Think Tank

This digest provides a collection of documents prepared by academia, think tanks, other EU institutions and bodies, as well as stakeholders, that can be useful for Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets to stay informed about the debate concerning the next Multiannual Financial Framework, starting in 2028. The document is produced on a monthly basis by the Budgetary Support Unit of DG BUDG and the European Parliamentary Research Service.

The EU has extended temporary protection for displaced people from Ukraine until 4 March 2028. Because safe return remains impossible due to Russia's ongoing war, a coordinated EU response is still needed. For the first time since March 2022, eligibility has been narrowed: persons who cannot prove that they are authorised by the Ukrainian authorities to leave the country in compliance with their military obligations will no longer be granted temporary protection. At the same time, the EU is preparing ...

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is scheduled to deliver her sixth State of the Union address on 16 September 2026. This will be her second address during the current legislative term. She is expected to take stock of the past year and outline the main priorities and initiatives for the forthcoming year.

This EPRS paper analyses how the European Commission is delivering on the policy agenda set by its President, Ursula von der Leyen, and her College of Commissioners since taking office in December 2024. It provides an initial assessment of the delivery of the agenda's seven priorities on the eve of the 2026 State of the Union address. The von der Leyen II Commission has set seven priorities – different from the six priorities of her first mandate. It has so far announced over 400 initiatives. Almost ...

Almost one in three women surveyed report having suffered sexual harassment at work at least once during their lifetime, and many women suffer various other forms of abuse at work. This comes with considerable costs for victims, companies and society, perpetuating gender inequality. The EU has committed to addressing all forms of gender-based violence and harassment, and has set up multiple instruments to address this issue. At the same time, a more comprehensive approach at EU level – one that ...