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.

Krátké zprávy  – 11/07/2025 - čeština

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.

Krátké zprávy  – 10/07/2025 - čeština

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.

Krátké zprávy  – 09/07/2025 - čeština

Evropský parlament a parlamenty členských států Unie společně usilují o účinnou a pravidelnou meziparlamentní spolupráci. O tom, jak taková spolupráce vypadá, se dozvíte více v našem podcastu.

Vztahy mezi Evropským parlamentem a parlamenty členských států

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.

Krátké zprávy  – 08/07/2025 - čeština

Delegace Evropského parlamentu jsou oficiální skupiny europoslanců, které posilují vztahy s parlamenty, regiony a organizacemi za hranicemi Evropské unie. Udržují a rozvíjejí mezinárodní kontakty, přispívají k upevnění úlohy Evropské unie ve světě a snaží se ji zviditelnit.

Co dělají delegace Evropského parlamentu

Poslanci Evropského parlamentu nezasedají jen na plenárních zasedáních, ale i v parlamentních výborech. Těchto výborů je celá řada a každý z nich se specializuje na jednu oblast. Jak ale fungují?

Co dělají parlamentní výbory

Práce poslanců Evropského parlamentu se neomezuje jen na hlasování a diskuze na plenárních zasedáních. Mohou také vypracovávat zprávy, které vyjadřují postoj Parlamentu k legislativním návrhům nebo k jakémukoli jinému tématu. Poslanci, který má takovou činnost na starost, se říká zpravodaj. V čem přesně jeho práce spočívá?

V čem spočívá práce zpravodaje?

V roce 1989 poslali Jozefa Mad’ara a jeho televizní štáb z tehdejší Jugoslávie natočit občanské protesty za svobodu a demokracii v bývalém Československu. Poslechněme si jeho vzpomínky, na kterých nás provází bratislavskými ulicemi.

Klíče ke svobodě – vzpomínky kameramana na sametovou revoluci v Československu

At a glance: Parliament’s July plenary session starts today. MEPs assess the latest developments in the Middle East; a debate on the Commission’s proposal for a new 2040 EU climate target; and the Parliament and Commission Presidents discuss the next long-term EU budget.

Krátké zprávy  – 07/07/2025 - čeština

Článek 7 Smlouvy o Evropské unii má chránit základní hodnoty EU. Dává Unii právo zakročit, jestliže některý z jejích členských států dané hodnoty vážně poruší. A vlastně stačí, že takové porušení jen hrozí.

Ochrana evropských hodnot: článek 7 Smlouvy o EU

At a glance: Parliament’s plenary session kicks off on Monday. On the agenda: the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union presents its programme; Parliament President Metsola commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide; and the Working Group on the European Child Guarantee resumes its work.

Krátké zprávy  – 04/07/2025 - čeština

At a glance: preparations for the new plenary session are in full swing; MEPs in Strasbourg will discuss the priorities of the Danish Council Presidency, the Middle East and Ukraine; and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development is coming to an end in Spain.

Krátké zprávy  – 03/07/2025 - čeština

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

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.

BUDG - Committee on Budgets

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

The European budget supports citizens, farmers, researchers, businesses and regions across Europe and beyond. It has proven&nbsp;essential for improving the lives of Europeans. Together with NextGenerationEU, it helped overcome a pandemic and energy crisis, while saving millions of jobs during lockdowns and investing in our clean and digital future. The EU budget also provided unprecedented support to Ukraine and the security of Europe, in the face of Russia's war of aggression.<a name="_Hlk189216671"></a>

Next long-term budget&nbsp;will start in 2028. Parliament adopted a&nbsp;<a data-analytics-event-attached="true" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-10-2025-0090_EN.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">resolution</a>&nbsp;on the future MFF during its May 2025 plenary session, asking for a “significantly more ambitious” budget, and arguing that the current spending ceiling of 1% of the EU-27’s gross national income is not enough. MEPs also rejected the Commission’s idea of replicating the Recovery and Resilience Facility’s "one national plan per Member State" model in the EU’s new long-term budget. Instead, they demand a structure that ensures transparency and parliamentary accountability, and involves regional and local authorities.

The decision on the next long-term EU budget requires unanimous agreement among member states and must also be backed by Parliament, by a majority of its component members.&nbsp;

EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034

Toppled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow after Syrian rebels captured Damascus over the weekend of 7-8 December, ending decades of the Assad dynasty’s reign. Before armed fighters launched an offensive in November 2024, Syria’s territory was divided between regime forces (supported by Russia and Iran) and rebel factions – some backed by Turkey and the USA. After a 13-years-long civil war, Syria’s armed opposition said it ultimately plans to form a government based on functioning institutions and a “council chosen by the people”.

While analysts warn of an extremely challenging transition due to the “diverse coalition” of armed fighters, an end to the war could allow millions of refugees scattered across camps in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan to return home after more than a decade.

Situation in Syria

The EU and China are comprehensive strategic partners. Each year, the leaders of EU and China meet in the format of the EU-China Summit . The Summit is prepared through a network of bilateral high-level dialogues. These include the EU-China Strategic Dialogue between the EU High Representative/Vice President and the State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China.&nbsp;

The European Union and China are two of the biggest trading partners in the world. The EU is committed to open trading relations with China and wants to ensure that China trades fairly, respects intellectual property rights, and meets its obligations as a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

&nbsp;The EU-China Human Rights Dialogue was launched in 1995.&nbsp;Parliament strongly condemned in the past&nbsp;the Chinese government-led system of forced labour – in particular the exploitation of Uyghur, ethnic Kazakh and Kyrgyz, and other Muslim minority groups – in factories within and outside internment camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

EU - China

The European Parliament has a range of supervisory and control powers. These allow it to exercise oversight over other institutions, to monitor the proper use of the EU budget and to ensure the correct implementation of EU law.

Interinstitutional relations

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

Following the tabling of a motion of censure against the European Commission, plenary will hold a debate on Monday 7th July and the subsequent vote on Thursday 10th July.&nbsp; According to&nbsp;<a data-analytics-event-attached="true" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/RULES-10-2025-01-20-RULE-131_EN.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Parliament’s Rules of Procedure</a>, 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 to the Conference of Presidents (a meeting of the European Parliament President and political group leaders) that an&nbsp;<a data-analytics-event-attached="true" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/B-10-2025-0319_EN.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">admissible motion</a>&nbsp;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.

&nbsp;MEPs elected the College of Commissioners as a whole by roll-call vote. 370 MEPs voted in favour, 282 against, and 36 abstained.&nbsp;

This is Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as Commission President, following the approval of her&nbsp;first Commission by MEPs in November 2019.

2024-2029 Commission

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

PECH - Committee on Fisheries

Defying international criticism, Iran has sentenced many protestors to death, and continues to execute people arrested during recent demonstrations.

The demonstrations started in mid-September after a young woman, Mahsa Amini, died in the custody of the ‘morality police’ for, they claimed, breaking the strict hijab rules. Hundreds of people have been killed in the protests that have followed and thousands arrested because of their brutal repression by the government.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called these death sentences “state sanctioned killing”, and said that the Iranian government is using executions to intimidate the population and stamp out dissent.

While the EU is discussing a fourth round of sanctions because of the regime crackdown and Iran's military support for Russia, some member states have called for the classification by the EU of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.

EU - Iran

The EP 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded to Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, in a ceremony on 12 December. The laureates were represented by Saleh Nikbakht, academic and lawyer representing Jina Mahsa Amini’s family; and Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar, Iranian women's rights defenders who left Iran in 2023.

Opening the award ceremony, President Metsola declared: "This years’ Sakharov prize for Freedom of Thought, awarded to Jina Masha Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, serves as a tribute to all the brave and defiant women, men and young people in Iran, who despite coming under increasing pressure, are continuing the fight for their rights and push for change. The European Parliament hears you and supports you. You are not alone.ʺ

Jina Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman. She was arrested by police in Tehran on 13 September 2022 for allegedly ignoring Iran’s strict veiling laws, and died in a Tehran hospital three days later following physical abuse while in custody.

Among the finalists&nbsp;were also:&nbsp;Women fighting for a free, safe and legal abortion: Justyna Wydrzyńska - Poland, Morena Herrera - El Salvador and Colleen McNichols - United States&nbsp; and&nbsp; Vilma Núñez de Escorcia and Bishop Rolando José Álvarez Lagos, Nicaragua.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded each year by the European Parliament. It was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is named in honour of Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov and the prize money is 50 000 euros. Last year, Parliament awarded the prize to the brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders, and civil society.

Sakharov Prize 2023

Hungary officially joined the EU on 1 March 2004 and the Schengen Area in December 2007.

The Hungarian EU accession negotiations started on 31 March 1998. Hungary had successfully concluded negotiations on its accession at the Copenhagen European Council in December 2002. Hungary has 22 MEPs, 12 votes in the Council and has chaired the Council of the European Union from January to June 2011.

EU - Hungary

In September 2018, the Article 7(1) TEU procedure was triggered. In this case, the European Parliament voted a resolution calling the Council to determine the existence of a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values in relation to Hungary. This resolution was preceded by numerous others adopted by the Parliament between March 2011 and May 2017, and it made reference to concerns related mainly to judicial independence, freedom of expression, corruption, rights of minorities, and the situation of migrants and refugees in Hungary.

Under Article 2 TEU, the EU is founded on the shared values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights (DRF). Article 7 TEU establishes two mechanisms (preventive and sanctions) to enforce EU values in cases of systemic violations and to sanction Member States departing from them.

See also the previous <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/rule-of-law-in-hungary-8th-parliamentary-term_5702_pk">package</a> on the rule of law in Hungary.

Rule of law in Hungary (2019-2020)

On 24 February Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Shortly before&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized&nbsp;two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine&nbsp; as independent.&nbsp;The Conference of Presidents of the EP condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. "Ukraine is an independent and sovereign nation and its territorial integrity is non-negotiable. The invasion is unjustified and illegal. It is a threat to European and regional stability, as well as to the rules-based world order. The attack targets our model of democratic society. It cannot go unanswered, " says declaration of the COP.

"The Russian invasion into Ukraine is part of President Putin’s destabilisation agenda. It is a path that will bring the Kremlin in direct confrontation with Europe and the rule-based world-order. It is a path that pits authoritarianism against democracy. It is a path that we cannot allow him to walk unchallenged," said EP President Roberta Metsola.

European Union leaders met for a special European Council in Brussels on 24 February&nbsp;and adopted a set of sanctions related to the the financial sector, the energy and transport sectors,dual-use goods, exports, Russian individuals etc.&nbsp;

Ukraine is a priority partner for the European Union (EU). The EU supports Ukraine in ensuring a stable, prosperous and democratic future for its citizens and is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Association Agreement (AA), including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) signed in 2014, is the main tool for bringing Ukraine and the EU closer together. Since 2014, the EU and the Financial Institutions have mobilised more than €15 billion in grants and loans to support the reform process in the country, with strong conditionality on continued progress.

As a result of the cooperation with Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada in the field of democracy support, European Parliament launched on 11 March the website “<a href="https://ukraine.europarl.europa.eu/en/home.html" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">The EU stands with Ukraine</a>” (in English and Ukrainian) provides the latest news, videos and podcasts, relevant legislation and resolutions to show how the EU is helping Ukraine. Content from the Ukrainian Parliament could also be shared on the site. Actively supporting EU efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the world is one of Parliament's core responsibilities.

EU - Ukraine

Rule of law is laid down in the EU treaties as one of the values on which the Union is based. It means that governments should be bound by law&nbsp;not to take arbitrary decisions, and that citizens should be able to challenge their actions in independent courts.

It also enshrines the fight against corruption, which unfairly favours some to the detriment of others, and the safeguarding of media freedom, thus ensuring that the public is properly informed about the work of government.

The EU has existing tools at its disposal to protect the rule of law. In&nbsp;September 2020, the European Commission published the first annual rule of law&nbsp;report monitoring both positive and negative developments with regard to the rule of law in all member states. In July 2021 the second edition of the report was published.

There is also&nbsp;dialogue on the rule of law in the Council.

If the Commission deems that a member state is violating EU law, it can start infringement proceedings that may lead to financial sanctions determined by the European Court of Justice. Another procedure, under Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union, allows the Council to make recommendations or decide by unanimity on sanctions against a member state, including the suspension of membership rights.&nbsp;MEPs have argued that existing tools are insufficient.

​Under the new regulation, effective from January 2021, EU budget payments can be witheld from countries where established breaches of the rule of law compromise management of EU funds. At the same time, the EU ensures that final beneficiaries do not end up paying the bill.

Rule of law

The Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee meets with TikTok representatives to discuss the platform's adherence to the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly in the context of recent European elections. Caroline Greer, TikTok’s Director of Public Policy, and Brie Pegum, Global Head of Product, Authenticity and Transparency, will address questions on how the company ensures a safe and transparent online space during election periods.

MEPs focus on TikTok's risk management strategies to combat disinformation, manage recommender systems, and provide third-party data access, especially concerning Romania's ongoing elections. The DSA, in full effect since February 2024, requires platforms to tackle illegal content and societal risks proactively. This exchange reflects Parliament's commitment to ensuring compliance with EU rules and safeguarding democratic processes.

IMCO Debate on the compliance of TikTok with the EU Digital Services Act

EP President Roberta Metsola meets Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa

MEPs approve a deal on 2025’s EU budget to address current challenges and managing repayment costs for the EU’s recovery plan.
During negotiations with member states, Parliament obtained more than €230 million in funding beyond the Commission's initial draft proposal, to better focus on key EU programmes and policies aimed at improving people's lives, boosting competitiveness, and addressing challenges like climate, health, migration or defence. Negotiators also agreed on a solution to cover repayment costs for the European Union Recovery Instrument (EURI).
The preliminary figures are €199.44 billion in commitment appropriations and €155.21 billion in payment appropriations.

EU Budget for 2025

Following a debate with President-elect Ursula von der Leyen on her team and programme, MEPs will vote on approving the new College of Commissioners. Parliament’s committees subjected each Commissioner-designate to individual public hearings  between 4 and 12 November. MEPs assessed their suitability to become Commissioners, as well as their ability to carry out the duties linked to their respective portfolios. Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President Metsola and the political groups’ leaders) declared the Commissioner-designate hearings process complete on Wednesday 20 November. 

The full Parliament vote on the entire list of candidates in a roll call vote. To be confirmed, the College of Commissioners needs the endorsement of a majority of the votes cast (rule 129(7) of the EP Rules of Procedure). Any political group or at least one-twentieth of MEPs (low threshold) may table a motion for a resolution. Once elected by Parliament and after its formal appointment by the European Council via a qualified majority, the new European Commission is expected to take up its duties on 1 December 2024.

Presentation by the Commission President-elect of the College of Commissioners and its programme

MEPs and the Commission discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the role of UNRWA, and the need to release all hostages.

With violence in the Middle East intensifying with Israel’s attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah targets in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, humanitarian organizations are warning of the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. According to UN sources, the number of aid shipments into the Gaza Strip is now lower than at any time over the past year and there is “a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip.” MEPs will also discuss the essential role of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA in the region. In his statement of 1 November 2024, EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell emphasised UNRWA's life-saving work in Gaza.

MEPs adopted a number of resolutions in the last 12 months, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

Continued escalation in the Middle East: the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages

MEPs reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine and criticise the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, in a resolution.

When addressing the European Parliament on Tuesday 19 November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that “Putin has brought 11,000 North Korean troops to Ukraine’s border” (...) and that “the contingent may grow to 100,0000”. Many of these troops have recently been reported as having been deployed as part of Russia’s airborne units and marines in the Kursk region, another growing sign of the increasing military cooperation between the regimes in Moscow and Pyongyang.

A statement issued by Parliament’s leaders on 19 November 2024 called on the EU to “step up support for Ukraine in every way, including politically, financially, militarily and with humanitarian aid” and reiterated that “we stand with and support Ukraine in every possible way until its victory.”

Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia

MEPs discuss the state of play and emerging trends in the combat against violence against women within the EU and internationally. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), MEPs highlight the persistence of gender-based violence across the world and call on the new Commission to act. They underscore the need to fully implement existing EU legislation and stand firm in the face of a growing backlash against gender equality and women’s rights.  

In April 2024, the European Parliament approved the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. Member states have until 14 June 2027 to make the necessary changes in their national legislation. With support from the European Parliament, on 1 October 2023 the EU joined the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola conducts an official visit to Paris, underscoring the strong ties between the European Union and France. During her visit, Metsola holds high-level discussions with Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the Assemblée Nationale, and Michel Barnier, the French Prime Minister, focusing on European priorities and France’s role within the Union.

The Assemblée Nationale plays a crucial role in France’s legislative process, shaping national policies, while the Prime Minister coordinates national policy. The visit reflects the mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation on key issues affecting Europe’s future.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Paris (France)

The European Parliament holds an extraordinary plenary session to mark 1,000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, underscoring its steadfast support for the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses MEPs, following a statement by EP President Roberta Metsola. Political group leaders also participate, highlighting the Parliament’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and democracy.

Since the invasion began in February 2022, the EU has strongly condemned Russian aggression, implemented robust sanctions, and provided extensive humanitarian, military, and financial aid. Parliament remains a key advocate for Ukraine’s EU membership and calls for the use of frozen Russian assets to compensate for the destruction caused by the war.  

The Parliament has adopted more than 40 resolutions since 2021, emphasizing its ongoing support for Ukraine, including temporary trade liberalization, sanctions enforcement, and preparations for EU accession talks. This extraordinary session reinforces the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine and its dedication to achieving a just and lasting peace.

Extraordinary Plenary Sitting - 1000 days of Russia´s invasion of Ukraine

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together global leaders and climate experts to establish a new post-2025 framework for climate finance and advance international climate action. The European Parliament participates from 18 to 22 November, contributing to discussions on EU climate commitments, financial support for sustainable development, and a fair climate finance goal that aligns with the polluter-pays principle and leverages diverse financial resources.

Key priorities at COP29 include defining finance mechanisms for developing countries, updating climate targets for 2025, and boosting global cooperation on carbon markets and emissions trading. The European Parliament underscores the importance of this conference as an opportunity for the EU to strengthen climate finance, particularly for vulnerable regions, and to support a stable mechanism for reliable, predictable climate funding.

European Parliament delegation to COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

The EU’s recent report on strengthening Europe’s civilian and defense preparedness addresses the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions, and climate impacts. It emphasizes a unified approach to crisis management, with stronger cooperation across EU member states and greater integration of civilian and military roles. To enhance security across Europe, the report recommends improving cross-border coordination, speeding up crisis response, and increasing public awareness and engagement. It also stresses the importance of partnerships, particularly with NATO and allies like Ukraine, in facing multifaceted threats. Citizens and private sectors are crucial in building resilience, whether through voluntary involvement or the provision of critical infrastructure. The EU must also balance efficiency with readiness, ensuring resources are in place for future crises. By investing in crisis-resilient supply chains and security infrastructure, the EU aims to create a stronger, unified front for enduring security.

Enhancing Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathering world leaders and climate experts to define a new global goal for climate finance and advance climate action. A delegation from the European Parliament will participate from 18 to 22 November to contribute to discussions on the EU's climate commitments and financial support for sustainable development worldwide.

COP29’s key objective is to establish a post-2025 framework for climate finance as nations update their commitments under the Paris Agreement, due in early 2025. On Monday, 21 October, Parliament’s Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee adopted a resolution with 54 votes in favor, 23 against, and four abstentions, outlining the EU's stance. MEPs call on all countries to set a socially fair and equitable climate finance goal, aligned with the polluter-pays principle and incorporating diverse public, private, and innovative financial resources.

The resolution further urges the EU to create a stable finance mechanism to ensure reliable support for its climate finance obligations, reinforcing the EU's leadership role in global climate action and the importance of predictable funding for effective climate policies. Parliament will soon vote on the resolution during the plenary session, setting the EU’s expectations and priorities for COP29.

UN Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29)

Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which sees Donald Trump and JD Vance defeating Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the European Parliament debates the future of EU-U.S. relations under the new administration. With Trump set to be inaugurated in January 2025, MEPs assess how this shift affects shared priorities. As the EU seeks stable transatlantic relations, MEPs consider how to engage with the new administration to address challenges and leverage opportunities for both regions.

EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US presidential elections

In response to the devastating floods in Spain that have claimed over 200 lives, the European Parliament debates measures to strengthen the EU’s resilience to extreme weather events and provide support to those impacted by the disaster. This new item, added to the agenda  plenary approval, is discussed by MEPs following a tribute to the victims.

The debate focuses on enhancing the EU’s crisis response, particularly in regions increasingly vulnerable to such climate-driven events. This session underscores the EU's commitment to improving climate adaptation efforts across member states.

The devastating floods in Spain, the urgent need to support the victims, to improve preparedness and to fight the climate crisis

Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ was the Third Deputy Spanish Prime Minister and Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. She is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Teresa RIBERA RODRÍGUEZ, Executive Vice-President designate, Clean, Just and Competitive Transition

Henna Virkkunen is a Finnish Member of the European Parliament since 2014. She is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Tech-Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President designate, Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Stéphane Séjourné was a Member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2024, Chair of the Renew Europe Group of the European Parliament in 2021 and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs in 2024. He is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Executive VIce-President designate, Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

Roxana Mînzatu was Romanian Minister for European Funds in 2019. From January 2022 until July 2024, she served as Secretary of State coordinating the Department for Integrated Evaluation and Monitoring of Public Funded Programs. She is Member of the European Parliament since July 2024 but now, she is Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for People, Skills and Preparedness, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Roxana MÎNZATU, Executive Vice-President designate, People, Skills and Preparedness

Strasbourg's Plenary session through the lens. Week 28

Strasbourg's Plenary session through the lens. Week 28.

Strasbourg's Plenary session through the lens  Week 28

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?

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

Euroscola

Committee on Regional Development Extraordinary meeting Committee on Regional Development

REGI

Committee on Petitions Ordinary meeting

PETI

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield Ordinary meeting

EUDS

Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting

TRAN

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs Extraordinary meeting Exchange of Views with EVP Minzatu

EMPL

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

AGRI

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

Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting Joint meeting MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

AFET

DNAT

Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting Presentation of the Danish Presidency priorities

Committee on Budgets Ordinary meeting

BUDG

EP Plenary session - Endometriosis: Europe’s wake-up call on the gender health gap

EP Plenary session - Voting session

Summer Reading - Emma Braslavsky

EP Plenary session - European Citizens' Initiative 'Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures'

D-UA Constitutive Meeting

EP Plenary session - Post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

EP Plenary session - 51 years after the Turkish invasion of the Republic of Cyprus

EP Plenary session - Outcome of the conference on the Financing for development in Seville

EP Plenary session - Democratic Republic of the Congo-Rwanda peace deal agreement

EP Plenary session - Alleged misuse of EU funds by Members of the far-right and measures to ensure institutional integrity

EP Plenary session - Presentation of the Stockpiling Strategies - strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape

Delegation for Northern Cooperation and for Relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee - Election of the Vice-Chairs

EP Plenary session - EU Preparedness Union in light of the upcoming wildfire season

Quaestors' meeting

Delegation to the EU - Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee

ECON - Trilogue on Retail Investment Strategy

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

MEPs debate on stockpiling strategies and strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape during the plenary session. Closing statement by Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner for Equality, and European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management.

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

MEPs debate on stockpiling strategies and strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape during the plenary session. MEPs debate.

Commission statement - Presentation of the Stockpiling Strategies - strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape: MEPs debate

MEPs, with Commission and Council representatives, debate the EU’s preparations for Europe’s upcoming wildfire and drought season. In the recently launched EU preparedness union strategy, the Commission set out its intention to build on the success of the EU’s rescEU strategic reserve for disaster response, so that it can maintain and possibly scale up its existing capabilities, including aerial firefighting. Drought already affected large parts of Europe this spring, with the situation expected to worsen with rising temperatures. MEPs are likely to ask for details on specific planned EU measures to prevent and prepare for this summer’s wildfires and droughts, as well as on the status of EU climate resilience and preparedness policies

Council and Commission statements - EU Preparedness Union in light of the upcoming wildfire and droughts season: Closing statements by Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner for Equality, and European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management

Council and Commission statements - EU Preparedness Union in light of the upcoming wildfire and droughts season: MEPs debate part 2

First part of the MEPs debate on the EU Preparedness Union in light of the upcoming wildfire and droughts season.

EU Preparedness Union in light of the upcoming wildfire and droughts season: MEPs debate part 1

Council and Commission statements - EU Preparedness Union in light of the upcoming wildfire and droughts season: Statements Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs and Hadja LAHBIB, Commissioner for Equality; Preparedness and Crisis Mana

MEPs assess the latest developments in EU-US trade relations with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Danish Minister Marie Bjerre for the Council during the plenary session in Strasbourg. Council and Commission are seeking a negotiated solution with the US to restore stability and predictability in transatlantic trade relations, but has also prepared for potential countermeasures if no agreement is reached. They are also pursuing trade diversification by negotiating new agreements with other partners like Mercosur, Mexico, and others. Closing statement by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs.

Council and Commission statements - EU-US trade negotiations: Closing statement by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

MEPs assess the latest developments in EU-US trade relations with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Danish Minister Marie Bjerre for the Council during the plenary session in Strasbourg. Council and Commission are seeking a negotiated solution with the US to restore stability and predictability in transatlantic trade relations, but has also prepared for potential countermeasures if no agreement is reached. They are also pursuing trade diversification by negotiating new agreements with other partners like Mercosur, Mexico, and others. Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency.

Council and Commission statements - EU-US trade negotiations: Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

Rasa JUKNEVIČIENĖ (EPP, LT), rapporteur, holds a press conference on the 2023/2024 reports on Georgia. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

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