At a glance: Parliament committees tackle faster approval for eco-friendly pest control; MEPs address affordable and social housing  in a public hearing; and Parliament launches the European Capitals of Small Retail competition for 2026.

Krátké zprávy  – 02/07/2025 - čeština

At a glance: Denmark assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union; Parliament President Metsola chairs a meeting with the European Council President and the NATO Secretary General; and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development is taking place in Spain.  

Krátké zprávy  – 01/07/2025 - čeština

Evropa vnímá zahraniční vměšování jako systémovou hrozbu. Evropský parlament proto zavádí nové struktury výborů, právních předpisů a strategií, aby zajistil, že demokratický hlas Evropanů zůstane silný, jasný a autentický.

Zahraniční vměšování: jak Parlament brání evropskou demokracii

At a glance: a deal to make it easier and cheaper for consumers and businesses to resolve issues out of court; the EU’s list of high-risk third countries with weak anti-money laundering regimes; the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development is taking place in Spain.

Krátké zprávy  – 28/06/2025 - čeština

At a glance: Parliament’s Regional Development Committee backs new priorities for EU cohesion funding; the 2025 report on gender equality in the EU; and President Roberta Metsola attends a summit on investment in global health.

Krátké zprávy  – 27/06/2025 - čeština

At a glance: new gas storage rules for EU countries; MEPs seek to strengthen air passenger rights; and Bill Gates exchanges views with MEPs on key drivers for health and living standards in the Global South.

Krátké zprávy  – 26/06/2025 - čeština

At a glance: the EU continues its diplomatic efforts concerning the situation in the Middle East; ECB President Christine Lagarde meets with Parliament’s Committee of the Economic and Monetary Affairs for the second monetary dialogue; and new rules to better protect travellers purchasing package holidays.

Krátké zprávy  – 25/06/2025 - čeština

At a glance: Parliament’s Committees are hosting several hearings this week; the Committee on Employment will focus on the new EU anti-poverty strategy; the Committee on Development will examine the draft report on humanitarian aid; and the Committee on International Trade hold a public hearing on the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement.

Krátké zprávy  – 24/06/2025 - čeština

Podle Evropské agentury pro životní prostředí trápil v roce 2022 celých 34 % evropské populace a 40 % plochy Unie nedostatek vody.
Nejhůře zasažené jsou zpravidla země na jihu Evropy, jako je Itálie, Portugalsko, Řecko či Španělsko. Sucho se ale postupně šíří i na sever, do oblastí, kde byl donedávna vody dostatek. Tzv. vodní stres je pro Evropu už dnes vážný problém a vzhledem ke změně klimatu lze očekávat, že v budoucnosti to bude ještě horší. Evropská unie se proto snaží situaci společně řešit.

Co dělá Unie pro to, abychom v budoucnu měli dostatek vody

At a glance: in Strasbourg, MEPs vote to extend EU post-pandemic recovery funding beyond 2026; a resolution on the Clean Industrial Deal; and the EU’s first-ever rules on the welfare of cats and dogs.

Krátké zprávy  – 20/06/2025 - čeština

At a glance:  during the plenary session, MEPs outlined their expectations for the upcoming NATO summit; King Abdullah II of Jordan addressed the European Parliament; MEPs agreed to update the EU-Ukraine road transport agreement.

Krátké zprávy  – 19/06/2025 - čeština

At a glance: the update to EU legislation on child sexual abuse crimes; the Schengen Agreement’s 40th anniversary; and the agreement on suspending short-stay visa-free travel.

Krátké zprávy  – 18/06/2025 - čeština

At a glance: MEPs are set to lay out their expectations for next week’s NATO summit; freedom of assembly in Hungary and the rule of law in Spain are also on the plenary agenda.

Krátké zprávy  – 17/06/2025 - čeština

Sracfhéachaint: cuirtear tús leis an suí iomlánach in Strasbourg inniu. Pléifidh na Feisirí an Comhshocrú Eorpach nua um an Aigéan; tá an Pharlaimint chun síneadh a chur leis an gcomhaontú idir an tAontas agus an Úcráin faoi chúrsaí iompar ar bhóithre; beidh plé ag na Feisirí leis an gComhairle agus an Coimisiún faoi athbhreithniú ar an gcomhaontú idir an tAontas Eorpach agus Iosrael.

Krátké zprávy  – 16/06/2025 - čeština

At a glance: Parliament opens its doors in Strasbourg for the EYE event; a new plenary session kicks off on Monday; and the multilingualism student competition.

Krátké zprávy  – 13/06/2025 - čeština

At a glance: Parliament’s political groups are preparing for next week’s plenary session in Strasbourg; MEPs attend the UN Ocean Conference; and the 2025 edition of the European Youth Event kicks off tomorrow.

Krátké zprávy  – 12/06/2025 - čeština

MEPs elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) on January 2022 as President of the European Parliament until 2024.

Roberta Metsola won the election in the first voting round, where she received an absolute majority of 458 votes out of 690 cast in the remote secret vote, among three candidates.&nbsp;

President Metsola is leading the Parliament in the second half of the current legislative term, until a new Parliament is constituted following the 2024 European Elections.

Born in Malta in 1979,&nbsp; Roberta Metsola who has been an MEP since 2013, is the youngest EP President ever elected. She became First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022.

She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after Simone Veil (1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999- 2002).

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2022-2024

In July 2024&nbsp; MEPs re-elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) as President of the European Parliament until 2027, with 562 votes in the first round. Roberta Metsola won the election in the first round of voting, where she received an absolute majority of 562 votes cast out of 699 by secret paper ballot, among two candidates. She will continue to lead Parliament for the first two and a half years of the 10th legislative term.

Born in Malta in 1979, Roberta Metsola has been an MEP since 2013.&nbsp;She was elected First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022. On 18 January 2022,&nbsp;she was elected President&nbsp;for the second half of the 9th legislative term. She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after&nbsp;Simone Veil&nbsp;(1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999-2002).

Addressing the House after she was elected, President Metsola said: “Together, we must stand up for the politics of hope, for the dream that is Europe. I want people to recapture a sense of belief and enthusiasm for our project. A belief to make our shared space safer, fairer, more just and more equal. A belief that together we are stronger and we are better. A belief that ours is a Europe for all.”

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2024-2027

Denmark has been an EU member country since 1st January 1973.

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. It has a representative parliamentary system with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the monarch - who officially retains executive power, although duties are strictly representative and ceremonial. The kingdom also comprises 2 autonomous constituent countries in the Atlantic, neither of which are EU members: the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

EU - Denmark

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on 10 July 2019, following the appointment of their members in the plenary sitting of 3-4 July. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate. The newly set up committees will then start holding their regular meetings during the week of 22 July.

LIBE - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

On 27 June 2014, the EU and Moldova signed an Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), which entered into force in July 2016. In April 2014, Moldova became the first country in the Eastern Partnership to benefit from a visa-free regime. Moldova is the country which is very much affected by the influx of refugees from Ukraine, after the Russian aggression against the country.

In a speech to the European Parliament on 18 May 2022, Moldovan President Maia Sandu called on EU countries to rally behind her country’s European aspirations. In her address to MEPs in Brussels, President Sandu outlined how Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine had echoes of Europe’s troubled past, with its ‘unabashed land grabs, geopolitical conquests and spheres of influence’.&nbsp;

Against the backdrop of the war, Moldova formally applied for EU membership in March 2022 and President Sandu stated her firm conviction that the country is part of the European community.

EU - Moldova

In 2004 Slovakia joined the European Union as a Member State. It is a member of&nbsp;the Schengen area&nbsp;since 21 December 2007.&nbsp;It is a member of the&nbsp;Eurozone, when the Euro was introduced to replace the Slovak Crown as the national currency.

There are more than 5.4 million people in Slovakia. The country has 14 Members of European Parliament (MEPs). Slovakia has presided the EU between July and December 2016. Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a head of government - the Prime Minister - who holds the most executive power and a head of state - the President - who is the formal head of the executive, but with&nbsp;limited powers. The country is subdivided into 8 regions, each named after its principal city.&nbsp;

The country was in the centre of attention nad underwent huge political turbulences in&nbsp;2018 when the investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée were murdered.&nbsp;

EU - Slovakia

From 1 July to 31 December 2025 Denmark will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.&nbsp;Under the slogan ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, the Danish Presidency will work for a secure Europe as well as a competitive and green Europe.

The EU is facing a new international order marked by uncertainty, global strategic and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. That is why the EU must be able to act in its own right. The EU’s strength lies in European unity, a solid economic foundation, stable democracies, and socially balanced societies, among other things. This strength must be developed further and used to promote and defend both European interests and the international legal order. The Danish EU Presidency will work for a strong and resolute EU that takes responsibility for its own security and for strengthening its competitiveness. This calls for the EU to match words with action and deliver on the challenges it faces. The green transition is essential to building a more secure and competitive Europe. &nbsp;

The Conference of Presidents, political group leaders as well as President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, were in Copenhagen on 3 June&nbsp;to discuss priorities ahead of the Danish Presidency of the Council.

Danish presidency

Malta joined the European Union 1st May 2004 and it has been a member of the Schengen area since 21st December 2007.

Malta is a single-chamber parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the president - whose role is largely ceremonial. The country is divided into 5 regions. Each has its own regional committee, which serves as the intermediary between local and national government.

There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Malta.

EU - Malta

Mr TAJANI was elected President of the European Parliament on 17 January 2017. 

The President chairs the plenary sittings of Parliament, the Conference of the Presidents of Political Groups and the Bureau of Parliament. The President is responsible for the application of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, and, to this end, oversees all the activities of Parliament and its bodies. The President represents Parliament in all legal matters. He addresses the European Council prior to each of its meetings, stating Parliament's viewpoint on the subjects on the agenda in the framework of a debate with the heads of state and government. The President represents Parliament in its international relations, and, in this connection, undertakes official visits within and outside the EU. The President signs the EU budget into being following Parliament's vote on it at second reading. During the procedure, the President chairs the EP/Council conciliation delegations. The President may, under the EP/Council codecision procedure, chair the EP/Council conciliation committee.

Antonio TAJANI, EP President's Agenda

Italy is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - appointed by the president and a head of state - the president. The Parliament is composed of 2 houses: the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic.

Italy is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999 and of the Schengen area since 26 October 1997. There are 75&nbsp;members of the European Parliament from Italy.

EU - Italy

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Therefore in December 2019 the Commission presented a communication on a European Green Deal that sets out a detailed vision to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, safeguard biodiversity, establish a circular economy and eliminate pollution, while boosting the competitiveness of European industry and ensuring a just transition for the regions and workers affected.

Parliament has played an important role in pushing for more ambitious EU climate legislation and declared a climate emergency on 28 November 2019.&nbsp; The European Climate Law writes&nbsp;into law the goal to become climate neutral by 2050 and attain the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels).&nbsp;After 2050 the EU will aim for negative emissions. In July&nbsp;2021 the European Commission presented its “Fit for 55 in 2030” package-the legislative tool to deliver on the targets agreed in the European Climate law.

The EP adopted the new Nature restoration law during its February plenary. The new law sets a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The EU nature restoration law, agreed with member states, will restore degraded ecosystems in all member states, help achieve the EU’s climate and biodiversity objectives and enhance food security.

To reach the overall EU targets, member states must restore at least 30% of habitats covered by the new law (from forests, grasslands and wetlands to rivers, lakes and coral beds) from a poor to a good condition by 2030, increasing to 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. In line with Parliament’s position, EU countries should give priority to&nbsp;Natura 2000 areas&nbsp;until 2030. Once in a good condition, EU countries shall ensure an area does not significantly deteriorate. Member states will also have to adopt national restoration plans detailing how they intend to achieve these targets.

European Green Deal

In the annual State of the European Union debate, MEPs quizzed President von der Leyen on the Commission’s work in the past and its plans until the June 2024 elections.



Opening the debate, EP President, Roberta Metsola&nbsp;said: “The European Union today is stronger, and more united than ever before. The world is changing and Europe must adapt and change with it too. We must keep striving to make our Europe a place of equality of opportunity, of access, of prosperity - where everyone can reach their potential. We must keep reforming. We should always keep people’s concerns at the centre of all our actions.“



Commission President von der Leyen said that the EU has undergone a substantial transformation since she first presented her programme in 2019, adding: ”We have delivered over 90% of the political guidelines I presented” back then. 



On the Green Deal, the decarbonisation of Europe’s industry while maintaining its competitiveness, she announced an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. ”We must defend ourselves against unfair practices” she said. 



President von der Leyen stressed the importance of a fair transition for farmers, families and industry and that “Europe will do ’whatever it takes’ to keep its competitive edge.” She announced a competitiveness check by an independent board for every new legislation.



With regard to Artificial Intelligence, Ms von der Leyen said that AI will improve healthcare, boost productivity and help to address climate change. The Commission’s “number one priority is to ensure AI develops in a human-centric, transparent and responsible way” she said, also calling for an international panel of experts similar to the IPCC on climate change to steer its development. 



On Ukraine, she announced that the Commission will propose the extension of the EU’s temporary protection to Ukrainians and an additional 50 billion euros over four years for investment and reforms. “Our support to Ukraine will endure.” 



The Commission President also referred to the rule of law, enlargement, migration, EU-Africa relations, the Global Gateway initiative, climate change, food security, and an upcoming Social Partner Summit.

State of the European Union 2023

The EYE 2025 will take place on the 13 and 14 of June in Strasbourg. The EYE (European Youth Event) brings together thousands of young people from across the European Union and beyond, right at the heart of European democracy. The event is a unique opportunity for 16- to 30-year-olds to inspire and get inspired, to debate directly with Members of the European Parliament and other European decision-makers, and to exchange views with experts, activists, and content creators.

 

The use, reproduction, copying, or downloading of photos and videos featuring identifiable private person(s) by third parties is strictly prohibited without the prior consent of the person(s) depicted. The European Parliament disclaims any liability for the unauthorised use of such materials by third parties.

EYE2025

Nicole Fontaine (born 16 January 1942 in Grainville-Ymauville, Seine-Maritime) was a French politician. Member of the EPP, she was the President of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2001.

Nicole Fontaine

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) is a committee of the European Parliament which is responsible for the regulation of financial services, the free movement of capital and payments, taxation and competition policies, oversight of the European Central Bank, and the international financial system. It is currently chaired by Irene Tinagli.

ECON - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

JURI - Committee on Legal Affairs

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

The Transport and Tourism Committee adopts its positions on two draft bills on passenger rights. Among the different provisions, MEPs will vote on travellers’ rights in the case of disruptions, including when a journey involves different modes of transport, a common form of compensation, the dimensions of free hand luggage, and the protection of persons with disabilities

TRAN: VOTE on two draft bills on Passenger rights

Members of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee quiz Christine Lagarde, European Central Bank President, during their quarterly meeting with her. MEPs ask about the economic ramifications of recent international developments as well as about the ECB's general monetary policy stance. They have also chosen the topic of crypto assets as a key topic to delve into more deeply

Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, ECB President

President Roberta Metsola meets the Speaker of the Federal National Council, Saqr Ghobash before addressing the country’s Federal National Council and the Speakers of the Gulf Cooperation Council

Roberta METSOLA, EP President: Official visit to Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, official visit to Warsaw and Lodz (Poland)

MEPs lay out their expectations for the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague on 24-26 June, in a debate with the Council and the Commission.

At their gathering in The Netherlands, leaders from NATO countries are expected to discuss how to ramp up defence spending in the context of Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine and calls from US President Donald Trump for European countries to invest more and take a greater responsibility for their defence. 

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently warned that Russia could be ready to use military force against the Western alliance within five years and said that NATO allies must have a creditable defence. Ahead of the summit, he has urged NATO members to commit to spending 5% of their national income on defence, a call that is expected to feature prominently in the summit deliberations.

Debate on the upcoming NATO summit on 24-26 June 2025

Joint Debate - Situation in the Middle East
Risk of further instability in the Middle East following the Israel-Iran military escalation
Review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Joint Debate - Situation in the Middle East

The King of Jordan, His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, addresses MEPs during a formal sitting in Strasbourg

This will be King Abdullah II’s sixth visit to the European Parliament, following his previous visits in 2002, 2007, 2012, 2015 and 2020. In his address, he is expected to focus on a range of issues, including the devastating war in Gaza and its consequences.

Formal sitting with Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola receives His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the European Parliament in Strasbourg (France). Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, born on 30 January 1962, is the King of Jordan. He took the throne on 7 February 1999. Belonging to the Hashemite family, which has ruled Jordan since 1921, he is regarded as a 41st-generation direct descendant of the prophet Muhammad.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Last minute briefing on June EP Plenary session

The EP’s Press Service holds a press briefing with Parliament’s political group spokespersons

Pre-session briefing on June Plenary session

Parliament welcomes around 8,500 young people to Strasbourg for EYE2025 (the European Youth Event). Young citizens are able to engage in discussions with MEPs, Commissioners and other EU decision-makers as well as with experts, activists, and content creators.

European Youth Event 2025

Roberta METSOLA, EP President visits Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital on International Day of Play

Invest in What Matter - Exchange of views on the EU long-term budget with the co-rapporteurs and presentation of the EP campaign

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?

Over the past 30 years the single market has brought unity and opportunities to Europeans.

30 years of EU single market: benefits and challenges

Find out about the top cyber threats in 2022, the most affected sectors and the impact of the war in Ukraine.

The digital transformation has inevitably led to new cybersecurity threats. During the coronavirus pandemic, companies had to adapt to remote working and this created more possibilities for cybercriminals. The war in Ukraine has also affected cybersecurity.

In response to the evolution of cybersecurity threats, Parliament adopted a new EU directive introducing harmonised measures across the EU, including on the protection of essential sectors.

Cybersecurity: main and emerging threats

With fast fashion, the quantity of clothes produced and thrown away has boomed. Find out more about the environmental impact and what the EU is doing about it.

Fast fashion is the constant provision of new styles at very low prices.

To tackle the impact on the environment, the EU wants to reduce textile waste and increase the life cycle and recycling of textiles. This is part of the plan to achieve a circular economy by 2050.

The impact of textile production and waste on the environment

Euroscola

Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Extraordinary meeting 107th High-level Rose-Roth Seminar co-organised by the EP (DNAT/SEDE) and the NATO PA

DNAT

SEDE

Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly Ordinary meeting

DACP

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology panel

Plenary Session

Delegation for relations with Palestine Ordinary meeting

DPAL

Delegation to the Caribbean-EU Parliamentary Assembly Ordinary meeting DCAB Ordinary Delegation Meeting

DCAB

Delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee INTER-PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION 29th meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee EU-Chile

Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the Seminar European Architecture of Defense

Citizen Garden's Garden summer readings - Michaela Mihokova

EPRS book talk : If you want peace, prepare for war

Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at ‘L’Europa in dialogo a pordenonelegge 2025’ event

High Level Policy Debate - A New Lifelong Learning Manifesto (EU Memorandum)

Citizen Garden's Garden summer readings - Paul Lynch

CCC Reflection Day

World Economic Forum European growth and competitiveness dinner - Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President .

ECON LIBE - Scrutiny of delegated acts and implementing measures - Exchange of views with Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with a delegation of European Producers Club (EPC)

Danish Presidency - The Danish Permanent Representative Carsten GRONBECH JENSEN meets with LIBE chair Javier ZARZALEJOS

High-level Expert Seminar EU Strategic Defence and Security Partnerships

Alexandra MEHNERT in the EP in Brussels

Budapest Pride March with the participation of Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUȚĂ, EP Vice President and EP Members

International Human Rights conference - Closing speech by Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUȚĂ, EP Vice President at the Central European University, Budapest

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy) - Meeting with Sergio MATTARELLA, President of Italy

Sandro GOZI (Renew, FR), and Tiemo WÖLKEN (S&D, DE), hold a press conference on the reaction to the cancellation of the last trilogue on green claims directive, as co-rapporteurs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Sandro GOZI (Renew, FR), and Tiemo WÖLKEN (S&D, DE), co-rapporteurs, on the reaction to the cancellation of the last trilogue on green claims directive

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) holds this year’s second monetary dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank (ECB). At this occasion, the ECON Committee and the ECB President discuss the quarterly assessment of the ECB's monetary policy. Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, FR), ECON Committee Chair, and Christine LAGARDE, make the opening statements. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Monetary dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the ECB: opening statements by Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, FR), ECON Committee Chair, and Christine LAGARDE

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) holds this year’s second monetary dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank (ECB). At this occasion, the ECON Committee and the ECB President discuss the quarterly assessment of the ECB's monetary policy. Extracts

Monetary dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the ECB: extracts

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, is paying an official visit to Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, where she will participate in a high-level interparliamentary meeting with the Speakers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The Gulf Cooperation Council is a regional political and economic union comprising six countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to Abu Dhabi: meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council Speakers

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, pays an official visit to Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates where she addresses the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates): address by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the Federal National Council

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, pays an official visit to Łódz, in Poland where she receives the honoris causa from the Łódz University of Technology. She gives an acceptance speech during the ceremony. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to Łódz (Poland) - Honorary doctorate ceremony at Łódz University of Technology: acceptance speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, pays an official visit to Łódz, in Poland where she makes a doorstep and participates to the "Ode de Joy" record event.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Łódz (Poland) - doorstep and participation to the Ode de Joy record event

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, pays an official visit to Łódz, in Poland where she receives the honoris causa during a ceremony at Lodz University of Technology: extracts from the ceremony.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Łódz (Poland) - Honorary doctorate ceremony at Lodz University of Technology: extracts from the ceremony

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, pays an official visit to Warsaw (Poland) where she meets with Donald TUSK, Polish Prime Minister. Extracts from the arrival, meeting and roundtable

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Warsaw (Poland): arrival and welcome by Donald TUSK, Polish Prime Minister, meeting and roundtable

Ana Catarina MENDES (S&D, PT), rapporteur on the Commission's 2024 Rule of Law report, holds a press conference. The report prepared in the Committee in Civil Liberties (LIBE) takes stock of the Commission’s findings in its 2024 Rule of Law Report, as well as recent developments in EU Member States. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Ana Catarina MENDES (S&D, PT), rapporteur on the Commission's 2024 Rule of Law report﻿

Jordan BARDELLA (PfE, FR), Group Leader of Patriots for Europe, and Kinga GÁL (PfE, HU), Vice-President of Patriots for Europe (PfE) hold a press conference. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press briefing by Jordan BARDELLA, Group Leader of Patriots for Europe, and Kinga GÁL, Vice-President of Patriots for Europe

MEPs quiz the Commission on its stance on respect for European values in Hungary in light of the government’s ban of the Budapest Pride march. During the debate, MEPs are set to demand that the Commission apply for interim measures as part of the ongoing trial, so that the Court of Justice of the EU can order the suspension of the legislation. They are also expected to point to the recent opinion of the EU Court of Justice’s Advocate General, who considers Hungary’s Child Protection Act incompatible with EU law. Closing statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection

Freedom of assembly in Hungary and the need for the Commission to act: closing statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection

Political group speakers quiz the Commission on its stance on respect for European values in Hungary in light of the government’s ban of the Budapest Pride march. During the debate, MEPs are set to demand that the Commission apply for interim measures as part of the ongoing trial, so that the Court of Justice of the EU can order the suspension of the legislation. They are also expected to point to the recent opinion of the EU Court of Justice’s Advocate General, who considers Hungary’s Child Protection Act incompatible with EU law.

Freedom of assembly in Hungary and the need for the Commission to act: MEPs debate (part 2)

Freedom of assembly in Hungary and the need for the Commission to act: MEPs debate (part 1)

Freedom of assembly in Hungary and the need for the Commission to act: one round of political group speakers

Victor NEGRESCU (S&D, RO) and Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO), co-rapporteurs, give a press conference on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. On 17 and 18 June, MEPs debate and vote on whether Recovery and Resilience Facility (RFF) funding should be extended to allow the completion of key investment projects. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Victor NEGRESCU (S&D, RO) and Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO), co-rapporteurs, on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility

MEPs quiz the Commission on its stance on respect for European values in Hungary in light of the government’s ban of the Budapest Pride march. During the debate, MEPs are set to demand that the Commission apply for interim measures as part of the ongoing trial, so that the Court of Justice of the EU can order the suspension of the legislation. They are also expected to point to the recent opinion of the EU Court of Justice’s Advocate General, who considers Hungary’s Child Protection Act incompatible with EU law. Opening statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Freedom of assembly in Hungary and the need for the Commission to act: opening statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection

MEPs vote on the following reports: Céline Imart (INTA 16/06) - Macro-financial assistance to the Arab Republic of Egypt; Anna Cavazzini, Borys Budka (INTA/ITRE A10-0009/2025) - Adoption by the Union of the Agreement on the interpretation and application of the Energy Charter Treaty; and Borys Budka (INTA A10-0008/2025) - EU/Euratom Agreement on the interpretation and application of the Energy Charter Treaty: adoption by Euratom.

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