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PRESS RELEASE – EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

EP Press: Newsletter – 15-18 June 2026 – Strasbourg plenary session

Press service

European Parliament

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12-06-2026

Plenary session

Briefing

Newsletter – 15-18 June 2026 – Strasbourg plenary session

EU-US trade: final vote in Parliament on tariff legislation

On Tuesday, MEPs are expected to give their final approval to two pieces of legislation implementing EU tariff commitments under the August 2025 EU-US joint statement.

Vote on new rules for returning migrants without right to stay in EU

On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on the EU returns policy reform, based on the provisional political agreement reached by Parliament and Council negotiators.

June European Council and EU-China economic relations

In a joint debate on Wednesday, MEPs will discuss the 18-19 June EU summit and the future of EU-China economic relations with Commission and Council Presidency representatives.

2025 Sakharov Prize laureate Andrzej Poczobut to address MEPs

The journalist was awarded the Sakharov Prize together with Mzia Amaglobeli from Georgia in 2025 while both were detained in their countries. Poczobut was released in April 2026.

New genomic techniques for plants to boost innovation in sustainable agriculture

On Wednesday, MEPs are set to adopt new rules facilitating access to new plants that are climate and pest resistant, give higher yields or require fewer pesticides.

Need for de-escalation in the Middle East

On Tuesday, MEPs and EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas will discuss recent developments in the ongoing crises in the Middle East and the EU’s role in de-escalation.

Protecting the EU’s eastern border against Russian provocation

Following a growing number of threats and drone incursions on the eastern border, plenary will debate EU sovereignty and security on Tuesday.

Social media: protecting children’s safety and mental health

On Wednesday, MEPs will discuss solutions to improve the protection of children and their mental health from risks attached to social media use.

Digital sovereignty and resilience

On Tuesday, MEPs will debate the EU’s new ‘tech sovereignty package’ and discuss future steps with the European Commission.

AI Act: simplification measures, ban on ‘nudifier’ apps

On Tuesday, MEPs will vote on delaying the introduction of provisions for high-risk artificial intelligence (AI) systems, and on a new ban of ‘AI nudifier’ tools.

Circular economy: new EU rules for the automotive sector

On Tuesday, Parliament is expected to give its final green light to new EU circularity rules that cover the entire vehicle lifecycle, from design to final end-of-life treatment.

Transport sector resilience and electrification action plan

MEPs will debate the situation in the transport sector amid the ongoing energy price crisis and hear from the Commission on its proposal to boost clean electricity usage.

New measures to help farmers stabilise their incomes

On Tuesday, Parliament is expected to give its final green light to new measures to reinforce the position of farmers in the food supply chain.

Recommendations for new EU tax rates on tobacco

On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on their recommendations for an update to common EU tobacco taxation rules.

Enlargement: MEPs to assess progress of seven candidate countries

Parliament is set to adopt annual reports assessing the progress towards EU membership of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Trkiye.

President of Montenegro to address Parliament

On Tuesday at noon, Jakov Milatovic, President of Montenegro, will address MEPs in a formal sitting.

Countering transnational repression

A strategy to counter attempts by authoritarian regimes to silence critics beyond their own borders will be put to a vote by MEPs on Tuesday.

Reducing reporting requirements for small and medium-sized enterprises

In a new scrutiny session on Tuesday, MEPs will quiz the Commission about its simplification efforts, especially when it comes to reporting requirements for SMEs.

Cuba: vote on situation and outlook

On Thursday, MEPs are set to adopt a resolution on the humanitarian crisis in Cuba, political repression in the country, and the EU’s role in the island’s future.

The recruitment of children by organised crime

On Thursday, MEPs will outline proposals to counter the recruitment of children by organised crime, including online.

Urban wastewater treatment: concerns about medicine supply risks

In a resolution to be voted on by MEPs on Thursday, Parliament is expected to highlight the impact of EU urban wastewater treatment rules on the pharmaceutical sector.

MEPs to vote on EU support for workers laid off in Belgium

On Tuesday, MEPs are expected to greenlight pound 2 million in EU aid to help Belgian workers who have lost their jobs find new employment.

Resolutions on human rights and democracy

Parliament will hold urgent debates on the following human rights, democracy and rule of law topics on Wednesday afternoon, followed by votes on Thursday.

CRICKET-WIS/SRI-RESULT West Indies 149-3 (19.2 overs) defeat Sri Lanka 147-9 (20 overs) by seven wickets – 1st ODI

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Jun 12, CMC – West Indies defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the opening T20I at Sabina Park here on Thursday.

Scores

SRI LANKA 147-9 in 20 overs (Kamindu Mendis 51, Kusal Mendis 36, Dasun Shanaka 22, Pathum Nissanka 18; Jason Holder 3-18, Shamar Joseph 3-29).

WEST INDIES 149-3 in 19.2 overs (Shai Hope 65 not out, Brandon King 37, Shimron Hetmyer 17, Roston Chase 16, Rovman Powell 10 not out; Wanindu Hasaranga 2-32).

Instant ramen cafe raided for selling expiring, illegally imported noodles

A search of a popular imported instant ramen cafe in Mueang district revealed that nearly half of the store’s products were smuggled or illegally imported, lacked FDA approval and were nearing expiration.

Customs Chief of Chong Chom Border Crossing, Prasit Deejongcharoen, explained that the government has prioritised protecting society from undesirable goods.

Following government directives, Mr Prasit said the Chong Chom Customs checkpoint has intensified surveillance against smuggled goods. The heightened watch led to the detecting of suspicious activities surrounding a well-known imported instant ramen cafe in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

After requesting a search warrant from the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court, investigators were able to carry out a raid that seized nearly 2,000 items of illegal goods.

According to Mr Prasit, such illicit goods, especially those that may pose health risks and create future healthcare costs, must be kept away from consumers. He elaborated that the action will also ensure fairness for certified businesses.

Mr. Prasit noted the discovery was especially disconcerting, as it involved a large, well-known cafe in the centre of the province that has been operating almost 24 hours a day for around three years.

Of the 2,000 items, products included instant ramen, seasonings, desserts and drinks that were illegally imported over the border without passing through customs procedures.

Chong Chom Customs checkpoint has been instructed to step up its vigilance against such goods. The office is responsible for some of the largest cities in southern Isaan, Thailand’s northeastern region.

‘I want to assure the people of southern Isaan that we will continue to protect them from illicit goods… I also urge the public to cooperate by checking for certification marks from relevant government agencies such as TIS (Thai Industrial Standard) or the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) before purchasing any products for consumption or use, to ensure the safety and health of your loved ones and yourself,’ Mr. Prasit concluded.

Cyprus among EU countries with the highest employment growth, according to Eurostat

Cyprus was among the European Union member states that recorded the strongest increase in employment during the first quarter of 2026, according to data published by Eurostat on Friday.

More specifically, Cyprus recorded a 0.4 percentage point increase in the employment rate of people aged 20 to 64 compared with the fourth quarter of 2025. This performance placed the country alongside Lithuania, Slovakia and Sweden in second place among EU member states with the highest increases. Italy recorded the largest rise, at 0.5 percentage points.

According to Eurostat, the employment rate in the European Union stood at 76.3% in the first quarter of 2026, up from 76.2% in the previous quarter.

The statistical office reported that a total of 11 EU member states recorded increases in their employment rates, while the rate remained unchanged in six countries. By contrast, employment declined in ten member states, with the largest decreases recorded in Latvia (-0.8 percentage points), Ireland (-0.7 percentage points), and Slovenia and Finland (both -0.3 percentage points).

CRICKET-WOMEN-UPDATE Henry still being treated after injury scare

West Indies Women’s vice-captain Chinelle Henry is still undergoing treatment from the injury she sustained during Wednesday’s warmup match against Australia.

The 30-year-old was stretchered off the field after falling awkwardly while attempting to take a catch at long-on in the ninth over of Australia’s innings. In a statement issued by Cricket West Indies on Friday, it said Henry was still being treated.

‘Chinelle Henry experienced an exacerbation of a previous injury and is currently being managed by the team’s medical staff. Further updates will be provided as appropriate,’ the statement read.

West Indies begin their T20 World Cup campaign against defending champions New Zealand on Saturday in Southampton.

President Christodoulides to meet with Holguin in the afternoon

President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, is expected to meet anew with the UN Secretary-General Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín, on Friday evening, in their second tete-a-tete since the UN envoy’s arrival to the island, earlier this month.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at 5:00 p.m. (local time) at the Presidential Palace.

On Saturday, María Ángela Holguín is also expected to meet again with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhrman.

Holguín’s meetings with the two leaders follow the initial meetings she held with them last Monday.

On Tuesday, the Personal Envoy held separate meetings with the two negotiators. The possibility of a joint meeting was not discussed, ahead of the new separate meetings with the leaders.

According to CNA sources, during her meetings with the negotiators, Holguín continued discussions on preparations for an informal multilateral meeting planned for late July to early August. According to the same sources, the talks are focused ‘solely on substantive issues’ and not on Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs).

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in broader format that was expected to take place before the end of 2025, is yet to be announced. María Angela Holguín, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties.

Power Mall bets on World Cup demand

After a long, nail-biting wait, the broadcasting rights in Thailand for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been secured. Power Mall, a Thai electrical appliance retailer under The Mall Group Co Ltd, expects the tournament to boost overall appliance sales during the competition period.

Ratchata Suttapattanon, chief business officer for speciality business at The Mall Group, said the company anticipates sales of TV and audio equipment will increase by 10-15%, while other large appliances are forecast to see a 5-10% rise in sales during the tournament compared with a typical period.

In Thailand, matches will be broadcast from late at night until late morning. He believes this schedule may slightly affect sales but emphasised that having the matches broadcast is preferable to having no coverage at all.

The country’s high household debt is unlikely to affect the company’s sales because it targets premium customers, said Mr Ratchata.

Thailand’s economy remains sluggish amid high household debt. The household debt-to-GDP ratio tallied 86.7% in the fourth quarter of last year, according to the latest report from the National Economic and Social Development Council.

Apart from the World Cup, Mr Ratchata said higher temperatures compared with last year had helped boost air-conditioner sales. The company expects air-conditioner sales to grow by 50% year-on-year in 2026.

Another trend is the growing presence of electrical appliances equipped with artificial intelligence (AI). This segment accounted for 40% of Power Mall’s total sales in 2025, with the company aiming for AI-equipped appliances to contribute 50% this year.

Power Mall organised the “Electronica Showcase 2026” from May 21 to Aug 2 at all branches nationwide, offering promotions on consumer electronics, mobile devices and other IT products.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Mr Ratchata said he observed growing interest from Chinese manufacturers seeking to invest in Thailand.

He urged the government to expedite support for such investments by offering incentives through the Board of Investment, while also recommending increased promotion of the tourism sector.

The government should reintroduce the “Easy E-Receipt” campaign, as the previous iteration lifted company sales by 20-30%, said Mr Ratchata. This programme allows participants to purchase eligible items from tax-registered stores and claim tax deductions on their personal income.

DOMINICA-ENERGY-DOMLEC apologises for interruptions in electricity supply

The Dominica Electricity Services (DOLMEC) is urging consumers to brace for further disruptions in their electricity supply as the commissioning for geothermal energy enters the final stage.

There have been public concerns over frequent electricity outages and earlier this week, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said he does not minimise the inconvenience these outages have caused. ‘But I ask for our people’s understanding as the teething difficulties of these recent weeks are the cost of doing something new. But when this work is complete, we will have lower electricity costs, greater reliability, and a Dominica that is no longer at the mercy of imported fuel.’

He said since generation began in March, some technical issues associated with testing and integrating new infrastructure have contributed to service interruptions.

‘The good news is that these issues are being identified, addressed and resolved as part of the commissioning process,’ Skerrit added.

DOMLEC general manager, Dwayne Cenac, acknowledged ‘some major outages recently’ adding ‘we’re still in that commissioning phase.

‘We’re basically at the final stages of it. We’re into the reliability testing. That reliability testing, the geothermal plant essentially has to run based on contractual obligations. It has to run continuously for seven days before we can say yes, we’re ready to get into commercial operation.’

But Cenac said ‘unfortunately, just recently, yesterday, we had an interruption and that test has to be restarted.

‘So that clock of seven days has restarted. Over a lot of the issues, you know, something always comes up. It’s still the commissioning phase. We’re working together with the geothermal power company to, you know, get these bugs out and, you know, hopefully see much stabler power.

‘Of course, …it doesn’t mean that we cannot suffer outages, you know going forward, but at least we’re seeing, you know, increased production from geothermal and that increase in production means that we’re displacing more and more imported diesel, imported fuel.

‘So the more we can increase the use of geothermal together with our hydro brings us closer and closer to energy independence and much stabler prices for electricity,’ Cenac added.

On Thursday ,DOMLEC announced profits of EC$1.99 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) for the last financial yea

Dominica’s pioneering 10-megawatt (MW) geothermal power plant in the Roseau Valley costs an estimated US$68.3 million with the financing package being collaboratively raised through major regional and global partnerships.

These include US$34.8 million from the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and US$15 million from the Caribbean Development Fund (CDF). Additional funding has been contributed by the UK government, the government of New Zealand, and SIDS DOCK.

Cyprus Department of Meteorology – Forecast for the Sea Area of Cyprus (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 12/06/2026 UNTIL 1200 13/06/2026

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1011hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine, but locally increased low cloud coverage with local mist and/or fog patches are expected, mainly overnight and during dawn.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist and very poor in fog

Sea surface temperature: 24°C

Warnings: NIL

EU Migration Pact marks the beginning of a new era, says Deputy Minister

Cyprus Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides on Friday described the entry into application of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum as the beginning of a ‘new era’ for the European Union, expressing confidence that the new framework will provide a comprehensive and collective response to migration challenges.

Speaking upon his arrival at the Informal Ministerial Meeting on the Pact on Migration and Asylum, held at the Filoxenia Conference Centre in Nicosia under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, Ioannides welcomed representatives from EU member states, the European Commission, international organisations and EU agencies.

He noted that June 12 was ‘a very important day for everyone in Europe’ following years of negotiations and two years of preparations leading up to the implementation of the pact.

‘Today, the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum enters into application’ he said, acknowledging that its implementation would be challenging but stressing the determination of all parties involved to make it work.

Ioannides reiterated Cyprus’ long-standing position that migration should be addressed in a comprehensive and coherent manner. He said the pact provides a broad legal framework that will allow the EU to tackle migration collectively and in a cohesive way.

According to the Deputy Minister, the implementation of the pact was one of the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency, with Cyprus working closely with the European Commission and member states to facilitate its entry into force.

He stressed, however, that the start of the pact’s implementation should not be viewed as the end of the process.

‘We’re just starting,’ he said, adding that continued efforts would be needed to ensure that the pact remains functional, future-proof and successful in addressing migration challenges.

Asked when the pact could be considered a success, Ioannides said it would take time before its effectiveness could be properly assessed.

He noted that member states had already undertaken significant efforts to amend legislation, adapt systems and improve infrastructure in preparation for implementation. While describing the first year as an important milestone, he said the pact’s effectiveness would be evaluated on a continuous basis.

‘As of today, we’re entering a new era,’ he said, expressing optimism about the initiative while acknowledging that shortcomings or mistakes might emerge and require correction.

Responding to a question about countries such as Poland and Hungary, which have expressed reservations regarding aspects of the solidarity mechanism, Ioannides stressed that no member state had indicated that it would refuse to implement the pact.

He said the solidarity mechanism represented only one aspect of the broader framework and pointed out that differing views among member states were natural in a Union of 27 countries.

Nevertheless, he stressed that all member states shared the same overall objective and were willing to contribute to the implementation of the pact.

‘For the first time, we have been dealing with migration in a collective manner, and that is important,’ he said.

Ioannides also announced that Cyprus and Lithuania would sign a Memorandum of Understanding on relocations later on Friday, describing it as an example of member states’ commitment to the solidarity mechanism.

He expressed confidence that all member states could and would play a role in the successful implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

The Republic of Cyprus assumed for a second time the Presidency of the Council of the EU on January 1st, 2026, for a period of six months, as part of a Trio Presidency along with Poland and Denmark.