CO₂ reform & protection from price shocks
Parliament voted on changes to the CO₂ market. ESN supported safeguards against extreme price spikes, stressing that citizens must be protected from rising heating and fuel costs while continuing to reject the ETS2 system overall.
Chemicals package: simplification questioned
The Chemicals Omnibus aims to reduce bureaucracy, but ESN warned that parts of the deal create new regulatory burdens—especially for farmers and small businesses—undermining true simplification.
€90 billion Ukraine loan controversy
ESN criticised the Commission for refusing to answer key questions on a planned €90 billion loan to Ukraine. Concerns were raised over transparency, legal basis and democratic oversight.
Fisheries policy under fire
ESN warned that EU fisheries are shrinking while imports rise. The debate criticised excessive regulation and attempts to export EU policies globally despite internal failures.
Pressure on member states
Concerns were raised about political and financial pressure being used against member states, warning that such practices risk undermining trust in democracy across the EU.
Growing criticism of EU economic direction
ESN highlighted increasing frustration over rising regulation and declining competitiveness, arguing that EU policy is drifting away from the needs of citizens and businesses.
Debate on Russian athletes
The exclusion of Russian athletes from major sporting events was sharply criticised, warning against collective punishment, double standards and the politicisation of sport.
