MEPs debate the situation of  European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. According to the Council of Europe, at least sixteen journalists and media workers have been killed since February 2022 in the line of duty or because of their work, and at least forty have been injured.

Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

The Parliament discusses China’s military provocations close to Taiwan, and vote on a resolution. China’s military exercises around Taiwan have become increasingly frequent in recent years. MEPs criticise the recent manoeuvres in the Taiwan Strait and express their solidarity with Taiwan as a regular victim of foreign information manipulation and interference by China. 

In a resolution adopted in December 2023, MEPs said the EU’s ‘One China policy’ has not changed and that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, particularly by means of force or coercion, is not acceptable. They also opposed China’s constant distortion of UN Resolution 2758 by demanding that Taiwanese passport holders, including journalists, NGO workers and political activists be barred from accessing tours and events in the UN. Resolution 2758 was adopted by the 26th U.N. General Assembly in 1971 to address the issue of China's representation at the UN.

People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan

MEPs and the Commission discuss Iran’s state-sponsored terrorism in light of recent attacks in Europe.

The debate follows recent reports by European security services that Iran may have been involved in the explosions and shootings that took place near the Israeli embassies in Stockholm and Copenhagen, by using local criminal gangs. European officials have also warned of an increase in assassination attempts by Iranian intelligence targeting Jews and regime critics on European soil.

The European Parliament has long been a vocal critic of the Iranian clerical regime for its brutal suppression of the democratic aspirations of its own citizens, as well as its support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. MEPs have also called for the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to be placed on the EU terrorist list.

State sponsored terrorism by the Islamic Republic of Iran in the light of the recent attacks in Europe

MEPs discuss with the European Commission potential changes to EU legislation on the return of third-country nationals with no legal right to stay in Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls for a common approach to returns and stresses the importance of cooperation with third countries on readmitting their nationals. As the EU prepares to implement the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, the debate focuses on securing external borders, strengthening screening processes, and improving return procedures. Poland’s proposal to temporarily suspend asylum requests and Italy’s plan to process asylum seekers in Albania are also discussed.

Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns

Seven years after the assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the European Parliament discusses the state of the rule of law in Malta. MEPs assess the country's recent developments in upholding European values, focusing on media freedom and anti-corruption efforts. Daphne Caruana Galizia, who exposed corruption, money laundering, and organized crime, was murdered in a car bomb attack in 2017, sparking outrage and political upheaval, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

In the same session, the winner of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be announced, honoring her legacy in the fight for transparency and justice. The prize, endorsed by the European Parliament in 2020, rewards journalism that upholds the EU’s core values, including democracy, rule of law, and human rights. The €20,000 prize is open to professional journalists from any EU country, and the winner will be chosen by an independent jury.

This debate underscores the EU’s commitment to promoting democracy and the rule of law, both within its borders and in candidate countries, as part of the 2024 Rule of Law Report.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism: Award Ceremony

On Thursday, the Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group leaders) will decide on the winner of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The three shortlisted candidates are:  María Corina Machado, as leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia; Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, academic and anti-corruption activist in Azerbaijan; (Alternative: Elon Musk, USA); and "Women Wage Peace" and "Women of the Sun", Israel/Palestine.

Announcement of the Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate

The president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, is in Rome to celebrate the anniversary of Alcide De Gasperi’s passing. In honour of the noble father of Christian Democracy, the foundation that bears his name is organizing a series of events to be attended by Italian and foreign institutional guests.

The 2024 was decreed “De Gasperi year” by the De Gasperi Foundation, established in 1982 to gather the legacy of the Italian statesman. On the 70th anniversary of his death, a commemorative event has been organized at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome to be attended by, among others, the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates at the Commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Alcide De Gasperi's Passing

Confirmation hearing of Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Commissioner-designate, Trade, Economic Security, and Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

Confirmation hearing of Glenn MICALLEF, Commissioner-designate, Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport

Confirmation hearing of Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS, Commissioner-designate, Sustainable Transport and Tourism