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Thousands of migrants have died in the Mediterranean over the past decade, and there are increasing demands for greater action. In its previous term, the European Parliament called for more active and coordinated search and rescue (SAR) operations, but other organisations have also stressed the need for further measures. Under international law, EU countries are responsible for SAR operations for ships within their jurisdiction, with Frontex able to offer support. A permanent solidarity mechanism ...

This study, prepared for the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Transport, Employment and Social Affairs and commissioned by the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), describes support for large families and single parents across the European Union. It analyses the vulnerability of these households and provides recommendations to improve support at both EU and Member State level. Attention is paid to the implementation of large family cards across EU Member States, and the feasibility ...

European Union countries will be able to set up return hubs in third countries once the return regulation enters into force. These facilities in non-EU countries would be used to host irregular migrants who do not have the right to remain in the EU. The EU has been trying for decades to get more irregular migrants to leave. They would have to conclude an agreement with a third country that is safe and recognises human rights. The examples of non-EU countries that have done something similar suggest ...

Amidst increasing political pressure to adopt a stricter approach to migration, certain EU Member States have begun calling for reform of the protections available to migrants under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The calls have centred around Article 3 and Article 8 of the ECHR.Article 3 prohibits torture and inhuman and degrading treatment. It blocks states from deporting individuals to places where they would be at risk of such treatment. It is absolute and cannot be restricted ...

The International Labour Organization (ILO) introduced the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002. The day is observed annually on 12 June. The 2026 World Day focuses on reinforcing and accelerating actions aimed at preventing and eliminating child labour, with a key message: 'Red Card to Child Labour: Fair play for children, decent work for adults'. This is a further update of an 'At a glance' note, the previous edition of which was by Yanis Stefanou, in 2025.

This study examines the historical evolution of the Erasmus+ programme and assesses the legislative proposal currently discussed for the 2028–2034 programme period. It identifies structural challenges related to linking broader ambitions to budgetary realities; balancing flexibility with governance and oversight in Erasmus+; the adequacy of support; inclusion and unequal access; and administrative complexity. The study also evaluates whether the proposed changes correspond to the problems identified ...

The infographic “Menopause Care in the EU” supports the joint SANT/FEMM public hearing on menopause by presenting key information on menopause, its symptoms, and potential treatments, and by highlighting the results of the European Parliament’s consultation on women’s health regarding the state of menopause care in the EU.

Erasmus for All is a pilot initiative implemented by the European University Foundation in cooperation with participating higher education institutions and funded under the Erasmus+ programme. The initiative explored whether city-based top-ups to Erasmus+ student mobility grants could improve affordability in high-cost destinations. The pilot’s outcomes indicate that additional support can reduce perceived financial pressure during mobility in higher-cost cities. However, it does not address the ...

The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol (the Refugee Convention) are the foundation of the international refugee regime, providing a framework for protecting refugees and promoting international cooperation. However, the Refugee Convention's efficacy and relevance are being questioned due to the evolving nature of global migration, the increasing emphasis on state security and emerging challenges such as climate change. The Refugee Convention has several limitations ...