This Week in Social Affairs — Brussels (#12, 2026)
Council Decision on NGO observers to Istanbul Convention Committee; Draft opinion on new EU Cohesion Fund for 2028-2034; EMPL MEPs visit Italy on labour conditions.
March 29, 2026 to April 04, 2026
Council Decision on NGO observers to Istanbul Convention Committee; Draft opinion on new EU Cohesion Fund for 2028-2034; EMPL MEPs visit Italy on labour conditions.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision (EU) 2026/713: EU stance on NGO observers in Istanbul Convention Committee
On 17 March 2026, the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2026/713 (CELEX: 32026D0713), setting the Union's position in the Committee of the Parties to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. The decision concerns the procedure and criteria for the participation of non-governmental organisations as observers in meetings of the Committee, specifically on matters relating to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement. The procedure provides for admission of NGOs via a silent written procedure, with participation limited to thematic debates. The act will be binding on the Union regarding its exclusive competences; Ireland and Denmark are not bound by this Decision.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/770: Registration of citizens’ initiative on climate-friendly transport
On 25 March 2026, the European Commission adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/770 (CELEX: 32026D0770), registering the European citizens’ initiative entitled 'Fast, convenient, affordable, and above all climate-friendly transportation for all Europeans'. The initiative proposes the introduction of an EU-wide aviation fuel tax, removal of VAT exemptions, and allocation of revenues to strengthen European rail. The registration confirms the initiative falls within the Commission’s powers but does not imply support for its content. The contact persons designated for the initiative are Jim Odenhoven and Nils Lehman.
EU Council
Energy ministers discuss coordinated EU action amid energy price volatility
EU energy ministers met via informal video conference on 31 March 2026 during the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council. Discussions focused on the EU's coordinated response to rising global oil and gas prices, caused by instability in the Middle East. Ministers agreed that EU energy supply remains secure and highlighted the need for early gas storage injections and reduced energy consumption ahead of the winter season.
EP Committee Work
ECON draft opinion on EU Fund for Cohesion, Agriculture, Rural, Fisheries, and Security (2028-2034)
On 30 March 2026, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) published its draft opinion (rapporteur: Thomas Bajada) on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security for 2028-2034 (2025/0240(COD)). The opinion addresses governance, economic efficiency, and the role of partnerships in National and Regional Partnership Plans, referencing amendments to Regulation (EU) 2023/955 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. ECON advocates for a more democratic, territorially grounded approach and scrutinises the links to the European Semester and Country-Specific Recommendations.
EMPL committee examines working conditions in Italy for vulnerable groups and public services
From 30 March to 1 April 2026, MEPs from the Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL) conducted a mission in Italy to investigate working conditions among vulnerable groups, including firefighters and police. The delegation, led by committee chair Li Andersson (The Left, FI), reviewed projects financed through the European Social Fund and explored issues related to labour exploitation, occupational health, and safety. The visit included site inspections in San Patrignano and meetings with Italian stakeholders and MEPs from several political groups.
What We're Reading This Week
- 8.5 Conditions of service for academic staff working in higher education: Universities are updating policies to improve employment terms, benefits, and job security for academic staff in higher education.
- 13.3 National reforms in vocational education and training: National reforms are reshaping vocational education and training to better align skills development with labor market needs.
- 1.4 Youth policy decision-making: Young people gain increased opportunities to participate directly in shaping policies that affect their future and communities.
- Higher education funding: Universities nationwide are facing budget shortfalls as government funding fails to keep pace with rising operational costs.
- 1.4 Youth policy decision-making: Young people are increasingly being included in policy decision-making processes, shaping initiatives that directly impact their futures.
