The European Parliament is updating data protection rules to include new forms of communication such as WhatsApp and other instant messengers. The aim is to better protect people's privacy.

Reinforcing e-privacy

Several EU laws including those on posted workers, data protection and the Dublin regulation for asylum seekers are on the committees' agendas. Also on the table are results of the Panama Papers inquiry, women's cancers and much more.

Coming up: posted workers, Panama Papers, e-privacy and more

MEPs are set to decide on the top three nominees for this year's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Also on the agenda are expanded e-privacy rules to protect instant messengers like Whatsapp, updated anti-dumping rules, the problem of dual quality food products, glyphosate and much more.

Coming up: Sakharov Prize, e-privacy, Monsanto papers and more

A "reverse 112" system to alert citizens in case of emergency, cheaper phone calls to other EU countries and an overall improved access to telecommunication networks across the EU: this is what a draft Committee report of the European Parliament calls for.

MEPs fight for cheaper phone calls to other EU countries

At the first October plenary session in Strasbourg, lawmakers will be setting out Parliament's position on Brexit negotiations, discussing the telecom package, dealing with cybercrime, tax fraud, mass airline flight cancellations and much more.

Coming up in Strasbourg: Brexit, telecoms, cybercrime, Ryanair & more

In the first plenary session of the second semester, MEPs are set to discuss the EU's priorities and most pressing challenges, youth unemployment, Wi-Fi for all citizens, gas security, North Korea and much more.

Coming up: State of the EU, Wi-Fi for all, North Korea and more

As the EU moves towards building a truly digital society, bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas is crucial. The WiFi4EU scheme aims to bring high-quality, free internet connection to thousands of local communities.

Wifi for all: filling the gap

The second half of 2017 is already looking packed: from the State of European Union debate to the LUX Prize and Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the migration crisis, climate change, work-life balance, posted workers and digital cookies.

Coming up in the second semester of 2017

In the fight against planned obsolescence, the European Parliament wants to set minimum resistance criteria for products and better inform consumers about their durability. The aim is to encourage repair and reduce waste. The good news ? 77% of consumers in the EU would rather fix broken products than buy new ones.

Planned obsolescence: Why things don't last

Why should it cost extra to call friends and family from another EU country? As of June 2017, roaming surcharges are abolished in Europe. The European Parliament has fought for this ban by consistently capping charges since 2007. Now you can call, text or surf from anywhere in the EU for the same price as at home.

End of roaming

It is the end of a 10-year battle for MEP Viviane Reding. She succeeded in getting roaming fees scrapped, a campaign she started when she was the Information Society and Media commissioner.

The end of roaming: a 10-year battle for Viviane Reding

&lt;p>Cookies: pieces of stored data that track your online behaviour. New legislation aims to simplify the process: asking you only once whether you accept cookies or not.&lt;/p>

Cookies explained

Key figures to take away from the plenary this week on anti-Semitism, road transport,
 5G, e-books and tax evasion.

From anti-Semitism to e-books: 5 numbers to take away from Brussels

The EU wants to be a truly digital economy and be at the forefront of transitioning into a gigabit society by 2025, where 5G technology is the norm. Parliament is looking through an action plan to roll out 5G across the bloc.

Digital Europe: On the cusp of 5G

Coming up in Brussels: from reduced VAT rates for e-publications and tackling fraud, to streamlining the EU's path to becoming a truly digital economy.

Coming up in Brussels: reduced e-book VAT, tackling fraud & more

Five numbers to take away from the plenary: a commitment to relocate refugees, Hungary’s breach of EU values, cross-border online streaming, a visit from the UN and ways to reduce food waste.

From refugees to food waste:  5 numbers to take away from Strasbourg

Border checkpoints for Europeans may be a thing of the past, but what about the borders that exist online? A new legislation adopted by the European Parliament allows consumers to take their online content with them wherever they go in the EU.

Streaming without borders: new rules for online content

On the plenary agenda are the latest guidelines on Brexit negotiations, the use of on-demand platforms across borders, the EU's role in ending conflict in Syria and a visit from the UN's top chief.

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