Lawmakers pressed for stronger transparency and citizen trust, advanced public‑health and rail‑safety priorities, and weighed an EU‑wide clampdown on nitrous oxide. Votes also moved forward on human rights, heavy‑duty vehicle emissions and stronger protections for travellers.

Transparency test for EU institutions

MEPs reviewed the European Ombudsman’s 2024 work, with Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho noting a sharp rise in access‑to‑documents complaints and urging faster, more predictable disclosure 1. The rapporteur cited a large caseload, with help provided to nearly 18,000 citizens and more than 400 inquiries opened last year 2. The debate also exposed political rifts, as centre‑left speakers warned that amendments they say target NGOs and misframe migration would lose broader support 3.

Tackling obesity: prevention first, care when needed

The Commission framed obesity as a mounting health challenge, pointing to “deeply alarming” figures: over half of adults overweight and about 30% of young people overweight or obese, and set action within its Safe Hearts plan 4. Greens/EFA stressed that medicines cannot be a catch‑all solution, arguing access should focus on medical need while policy prioritises prevention 5.

Rail safety: learning from tragedy, tightening oversight

Following deadly crashes in Spain and Greece, the Commission announced a European Accident and Occurrence Reporting System to improve learning and information‑sharing across the network 6. Alongside calls to speed up ERTMS and maintenance, a Greek centre‑right member set a near‑term timeline for signalling, telecontrol and automatic braking on the Athens–Thessaloniki line 7.

Key votes on rights, climate and consumers

MEPs proceeded to vote on a resolution addressing human trafficking linked to the recruitment of non‑Russian nationals—particularly from Africa—for Russia’s war in Ukraine 8. Votes also covered how to calculate emission credits for heavy‑duty vehicles in 2025–2029 9 and a package to make traveller protection more effective while simplifying rules 10.

Nitrous oxide: toward an EU‑wide restriction

The Commission backed a Union‑wide restriction that would ban large nitrous‑oxide canisters for the general public from 1 February 2027, with derogations for legitimate uses 11. Supporters cited mounting harms and road‑safety risks; one MEP pointed to an 80% rise in road incidents linked to misuse 12. A civil‑liberties view warned against a blanket ban that would restrict responsible adult use, favouring national measures for youth instead 13.

Overall, the day showed a legislature seeking to pair openness with delivery on health and safety, while managing divides over the scope of EU action. Next steps now hinge on how quickly transparency reforms, rail‑safety tools and the N2O restriction can advance, and how swiftly agreed rules on emissions and travel bolster daily life.