At a glance: this week, a delegation from the Committee on Foreign Affairs is representing Parliament in the US on a visit to Washington D.C. and Virginia; MEPs from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs are in California; and Denmark’s ministers outline the Council presidency’s priorities to MEPs.

Кратки новини  – 21/07/2025 - български

Запознати ли сте с Европейската централна банка и Европейската инвестиционна банка? Знаете ли с какво точно се занимават те? Какви са приликите и разликите между тях? В този подкаст ще разгледаме двете основни финансови институции на Европейския съюз, техните общи цели и отличителни характеристики.

Банките на Европейския съюз

Кратки новини  – 18/07/2025 - български

At a glance: an agreement on more ESF+ funding to boost skills development and address new challenges; a simpler tax system to benefit EU businesses and citizens; and MEPs encourage Ukraine to maintain its pace on implementing EU-related reforms.

Кратки новини  – 17/07/2025 - български

At a glance: Parliament reiterates its call for a more ambitious EU long-term budget; and Parliament’s committees hold two public hearings, one on the issue of vacant housing in the EU and the other on generative AI and democracy.

Кратки новини  – 16/07/2025 - български

At a glance: Denmark’s government ministers present their priorities in meetings with Parliament’s committees; the Subcommittee on Human Rights discusses the human rights situation in China ahead of the EU-China Summit in Beijing; and the Commission’s proposal to amend the European Climate Law.

Кратки новини  – 15/07/2025 - български

At a glance:  Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development votes on new rules to better protect EU farmers; NATO and EU lawmakers are in Brussels for a seminar on tackling hybrid threats; MEPs debate future EU anti-racism strategy in key civil liberties meeting.

Кратки новини  – 14/07/2025 - български

At a glance: MEPs place the common agricultural policy at the heart of the next EU long-term budget; Parliament condemns Russia’s continued war crimes in Ukraine; and MEPs propose ways to manage the influx of substandard goods from non-EU web shops.

Кратки новини  – 11/07/2025 - български

At a glance: Bulgaria will adopt the euro from 1 January 2026; Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen outlined Denmark’s priorities for its six-month EU Council presidency; and Parliament approved a new law to secure gas supplies and tackle speculation.

Кратки новини  – 10/07/2025 - български

At a glance: Parliament’s July plenary session is under way. We will look at the debate on EU-China relations; the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide; and new rules for a more sustainable automotive sector.

Кратки новини  – 09/07/2025 - български

Европейският парламент и националните парламенти определят съвместно как да организират и насърчават  ефективното и редовно междупарламентарно сътрудничество в рамките на Съюза. Това сътрудничество може да бъде под различни форми. В настоящия подкаст ще представим някои от тях.

Отношения между Европейския парламент и националните парламенти

At a glance: Parliament’s July plenary session is under way. MEPs will debate and vote on distributing EUR 280 million of flood relief to Austria, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Moldova; controlling the influx of parcels from outside the EU; and stepping up preparations for the wildfire season.

Кратки новини  – 08/07/2025 - български

Делегациите на Европейския парламент са официални групи от негови членове, които се стремят да развиват отношенията с парламентите на трети държави, региони или организации. Делегациите поддържат и развиват международните контакти на Парламента и допринасят за засилване на ролята и видимостта на Европейския съюз по света.

Ролята на делегациите на Европейския парламент

Освен в пленарните сесии на Европейския парламент eвродепутатите заседават и в парламентарни комисии. Комисиите са няколко, като всяка от тях се е специализирала в дадена тема. Как работят тези комисии?

Ролята на парламентарните комисии

Да бъдеш член на Европейския парламент, не означава само да гласуваш и да участваш в пленарни разисквания. Членовете на Парламента могат да отговарят и за изготвянето на доклад, който изразява становището на Парламента по предложение или по друг въпрос: това е ролята на докладчика.

Ролята на докладчика.

През 1989 година, Йозеф Мадар и телевизионният му екип от бивша Югославия са изпратени да заснемат гражданските протести за свобода и демокрация в тогавашната Чехословакия. Нека чуем спомените му и да го съпроводим по улиците на Братислава.

Ключът към свободата — спомените на един оператор от Нежната революция в Чехословакия

Latvia joined the European Union 1st January 2014 and it has been a member of the Schengen area since 21st December 2017.

Latvia is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the Prime Minister - who chooses the council of ministers and a head of state - the President - who has a largely ceremonial role and nominates the prime minister. The government remains subject to Parliament's approval throughout each term. The country is subdivided into 110 one-level municipalities and 9 cities. These have their own city councils and municipal administrations.

There are 8 members of the European Parliament from Latvia.

EU - Latvia (2019-2020)

Through diplomatic action and concrete support, the European Union (EU) is assisting Libya’s political transition towards a stable, functioning country and is supporting the United Nations (UN) led mediation efforts in this regard.

The EU underlines the importance of inclusiveness of the political process and Libyan ownership, notably through the participation of all legitimate Libyan stakeholders.

EU - Libya

On 6 April 2022 MEPs backed new legislation to increase the availability of data for start-ups and businesses to stimulate innovation. The Data Governance Act (DGA), already agreed by MEPs with EU governments, aims to boost data sharing and help unlock the potential of Artificial Intelligence. It establishes new EU rules on the neutrality of data marketplaces, facilitates the reuse of certain data held by the public sector - e.g. certain health, agricultural or environmental data - and creates common European data spaces in strategic domains, including health, environment, energy, agriculture, mobility, finance, manufacturing, public administration and skills.

 
The overall objective of the proposed regulation is to give customers better access to goods and services in the single market.

Geo-blocking

European Youth Event (EYE) 2021&nbsp;took&nbsp;place on 8 and 9 October 2021&nbsp;in the European Parliament's seat in Strasbourg. EYE&nbsp;is a unique opportunity for young Europeans to make their voices heard. Between&nbsp;3 000 to 4 000 young people gathered&nbsp;in Strasbourg and online to exchange ideas and contribute to discussions on Europe’s future.&nbsp;

Under the motto “The future is ours”, the European Youth Event (EYE) 2021 featured&nbsp;dozens of activities, debates, and workshops, as well as sports events, artistic performances and concerts. The environment and the fight against climate change, ahead of the COP26 meeting in November 2021, were&nbsp;a central topic for discussion.

EYE is a unique opportunity for 16 to 30 year olds to interact in-person and online, inspire each other and exchange their views with experts, activists, influencers and decision-makers, right in the heart of European democracy.

EYE 2021 is&nbsp;the culmination of the European Parliament’s youth consultation process for the Conference on the Future of Europe.

EYE2021

Two consecutive meetings at the highest political level take place in Granada, Spain. On October 6,&nbsp;an informal meeting of the European Council is scheduled, after a meeting of the European Political Community on October 5.

EU leaders are gathered in Granada, Spain, to launch discussions on priorities for the years ahead, including the EU's crisis preparedness, multilateralism and global partnerships, long-term competitiveness and the EU single market,&nbsp;security, defence and cyber resilience

Photo ©Taiga

Informal EU Summit in Granada

MEPs call for a ban on ‘golden passports’ and EU rules for ‘golden visas’. The European Parliament's&nbsp;proposal sets out an array of measures to address problems linked to ‘citizenship and residence by investment schemes’.

Golden passports’ are objectionable ethically, legally and economically and pose several serious security risks.

‘Golden visas’ need to be regulated and should be levied at EU level. Third-countries with visa-free access to the EU should also end their ‘golden passports’ schemes.

At least 130,000 persons have taken advantage of CBI and RBI schemes in the EU between 2011 and 2019, which have generated over €21.8 billion in revenue for the countries concerned. Three member states have CBI schemes: Bulgaria (where the government has tabled a draft law to end the scheme), Cyprus (currently only processing applications submitted prior to November 2020) and Malta. Twelve member states have RBI schemes, all with diverging amounts and options of investment, as well as standards for checks and procedures.

European citizenship and residence

In the context of the Commission's proposal for a multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the 2021-2027 period, the Commission published a proposal for a Council regulation establishing a European instrument for nuclear safety complementing the neighbourhood, development and international cooperation instrument on the basis of the Euratom Treaty on 14 June 2018.

Nuclear safety

Winnie Mandela, was a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician, and the ex-wife of Nelson Mandela. 

In June 1990, Nelson MANDELA, visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg with his wife Winnie.

&nbsp;

Winnie Mandela

Simone Veil, former European Parliament President, passed away on 30 June 2017. She was a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps and central figure of feminism in Europe. In 1979 she became the first President of the directly elected European Parliament.

Simone Veil will be buried in the French Pantheon in Paris, where France celebrates its "great men and women", with her husband, Antoine, who was a lawyer.

Simone VEIL

Jacques Chirac, born on 29 November 1932 and died on 26 September 2019, was a French politician who served as President of the French Republic France from 17 May 1995 to 16 May 2007. He was also French Prime Minister from 1974 to 1976 and from 1986 to 1988, as well as Mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995.

Jacques CHIRAC

The European Citizen’s Prize recognises initiatives that contribute to European cooperation and the promotion of common values.

Awarded every year by the European Parliament, the prize goes to people or organisations that encourage: mutual understanding and closer integration between people in the EU; cross-border cooperation that builds a stronger European spirit; and EU values and fundamental rights

European Citizen’s Prize 2021

EYE2014

In 2017, some of the major challenges faced by the European Union, and notably by the European Parliament, were the fight against terrorism, the negotiations on the arrangements for the UK's withdrawal from the EU - the Brexit, or even the response to the migration and the refugee crisis.

Among the significant achievements, we can highlight the end of roaming charges and the provisional entry into force of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement - the CETA.

 
So what does the future hold for 2018?&nbsp; The presentation of the White Paper by the European Commission on March 2017, has set out possible paths for the future of Europe. The debate will end with the European Parliament elections in 2019.

&nbsp;

Click on the links above to see the story of 2017 through videos, photos and audio.

Year in review 2017

The 41st session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly is set to take place on April 1-3, 2022, in Strasbourg. The EU has a special partnership with the ACP countries due to historic ties between them and many EU member states. This partnership is laid down in the Cotonou agreement. It is vital that this partnership has a parliamentary dimension, allowing for the scrutiny of the governmental and executive dimension. Therefore parliamentary representatives of the 78 ACP countries and 78 Members of the European Parliament meet twice a year in Joint Parliamentary Assembly, once in the EU country holding the EU Council presidency and once in a country determined by the ACP.

41st ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary assembly

“Question time” is a question and answer session, where MEPs can ask the Council about specific topical issues. It may be held at each part-session for a duration of up to 90 minutes on one or more specific horizontal themes to be decided upon by the Conference of Presidents one month in advance of the part-session.

Question time with the President of the European Council

David Sassoli was elected President of the European Parliament on 3 July 2019.

The President represents Parliament in its international relations, and, in this connection, undertakes official visits within and outside the EU.

David Sassoli, EP President's agenda - March 2020

MEPs in the Budgets Committee discuss with Commissioner Piotr Serafin the proposal for the post 2027 EU long-term budget, i.e. the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources, right after its adoption by the Commission

BUDG- Meeting with Commissioner Piotr Serafin on MFF beyond 2027 and Own Resources

Denmark’s ministers present their priorities in meetings with parliamentary committees. Denmark holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU until the end of 2025

Priorities of the Danish Presidency

In two debates on Wednesday morning, MEPs assess the outcome of June’s EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen. On Tuesday morning, they will  and look ahead to the EU-China summit.

At their meeting in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Plenary debate on the outcome of June’s EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen

MEPs assess the latest developments in the Middle East, in particular in Iran, and what the EU can do to help restore peace.

Parliament reviews the latest events in the region, including the US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities at the end of June 2025, and Israel’s earlier attacks on Iranian targets, which led to Iran launching missiles at Israeli cities. In a plenary debate on 16 June, the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, said that Iran, as the main source of regional instability, must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. She also defended diplomacy as the best way to address Iran's nuclear programme in the long run.

MEPs are also expected to repeat their calls for an end to the deplorable humanitarian situation in Gaza, for a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and for a hostage release agreement.

Plenary debate on the situation in Middle East

Confeence of Presidents: 

Exchange of views with Ms VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission, on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework

Conference of Presidents: Exchange of views with Ursula VON DER LEYEN, EC President on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework

On Tuesday, MEPs adopt their opinion on Bulgaria’s bid to become the newest member of the euro area from 1 January 2026.

The Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee adopted a favourable opinion on 24 June, with 46 votes in favour, 3 against and 5 abstentions. This opinion has now been tabled for a vote in plenary.

With Bulgaria joining the euro area, 21 of the EU’s 27 member countries will have the euro as their currency.

A press conference with the rapporteur Eva Maydell (EPP, Bulgaria) is held at 14:00 CET on Tuesday in the European Parliament’s Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room in Strasbourg.

Vote on the adoption by Bulgaria of the euro on 1st January 2025

On Tuesday at 10.30, MEPs discuss  Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will also take part in the debate. 

The Danish government says the EU is facing  new international challenges, geopolitical  and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. The presidency’s slogan, ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, expresses Denmark’s plan to work towards  a resilient  EU that takes responsibility for its own security. Denmark wants the EU to work closely and harmoniously  with NATO, and support Ukraine’s fight for peace and freedom. It also wants to push for a competitive Europe, which improves conditions for businesses while simultaneously driving growth through the green transition necessary to combat climate change.

Plenary debate on the presentation of the programme of activities of the Danish Presidency

MEPs discuss  Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also takes part in the debate. 

The Danish government says the EU is facing  new international challenges, geopolitical  and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. The presidency’s slogan, ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, expresses Denmark’s plan to work towards  a resilient  EU that takes responsibility for its own security. Denmark wants the EU to work closely and harmoniously  with NATO, and support Ukraine’s fight for peace and freedom. It also wants to push for a competitive Europe, which improves conditions for businesses while simultaneously driving growth through the green transition necessary to combat climate change.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Mette Frederiksen, Danish Prime Minister

EU-China relations

In a debate with Council and Commission, MEPs outline their expectations for the upcoming EU-China summit, set to take place in China in July and which will mark 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. They will also discuss how to tackle China’s critical raw materials export restrictions. Plenary will vote on a resolution on the latter on Thursday.

Plenary debate on the expectations for the upcoming EU-China summit

Following the tabling of a motion of censure against the European Commission, plenary holds a debate and the subsequent vote on Thursday. 

According to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, a motion of censure in respect of the Commission may be submitted to the President by one 10th of the component Members of Parliament, i.e. 72 MEPs.

President Metsola announced on Wednesday to the Conference of Presidents (a meeting of the European Parliament President and political group leaders) that an admissible motion had been filed, and asked group leaders to inform their members. The plenary debate - one round of political group speakers - is scheduled for Monday, and the vote, by roll call, will take place on Thursday. To be adopted, a motion must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of the component Members of Parliament.

Plenary debate on a motion of censure against the Commission

On Monday, Parliament President Roberta Metsola makes a statement on the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, the  largest mass murder in Europe since World War II.

Her speech will be followed by interventions from a speaker from each political group.

The massacre in Srebrenica took place in July 1995, when around 8,000 Bosnian Muslims were murdered by the Bosnian-Serb army . The victims were mostly men, ranging from teenagers to the elderly. In 2007, the International Court of Justice ruled that the atrocities at Srebrenica constituted genocide. 

Bosnian-Serb army commander Ratko Mladić was given a life sentence after UN courts convicted him of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in 2017.

Statements: 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide

Last-minute briefing on July Plenary session

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with Parliament’s political group spokespersons 

Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 7 - 10 July plenary session, where MEPs will review the June European Council and look ahead at the upcoming EU-China summit. They will debate the priorities of the Danish Council Presidency which starts on 1 July with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. MEPs will also discuss the situation in the Middle East, in particular developments in Iran, the security of energy supply in the EU, as well as the EU’s preparedness in light of the upcoming wildfire season. They will debate and vote on the EU accession progress of Georgia, Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina and North Macedonia. There will also be votes on Bulgaria’s adoption of the Euro on 1 January 2026, and on the human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression.

Pre-session briefing on July Plenary session

EP President Roberta Metsola presides over a Conference of Presidents meeting with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte.

Conference of Presidents with Antonio Costa and Mark Rutte

The Budapest Pride march 2025 takes place in Budapest (Hungary) on Saturday 28 June 2025 

The Budapest Pride March takes place with the participation of Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUȚĂ, EP Vice-President, and EP Members

Budapest Pride march 2025

The Marisa Bellisario Award, often called the "Oscar for Women" in Italy, is a prestigious Italian award presented annually to women who have excelled in various fields like management, science, the economy, and social life, both nationally and internationally. It was established in 1989 in memory of Marisa Bellisario, a pioneering female manager. The award ceremony takes place in Rome. 
The award is given by the Marisa Bellisario Foundation and Confindustria, and it recognizes women who have made significant contributions and achievements in their respective fields.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the ‘Mela d’Oro’ award during the 37th Edition of the Marisa Bellisario Foundation Award Ceremony

European Council, 26-27 June 2025: Provisional agenda: 

1. Adoption of the agenda
2. Ukraine
3. Middle East
4. European defence and security
5. EU in the world
6. Competitiveness
7. Migration

European Council meeting: 26-27 June 2025

Development/Bill Gates. The Development Committee hosts Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, to discuss development assistance and innovation as key drivers for improving health and living standards in the Global South.

DEVE: Exchange of views with Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation

REGI - Exchange of views on the EC proposal for the Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) post 2027

The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. Under the Treaties, its tasks are to 'promote the general interest of the Union', without prejudice to individual Member States, to 'ensure the application of the Treaties' and measures adopted under them, for instance through taking infringement measures against Member States who do not correctly implement EU legislation, and to 'execute the budget'. It also holds a near monopoly on the right of legislative initiative, alone proposing virtually all EU legislation to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. The College of Commissioners is currently composed of 27 individuals: the President, Ursula von der Leyen, 6 Executive Vice-Presidents and 20 Commissioners. The Executive Vice-Presidents have a dual role; they manage a specific portfolio and coordinate efforts across the main priorities of the Commission's political agenda. The other Commissioners are each responsible for a specific policy area, working under the guidance of the Executive Vice-Presidents. The table below shows for each Commissioner the Vice-President(s) guiding work on their portfolio (in certain cases, Commissioners work directly under the guidance of the President).

European Commission: Political make-up of the College of Commissioners

The Council of the European Union – often referred to as the Council of Ministers, or simply the Council – forms one part of the legislature and the budgetary authority of the Union. The Council and European Parliament together adopt much of the EU's legislation and the Union's annual budget, on the basis of proposals put forward by the executive, the European Commission. The Council also takes decisions on specific areas of EU action, in particular in common foreign and security policy (CFSP), where it seeks to coordinate Member States' positions, and concludes – subject to the consent of the Parliament – international agreements, usually negotiated by the Commission on the basis of a mandate from the Council. The Council of the EU is distinct from the European Council, which is a separate institution made up of the Heads of State or Government of the Member States. The European Council is responsible for defining the general political directions and priorities for the Union, but does not have formal legislative functions.

Rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union

As every year, two annual procedures are central to the budgetary work of the European Parliament and the other institutions – agreeing on the 2026 budget, and granting discharge for the implementation of the 2024 budget. In addition, in 2025, the process of agreeing the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the years from 2028 will also get under way. This timeline sets out the main steps in the three procedures up to end 2025.

Timeline for the three key EU budgetary procedures up to end 2025

The widespread use of military drones spans reconnaissance, strikes, logistics and naval operations, with both state and non-state players increasingly relying on unmanned systems. The European Union (EU) has prioritised drone development and countermeasures, funding and coordinating research and capability development through the European Defence Fund and Permanent Structured Cooperation. The EU is also fostering synergies between the civilian and the defence sectors, addressing strategic dependencies and collaborating with NATO. Meanwhile, drone regulation remains fragmented: civilian drones are subject to comprehensive EU rules, while military drone use falls under international law. The European Parliament has called for transparency, adherence to international law and a ban on LAWS, while supporting defence innovation and proposing an EU drone package to stimulate joint procurement and industry participation.

Most common drone uses

Enforcement of the Digital Markets Act is under way. The European Commission has launched formal proceedings against three major providers of core platform services. The Commission's preliminary findings suggest breaches of EU rules. To date, two of these preliminary findings have been confirmed, resulting in non-compliance decisions and fines for the companies in April 2025.

Digital Markets Act enforcement: Gatekeeper designation

Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems and ultimately, of our planet. Nearly 90 % of the world's wild flowering plant species depend on pollination, along with more than 75 % of the world's food crops and 35 % of global agricultural land. Without pollination, many interconnected species and processes functioning within the ecosystem would collapse.

Bees and pollinators

EU competence does not extend to recognition of marital or family status. In this area, national regulations vary, with some Member States offering same-sex couples the right to marry, some allowing alternative forms of registration, and others not providing any legal status for same-sex couples. Same-sex couples may or may not have the right to adopt children and to access assisted reproduction. Combating discrimination has become part of EU internal and external policies, and is the subject of numerous resolutions of the European Parliament.

Same sex unions and adoption rights

Russia's war on Ukraine has been a wake-up call for many EU Member States' defence budgets. Rising from €218 billion in 2021 to €326 billion in 2024, a further increase of at least €100 billion is projected by 2027. Despite these significant increases, most experts note that current geopolitical developments will require much more.

EU Member State defence expenditure

For the European Union to compete globally while continuing to ensure progress in environmental, social and fundamental rights, more strategic and collective action is imperative. EU businesses could harness the full potential of the single market and economic and monetary union and challenge competitors in fast-growing and future-oriented economic activities such as digital and clean energy production. This study finds that, compared to a situation where Member States act alone, a coordinated approach at EU level could bring an additional 0.9 % of GDP in 2035. A more ambitious integrated approach could be even more positive, with a benefit estimated at 2.6 % of additional GDP in 2035.

Cost of non-Europe in strategic innovation

Poverty has many dimensions. Following recent crises, not least the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, some of poverty's known dimensions have evolved while new forms have emerged. Addressing poverty remains mainly the responsibility of EU countries' governments acting in complex national social settings. The EU meanwhile seeks to coordinate Member States' efforts and offers support in the form of funding and data. The new European Commission is stepping up efforts to meet the EU's poverty reduction targets.

EU action against poverty

Rare diseases, though seldom recognised and frequently misdiagnosed, affect approximately 36 million people in the EU. Despite their significant collective prevalence, patients with rare diseases are often overlooked by healthcare systems, facing challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and access to advances in research. Researchers are increasingly using networks to share their findings and make better progress, giving new hope to patients.

Rare Diseases: Advances in research give patients new hope

Batteries are vital to the EU’s clean energy transition, industrial future, and strategic autonomy. While the sector benefits from strong R&D support, it faces challenges such as reliance on third countries, high costs, and competition from regions with lower environmental standards. Sustainable value chains and recycling could help, but uncertainty remains over the EU’s ability to meet future demand. Rising costs, market slowdowns, and gigafactory setbacks, including Northvolt’s collapse, raise concerns. To secure a resilient battery supply chain, the EU focuses on strategic coordination, regulatory frameworks, and funding, offering key lessons for industrial policy.

Battery supply chain

The digital information sphere has become the main space for public debate, shaping opinions and access to information. In the past decade, it has also become a geostrategic battleground, with authoritarian states manipulating public opinion to weaken democracies. At the same time, corporate rivalry over emerging technologies, particularly AI, has intensified. AI-driven disinformation poses growing risks to democratic information ecosystems. Strengthening information integrity is crucial to safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression. Multilateral efforts to enhance resilience align with the EU’s planned European Democracy Shield, building on existing measures and fostering new partnerships.

Information Manipulation and the EU response

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.


The number of MEPs elected varies between countries: bigger countries get more seats than smaller ones. Due to changes in the size of the population, some EU countries will get extra seats in the upcoming elections compared to the outgoing Parliament. In total 15 seats will be added.


There are also differences in other aspects of voting, for example regarding the minimum voting age or the rules about voting from abroad.

EU Elections 2024

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.

Map European elections 2024

Online shopping, take-away food, coffee to go... Packaging waste is growing. Find out how much is being produced and how the EU wants to reverse the trend

How to reduce packaging waste in the EU

With war having returned to the European continent, measuring the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world – as the 'Normandy Index' does – is more important than ever. The annual Index was presented for the first time at the Normandy Peace Forum in June 2019, as a result of a partnership between the European Parliament and the Region of Normandy. The Index has been designed and prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), in conjunction with and on the basis of data provided by the Institute for Economics and Peace. This paper sets out the findings of the 2023 exercise, which draws on data compiled in 2022, and explains how the Index can be used to compare peace – defined on the basis of a given country's performance against a range of predetermined threats – across countries and regions. It is complemented by 61 individual country case studies, derived from the Index. The paper forms part of the EPRS contribution to the 2023 Normandy World Peace Foru

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

Discover key figures about the repatriation of migrants and proposed changes to EU law.
The EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum includes new rules and the revision of existing legislation, such as the Return Directive.
In a draft resolution on the Return Directive adopted in December 2020, MEPs stressed the importance of protecting individual fundamental rights as well as respect for procedural safeguards.

Repatriation: how many migrants in the EU are sent back?

Euroscola

Press conference of the special committee on the housing crisis after its mission to Vienna

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield Ordinary meeting

EUDS

Committee on Regional Development Extraordinary meeting Committee on Regional Development

REGI

Committee on Petitions Ordinary meeting

PETI

Press point by Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO) and Carla TAVARES (S&D, PT), Co-rapporteurs, following the BUDG Committee meeting on Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources

Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting

TRAN

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development Extraordinary meeting Exchange of views with Commissioner Hansen: presentation of the CAP proposals

AGRI

Committee on Fisheries Ordinary meeting

PECH

Committee on Budgets Ordinary meeting

BUDG

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting

FEMM

Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting Public hearing on Administrative burden

Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

SEDE

Committee on Public Health Ordinary meeting

SANT

BUDG Press Point - Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and Own Resources

TRAN - Exchange of views with Commissioner Apostolas Tzitzikostas on the next MFF and its impact on transport and tourism

TRAN - Public hearing on Bureaucratic burden reduction in different transport modes

AGRI - Exchange of views with Commissioner Hansen: presentation of the legislative proposal for the CAP after 2027

BUDG - Exchange of views with Piotr SERAFIN, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration on the MFF beyond 2027 and Own Resources

SEDE - The Security and Defence dimension of space and the EU's Space Act

TRAN - Presentation of the priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council

SEDE AFET - Exchange of views with Radmila Shekerinska, NATO Deputy Secretary General

CULT - Presentation of the priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council

SEDE - Capacity building on security, defence and law-enforcement policies for the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

Danish Presidency of the Council contemporary art exhibition

FEMM - Presentation of the priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council

SEDE - Presentation of the priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council

SANT - Presentation of the priorities of the residency of the Council

PECH - Presentation of the priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council

AFCO - Presentation of the programme of the Danish EU Council Presidency

This news item sows extracts from the meeting of the Committee on Budgets with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, on the Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources. The multiannual financial framework (MFF) is established for a period of seven years and lays down the maximum spending ceilings for different policy areas. After having secured Parliament’s consent, granted by a majority of its component members, EU governments adopt the MFF regulation by unanimity. The EU’s current long-term budget runs out on 31 December 2027.

BUDG meeting with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, on the Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources: extracts from the meeting

Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO) and Carla TAVARES (S&D, PT), Co-rapporteurs, and Sandra GÓMEZ LÓPEZ (S&D, ES) and Danuše NERUDOVÁ (EPP, CZ), co-rapporteurs for the Own Resources on the EU long-term budget, hold a press conference following the BUDG Committee meeting on Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

MEPs in the Budgets Committee (BUDG) discuss with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, the proposal for the post 2027 European Union long-term budget, i.e. the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources, right after its adoption by the Commission. Closing statements by Johan VAN OVERTVELDT (ECR, BE), Chair of BUDG Committee.

Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and Own Resources: Closing statements by Johan VAN OVERTVELDT (ECR, BE), Chair of BUDG Committee

MEPs in the Budgets Committee (BUDG) discuss with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, the proposal for the post 2027 European Union long-term budget, i.e. the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources, right after its adoption by the Commission. Catch-the-eye with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration.

Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and Own Resources: Catch-the-eye with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration

MEPs in the Budgets Committee (BUDG) discuss with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, the proposal for the post 2027 European Union long-term budget, i.e. the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources, right after its adoption by the Commission. Answer by Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration - BUDG Committee.

Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and Own Resources: Answer by Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration - BUDG Committee

MEPs in the Budgets Committee (BUDG) discuss with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, the proposal for the post 2027 European Union long-term budget, i.e. the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources, right after its adoption by the Commission. Statements by MFF and Own Resources Shadow Rapporteurs - BUDG Committee.

Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources: Statements by MFF and Own Resources Shadow Rapporteurs - BUDG Committee

MEPs in the Budgets Committee (BUDG) discuss with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, the proposal for the post 2027 European Union long-term budget, i.e. the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources, right after its adoption by the Commission. Statements by Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO), Carla TAVARES (S&D, PT), Danuše NERUDOVÁ (EPP, CZ) and Sandra GÓMEZ LÓPEZ (S&D, ES), MFF and Own Resources Co-Rapporteurs.

Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources: statements by MFF and Own Resources Co-Rapporteurs - BUDG Committee

MEPs in the Budgets Committee (BUDG) discuss with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, the proposal for the post 2027 European Union long-term budget, i.e. the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources, right after its adoption by the Commission. Opening statements by Johan VAN OVERTVELDT (ECR, BE), Chair of BUDG and by Piotr SERAFIN, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources: opening statements by Johan VAN OVERTVELDT (ECR, BE), Chair of BUDG and by Piotr SERAFIN, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration - BUDG Committee

Stefano BONACCINI (S&D, IT), Rapporteur, holds a press conference on Unfair trade practices. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Stefano BONACCINI (S&D, IT), Rapporteur, on Unfair trade practices

Co-rapporteurs Siegfried Mureşan and Carla Tavares hold a press conference on Parliament's priorities and expectations for the EU's post-2027 long-term budget ahead of the Commission's proposal, which is due to be unveiled. MEPs call for a more ambitious budget than the current spending ceiling of 1% of the EU-27’s gross national income given the urgent need to address future security concerns and raise Europe’s competitiveness in the global economy without undermining support for the European Union’s efforts to support its regions and rural communities. To be adopted, the next long-term budget will need the approval of the Parliament, granted by a majority of its component members. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO) and Carla TAVARES (S&D, PT), Co-rapporteurs, on Parliament's priorities on MFF ahead of Commission proposal

Denmark’s ministers present their priorities in meetings with parliamentary committees as Denmark holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU until the end of 2025. Marie BJERRE, Minister for European Affairs, Peter HUMMELGAARD, Minister of Justice, Kaare DYBVAD, Minister for Immigration and Integration, Torsten SCHACK PEDERSEN, Minister of Resilience and Preparedness, Morten BØDSKOV, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, and Caroline Stage OLSEN, Minister for Digital Affairs, Lars Løkke RASMUSSEN, Minister for Foreign Affairs, presents the EU policy priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU in the Committees on Foreign Affairs (AFET), Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), International Trade (INTA), and Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE). This news item shows extract from the AFET, IMCO, INTA and LIBE committees.

Presentation of the EU Council's priorities by Danish Ministers: extracts from the EP Committee meetings (AFET, LIBE, IMCO, INTA)

With 175 votes in favour, 360 against, and 18 abstentions, the European Parliament rejected a motion of censure against the European Commission. The vote on the motion took place by roll call. To be adopted, a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of component Members of Parliament, would have been needed.

Voting Session: motion of censure on the European Commission

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, issues a statement on the anniversary since the beginning of 10th legislative term and on Multiannual financial framework (MFF). This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on one year anniversary since the beginning of 10th legislative term and on Multiannual financial framework (MFF)

MEPs debate on stockpiling strategies and strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape during the plenary session. Opening statement by Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner for Equality, and European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Commission statement - Presentation of the Stockpiling Strategies - strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape: Opening statement by Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management

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