At a glance: in Strasbourg, MEPs discussed the threat droughts and extreme weather events pose to EU agriculture; no residues of pesticides banned in the EU allowed for imported agricultural products; and the deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan.

Krátké zprávy  – 20/09/2024 - čeština

At a glance: During the plenary session, MEPs focused on the devastating floods that ravaged Central and Eastern Europe;  Mario Draghi outlined his blueprint for improving Europe’s competitiveness; and the five shortlisted films for the Lux Award 2025.

Krátké zprávy  – 19/09/2024 - čeština

At a glance: Ursula von der Leyen presents the Commissioners-designate; the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; and the outcome of Venezuela’s presidential election.

Krátké zprávy  – 18/09/2024 - čeština

At a glance: during the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will present Hungary’s priorities for its presidency of the Council of the European Union; MEPs will also discuss the Hungarian National Card residence permit scheme, which now includes Russians and Belarusians, and the EU response to the mpox outbreak.

Krátké zprávy  – 17/09/2024 - čeština

At a glance: during this week’s European Parliament plenary session MEPs will discuss energy as winter approaches; Mario Draghi will present his report in the debating chamber; and the debate on the latest developments in the Middle East.

Krátké zprávy  – 16/09/2024 - čeština

At a glance: a new European Parliament plenary session starts on Monday in Strasbourg; President Metsola met Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo; and the International Day of Democracy.

Krátké zprávy  – 13/09/2024 - čeština

At a glance: a delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade is attending the WTO Public Forum; the European Parliament celebrates Multilingualism Day later this month; European Mobility Week begins on Monday.

Krátké zprávy  – 12/09/2024 - čeština

At a glance: political groups are preparing for the next European Parliament plenary session; the implementation of the Digital Services Act; and Mario Draghi’s  report on the future of European  competitiveness.

Krátké zprávy  – 11/09/2024 - čeština

At a glance: von der Leyen to present the structure and portfolios of the College of Commissioners at Parliament’s Conference of Presidents; political groups prepare for the next European Parliament plenary session; and an International Trade Committee delegation attends the WTO Public Forum.

Krátké zprávy  – 10/09/2024 - čeština

At a glance: Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development is holding a discussion with the European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms; the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on e-commerce; and Multilingualism Day.

Krátké zprávy  – 09/09/2024 - čeština

Electrification is gaining momentum across many sectors, including transport, buildings and industry, driven by the EU's climate ambition and security of supply. As the cost of renewable energy technologies like solar and wind continues to fall, electrification presents an opportunity to reshape the European economy, enhancing competitiveness and promoting sustainable growth.

EPRS Science and Technology podcast - What if electrification transformed the EU economy?

Although the European defence industry is generally competitive, more than a decade of underinvestment has kept it from reaching its full potential. The significant under-investment in European defence is demonstrated by the severe difficulties the European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB) has in obtaining finance. Member States' defence budgets will continue to be the EDTIB's main source of funding; however, more collaborative actions and spending would enhance output and efficiency.

EPRS policy podcast - Financing the European defence industry

At a glance: the Committee on International Trade will hold an exchange of views with the Commission about negotiations on the WTO plurilateral agreement on e-commerce; a delegation from the same committee will take part in the WTO Public Forum in Geneva; and the EU Solidarity Fund will be mobilised to support five EU countries.

Krátké zprávy  – 06/09/2024 - čeština

At a glance: European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is attending the G7 Speakers’ Conference in Italy; former President of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi presented his report on the future of Europe’s competitiveness at yesterday’s meeting of the Conference of Presidents; today is the International Day of Charity.

Krátké zprávy  – 05/09/2024 - čeština

At a glance: the Committee on Budgetary Control is discussing EU fraud and corruption investigations; the Committee on the Internal Market is reviewing toy safety rules; and the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development is exchanging views on pesticide residues in food.

Krátké zprávy  – 04/09/2024 - čeština

At a glance: Parliament’s committees will start meeting this week.

Krátké zprávy  – 03/09/2024 - 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

The LUX Audience Film Award is presented every year by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas. A symbol of the European Parliament’s commitment to culture, the Lux award continues to build cultural bridges across Europe, by putting the spotlight on films that go to the heart of the European public debate.

The award aims to strengthen ties between politics and citizens, by inviting European audiences to become active protagonists and cast their vote for their favourite films.

“The Teachers’ Lounge” by German director Ilker Çatak won the 2024 LUX European Audience Film Award, in a ceremony in Parliament’s hemicycle in Brussels.

The film, produced in Germany, tells a story about Carla, a young high school teacher, distinguished from her colleagues by her idealism. When a series of unsolved thefts sour the atmosphere among the teaching staff, Carla decides to investigate. With the help of a hidden camera and to everyone’s surprise, she exposes the thief but her revelation unleashes forces that slide steadily out of control and presents Carla with an unsolvable dilemma.

The five films shortlisted for the 2024 LUX European Audience film award were&nbsp;unveiled at the Venice film festival on Friday 1st of September.&nbsp; 20 000 Species of Bees, Fallen Leaves, On the Adamant, Smoke Sauna Sisterhood and The Teachers’ Lounge&nbsp;competed for the 2024 LUX Audience Award.

Lux Audience Award 2024

Animal, Dahomey, Flow, Intercepted, and Julie Keeps Quiet have been shortlisted for the 2025 Lux European Audience Film Award. The five shortlisted films were announced on Wednesday by the European Parliament first vice-president&nbsp;Sabine Verheyen&nbsp;(EPP, DE), and the chair of the Committee on Culture and Education&nbsp;Nela Riehl&nbsp;(Greens, EFA, DE).

The announcement event took place for the first time at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Following the announcement, vice-president of the EP Sabine Verheyen said: "European cinema reflects the challenges and hopes of our society. This year's finalists, each in their distinct form, showcase the rich variety of the film world. They offer powerful perspectives on pressing issues such as women's rights, climate change, our history and the war in Ukraine. They pen up important conversations and inviting us to see the world through diverse lenses."

The LUX Audience Film Award is presented every year by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas. A symbol of the European Parliament’s commitment to culture, the Lux award continues to build cultural bridges across Europe, by putting the spotlight on films that go to the heart of the European public debate. The award aims to strengthen ties between politics and citizens, by inviting European audiences to become active protagonists and cast their vote for their favourite films.

Lux Audience Award 2025

The Republic of Ireland covers five-sixths of the island of Ireland. The north-eastern part of the island is Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom. There are 11 members of the European Parliament from Ireland.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;plenary is&nbsp;commemorating&nbsp;the 25th anniversary of the Northern Ireland peace agreement on 29 March.&nbsp;&nbsp;Presidents Metsola, Michel and von der Leyen will take the floor, followed by a round of political groups interventions.

EU - Ireland

Hungary holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from the 1st of July to 31st of December 2024.&nbsp;Priorities of the Hungarian&nbsp;presidency include: new European Competitiveness Deal ,The reinforcement of European defence policy ,&nbsp;&nbsp;a&nbsp;consistent and merit-based enlargement policy ,&nbsp;stemming illegal migration, shaping the future of cohesion policy, a&nbsp;farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy, addressing demographic challenges.

&nbsp;Make Europe Great Again”&nbsp;will be the motto of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which refers to both an active and proactive Presidency and to the fact that member states are stronger together than apart. It also symbolises the perception that Europe can become an independent global player.

The Rubik’s cube, the main element of the Hungarian presidency logo, refers to Hungarian ingenuity and problem-solving skills, as well as the complexity of European affairs.

Hungarian Presidency

The policies of the EU on climate and energy are described, as well as the challenges that must be faced in order to achieve the Paris Agreement target of keeping the increase in global temperature well below 2°C and to pursue efforts to achieve 1.5°C.

The EU faces major challenges from the increased threats of climate change, with serious consequences in the energy sector, where urgent issues are arising concerning the national production mix of each Member State. The renewable energy share needs to be increased, and energy efficiency needs to be improved.

Climate change (2019-2020)

Climate change remains a key challenge. The EU and the European Parliament are working to ensure a more sustainable society and economy through ambitious policies at home and close cooperation with international partners. It is already on track to meet its greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for 2020, and has put forward a plan to further cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

By 2050, Europe aims to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent. Alongside reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the EU is also taking action to adapt to the impacts of climate change. By 2050, Europe aims to be a climate-resilient society. Climate action is at the heart of the European Green Deal – an ambitious package of measures ranging from drastically cutting greenhouse gas emissions, to investing in cutting-edge research and innovation, to preserving Europe’s natural environment.

Climate change

The EP discussed the&nbsp;&nbsp;extreme weather and flooding in Poland, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Romania, Czechia, Slovakia and Germany,&nbsp;the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change.

With increasing population growth, rapid urbanization, climate change and environmental degradation, a growing number of people and resources are exposed to natural disasters.MEPs have supported different initiatives to help member states respond faster and more effectively to emergencies and disasters. The European Parliament is also impelled to aid and supervise reconstruction efforts in regions affected by natural disasters both within the EU and abroad.

Natural disasters

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.

AFCO - Committee on Constitutional Affairs

Parliament holds debates on human rights, democracy and rule of law topics.

Human rights are fundamental values of the entire international community. More than 70 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first comprehensive international human rights document to set common standards to which all UN members should aspire, human rights have become a cornerstone of the international system and have reached almost universal recognition. However, much remains to be done in practice so that every human being can enjoy their fundamental rights.

Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

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

The first act of a new European Parliament is to elect its President. Candidates for the Presidency may be proposed either by a political group or by a minimum of 38 MEPs . The election is held by secret ballot. To be elected, a candidate must win an absolute majority of the valid votes cast, i.e. 50% plus one.

If no candidate is elected at the first ballot, the same or other candidates may be nominated for a second round of voting under the same conditions. This can be repeated at a third round if necessary, again with the same rules.

If no-one is elected at the third ballot, the two highest-scoring candidates in that round proceed to a fourth ballot, where the one receiving the greater number of votes wins. (Should there be a tie at this stage, the older candidate is declared the winner).

Election of the President of the European Parliament

A newly formed European Parliament emerged&nbsp;from the EU of June 2024 across the member states. 720 Members of the Parliament were elected by the European citizens. As the legislative powerhouse of the European Union, the Parliament and its Members will hold a pivotal role in shaping policies and making legislation that transcend borders, on a variety of issues ranging from climate action to economic strength in order to address the pressing global geopolitical challenges.

The European Parliament was officially constituted on Tuesday 16/7 in Strasbourg, following the European elections on 6-9 June.&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.

MEPs elected 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors, as established through rules 16, 17, and 18 of the EP Rules of Procedure. MEPs will also vote on the numerical composition of Parliament’s standing committees and subcommittees, based on a proposal from the Conference of Presidents (CoP). The decision on which MEPs go to each committee is taken by the political groups and the non-attached members (rules 212 and 216 of the Rules of Procedure). This is expected to be announced to plenary during the July session.

In its tenth term, the European Parliament will have 720 seats, 15 more than at the end of the previous legislature. 54% of MEPs are newly-elected (in 2019 the share of newcomers was 61%) and the share of women is 39% (it was 40% in 2019). Lena Schilling (Greens/EFA) from Austria (23 years old) is the youngest MEP, while Leoluca Orlando (Greens/EFA) from Italy (77 years old) is the oldest. The average age of MEPs is 50. At the beginning of the tenth term, there are eight political groups, one more than in the previous legislature. 33 MEPs remain non-attached.

New European Parliament (2024-2029)

&nbsp;In July 2024 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.

Following the election of its President, Parliament&nbsp; elected its 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors, which comprise Parliament’s Bureau.

Election of the President of the European Parliament and the Bureau

As established in&nbsp;rule 129 of the Rules of Procedure, together with the Commission President-elect, the Council appoints the Commissioners-designate. Each Commissioner-designate is assigned responsibility for a specific policy area (portfolio) by the Commission President-elect in accordance with the political guidelines she/he has outlined. The relevant EP committees assess each of the Commissioners-designate, before a plenary vote on the appointment of the College as a whole.

The Commissioner-designate is invited to a three-hour hearing, streamed live, in front of the EP committees responsible for their portfolio. The candidate makes an opening speech of maximum 15 minutes and will then reply to MEPs’ questions.

Taking into account the results of the hearings, as well as consultations with Parliament’s political groups, the Commission President-elect presents the whole College of Commissioners-designate and their programme at a sitting of Parliament. After a debate, MEPs decide, by a majority of the votes cast, whether to invest the new College of Commissioners for a mandate of five years. It may defer the vote until the following sitting.

Confirmation hearings

On Thursday morning, MEPs discuss the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling that deemed Ireland’s tax arrangements with Apple as illegal state aid. The court's decision requires Ireland to recover €13 billion in taxes from Apple and overturns a previous General Court ruling that was favorable to Apple. This ruling is final and definitive.

Representatives from the Commission and Council will provide insights on the potential impact of the ECJ’s verdict. The Chair of Parliament’s tax subcommittee has described the ruling as "historic," highlighting its significance for European tax policy.

This debate will explore the broader implications of the ruling for EU state aid regulations and international tax practices.

The historic CJEU ruling on the Apple state aid case and its consequences

On Thursday MEPs debate how droughts and extreme weather events pose significant threats to local communities and EU agriculture amid climate change. Increasingly frequent and severe droughts are straining water resources, impacting crop yields, and threatening food security across Europe. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall, further exacerbate these challenges by causing crop failures, soil erosion, and damage to infrastructure.

Addressing these issues is essential not only for protecting the livelihoods of communities dependent on farming and rural economies but also for safeguarding agricultural productivity.

Droughts and extreme weather events as a threat to local communities and EU agriculture in times of climate change

On Wednesday, MEPs will address the worsening situation for women in Afghanistan following the adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”. This law significantly restricts women's presence in public life, curbing their freedom of movement and expression, and imposing strict regulations on their behavior and dress. The new provisions reinforce existing limitations on women’s rights, such as the requirement for women to fully cover themselves, including their faces, and the ban on traveling without a male relative. Additionally, the law places further constraints on media by prohibiting the publication of images of human beings.

The deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”

On Wednesday afternoon, MEPs will discuss the EU's response to the mpox outbreak and the need for ongoing action with the European Commission. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and nearby regions a "public health emergency of international concern" on August 14, 2024. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued a risk assessment on August 16, stating that the overall risk to Europe's general population is low. Currently, the EU has one antiviral treatment and one vaccine authorized for mpox. The Commission, through the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, is managing vaccine procurement and donation to affected African countries. MEPs are expected to urge a coordinated EU response to contain the outbreak in Africa and prevent the virus from spreading to Europe.

EU response to the Mpox outbreak and the need for continuous action

The LUX Audience Award is presented every year by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas. The award celebrates European cinema and it aims to engage and debate with the larger European public on important societal subjects reflecting our common European values such as democracy, rule of law, pluralism and freedom of expression.

Press conference on the LUX Audience Award 2025

On Wednesday, MEPs review the Hungarian National Card residence permit scheme and its effects on the Schengen area with the Commission and Council. In July, Hungary expanded its National Card residence permit scheme to include nationals from Russia and Belarus. MEPs have expressed concerns that this could lower screening requirements for these individuals, potentially increasing security risks for the Schengen free-travel zone.

On 4 September, Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed to Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs that the Commission is requesting further details from the Hungarian government about this expansion.

The Hungarian “National Card” scheme and its consequences for Schengen and the area of freedom, security and justice

On Wednesday, MEPs debate the devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, which have claimed lives and displaced thousands. The discussion focuses on the EU's preparedness for handling increasingly severe disasters driven by climate change.

The floods, caused by torrential rain, have wreaked havoc across Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Austria, with entire neighborhoods submerged and widespread damage to infrastructure. Local authorities are describing the floods as the worst in decades, prompting emergency evacuations and calls for EU financial assistance.

The devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change

On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs debate the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the broader Middle East situation with the Commission.

EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has described the Gaza crisis as “catastrophic both from a humanitarian and political point of view,” with no positive outlook. The European Parliament has consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. MEPs are also expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation, particularly in Lebanon.

War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East

Parliament debate the findings of the Draghi's report on a blueprint for boosting Europe’s competitiveness. after his address from 14.00.

The report calls the challenge facing policy makers an “existential” one and warns that procrastination will lead to hard choices having to be made. It proposes far-reaching changes to numerous areas such as an “unprecedented” boost to public investment, including through the issuance of new EU common debt, a reform of the EU’s cohesion policy, an overhaul of competition policy, and a new industrial policy with at its core a strategy for reducing Europe’s high energy prices.

The future of European competitiveness

At 13:30 on Tuesday, MEPs are hearing Mario Draghi present his ambitious blueprint for boosting Europe's competitiveness. Parliament is set to debate the findings from 14:00.

Former ECB President and Italian Prime Minister, Draghi is tasked by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to outline ideas for the future of European competitiveness. His report calls the challenge "existential" and warns that delaying action will force tough decisions.

The blueprint proposes major reforms, including a boost to public investment through new EU common debt, a reformed cohesion policy, a revamped competition policy, and an industrial strategy aimed at reducing Europe’s high energy prices.

Address by Mario DRAGHI, Special Advisor to Ursula von der Leyen, EC President - Presentation of the report on the Future of European competitiveness

MEPs are discussing global social media platform regulations on Tuesday, focusing on the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and its role in protecting democracy and online freedom. The DSA, in effect since February 2024, applies to all platforms, and MEPs question the Commission on its enforcement measures, including ongoing investigations into potential violations by TikTok, Meta, X, and AliExpress. 

Since the DSA's adoption, countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US are considering similar laws to hold platforms accountable for user safety. The EU's digital rulebook, a global standard for consumer protection and rights online, includes obligations for social media companies to combat illegal content, enhance algorithm transparency, and ban misleading practices such as targeted ads for children. 

MEPs are also explore how the DSA has influenced global regulatory trends and assess further measures to strengthen its enforcement.

Global measures towards social media platforms - Strengthening the role of DSA and protecting the democracy and freedom in the online sphere

MEPs are calling for continued military and financial support for Ukraine in a resolution expected on Thursday. Ahead of the vote, Parliament is holding a debate with the Commission on Tuesday.

In July, the newly-elected Parliament adopted its first resolution of the term, stating that the EU must support Ukraine until it wins against Russia’s occupying forces. This latest resolution reaffirms that commitment, urging EU countries to maintain their backing for Kyiv.

Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States

After a stabbing attack in Solingen, Germany, MEPs discuss how to manage unauthorised movements of third-country nationals within the EU. This follows Germany’s decision to reintroduce border controls on all land borders for six months to improve detection of illegal entries.

MEPs are raising concerns about the impact of these checks on Schengen free movement and reviewing preparations for the upcoming Pact on Migration and Asylum, set for 2026. The Pact focuses on strengthening security checks and accelerating asylum and return procedures for those not entitled to protection.

Need to prevent security threats like the Solingen attack through addressing illegal migration and effective return

In January 2024, the EU launched the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture, following EC President von der Leyen's announcement in her September 2023 State of the Union address. The initiative brought together 29 key stakeholders from the agri-food sector, rural communities, and academia to shape a shared vision for EU farming and food systems.

On 4 September 2024, EC President von der Leyen received the group's final report, "A Shared Prospect for Farming and Food in Europe," from Chair Professor Peter Strohschneider. The report outlines challenges, opportunities, and recommendations that will guide the European Commission's Vision for Agriculture and Food during von der Leyen's second term.

Outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, officially opens the Plenary session in Strasbourg with a statement.

Opening of the Pleanry session by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo has been Finland’s Prime Minister since 2023 and leader of the National Coalition Party since 2016, he previously served as Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Minister of the Interior.

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo

The Italian Chamber of Deputies will host the 22nd Meeting of the Presidents of the Lower Houses of the G7 Countries and the European Parliament in Verona from 5 to 7 September 2024. This high-level event will focus on critical global issues such as security, development, and the digital transition. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, will deliver an opening address, contributing to discussions aimed at fostering international cooperation. The meeting will conclude with the adoption of a final Declaration, highlighting the shared commitments of the G7 nations.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the G7 Speakers' Meeting

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Antonio COSTA, President-elect of the European Council

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Possible extradition of Paul Watson: the danger of criminalisation of environmental defenders and whistle-blowers, and the need for their protection in the EU

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

Find out about the economic inequalities that continue to persist between women and men in the EU.

It has been more than 25 years since the adoption of the UN’s Beijing Declaration, which aims to promote equality between men and women. The same goal lies behind the creation of UN Women - dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women - and the inclusion of gender equality in the Sustainable Development Goals.
s
So where do we stand? Progress has been made, but inequality between men and women persists, including on the labour market. On average, women in the EU are paid less than men.

Gender pay gap in Europe: facts and figures

Znovu využít, recyklovat, kompostovat, spálit nebo skládkovat: způsobů, jak se vypořádat s komunálním odpadem, je několik. Země EU se v tom značně liší. Přehledně v naší infografice.

Ročně vznikne v EU 2,5 miliard tun odpadu, a ačkoliv odpad komunální na tom má podíl z jedné desetiny, je velice viditelný. Háček s komunálním odpadem je v tom, že má různé zdroje (zejména domácnosti), stojí za ním různé chování spotřebitelů a má velmi pestrou skladbu. Hledat jednu odpověď na to, jak jeho objem snížit, není snadné.

Přečtěte si více o opatřeních EU pro lepší nakládání s odpady a dosažení oběhového hospodářství do roku 2050.

Nakládání s odpadem v EU: fakta a čísla

Euroscola

Committee on Development

DEVE

Joint DEVE/AFET/DROI presentation of Sakharov Prize candidates

DROI

AFET

Committee on Budgets

BUDG

Subcommittee meeting on Human Rights

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

ECON

Committee on Fisheries

PECH

Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

ENVI

European Parliament - Republic of Côte d’Ivoire Event at the Summit of the Future Action Days : "How can Parliaments help close the SDG financing gap ?"

Committee on Constitutional Affairs

AFCO

Zahájení denního zasedání

Sucho a extrémní povětrnostní jevy jako hrozba pro místní komunity a zemědělství v EU v době změny klimatu

Historický rozsudek Soudního dvora Evropské unie ohledně státní podpory poskytnuté firmě Apple a jeho důsledky

Pokračování denního zasedání

Složení meziparlamentních delegací

 Členství ve výborech a v delegacích

Hlasování

Schválení zápisu z předchozího zasedání

Možné vydání Paula Watsona: nebezpečí kriminalizace ochránců životního prostředí a oznamovatelů a potřeba jejich ochrany v EU

Plenary session

Launch of the LUX Audience Award 2025 edition

Announcement of films nominated for the 2025 LUX Film Award, Sabine VERHEYEN (EPP, DE), 1st Vice Chair of the EP and Nela RIEHL (Greens/EFA, DE), Chair of the CULT Committee

EP Plenary session - Voting Session

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - The historic CJEU ruling on the Apple state aid case and its consequences

AFCO - Presentation of the Hungarian Presidency priorities

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Droughts and extreme weather events as a threat to local communities and EU agriculture in times of climate change

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

LUX European Audience Film Award 2025 Announcement

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - EU response to the Mpox outbreak and the need for continuous action

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - The Hungarian “National Card” scheme and its consequences for Schengen and the area of freedom, security and justice

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Content Creators

LUX European Audience Film Award 2025 - Press conference - Announcement of the 5 five nominated films

EP Plenary session - Presentation of the Council's position on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025

LEX signing ceremony in presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and János BOKA, Hungarian Minister for European Affairs, on behalf of the Hungarian Presidency

Press conference on procedures assessing potential conflict of interests of Commissioners-designate

EP Plenary session - Topical Debate - Organised crime, a major threat to the internal security of the European Union and European citizens

EP Plenary session - Voting session

LUX European Audience Film Award 2025 - Meeting with the Vice-President in charge of LUX Audience Award and with the Chair and Members of the CULT Committee

Od chvíle, kdy Rusko v roce 2022 zahájilo plošnou invazi Ukrajiny, stojí Evropská unie vytrvale na straně ukrajinského lidu, přijímá uprchlíky, poskytuje obranné vybavení i finanční pomoc. Válka má zničující dopad na celou ukrajinskou společnost a mnoha mladým Ukrajincům vážně narušila možnost vzdělávat se. 
 
Za podpory finančních prostředků EU vytváří český vysokoškolský učitel informatiky Kamil platformu “Digitální univerzity”, která umožní ukrajinským studentům pokračovat ve studiu online.
Ve studiu pokračuje také Olena, a to v Evropské unii jako studentka programu Erasmus+ a mladá evropská ambasadorka v polském Gdaňsku.

Vzdělání pro Ukrajince v době války: Kamil a Olena – 9:16

Od chvíle, kdy Rusko v roce 2022 zahájilo plošnou invazi Ukrajiny, stojí Evropská unie vytrvale na straně ukrajinského lidu, přijímá uprchlíky, poskytuje obranné vybavení i finanční pomoc. Válka má zničující dopad na celou ukrajinskou společnost a mnoha mladým Ukrajincům vážně narušila možnost vzdělávat se. 

Za podpory finančních prostředků EU vytváří český vysokoškolský učitel informatiky Kamil platformu ”Digitální univerzity”, která umožní ukrajinským studentům pokračovat ve studiu online.

Ve studiu pokračuje také Olena, a to v Evropské unii jako studentka programu Erasmus+ a mladá evropská ambasadorka v polském Gdaňsku.

Vzdělání pro Ukrajince v době války: Kamil a Olena

Co je lepšího než povídat si o demokracii? Povídat si o demokracii nad kávou zdarma!
Seznamte se: Cille, dobrovolnice pro together.eu, která v Kodani zřídila stánek s kávou na podporu demokratického zapojení v EU. 
Spolu se svým týmem po celý rok pořádá tematické akce pro EU a povídá si s lidmi o tom, co pro ně EU může udělat a jaký mají instituce EU vliv na každého z nás. 
Together.eu je komunita lidí, kterým záleží na EU a její budoucnosti. Svou podporou komunity together.eu Evropský parlament povzbuzuje lidi z celé EU, aby se zapojili do demokratického procesu.

Podpora demokratického zapojení s Cille, dobrovolnicí pro together.eu – 9:16

Evropský parlament povzbuzuje lidi z celé EU, aby se zapojili do demokratického procesu.

Together.eu je komunita s podporou Evropského parlamentu, kde se můžete setkávat – online i offline – s lidmi, kterým záleží na demokracii, a vyjadřovat se k evropským tématům.

Stejně jako Mireya v Madridu a Cille v Kodani se dobrovolníci pro together.eu z celé EU setkávají, diskutují, sdílejí nápady a pořádají akce k upozorňování na to, co instituce EU dělají pro občany a proč je důležité demokratické zapojení.

Seznamte se s komunitou a přidejte se k together.eu.

Zapojte se do podpory demokracie v EU! Seznamte se: Mireya a Cille

Ruská invaze na Ukrajinu vyvolala v celé Evropě energetickou krizi a vysokou inflaci. Evropský parlament chce zajistit, aby EU byla v budoucnu dostatečně odolná vůči případným dalším krizím. Proto podporuje odvážné vizionářské projekty, jejichž cílem je posílit naše ekonomiky a společnosti.

Erik pomáhal švédským společnostem Amokabel a Bennesveds Åkeri vybudovat první soběstačnou vodíkovou čerpací stanici v zemi: Uppvidinge Vätgas. Ta nabízí čisté palivo vyráběné pomocí místní větrné energie. 

Hannah žije v Irsku a je specialistka na emise oxidu uhličitého ve společnosti Bord na Móna, která se po těžbě rašeliny na palivo stala lídrem v oblasti výroby čisté energie. Pomáhá při obnově místních rašelinišť, ve kterých se může ukládat obrovské množství uhlíku a přispívají tak k plnění klimatických cílů EU.

Podobné iniciativy financované z Nástroje EU pro oživení a odolnost jsou základem silnější a pružnější Evropy.

Budování hospodářství EU pro budoucnost: seznamte se s Erikem a Hannah

Ruská invaze na Ukrajinu vyvolala v celé Evropě energetickou krizi a vysokou inflaci. Evropský parlament chce zajistit, aby EU byla v budoucnu dostatečně odolná vůči případným dalším krizím. Proto podporuje odvážné vizionářské projekty, jejichž cílem je posílit naše ekonomiky a společnosti.

Erik pomáhal švédským společnostem Amokabel a Bennesveds Åkeri vybudovat první soběstačnou vodíkovou čerpací stanici v zemi: Uppvidinge Vätgas. Ta nabízí čisté palivo vyráběné pomocí místní větrné energie. 

Hannah žije v Irsku a je specialistka na emise oxidu uhličitého ve společnosti Bord na Móna, která se po těžbě rašeliny na palivo stala lídrem v oblasti výroby čisté energie. Pomáhá při obnově místních rašelinišť, ve kterých se může ukládat obrovské množství uhlíku a přispívají tak k plnění klimatických cílů EU.
 
Podobné iniciativy financované z Nástroje EU pro oživení a odolnost jsou základem silnější a pružnější Evropy.

Budování hospodářství EU pro budoucnost: seznamte se, tohle je Erik a Hannah – 9:16

V červnu se miliony Evropanů zúčastnily největších nadnárodních voleb na světě. Nyní jsou již jejich hlasy sečteny a noví europoslanci zvoleni, a tak se pojďme podívat, jak bude nový Evropský parlament vypadat. Kolik poslanců Evropského parlamentu je v jednotlivých politických skupinách? Kolik poslanců Evropského parlamentu připadá na jednotlivé země? Koho zvolili do funkce předsedkyně Evropského parlamentu a Evropské komise?

Jak vypadá složení nového Evropského parlamentu?

V červnu se miliony Evropanů zúčastnily největších nadnárodních voleb na světě. Nyní jsou již jejich hlasy sečteny a noví europoslanci zvoleni, a tak se pojďme podívat, jak bude nový Evropský parlament vypadat. 
 
Kolik poslanců Evropského parlamentu je v jednotlivých politických skupinách? Kolik poslanců Evropského parlamentu připadá na jednotlivé země? Koho zvolili do funkce předsedkyně Evropského parlamentu a Evropské komise?

Jak vypadá složení nového Evropského parlamentu? – 9:16

V červenci 2024 potvrdil Evropský parlament Ursulu von der Leyenovou jako předsedkyni Komise na druhé funkční období. Povede tým komisařů – jednoho z každého členského státu, který bude navrhovat zákony EU a bude dohlížet na jejich provádění během příštích pěti let.    
 
Zvolení předsedy Evropské komise je jednou z prvních úloh Parlamentu po evropských volbách. 
    
Hlavy států EU nominují kandidáta na předsedu Komise s přihlédnutím k výsledkům evropských voleb.    
   
Kandidát musí být schválen Parlamentem a získat v tajném hlasování hlasy nadpoloviční většiny poslanců.   
   
Pokud kandidát nezíská požadovanou většinu, musí Evropská rada do měsíce navrhnout náhradního kandidáta.   
   
Více se dozvíte na: https://elections.europa.eu/cs/commission-president/

Evropský parlament znovu zvolil von der Leyenovou do funkce předsedkyně Komise

Kdo je Roberta Metsolová, předsedkyně Evropského parlamentu, která byla v červenci 2024 do této funkce zvolena již podruhé? Jak byla vybrána a jaká bude její úloha? 
 
Evropský parlament si jednou za dva a půl roku vybírá představitele, který jej bude zastupovat při jednání s ostatními institucemi EU i s celým světem. Předseda nebo předsedkyně Parlamentu se volí v tajném hlasování během prvního plenárního zasedání po volbách.
 
Post získá kandidát, který obdrží absolutní většinu odevzdaných hlasů. 
 
Předsedkyně rovněž řídí činnost parlamentu, předsedá plenárním zasedáním a prohlašuje rozpočet EU za definitivně schválený. Součástí této funkce je také prezentace stanoviska Evropského parlamentu na začátku každého zasedání Evropské rady. 
 
Více se dozvíte v našem článku: https://elections.europa.eu/cs/parliament-president/

Roberta Metsolová: seznamte se s předsedkyní Evropského parlamentu

V roce 1995 irská prezidentka Mary Robinsonová v Evropském parlamentu prohlásila, že Evropa je klíčem k nastolení trvalého míru na irském ostrově. 

První žena v čele Irské republiky konstatovala, že EU musí i nadále využívat své pravomoci k tomu, aby pomohla ukončit konflikty, zvýšit životní úroveň všech Evropanů a zmírnit chudobu na celém světě. 

*Sledujte celý projev na multimediálním kanálu Evropského parlamentu http://epyoutube.eu/mmc_mary_robinson

Projev Mary Robinsonové o irském usmíření | Evropský parlament

Aktivistka za práva pákistánských dívek Malala Yousafzai promluvila k Evropskému parlamentu o významu vzdělání v nízkopříjmových zemích. Svůj projev přednesla u příležitosti převzetí Sacharovovy ceny za svobodu myšlení za rok 2013. * Sledujte celý projev v Multimediálním centru Evropského parlamentu: http://epyoutube.eu/q5wV

Projev Malaly Yousafzai o vzdělání | Evropský parlament

Český prezident Václav Havel o evropanství čtyři roky před tím, než jeho země přistoupila k EU. Václav Havel byl posledním československým prezidentem a zároveň prvním demokraticky zvoleným prezidentem země po pádu komunismu a také prvním prezidentem samostatné České republiky po jejím založení. V roce 2000, čtyři roky před tím, než jeho země přistoupila k EU, promluvil před Evropským parlamentem o tom, jaké to je, cítit se Evropanem, a o evropské jednotě. * Sledujte celý projev v Multimediálním centru Evropského parlamentu.

Projev Václava Havla o evropské identitě | Evropský parlament

Prezidentka Libérie Ellen Johnsonová-Sirleafová vyzvala k mezinárodní pomoci, která by mohla zabránit návratu násilí po 14 letech občanské války v její zemi. První žena zvolená do funkce prezidentky na africkém kontinentu vystoupila v Evropském parlamentu v září 2006, pouhých osm měsíců po svém nástupu do funkce. Řekla, že Libérijci jsou odhodláni nechat konflikt, který skončil v roce 2003, za sebou. Hovořila o zkáze způsobené válkou, o výzvách spojených s obnovou a usmířením a o potřebě mezinárodní pomoci pro dosažení dlouhodobě udržitelného rozvoje. *Podívejte se na celý projev na stránkách multimediálního centra Evropského parlamentu na adrese http://epyoutube.eu/SpeechEllenJohnson

Proslov Ellen Johnsonové-Sirleafové o Libérii | Evropský parlament

Papež Jan Pavel II. uvedl, že Vatikán pevně podporuje probíhající budování Evropy – mírový proces, který spojuje lidi a slouží jako maják pro celý svět. Vyzval k toleranci k lidem a vírám a k ochraně životního prostředí. Papež mluvil o významu křesťanství v evropské minulosti i budoucnosti. Jako první papež promluvil k plenárnímu zasedání ve Štrasburku v říjnu 1988. *Podívejte se na celý projev na stránkách multimediálního centra Evropského parlamentu na adrese http://epyoutube.eu/SpeechPopeJohnPaulII

Proslov papeže Jana Pavla II. o budování Evropy⎢Evropský parlament

Laureát Nobelovy ceny za mír Denis Mukwege vystupuje proti znásilňování a násilí na ženách jako válečné zbrani. Je zakladatelem nemocnice Panzi v Bukavu, v Demokratické republice Kongo. Jako gynekolog ošetřoval tisíce žen, jež se staly oběťmi sexuálního a genderově motivovaného násilí v jeho zemi. V roce 2014 mu Evropský parlament za jeho práci udělil Sacharovovu cenu za svobodu myšlení. O čtyři roky později mu byla udělena Nobelova cena za mír. I nadále pokračuje v osvětě zaměřené na problematiku sexuálního násilí páchaného na ženách během ozbrojených konfliktů. *Podívejte se na celý projev na stránkách multimediálního centra Evropského parlamentu na adrese http://epyoutube.eu/SpeechMukwege

Projev doktora Denise Mukwegeho o sexuálním násilí v Kongu | Evropský parlament

Bývalý vůdce sovětského svazu a spoluzakladatel Mezinárodního zeleného kříže (GCI) se již dlouhodobě angažuje v oblasti ochrany životního prostředí. Jako spoluautor zprávy o nedostatku vody naléhal Michail Gorbačov na evropské a světové politiky, aby podnikli kroky v boji proti celosvětovému problému nedostatku vody, a kritizoval nedostatek politického vedení. V Evropském parlamentu vystoupil během mezinárodní konference „Mír s vodou“ v roce 2009. *Podívejte se na celý projev na stránkách multimediálního centra Evropského parlamentu na adrese http://epyoutube.eu/SpeechGorbachev

Projev Michaila Gorbačova týkající se globálního problému nedostatku vody | Evropský parlament

Pět dní poté, co ruské jednotky napadly Ukrajinu, prezident Volodymyr Zelenskyj promluvil k europoslancům prostřednictvím videopřenosu přímo z obléhaného Kyjeva. V plamenném projevu ocenil hrdinství Ukrajinců, ostře odsoudil nesmyslné zabíjení a vyzval Evropský parlament, aby podpořil žádost Ukrajiny o členství v EU. *Na celý záznam projevu z 1. března 2022 se můžete podívat na stránkách multimediálního centra Evropského parlamentu na adrese http://epyoutube.eu/speechZelenskyy

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