EU - European Parliament - Committees - Latest news

1. Highlights - 18-19 March: Critical Minerals, Ukraine, Dual Use, Overcapacity, Switzerland - Committee on International Trade

   

   On 19 March, Members will vote on whether to approve the amendments to the International Cocoa Agreement. Members are also set to vote on the two legislative proposals implementing the EU commitments resulting from the EU-US deal reached in Turnberry, Scotland, in 2025. The final decision on whether to hold the vote on the two proposals will be taken by US Shadows during a meeting on 17 March.

   
   

   The European Court of Auditors will present its Special report on "Critical raw materials for the energy transition"

   Members will exchange on the partnership between the EU, the US and Japan on Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resilience.

   Authors will present two studies on "Industrial overcapacities, with a focus on China" and on "EU trade in dual-use items with conflict-affected regions".

   Members will exchange on unilateral import bans on Ukrainian products.

   Member will discuss the latest developments in the functioning of the Domestic Advisory Groups.

   INTA will examine the draft report and recommendation on the termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the EU and Liberia on FLEGT.

   Members will also consider the draft opinion on the interim report in view of the consent to expand relations with Switzerland.

   Members will consider the draft opinion on the situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with like-minded partners in the region.

   
   Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

2. Highlights - Debate with Tom Fletcher UN OCHA Chief on 2026 humanitarian priorities and challenges - Committee on Development

   On 17 March, Members of the DEVE Committee will exchange views with United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher on 2026 global humanitarian priorities and challenges, including the widening humanitarian financing gap and the impact of geopolitical crises on humanitarian operations.

   
   

   The discussion will also address the protection of civilians, respect for International Humanitarian Law, and the role of the EU in sustaining international support for the humanitarian response.

   
   Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

3. Highlights - Vote on Simplifying EU AI Rules - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

   

   On 18 March 2026, the European Parliament committees IMCO and LIBE will vote on a draft report linked to the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act. The “Digital Omnibus on AI" proposes changes to simplify how the rules are applied and enforced across the European Union. It also suggests adjusting certain timelines and clarifying obligations for companies and public authorities to help ensure the legislation can be implemented more effectively and consistently.

   
   

   One key proposal concerns the timing of rules for so-called high-risk AI systems, which are used in sensitive areas such as healthcare, employment or public services. Instead of linking these obligations to a future decision by the Commission, the report proposes fixed deadlines. Requirements for systems listed in Annex III would apply from 2 December 2027, while those in Annex I would apply from 2 August 2028. The aim is to provide legal certainty and allow more time for technical standards, guidance and national authorities to prepare.

   The report confirms that companies must ensure their staff have appropriate knowledge and skills to work with AI, with support from the Commission and EU countries. It also sets clearer conditions for using sensitive personal data to detect and correct bias in high-risk systems, under strict safeguards. It also aims to improve cooperation between authorities, clarify the role of the European AI Office and strengthen regulatory testing environments.

   
   Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

4. Latest news - Next meeting of the FEMM Committee: 23-24 March 2026 - Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

   

   The next meeting of the Committee on Gender Equality and Women's Rights will take place on:

   • 23-24 March 2026
   • 14 April 2026
   • 4-5 May 2026

   
   FEMM Committee meetings calendars
        FEMM Bureau and Coordinators
        FEMM Calendar 2026
   FEMM work in progress
        FEMM work in progress (updated on 2/3/2026)

   
   Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

5. Highlights - Structured dialogue with the Commission - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

   

   During the first semester of each year, Committees are invited to hold an exchange of views with their relevant Commissioners on the state of implementation of the current Commission’s Work Programme and priorities for the following one. This “Structured Dialogue” is intended to smooth cooperation between the two institutions. Commissioner Olivér Varhelyi and Commissioner Christophe Hansen will exchange with the AGRI Members on, respectively, Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 March.

   
   Agenda and documents for the meeting of 18-19 March 2026

   
   Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP