilateral trade and creates the world's largest free trade zone, covering over 700 million consumers and roughly a quarter of global GDP.

Updated May 21

Rule Changes

Endorsed Bulgaria's euro adoption with strong majority

Bulgaria became the 21st eurozone member on January 1, 2026, replacing the lev at a fixed rate of 1.95583 per euro. Euro banknotes and coins began circulating at midnight, ending nearly three decades under a currency board.

Updated May 19

Rule Changes

Pressing tougher platform obligations and enforcement capacity

The EU just put a price tag on the business model that turned "free shipping from China" into a daily habit. On 12 December 2025, EU governments approved a temporary €3 customs duty on low-value e-commerce parcels under €150—starting 1 July 2026.

Updated May 15

Rule Changes

Co-legislator; pushed to soften cuts to exclusivity while tightening access rules

After two years of trench warfare between EU governments, lawmakers and drug makers, Brussels has finally agreed a 'pharma package' that tears up the bloc's 20‑year‑old drug rules. The package locks in eight years of data protection, one year of market exclusivity, and bonuses extending to 11 years if companies meet public‑health goals.

Updated May 11