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In the context of the current threats to global governance, the European Union (EU) has constantly affirmed its support for multilateralism, with the United Nations (UN) at its core. The European Parliament strongly supports rules-based multilateralism, and closely follows the EU's activity in the UN. A plenary debate is due to be held in April 2026, followed by the vote on a recommendation for the EU’s position in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) – which starts in New York on 8 ...

The 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will be held in London from 27 April to 1 May 2026. This briefing aims to support the European Parliament delegation to MEPC 84 by providing an overview of the developments since the last MEPC meetings and discussing the key issues at stake, in particular the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships. This document was prepared by the Policy Department for Transformation ...

Despite massive investment, AI data centres are increasingly running into constraints, particularly with regard to electricity, leading to suggestions to put them in orbit. While this makes it possible to take advantage of abundant solar power, it also comes with significant challenges. The main barrier is economic, rather than technical, with future launch costs a key determinant. Space data centres pose important questions on data and orbital regulation and sustainability, which may require updating ...

The latest annual review of EU external action to promote human rights and democracy, covering 2024, highlights a challenging situation, shaped by 'multiple and cascading crises'. During its January plenary session, the European Parliament is expected to vote on a resolution on its own yearly report on human rights and democracy in the world, responding to the annual review and recommending further EU action.

From 10 to 21 November 2025, the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) will take place in Belém, Brazil. The COP is the main international conference that addresses the global response to climate change under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Representatives from almost 200 Parties will discuss ways of mitigating climate change, adapting to its impacts and supporting developing countries in their efforts. The full study provides an overview of the status of international ...

This study provides an overview of the status of international climate negotiations ahead of the Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil, from 10 to 21 November 2025. This full study covers the framework of COP negotiations and main expected issues, while adding a discussion of the climate policies of key Parties, the positions of negotiating groups and of the role of non-Party stakeholders. This document was prepared by the Policy Department for Transformation, Innovation and Health at the request ...

The dollar has been the dominant global currency and the anchor of the international monetary system for over 80 years. The euro, once seen as a legitimate contender for this role, has largely stagnated in second place. This paper explains recent policy and other developments that have reinvigorated the debate about global currency dominance and discusses the viability of the dollar’s continued dominance. It then explores different possible scenarios and policy gaps that would need to be addressed ...

The purpose of this briefing is to provide support to the European Parliament delegation to the 13th session of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, taking place 14-23 July 2025 at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters, under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The briefing provides an overview of the progress made on the SDG implementation by the global community and the EU, as well as key issues at stake in the meeting. This document ...

G7 leaders gathered under this year's Canadian Presidency in Kananaskis, Canada, from 15 to 17 June 2025. The 51st leaders' summit was overshadowed by the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran (which forced United States (US) President Donald Trump to leave the summit earlier), trade tensions between the US and the G7 nations, Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, and the Israel–Hamas war and the situation in Gaza. While the G7 issued several joint statements, for instance on the Israel–Iran ...

This briefing summarises the main issues at stake at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) which will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19 to 27 May 2025. The WHA is the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), gathering annually, and composed of delegations from all 194 Member States (MS). The WHA discusses and votes on the decisions and resolutions prepared by either WHO’s Executive Board, its Director-General, or proposed by groups of MS.