Overview MEPs devoted a long sitting to the shape of Europe’s farm budget, fresh trade frictions with China, cleaner battery rules and the gender gap in health care. A tabled motion of censure against the von der Leyen Commission added political heat.

Common Agricultural Policy beyond 2027

Lawmakers exchanged views on how to green the next CAP while keeping food prices stable. Ideas ranged from stricter climate targets to simpler rules for small farms. Most groups agreed that farmers need clearer signals before 2025 so they can plan crops and investments.

Citizens’ push for regional cohesion

The plenary assessed a successful European Citizens’ Initiative asking the EU to protect cultural diversity and channel cohesion funds more fairly. Draft recommendations call for better use of local languages in EU programmes and a stronger culture test for new spending.

Motion of censure on the Commission

A coalition of Eurosceptic and far-left MEPs accused the Commission of “regulatory overreach” on energy and migration. The motion is unlikely to secure the absolute majority needed, yet it forced the executive to defend its record ahead of the 2024 elections.

Batteries: due-diligence update

Parliament voted on a fast-track amendment that would oblige battery makers to check supply chains for forced labour and deforestation. Supporters say stricter rules will future-proof Europe’s green tech; critics warn of extra costs for SMEs.

Boosting EU biotechnology

In a non-binding resolution, members urged the Commission to draw up a biotech strategy that cuts red tape, speeds up market approvals and expands public–private research funds. Several speakers flagged the risk of talent leakage to the US and Asia.

China’s export curbs on critical raw materials

MEPs condemned Beijing’s new licensing scheme for germanium and gallium, vital for chips and solar panels. They called for quicker deployment of the Critical Raw Materials Act and fresh trade defence tools if dialogue fails.

Endometriosis and the gender health gap

An evening debate highlighted delays in diagnosing endometriosis, which affects one in ten women. The draft text urges national health systems to train doctors better and ring-fence EU research money for female-specific diseases.

Outlook The mix of strategic and social issues shows a chamber preparing for election year. While the censure bid is set to fail, pressure on the Commission to deliver on farming, trade and health will only grow in the months ahead.