European Parliament

Rule Changes

Sought a Court of Justice opinion on January 21, 2026, freezing its consent vote; the deal now applies without that consent

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 6 days ago

Rule Changes

Called for EU-wide minimum age of 16

Spain's under-16 social media ban is still a bill, not law. The committee writing the final text in Congress kept meeting through the autumn, working through amendments on the ban itself, parental authorisation for younger teenagers, and criminal liability for executives and for algorithms that amplify harmful content. Platforms would have to prove to the CNMC, Spain's competition and markets regulator, that their designs are not addictive and that they protect children's privacy.

Updated Oct 19

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

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