European Parliament News

New EU Occupational Exposure Limits for Cobalt, PAHs, Dioxane, Welding Fumes, and Isoprene

The European Parliament Employment and Social Affairs Committee adopted its negotiating position on the sixth revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Directive with 45 votes in favour, 0 against, and 10 abstentions. The position introduces new occupational exposure limit values for cobalt (used in battery production), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (used in steel, iron, and aluminium production), 1,4-dioxane (used in chemical and textile production), welding fumes, and isoprene (used in chemical and rubber production). The committee also added provisions requiring employers to provide personal protective equipment when residual exposure cannot be reduced below limit values, and special protections for firefighters and emergency services personnel.

MEPs Endorse 10% EU Budget Increase for 2028-2034 MFF Negotiating Position

The European Parliament Budgets Committee adopted its negotiating position on the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) with 26 votes in favour, 9 against and 5 abstentions. MEPs propose setting the budget at 1.27% of EU GNI, representing a 10% increase compared to the European Commission's July 2025 proposal, with debt servicing for NextGenerationEU (0.11% of GNI) placed outside the budget ceilings. Key priorities include defence and competitiveness alongside protected funding for cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy.