1) Revision of the Framework Agreement between the European Parliament and the Commission
In early 2026, the European Parliament approved a revised Framework Agreement governing its relations with the European Commission. The revision updates the previous 2010 Agreement and seeks to strengthen parliamentary scrutiny, improve the flow of information between the two institutions and reinforce the Commission’s political accountability. Among the main innovations are enhanced provisions on the Parliament’s right of initiative, greater transparency regarding the use of Article 122 TFEU, improved access to information on international agreements and stronger commitments concerning the presence of Commissioners before parliamentary committees and plenary sessions. The revision has also generated debate regarding its implications for the institutional balance established by the Treaties.
More information at the following link:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-10-2026-0031_EN.html
2) European Citizens’ Initiative “Justice for Palestine”
The European Citizens’ Initiative “Justice for Palestine”, registered by the European Commission in July 2025, calls on the European Union to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, halt trade with Israeli settlements and strengthen compliance with international law and human rights obligations. In early 2026, the initiative reached and exceeded the threshold of one million signatures in record time, becoming one of the fastest-growing European Citizens’ Initiatives in recent years. The initiative demonstrates the increasing relevance of participatory democracy instruments in shaping public debate and influencing the EU political agenda.
More information at the following link:
https://citizens-initiative.europa.eu/initiatives/details/2025/000005_en
3) European Citizens’ Initiative for a European Public Social Network
In March 2026, the European Commission registered a new European Citizens’ Initiative calling for the establishment of a European Public Social Network. According to its organisers, the initiative aims to create a publicly funded and democratically governed online platform that would operate as an alternative to existing commercial social media networks. The proposal seeks to promote transparency, digital inclusion, freedom of expression and democratic participation, while also addressing concerns related to disinformation and the concentration of power in the digital sphere. The organisers now have twelve months to collect the one million signatures required under the European Citizens’ Initiative framework.
More information at the following link:
https://citizens-initiative.europa.eu/initiatives/details/2026/000004_en
4) European Citizens’ Initiative to Ban Conversion Practices in the European Union
In March 2026, the organisers of the European Citizens’ Initiative calling for a European ban on conversion practices appeared before a joint hearing of the European Parliament’s Committees on Civil Liberties (LIBE), Petitions (PETI) and Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM). The initiative collected more than 1.1 million signatures across the European Union and urges the adoption of measures prohibiting practices aimed at changing or suppressing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The hearing highlighted concerns regarding the impact of such practices on fundamental rights, equality and mental health, while the European Commission announced further assessment of possible follow-up measures.
More information at the following link:
https://citizens-initiative.europa.eu/initiatives/details/2024/000001_en
5) European Parliament Mandate for the Return Regulation Trilogue
In March 2026, the European Parliament adopted its position on the proposed Return Regulation, opening the way for trilogue negotiations with the Council and the Commission. The proposal forms part of the broader reform of the EU migration and asylum framework and aims to establish common rules concerning return procedures for third-country nationals staying irregularly in the Union. The Parliament’s mandate has attracted considerable attention from civil society organisations, academics and international human rights experts, particularly regarding issues such as detention, procedural safeguards, voluntary return, entry bans and the possible establishment of return hubs in third countries.
More information at the following link:
https://eulawanalysis.blogspot.com/2026/04/the-european-parliaments-role-in.html
6) Deadline for the Transposition of the Anti-SLAPP Directive
On 7 May 2026, the deadline expired for Member States to transpose Directive (EU) 2024/1069 on the protection of persons engaging in public participation from manifestly unfounded claims or abusive court proceedings, commonly referred to as the Anti-SLAPP Directive. The Directive constitutes a significant step in strengthening the protection of journalists, media professionals, human rights defenders, researchers and civil society actors against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). By introducing procedural safeguards and measures against abusive litigation, the Directive aims to protect freedom of expression and democratic participation throughout the European Union.
More information at the following link:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1069/oj
7) “Protect What Matters: Our Democracy” Campaign
In 2026, the European Commission launched the campaign “Protect What Matters: Our Democracy”, an initiative designed to raise awareness of the importance of democratic values, electoral participation and civic engagement within the European Union. The campaign also seeks to strengthen public understanding of the risks posed by disinformation, foreign interference and other threats to democratic processes, while encouraging citizens to play an active role in safeguarding democratic institutions.
More information at the following link:
https://commission.europa.eu/protect-what-matters-our-democracy_en
8) European Centre for Democratic Resilience
In 2026, the European Centre for Democratic Resilience officially became operational. The Centre has been established to support Member States, EU institutions and relevant stakeholders in identifying and responding to threats to democratic governance. Its activities focus in particular on democratic resilience, electoral integrity, countering disinformation, and addressing foreign information manipulation and interference. The Centre is intended to serve as a hub for expertise, coordination and the exchange of best practices across the European Union.
More information at the following link:
https://commission.europa.eu/european-centre-democratic-resilience_en
9) Fourth EEAS Report on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference
In 2026, the European External Action Service (EEAS) published its Fourth Report on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI). The report examines the evolving landscape of foreign information operations targeting democratic institutions, public debate and electoral processes in the European Union and beyond. It identifies emerging trends, methods and actors involved in information manipulation campaigns and highlights the need for continued cooperation among EU institutions, Member States and international partners to strengthen democratic resilience and protect the integrity of the information environment.
More information at the following link: