Dress to impress: In 2022, an estimated 4-9% of unsold textile products in EU markets were destroyed before use. Such high levels are a consequence of the total EU household’s expenditure of over EUR 282 billion on clothing garments, a 15% increase from the previous year. How can the EU manage the environmental damage caused by fast fashion’s deadstock, as well as unsustainable consumption from both the consumer and the producer?

Go green or go home: As sustainability becomes a trending topic, the surge in companies claiming to employ eco-friendly practices raises doubts regarding the true impact of their efforts. With ever-increasing incentive schemes for green investments and policies, what steps can the EU take to ensure these initiatives result in tangible environmental and economic benefits?

Sherlock Homes: In recent years, construction costs in Europe surged by 26%, leading to a reduction in affordability and many households spending over 40% of their income on accommodation. Moreover, this scenario has evolved in a rise of speculation within high-demand areas, such as in Brussels where 4,500 vacant houses can be found. What steps can the Union and its Member States take to control speculation in the housing market and alleviate this financial strain on EU citizens?

There’s no place like home: Despite EU aims to eliminate homelessness by 2030, the occurrence grew by over 40% during 2023. The general lack of housing, increased cost of living, and high unemployment rates are all factors complicating the issue, especially affecting minorities. As access to housing is a fundamental human right, what can the EU do to further ensure equal access to housing for all its citizens?

Paint the Town Green: As nearly 83% of Europe’s population is expected to live in urban areas by 2050, cities face challenges like limited green spaces, poor air quality, and social segregation. As more people move to cities, public and green spaces become essential for maintaining community health and well-being. How can the EU ensure that sustainable urbanisation prioritises health and inclusivity, fostering resilient, equitable communities?

Ka-Chow Your Commute!: Transportation in urban areas generates 19% of total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in Europe. However, implementation of sustainable mobility frameworks remains uneven across Europe due to differing socio-economic conditions, limited resources and outdated systems. How can the EU better support diverse urban areas as they move towards transport systems that are efficient, sustainable and accessible for all?

Oops they did it again….: The ever-growing drug market is cause for huge concern within Europe, with New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) becoming more and more popular, with as many as 950 of these being monitored only in 2023. NPS are intended to mimic the effects of illegal drugs and are sold as ‘legal’ replacements for them, inflicting health and social risks to users, and putting the lives of many in danger. What steps can the EU take to ensure safety and control within the usage of these new designer drugs, and how should the EU approach the spread of NPS in the European drug market?

Mindful meals: Studies show that food-related public health concerns such as obesity and eating disorders are on the rise across Europe. While the EU has traditionally focused on increasing production standards, these concerns highlight the need to develop a new approach to nutrition- and food-related health information. How should the EU help shape a safe and healthy relationship with food, while safeguarding individual autonomy?

​​Trade and Prejudice: Historically charged Eurocentric narratives have shaped today’s global relations and economy, particularly in the exploitation of resources, a critical aspect of supply chains. These colonial legacies remain prominent in the EU’s import markets, where the pursuit of cheap materials primarily values efficiency. How can the EU and its Member States further reform supply chains to ensure fair trade that respects the cultural and economic sovereignty of their trade partners?

Wear your rights: As Europe builds a fair and sustainable labour system within its borders, imported goods from platforms such as Shein and Temu, which allegedly rely on exploitative labour practices, remain widely available to consumers thanks to online shopping. Despite existing EU labour protections, little action has been taken to address the social and ethical implications of these platforms’ production systems. How can the EU encourage more socially responsible purchasing while respecting the demand for affordability?