This Week in Social Affairs — Brussels (#11, 2026)
Commission finds major adult sites breach DSA child protections; Cohesion policy funds reallocated for labour reskilling; Parliament approves EGF aid for Belgian workers; Council debates energy price impact.
March 22, 2026 to March 28, 2026
Commission finds major adult sites breach DSA child protections; Cohesion policy funds reallocated for labour reskilling; Parliament approves EGF aid for Belgian workers; Council debates energy price impact.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission: Adult Platforms Breach DSA Child Protection Obligations
On 25 March, the European Commission announced its preliminary findings that Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX and XVideos are in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA) for failing to prevent minors from accessing pornographic content. The investigation, launched on 27 May 2025, found these platforms did not properly assess or mitigate risks to minors, relying mainly on self-declaration age checks. The Commission found that additional measures implemented, such as page blurring and content warnings, were inadequate. The platforms now have the opportunity to respond in writing and review investigation files. If violations are confirmed, the Commission may issue a non-compliance decision and fines up to 6% of worldwide turnover. The case is being coordinated with national authorities in Cyprus and Czechia, with input from French and German regulators.
Cohesion Policy Funds Reprogrammed for Labour Market Priorities
On 24 March, the Commission published a Q&A outlining the mid-term review of the EU's cohesion policy, detailing the reallocation of €34.6 billion for 2021-2027. Funds were redirected to priorities including competitiveness, defence, civil preparedness, affordable housing, water resilience, and energy connectivity. Investments support worker upskilling, industrial decarbonisation, and military mobility. Eastern border regions received favourable conditions, and two Member States—Austria and Luxembourg—did not reallocate funds due to advanced implementation. New financial incentives include increased prefinancing and co-financing rates, with additional eligibility periods for programmes targeting strategic priorities.
Commission: Executive Vice-Presidents on Cohesion Policy Reprogramming
Executive Vice-Presidents Fitto and Mînzatu presented the results of the cohesion policy mid-term review on 24 March, noting that 186 programmes were amended and €34.6 billion reallocated. Fitto noted Poland redirected €8 billion, mainly towards defence, while Italy, Spain, and Portugal also made major reallocations. Mînzatu highlighted €3.3 billion in European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) resources moved to new priorities, including skills for AI, defence, and civil preparedness. Both underlined the flexibility and rapid process, with legislation adopted in September 2025 and amendments submitted by December 2025.
Commission Registers Citizens' Initiative for Accessible and Sustainable Transport
On 24 March, the Commission registered the European Citizens' Initiative 'Fast, convenient, affordable, and above all climate-friendly transportation for all Europeans'. The proposal seeks an EU-wide aviation fuel tax, removal of VAT exemptions, and allocation of revenues to a European rail organisation. The registration confirms legal admissibility but does not imply support or action. Organisers now have six months to start collecting signatures; if one million signatures are collected across at least seven Member States, the Commission must consider next steps.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision (EU) 2026/728: Participation of NGOs in Istanbul Convention Committee
Council Decision (EU) 2026/728 of 17 March 2026 sets the EU position on allowing non-governmental organisations to participate as observers in meetings of the Committee of the Parties to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. The decision, published OJ L 2026/728 on 27 March 2026 (CELEX: 32026D0728), outlines procedural criteria for NGO admission and applies to matters relating to EU institutions and public administration.
Decision (EU) 2026/723: EGF Mobilisation for Belgian Workers Displaced by Tupperware
Decision (EU) 2026/723 of 11 March 2026 mobilises the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) following an application from Belgium for redundancies at Tupperware General Services NV. The decision, published OJ L 2026/723 on 23 March 2026 (CELEX: 32026D0723), provides €1,622,650 to support affected workers' reintegration. The mobilisation responds to Regulation (EU) 2021/691 and applies from the date of adoption.
European Parliament
Parliament Approves EGF Aid for Dismissed Casa Workers in Belgium
On 26 March, the European Parliament voted to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) following the bankruptcy of Casa International in Belgium. The measure, based on the report by Hélder Sousa Silva (A10-0061/2026), will support 416 dismissed workers through job-search assistance, career counselling, and skills training. The EU will cover 85% of the €2.3 million package.
EU Council
Eurogroup Assesses Economic Impact of Middle East Crisis
On 27 March, the Eurogroup discussed the economic consequences of the Middle East crisis, including rising energy prices and effects on vulnerable households. Ministers, joined by Dr. Fatih Birol (IEA), reviewed targeted policy measures and heard updates on the savings and investments union from Germany. Preparations for the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings were also discussed.
EP Committee Work
FEMM Committee: Draft Opinions on Social Fund, AgoraEU, Budget Tracking, and Global Europe
On 24 March, the FEMM Committee considered draft opinions on the establishment of the European Social Fund under the National and Regional Partnership Plan (rapporteur: Alessandra Moretti, S&D), the AgoraEU programme for 2028-2034 (rapporteur: Mélissa Camara, Verts/ALE), and the budget expenditure tracking framework (rapporteur: Lina Gálvez, S&D). Policy Department briefings were presented on each file, with consideration of amendments scheduled.
FEMM and SANT Hold Joint Public Hearing: Menopause Care in the EU
On 24 March, the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) and the Committee on Public Health (SANT) held a joint public hearing on menopause care across the EU. Experts including Prof. Dr. Petra Stute (European Menopause and Andropause Society), Anna Samsel (Kulczyk Foundation), Dr. Ludwig Kiesel (University of Münster), and Dr. Gabriella Conti (University College London) addressed the health, social, and labour market impacts of menopause. The hearing reviewed research highlighting widespread lack of awareness, workplace stigma, and gaps in medical support for women experiencing menopause.
EMPL Committee: Draft Report on Psychosocial Risk and Mental Health at Work
On 25 March, the EMPL Committee published a draft report with recommendations to the Commission concerning psychosocial risk, stress, and mental health at work. Rapporteur Estelle Ceulemans detailed the economic and health burden of work-related stress and called for a comprehensive EU framework addressing prevention, early intervention, and support for affected workers.
What We're Reading This Week
- 1.6 Evidence-based youth policy: Policymakers are increasingly using research-backed strategies to address challenges facing young people and improve youth outcomes.
- 6.6 Social inclusion through education and training: Expanding access to education and training helps bridge social divides and fosters greater inclusion across communities.
- 4. Social Inclusion: Government and community initiatives are expanding opportunities to integrate marginalized groups into mainstream society and public life.
- 4.3 Strategy for the social inclusion of young people: New initiatives aim to enhance young people's participation and equal opportunities in society through targeted inclusion strategies.
- 1.3 National youth strategy: Government launches comprehensive plan to address youth challenges and promote opportunities in education, employment, and civic engagement.
